Government agencies work with people who use many different languages, which means strong language support is often a necessary part of public communication. It helps meet compliance requirements, improves access, and makes it easier for communities to understand and respond to important information.
The vendor you choose can shape how smoothly projects run, how accurate your messaging is, and how the public interacts with your agency. If you’re comparing language service providers for upcoming work, here are a few points worth considering.
Define Project Scope and Community Needs
Start by getting a clear picture of what the project will require. That might include translation for documents, interpretation for meetings or events, and alternate formats like large print or accessible PDFs.
Look at local data—such as school enrollment, interpreter logs, or census figures—to understand which languages are most commonly spoken in your service area. Knowing who you’re trying to reach helps shape the scope and timeline.
Think through how language services will support everything from digital tools to printed materials to in-person outreach. Planning ahead gives your team a stronger foundation to work from.
Ask About Government and Compliance Experience
Not every language services provider is familiar with the expectations that come with government work. It’s important to find a team that understands how public-facing communication differs from commercial projects.
Ask for examples of past work in areas like public health, infrastructure, education, or legal services. These types of projects often involve strict timelines, regulated content, and materials that affect large groups of people.
It also helps to confirm the vendor’s understanding of compliance requirements such as Title VI, Section 1557, or other federal and state standards tied to language access. Experience in these areas can make a big difference when it comes to accuracy and accountability.
Confirm Translator and Interpreter Qualifications
The quality of your language services depends on the people doing the work. It’s worth asking how translators and interpreters are vetted and what qualifications are required for the types of content or settings involved.
For interpretation, make sure the team is experienced with high-pressure environments like hearings, events, or service counters where timing and accuracy both matter. For translation, ask how the vendor handles quality review, especially on large or fast-moving projects. A reliable process helps avoid missteps and supports consistency across everything your agency shares.
Evaluate Availability and Turnaround Capacity
Public-sector projects don’t always follow a predictable schedule. There may be urgent updates, last-minute changes, or a high volume of requests that need to move quickly.
Ask how the vendor handles time-sensitive work and if they’re set up to respond when needs shift. It’s also helpful to understand how they manage multiple languages at once, especially during large roll-outs or peak times. The goal is to work with a team that can keep up without cutting corners.
Review Reporting and Communication Practices
Strong communication with your language services provider helps keep projects on track. It also supports transparency, which is especially important in public work.
Ask what kind of reporting is available, such as service usage, turnaround times, or issue tracking. This information can help with planning, audits, and internal reviews. It’s also worth confirming how often you’ll receive updates and who your main point of contact will be. A responsive team that stays in touch makes it easier to manage shifting timelines and priorities.
Choose a Partner That Understands Public Work
Selecting the right language services provider is about more than checking off capabilities. It’s about finding a team that understands the urgency, oversight, and communication goals that come with government projects.
Look for a vendor with the right mix of experience, availability, and accountability to support your work at scale. Propio partners with agencies across the country to deliver translation and interpretation services built around real-world needs, timelines, and expectations.
