Interpreter/Translator Sevices for the Deaf

Lake County Schools (LCS) in Florida is seeking multiple contractors to provide Sign Language Interpreter and Sign Language/Oral/Cued Speech Translator Services for a three-year initial contract period. The procurement is structured as a Request for Proposal (RFP #19-0106-P-RP) to establish a pool of qualified firms to support interpreter needs across several school sites, including Eustis High School, East Ridge High School, Lake Minneola High School, South Lake High School, and Mount Dora Middle School. Interpreters must possess specific qualifications, such as an Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Level 3 or higher, or certifications from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or National Association of the Deaf (NAD). The services will cover approximately 35 hours per school week, with interpreters responsible for translating school meetings, substituting for district sign language interpreters, and attending district-provided training. Proposal submissions were due on March 9, 2020, with a pre-proposal meeting held on February 19, 2020, and an initial evaluation meeting conducted remotely via Zoom on April 6, 2020. The evaluation criteria included qualifications, references, and cost of services, with a total possible score of 100 points.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, and out-of-state vendors are permitted to submit proposals. The RFP indicates an anticipated annual budget of $375,000, with the district planning to pay for actual time worked and implementing a two-hour minimum billing policy. Current interpreting vendors include Interpretek, Community Rehab, and Deaf Talk, with the evaluation committee recommending a pool of nine firms for contract awards. The top-ranked firms include Communication Services, Inc. (Interpretek) with a score of 92.32, King Interpreting Services, LLC at 79.17, and SignTalk, LLC at 77.50. Contractors must provide comprehensive general liability insurance of $1,000,000, automobile liability insurance of $500,000, and workers' compensation insurance as required by Florida Statutes. The contract includes provisions for background investigations, compliance with public records laws, and a requirement for vendors to provide a 24-hour contact number, particularly during emergency or hurricane conditions.