Provision of Student Communication Support Services

Location

University of Strathclyde

Description

The University’s Disability and Wellbeing Services requires the establishment of a Framework for various forms of Student Communication Support Services to support students who are Deaf or have hearing loss.

Total Quantity or Scope

The University’s Disability and Wellbeing Services requires the establishment of a Framework for various forms of Student Communication Support Services to support students who are Deaf or have hearing loss. The Framework will comprise of two main elements. British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters are required to provide communication support to Deaf students during planned teaching activity such as lectures, labs and tutorials and to enable them to access all aspects of the wider University social experience outside of formal teaching sessions. Where necessary, they are also required to provide translation support outside of lectures and classes, both online or in-person, to aid Deaf students with direct study which can include podcasts, pre-recorded lectures and readings. Electronic notetakers (ENT) are required to provide a set of notes for Deaf or hard of hearing students who cannot take their own notes because they are either lipreading or watching a sign language interpreter. They are required to provide a summary of what is being said rather than a word-for-word account. All personnel delivering these services must be appropriately qualified, experienced, and trained in supporting disabled students within higher education settings. This contract requires the provision of band 1 and band 2 BSL Interpreters holding registration with the appropriate membership bodies and Electronic Notetakers holding signature level 3 and signature level 4 certification. The number of students that require these services varies from year to year and is not finalised until the start of each semester.

Renewal Options

The contract is subject to two up to 12-month extensions. Any extension is to be exercised at the University's entire discretion and will only be valid upon written notification to the Tenderer no later than 30 days prior to the expiry of the preceding term. In line with Regulation 72 - Modification of Contracts During their Term, of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, this Contract may be modified without a new procurement procedure in accordance with this Part in some cases.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 79540000 - Interpretation services
• 79530000 - Translation services
• 80340000 - Special education services

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• This is a recurring contract.
• Options are available.
• Renewals are available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Communications will only be conducted through the PCS-T messaging facility. No discussion on the contract will be undertaken with any supplier outwith the messaging facility. Bidders should not approach any University contact they may have in relation to the scope of the tender. The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 29462. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-pr... A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: Please see Procurement documents for full details. (SC Ref:824102)