Find a TenderAwardedContract details notice
Published 24 Sept 2025, 15:10 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Translation and Support Services

Official notice

Authority: Development Bank of Wales (Central government)

Framework agreementServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitableVCSE suitable
Framework ceiling (notional)£180,000framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 10 Nov 2025awarded 15 Dec 2025
Awarded to Atebol +2 more
Framework period 2 yrsends 30 Nov 2027 · up to 30 Nov 2031 with extensions · starts 1 Dec 2025

What is being bought

Published requirement description

Following on from the Publication of a UK 5 and UK 6 notice the Development Bank of Wales has entered into a contract with suppliers for translation and support services.

The Development Bank of Wales (DBW) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government. We therefore have a duty to comply with the Welsh language standards, meaning that Welsh is treated no less favourably than English. All of our English language content requires translation. Services include:

Translation: The conversion of written documents into another language as text via human, computer assisted and machine translation solutions. Support Services: Additional services which include documentation formatting and file recreation. The Suppliers shall provide comprehensive Translation and Support services to enable DBW to translate and create supporting materials in Welsh. The Suppliers shall be able to facilitate a broad spectrum of requirements, for each the Suppliers shall utilise experienced individuals who can apply their skills appropriately to the specific requirements of DBW. This will include, but not be limited to: Advisory and instruction documents Correspondence, information leaflets Press releases and briefing documents Corporate publications including our annual report, documents and briefing papers Marketing collateral, subtitles and captions Technical, scientific, legal, financial or any other specialist category ProofreadingThe Suppliers shall ensure that all Visual Translations and Transcriptions shall be completed by accredited Individuals. The Suppliers must fulfil 98% of all translation within the accepted turnaround target set by the buyer. The Suppliers is permitted to use Machine Translation (MT) with the explicit permission from DBW. The Suppliers must ensure that these services are only utilised when clear efficiencies and cost savings can be demonstrated, or at the express request of DBW. Consideration should include:

Type of Content Language Pairing Buyer's accuracy requirements Volume of content Turnaround Times Any use of a technological solution shall be implemented securely, ensuring that all software complies with the security standards, Data Security. The Suppliers must also ensure that all data is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Act 2016.The Suppliers agrees to retain any template documents, Translation Memories, or Language Databases and will not charge for duplicate translations during the contract period. The template/Translation Memory will remain the property of the DBW and will be returned at the conclusion of the contract. Any documents and/or data stored within the Supplier's database related to the Services provided will remain the property of DBW. The service may be required at any location within Wales, including instances where Translation must be conducted at DBWs premises for security reasons. In such cases, travel costs will be reimbursed according to DBWs travel policy. The supplier shall ensure that it has a robust quality management process for all translation projects. This process must include checks to ensure that all translations are accurate and consistent with the original source material, and where necessary corrections of any errors in the translated content, such as spelling or grammar errors, formatting, punctuation, or syntax should be made at no additional cost. The Suppliers shall also ensure it has sufficient resources and capabilities to provide proofing services. This service shall be undertaken by an independent, but equally qualified translator, to undertake a final check for any errors to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy. The Suppliers must ensure that all translators translate only into their native language. In cases where this is not possible, translations must be thoroughly revised by a native English speaker with the necessary subject matter expertise, at no additional cost to DBW. This process ensures the quality and accuracy of the translated content. The Suppliers should have dedicated project management personnel who will provide oversight of DBWs translation project(s), provide updates on the project(s) and serve as a conduit for answering any queries or requests from DBW.

Translation:

The range of Translator qualifications for this service include, but are not limited to, the below.

The Suppliers must be able to provide all of the below upon request within the pricing submitted.

Honours degree in the relevant language and/or a degree in Communications or Translation.

