Court reporter services

The County of Orange is soliciting competitive bids for court reporter services through a fully electronic solicitation (IFB # 017-2871102-JM) targeting California-licensed Court Reporter firms. The procurement seeks verbatim stenographic recording and transcription services for legal and administrative hearings, with a comprehensive five-year contract term. Bidders must possess a valid Certified Shorthand Reporter License, have a minimum of three years of business experience in court reporting (including one year in court/arbitration environments), and demonstrate expertise in legal terminology and procedures. Key deliverables include providing certified court reporters for various proceedings, preparing accurate transcripts with specific formatting requirements, and maintaining confidentiality. The bid must be electronically submitted by August 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with bids remaining valid for 365 days after the closing date. Evaluation criteria include hourly and incremental rate structures, with different pricing for standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and after-hours/holiday services, and a two-hour minimum service requirement.

The solicitation includes preferences for Local Small Businesses (OCLSB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with potential 5-8% preference deductions in bid evaluations. Bidders must be certified with the State of California Department of General Services and maintain principal operations within Orange County. The contract offers a cooperative utilization program that allows extension of pricing to other municipal, county, public utility, hospital, educational, and governmental organizations. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract includes comprehensive requirements such as the ability to provide replacement personnel within two hours and maintain appropriate licensing and background checks for personnel working in secured county facilities. Pricing will be structured with firm fixed fees consistent for the first three years, with potential adjustments in years four and five, and includes additional fees for transcript copies, rough drafts, sealed envelopes, and expedited delivery. The contract also requires bidders to submit both a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Payment Bond, ensuring financial protection for the County of Orange.