Navajo (Dine' Bizaad) Language Translation & Interpretation Consultant

San Juan County

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Navajo (Dine' Bizaad) Language Translation & Interpretation Consultant

Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM)

San Juan County would like to retain the professional services of a qualified translator and interpreter to provide Navajo (Diné Bizaad) language support for the Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) initiative.

We invite you to submit in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Questions regarding this RFQ can be submitted to mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov or by calling (435) 587-3225.

All responses and qualifications need to be received by 5:00 PM, February 16, 2026. Submissions can be sent by mail to PO Box 9, Monticello, Utah 84535 or hand delivered to the Clerk/Auditor’s Office at 117 S Main Street in Monticello, Utah 84535 or emailed to mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov

Scope of Services

San Juan County is seeking a qualified consultant to provide Navajo language interpretation and translation support for community engagement activities under the Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) initiative. The consultant will work closely with the San Juan County Economic Development Department and coordinate with other project consultants. San Juan County intends to contract and pay for a defined bank of interpretation and translation services during the grant period ending April 30, 2026 , with services available for engagement activities scheduled through December 2026 .

The consultant shall perform the following tasks:

• Provide up to 50 total hours of Navajo interpretation and translation support, scheduled as needed by the County.
• Support communication between County staff, community members, and Tribal partners during RLEM activities.
• Translate a limited number of key outreach materials, flyers, meeting handouts, surveys, and engagement documents from English into Navajo as requested.
• Provide translation support for short public outreach scripts, including radio announcements or community notices, when needed.
• Review translated materials for accuracy, readability, and appropriate community tone.
• Coordinate with the County’s design consultant to ensure translated text is correctly placed into final layouts and print-ready materials.
• Communicate regularly with the San Juan County Economic Development Department regarding upcoming event needs and translation timelines.
• Provide translated materials in advance of scheduled events whenever possible.
• Participate in periodic check-ins and a final coordination meeting with County staff

Terms of Engagement

Independent Contractor:

• The contractor will operate independently and must secure and maintain all necessary insurance, bonding, including general liability, automobile, disability, unemployment, and worker’s compensation.
• The contractor is responsible for all payment of all applicable taxes and must indemnify San Juan County against any claims arising from noncompliance.

No Subcontracting:

• The contractor may not subcontract any services without the written consent of San Juan County.

Compensation

The maximum fee for the services sought through this RFQ will not exceed Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00).

Compensation will be negotiated with the most qualified respondent based on experience, demonstrated capacity, and alignment with project needs.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

Interested respondents should demonstrate qualifications and experience similar to the following:

• Fluency in Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) and English.
• Experience providing live interpretation in community, government, or Tribal settings.
• Experience translating written outreach or public-facing materials.
• Familiarity with San Juan County communities and culturally grounded communication practices.
• Ability to coordinate professionally with County staff and project consultants.
• Availability to attend events and complete deliverables through December 2026.

The County encourages participation from local and Tribal language professionals with relevant experience.

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit a qualifications package including:

• Relevant experience and qualifications.
• Examples of previous translation or interpretation work.
• Confirmation of independent contractor status and ability to meet insurance and tax obligations.

Please submit your qualifications by the submission deadline to contact email or mailing address. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Mack McDonald at mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov

Selection and Award

Selection and award will be subject to the County’s Purchasing Policy for services. The Purchasing Policy can be located at www.sanjuancountyut.gov or by emailing Mack McDonald at mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov .