FPB: american sign language interpreters

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) is procuring American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter services for deaf and hearing-impaired inmates across its correctional facilities through a fixed-price bid solicitation. The procurement seeks nationally certified interpreters from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) who can translate between spoken English and ASL with proficiency in correctional terminology. Services will be required during regular business hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday), evenings, weekends, state holidays, and emergency situations, with interpreters able to provide on-site, video remote, and telephonic interpretation. The solicitation was issued on October 20, 2023, with questions due by October 27, 2023, and sealed offers due by November 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with award notification scheduled for November 21, 2023. Evaluation criteria include RID certification, professional references, employment history, and compliance with state procurement regulations. The contract includes an initial one-year term with four potential one-year renewals, spanning through 2027.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Multiple awards are anticipated, with all responsive and responsible offerors being added to a Qualified Provider List, though the award does not guarantee minimum service utilization. Pricing is structured with four distinct hourly rates: $72 for regular business hours (two-hour minimum), $100 for evening and weekend services (two-hour minimum), $130 for state holidays, and $130 for emergency services. Mileage reimbursement is set at 65.5 cents per mile, with no additional meal or lodging compensation. Vendors must meet comprehensive requirements including Commercial General Liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, Auto Liability of $1,000,000 per accident, and Worker's Compensation with Statutory Limits. While no specific budget range is provided, the contract structure suggests a flexible, as-needed procurement model that allows SCDC to access ASL interpretation services across its correctional system.