Small Business Option Request for Quote (RFQ) No. 26EO004 Translation and Interpretation Services

The California Air Resources Board is soliciting price quotes from California-certified small businesses for translation and interpretation services supporting Board Hearings, Meetings, Workshops, Conferences, Administrative Hearings, and Interviews, with quotes due September 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This is a small-business set-aside; bidders must hold California small-business or microbusiness certification from the Department of General Services.

CARB requires consecutive and simultaneous verbal interpretation in 27 languages and written translation in 28 languages, including American Sign Language and Braille. Interpretation services must be deliverable both in-person and virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, statewide across California and its counties. All travel costs and travel time are included in quoted rates with no separate reimbursement. Bidders must demonstrate at least five years of experience providing interpretation and translation services; individual interpreters and translators must hold a minimum of two years of experience with public entities within State, local, or federal government.

The anticipated total contract value shall not exceed $249,999.99 for the entire contract term, including optional renewal. The contract term is twelve months with an optional one additional year renewal at the State's discretion, with an estimated start date of October 1, 2026. Pricing is structured as all-inclusive hourly rates for in-person simultaneous interpretation (Group A), virtual/remote interpretation (Group B), per-word rates for written translation (Group C), and hourly rates for special equipment rental and technician services (Group D).

Mandatory submittals include a detailed contractor rate sheet with pricing for all 27 interpretation and 28 translation languages, proof of small-business certification, resumes of all employees and subcontractors, and references documenting qualifying experience. Bidders must notify CARB of any intended use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and comply with State certifications including drug-free workplace requirements, nondiscrimination certifications, and COVID-19 prevention protocols. Questions are due August 31, 2026.