SBS 2526-07 Translation, Interpretation, and Transcription Services

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is soliciting bids for translation, interpretation, and transcription services to support the Site Mitigation and Restoration Program's Cleanup in Vulnerable Communities Initiative, with proposals due June 23, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. This is a Small Business Solicitation (SBS) restricted to California small businesses.

The scope requires real-time interpretation at conferences, discussions, hearings, and public meetings conducted on-site across California and online via Zoom and BlueJeans. Translation services must cover a minimum of eleven languages: Armenian, Cantonese, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Mandarin, Samoan, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, with additional options including Arabic, Hindi, Mixtec, Nahuatl, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Sindhi, Somali, Thai, Urdu, Zapotec, and Braille. Transcription services must accommodate audio recordings with delivery turnarounds of up to ten business days. All interpreters and translators must hold valid certifications appropriate to their language and service type; transcribers must demonstrate proficiency through industry-recognized methods. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance covering general liability, automobile liability, and professional liability. Bidders must disclose any use of generative artificial intelligence in deliverables or contract performance; failure to disclose results in disqualification.

The contract term runs through June 29, 2028, with a maximum total award of $100,000. The solicitation covers Lake Riverside CDP, Marin City CDP, Twin Lakes CDP, Hidden Valley Lake CDP, and Yosemite Lakes CDP. Bidders must submit six attachments: a detailed cost sheet specifying rates for each service type; certification documentation through one of three qualification pathways; a signed Code of Ethics, Professional Conduct and Confidentiality Statement; the GSPD-05-105 Bidder Declaration identifying state certifications and subcontractors; a Reference Form documenting three previous similar projects; and a Commercially Useful Function Evaluation Form. Payment is made in arrears upon satisfactory completion at contracted rates under Government Code Chapter 4.5.