Language Interpretation Services

The Vendor is required to provide of interpretation, translation, and related language access services in support of court operations statewide.
- Multiple non-exclusive contracts with qualified vendors to ensure consistent, high-quality language access for limited English proficient and deaf or hard-of-hearing court users.
- Services may include in-person, ASL, virtual interpretation and document translation
- Interpreting assignments vary in complexity and subject matter, ranging from brief procedural hearings to sensitive or high-stakes trials.
- Must ensure the provision of interpreters who are capable of performing in a high-pressure environment, maintaining accuracy and impartiality throughout the proceeding, and remaining in the neutral interpreter role until formally excused by the court.
- Must demonstrate sufficient staffing flexibility and scheduling capacity to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of the court’s daily docket.
- Court interpreters must be fluent in English and another language, capable of interpreting all levels of discourse used in court, and familiar with courtroom procedures and decorum.
- This differs from the current per-hearing approach and is intended to improve efficiency, reduce administrative complexity, and provide more consistent interpreter availability.
- These block sessions will be separate from and in addition to the recurring weekly 4-hour blocks already in place at high-volume court locations.
- Common languages are primarily covered by one or two vendors providing in-person interpretation, while lesser-used languages are supported by additional vendors offering either in-person (when available) or VRI.
- In-Person Interpretation
•    Deliver qualified interpreters for high and medium use languages;
•    Provide block-scheduled interpretation for Spanish and Portuguese, including recurring weekly blocks, and new 2-, 3-, or 4-hour block model for multi-hearing coverage;
•    Ensure interpreters are trained in courtroom protocol, confidentiality, and ethics;
•    Provide in-person service as confirmed, reporting later that only remote service is possible may result in reassignment and penalties;
•    Submit all-inclusive hourly rates, except where pre-approved mileage applies for Coos, Grafton, Carroll, and Sullivan counties (mileage only, no travel time);
•    Recognize that telephonic interpretation is the least preferred modality. Telephonic interpretation should be used only when all other options have been fully exhausted. In- person interpretation or virtual remote interpretation where the interpreter is visible are both strongly preferred.
- Virtual Remote Interpretation (VRI)
•    Provide reliable, high-quality audio and video sufficient for court proceedings;
•    Ensure interpreters are trained in remote hearing protocols and maintain confidentiality;
•    Be technically knowledgeable to do some troubleshooting on their end, if there are issues during a session.

- Contract Period/Term: 2 years
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: December 29, 2025