Language Translation and Interpretation Services

The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement is requesting proposals for language translation and interpretation services under RFP 549510, with proposals due October 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST and a pre-proposal conference on September 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST via Microsoft Teams. Detroit Equalization Credits are available for certified Detroit-headquartered, Detroit-based, Detroit resident-owned, or small/micro businesses.

The scope encompasses interpretation for approximately 275 City Council meetings annually (at least six times per week), 50–100 board and commission meetings, community meetings, and hearings in in-person, video remote, and telephonic modes; translation of a minimum of 200 documents per year including applications, forms, notices, and signage; and capacity to handle up to 6,000 requests annually on a 24/7/365 on-call basis. Services must be provided in at minimum Arabic, Bengali, Braille, French, and Latin American Spanish. Interpreters must hold CIG certification at minimum; translators must be certified under ATA or other industry-recognized standards. Current HIPAA compliance is required; HIPAA/HITECH/FERPA compliance is preferred. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience providing translation and interpretation services and provide organizational charts, staff resumes, and current certifications.

The contract term is two years with potential renewal options subject to Detroit City Council approval. Proposals will be evaluated on relevant experience (30 points), capacity (15 points), strength of proposal (20 points), availability (15 points), and pricing (20 points). The City anticipates one or multiple awards and reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or cancel the RFP. Questions are due October 9, 2026 by 3:00 PM EST. All proposals must be submitted through the EUNA Bonfire Procurement Supplier Portal; faxed or mailed proposals will not be accepted. Successful respondents must execute a Professional Services Contract and obtain City Council approval and certification in the City's Vendor Portal before payments under NET 30 terms can be processed.