Statement of Work

COURT ROOM MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES

for

OFFICE OF MILITARY COMMISSIONS

PART 1

Statement of Work

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction

The Office of Military Commissions (OMC) has a requirement to obtain the services of a qualified contractor to provide support services for court rooms and case preparation. Services required are linguists to provide interpretation, translation, and transcription support; court reporters to provide verbatim transcripts of Commission proceedings; and expert witness for Commission hearings held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and for investigative and case preparation work in other locations such as Washington, DC, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

1.2 Background

The Office of Military Commissions (OMC), Office of the Convening Authority, Office of the Chief Defense Counsel, and Office of the Chief Prosecutor require court room support services for Military Commissions hearings convened under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. The Office of Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions was created as an organization under the control of the Secretary of Defense for the purpose of conducting Military Commissions to try individuals subject to The President’s Military Order of November 13, 2001. The Office of Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions is located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area; however, services may require travel to various locations both inside and outside the United States.

1.3. Objectives

  • Highly trained and skilled linguists, court reporters, and expert witnesses
  • Personnel cleared for work with classified materials including Top Secret and higher
  • Individuals capable of working overseas
  • A multi-year contract/task order

1.4.Scope

The contractor shall provide all management, supervision and personnel required to furnishLinguistic, Court Reporting, and Expert Witness Services asdirected by each task order to perform the work described in this SOW.

This is a Time and Material Blanket Purchase Agreement. The period of performance for the contract will be a base period of one year from the date of award, followed by 3 one year option periods. The contract total may not exceed XXXXXX. Task Orders will be negotiated, including the period of performance, and issued by the Contracting Officer, for each individual project required under this contract. Changes in the task order price or time to complete the task orders will be made only due to changes made by the Government in the work to be performed, or by delays caused by the Government.

PART 2

REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICES

2.1 INTERPRETERS:someone who carries out oral translation from one language to another.

There are three different modes of interpretation: simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation. All three modes involve highly complex cognitive activity, inasmuch as the interpreter must immediately comprehend, analyze, and convert the source message into the target language spoken equivalent.

  • Simultaneous interpreting requires the interpreter to convey continuously the full and accurate meaning of what is said in the source language into speech in the target language, lagging just slightly behind the original message. Simultaneous interpretation may take place in settings where no pauses or interruptions are possible, and is typically delivered using specialized equipment in a sound-proof booth.
  • Consecutive interpretation requires the interpreter to listen, comprehend, translate, and reproduce the original message after the speaker or signer pauses such as in the “question and answer” mode in which the speaker completes his statement and the interpreter begins to interpret after the statement is completed.
  • Sight translation requires the interpreter to immediately convey into the spoken target language the meaning of a document written in the source language. It occurs in such settings as medical interviews, witness interrogations, court proceedings, and international meetings

2.2Interpretation Skill Levels

  • Level 5 (Master Professional Performance): Able to excel consistently at interpreting in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide accurate renditions of informal, formal, and highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully and accurately, including all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates superior command of the skills required for interpretation, including mastery of both working languages and their cultural context, and wide-ranging expertise in specialized fields. Outstanding delivery, with pleasant voice quality and without hesitations, unnecessary repetitions, and corrections. Exemplifies the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
  • Level 4+ (Advanced Professional Performance Plus): Able to interpret in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide accurate renditions of informal, formal, and most highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully and accurately, including virtually all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates mastery of the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages and their cultural context, expertise in a number of specialized fields, and ability to prepare other specialized topics rapidly and routinely. Excellent delivery, with pleasant voice quality and rare hesitations, repetitions or corrections. Performance reflects the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
  • Level 4 (Advanced Professional Performance): Able to interpret in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide almost completely accurate renditions of complex, colloquial, and idiomatic speech as well as formal and some highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully, including most if not all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates mastery of the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages and their cultural context, expertise in some specialized fields, and ability to prepare new specialized topics rapidly and routinely. Very good delivery, with pleasant voice quality and only occasional hesitations, repetitions or corrections. Performance reflects the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
  • Level 3+ (Professional Performance Plus): Able to interpret accurately and consistently in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide generally accurate renditions of complex, colloquial and formal speech, conveying most details and nuances. Expression will generally reflect target language conventions. Demonstrates competence in the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages, their cultural context, and terminology in those specialized fields in which the interpreter has developed expertise. Good delivery, with pleasant voice quality, and few hesitations, repetitions, or corrections. Performance reflects high standards of professional conduct and ethics.

