Interpretation Services for Hard-To-Find Languages

The New York State (NYS) Office of Language Access (OLA), within the Office of General Services (OGS), seeks information from qualified vendors who can provide interpretation services in hard-to-find spoken languages (also known as languages with lesser diffusion) and regional variants of sign language. Languages may be considered hard-to-find for interpretation services if they are less commonly spoken, have a low number of speakers or are endangered.

OLA seeks to gain more information on interpretation services for hard-to-find languages and regional variants of sign language. Services include over-the-phone interpretation, in-person consecutive interpretation, in-person simultaneous interpretation and video remote interpretation that are available on-demand and schedule in advance.

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information for planning purposes; it is not a request for bids or quotes. A response to this RFI does not bind or obligate the vendor to any agreement of provision or procurement of services referenced. However, your input is crucial for OLS to obtain these services through a future successful solicitation. OLS strongly encourages all comments, suggestions, and feedback, positive or negative, from the vendor community.

This RFI is designed as a tool to collect information and shall not result in a procurement contract, it does not fall under the requirements of State Finance Law §§139-j and 139-k (the Procurement Lobbying Law) and there is no restricted period. We ask that you direct your questions and responses in writing, via email, to the OGS primary contact listed below. Questions should be submitted in writing by August 29, 2025.

The RFI and an addendum with answers to the submitted questions will be posted at the following link: https://ogs.ny.gov/procurement/bid-opportunities.