26MAOSTBH1 | Interpreter in Education Course Delivery - American Sign Language | MA for Districts

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is establishing a prequalified list of vendors through a Departmental Master Agreement to deliver American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter in Education training for certified interpreters. The goal is to support interactions between schools and families in educational settings. Selected vendors will utilize Department-approved curriculum and materials to deliver a course consisting of eight specific modules, ranging from Introduction to Educational Interpretation to Legal Meetings and Remote Interpretation. Delivery may be online-only or a blended format featuring live sessions. Vendors must employ approved instructors, at least one of whom must be a native speaker, and ensure participants demonstrate ASL proficiency through recognized certifications such as RID or EIPA. This is a rolling enrollment solicitation with a final open date of December 31, 2029. Bids must be submitted via COMMBUYS and include a detailed narrative on delivery methods, instructor resumes, and a proposed fee structure broken down by fiscal year. Evaluation is based on a weighted scorecard focusing on staff experience, prior qualifications, and evidence of addressing racial inequities. While the contract is based on rates, it is noted as no cost to the Department, as individuals or organizations will use the services at their own expense. Awarded vendors must comply with Commonwealth standard terms, including supplier diversity requirements, electronic funds transfer for payments, and strict data security standards set by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security.