Planning

SOL - PME Translation and Interpretation 2025

SOLIHULL METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

23 Jul 2025 at 15:02

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

23 Jul 2025 at 10:14

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for a project titled "SOL - PME Translation and Interpretation 2025". This involves providing a variety of translation and interpretation services to be used in both individual and group settings. The Council is particularly interested in how AI can enhance these services, including face-to-face interpreting, written translation, Easy Read translation, and Braille translation. The engagement deadline is set for 8th August 2025. This service procurement is categorised under IT, research and development, and health and social work services and will take place in the UKG3 region.

This tender presents an excellent opportunity for businesses specialising in AI-enhanced language services, including those providing traditional and digital translation solutions. Companies that can offer innovative methods for overcoming language barriers, particularly those that are adaptable to AI technologies, will find this project well aligned with their capabilities. SMEs and VCSEs are specifically encouraged to participate, suggesting that the procurement process is designed to accommodate diverse business sizes and structures, thereby enhancing growth opportunities in the translation and interpretation industry. The contract period runs from April 2026 to March 2029, providing a substantial timeline for businesses to engage and develop their offerings.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

SOL - PME Translation and Interpretation 2025

Notice Description

The Council are looking undertake a pre market engagement. The Council are looking to provide a variety of translation and interpretation services to be utilised in both individual and group settings. Minimum requirements will include the following methodology, we are keen to understand how AI can enhance and/or contribute.

Planning Information

SMBC are looking to provide a variety of translation and interpretation services to be utilised in both individual and group settings. Minimum requirements will include the following methodology, we are keen to understand how AI can enhance and/or contribute. Face to Face Interpreting When there is a verbal communication barrier between The Council and a person using its services, this is a resource for people who use council services, who have limited English proficiency. This will include British Sign Language, which is a fully developed, natural language with its own grammar and syntax, distinct from spoken English. Written Translation When written and/or digital information needs to be converted from one language to another, directly translating the text while preserving the original meaning and context with clarity and accuracy. Easy Read Translation 'Easy Read' refers to the presentation of text in an accessible, easy to understand format and is often preferred by readers with learning disabilities and/or difficulties to understand information more easily. However, it may also be beneficial for people with other conditions affecting how they process information and those who are not fluent in English. Braille Translation For blind people or people who find large print difficult. It involves converting written text into Braille, a tactile writing system.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056473
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042486-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

85000000 - Health and social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Aug 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOLIHULL METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procteam@solihull.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SOLIHULL
Postcode
B91 3QB
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG32 Solihull
Delivery Location
TLG3 West Midlands
Local Authority
Solihull
Electoral Ward
St Alphege
Westminster Constituency
Solihull West and Shirley

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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