RFP A261015701 - World Language Services

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) A261015701 seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive world language interpreter and translation services on an as-needed basis throughout California. The scope of services encompasses on-site interpretation, telephonic and video remote interpreting, and written document translation to support the State Hazard Mitigation Program (SHMP) and minimize language barriers before, during, and after emergencies. The contractor must provide certified interpreters and translators fluent in core languages including Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Farsi, Armenian, Russian, and Arabic, as well as indigenous languages such as Mixteco and Zapoteco. Services must accommodate three request categories with varying response times: routine requests (48 hours advance notice, 12-hour confirmation), expedited requests (24 hours advance notice, 2-hour confirmation), and critical requests (2 hours advance notice, 2-hour confirmation). Mandatory qualifications include certified or tested interpreters and translators with a minimum of five years of language services experience, evidence of capability handling expedited and critical requests, general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Pricing shall be submitted on detailed cost sheets using per-word rates for translation services and hourly rates for interpretation services. The question submission deadline is February 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM PST, with responses to questions due February 4, 2026, proposals due February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST, and an anticipated award date of February 16, 2026; the initial contract term runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.

The RFP includes several set-aside preferences and incentives designed to support disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses. A Small Business (SB) preference of 5 percent applies to certified small businesses, not to exceed $50,000, while a Non-Small Business Subcontractor Preference of 5 percent is available for proposers committing to 25 percent California-certified small business participation. Additionally, a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive ranging from 1 to 5 percent is offered based on confirmed DVBE participation levels. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The initial annual award amount has not yet been determined (TBD) and will be established during the procurement process. All proposals must be submitted electronically to contractsunit@caloes.ca.gov by the February 9, 2026 deadline, and prospective contractors should note that the jurisdictions covered under this procurement span multiple California counties and cities, with specific focus areas including Lake Riverside CDP, Marin City CDP, Twin Lakes CDP, Hidden Valley Lake CDP, and Yosemite Lakes CDP.