IFB No. 132760 Over-the-Phone Translation Services

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is soliciting bids for IFB No. 132760 to provide comprehensive interpretation and translation services from February 6, 2027, through February 28, 2029. The scope of work encompasses over-the-phone interpretation (OPI), voice-over talent services, and scheduled virtual and in-person interpretation across all 58 California counties. Key operational requirements include 24/7 Monday-through-Friday OPI availability with a maximum queue time of 59 seconds, and a requirement for the contractor to provide training materials sufficient for 10,000 EDD employees. Contract award is based on the lowest Overall Weighted Evaluation Rate, which heavily weights OPI at 80%, voice-over narration at 10%, and VRI and in-person services at 5% each. Bidders must provide per-minute rates for 259 languages divided into two tiers. Quality standards are stringent, requiring interpreters to meet Federal Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale scores of 2 in listening and speaking and a 3 in interpretation performance, while adhering to ASTM International Standard F2089. The contractor must also comply with Title VI, ADA accessibility standards, and maintain recognized cybersecurity certifications. Bids must be submitted by November 23, 2026, and include a detailed cost proposal, business licenses, and various federal and state certifications.