American Sign Language Interpretation Services

The state of Washington, through Eastern Washington University (EWU), is seeking to establish a pre-qualified "Contractor Pool" of licensed and experienced firms to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services for a period of three years, with the ability to extend up to five years with two one-year options. The services required include one-on-one classroom interpreting, event interpreting, and meeting interpretation. EWU anticipates the need for approximately 3-8 interpreters per academic quarter, with a total of 12-25 credit hours of interpretation services required per quarter, subject to changes in student enrollment and course schedules. Proposals are due on June 28, 2024, and EWU plans to announce the "Apparent Successful Contractor(s)" and begin contract negotiations by July 12, 2024, with the contract work beginning on August 1, 2024. The evaluation criteria include proximity to Cheney, ability to provide in-person interpreters, number of interpreters available, ability to video conference, communication plan to coordinate with EWU's Student Accommodations and Support Services, and method to ensure interpreters maintain required licensure.

There are no minority, women, or veteran-owned business participation requirements, but Contractors are encouraged to include that information. EWU will not reimburse Contractors for any costs incurred in preparing proposals. The current incumbent vendor's rates are $60 per hour for undergraduate courses and $65 per hour for graduate courses, but a budget range or award value is not specified. The state of Washington does not have an interpreting licensing system, but EWU requires interpreters to meet the qualifications of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to be considered "Approved Interpreters."