2.3 Translation:

The transference of the full meaning of a written text from one language to another. Translators are individuals that provide accurate and thorough translations from English into a foreign language or from a foreign language into English of documents as provided by the prosecution team and/or the defense team.

2.4 Transcription:

Creating in written form a message that was originally in spoken form. In the event that the Commission requests transcription of original words spoken on tape or other audio material, there generally is also a need for a translation into English of the transcription. Transcribers are an individual that transcribes materials from an audio source into a written source for review of the transcripts by interested parties. These transcriptions can be transcribed in the language recorded and translated into the target language for the use of interested parties. Transcribers will be required to have 5 years experience in transcription of legal based materials. End product is stored on a removable media with a printed copy.

2.5 Translation and Transcription Skill Levels.

  • Level 5 (Professional Performance): Can successfully translate virtually all texts, including those where lack of linguistic and cultural parallelism between the source language and the target language requires precise congruity judgments and the ability to apply a translation methodology. Expression is flawless. At this level, the translator consistently excels in a number of specialties, and is generally regarded as one of the arbiters of translating very high level language by persons competent in dealing with such material. Nonetheless, the resulting product may be subject to quality control.
  • Level 4+ (Professional Performance): Can successfully apply a translation methodology to translate texts that contain highly original and special purpose language (such as that contained in religious sermons, literary prose, and poetry). At this level, a successful performance requires not only conveying content and register but also capturing to the greatest extent all nuances intended in the source document. Expression is virtually flawless. Can produce fully accurate translations in a number of subject fields. When the need arises to perform in areas outside of specialization, a translator at this level is able to reach a successful level of performance given the time necessary for acquiring the relevant knowledge of the subject matter. The resulting product is a professional translation which may be subject to quality control.
  • Level 4 (Professional Performance): Can successfully apply a translation methodology to translate a wide variety of complex texts that contain difficult, abstract, idiomatic, highly technical, and colloquial writing. Able to capture subtleties, nuances, and tone and register (such as official, formal, and informal writing). Such texts range from commentary reflecting a specific culture to analysis and argumentation. Linguistic knowledge and familiarity with source language norms enable an individual at this level to translate handwritten documents and other texts that represent spontaneous expression characteristic of native speakers. Expression reflects native usage and consistent control of target language conventions. Can translate materials outside the individual's specialties, but may not reach the absolute subject matter accuracy of the specialist in the given field. The resulting product is a professional translation which may be subject to quality control.
  • Level 3+ (Professional Performance): Can generally translate a variety of texts, such as many scientific or financial reports, some legal documents and some colloquial writings. Can convey the meaning of many sociocultural elements embedded in a text as well as most nuances and relatively infrequent lexical and syntactic items of the source language. Expression reflects target language norms and usage. May be able to operate in fields outside areas of specialty. The resulting product is a draft translation, subject to quality control.
  • Level 3 (Professional Performance): Can translate texts that contain not only facts but also abstract language, showing an emerging ability to capture their intended implications and many nuances. Such texts usually contain situations and events which are subject to value judgments of a personal or institutional kind, as in some newspaper editorials, propaganda tracts, and evaluations of projects. Linguistic knowledge of both the terminology and the means of expression specific to a subject field are strong enough to allow the translator to operate successfully within that field. Word choice and expression generally adhere to target language norms and rarely obscure meaning. The resulting product is a draft translation, subject to quality control.

2.6Linguists

Translators will be required to provide accurate and thorough translations from English into a specified target language or from a source language into English of documents either provided by the prosecution team or the defense team.

Transcribers will be required to transcribe materials from an audio, video, or other media source into a written source for review of the transcripts by interested parties. These transcriptions can be transcribed in the language recorded and translated into the target language for the use of interested parties.

Interpreters will provide oral interpretation in the simultaneous (also known as conference) mode for commission proceedings or consecutive mode for case preparation.

