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), specifically the Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC, is seeking American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Services under a Firm Fixed Price Request for Quote (RFQ). This opportunity is a Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside. The services will provide on-site and emergency ASL interpretation for clinical encounters and staff meetings, primarily supporting one deaf employee. Quotes are due by March 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide on-site ASL interpreting services for approximately 35 hours per week (7 hours/day, Monday-Friday), with flexible daily schedules, at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC. This includes interpretation for clinical patient appointments and team meetings, with significant breaks expected when services are not required. Additionally, unscheduled/emergency on-site interpretation services must be available within two hours of an immediate need, paid hourly for actual work. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is acceptable for emergency requests if an on-site interpreter is unavailable.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (RFQ)
- Period of Performance: A base year from June 11, 2026, to June 10, 2027, with one subsequent one-year option period. The projected award date is May 15, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Offerors must be registered and verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database.
- Place of Performance: Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106.
- Follow-on Requirement: This is a follow-on to Contract #36C25024P0346.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on Best Value, where Technical and Past Performance, when combined, are more important than Price. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions.
- Technical Capability: Submissions (max 10 pages) must demonstrate the contractor's ability to meet all requirements, including having at least five years of ASL interpreter experience, providing degrees and resumes of interpreters, and outlining remediation processes for quality assurance.
- Past Performance: Offerors must provide a minimum of two past performance references within the last five years, of similar size and scope.
- Price Evaluation: Quotes will be evaluated by adding the total of all line-item prices, including all years and options, for reasonableness and overall best value.
- Questions Due: March 6, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST, via email to April.Fawley@va.gov.
- Quotes Due: March 25, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST, via email to April.Fawley@va.gov.
Key Requirements & Notes
Interpreters must possess a certificate or associate degree for basic sign language interpretation and demonstrate a high degree of quality in vocabulary (including medical/spinal cord injury specific), grammar, syntax, and cohesion. Contractors must be able to provide back-up services and multiple available interpreters. Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) apply, referencing Wage Determination 2015-4727. No internet access, equipment installation, minimum billings, or compensation for interpreter travel time. Free parking will be provided. Interpreters will undergo a VA vetting/security process, including an NBI background check and PIV badge, which can take up to three weeks. HIPAA or VA-specific privacy training is required. SAM.gov registration is mandatory.