American Sign Language Interpreters

The West Virginia Department of Administration Purchasing Division, on behalf of the West Virginia Board of Education (including the West Virginia Department of Education, West Virginia Schools for Diversion and Transition, and West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind), is soliciting quotes for American Sign Language interpreter services statewide under CRFQ EDD2700000001, with bids due July 29, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST and questions due July 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST.

This is a multi-vendor open-end contract awarding to no more than three vendors based on lowest hourly rates. Work assignments are offered sequentially to the lowest-priced vendor first, contingent upon availability confirmation within required response times (24 hours for routine requests, 2 hours for emergencies), then to subsequent vendors as needed.

The scope comprises eight service lines with estimated annual quantities for evaluation purposes only: in-person interpretation Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (435 hours); video remote interpreting (VRI) during the same weekday hours (30 hours); in-person night services, 6:01 PM–6:59 AM (50 hours); VRI night services (10 hours); in-person weekend services, 7:00 AM Saturday–12:00 AM Sunday (50 hours); VRI weekend services (4 hours); in-person holiday services (4 hours); and VRI holiday services (4 hours). Vendors must provide both in-person and VRI capabilities with all necessary technology and technical support included in quoted hourly rates. For assignments exceeding two consecutive hours, vendors must provide a minimum of two qualified interpreters.

All interpreters must hold current National Interpreter Certification (NIC), National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Level II, or Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification; be registered in the West Virginia Registry of Interpreters; and be registered with the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. All interpreters must adhere to the RID Code of Professional Conduct and pass required background checks. Vendors must carry Commercial General Liability Insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence.

The initial contract term is one year with renewal options for up to three additional one-year periods. Pricing must be firm, fixed-price hourly rates inclusive of all costs including travel and mileage, with no separate travel reimbursement. Invoicing is based on actual hours worked with no minimum billable duration, except for agency cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, which may result in invoicing up to two hours per scheduled interpreter. Addendum No. 1 has been issued; vendors must acknowledge receipt to avoid bid disqualification.