Interpretation Services American Sign Language

Multnomah County is seeking interpretation services for in-person American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services. The contract is for a term of 5 years and the County will pay a minimum fee for services of one hour and fifteen minutes, with additional time billed in fifteen minute increments. The County encourages the participation of Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, and Emerging Small Businesses and Organizations in providing these services. The contract includes requirements for certification, training, and professional conduct of interpreters, as well as performance measures and penalties for non-compliance. Some key aspects of the contract include: • The County spends, on average, $2.5 to $3 million annually on Interpretation Services. • The contract requires interpreters to have various certifications, including Medical Healthcare Certified and Court Certified. • The contract includes a rate structure, with a minimum fee for services of one hour and fifteen minutes, and additional time billed in fifteen minute increments. • The contract requires the proposer to provide monthly reports to the contract administrator, including data on the number of services requested, qualifications requested, and total charges. • The County reserves the right to negotiate contract terms and conditions, and to terminate the contract if the proposer fails to meet the requirements. • The contract is for a term of 5 years, with no option to renew after the 5-year contract period. Some benefits of this contract include: • The opportunity for Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, and Emerging Small Businesses and Organizations to provide interpretation services to the County. • The potential for long-term partnership with the County, with a contract term of 5 years. • The opportunity to provide services to a diverse range of clients, including County departments, programs, and offices. However, there are also some challenges and risks associated with this contract, including: • The requirement to provide certified interpreters, which may be a challenge for smaller businesses or organizations. • The potential for penalties for non-compliance with the contract requirements, including late arrivals, early departures, and inaccurate billing. • The need to manage a large and diverse range of clients, including County departments, programs, and offices.