RFI 23-25-MCD RFI to Redesign MCDHH's ASL Interpreter Screening System

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to redesign its American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter screening system. MCDHH is seeking information and guidance from qualified individuals, agencies, or organizations to assist in revising its existing screening program. The goal is to conduct a sociolinguistic/anthropological study to ensure the screening exams are inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the perspectives of the multi-cultural deaf community in Massachusetts. MCDHH aims to develop a future state screening system that incorporates racial/ethnic diversity, inclusion of heritage signers and those with intersectional identities, and rating systems that define "entry-level" interpreters based on the perspectives of both the deaf/ASL using communities and interpreters. The RFI is open for responses on a rolling basis from January 15, 2023 until September 1, 2023, and respondents may submit multiple responses. MCDHH expects this to be an iterative, collaborative process to gather information that will inform the development of a potential future Request for Response (RFR) or bid solicitation.

The RFI is specifically targeted at qualified Deaf or ASL-fluent individuals, agencies, or entities with native fluency in ASL, experience with diverse deaf communities, knowledge of ASL interpreting services, sociolinguistic/anthropological research background, and access to stimulus materials demonstrating interpreters at various skill levels. This RFI is solely for information-gathering purposes and does not commit MCDHH to any procurement or contract. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, and no incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed. The potential award value or budget range is not specified.