Sign Language Interpreter Services

The Vendor is required to provide prompt, professional communication services (“Services”) for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and require such services to allow them equal access to all university-related programs and services.
- Must be a certified American Sign Language Interpreter with a current certificate from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
- Must submit proof of American Sign Language Interpreting Certification including type of certification and level of certification.
- Must have extensive prior experience performing interpreting services within an academic institution of higher education.
- Must reside within the greater Houston metropolitan area for in person work.
- Virtual class providers must reside within in the country.
- Must have reliable transportation to various assignments on/off campus for in-person assignments.
- Must be willing to submit to a background check.
- Must submit detailed invoices within 30 days of the assignment end date, to the University describing the services rendered, invoice number, invoice date, the name of the assignment, name of deaf/hard of hearing consumer, name of service provider, the dates and times when such services were performed, compensable expenses and the total amount due.
- Failure to make timely invoice adjustments may result in a delay of payment.
- Must notify the Director or designee more than 24 hours in advance if you cannot make a scheduled assignment.
- Must maintain a Comprehensive General Liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The University shall be listed as additional insured on the commercial liability and automobile liability policies.
- Must maintain Worker’s Compensation coverage as required by law with statutory limits for the state, including Employers Liability Coverage of $500,000 per accident.
- To adequately accommodate the growing number of individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and are utilizing agency programs and services, there has been an increasing need to provide interpreter services.
- Parking charges incurred by providers will not be reimbursed by the University. All providers have to utilize visitor parking.
- Interpreters are required to be communication mediums only. At no point should their input effect the natural progression of communication within the assignment.
- All virtual work will be billed at the same rate as in-person work.
- In-person assignments canceled by the Director or designee one (1) or more hours before the scheduled start time will not incur Travel/Administration/Fixed Fee (or similar fees).
- The University will not pay emergency rates if a scheduled assignment changes modalities. Ex: Virtual changing to in-person or in-person changing to virtual.
- The University will not pay for services on the days of campus closures. Campus closures are an exception to the 24-hour notification requirement. The University closes due to emergencies that are announced on the website, through social media, or on local news.
- Providers will adhere to the following client late arrival schedule. If the assignment is 0 –1.5 hours then the provider will wait a minimum of 15 minutes. If the assignment is 1.5 hours –2 hours then the provider will wait a minimum of 20 minutes. If the assignment is 3 hours or longer then the provider will wait a minimum of 30 minutes. Students may notify the coordinator that they are running late to an assignment. If this happens the provider may be asked to wait an additional 15 minutes.
- Assignments of 1-hour or less will only be assigned 1 interpreter.

- Contract Period/Term: 3 years
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: December 3, 2025