| The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Circuits 11 and 16, are in need of procuring translation and interpretation services. The Department has determined that it does not have the capability necessary to meet the translation and interpretation needs of its Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) and/or non-English speaking clients due to the influx of immigrants from other countries to Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. The process of providing translation and interpretation services to LEP and/or non-English speaking persons in regard to social services, medical and legal issues is regarded as a high priority to the Department. Interpreters need to be fluent in English and the language spoken by the LEP person(s). They must have the ability to quickly understand the message and terminology in one language and to express it as quickly and correctly in another language. In addition to fluency, interpreters must have the skills to handle confidential client information and to deal with a variety of professions in the medical, legal, law enforcement, social services, and other fields. The Department of Children & Families, Circuits 11 and 16, is requesting bids for the provision of these services in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. The initial term of any contract resulting from this Invitation to Bid is anticipated to be July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011. Any person who is adversely affected by the terms, conditions and specifications contained in a solicitation, including any provisions governing the methods for ranking bids, proposals, or replies, awarding contracts, reserving rights of further negotiation, or modifying or amending any contract shall file a notice of protest in writing within 72 hours (Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays excluded) after the posting of the solicitation or decision or intended decision. FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 120.57(3), F.S., SHALL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 120, FLORIDA STATUTES. When protesting a decision or intended decision the protestor must post a bond equal to one percent (1%) of the department € s estimated contract amount. The estimated contract amount shall be based upon the contract price submitted by the protestor. If no contract price was submitted, the department shall provide the estimated contract amount to the protestor within 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays) after the notice of protest has been filed. The estimated contract amount is not subject to protest pursuant to section 120.57(3) F. S. The bond shall be conditioned upon the payment of all costs and charges that are adjudged against the protestor in the administrative hearing in which action is brought and in any subsequent appellate court proceeding. FAILURE TO FILE THE PROPER BOND AT THE TIME OF FILING THE FORMAL WRITTEN PROTEST WILL RESULT IN A REJECTION OF THE PROTEST. In lieu of a bond the department may accept a cashiers check, official bank check, or money order in the amount of the bond.
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