Language access plays a central role in how government agencies connect with the public. For projects that involve communication with people who use languages other than English, the quality of your language services vendor directly affects how well your message is understood. It also shapes how the public experiences your agency. When language support is inconsistent or inaccurate, it reflects on the credibility of the work being done. This post shares practical tips to help government teams evaluate vendors based on the needs of their programs, the communities they serve, and the responsibilities that come with public-facing communication.
Know What Services You Actually Need
Before contacting vendors, take time to map out the full range of language services your project will involve. This might include written translation, remote or in-person interpretation, transcription, and alternate formats such as large print or screen-reader–friendly digital files. Think through which languages are needed, how many versions of each document will be created, and when everything needs to be delivered. Defining the scope at the start makes it easier to find a vendor who can support your goals without missing deadlines or straining internal resources.
Evaluate Experience with Government or Regulated Content
Language support for government programs often goes beyond basic translation. Public-facing materials may cover topics like legal rights, public health, infrastructure projects, or education services. These areas require accuracy, clarity, and a strong grasp of compliance standards. Ask vendors for examples of similar projects. References and brief summaries of past work can help you understand how well they handle the kinds of materials your team needs to produce.
Ask About Translator and Interpreter Qualifications
The quality of your vendor depends on the people doing the work. Make sure translators and interpreters hold the certifications or credentials required for your project. It also helps to ask how the vendor screens linguists and what kind of quality control processes are in place. For interpretation requests, check that the team is comfortable working in settings like public hearings, hotlines, or field-based events where accuracy is critical and timing matters.
Review Availability and Turnaround Options
Government projects can move quickly and often shift without much notice. A vendor who can only support a standard schedule may not be a good fit for outreach that involves urgent updates, public events, or large-scale rollouts. Ask how they handle tight deadlines and if they can support weekend or after-hours work when needed. It’s also helpful to know how many languages they can realistically manage at once without compromising accuracy or delivery.
Understand Reporting and Communication Practices
Clear communication with your vendor helps projects stay on track. Ask what kind of updates and reporting are available throughout the project. Usage summaries, turnaround data, and issue tracking can be helpful for both planning and accountability. You’ll also want a team that’s familiar with government procurement processes and easy to reach when something changes.
Choose Vendors Who Support Public Communication at Every Level
Price and volume may play a role in vendor selection, but they are not the only factors. A strong language services partner should understand what your program is trying to accomplish and how to support it through accurate, timely communication. Look for a team that is experienced, reliable, and ready to support your project from the planning stage through delivery.
