Tender

Interpreting, Translation and Transcription

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

08 Aug 2025 at 12:40

Planning

16 Dec 2024 at 15:14

Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Government, through the Scottish Procurement Directorate, is facilitating a framework agreement for extensive Interpreting, Translation, and Transcription services across the Scottish Public Sector. This service, designated under the CPV category for translation services, covers a wide range of linguistic needs including face-to-face and remote interpreting, translation and transcription of various media, and sign language services. The procurement process is currently in the tender stage, with an open procedure in place, allowing multiple suppliers to tender for up to four distinct service lots. Critical dates include an Integrated Tender Training session on 28 August 2025, and the submission deadline on 11 September 2025. This framework will be applicable for a period of four years and has the potential to extend, underscoring its significance for stakeholders in the UKM region.

This opportunity is ideal for businesses specialising in language services, offering a substantial contract value up to £30,000,000. Given its multi-lot structure, SMEs, as well as larger firms with capabilities in language translation, interpretation, or transcription, are well-suited to participate. The framework's inclusion of various public sector bodies and potential for community benefits adds scope for companies to build relationships with key entities within the Scottish Government. Additionally, the procurement's emphasis on quality and community engagement presents an advantageous platform for companies that can deliver high standards and invest in local community initiatives. These opportunities not only promise substantial business growth but also the potential to consolidate expertise and expand service offerings within government frameworks.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Interpreting, Translation and Transcription

Notice Description

Scottish Ministers are seeking to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of Interpreting, Translation and Transcription Services for Framework Public Bodies throughout the Scottish Public Sector. The Framework is a multi-lot/multi-supplier agreement and has 4 lots covering the provision of: Lot 1 - Face to Face Interpreting Services Lot 2 - Telephone and Video Conferencing Interpreting Services Lot 3 - Translation and Transcription Services Lot 4 - Sign Language Services - British and International Under Lot 1 - Face to Face Interpreting Services, the Contractor will provide a comprehensive face to face interpreting service from English into a wide range of spoken languages and dialects and from those languages and dialects into English or other languages as requested by Framework Public Bodies Under Lot 2 - Telephone and Video Conferencing Interpreting Services, the Contractor will provide a telephone and video interpreting service from English into a wide range of spoken languages and dialects and from those languages and dialects into English or other languages. This will include a scheduled video interpreting service for Framework Public Body assignments booked in advance. This can be either via the Framework Public Body video portal or via the Contractor video portal. Under Lot 3 - Translation and Transcription Services, the Contractor will provide a translation and transcription service from English into a wide range of spoken languages and dialects and from those languages and dialects into English or other languages as requested by Framework Public Bodies. The Contractor will also be required to provide an English-to-English service. The service required includes a highly accurate translation and transcription of style documentation, tapes and other forms of electronic media. Under Lot 4 - Sign Language Services - British and International, the Contractor is required to provide both a comprehensive face to face sign language interpreting service and a Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) sign language service to fulfil the current and evolving needs of the Framework Public Bodies.

Lot Information

Lot 1 - Face to Face Interpreting Services

Under Lot 1 - Face to Face Interpreting Services, the Contractor will provide a comprehensive face to face interpreting service from English into a wide range of spoken languages and dialects and from those languages and dialects into English or other languages as requested by Framework Public Bodies

Renewal: The Framework will be in place for a 4 year period, after this the Framework may be subject to renewal.

Lot 2 - Telephone and Video Conferencing Interpreting Services

Under Lot 2 - Telephone and Video Conferencing Interpreting Services, the Contractor will provide a telephone and video interpreting service from English into a wide range of spoken languages and dialects and from those languages and dialects into English or other languages. This will include a scheduled video interpreting service for Framework Public Body assignments booked in advance. This can be either via the Framework Public Body video portal or via the Contractor video portal.

Renewal: The Framework will be in place for a 4 year period, after this the Framework may be subject to renewal.

Lot 4 - Sign Language Services - British and International

Under Lot 4 - Sign Language Services - British and International, the Contractor is required to provide both a comprehensive face to face sign language interpreting service and a Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) sign language service to fulfil the current and evolving needs of the Framework Public Bodies.

Renewal: The Framework will be in place for a 4 year period, after this the Framework may be subject to renewal.

Lot 3 - Translation and Transcription Services

Under Lot 3 - Translation and Transcription Services, the Contractor will provide a translation and transcription service from English into a wide range of spoken languages and dialects and from those languages and dialects into English or other languages as requested by Framework Public Bodies. The Contractor will also be required to provide an English-to-English service. The service required includes a highly accurate translation and transcription of style documentation, tapes and other forms of electronic media.

Renewal: The Framework will be in place for a 4 year period, after this the Framework may be subject to renewal.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04c86a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047271-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79530000 - Translation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£20,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£20,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Aug 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
11 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
13 Apr 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
within 4 years.

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Name
Paul Brydon
Contact Email
amy.smith@gov.scot, paul.brydon@gov.scot
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G2 8EA
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Leith
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh North and Leith

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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