Volume 17, No. 5, February 2014

The Bulletin

Acquisitions and Directory Services (ADS)
Volume 17, No. 5, February 2014

Important notice to suppliers (freelancers)

In June 2013, the Translation Bureau launched the Transformation Roadmap to modernize the organization and put it on a solid footing for the future. One of the pillars of this transformation, which affects all sectors of the Bureau, is the linguistic services procurement reform.

We have now reached an important step in this reform. Here are the most recent developments.

Linguistic services in official languages

The final version of the Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) for linguistic services in official languages is now online on the buyandsell.gc.ca site.

To prepare a request, please use the forms on the ARCHIVED – Modernization of the Translation Bureau's Supplier Directory - RFSA Web page, under the English and French versions of the RFSA.

Starting May 2014, all suppliers who would like to offer the Translation Bureau official languages translation or transcription services must have a Supply Arrangement (SA). This procurement method will replace the Directory for suppliers of official languages translation and transcription services as part of the reform of the linguistic services procurement process under way at the Translation Bureau. Therefore, registration in the directory for official languages services has been suspended.

However, the Bureau is still accepting registrations in the Directory for translation and interpretation services in Aboriginal and foreign languages.

If you have any questions or comments on the Translation Bureau's Request for Supply Arrangement, please write to AMARepertoireBureau.SADirectoryBureau@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

Request for Information for Conference interpretation services

The Translation Bureau would like to obtain information on the industry's interest in conference interpretation services in official languages, in the NCR. The total annual requirement for conference interpretation is estimated at 4,000 days.

We encourage you to read the request for information (RFI) posted on the buyandsell.gc.ca site, posted until March 10, 2014.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Lafleur (TBInterpretationInfo.BTInfoInterpretation@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca) at PWGSC's Translation Bureau's Parliamentary Services and Interpretation.

1-855-997-3300: a number to remember

On February 17, 2014, as part of the transformation, the Bureau will be opening a centre of expertise entirely dedicated to handling information and support service requests from clients, suppliers, employees and the general public: the Contact Centre. This will be a single point of contact for communicating with the Translation Bureau.

As of February 17, 2014, you will therefore be able to reach the Contact Centre by calling the new toll-free number: 1-855-997-3300. You can also continue to email your questions to BTRepertoire.TBDirectory@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

During the first phase of the implementation, a brief telephone menu will redirect your calls to the Procurement Centre. Therefore, for any general questions on contracting and contracting procedures, please call the Contact Centre.

However, for any questions on terminology or other issues with respect to work in progress, continue to deal with the point of service that has given you the work.

The purpose of the change being announced is to improve and facilitate interactions between the Bureau, its suppliers, its clients and its employees.