IFB 24-3066, American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation Services

Background
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is seeking bids from qualified contractors to provide certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services on an 'as needed' basis. This initiative aims to meet the language access needs of participants in activities sponsored by the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Agency Departments and Offices.

The goal is to ensure compliance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, facilitating communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for providing certified sign language interpreting services that may include:
1. American Sign Language (ASL), Trilingual Services (ASL, English, and other languages), Total Communication, Oral Communication, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), ProTactile, Tactile or Close Vision Communication, Lip-reading, sight translation of documents and web-based content, and Voice to Text Services.
2. Providing one or more certified sign language interpreters for various situations including conferences, meetings, and trainings.
3. Utilizing Certified and/or Deaf Interpreters for sight translation services.
4. Ensuring VRI requests are conducted with reliable internet connections using platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex.
5. Maintaining all equipment necessary for service delivery.

Period of Performance
The anticipated term of the resulting agreement is from March 27, 2025, or the date of approval by the Department of General Services (DGS), whichever is later, through a period not to exceed 16 months. The State may extend this term for an additional period not to exceed 12 months at its discretion.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed within California as required by the contract.