IFB C5613338-D Real-Time Captioning Services

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Board of Parole Hearings is requesting bids for real-time captioning services to support deaf and hearing-impaired incarcerated persons under IFB C5613338-D, with bids due July 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and public bid opening on July 27. A 25% Small Business participation preference applies; the State also offers a 5% Small Business Preference and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise incentive program.

The scope encompasses Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) services for both remote video conferencing proceedings (via Microsoft Teams and Cisco Video Conferencing) and in-person hearings across 35 specified CDCR institutions throughout California. Services cover pre-hearing proceedings including consultations, forensic assessments, and attorney-client interviews, as well as formal hearings including parole consideration, reconsideration, rescission, and mental health disorder hearings. Captioners must hold at minimum one current and valid certification: a California Certified Shorthand Reporter certificate, National Court Reporters Association Professional Reporter certification, or Certified Real Time Reporter certification.

Bidders may submit proposals for one or more locations, and the State reserves the right to award multiple agreements for backup purposes. Pricing is structured on an hourly rate basis with separate rates for normal video conferencing, normal in-person, overtime video conferencing, and overtime in-person captioning. Estimated quantities over the contract period are 360 hours of normal video conferencing, 24 hours of normal in-person, 36 hours of overtime video conferencing, and 24 hours of overtime in-person services. The contract runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029.

The contractor must provide all equipment, internet connectivity, and personnel necessary to perform services and maintain strict confidentiality. For in-person assignments, contractors must submit gate clearance documentation and laptop computer agreements at least ten days before service dates. Letters of inquiry are due July 17, 2026. Payment is made monthly in arrears upon submission of invoices with supporting documentation, including signed confirmation letters.