ASL Stand-by Services for Detail at Bend #1

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to BMACK Interpreting, LLC for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services. The contract will be classified under NAICS Code 541930 for language interpretation services and will utilize both Firm Fixed Price and Time and Materials mechanisms. The procurement is specifically targeted at supporting communication access for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing federal employees at the Bend Field Office in Oregon, with services required from January 11, 2025 to March 9, 2025. The contract will cover intermittent interpreter services ranging from 4-24 hours per week, with interpreters needed to support technical communications in STEM fields, including engineering, water delivery systems, and environmental compliance. The contract is set aside as a Total Small Business opportunity.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to secure highly specialized ASL interpretation services for technical meetings and field operations at the Bend Field Office. Contractors must meet strict eligibility criteria, including graduation from an accredited interpreter program and national ASL certification, with proficiency in technical terminology across multiple disciplines. Interested parties may submit capability statements by January 28, 2025 at 12:00 EST to mswift@usbr.gov, and must include their SAM.gov Unique Entity ID with an active SAM registration. The sole source justification is made under 10 USC 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), indicating that only one responsible source can meet the agency's specific requirements. The contract includes provisions for travel reimbursement, a standard minimum of 2 paid hours, potential for 8-hour events, and the possibility of deploying a second interpreter for large meetings. Interpreters must also adhere to security protocols when accessing government facilities and maintain proper certifications throughout the contract period.