Interpreter Training Services for Certified and Non-Certified Interpreters for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) HHS0017073 on March 9, 2026, seeking competitive bids for interpreter training services for certified and non-certified sign language interpreters serving persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The procurement requires the contractor to deliver two distinct training events: one for non-certified deaf or hard of hearing interpreters preparing for the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Intermediary Certificate Performance Test, one for non-certified hearing interpreters preparing for the BEI Basic Performance Test, and one for BEI Basic Level certified interpreters preparing for the BEI Advanced Performance Test. Training must be delivered via online platform using accessible platforms such as GoTo Webinar, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, or in-person in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, or other contractor-proposed Texas cities, scheduled for Sundays through Fridays or over five consecutive days, with all training completed by August 31, 2026. Contractor qualifications include a minimum of three years' experience training sign language interpreters and current BEI certification; a lead trainer must possess three years' training experience, two years' curriculum development experience, five years' interpreter experience, current BEI certification, and three years' experience evaluating interpreter skills; presenters must have five years' interpreter experience and current BEI or RID certification; and contractors must provide at least three verifiable references for similar services completed within the last three years. Background checks including Texas DPS criminal and sex offender records are required for all personnel prior to contract commencement at contractor expense. The solicitation deadline for questions was March 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, with responses due March 25, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Standard Time, and a vendor conference was held on March 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

The solicitation does not specify HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) set-asides or restrictions limiting eligible respondents; however, all bidders must meet minimum qualifications and submit comprehensive documentation including completed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), Exhibit D (Bidder Reference Form listing BEI-certified trainers), proof of financial capability and solvency, and Addendum Acknowledgement Forms. New vendors doing business with the State of Texas HHSC must submit Form 4109 (Application for TIN). The contract begins upon award and expires August 31, 2026, with an option for HHSC to extend up to one additional year for continuity or transition purposes, with pricing submitted on a fixed-price basis remaining firm for the contract life. Historical spending for similar services totaled $29,700 for FY24 (September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024); however, HHSC provides no guarantee of volume, usage, or compensation. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), commercial automobile liability, professional liability ($1,000,000), and umbrella liability ($1,000,000). No incumbent vendors or specific budget ranges are identified in the solicitation documents.