American Sign Language Interpretative Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement on behalf of the Civil Rights Inclusion and Opportunity (CRIO) is requesting proposals for American Sign Language interpretive services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, with proposals due November 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST and a pre-proposal conference on November 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST via Microsoft Teams.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience providing similar services. All interpreters must possess Michigan state certification or endorsement at Standard Level 2 or higher for city government activities. The scope encompasses government meetings, staff meetings, job interviews and training, grievances and discipline proceedings, presentations and workshops, legal subject matter, television and digital communications, and virtual remote interpreting. The City anticipates approximately 30 to 50 requests per month (approximately 500 annually) during regular office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and after-hours, including evenings and weekends. Interpreters may be scheduled on-site or remotely via approved video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

The City will award one or multiple contracts with each contract term being two years, subject to Detroit City Council approval and signature by the Chief Procurement Officer for any renewal options. The City has established a standardized ASL interpreting rate sheet differentiating between standard business hours, after-hours services, and specialized assignments including medical, legal, and emergency service contexts. Invoices must be submitted through the City of Detroit Oracle Vendor Portal and will be paid within NET 30 terms under the City's Prompt Payment Ordinance.

Evaluation criteria are relevant experience (30 points), capacity including key staff and equipment (20 points), strength of proposal (15 points), availability (25 points), and pricing (10 points). Detroit equalization credits are available for Detroit-headquartered, Detroit-based, and Detroit resident businesses, as well as small and micro businesses. Questions must be submitted by November 13, 2026, by 3:00 PM EST through the Supplier Portal. Proposals must be submitted through the EUNA Bonfire procurement portal.