Centralized Language Translation Services

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is soliciting bids under Invitation for Bid (IFB) number 25-10700 for Centralized Language Translation Services, covering a three-year contract period from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2029. The contract aims to secure a qualified contractor capable of providing comprehensive Language Access Services (LAS) to support CDPH’s health programs, outreach, educational initiatives, and public health services. The required services encompass written translation, oral and sight interpretation, and sign language interpretation across various languages to ensure equitable access for individuals with limited English proficiency, non-English speakers, and persons who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. The contract mandates the contractor to deliver services that are ADA-compliant, culturally accurate, and align with CDPH’s goals of equity and inclusion. Contractors must also develop and maintain language glossaries, perform desktop publishing for accessible print and digital materials, and ensure adherence to standards such as WCAG and California AB 434 for accessibility. Bidders are required to submit detailed cost worksheets outlining pricing for oral interpreting, written translation, and additional services such as rush fees and desktop publishing, with pricing expected to accommodate a range of languages including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Haitian-Creole, and American Sign Language (ASL). Evaluation of bids follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach where responsiveness and bidder responsibility are critical factors, alongside compliance with California's Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goals. The contract includes stringent requirements for interpreter certification (e.g., RID, NAD, EIPA), HIPAA-compliant handling of protected health information, and contractor insurance coverage. Performance locations span across California, with options for virtual or in-person service delivery. The contract administration process emphasizes thorough quality control, with provisions for up to three rounds of revisions on translations and rigorous inspection and acceptance protocols. Proposal submissions must be physical copies delivered by the stated deadline with strict formatting and documentation requirements, and failure to comply with requirements such as GenAI usage notification or DVBE certifications may disqualify bidders. The CDPH retains oversight authority to inspect services and enforce adherence to contract terms, ensuring that the contractor provides timely, accurate, and culturally competent language access to support statewide public health objectives.