Foreign Language Translation Services and American Sigh Language Interpreter Services

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #PR2408-408-25) seeking qualified vendors to provide Foreign Language Translation Services and American Sign Language Interpreter Services across multiple NRHA facilities in Norfolk, Virginia. The procurement targets on-demand interpretation and translation services to support the agency's operations, which manages over 1,781 public housing units. Bidders must be established businesses with a minimum of three years of experience in foreign language translation and/or American Sign Language interpretation, demonstrating sufficient trained staff, transportation capabilities, and financial resources. The contract is structured as a firm fixed-price award with a five-year base performance period and four optional one-year extensions. Bidders must submit sealed proposals through the Bonfire Interactive Portal by 3:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with all questions regarding the solicitation required to be submitted by Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Bid pricing must include detailed hourly rates for services and travel costs, though NRHA does not guarantee a minimum number of referrals or payment amounts.

The contract includes specific requirements for comprehensive insurance coverage, including worker's compensation, automobile liability, employer's liability, and commercial general liability, with NRHA named as an additional insured. The procurement is subject to HUD Section 3 requirements and Virginia's Executive Order 19 green adherence standards, which may provide opportunities for small, minority-owned, or disadvantaged businesses. The current incumbent contractors are Cal Interpreting & Translating and Volatria Language Network Inc. Services will be performed during normal business hours (7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday), with potential for special event coverage. Electronic invoicing in PDF or Excel format is mandatory, with payment terms set at 30 days after invoice receipt or service delivery. While specific award value is not disclosed, the contract allows for potential expansion of service locations and requires all goods and services to be billed at contracted prices across public agencies. The broad scope of services and multi-year contract structure suggests a significant opportunity for qualified language service providers.