Contract Summary

Sign Language Interpreter Services - Independent Contractors

See vendors on this contract and their certifications

Contract #: 03919

Replaces: 08114

Contract Type: STATEWIDE CONTRACT

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DES is aware there is a nationwide shortage of in-person (on-site) language access services. Requests may result in longer wait times.

Contract Scope This Statewide Contract is for Sign Language Interpreter Services through Independent Contractors. Under this statewide contract a sign language interpreter will accurately convey messages between two different languages. The interpreter is there for both deaf and hearing individuals. The act of interpreting occurs when a hearing person speaks, and an interpreter renders the speaker's meaning into sign language, or other forms used by the deaf party(ies). The interpreting also happens in reverse: when a deaf person signs, an interpreter renders the meaning expressed in the signs into the oral language for the hearing party, which is sometimes referred to as voice interpreting or voicing.

Interpreting services can be delivered in multiple modalities. This contract offers the following:
• In-Person Interpreting (IPI).
• Video Interpreting (VI) or Video Relay Service (VRS)

This statewide contract does not include:
• Over-The-Phone Interpreting (OPI).
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).

This contract is part of the Language Access Program. Information about the services we offer under the suite of Language Access Program Statewide Contracts can be found on the DES website under Language Access Contracts and the Language Access Guide.

How to Use this Contract

1. Review the Awarded Contractor Information section below to find pricing, product offerings, location, and contact information for each Contractor.
2. Contractors may not provide services outside of the scope of their respective category modalities.
3. When setting up an account with the contractor, placing an order or doing other business under this contract, reference the DES contract unique identifier number.
4. Contact the contractor sales representatives directly to consult about their products and/or services, quotes, and place orders.
5. Payment for services is paid for by the Purchaser’s fiscal department.
6. Contact the Contract Administrator listed below with any further questions.

Purchasers requesting sign language interpreter services are encouraged to submit an Interpreter Services Request using the Statewide Contract Sign Language Interpreter online request, OR the Sign Language Interpreter Request form.
At a minimum submitted interpreter requests should contain:
1. Date, time, and duration of the Appointment;
2. Location of the Appointment;
3. Purchaser’s name, place of business, and contact information;
4. Name(s) of the Customer(s), to the extent known at the time of the Request;
5. Nature and venue format of the Appointment, such as a one-on-one meeting, a conference, or webinar;
6. Name and contact information of the Customer, should that individual be different than the Purchaser; and
7. Preferred Interpreter(s) (must be an awarded contractor), if any
8. A prior authorization number if it is an HCA Medicaid request.

Learn more about the Sign Language Interpreter Contracts and Resources Program.

View the Ordering Instructions for this contract and learn more about available services.

Attend Our Language Access Purchaser Meetings Purchasers who use these contracts are invited to attend a virtual meeting the last Wednesday of every month where you can ask questions, connect with other purchasers, and discuss your needs around these contracts. To request access to meetings, please contact the Language Access Program Team.

If you need a sign language interpreter, spoken language interpreter, or captioning services for the Language Access Purchaser Meetings, please contact the Language Access Program Team in advance to properly coordinate on your behalf.

DES has ensured this procurement meets RCW 39.26, follows current State of Washington Procurement Policies, follows DES procurement process, and DES has determined that entering into this contract will be in the best interest of the State of Washington.

Effective Date: 04-01-2020

Est. Annual Worth: $0

Current Term Ends On: 03-31-2026

Final Term Ends On: 03-31-2026

Commodity Code(s): 961-17, 961-46, 961-67

Diversity: 0% WBE 0% MBE

# of Bids Received: 7

Contact Info:

DES Language Access Program

(360) 490-8570

DESLanguageAccess@des.wa.gov

Secondary Contact Info: