IFB 24-3089 - Pre-Scheduled Interpreter

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB 24-3089) for Pre-Scheduled Interpreter services, seeking certified interpreters to provide comprehensive language support for administrative law hearings. The contract requires contractors to deliver in-person, video, and pre-scheduled telephone interpretation services across multiple languages, including Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) and oral translation of written documents. Bidders must demonstrate at least 3 years of experience providing on-site interpreters in California, 3 years of virtual/telephone interpretation experience, 1 year of CART services experience, and 1 year of document translation experience. The solicitation covers interpretation services for over 100 languages, with Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Arabic being among the most requested. Bid evaluation will use a weighted scoring system: 60% for telephone interpretation rates, 20% for in-person/video interpretation rates, 10% for CART services rates, and 10% for document translation rates. Responses are due March 6, 2025, by 4:00 PM PT, with an anticipated contract start date of June 1, 2025, and an initial contract term of 24 months with a potential 12-month extension.

The procurement includes significant opportunities for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with an incentive program offering up to 5% bid preference and a desired 3% DVBE participation goal. Bidders must be legal business entities authorized to do business in California, with their principal place of business in the state and all personnel residing and conducting services within the United States. Maximum hourly rates are established at $115 for in-person/video interpretation, telephone interpretation, and CART services, with document translation capped at $5.00 per page. The contract includes liquidated damages of $500 per incident for late arrivals or failure to provide qualified interpreters. Contractors must maintain various insurance coverages, including $1M general liability, $1M automobile liability, and workers' compensation coverage. While no specific total contract value is provided, the comprehensive requirements and multi-year term suggest a significant potential contract opportunity for qualified interpretation service providers. Additional compliance requirements include completing various certification forms such as the Civil Rights Laws Certification, Iran Contracting Act Verification, and Generative AI Reporting Factsheet.