RFA Telephonic Interpretation for Client Services

The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority are requesting applications for multiple contractors to provide telephonic interpretation services statewide under RFA S-10000-00017152, with applications due September 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time. This is a joint cooperative procurement with no set-aside or preference program, but applicants must complete a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan documenting subcontracting opportunities with Oregon-certified firms (minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or emerging small businesses).

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of three years' experience providing telephonic interpretation services to state or local government entities on a 24/7 basis and must have provided an average of 100,000 minutes of service monthly over the previous 12 months; exceptions to these minimums may be considered for providers of Languages of Lesser Diffusion. The scope spans on-demand interpretation available 365 days per year, seven days per week, 24 hours per day, plus pre-scheduled services, language identification assistance, voicemail interpretation, and document sight-translation services across ODHS, OHA, and contracted partner programs serving Limited English Proficient individuals in office settings, community settings, and private residences. Applicants must indicate capacity across 60 most-frequently-used languages and up to 130 languages of lesser diffusion; the state provides comprehensive language lists in Attachment C.

The anticipated initial contract term is five years with renewal options available up to a cumulative maximum of ten years. Pricing is negotiated, with rates for Most Frequently Requested Languages expected to be identical or near-identical, while Languages of Lesser Diffusion rates may vary. The state makes no guarantee of specific service volumes or dollar amounts. Contractors must provide equipment, maintain quality assurance and emergency management plans, comply with Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules regarding court and health care interpretation standards, and meet professional interpreter certification requirements appropriate to service categories offered. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 annual aggregate), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per claim/$2,000,000 annual aggregate), and Workers' Compensation Insurance. Questions are due September 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time. The Review Committee will notify applicants of decisions within ten business days of application receipt, with award notifications following within twenty business days.