Transcription and Captioning Services
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
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Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
15422
NAICS
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Classification Code
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Additional Details
The State of Washington, through its Department of Enterprise Services (DES), has issued a statewide contract for Transcription and Captioning Services under procurement identifier 15422. This contract is designed to support the Language Access Program, providing essential language accessibility solutions for state agencies and eligible purchasers across Washington.
Purpose and Scope:
The primary objective of this procurement is to facilitate the conversion of audio and video communications into written text, thereby enhancing accessibility for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or otherwise require language support. The contract encompasses three distinct service categories:
1. In-Person Transcription: Real-time conversion of spoken word into written text, displayed on a screen for the audience, performed on-site during live events or communications.
2. Remote Transcription: Real-time conversion of communications into written text, displayed on a screen or live stream for the audience, conducted remotely using audio/video relay technology.
3. Post-Production/Post-Webinar (Closed) Captioning: Conversion of previously recorded communications into written text, suitable for closed captioning of video content after the event has occurred.
Key Requirements and Deliverables:
Awarded contractors are responsible for delivering high-quality transcription and captioning services within their designated categories. Contractors must adhere strictly to the modalities for which they are contracted and are prohibited from providing services outside their approved scope. Purchasers are instructed to reference the DES contract unique identifier when setting up accounts, placing orders, or conducting business under this contract. Payment for services is managed by the purchaser’s fiscal department.
Contracting Entity and Contact Information:
The contract is administered by the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services. For questions or further information, purchasers are directed to contact the Contract Administrator listed on the DES website. Additionally, purchasers may reach out directly to contractor sales representatives for consultations, quotes, and service orders.
Awarded Contractors and Service Modalities:
- GLOBO Language Solutions, LLC: Remote Transcription (Contact: Kyle Goodson, [email protected], (215) 563-4118)
- Karas Enterprises Inc.: Remote Transcription (Contact: Cierra Moore, [email protected], (800) 621-5689)
- Partners Interpreting, LLC: Remote & In-Person Transcription (Contact: T.J. DiGrazia, [email protected], (508) 699-1477)
- Universal Language Service, Inc.: In-Person Transcription (Contact: Account Management, [email protected], (425) 450-7020)
- VZP Digital Inc.: Remote Transcription & Post-Production Captioning (Contact: John Rein, [email protected], (720) 482-4012)
- Ai-Media Technologies LLC: Remote Transcription & Post-Production Captioning (Contact: [email protected], (800) 335-0911)
Contract Administration and Ongoing Support:
DES hosts monthly virtual Language Access Purchaser Meetings, providing a forum for purchasers to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss contract-related needs. Requests for sign language interpreters, spoken language interpreters, or captioning services for these meetings should be coordinated in advance with the Language Access Program Team.
Procurement Type and Considerations:
This contract is a statewide agreement, constructed in compliance with RCW 39.26 and current State of Washington procurement policies. DES has determined that this contract serves the best interests of the state, ensuring consistent access to language services. Notably, DES has acknowledged a nationwide shortage of in-person language access providers, which may result in longer wait times for on-site services.
Place of Performance and Classification:
All services are to be performed within the State of Washington (State Code: WA). The contract is accessible via the DES Contracts portal, with comprehensive documentation and ordering instructions available online.
Summary for Contractors:
This procurement represents a significant opportunity for qualified providers of transcription and captioning services to support statewide language access initiatives. Contractors must be able to deliver reliable, accurate, and timely services within their awarded categories, maintain compliance with contract terms, and provide responsive customer support. The contract is structured to ensure clarity of scope, ease of ordering, and ongoing engagement with purchasers, making it a stable and strategic partnership for the duration of the agreement.
For further details, including pricing, contract documents, and ordering instructions, contractors and purchasers are encouraged to visit the official contract summary page: https://apps.des.wa.gov/DESContracts/Home/ContractSummary/15422
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