IFB #25-002 - Translation Services (Departmental)

The California Secretary of State is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive translation services through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #25-002, with the objective of translating departmental documents, materials, and media across eleven primary languages (Chinese Traditional, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese) and additional minority languages as needed. The contract will cover a 12-month term from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with services to be provided on an as-needed basis. Bidders must demonstrate robust translation capabilities, including a minimum of one certified translator and one certified proofreader for each language pair, with translators possessing at least seven years of professional experience, including five years of government contracting. The bid submission deadline is April 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., with a bid opening scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Evaluation will be conducted using a lowest-cost methodology, mathematically calculating totals across different service types such as written translations, telephonic translations, translation support services, ADA compliance services, and interpretation services.

The solicitation includes a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal, though no additional DVBE incentive points will be applied to the bid scoring. While specific award value ranges are not explicitly detailed in the provided documentation, the contract structure suggests an as-needed service model with potential for substantial translation work across multiple language platforms. Bidders must meet stringent qualification requirements, including professional certifications, continuous professional development documentation, and demonstrated expertise in government translation services. The procurement process includes a projected Notice of Intent to Award on April 25, 2025, and a formal Notice of Award anticipated for April 30, 2025. Potential contractors must be prepared to provide high-quality, accurate translations across a diverse range of governmental documents and media, with a strong emphasis on linguistic precision, cultural competence, and professional standards in translation services.