Massachusetts COMMBUYS #BD-27-1206-MBTA-MBTA-134558

MBTA live-agent visual interpretation and navigation support for blind and low-vision riders

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking a live-agent visual assistance service to help blind and low-vision riders navigate transit safely and independently. - Buyer: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Procurement and Logistics Department. - Request: Software-based, live visual interpretation and navigation support for blind and low-vision riders in MBTA rapid-transit environments, indoors and outdoors, including assistance with unexpected changes. - Service requirements: Smartphone access; English and Spanish at minimum; trained agents; MBTA-specific configuration, implementation, testing, and ongoing operational and technical support. The service must not depend on dedicated station infrastructure. - Target average connection to a live agent: 60 seconds. - Minimum proposed availability: 99.5%. - Include transit-use controls, analytics and reporting, performance management, and information-security and accessibility safeguards. - Line items: Two entries for Live Agent Visual Interpretation Services, each quantity 1, with no part numbers; the attachment summaries also describe the service and contractor insurance requirements without quantities or part numbers. - Named OEMs and vendors: None identified in the provided materials. - Notable requirements: Commercial general liability of at least $1 million per occurrence and $1 million annual aggregate; workers’ compensation and employers’ liability with stated minimum limits of $1 million; professional liability/errors and omissions of at least $1 million per claim and aggregate, including a five-year extended reporting period. General liability must include an endorsement covering work within 50 feet of rail.

Description

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority seeks a qualified contractor/provider to provide real-time visual interpretation and navigation support for blind and low-vision riders in rapid-transit environments. The work is titled Live Agent Visual Interpretation Services, and the RFP describes live-agent interpretation and related additional services. Proposals must be submitted electronically through COMMBUYS by November 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The RFP states that the MBTA may award contract(s) to one or multiple bidders.

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