Telecommunications Relay Services

The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) is seeking a contractor to provide Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and Real-Time Text (RTT) to citizens with hearing and speech disabilities in Maryland. The contractor will be required to provide functionally equivalent TRS, including various features such as cost to consumers, call blockages, real-time communications, and use of advanced technology. The contractor will also be required to provide Operator services, including access to directory assistance and handling of 7-1-1 calls. The contract will be for a period of five years, with the option for renewal. Some key features of the contract include: • Providing TRS and RTT services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Ensuring that all TRS call types have the ability to communicate with each other via Relay • Providing access to directory assistance at a cost rate no greater than the cost rate charged to standard telephone users • Handling of 7-1-1 calls and providing access to 900 numbers and other pay-per-call numbers • Providing a User Preference Database to store user preferences and settings • Ensuring that all Operators are trained to handle calls from users with various disabilities, including speech and hearing disabilities.