American Sign Language Interpreter Services

The vendor is required to provide american sign language (ASL) interpretation services are required for agency personnel who are deaf or hard of hearing, supporting various settings such as training classes, personnel meetings, seminars, and business operations. 
• Ensure the availability of at least two (2) interpreters for in-person requests with a minimum of 24 hours' notice. 
• For virtual service requests with short notice, at least one (1) interpreter must be available within four (4) hours. 
• The respondent must also have the capability to provide additional interpreters as needed, based on event size, complexity, or participant requirements. 
• Agency currently employs five (5) deaf and hard of hearing employees who may regularly utilize these services and may also support other agency personnel during interpretation sessions. 
• Provide sign language interpretation services (SLIS)/ASL interpreters with active certification and licensure from the board for evaluation of interpreters (BEI) under the department and rehabilitative services and the registry of interpreters for the deaf (rid). 
• Agency primarily utilizes level iii (advanced) interpreters but requires flexibility to use all certification levels as outlined in section d.3, ASL minimum experience and qualifications. 
• Offer virtual services via video remote interpreting (VRI) through approved platforms such as microsoft teams, WebEx, zoom, or similar. 
• Verify that virtual platforms adhere to accessibility standards for deaf and hard of hearing users. ensure interpreters use high-resolution cameras and professional-grade microphones, and maintain a black or green background while providing service. 
• Provide technical support to resolve any VRI connectivity issues during scheduled services. 
• Be available during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to process agency requests. any urgent performance issues requiring immediate correction must be addressed in writing by the agency point of contact. 
• Provide a scheduling tool through either an online portal or email communication, ensuring all service requests are timestamped upon submission, receipt, and confirmation. 
• Agency requests and communications must be documented in written form to establish request acceptance, cancellation time, and respondent confirmation. 
• If an online scheduling tool with date/time stamp is utilized and agreed upon, it will serve as the official record for request submission, confirmation, and cancellation. 
• Ensure that scheduling and confirmation of requests are documented in written form via email or agency -approved scheduling tool, with confirmation received no later than four (4) hours before scheduled service. 
• Agency reserves the right to cancel requested services at any point. cancellation fees may only be assessed if cancellation occurs within one (1) hour of the scheduled service. 
• Ensure that hourly rates include all costs related to service. no additional payments will be made beyond the quoted rates. 
• Provide primary and secondary contacts for services. 
• Agency requires written notice at least ten (10) working days prior to any change in the respondent’s designated contact person. 
• Agency will provide agency point of contact details at the time of contract award. 
• Ensure timely notification of interpreter substitutions to agency POC at least four (4) hours before the scheduled service. 
• Furnish all labor, tools, transportation, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to meet the requirements outlined. 
• Ensure that interpreters wear black or solid shirt while performing services. 
• Coordinate parking arrangements with the agency POC for its interpreter at the time-of-service confirmation. 
• Agency will not cover any parking or related expenses.
- Contract Period/Term: 1 year
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: July 7, 2025