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 past five years, inABLE has hosted the Annual Inclusive Africa Conference which has created a platform to promote the advancement of digital accessibility and assistive technology for persons with disabilities in Africa. The 6th Inclusive Africa Conference will be held on June 3^rd – 5^th 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. This will be a hybrid event that will host 300 delegates in-person and with over 2,000 people livestreaming from across the globe. 

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 Kenyan Sign Language Interpretation Services to meet inABLE’s expectations. The vendor will be responsible for providing professional sign language interpretation services during the live streaming of the Inclusive Africa Conference. inABLE therefore requests interested agencies to share comprehensive proposals clearly indicating the following:  

• A company profile detailing the organization’s years of experience and proven expertise in the provision of Sign Language Interpretation services and other related services.  
• Approvals or Licenses from relevant authorities to offer Sign Language Interpretation services (Provide evidence of compliance with statutory requirements, certification and all other relevant licenses).  
• Provide a minimum of 5 client references of projects of similar size and scope that were successfully completed. Each reference’s information shall include the reference company or organization, contact person’s name, title and contact details, and details about the number of Sign Language Interpreters, services staff etc. 
• 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 sign to voice. 
• Provide Sign Language Interpretation Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing delegates during the 3-day conference including a one-day pre-conference workshop on the 2^nd June 2025
• Provide SLI during all conference sessions including plenary sessions, breakout sessions, one on one networking sessions and Gala dinner (available on the conference website). 
• 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 Deaf or Hard of hearing. 
• Mobilize and coordinate additional sign language interpreters (if need be) to avoid 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. 
• Attend a disability etiquette training scheduled by the conference organizer. 
• Work closely with the event manager and attend scheduled meetings. 

Submission process  

Interested suppliers should submit their response to this RFP including a detailed quotation in soft copy addressed to vendors@inable.org not later than 20^th December 2024 by 5 p.m (EAT) 

inABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We, however, strongly encourage applications from Persons with Disabilities.