Certified Shorthand Reporting Services

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is soliciting bids for Certified Shorthand Reporting Services through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for its Office of Enforcement. The procurement seeks a single contractor to provide comprehensive court reporting services across California, including certified shorthand reporting and transcription for hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and investigations. Mandatory qualifications require the contractor to have five Certified Shorthand Reporters (CSRs), five Certified Electronic Reporters (CERs), five Certified Electronic Transcribers (CETs), and two dual-certified individuals, all appointed to superior courts in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, and Alameda counties. The contract requires specific experience, with at least two individuals having one year of California appellate court experience, two with civil court experience, and two with administrative or civil court experience. Key submission deadlines include written questions due by December 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. PST, bid submissions due January 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. PST, bid opening on January 23, 2026, and proposed award date of January 30, 2026. The contract will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with an optional one-year extension.

The procurement includes Small Business Preference and non-SB Subcontractor Preference programs, with the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive Program available, though the DVBE participation requirement has been waived. Contractors must provide three references from California state agencies, demonstrate financial stability, and maintain liability insurance of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence. Pricing will be determined through a Cost Worksheet on a time-and-materials basis, with costs remaining firm throughout the contract term. The cost structure includes tiered pricing for transcript delivery, ranging from same-day to 10-15 working days, with per-page rates varying significantly based on turnaround time and venue. Additional services include translation services, travel reimbursement, copy rates, certified legal videography, and exhibit copying. While no specific guaranteed payment amount is specified, the estimated total cost includes various line items covering different service categories. Penalties for late transcript delivery are set at 10 percent of transcript value per day, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate reporting services.