IFB 25-3065 ASL Interpreting Services

The California Department of Social Services is requesting bids for in-person certified American Sign Language interpreting services on an as-needed basis under IFB 25-3065, with bids due August 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time and questions due July 9, 2026. Award will be to the lowest responsive responsible bidder; a 5% Small Business Enterprise preference applies where qualifying vendors respond, and a DVBE incentive of 3–5% (capped at $100,000 or 5% of the lowest responsive bid) is available for DVBE participation of 3% or more, though the DVBE participation requirement itself is waived.

Bidders must meet eight minimum qualifications: at least one year of consecutive experience providing ASL interpreting services to a California state or public agency; valid business licensure and good standing with the California Secretary of State; principal place of business and all personnel located and conducting services within California; employment or retention of at least 30 certified hearing sign language interpreters holding current RID, NAD, or ACCI certifications; employment or retention of at least 5 Certified Deaf Interpreters or Deaf Interpreters proficient in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting; and primary business purpose of providing sign language interpreting services. Services include consecutive and simultaneous ASL interpretation and sight translations for conferences, meetings, trainings, and sponsored activities, delivered throughout California at CalHHS premises and in-person locations within Sacramento County and any other counties within a 50-mile radius of Sacramento County, generally Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, with potential off-hours requests at standard rate. Compensation is hourly per interpreter with a two-hour minimum and 15-minute increment billing thereafter; travel expenses are not reimbursable. The contract commences October 1, 2026 (or upon DGS approval, whichever is later) for up to 24 months with an optional 12-month extension at state discretion. Comprehensive insurance is required: commercial general liability $1 million per occurrence, automobile liability $1 million combined single limit, workers' compensation as required by law, and professional liability $1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate. Performance must commence within five business days of agreement execution. Bidders must submit 18 required attachments including minimum qualifications certification, rate sheets, three business references (one from a prior CDSS contract greater than $10,000 within five years if applicable), DVBE declarations and subcontractor agreements if applicable, Target Area Contract Preference Act forms if claiming preference, Darfur Certification, California Civil Rights Laws Certification, and Payee Data Record (STD 204).