American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Services for MCI-J

The State of Maryland has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services for the Maryland Correctional Institution - Jessup (MCI-J). This procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide on-site ASL interpretation, transliterating, and translation services for incarcerated individuals within the Department of Corrections' custody. The contract will be a five-year term, focusing on comprehensive communication support for deaf or hard-of-hearing inmates. The solicitation requires providers to have professional ASL interpretation credentials and the ability to perform real-time translation services within a correctional environment. The IFB was posted on April 29, 2025, with a proposal submission deadline of May 27, 2025, giving potential bidders approximately one month to prepare and submit their responses. Bidders will need to demonstrate expertise in correctional communication services, professional ASL certification, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and security protocols within a correctional facility setting.

While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the contract appears to be open to qualified ASL interpretation service providers who can meet the state's stringent requirements. The procurement suggests a potential focus on providing equitable access to communication for incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities. The contract's estimated value is not specified in the current documentation, but given the five-year term and the specialized nature of the services, it likely represents a significant ongoing investment in communication accessibility. Potential bidders should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation of their professional qualifications, experience in correctional settings, and ability to provide consistent, high-quality ASL interpretation services. The procurement appears designed to ensure that incarcerated individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can effectively communicate within the correctional system.