Telephone-based interpretation services

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is seeking a contractor to provide telephone-based interpretation services through Invitation for Bid (IFB) 16-IFB-00669. The procurement requires a vendor to deliver consecutive mode telephone interpretation services for CDSS staff across multiple offices, covering 23 languages including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Vietnamese, and others. Bidders must demonstrate at least two years of experience providing comparable telephone interpretation services and submit three business references validating their professional capabilities. The contract will run from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018, with bid submissions originally due May 20, 2016, but extended to May 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. via Addendum 1. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with key requirements including answering calls within one minute, providing interpreters within two minutes, and maintaining 24/7 toll-free service capabilities. Bidders must also submit proof of insurance coverage, including $1 million in commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside provisions for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), mandating 3% DVBE participation with no option for good faith effort substitution. Small Business preferences and DVBE bid incentives ranging from 3% to 5% are available, with the incentive adjustment capped at 5% or $100,000 of the lowest ranked net bid price. The current incumbent vendor is AVAZA Language Services Corp., which has been providing services at an all-inclusive rate of $0.62 per minute, with total charges of $9,128.88 in fiscal year 2014/15. The total contract budget is $22,500 over the two-year term ($11,250 per fiscal year), with the contract to be awarded to a single vendor based on the lowest responsible bid price per minute. Bidders must complete a Bidder Declaration form (GSPD-05-105) to document DVBE participation and comply with state contract requirements.