Request for Proposal: Provision of Sign Language Interpretation Services

About inABLE  

inABLE.org is a nonprofit organization based in Kenya with a mission to empower persons with disabilities in Africa through assistive technology. Over the last four years, inable has hosted the Annual Inclusive Africa Conference that has created a platform to promote the advancement of digital accessibility and assistive technology for persons with disabilities in Africa. This year we are hosting the fifth Annual Conference that will take place on May 14^th-16^th 2024 in Nairobi Kenya. This is a hybrid event that aims to host 300 in-person delegates and over 2,000 online audiences.  

Job Description 

This Request for Proposal (RFP) document is intended to lead to the identification of vendors that can demonstrate having sufficient capacity and experience in provision of Sign Language Interpretation Services to meet inABLE’s expectations. The vendor will be responsible for providing professional sign language translation and interpretation services during the live streaming of the Inclusive Africa Conference. inABLE is therefore soliciting from interested companies/individuals a request for proposal clearly showing the following: 

• A company profile detailing the years of experience in the provision of Sign Language Interpretation services and other related services  
• Approval or License from relevant authorities to offer Sign Language Interpretation services (Provide evidence of compliance with statutory requirements, certification and all other relevant licenses).  
• Current list of clients and partners where similar services have been provided. Provide name of client, scope on contract, number of Sign Language Interpreters, services staff, Start date of the contract. (at least 5 clients)  
• Geographical presence i.e. the regions that the vendor has offices/presence. (Please provide any other additional information that inABLE should be aware of. 

Key responsibilities 

• The Vendor shall ensure that the Sign Language Interpretation Services are of a consistently high quality and maintain high standards of professionalism that meet the requirements of inABLE 
• Act as an interpreter between hearing individuals and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The vendor shall interpret from voice to sign and vice versa or voice to text. 
• Provide Sign Language Interpretation Services for the hearing impaired/deaf delegates during the 3-day conference. 
• Provide SLI during all conference sessions including plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and Gala dinner. Refer to the conference agenda Agenda | | Kutana Events 
• Interpret all comments and questions during the conference sessions. 
• Provide a dedicated SLI at the registration desk to assist with the check-in of guests who are hard of hearing. 
• When required, submit translation in word processed documents, incorporating any suggested changes and voicing signed communication by delegates. 
• Provide translation service during virtual meetings. 
• Mobilize and coordinate additional interpreters (if need be) to avoid missed translations or poor interpretation quality. 
• At the conclusion of the conference, provide a brief report (two pages maximum) giving a broad overview of the service provider’s participation in the event, any challenges/issues encountered during the service provision, and recommendations for future events 
• Complete the work within the agreed timeline and submit the final translation in a soft copy. 
• Assist with SLI for content videos where necessary. 

Submission process

Interested suppliers should submit their response to this RFP in a soft copy addressed to vendors@inable.org not later than 30^th of April 2024 by 5 p.m. (EAT) 

inABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We however strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability.