RFI 57-26 Live Agent Visual Interpreting

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has issued Request for Information (RFI) 57-26 seeking information about smartphone-based, live agent visual interpreting tools and solutions to assist riders who are blind or have low vision in navigating the MBTA's rapid transit system across 267 stations in 175+ cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The procurement seeks comprehensive information addressing 23 specific topics, including vendors' approaches to audio and visual assistance delivery, user engagement methods and connection times, functionality in both indoor and outdoor transit environments, support for multiple languages, agent training protocols, and infrastructure requirements. Respondents must provide detailed information on technical specifications, including compatibility with emerging wearable technology, cellular signal performance testing, reporting capabilities, and pricing scalability across the MBTA service area. Key deliverable requirements include WCAG 2.1 accessibility compliance documentation, VPAT 2.1 accessibility certifications, iOS and Android native feature support, and information security controls demonstrating how service usage is restricted to transit-related support only. Responses are limited to 15 pages and must include company background information such as employee count and years in business. The timeline includes a written questions deadline of April 9, 2026, question responses posted by April 14, 2026, and a response submission deadline of April 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The MBTA will notify all respondents of next steps and timeline by May 31, 2026, and may request additional information or system capability demonstrations via email or virtual meetings to determine whether to proceed with further research or issue a formal Request for Proposal.

The RFI document does not specify set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendors currently providing these services. There is no indication of existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration beyond the compatibility requirements with the MBTA's rapid transit operations across its service area. Similarly, the RFI does not disclose estimated award values or budget ranges for potential implementation, as the current procurement phase is exploratory in nature, focused on gathering market information rather than making immediate procurement awards. The MBTA's approach suggests this RFI is the initial step in determining vendor capabilities and market viability before pursuing a formal procurement process.