Citywide Sign Language and Interpreter Services

The City of Tampa is seeking qualified respondents for a Citywide Sign Language and Oral Interpreter Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to provide American Sign Language and Oral Interpretation Services for persons who are deaf and deaf-blind. The primary objective is to pre-qualify a minimum of three service providers to support the city's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Interpreters must be certified in American Sign Language or Oral Interpretation and demonstrate the ability to interpret effectively and impartially. The contract will be for a three-year term with potential renewal options for two additional one-year periods, with services to be provided on an as-needed basis. Respondents must have been in business for at least two years and be located within the City of Tampa or Tampa Bay Area. The RFQ was released on January 22, 2025, with responses due by March 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and a pre-proposal conference scheduled for February 18, 2025, at the Tampa Municipal Office Building. The city will evaluate respondents based on experience, qualifications, location, and ability to perform, with services primarily to be performed between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

The procurement includes specific provisions for Women/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) participation, with potential additional evaluation points for certified businesses. Respondents must complete several specific forms, including the MBD-30 Sub-Contractors/Consultants/Suppliers Payment Form, MBD-50 Good Faith Effort Compliance Plan Guidelines, and MBD-40 Letter of Intent to demonstrate commitment to diverse business participation. The city requires an Affidavit of Compliance with Foreign Countries of Concern, attesting that the bidding entity is not owned by, controlled by, or principally located in a Foreign Country of Concern. The department budget for this procurement is $10,000, with services to be managed by the HR department. Interpreters will be compensated on an hourly rate basis, with one interpreter assigned for assignments of one hour or less and two interpreters required for more complex or longer assignments. Additional compensation will be provided for after-hours, weekend, and holiday services.