ASL Interpreting Services

The City of Pasadena’s Transportation Department is seeking qualified vendors to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services under solicitation 2026-Informal-0259, with responses due by June 10, 2026. The core requirement is certification in ASL interpretation and a minimum of ten years of professional experience, with preference given to vendors familiar with engineering and transportation terminology and those with a physical business address within Pasadena, which carries a 5% evaluation advantage. Services must be available in person, via Zoom, or MS Teams, with most engagements occurring in Pasadena, and each assignment requires a minimum two-hour commitment, with a second interpreter added after the initial two hours. Vendor proposals are evaluated on technical experience (55% weight), cost (40% weight), and local business status (5% weight), with a mandatory minimum of five years of similar government contract experience required to be considered responsive. All proposers must register on the OpenGov eProcurement portal, submit a UEI from SAM.gov, complete IRS Form W-9, and provide proof of legal business status and required certifications. Insurance coverage is mandatory and must be verified prior to award, and vendors must comply with the Levine Act regarding political contributions and certify against lobbying activities involving federal funds. The contract is initially for one year with two optional one-year renewals, and invoicing must be submitted through the City’s online portal. Payment is contingent upon fund availability, with checks issued biweekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, subject to departmental verification, and the City retains absolute discretion to amend, suspend, or terminate obligations if fiscal constraints arise. Unit pricing is set at $130 per hour for both in-person and virtual interpreting, with mileage reimbursement capped at $2.50 per mile within or outside Pasadena. Price increases after the first year are limited to the Consumer Price Index rate, and all rejected services or materials must be corrected and resubmitted at no additional cost to the City. Final documentation, including the signed contract in substantially the form provided, must be executed within ten days of notification, and all proposals are public record unless explicitly marked confidential.