IFB-25047 Interpreter, Translator and/or American Sign Language Services

Background
The Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is the fifth largest public school system in Maryland, serving approximately 75,811 students across 162 schools and programs. The system operates under the governance of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners and has an annual operating budget of $1.39 billion. This Invitation for Bids (IFB-25047) seeks qualified entities to provide interpreter, translator, and American Sign Language services on an as-needed basis to support non-English speakers and deaf or hard of hearing individuals within the school system.

Work Details
The contractor will provide interpretation and translation services including verbal and written translations of records, forms, and various documents. Services may include assistance in district-wide meetings, Student Support Teams (SST), 504 Plans, Individual Education Programs (IEPs), and professional development sessions.

Commonly requested languages include Spanish, Nepali, Arabic, French, Chinese, Tigrinya, Swahili, Urdu, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The contractor must have staff with appropriate licenses and certifications demonstrating their qualifications for these services.

Period of Performance
The contract will be effective for three years from the date of Board approval with two optional one-year renewals at the discretion of City Schools.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed within the geographic boundaries of Baltimore City Public Schools.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must have at least two years of experience providing similar services and must submit documentation proving their qualifications at the time of bid submission. They must also maintain a list of available languages for interpretation and translation services.

Additionally, bidders are required to meet MBE/WBE participation goals of 15% for Minority Business Enterprises and 4% for Women Business Enterprises.