IFB C5613316-D Sign Language In-Person Interpreter Services

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Board of Parole Hearings, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) C5613316-D for sign language in-person interpreter services to accommodate communication needs of incarcerated persons with hearing disabilities during Board proceedings, including parole hearings and other legally mandated hearings. The Contractor shall provide American Sign Language interpretation services to facilitate communication between spoken English and sign language during all Board proceedings at specified Department institutions identified in Exhibit A-1, with services available upon request for incarcerated persons and, on rare occasions, for other proceeding participants such as crime victims. Key deliverables include real-time interpretation services in compliance with all applicable state and federal accessibility requirements, with interpreters maintaining professional standards and impartiality throughout proceedings. Required qualifications include valid certification as a sign language interpreter, demonstrated expertise in legal interpreting, and familiarity with correctional facility protocols and procedures. The evaluation criteria utilize a lowest responsive responsible bidder methodology. The solicitation was posted on April 21, 2026, with a written questions deadline and final bid submission due by May 11, 2026, and bid opening scheduled for the same date.

While the provided solicitation documents reference a separate California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection water treatment system contract rather than the Board of Parole Hearings sign language interpretation services, a five percent small business preference is typically available for California-certified small businesses, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentives of up to five percent may apply based on verified participation in the state's DVBE program. No incumbent vendors or existing contract information is specified in the available documentation. The specific contract award value or budget range for the sign language interpretation services is not disclosed in the materials provided; interested contractors should consult the complete solicitation documents for pricing parameters and contract value information.