OBTAINING LANGUAGE SERVICES
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(Office of Origin: A/PRI/LS)
6 FAM 1521 OVERVIEW
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
Demand for language services within the Department and USG-wide far exceeds the availability of the Office of Language Services (A/PRI/LS) direct-hire interpreters and translators. To meet this demand, A/PRI/LS regularly assigns independent contractors from its roster to provide interpreting and translating services.
As in the commercial language services sector, support from freelance interpreters and translators makes it possible to meet shifting customer needs for specific services in varying foreign languages. A/PRI/LS ensures the quality and security of this support by individually skill-testing and directly contracting with a roster of qualified U.S. citizens and Permanent U.S. Residents capable of providing translating and interpreting support in dozens of languages at all levels of security classification. All A/PRI/LS contract linguists undergo background investigations by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's Office of Personnel Security and Suitability (DS/SI/PSS). Most A/PRI/LS contractors hold public trust certifications, and several hold Secret and Top Secret clearances.
6 FAM 1522 REQUESTING LANGUAGE SERVICES
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
6 FAM 1522.1 Interpreting Support
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
Posts and bureaus requiring official interpreting services shall submit requests to the Interpreting Division of the Office of Language Services (A/PRI/LS/I) by e-mail at interpreters@state.gov. Submitting requests that include all pertinent details, as soon as possible prior to the expected delivery date, is critical. For larger official meetings or conferences, A/PRI/LS/I may need a lead time of several weeks or longer to provide quality service. See 6 FAM 1530 regarding domestic and overseas interpreting support of the Secretary, White House principals, and Cabinet-level officials.
6 FAM 1522.2 Translating and Comparisons
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
Posts and bureaus requiring translating services, including comparison and Certification of English and non-English texts of treaties and other international agreements, shall submit requests to the Translating Division of the Office of Language Services (A/PRI/LS/T) at the Division’s collective e-mail address: translation@state.gov along with electronic files containing the material for translation or comparison. Bureaus needing translations should submit translating requests promptly and with sufficient lead time to enable A/PRI/LS to complete the work on schedule and at the requisite level of quality. See 6 FAM 1540 for guidance on translation, comparison, and certification of treaties. Requests for translation of classified materials should be sent to translation@state.gov on OpenNet, provided that the request form contains no classified information. The corresponding classified files for translation should be sent to translation@state.sgov.gov on ClassNet.
6 FAM 1523 FUNDING LANGUAGE SERVICES
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
a. To offset the direct and indirect costs of providing language services, A/PRI/LS collects reimbursement of certain assignment costs and fees for support including:
ˇ Reimbursement of compensation to contract interpreter(s)/translator(s) for assignment; assignment travel and per diem costs for direct-hire or contract interpreter(s)/translator(s).
ˇ Project management fees commensurate with project complexity and technical requirements.
ˇ Overhead fees to offset general and administrative costs of A/PRI/LS services such as recruitment, training, and testing of interpreters and translators, contracting support, equipment maintenance and updates.
b. A/PRI/LS will provide a written price estimate for services requested which will include any fees related to support. Form DS-4088 is used to document and verify customer requirements and provide price estimates. A/PRI/LS project managers will assist customers in completing a DS-4088(I) for interpreting requests or a DS-4088(T) for translating requests.
c. Once the finalized DS-4088 is signed by customer program and funding officials, the customer establishes a Reimbursable Obligation in GFMS for the amount required and sends the signed DS-4088 with proof of obligation to the A/PRI/LS project manager.
d. Support for non-State federal clients requesting official language services is funded under Interagency Agreement using Treasury Forms 7600A and 7600B.
6 FAM 1524 THROUGH 1529 UNASSIGNED