2.7Court Services

Court Reporters will be required to produce verbatim transcripts in written and digital (MS Word document unless otherwise specified) formats. All reporters are responsible for accurate identification of proper names and places. Final records will be in the format specified by the government. Court reporters should be familiar with or have a working knowledge of “Court Room 21” technology or contractor must make court reporters available for training at government expense. If the contractor’s personnel attend training, no invoicing for their time will take place during the training period.

Stenographers will provide verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings using a stenotype machine. After documenting proceedings, stenographic reporters must edit the computer-generated translation for correct grammar.

Transcribers (electronic reporting) use audio equipment to record court proceedings. The court reporter monitors the process, takes notes to identify speakers, and listens to the recording to ensure clarity and quality. Electronic reporters and transcribers will produce a written and digital transcript of the recorded proceedings.

Voice writing or re-dictation court reporters use computer speech recognition technology to produce real time or near real time written and digital transcripts.

2.8 Expert witnesses

Contractor will assist in locating and acquiring expert witness sought by Defense or Trial Counsel only after approval of the Convening Authority.

2.9 Security Requirements

All contractor personnel must be eligible for access to classified data/information and must be able to support operations immediately with personnel that currently have SCI access or have had SCI access within the past six months.This requirement deals with sensitive data and privacy act information, making it imperative that all personnel meet all security clearance requirements. Personnel employed by the contractor shall either currently possess or be able obtain the security levels required. The DD254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) applies to this contract. Security clearances up to and including TS/SCI (SI, TK, G, HCS) will be required in the performance of this contract. Exceptions to this requirement can be made with written approval from the COR.

2.10Physical Security

The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

2.11Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for one Base Year of 12 months and three option years. The Period of Performance reads as follows:

Base Year: Date of Award (DOA) plus 12 months

Option Year I: Month 13 toMonth 24

Option Year II: Month 25 toMonth 36

Option Year III: Month 37 toMonth 48

2.12 Litigation

Contractor shall be responsible for all litigation, including the cost of litigation, brought against it, its employees or agents for alleged acts or omissions. The CO shall be notified in writing of all litigation pertaining to this contract and provided copies of any pleadings filed or said litigation within five working days of the filing. The Contractor shall cooperate with Government legal staff and/or the United States Attorney regarding any requests pertaining to federal or Contractor litigation.

2.13 Quality Control

The contractor shall develop a Quality Control Plan (QC Plan) for the term of the contract that establishes and maintains well-documented quality control procedures that ensure the production and deliverance of acceptable performance in accordance with this SOW. The QC Plan shall assure adequate quality control throughout all areas of performance, and shall be implemented to validate reliability and effective performance. The contractor shall be solely responsible for controlling quality work, and providing objective evidence that such control does, in fact, exist. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to enforce all Quality Control Plan requirements for all subcontractor(s).

At a minimum, the contractor’s Quality Control Plan shall include:

a. An internal quality control and inspection system for required services. Job titles and all positions of individuals who will conduct inspections must be specified.

b. A method to identify, and procedures to correct, any deficiencies in services that may occur.

c. A filethat documents all inspections, and other quality and internal control actions, including the purpose of the inspection, the results, and any corrective action taken. Upon request, this file shall be made available to the Government during the period of performance.

d. Description of the procedures used to ensure that transcripts and translations shall be accurate versions of the original documents, or copied tapes, without omissions, translation or typographical errors. All versions shall contain correct spellings of all personnel, organizations, places, common names and numerical information. The contractor is responsible for the inspection of all contractor prepared materials prior to delivery to the Government.

e. Description of how contractor personnel assigned to the QC function shall ensure that summaries are accurate and do notinclude any subjective interpretation. In the case that errors are found, the reviewer shall coordinate with the COR and provide documentation of the errors in writing, correct the documents and submit to the COR for resolution.

2.13.1Plan Submission and Review

The Government reserves the right to review the quality controls established, and to evaluate its effective use in the performance of the requirements under the contract. The QC plan shall be updated every twelve months by the contractor and submitted to the COR for review and approval. The QC Plan is due within seven calendar days of contract award.

2.14Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) pursuant to the requirements of thisSOW shall be devised.

1. The purpose of the QASP is to:

a. Define the roles and responsibilities of participating Government officials.