Sign Language and Interpretation Services - IFB No. 119723

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 119723 for Sign Language and Interpretation Services across California's Central, Northern, and Southern regions. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive sign language interpretation services, including American Sign Language (ASL) and other Sign Languages (SL), with both in-person and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) options for on-demand and scheduled services. Contractors must provide interpreters with specific professional qualifications, including certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and demonstrate a minimum of two years' experience working with government entities. The solicitation covers services for targeted jurisdictions including Lake Riverside CDP, Marin City CDP, Twin Lakes CDP, Hidden Valley Lake CDP, and Yosemite Lakes CDP. Key procurement dates include bid release on October 7, 2025, questions due by October 15, 2025, bid submissions due on October 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (PT), and an anticipated intent to award on November 3, 2025. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, with evaluation criteria focused on pricing, qualifications, and service capabilities.

The IFB includes provisions for small business and nonprofit veteran service agency certification preferences, though Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements are waived for this specific solicitation. The contract term is set from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, with services to be priced per minute for VRI and per hour for in-person interpretations across different sign language categories. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive nature of the services suggests a potentially substantial contract value covering interpreter rates, technology infrastructure for video remote interpreting, and statewide service delivery. Potential bidders must be prepared to provide a robust interpreting service with qualified professionals capable of supporting diverse communication needs across multiple California jurisdictions. The procurement emphasizes professional qualifications, technological capability, and competitive pricing as key selection criteria for the interpretation services contract.