2.1.1.The State of Vermont is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide on-site spoken language interpretation. These services will support communication needs across multiple departments to ensure accessibility for individuals with language access needs. 2.1.2.Contractor shall provide video remote interpretation services for languages found in the table of Section 2.3.1. 2.1.3.Contractor must have an established network of interpreters within Vermont. 2.1.3.1. Bidders are requested to describe the capacity of interpreters to travel to remote areas within Vermont. Provide as much detail as possible on the geographic availability of languages. Include details in your pricing on travel reimbursement or other associated costs. 2.1.4.Contractor shall provide interpreters that are capable of performing one or more of the following modes of interpretation as required by the service request: 2.1.4.1. Consecutive Interpreting - rendering a message from the source language to the target language after the speaker has paused. 2.1.4.2. Simultaneous Interpreting – rendering a message from the source language to the target language at the same time the speaker is communicating. 2.1.4.3. Sight Translation – rendering a message from the source language to the target language from written material 2.1.5.The State shall provide five (5) working days’ notice prior to needing the service. Upon request, the Contractor shall make every effort to respond to shorter time frames, notably for but not limited to: Governor’s Office, Department for Children and Family Services, Department of Corrections, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety, Office of Disaster Recovery, and the Communications and Marketing Office. 2.1.6.Sign Language 2.1.6.1. Contractor shall use interpreters that are certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or certified by Board of Evaluating Interpreters (BEI). 2.1.6.2. Bidders shall describe their screening process for Sign Language interpreters and the general minimum requirements for experience, education, proficiency and certification. 2.1.7.Contractor shall ensure that all sub-contractors follow required protocol as advised by the State of Vermont in regard to protecting the public health. This may include such protocol as on-site subcontractors receiving vaccines, adhering to social distancing and masking, and other advisories as relevant.
