6 FAM 1520
OBTAINING LANGUAGE SERVICES
(CT:GS-213; 02-28-2019)
(Office of Origin: A/OPR/LS)
6 FAM 1521 OBTAINING INTERPRETING
SERVICES
(CT:GS-165; 06-23-2011)
(State Only)
Requests for interpreting services are submitted to the
Interpreting Division of the Office of Language Services (A/OPR/LS/I). It is
important to make requests, to include all pertinent details, as soon as
possible prior to expected delivery date. For larger meetings or conferences,
a lead time of 1 month or more may be necessary to obtain quality service.
Submit requests to the Interpreting Division in writing or by telephone.
6 FAM 1522 OBTAINING WRITTEN
TRANSLATIONS
(CT:GS-194; 06-29-2017)
(State Only)
a. Submit requests for translating services to the
Translating Division of the Office of Language Services (A/OPR/LS/T). Request
for Translation Form can be signed by the authorizing officer, and must
accompany the documents to be translated or compared. Agreements under
negotiation, urgent diplomatic notes, and similar documents are normally
accorded priority by the Chief of the Translating Division.
b. Due to limited personnel resources and because
translation is a very time-consuming activity, bureaus should submit
translating requests promptly and with sufficient lead times to enable A/OPR/LS
to complete the work on schedule.
6 FAM 1523 REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE USE
OF PRIVATE CONTRACTORS
6 FAM 1523.1 FOR INTERPRETING
SERVICES
(CT:GS-165; 06-23-2011)
(State Only)
a. Only a small percentage of requests for interpreting
support can be handled by staff interpreters. For most requests, private
contractors from the Office of Language Services (A/OPR/LS) roster of
approximately 2,000 freelance interpreters will be assigned.
b. Each bureau is held to estimate its need for
language support as part of its financial planning for each fiscal year. Funds
should be obligated in a requisition (RQ) document to assure reimbursement to
the Office of Language Services. The procedure for this obligation is
explained in 6
FAM Exhibit 1523.1.
c. Bureaus that are first-time users of language
support from A/OPR/LS and that have not yet established an RQ, should obtain a
cost estimate from the Interpreting Division (A/OPR/LS/I) and submit a written
request, accompanied by a Form DS-2092, Requisition for Equipment, Supplies,
Furniture, Etc. (formerly Form OF-263, Requisition for Equipment, Supplies,
Furniture, Furnishings, or Services), to A/OPR/LS/I, SA-1, 14th Floor, Room
H1400.
6 FAM 1523.2 For Written
Translations
(CT:GS-136; 08-13-2004)
(State Only)
Translations into languages for which no staff translators
are available to meet the request deadline will be contracted out to qualified
translators by the Office of Language Services (A/OPR/LS). Bureaus can obtain
estimates of the cost involved from the Translating Division (A/OPR/LS/T). The
procedures explained in 6 FAM 1523.1
and in 6 FAM
Exhibit 1523.1 also apply to reimbursements for written translations. Only
A/OPR/LS has delegated authority to contract for interpreters and translators
domestically. All requests should be forwarded to A/OPR/LS in accordance with 6
FAM 1500.
6 FAM 1524 THROUGH 1529 UNASSIGNED
6 FAM Exhibit 1523.1
EXCERPT FROM DOMESTIC FINANCIAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(CT:GS-136; 08-13-2004)
Procedures for Language Services Obligations
Bureaus will establish a requisition (RQ) document for the amount
of the estimated services for the entire year. The FY XX RQ document number
will be your four-digit allotment number suffixed by 288351 (e.g., RQ
1085288351).
When bureaus need language services, they will submit a cover
memo with a copy of the RQ attached. This documentation must be submitted to
A/OPR/LS, Administrative Officer, SA-1, 14th Floor, Room H1400.
A/OPR/LS will create the language obligation (LO) document and
reference the bureau's RQ (partial only) each time a request for language
services is made.
When the bureau determines that it no longer needs language
services during the fiscal year, it should coordinate with A/ OPR/LS before
closing out the requisition.