Accommodation Services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Communities

Western Oregon University (WOU) is seeking proposals for a comprehensive set of accommodation services for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities through a Request for Proposals (RFP) numbered 2026-0070-HRO-EH. The procurement targets multiple vendors capable of providing four distinct service areas: ASL/English Interpreting, Typewell Transcribing, Real Time Captioning Services (CART), and Post-Production Captioning Services. Vendors may submit proposals for one or multiple service areas, with the university evaluating submissions using a 100-point scoring system. The evaluation criteria include 30 points for service area capabilities, 30 points for service experience, 20 points for experience in educational and public accommodation settings, 10 points for references, and 10 points for detailed rate structures. The solicitation was posted on August 29, 2025, with proposals due on September 22, 2025, at 4:00 PM PST, and the anticipated contract term is three years with potential renewal options for two additional two-year periods.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Proposers must provide comprehensive documentation, including hourly rates, rush rates, cancellation policies, and fee structures for each service area. The university reserves the right to investigate the financial responsibility of proposers and may request additional financial documentation. Vendors must certify compliance with Oregon tax laws and provide a federal employee identification number or social security number. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the comprehensive nature of the services and the multi-year contract suggests a substantial procurement opportunity for qualified vendors specializing in accessibility and communication services for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.