Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 26EO007 Translation and Interpretation Services for CARBs Board Hearings/Meetings, Workshops, Conferences, Administrative Hearings, and Interviews

The California Air Resources Board is soliciting bids for translation and interpretation services supporting board hearings, meetings, workshops, conferences, administrative hearings, and interviews under IFB No. 26EO007, with bids due October 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PST. The procurement serves Limited English Proficient individuals and implements the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act.

The contractor must provide consecutive and simultaneous verbal interpretation in at least 27 languages, including American Sign Language and Braille, along with written translation services for technical, administrative, legal, and policy documents. Services must be available both in-person and virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Interpreters and translators must meet language proficiency standards established by ACTFL, ILR, or CEFR, or demonstrate equivalent qualifications through self-certification.

The total contract value is $249,999.99 over a 24-month term, with an estimated start date of December 1, 2026. Bids exceeding this amount will be deemed non-responsive. All travel costs, including travel time, are included in quoted rates with no separate reimbursement permitted.

Bidders must demonstrate at least five years of experience providing interpretation and translation services; assigned personnel must hold a minimum of two years' experience with public entities in state, local, or federal government. Contractors must maintain general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and workers' compensation coverage.

CARB will award to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder meeting all IFB requirements. Optional incentives are available for California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation or Small Business and Microbusiness preferences. Written questions are due October 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PST, with responses posted by October 23, 2026. Virtual bid opening is scheduled for October 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST. Bids must be submitted electronically and comply with formatting requirements, including a maximum file size of 50 megabytes.