Provision of Language Analysis Services.

Descriptions

The Authority wishes to award a contract for the provision of Language Analysis Services. The contract will last for an initial period of 3 years with an option to extend for up to 2 further years.Language analysis (LA) testing is currently used by the Authority to assist in identifying an individual's true place of origin where it is in doubt (the individual will be someone subject to immigration control, and may or may not be an asylum applicant).LA consists of a telephone interview with a linguistic expert who has first-hand knowledge of the country and culture the person claims to be from, and mother tongue comprehension of the stated language. The linguistic experts providing this service will be highly qualified in the field with the accompanying credentials, and will be able to demonstrate their expertise and relevant previous experience.The linguistic experts will produce a clear, detailed and reasoned linguistic analysis, which will include the study of all relevant elements of a person's speech, to assess the person's linguistic origin. The Authority will use this assessment alongside other evidence, including objective country information, to draw conclusions as to the person's nationality and country of origin.Following an initial indication normally within 30 minutes of the interview, the contractor will deliver preliminary conclusions. Within 3 or 5 working days of the interview, a written report, fully compliant with the Courts Practice Directions, will be provided to the Authority via email. Within 10 working days of the interview, two CD audio recordings be sent and received by the Authority. On occasion a full transcription of the recorded interview will be required.At present, the most commonly tested language varieties are Syria Arabic, Kuwait Arabic and Eritrean Amharic, with other language varieties currently tested at very low levels. However, this requirement is subject to world events and strategic decisions by the Authority, and so the languages needing to be tested may change with little or no notice.