1. Can you please indicate, if possible, the proportion of plain text expected in the source material for English into Arabic and vice versa translation? We aim to have an estimate of how many graphics, tables, charts, editable images, etc. the files would have. — Each translation is different.Some translation jobs will be purely text, while others are publications for which we would also require layout in Arabic (we do not require any layout or image work for other languages). You can browse our recent publications at to get an idea of the tables, charts and graphics included.
  2. With regards to the answer of question 6. included in the Clarifications posted on April 24, 2017, this does not match with the mentioned in the section VI STRUCTURE OF PROPOSAL, 1. Company profile and methodology of the TOR (..."The description should include case studies showcasing their expertise in the areas outlined in this RFPS (technical translations in the fields of health and nutrition, education, human rights, gender equality, and other development areas -section IV-)).Could you please confirm that we should take into account what you answered in the clarification of question 6.posted on April 24, 2017 instead of what the TOR mentions?— Item 1.2 asks for case studies of relevant projects your company has undertaken. Our response simply clarified that a case study is not the same as a list of clients and notable projects, but provides qualitative information on project methodology and approach. We do not feel that the clarification and the initial TOR are in any way incompatible.
  3. Please indicate if there is any language variant from each language combination to bear in mind when selecting the translators. — UNICEF uses Modern Standard Arabic, British English, Standard French and Standard Spanish in its documentation and publications produced at HQ.
  4. Can you please indicate if source documents will be provided in Ms. Word Format? Otherwise, please indicate the format of these.— Most text will be provided in MS Word format. In certain cases we may include tables in Excel format as well.
  5. Can you please indicate if target (translated) documents will need to be returned to UNICEF in Ms. Word Format or PDF?— Translations are generally to be returned in MS Word format. The exception is in the case of Arabic, where we may in some cases require typesetting in InDesign. For typeset Arabic translations UNICEF will require the complete INDD package, including links and fonts, an IDML file for each documents, as well as Web and print PDFs.
  6. In case that files requiring translation include complex infographics, can you please clarify if they will be provided in editable format (InDesign file), or if additional activities (i.e. text extraction and recreation of charts, tables) may also be required at our end?— Most text will be provided in MS Word format. In certain cases we may include tables in Excel format as well. Text from infographics will be provided in Word format. We will not require text extraction or the creation of graphicsor tables.
  7. Would UNICEF provide reference links of previous versions of the required material for translation to be able to calculate a better distribution of tables and graphics along with plain text?— In some cases, such as annual series, we can provide links to previous editions. However translation contractors are not expected to make decisions regarding the distribution of text, graphics and tables. The distribution of all elements as given in the source document should be replicated in the returned translation.
  8. Is it expected that UNICEF establishes LTAs with different vendors for each language combinations or it is desirable that one supplier can render the required services for all the combinations?— UNICEF will establish LTAs with vendors selected for their skills and experience in particular language pairs. A supplier may bid on a single language pair or multiple language pairs. If we find that a supplier has the requisite skills and experience, we may include more than one language pair in the LTA, however this is not obligatory.
  9. When it is scheduled that the evaluation test would take place?— Following the closure of the bidding period, UNICEF will review all bids carefully before inviting shortlisted candidates to participate in one or more evaluation exercises. The scheduling of these will be determined in communication with each shortlisted candidate.
  10. Is subcontracting (another company) allowed in this tender exercise?— No. UNICEF will establish contracts with reputable translation companies and is not interested in companies offering purely subcontracting modalities.
  11. Is it required to provide the CV of the entire translation team per language combination or it would be enough with only the LEAD translator from each combination?— We suggest that candidates include CVs from lead translators and key translators specialized in any of our main areas of work.
  12. Regarding the translation tests, would they be requested per each language combination? (i.e. English into French test, French into English test, English into Arabic test, Arabic into English test, English into Spanish test, Spanish into English test).— The tests will be offered from English into the target languages.
  13. Do you expect tentative timelines for projects with certain amount of words? I.e. A particular project of 25,000 words to be delivered (translated) in one week.— Timelines for all projects will be discussed individually with the contracted vendor as the need arises. We generally expect a rate of 2000 (source) words per day. In cases where we have a large project with a very short deadline, we would discuss the use of more than one translator for the job.
  14. Could you please confirm if the letter to request UNICEF´s approval to include a subcontractor (partner) must be sent prior to the proposal or it can be submitted at once along with the technical bid?— UNICEF will establish contracts with reputable translation companies and is not interested in companies offering purely subcontracting modalities. The LTA will be awarded to companies satisfying the criteria noted in the RFQ.

In the eventuality that the holder of a UNICEF LTA requires the service of subcontractors for a particular assignment, the contractor would be required to inform UNICEF of this need and to request the prior written approval and clearance of UNICEF for the selected subcontractor/s. UNICEF will not accept a request to include asubcontractor during the present bidding process.

  1. The PDF for Bid Submission keeps mentioning a ‘Bid Form’ that ‘has to be completed and signed’.

Are you referring to the Request for Proposal for Services Form on page 3, or is it another form?

If so, where is it? In this same document? I have been studying it over and over and cannot find any ‘Bid Form’ to be filled.

  1. Could you please clarify? – Bid Form is the Request for Proposal for Services (Bid) Form on page 3 of the Bid document.
  2. I have the same question regarding the ‘template provided in Annex B’ mentioned on page 22 of the Bid document.

The template and the Annex B are nowhere to be found in the document.—Annex B was provided together with the Bid document.

  1. We would have one more question as we just realized that May 7 is a Sunday. I imagine you will need the documentation by Friday 5 May, then. Could you kindly confirm?– The deadline for submissions remain the same – 7 May 2017 23:59 EST.
  2. Can you please clarify which variants of French ( EU or Canadian) and Spanish (EU or LA) would be required for Translating the UNICEF texts from English?— UNICEF uses Modern Standard Arabic, British English, Standard French and Standard Spanish in its documentation and publications produced at HQ.
  3. The TOR Important section says that vendors may submit proposals for any or all three language combination. Our intent is to submit for all, should we prepare 3 separate proposals for each language combination or one for all?— A single proposal noting which language pairs you are bidding on.
  4. Technical Evaluation 2.2. Phase 2. Translation test: How will UNICEF handle it? Will the vendors be given a specific date and time or will the vendors be able to pick date and time depending on availabilities? If the proposal is submitted for all 3 languages, will the test be for all three languages?— Following the closure of the bidding period, UNICEF will review all bids carefully before inviting shortlisted candidates to participate in one or more evaluation exercises. The scheduling of these will be determined in communication with each shortlisted candidate.

—The tests will be offered from English into the target languages.