NIGP 96124: Court Reporting Services

NIGP 96124 Court Reporting Services, an Item code, encompasses stenographic reporting, real-time transcription, electronic video transcription, and transcript preparation services that state and local governments procure to create verbatim records of court proceedings, depositions, administrative hearings, and public meetings. Recent solicitations show state and local jurisdictions actively purchasing both traditional in-person shorthand reporter services and digital transcription—including remote, automated, and AI-assisted transcription with human verification—across litigation support, judicial disability proceedings, labor relations hearings, and regulatory documentation.

State agencies, trial courts, administrative boards, and specialized commissions dominate the buyer base. The California High-Speed Rail Authority, Maryland Judiciary, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Labor Relations Board, Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget, California Department of Education, and California Department of Motor Vehicles have all posted opportunities in the past four months. County and municipal courts in Maryland and California, and municipal police departments in California, also solicit under this code. Illinois stands out as a repeat buyer, with the Labor Relations Board, Commerce Commission, and state administrative agencies collectively posting five separate opportunities since early June 2026. Recent activity concentrates in California (state agencies, DMV, courts, municipal police), Illinois (labor board, commerce commission, state administrative hearings), Maryland (judiciary, administrative office of courts, district court), and Michigan (statewide court reporting pool). Representative solicitations include the California High-Speed Rail Authority's IFB for electronic video transcription services with CET or CRR certification required, due July 14, 2026; the Maryland Judiciary's RFI for transcription technologies leveraging AI and automation, due July 21, 2026; Illinois's three-year contract RFP for stenographic and transcription services for administrative hearings, due June 5 and June 12, 2026; the Illinois Labor Relations Board's RFQ for Certified Shorthand Reporters at up to $100,000 contract value, due May 21, 2026; Michigan's five-year statewide RFP for certified court reporters (CER, CSR, or CSMR) across multiple agencies, due June 5, 2026; and the City of Milpitas's RFP for police transcription with 24/7/365 availability and three-hour turnaround, due April 7, 2026. Certification requirements vary by jurisdiction—California, Illinois, Michigan, and Maryland all mandate active reporter licensing or certification, while transcription-focused procurements increasingly accept AI or hybrid human-AI models. Set-asides and participation incentives appear in California (SBE, DVBE preferences), Illinois (standard certifications), and Maryland (MBE, VSBE encouragement) procurements. Contract values range from $100,000 (single-year Illinois Labor board) to multi-year agreements with no floor or ceiling stated.