In-Person, Remote ASL (sign language) Interpreting and Real-time Speech-to-Text (captioning) Services

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is seeking proposals for in-person and remote American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and real-time speech-to-text captioning services across multiple campus locations, including the Kenwood campus, continuing education facilities, research centers, residential halls, and off-campus internship sites. The procurement allows bidders to submit proposals for interpreting services only, speech-to-text services only, or both service categories. All ASL interpreters must hold current Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services licensure, and speech-to-text providers must provide certification evidence from recognized professional organizations. Services will be priced on an hourly rate basis in 15-minute increments, with differentiated rates for normal business hours, weekend/holiday hours, and short-notice requests. The bid solicitation includes a half-hour minimum assignment with no volume guarantees, and services will be purchased on an as-needed basis. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of February 8, 2021, at 2:00 PM, and bid submissions due March 4, 2021, at 10:00 AM, with a bid opening scheduled for 11:00 AM the same day.

The contract includes a 5% preference for certified minority business enterprises and disabled veteran-owned businesses, with specific requirements for contractors to maintain general liability insurance of at least $1 million and workers' compensation insurance. As of July 1, 2018, eleven vendors held existing UWM contracts for these services. Historical usage data indicates approximately 265 hours of on-site ASL interpreting and 275 hours of speech-to-text captioning in Fall 2019, with 16 students requiring ASL interpreting and 14 requiring captioning services by Fall 2020. The initial contract term will run from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023, with an option to renew for three additional one-year terms contingent upon maintaining proper licensing, insurance, and certification. Current market rates for services range from $45 to $75 per hour for ASL interpreting, $50 to $60 for C-Print and Typewell captioning, and $50 to $165 for CART services. UWM intends to award the contract to multiple vendors based on need, availability, and schedules, with no predetermined minimum or maximum number of awardees.