American Sign Language Video Remote Interpreting Services DR250078

The California Department of Education (CDE) is seeking bids for American Sign Language (ASL) Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services for the California School for the Deaf Riverside (CSDR). This Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered DR250078 solicits an on-demand VRI service provider to supply certified ASL interpreters for impromptu meetings between signing and non-signing parties. The contract will cover the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential two optional one-year renewals extending through June 30, 2028. Bidders must provide interpreters with specific certifications, including Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), National Interpreting Certification (NIC) at level 4 or 5, or National Association of the Deaf Certified Interpreter (NAD). The anticipated service volume is approximately 6,000 minutes of interpreting services annually. Bid submissions are due on April 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm PDT, with a public bid opening scheduled for April 10, 2025, at 11:00 am PDT. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on the average of three bid forms covering consecutive contract years.

While the solicitation is exempt from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements, there is a DVBE incentive of 3-5% available based on DVBE participation levels. Small businesses may qualify for a 5% bid preference. All operating expenses must be included in the per-minute interpreting rate, and bidders should be prepared to provide comprehensive VRI services that meet the specific certification and performance standards outlined in the IFB. The contract will serve Riverside County and San Bernardino City, focusing on the communication needs of the California School for the Deaf Riverside. Although a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the annual service volume of 6,000 minutes suggests a moderate-scale procurement that would be suitable for specialized ASL interpreting service providers with the required certifications and technical capabilities to deliver high-quality video remote interpreting services.