The Iowa Department of Administrative Services is conducting a Request for Bids (RFB) for American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Services on behalf of multiple state agencies, including the Iowa Department of Corrections, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Iowa Education for Deaf and Blind. The procurement seeks qualified providers to deliver both on-site and video remote interpreting (VRI) services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across four defined territories in Iowa. Interpreting services will be required in diverse settings such as correctional institutions, vocational rehabilitation offices, and educational environments, covering scenarios ranging from medical screenings and legal communications to educational classes and special events. The initial contract term will run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, with the state reserving the option to renew the contract for up to five additional annual extensions. Bidders must provide detailed pricing for video remote and on-site interpreting services by territory, with a requirement to submit quarterly sales reports and pay an administrative fee of 1% on all contract sales. The solicitation opens on August 23, 2025, with proposals due by September 12, 2025, and the state anticipates potentially awarding multiple contracts to ensure comprehensive coverage across 9 correction facilities, 35 vocational rehabilitation locations, and IEDB sites.
The RFB does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The state prefers to utilize its Purchasing Card (Pcard) program for payments and offers a Net 60 payment term with potential early payment discounts. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the broad scope of services across multiple state agencies suggests a potentially significant contract value. The procurement is structured to ensure wide geographic and service coverage, with the potential for multiple vendors to be selected based on their ability to provide comprehensive interpreting services across different territories. Interested bidders will need to demonstrate robust capabilities in ASL interpreting, including proficiency in both on-site and video remote interpreting technologies. The state's approach indicates a strategic effort to ensure reliable and accessible communication services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across various state agency interactions and environments.
Generated 8/26/25, 10:16 AM