The present call for tenders concerns the provision of interpretation services for municipalities in the Purchasing Community North Zealand (hereinafter IN). The following ten municipalities have joined forces to tender framework agreements for the provision of interpretation services;

- Allerød Municipality

- Ballerup Municipality

- Egedal Municipality

- Frederikssund Municipality

- Furesø Municipality

- Halsnæs Municipality

- Elsinore Municipality

- Herlev Municipality

- Hillerød Municipality

- Hørsholm Municipality

The municipalities act collectively as contracting entities in this tender. At the end of the tender, each municipality will enter into identical framework agreements between the winning bidder. Thus, it is only possible for the tenderer to submit a single tender for framework agreements for all participating municipalities.

The purpose of the call for tenders is to conclude framework agreements for the provision of interpretation services. The tender includes the provision of interpretation services in the languages and dialects needed in the 10 IN municipalities. Appendix 1 - Specification of requirements to the tender documents states in which languages the Tenderer is obliged to provide interpretation.

The purpose of the tender is further to ensure the provision of professional interpretation services, where commissioned interpreters interpret at the agreed time, have a professional appearance, and speak both the Danish and the interpreted languages fluently. In situations where an interpreter is requested, the provision of a professional interpretation is essential for the case handling in the specific situation to take place correctly.

The interpretation services offered are primarily used for checks, processing, interviews and, to a lesser extent, written translations. The interpretation services are primarily used in the areas of employment, family, integration, education, social and health, which is why it is expected that the Tenderer can provide interpreters who have knowledge of the relevant technical terms within these areas, including legislation.

The framework agreements provide for a requirement for a high coverage rate for orders made in good time, i.e. ordered more than 24 hours before the interpretation is to be performed, while the coverage rate for orders made later than 24 hours before the desired interpretation is significantly lower. In addition, the framework agreements operate with penalty provisions, as a tool for compliance with the coverage rate and statistics.

The call for tenders includes the following types of interpretation services:

- Attendance Interpretation

- Telephone Interpretation

- Video Interpretation

- Phone message

- Written translation

Contracting entities point out that the supply does not include sign language interpretation.

For a more detailed description of the tender, including the requirements to be met, as well as the Contracting Entity's wishes for interpretation services, please refer to the tender documents, including in particular Appendix 1 - Specification of requirements.

The tender does not set specific requirements for sustainability in accordance with the principle of "buy green or explain" in the Public Procurement Act. The interpreters who perform the interpretation services typically transport themselves in their own car, which is why it is difficult to make demands on the Tenderers in relation to transport. However, during the term of the framework agreement, the participating municipalities will try to use more video and telephone interpretation in order to reduce CO2 emissions in transport.

The framework agreement is for 4 years and will enter into force on 1 October 2023, with delivery starting according to the framework agreements on 1 November 2023. The framework agreement expires on 30 September 2027.

Prior to the start of delivery, the winning bidder must implement the framework agreement in cooperation with the individual municipality.

The framework agreement is irrevocable for the Supplier for the entire duration of the agreement. The framework agreement is irrevocable for the municipality for the first 24 months, after which the agreement can be terminated with 6 months' notice.

The framework agreements are exclusive, but the municipalities reserve the right, to a very limited extent, where there is a factual reason, to purchase outside the framework agreement.