Sign Language & Other Certified Interpretative Svc

The Georgia Department of Administrative Services issued RFX 99999-SPD0000052 on April 15, 2011, seeking sign language interpreting services with legal and medical specialties, video remote interpreting, C-Print, and CART services; the solicitation was subsequently cancelled due to changes in scope and service levels, with vendors directed to participate in a rebid through the Team Georgia Marketplace.

The procurement was structured around 12 geographic regions across Georgia and sought both individual interpreters and company-based service providers. All interpreters were required to complete background checks through the Georgia Cogent background system and maintain compliance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations due to exposure to medical and client information.

The solicitation generated multiple protests. Sign Language Interpreting Specialists, Inc. (SLIS) challenged the RFP on grounds that sign language interpreting services constitute exempt professional services under the Georgia State Purchasing Act and should not be subject to competitive bidding; that the RFP failed to incorporate established Georgia industry standards for practices, policies, and pricing in place since 1987; that the mandatory-contract structure reduced access to qualified interpreters; and that Georgia Enterprises for Products and Services (GEPS) received an unlawful 8 percent pricing advantage. A second protester, Mariah Wojdacz, argued that mandating state agency use of contracted providers would exacerbate an existing critical shortage of interpreters (approximately 200–300 serving nearly 300,000 deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Georgia) and create ADA violations. The State Purchasing Division responded by revising the contract via Addendum 13 to designate it "Convenience Only," meaning state entities were not required to use the contract and could procure these services through alternative means.

The second Bidders Conference was held July 27, 2011. The evaluation team included representatives from the Technical College System of Georgia, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Gwinnett Tech, and the State ADA Coordinator, with technical qualifications weighted at 60% and cost at 40%. Multiple contract awards per region were anticipated. The extended proposal due date was August 25, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.