Sign Language Interpretation and Other Services

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) to procure comprehensive sign language interpretation and transliteration services for all Commonwealth using agencies. The solicitation seeks providers capable of delivering multiple service types, including in-person American Sign Language interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and specialized services for medical, legal, and court settings. Qualified contractors must have interpreters registered with the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing and demonstrate expertise across various interpretation contexts. The contract will have an initial two-year term from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, with options for three additional one-year renewals. Bid submissions are due on November 8, 2023, at 3:00 PM EST through the PA Supplier Portal, with evaluation criteria including price, availability, service capacity, small business participation, and domestic workforce utilization. Contractors must complete numerous mandatory forms, including Domestic Workforce Utilization Certification, Lobbying Certification, and Worker Protection Certification.

The procurement appears open to various organizations, with no strict set-aside designations, though small businesses are encouraged to participate. Bidders must be registered suppliers and can elect to participate in the COSTARS cooperative purchasing program, which allows local public procurement units to access the contract. Hourly rates for services vary by county and service type, with specific pricing outlined in Attachment A, including differentiated rates for standard, after-hours, holiday, and emergency services. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of services suggests a potentially significant procurement opportunity. Contractors must comply with various state requirements, including Iran Free Procurement Certification and worker protection standards. The Commonwealth will award contracts to multiple responsive and responsible bidders, ensuring broad service coverage across different regions and interpretation needs. Successful contractors will be required to submit semiannual reports detailing service requests, staffing, invoicing, and performance metrics.