IFB C5613316-D, Rebid 1 Sign Language In-Person Interpreter Services (Secondary and Tertiary only)

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Board of Parole Hearings, is soliciting bids for sign language in-person interpreter services across secondary and tertiary contract levels under IFB C5613316-D, Rebid 1, with bids due August 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and public bid opening on August 24 at 2:00 p.m. via conference call.

A 5% Small Business/Micro Business preference is available, capped at $50,000, and a 5% non-Small Business preference is available for bids with minimum 25% certified Small/Micro Business subcontractor participation, also capped at $50,000. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of 1–5% is available based on participation level; DVBE participation is voluntary.

The scope covers American Sign Language interpretation services—both Hearing Interpreters (HIs) and Deaf Interpreters (DIs)—to accommodate communication needs of incarcerated persons with hearing disabilities at parole hearings, parole reconsideration hearings, forensic assessment interviews, legal visits, and consultations. Services are required at specified Department institutions across three regional offices: Northern (12 institutions, estimated 23 service days annually), Central (12 institutions, estimated 31 service days annually), and Southern (10 institutions, estimated 10 service days annually). The Board estimates two HIs and two DIs per service day. Bidders may submit for one or more locations. Interpreters must hold current certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), National Association for the Deaf (NAD), or Texas Health and Human Services Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI); HIs must hold RID CSC, RID SC:L, NAD Level IV or V, NIC, or BEI CIC. Compensation is hourly and daily rate basis, with daily rates covering 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. availability and overtime charges in quarter-hour increments for services beyond 4:30 p.m. The anticipated agreement commencement is upon approval, with term end June 30, 2027 and no renewal options. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder compliant with all requirements; the State reserves the right to award multiple agreements for backup purposes (primary, secondary, and tertiary contractors).