External contractors access Irish translation procurement opportunities

External contractors and service providers are poised to engage with a €10.5 million national procurement framework, delivering Irish translation services for public sector documents over the next four years.

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has designed the programme to provide vetted, structured opportunities for businesses to translate a wide range of official materials, including press releases, correspondence, legislation, reports, and administrative documents.

Participating contractors will supply services to multiple public agencies, including local authorities, health organisations, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Health Service Executive, Defence Forces, Education and Training Boards, third-level institutions, and HIQA. Projects will include translation of complex legal texts, EU treaties, directives, domestic legislation, and related commentary. AI or machine-assisted translation is prohibited for legal materials, while other categories may use AI with client approval.

The contracts will also cover proofreading and translation of materials such as planning reports, application forms, audit documents, and organisational reviews. Prospective contractors have until 12 December to submit bids, with panels expected to be formed early next year. Once established, contractors will compete through mini-competitions for specific assignments under the framework.

The programme provides external service providers with a centralised, clear route to participate in national procurement while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and quality across translations. By consolidating opportunities under a single framework, the OGP simplifies the procurement process and guarantees a reliable mechanism for public bodies to engage capable contractors.

For service providers, the framework represents one of the largest coordinated national translation procurement exercises in recent years, offering sustained engagement with public sector projects while showcasing expertise in legal, administrative, and communications translation services.

Discover the full story to understand the latest national procurement framework and its implications.