RFP language and accessibility services

The Oregon Housing and Community Services Department is requesting proposals for language and accessibility services under RFP Bid #S-91400-00017528, with proposals due August 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST. OHCS encourages participation of certified small businesses and offers Oregon-sourced service preferences.

The scope encompasses translation, interpretation, transcription, subtitling, braille, captioning, and Communication Access Real Time Translation (CART) services to ensure equitable access for Oregonians with limited English proficiency and disabilities. Spanish is the priority language for vital documents and emergency planning; additional languages include Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese, plus other languages as requested. Services must be delivered in multiple formats (printed, electronic, in-person, and remote modalities) and demonstrably include culturally responsive service delivery. Proposers must hold industry-recognized licensing and certification standards for language and accessibility professionals and demonstrate experience providing inclusive services within public service settings such as housing, human services, healthcare, and education.

OHCS anticipates awarding one or more contracts with an initial two-year term and options to renew up to a cumulative maximum of 10 years in five two-year increments. The contract requires Professional Liability Insurance ($1 million per claim / $2 million annual aggregate), Commercial General Liability Insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), and Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by Oregon law.

Round One evaluation scores proposals on organizational profile and capacity (25 points), service process and approach (49 points), essential services cost (10 points), and three professional references evaluated on a 0-10 scale across responsiveness, quality adherence, problem-solving, and overall satisfaction (9 points total possible), for 93 points. Proposers scoring highest in Round One advance to Round Two for comprehensive service and language cost review and potential negotiation. A public opening is scheduled for August 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST via Zoom. The Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated for approximately September 4, 2026. Proposals are limited to 10 pages and must include all required attachments submitted electronically through OregonBuys.