Membership and/or professional training with Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru / Society of Welsh Translators. Mandatory Service Requirements. The Suppliers must deliver an end-to-end service with a seamless process for the end user, utilising its own Individuals, contracted Individuals, and, if necessary, Sub Contractors. The Suppliers Subcontractors value and saving benefits into the service delivery for Buyers and more efficient and innovative ways of working must be shared with the Buyer, with any added value or savings passed onto the Buyer. The Suppliers must maintain a strong focus on continuous improvement by regularly seeking feedback on their service and using this feedback to develop strategies that drive and improve future service delivery. The Suppliers may explore the use of robotic process automation or artificial intelligence (AI) in delivering Services to the Buyer on a case-by-case basis, where it demonstrates additional benefits. If considering any AI solution, the Suppliers must align with the following, including other relevant or updated guidance for the Public Sector throughout the duration of this agreement or Call Off:

Data Ethics Framework Understanding Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Safety Generative AI Framework for HMG Code of conduct:

As an integral aspect of Framework delivery, Suppliers are required to establish a Code of Conduct that all Individuals engaged in the provision of Services under the Framework must agree to and comply with. Individuals registered with a Regulatory Organization may alternatively adhere to the respective Code of Conduct of that organisation. The Code of Conduct mandates that Individuals:

Maintain strict confidentiality, refraining from seeking personal gain through information disclosed during their work.

Accept assignments only within their competency, ensuring delivery to the standard required by the Buyer.

Refrain from Individuals assigned by the Supplier to complete an assignment from passing on or subcontracting assignments to other Individuals, regardless of their ability to fulfil the requirements.

Act impartially and professionally in all actions related to the provision of Language Services under this Framework Contract.

Avoid discrimination for or against parties based on grounds such as race, colour, ethnic origin, age, nationality, religion, sex, sexuality, disability, or political allegiance.

Disclose any information, including criminal records, that may render them unsuitable for a particular case.

Immediately disclose any conflict of interest arising from the end user being known to the Individual, allowing the Buyer to determine whether to proceed with the booking.

Disclose any business, financial, family, or other interest, personal or otherwise, relevant to the matter at hand.

Reject payment for information about the Authority/Buyer or details of the Buyer's assignments or information shared as part of the assignment.

Avoid engaging in behaviour likely to discredit the Authority/Buyer, including impairment through drugs or alcohol, sexual misconduct, violence, intimidation, or abusive behaviour. Report any areas of concern, poor practice, or potential safeguarding issues to the Supplier, who will bring these to the attention of DBW.

Adhere to the Ethical Standards of their Professional Bodies, where membership is held.

The Suppliers are required to implement a process for the annual renewal of agreement to the Code of Conduct. Additionally, a fair and transparent procedure must be in place for Individuals accused of breaching the Supplier's Code of Conduct, including:

A fair and transparent investigation.

A proportional outcome in case of a confirmed breach.

If necessary, the removal of the individual from being utilised within the Framework In the event of a breach involving an Individual who is a member of a Regulatory Body, the Supplier shall collaborate with the Body to achieve a resolution. Compliance In the event that an Individual's quality, ability, or integrity is compromised, DBW retain the right to instruct the Supplier to cease deploying that individual on any Call-Off Contract under the Framework. Decisions in each case will be made on a case-by-case basis and supported with appropriate evidence. The Supplier will not charge for any cancellations of Translation, Transcription or Support Services unless evidence can be provided that the assignment has already been started. If this can be evidenced by the Supplier then they can charge the full value of the assignment

  • The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 24 Sept 2031, 23:59 BST.

CPV: Translation services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Open framework
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Places
up to 2 suppliers · 7 bids received (3.5 per place) · 3 appointed (full)
Framework period
2 yrs · up to 6 yrs from 1 Dec 2025, Bespoke services for financial sector - limited market
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
NA
Who may buy through it

Na

Published description of the framework

Commercial sheet to be completed list of services identified

The lotProcurement structure

single lot · value published
Lot #1AwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEPublished value£180,000
Contract period: 1 Dec 2025 – 30 Nov 2027 (2 yrs) · up to 30 Nov 2031 with extensionsValue: £180,000 exc. VAT · £216,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: 12 month increments
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to tender documentation

