American Sign Language (ASL) and Trilingual Interpreting Services DF260005

The California Department of Education (CDE) is seeking certified interpreting services for the California School for the Deaf, Fremont (CSDF) through an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The procurement will secure American Sign Language (ASL) and trilingual (English, Spanish, and ASL) interpreting services on an as-needed basis for a school serving over 350 students. The contract requires a minimum of 20 interpreting hours per week when school is in session, with no assignments less than 2 hours long. Interpreting services will cover various contexts including interviews, group training, field trips, performances, ceremonies, administrative services, and special events. Bidders must demonstrate at least 5 years of experience in K-12 education programs and identify a minimum of 40 qualified interpreters, including 3 Deaf Interpreters/Certified Deaf Interpreters and 2 trilingual interpreters. All interpreters must be certified by recognized entities like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and have 5 years of verifiable experience in the Deaf community. Key deadlines include a November 11, 2025 question submission cutoff, bid responses due December 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. PST, and a public bid opening on December 4, 2025. The initial contract period will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with potential two one-year renewals.

The solicitation is exempt from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements, though a DVBE incentive option exists offering a 3% to 5% incentive for confirmed participation. Bidders must provide Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Workers' Compensation insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest average combined total across three bid forms representing each contract year. Interpreters must reside within 100 miles of CSDF, and the incumbent contractor (DF230303) is ineligible to bid. The State reserves the right to reject any and all bids and can terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice or immediately for cause. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements and multi-year contract structure suggest a substantial procurement value focused on ensuring high-quality, consistent interpreting services for the Deaf school community.