R608--RFQ-CS American Sign Language Interpreting Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 10, is seeking Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) to provide American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Services for the Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC in Cleveland, OH. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for a Firm Fixed-Price contract. Quotes are due by March 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide on-site and emergency ASL interpreting services within a clinical atmosphere. This includes:
- On-site Interpretation: Approximately 35 hours per week (7 hours/day, Monday-Friday) for clinical encounters and team meetings, primarily supporting one deaf employee. Schedules are flexible and subject to change.
- Unscheduled/Emergency Interpretation: Services must be available on-site within two hours of an immediate need, paid hourly. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is acceptable if an on-site interpreter is unavailable for emergency requests.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Set-Aside: Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- NAICS: 541930 (Translation And Interpreting Services)
- Period of Performance: Base year from June 11, 2026, to June 10, 2027, with one one-year option period.
- Place of Performance: Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Contractors must demonstrate the ability to provide back-up services and multiple interpreters. Interpreters must:
- Have a certificate or associate degree in ASL interpretation.
- Possess at least five years of experience as an ASL interpreter.
- Be vetted by the VA, which includes an NBI background check, PIV badge, and HIPAA/VA-specific privacy training (process can take up to three weeks).
- Provide attendance logs.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on a Best Value determination, where Technical and Past Performance, when combined, are more important than Price.
- Technical Capability (max 10 pages): Requires demonstrating ability to meet all solicitation requirements, including interpreter experience, degrees/resumes, and remediation processes for quality.
- Past Performance: Offerors must provide a minimum of two references within the last five years for similar ASL interpretation services.
- Price Evaluation: Total price for all line items and options will be evaluated for reasonableness.
Submission & Deadlines
- Questions Due: March 6, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. EST (email only to April.Fawley@va.gov).
- Quotes Due: March 25, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. EST (email to April.Fawley@va.gov).
- Registration: Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and, for SDVOSB credit, verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database (VetBiz.gov) prior to submitting a quote.
Important Notes
This is a follow-on requirement. Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) apply. No internet access, equipment installation, minimum billings, or travel time compensation are required. Free parking will be provided at the VAMC.