Pre-Placed Emergency Interpreter Contract

Background

The Parish of Jefferson is seeking to establish a Pre-Placed Emergency Interpreter Contract to facilitate communication during declared emergencies. This initiative is crucial as approximately 18.2% of Jefferson Parish residents speak a language other than English at home, with 53% of these individuals speaking English less than 'very well.' The goal is to ensure that all residents, including those with limited English proficiency, can receive critical information and assistance during emergencies.

Work Details

The contract will require the provision of interpreter and translation services during declared disasters, specifically: - Spanish language interpreters must be available in person at evacuation pick-up points, shelters, and community distribution sites within 24 hours upon activation. - A multi-language phone line for interpretation must be established within 12 hours upon activation and operate 24 hours a day. - Written translation services must be provided within 24 hours upon activation, which can be done remotely during daytime hours. - The proposer must ensure that they can deploy interpreters and set up the phone line promptly as outlined.

Period of Performance

The term of the contract will be for two years from the date of execution. If no new contract is established by May 1st of the expiration year, the contract may automatically extend until the end of that calendar year.

Place of Performance

Services will be performed at various locations across Jefferson Parish, including the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center (910 3rd St., Gretna, LA 70053), evacuation pick-up points, shelters, community distribution sites, and disaster recovery centers.

Bidder Requirements

Proposers must demonstrate experience in providing similar services and maintain sufficient staff to meet emergency requirements. They should have certifications in interpreter and translation services. Proposers are required to provide at least three references from similar projects completed in the last two years. Subcontractors are allowed but cannot satisfy license requirements.