IFB 25-3029 - Bilingual Certification Evaluations

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) 25-3029 to procure bilingual certification evaluations for ensuring compliance with Section 1003 of the California Department of Human Resources Manual. The contract seeks a vendor to develop, administer, and score bilingual proficiency exams across 24 different languages and writing systems, including Arabic, Armenian, Chinese dialects, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Bidders must have a minimum of two years of experience providing bilingual proficiency evaluation services, be legally authorized to do business in California, and maintain principal operations within the state. The evaluations will assess language proficiency using the Interagency Language Roundtable scale, with two primary assessment types: Listening/Speaking and Reading/Writing. The bid is scheduled to be available on July 18, 2025, with final questions due by August 1, 2025, and bid submissions due on August 15, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. Pacific Time. The anticipated agreement term is from November 1, 2025, for a period not exceeding 24 months, with potential options to extend up to 12 additional months. Evaluation will be based on the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with potential preferences for Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participants.

The solicitation includes a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal, with specific requirements for DVBE involvement and documentation. Bidders must complete numerous attachments demonstrating compliance with state regulations, including the Darfur Contracting Act, California Civil Rights Laws, and various certification requirements. The contract emphasizes supporting diverse business participation, with potential bid incentives for DVBE involvement ranging from 3% to 5% based on participation levels. While specific pricing is marked as to be determined, the contract will cover virtual evaluations conducted via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with strict requirements for examination integrity and confidentiality. Potential bidders must provide comprehensive documentation, including minimum qualifications certifications, references, business declarations, and proof of insurance. The contract aims to support state and federal civil rights obligations, including compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act, by ensuring effective language access services for individuals with limited English proficiency.