Marian Vieyra Dec 2, 2010:

You can only translate what's there... I would ask the client about the accuracy of the dates/month in question. The translation can only be "deadline for submission" or whichever version you choose from the ones suggested.

Bubo Coroman (X) Dec 1, 2010:

Following on from Cecilia's clarification ... and as to what the "oferta" might be, Kathryn, do you think it could it be part of a pre-qualification (vetting) procedure which applicants must go through before being allowed to submit proposals? Something along these lines:

45A.825 Prequalification of interested firms -- Request for proposals -- Responses -- Procedures for evaluating proposals and negotiating contract -- Exception.
(1) (a) A firm shall not be considered for providing ... services to the ... unless the relevant procuring agency has prequalified the firm prior to notice of a request for proposals to which that firm intends to respond.
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/045A00/825.PDF

- for instance, might applicants be required to attend in person to answer questions on their "oferta" before the date mentioned, in order to prequalify?

Do you think the customer could shed light? Although from the dates it seems there is a lot of urgency.

Cecilia Gowar Dec 1, 2010:

It is badly written in Spanish, since a "fecha" (date) cannot begin or finish. It is simply a date. However, it would seem "ofertas" and "propuestas" are two different things, which have in turn different deadlines.