Telephonic Interpreter Services and American Sign Language Video Remote Interpreter Services

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is seeking a vendor to provide Telephonic Interpreter Services and American Sign Language (ASL) Video Remote Interpreter (VRI) Services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in California. The Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to ensure accessible and effective communication services, with vendors required to provide per-minute rates for telephonic and ASL video remote interpretation, including standard and after-hours services. Potential additional costs may include subscription/platform access fees, implementation fees, and technical support. The contract will have an initial one-year term with options to renew for up to five additional one-year periods. Proposals are due on October 1, 2025, by 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with bidder questions due by September 11, 2025. IEHP currently processes approximately 86,683 interpreter service calls annually and serves over 1.5 million members across Medi-Cal, D-SNP, and Covered California programs. Vendors must ensure all interpreters are qualified in medical interpretation, physically located in the United States, and comply with HIPAA requirements.

The procurement includes several significant restrictions and local preferences. IEHP explicitly prohibits the use of offshore subcontractors in service delivery and offers a 5-point preference for local businesses located in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties. Potential bidders must provide comprehensive security documentation, including disaster recovery plans, security certifications, penetration test results, and SOC 2 Type II audit reports. Vendors must also complete various certification documents, including a Non-Collusion Declaration, Certification of Non-Debarment, and verification that they are not excluded from State or Federal health care programs. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the organization serves over 1.5 million members, suggesting a potentially substantial contract opportunity. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with multiple security and operational requirements, including monthly regulatory sanction screenings and comprehensive data sharing assessments. The local preference program aims to support businesses with fixed offices in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties, with a majority of employees physically located in local offices.