Language Interpretation and Translation Services

Background
The City of Portland seeks to engage qualified professionals to provide Language Interpretation and Translation Services to better communicate with Portland residents and customers. This initiative addresses the needs of its diverse and growing customer base and is part of the City’s commitment to ensure meaningful access to its programs, services, activities, information, and communications for all community members, including those who are limited English proficient (LEP). The City aims to establish contracts with suppliers capable of providing these essential services for various interactions between the City and community members.

Work Details
The contractor will provide interpretation and translation services for City needs such as meetings, events, publications, presentation materials, signage, both in-person and via telephone. Services must be offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Somali, and others. Specific tasks include:
- In-person interpretation at public meetings within 24 hours of request.
- Translation of routine correspondence, notices, surveys, reports, brochures, signage, and website text.
- Creation of presentation materials in different languages.
- Quality assurance processes for translations including human verification for AI-generated translations.
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services for various community presentations and meetings.
- Court appearances as required by subpoena or legal mechanisms.

Period of Performance
The initial term of each price agreement will be 5 years with an option to extend for an additional 5 years, totaling a maximum term of 10 years.

Place of Performance
All services must be performed from within the United States.

Bidder Requirements
Proposers must demonstrate capabilities in providing language services with interpreters holding relevant certifications such as Oregon Health Care Certification or Oregon Court Interpreter Certification. They should also have a process for managing customer complaints regarding interpreter performance. Proposers are encouraged to provide equal opportunity access in subcontracting practices.