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to tender documentation

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored
Quality: 60%Price: 40%
Published sub-criteria (2)
  • Technical: 60%
  • Commercial: 40%
Published award criteria (2)
  • Technical: Please refer to tender documentation
  • Commercial
Conditions of participation2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to tender documentation

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to tender documentation

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 40 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 4 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “Translation and Support Services” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 2 suppliers, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
Na
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Unspecified in notice
Recurring procurement
Yes · next expected 24 Sept 2031
First published
24 Sept 2025, 15:10 BST
Last source update
15 Apr 2026, 14:08 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 24 Nov 2025
Authority reference
DBW00189.00
FTS notice number
2025/S 000-060663
Latest notice
Contract details notice (UK7)
Classification (CPV)
Translation services
Delivery area
UK
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a142 Find a Tender
Contract terms summary

30 days from invoice

Review and risk notes
Risks

NA

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: Jaggaer · Who buys & how to bid on Sell2Wales
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free; latest Chrome/Edge/Firefox only — corporate browsers fail
Appointment period ends
10 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
Clarification deadline
20 Oct 2025, 12:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
call-off levy · NA
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

24 Sept 2025 → 15 Apr 2026 · 10 dates
  1. Planning notice published394 days ago
    24 Sept 2025, 15:10 BST
  2. Next notice expected392 days ago
    25 Sept 2025, 23:59 BST
  3. Tender notice published388 days ago
    29 Sept 2025, 16:37 BST
  4. Clarification questions by368 days ago
    20 Oct 2025, 12:00 BST
  5. Admission / appointment period ends347 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    10 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
  6. Award decision expected by332 days ago
    24 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
  7. Contract starts326 days ago
    1 Dec 2025
  8. Assessment summaries sent288 days ago
    8 Jan 2026
  9. Standstill ends267 days ago
    28 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT
  10. Latest notice published191 days ago
    15 Apr 2026, 14:08 BST

Notice history

8 events · 4 releases on Find a Tender · since 24 Sept 2025
  1. Planned procurement notice published
    24 Sept 2025, 15:10 BST
    UK3
  2. Tender notice published
    29 Sept 2025, 16:37 BST
    UK4
  3. Status changed to active
    29 Sept 2025, 16:37 BST
  4. Deadline moved to 10 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
    29 Sept 2025, 16:37 BST
    +4 days · was 6 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
  5. Contract award notice published
    19 Jan 2026, 12:09 GMT
    UK6
  6. Status changed to complete
    19 Jan 2026, 12:09 GMT
  7. Contract signature expected
    30 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT
    scheduled
  8. Contract details notice published
    15 Apr 2026, 14:08 BST
    UK7
Routine re-releases (4)
  • 2025-09: 1 release · 24 Sept 2025

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 31 award · see the list ↓
Bids received 77 from SMEs
Contracts signed 1latest 13 Jan 2026
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Atebol, Bla Translation Ltd, Catrin Williams Translation Service2 Feb 2026 – 26 Jan 2028 · up to 26 Jan 2032Extensions: 4 years in 12-month increments£240,00015 Dec 2025Awarded

Contracts

Bid statistics published by the authority

BidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
7final-stage tenders70—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Development Bank of Wales

Contracting authorityPublic authority - central governmentWelsh devolved regulations apply GB-PPON: PCWM-6438-QYVP Development Bank of Wales plc, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 4BZContact name, email, phone

Framework contractors & participating bidders

3 commercial parties on the notice
  • AtebolFramework contractorGB-PPON: PRVQ-5739-ZYVM Atebol, Adeiladau'r Fagwyr, Llandre,, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY24 5AQContact email
  • Bla Translation LtdFramework contractorGB-PPON: PCMC-2279-WCMQ Neuadd y Dref, Sgwâr Bulkeley,, Llangefni, Wales, LL77 7LRContact email
  • Catrin Williams Translation ServiceFramework contractorGB-PPON: PTVP-3797-PMDN Ty Stesion, Pantglas, Garndolbenmaen, Wales, LL51 9DXContact email

Official documents & specifications (6)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

Notices published for this procedure

  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Planned procurement notice planningPlanned procurement noticeUK3Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender