ADA Compliant Interpretation Services for the BEM AREA

This Sources Sought Notice from the IHS Contracting Officer is for ADA Compliant Interpretation Services in the Bemidji Area, specifically for the Cass Lake, Red Lake, and White Earth Service Units. The notice, under NAICS Code 541930, aims to conduct market research to determine compliance with the Buy Indian Act and identify potential set-asides for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs) and Indian Economic Enterprises (IEEs). The contractor will provide all necessary transportation, materials, labor, and services as specified in the Performance Work Statement. Interested firms must submit company information, point of contact, FSS/SEWP contract number (if applicable), DUNS or SAM Unique Entity Identifier, Tax ID, business category (IEE or ISBEE), and a capability statement. Additionally, they must complete the IHS Indian Economic Enterprise Representation form and identify their Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation for IEE status. All prospective contractors must be registered in SAM. This is not a Request for Quote, but solely for market research to inform future acquisition decisions.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) requires potential contractors to self-certify as an “Indian Economic Enterprise” (IEE) under the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47) for solicitations like the “ADA Compliant Interpretation Services for BEM AO” project. This form, dated February 4, 2026, ensures offerors meet the IEE definition at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. Contractors must immediately notify the Contracting Officer if they cease to meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility documentation may be requested, and successful offerors must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). False or misleading information can lead to legal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 31 U.S.C. 3729 to 3731.

The Department of Health & Human Services' Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a contractor to provide ADA-compliant interpretation services for American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries. This firm fixed-price contract will cover services such as American Sign Language (ASL), Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), Tactile and Protactile interpretation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), and on-site medical interpretation. The contractor must ensure culturally sensitive and accurate communication across clinical, behavioral health, pharmacy, dental, and administrative functions. Compliance with federal regulations, including the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and HIPAA, is mandatory. Performance requirements detail response times for on-site (2-6 hours) and VRI (2 minutes) services, 98% interpretation accuracy, and 100% confidentiality. Interpreters must hold relevant certifications, demonstrate medical interpretation competency, and possess cultural sensitivity to AI/AN communities. The contract includes a base year and up to four option years, with services performed on-site at IHS facilities or remotely via secure platforms. The contractor must comply with security requirements, including annual privacy training and personnel screenings, and submit monthly invoices detailing services provided. Additionally, all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) must conform to Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.