RFQ for Deputy Court Reporting Services

The Texas Office of Court Administration is requesting qualifications for deputy court reporting services under RFQ 212-27-0003, with responses due September 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. A completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan is a pass/fail requirement; all respondents must demonstrate good faith effort to recruit and involve VetHUB-certified subcontractors, with identified subcontracting opportunities in Editorial Services (NIGP Class 915, Item 27) and Transcription Services (NIGP Class 961, Item 72).

Respondents must hold a high school diploma or GED, possess two years of full-time court reporting experience using machine shorthand or oral stenography, and maintain current Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) licensure in good standing with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Court reporting firms must register with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission and ensure all assigned reporters are CSR-certified. Scope includes attending in-person and videoconference court sessions, recording oral testimony verbatim, transcribing and verifying transcripts, providing transcripts in compliance with court orders and Texas Rules of Evidence and Appellate Procedure, and maintaining logs and exhibits.

Respondents must submit 250-word experience narratives addressing court reporting services for the Texas judiciary, verbatim recording in business litigation, expedited transcript preparation, appellate-record preparation, videoconference delivery, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Three professional references from organizations served within the past five years are required (court references listed first); OCA references are excluded.

Compensation is established by Texas Government Code 52.042: $255.00 half-day (up to 4 hours), $510.00 full-day (over 4 hours), $305.00 half-day holiday, $610.00 full-day holiday, $95.55 per additional hour, and $7.50 per page for certified transcripts. Travel reimbursement follows OCA employee policy, including $0.725 per mile and GSA Domestic Maximum Per Diem. The contract runs through August 31, 2027, with an option to renew for one additional year. Questions are due August 18, with answers provided August 25. Awards are anticipated September 9; contract start is September 14. Evaluation weighted: experience 40%, qualifications 40%, references 20%.