Description
The State of Maine is establishing a Pre‑Qualified Vendor List (PQVL) to provide both in‑person spoken‑language translation and over‑the‑phone interpreting (OPI) services statewide. The contract will run from 1 January 2027 through 31 December 2031 (five‑year period) and requires 24 × 7 × 365 coverage for both service types. Vendors must submit certified interpreter rosters, maintain HIPAA‑compliant confidentiality agreements, and provide detailed usage reporting. Rates are to be submitted in a cost‑proposal (hourly for in‑person, per‑minute for OPI) and must remain firm for 180 days after opening and for three years thereafter. The solicitation also allows OPI work from secure home or remote offices if confidentiality and call‑quality safeguards are described. The State will award mini‑bids to the lowest‑cost, compliant vendor from the PQVL as specific assignments arise.
• In‑person interpreting: hourly rates for standard, short‑notice, emergency, legal, and medical categories; travel mileage reimbursement; required confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Over‑the‑Phone Interpreting (OPI): per‑minute billing, toll‑free nationwide access, 95 % of calls answered within 5 seconds, 95 % language‑identification within 30 seconds, detailed invoicing and reporting.
• Simultaneous interpreting (court events) is optional; the State already owns equipment and a Courtroom Technology Assistant will operate it.
• Vendors must maintain a Quality‑Assurance Plan, submit annual enrollment updates, and agree to the State’s confidentiality and code‑of‑conduct agreements.