25NS1134 Invitation for Bid - Phone Line Interpreter Services

The California Public Utilities Commission is requesting bids for real-time telephone interpretation services under IFB 25NS1134, with proposals due August 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This contract supports compliance with the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act and must serve Limited English Proficient callers during CPUC business hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays). A 5% Small Business preference and a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise incentive of 1–5% (depending on confirmed participation level) apply, with a combined maximum preference and incentive cap of $100,000.

The contractor must provide interpreters in Spanish, Russian, Cantonese, Armenian, Mandarin, Farsi, Korean, Arabic, Tagalog, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. The CPUC projects average monthly usage of approximately 310 calls and 2,225 minutes. All interpreters must hold professional certification from recognized organizations with valid language-specific credentials, or alternatively possess documented language fluency with a minimum of three years of professional experience including prior state, local, or federal government contracts, plus completion of an ethics workshop and up to 30 hours of annual continuing education.

The contract term runs approximately nine months from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an option to extend one additional year at the same rates and terms. Pricing is submitted via contractor cost sheet; travel costs are included in rates and not separately reimbursed. The contractor must carry workers' compensation with employer's liability limits of $1,000,000 and commercial general liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Written questions are due August 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PST, with answers posted August 14. Notice of intent to award is expected September 3, 2026, with contract execution anticipated October 1, 2026.