Contract Summary

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.

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Contract Scope This Statewide Contract is for qualified and certified Spoken Language Interpreter Services using Bargaining Unit Work from the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Language Access Providers (i.e., Interpreter Services, WFSE LAP). This is also known as Spoken Language Interpreter Services Scheduling and Coordinating Software Solution.

This Statewide Contract is constructed with two (2) categories:
Category 1: Purchaser Set Appointments. Self-served appointments set by the purchaser through the Scheduling & Coordinating Solution. The appointment shall be distributed to Interpreter(s) based on the qualifications and proximity to appointment, or as requested by the Purchaser. Purchaser may request specific interpreters for business needs.
Category 2: Contractor Set Appointments. Serviced appointments set with the assistance of the Contractor’s agents (operator or customer service). Purchasers will request appointment through the toll-free customer service number, email address, or fax provided by Contractor. Serviced appointment request are agent assisted appointments.

Interpreting services can be delivered in multiple modalities. This contract offers the following:
    • In-Person Interpreting (IPI).
    • Over-The-Phone Interpreting (OPI).
    • Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).

View Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Language Access Providers (WFSE LAP) to learn more about Terms & Conditions of the CBA.

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.

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How to Use this Contract
   1. In order to request Interpreter Services under this Statewide Contract, Authorized Purchasers must have:
      a) Completed the comprehensive training provided by the Contractor;
      b) Complete the OCIO data security requirement and;
      c) Understand the CBA for Language Access Providers
   2. The Scheduling and Coordinating Software must be used. Please refer to the Ordering & Pricing Instructions for more information.
   3. Review the Contractor Information section below to find pricing, product offerings, and information for each Contractor.
   4. Contact the sales representatives directly to consult about their products and services.
   5. Reference DES Contract No. 06821 on your Purchase Order.
   6. Contact the Contract Administrator listed below with any further questions.

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

NEW TRAINING VIDEOS for the Language Access program are now live on the Language Access webpage. The “Language Access Statewide Contracts Training” modules instruct on how to successfully purchase language access services through a DES Statewide Contract and the “Sign Language Interpreter Services” modules instruct on how to utilize sign language interpreter services. Each training video goes over step-by-step processes, a tour of the Contract Summary Pages, what to expect when ordering services, and more. Please feel free to use the survey field to provide feedback on your experience with the training videos.

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Awarded Contractors

Four Corners Translation
Omid Jafarzadeh | DES@fourcornerstranslation.com | (646) 761-1493
Pricing | Contract | Amendment

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Professional Development and Training In accordance with the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement the purpose of the professional development and training requirements for Language Access Providers (LAPs) is to maintain the skill levels possessed at the time of passing the interpreter certification examination, and to further enhance skills and knowledge. Both the State and the Union encourage LAPs to complete training and continuing education activities. Please see a few available resource links below:
   • National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).
   • DSHS Language Interpreter and Translator Code of Professional Conduct
   • Interpreters United is AFSCME Local 1671, AFSCME Council 28 also known as the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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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.

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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.