This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

24 Jul 2026 at 15:28

Summary of the contracting process

The tender, issued by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, seeks proposals for a Translation and Interpretation Services Framework, focusing on public services including face-to-face, video, and telephone interpretation, alongside written translation and British Sign Language. This open procurement process is conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, utilising the Open Framework Procedure. The contract, valued at £650,000 and classified under services, will commence on the 15th of December 2026. Suppliers are invited to submit tenders before the closing date on the 24th of August 2026, with the contract location specified within region UKD3 across the United Kingdom.

For businesses looking to expand into public sector services, this framework offers a significant opportunity, especially for those proficient in delivering diverse linguistic services. SMEs and VCSEs are encouraged to participate, as up to three providers will be selected per lot for interpretation and written translation services. The contractual arrangement, lasting for up to eight years, includes competitive elements to identify economically advantageous proposals, with critical criteria based on price, quality, and social value. Participating in this framework could open avenues for growth and long-term engagement with a substantial public authority.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Translation and Interpretation Services

Notice Description

The Borough Council of Bolton ("the Authority") is prepared to receive tenders for their Translation and Interpretation Services Framework. This Procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, using the Open Framework Procedure. The Framework period will be up to eight (8) years. It is intended for the contract to commence 15 December 2026, subject to the information, specification and tender package enclosed. The Authority require providers to provide face to face, video and telephone interpretation along with written translation and British Sign Language (BSL). Lot 1 - Interpretation including British Sign Language Lot 2 - Written Translation The open framework is intended to be a series of linked frameworks which will run for a total of 8 years across the scheme, with two lots and an initial 3 providers across each lot. A review of the framework will take place towards the end of the first three years when the framework will be reopened, providing for the award of a successive framework on substantially the same terms. The Authority retains the right to reopen the Framework within the first 3 years if deemed necessary. Each opening requires a competitive process to ensure the most economic providers are awarded a place on the Framework. As there is a maximum of 3 providers for each Lot, Suppliers who have already been awarded a place on the Framework are required to reapply and may not be included on the successive Framework. Suppliers are not guaranteed a place on the Framework for its full duration.

Lot Information

Interpretation including British Sign Language

See Invitation to Tender for details of the call off process.

Written Translation

See Invitation to Tender.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d3aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070470-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
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

79540000 - Interpretation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£650,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£650,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
24 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Dec 2026 - 14 Dec 2034 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BOLTON METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BOLTON
Postcode
BL1 1RU
Post Town
Bolton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD36 Greater Manchester North West
Delivery Location
TLD3 Greater Manchester

Local Authority
Bolton
Electoral Ward
Queens Park & Central
Westminster Constituency
Bolton North East

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.

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