American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Services

The University of Massachusetts is requesting proposals for American Sign Language interpreter services across all five UMass campuses (Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell, Worcester) and the President's Office, with proposals due October 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT. The University emphasizes consideration of diverse-owned businesses demonstrating organizational alignment with DEIA values.

The scope encompasses real-time and pre-recorded ASL interpreting for courses, lectures, labs, workshops, and extracurricular activities, delivered both in-person on-campus and remotely via webinar and video conferencing platforms. The contractor must manage interpreter coordination, ensure all assigned interpreters hold appropriate certifications and maintain professional standards and confidentiality, respond to last-minute or emergency requests within 24 hours, and submit accurate billing documentation. Services are priced hourly on a time-and-material basis.

The initial contract term runs approximately three years from October 30, 2026, with options for two one-year extensions at the University's sole discretion, followed by month-to-month extensions for up to an additional 12 months, all on the same rates and terms unless otherwise agreed in writing. Payment is net 45 days from invoice receipt.

The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance: commercial general liability of $2,000,000 per occurrence / $4,000,000 aggregate, workers' compensation, automobile liability of $1,000,000, professional liability of $1,000,000, and cyber liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, with the University named as additional insured. The contractor must accept the UMass Master Service Agreement and standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions; respondents may object to specific non-negotiable clauses at their risk of proposal rejection.

Proposals are evaluated on pricing, satisfaction of requirements, project approach and scope, ability to meet deliverables, respondent and firm qualifications, relevant team experience, supplier diversity certifications, workforce diversity and DEIA practices, and references from similar engagements. Vendor questions are due September 25, 2026; Q&A responses will be provided by October 2. Evaluations and vendor presentations are scheduled for October 23, 2026, with anticipated award on October 30, 2026. Bidders must provide three business references demonstrating prior ASL interpreting experience; references will be contacted to verify qualifications and performance.