ADA Compliant Interpretation Services for the BEM AREA

The Indian Health Service (IHS), a bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking sources for ADA-compliant interpretation services to support healthcare facilities in the Bemidji Area, including White Earth Health Center in Cass Lake and Red Lake IHS facilities. Services must encompass American Sign Language (ASL), Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) services, tactile and protactile interpretation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), and on-site medical interpretation available 24/7/365 to serve deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and other individuals requiring alternative communication accommodations. Interpreters must hold RID, BEI, NIC, NAD, or equivalent certification; possess medical interpretation competency; demonstrate cultural competency for American Indian/Alaska Native communities; and comply with HIPAA training and background check requirements. Critical performance standards include on-site interpreter arrival within 2 hours for urban facilities and 4-6 hours for rural locations, VRI connection within 2 minutes, and CART services maintaining 98% accuracy. Sources sought responses are due by February 12, 2026 at 2 p.m. CST, and all submissions must include company information, capability statements, DUNS numbers or SAM Unique Entity Identifiers, and completed IHS Indian Economic Enterprise Representation forms.

This acquisition is designated as a Buy Indian set-aside with priority for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs) and Indian Economic Enterprises (IEEs), requiring that qualifying entities be at least 51% owned and controlled by Indians, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations. No incumbent contractor or award value is specified in this pre-solicitation notice. The contract is structured as firm fixed-price with a 12-month base year and up to four optional 12-month renewal periods, providing up to five years of service delivery. All contractors must maintain current SAM registration with annual representations and certifications and comply with ADA Titles II and III, HIPAA/HITECH, and Section 508 accessibility standards. Monthly invoicing will be submitted through the IHS Invoice Processing Platform and must document service dates, types, duration, interpreter credentials, delivery methods, and associated costs. Prospective contractors must provide written responses by the February 12, 2026 deadline to point of contact Mary Simon.