Tender

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

Sign Language Interpretation

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

30 Mar 2026 at 15:04

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is currently in the tender stage of procuring services for sign language interpretation, specifically focusing on interpretation services between English and British Sign Language (BSL) for parliamentary business. The location for this service is the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, UK. The procurement process utilises an open procedure method under the European Union procurement regulations, and the tender submission deadline is set for 18 May 2026, with an award period commencing shortly thereafter. The contract is valued at £150,000 GBP, covering a period from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2029, with potential extension for up to 24 months at the discretion of SPCB.

This tender offers substantial business growth opportunities for firms specialising in interpretation services, particularly those with expertise in BSL and high-pressure live broadcast environments. Businesses capable of delivering real-time, high-quality BSL interpretation during live broadcasts, public events, and engagement activities are well-suited to compete. The requirement prioritises technical quality over cost, with a 60:40 ratio, and mandates certifications such as Cyber Essentials. Participating firms can expand their portfolio by collaborating with a significant legislative body, promising consistent and vital service delivery within the Scottish public sector. This contract highlights the chance for businesses to contribute to inclusive parliamentary engagement and showcase their excellence in sign language services, bolstered by high standards of cyber security and fair work practices.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Sign Language Interpretation

Notice Description

The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) requires a Contractor to provide Sign Language Interpretation Services. The main part of the requirement is from English to/from British Sign Language. The Contractor must provide simultaneous BSL interpreting for parliamentary business as requested. This will be filmed live and broadcasted on the BSL Channel on the Scottish Parliament TV (SPTV), other broadcast channels and will be archived. There will also be a requirement to provide other forms of sign languages or supporting services as required.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) requires a Contractor to provide Sign Language Interpretation Services. The objective of this Contract is to enable people living in Scotland who are Deaf, Deafblind, hard of hearing, or who have other communication support needs to engage with the Scottish Parliament and participate meaningfully in parliamentary business, public engagement activities, and events. The Contractor must work cooperatively with the SPCB to provide solutions for all SPCB sign language requirements. As a minimum, the Contractor must be able to provide the following Services: 1. BSL interpreting of FMQs, which are broadcast live on SPTV, currently on the BBC, and to visitors in the Chamber gallery and Main Hall. 2. BSL interpreting of other parliamentary business, which may also be filmed, and broadcast either live or retrospectively. 3. Interpreting for Scottish Parliament events, including ceremonial events such as the Opening of Parliament, and engagement events such as the Festival of Politics. Some of these events will be filmed, broadcast and archived. 4. Interpreting for witnesses giving evidence to committees. 5. Interpreting for participants in engagement activities, including workshops, focus groups, educational sessions, tours, and meetings. 6. Interpreting for visitors to the Scottish Parliament accessing parliamentary services and facilities. 7. Tactile BSL. Most requirements are expected to involve interpreting between English and BSL. The Contractor may be required to provide other sign languages or additional supporting services as needed. Requirements for live interpreting of parliamentary business that is broadcast will always be in BSL and is expected to form the main element of the Services under this Contract. The Contractor must be able to deliver this at a consistently high standard. In line with the commitments set out in its BSL Plan, the SPCB aims to continually improve the service it provides to Deaf and Deafblind BSL users. The Contractor must therefore not only meet the requirements in this Specification to a consistently high standard.

Renewal: May be extended up to 24 months at the sole discretion of the SPCB

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067806
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029191-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
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

79540000 - Interpretation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Mar 20266 months ago
Submission Deadline
18 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
5 years after award date

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH99 1SP
Postcode Area
Edinburgh
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
TLM75 City of Edinburgh
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

Loading OCDS record...