IFB # 10222841 - Transcription Services

The California Department of Water Resources is requesting bids for transcription services to support its Office of Civil Rights and Internal Audit Office in workplace investigations and witness interviews under IFB #10222841, with bids due October 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The Small Business Preference Program offers a five percent calculation preference for certified small businesses and an additional five percent non-small-business preference when at least 25 percent of the bid is subcontracted to a certified small business; the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program is voluntary and offers one to five percent incentive calculations based on participation levels.

All transcribers must hold one year of paid professional experience performing electronic reporter or electronic transcriber services and possess certification from AAERT (Certified Electronic Reporter, Certified Electronic Transcriber, or Certified Electronic Court Reporter and Transcriber), IAPRT (Internationally Certified Digital Reporter or Internationally Certified Digital Transcriptionist), or a valid California Department of Consumer Affairs Court Reporters Board certificate or license in good standing.

The contractor will deliver transcripts in Microsoft Word format via email with turnaround times ranging from same-day to 14 calendar days. Pricing is structured as cost per page based on turnaround tier. The use of artificial intelligence or GenAI tools is strictly prohibited due to confidentiality concerns. The contractor must maintain general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, workers' compensation insurance with statutory limits, and valid automobile coverage. The contractor bears all costs for errors and corrections required within five business days of notification. No guaranteed work volume is provided.

The anticipated contract term is three years, with an anticipated start date of November 2026. Technical questions are due October 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., with answers provided by October 12. The public bid opening is scheduled October 20 at 11:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Evaluation is on a lowest-responsible-bid basis. Undisputed invoices will be paid within 45 days of receipt.