Massport #26-73

Somerville Solicits Language Access Services: Translation & Interpretation for Multilingual Community

The City of Somerville, Massachusetts is seeking qualified language service providers to deliver comprehensive language access services for its diverse and multilingual community. - Government Buyer: - City of Somerville, Procurement & Contracting Services Department - Senior Procurement Manager: Thupten Chukhatsang - Products/Services Requested: - Translation services for written documents (e.g., public meeting notices, brochures, applications, flyers) - Must ensure high quality, cultural appropriateness, and use of City translation memory and glossaries - May require certified translators and HIPAA compliance - Interpretation services: - In-person and remote video (Zoom) interpretation for consultations, public meetings, case management, and community events - Over-the-phone interpretation (OPI) for routine and emergency communications, including legal and medical contexts - 24/7 availability and public-facing hotline options - Use of trained, certified interpreters - Services must cover key languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Mandarin, and Cantonese - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Vendors must demonstrate experience serving immigrant populations and working with government agencies in Massachusetts - Adherence to rigorous qualifications, ethics, and security standards - Compliance with Somerville Living Wage and supplier diversity documentation - Submission of both technical and price proposals - No specific OEMs or named vendors are mentioned in the solicitation - Contract period is one year, with options to renew for up to two additional years at the City's discretion

Description

This solicitation is for Language Access Services for the City of Somerville, Massachusetts. The services include translation, interpretation (in-person, video remote, and over-the-phone), and related language services. The contract may require certified translators/interpreters, HIPAA compliance, and experience with government agencies serving immigrant populations in Massachusetts. The contract has an estimated start date of July 1, 2026, with completion on June 30, 2027, and an option to renew for up to two additional years at the City's discretion.

View original listing