Statewide Limited Telephonic and Remote Interpreter Services

RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
REGARDING:
STATEWIDE LIMITED TELEPHONIC AND REMOTE
INTERPRETER SERVICES
RFP: TCAS-2026-02-TM
PROPOSALS DUE:
June 4, 2026, NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. PACIFIC TIME
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.1 The Judicial Council of California ("Judicial Council") is the policymaking body
of the California court system, which includes 58 superior courts, the courts of
appeal, and the Supreme Court. Under the authority of the state's Constitution and
with the leadership of the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, the
Judicial Council is responsible for ensuring the fair, impartial, and consistent
administration of justice. The Judicial Council promulgates rules and procedures
for court administration, develops and implements policies for the judicial branch,
and makes recommendations annually to the Governor and the Legislature.
Judicial Council staff assist the Judicial Council with implementing policies and
supporting court operations.
1.2 Within the Judicial Council's Leadership Support Services, the Language Access
Services Program (LASP) works to develop policies and provide services to
ensure equal access to justice for court users who are of limited English
proficiency (LEP), deaf, or hard of hearing. LASP is comprised of the Court
Interpreters Program (CIP) unit and the Language Access Implementation (LAI)
unit. CIP works on court interpreter issues, and LAI works on making the courts
more language accessible via resources such as funding, guides and trainings, and
translations.
1.3 The Court Interpreters Advisory Panel (CIAP) assists the council in performing
its duties through promoting access to spoken-language interpreters and
interpreters for deaf or hard of hearing persons. The Language Access
Subcommittee, under the Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness
(PAF), assists the Judicial Council with language access policy recommendations
for the California courts. Under Gov. Code 68563, the Judicial Council
conducts a study of language need and interpreter use in the California superior
courts every five years and reports these findings to the Governor and the
Legislature (see 2025 Language Need and Interpreter Use Study). This study is
used to inform the policy recommendations of CIAP and the PAF Language
Access Subcommittee and the development of services and resources for LEP,
deaf, or hard of hearing court users and the courts.
1.4 The Judicial Council is the credentialing authority for California court
interpreters. To become a certified or registered court interpreter, an individual
must pass required examinations and complete enrollment on the Judicial
Council's Master List of Court Interpreters. The following languages have been
designated for certification in California: American Sign Language, Arabic,
Armenian (Eastern), Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Punjabi,
Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. All other languages used in the
California courts are designated as registered languages. More information about
the court interpreter exams can be found at the Judicial Council website.
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
1.5 The Judicial Council currently administers a statewide master agreement for
Limited Telephonic and Remote Interpreter Services, executed with United
Language Group (now operating as Propio Language Services) on behalf of
superior and appellate courts and other Judicial Branch Entities ("JBEs"). The
current contract (MA-2022-05) provides telephonic interpretation for 14 spoken
languages and remote interpreting for American Sign Language, including
Certified Deaf Interpreters, identified in the 2020 Language Need and Interpreter
Use Study and is set to expire on June 30, 2027. These services supplement in-
person interpreting and offer JBEs a means to obtain interpreters when local
resources are unavailable or when remote service delivery is operationally
appropriate.
1.6 Based on findings from the 2025 Language Need and Interpreter Use Study,
interpreter demand has changed statewide since the last study conducted in 2020,
with the top 30 languages accounting for approximately 99% percent of all
interpreter events. Expanding remote and telephonic access is necessary to
support equitable access to justice and to assist courts in meeting their language
access obligations.
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES
2.1 Scope of Work
2.1.1 The Judicial Council seeks the services of a Contractor with expertise in
providing remote and telephonic court interpreter services. The services
will support the 58 Superior Courts of California, the Courts of Appeal,
the Supreme Court of California, the Judicial Council, and the Habeas
Corpus Resource Center (collectively referred to as Judicial Branch
Entities or JBEs). The services will supplement in-person interpreting and
will be used when remote delivery is operationally appropriate, efficient,
or necessary to meet interpreter demand. Services must support both
planned and unplanned needs for spoken language interpretation and
American Sign Language, including Certified Deaf Interpreters.
2.1.2 The Judicial Council intends to award one (1) or up to five (5) master
agreements ("Master Agreements"), each with an initial term of five (5)
years, commencing on the Effective Date set forth on the Master
Agreement coversheet with up to three (3) one-year options to extend the
term, which option(s) may be exercised by the Judicial Council in its sole
discretion any time prior to the expiration of the initial term or any option
term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Judicial Council in its sole
discretion may decide to make no award.
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
2.1.3 Participation by JBEs is voluntary. JBEs may obtain services by executing
a Participating Addendum (PA) substantially in the form provided in
Attachment 2. Each PA constitutes a separate, independent contract
between the contractor and the executing JBE and incorporates the terms
of the Master Agreement.
2.2 Requirements. The following table provides further information on the services
being sought in this RFP.
# Requirement Description
1.0 Spoken Language Contractor must provide on demand telephonic interpreting services
Interpretation in multiple spoken languages. At a minimum, Contractor must
provide telephonic interpreting in the following thirteen (13) most
interpreted spoken languages identified in the 2025 Language Need
and Interpreter Use Study:
1. Arabic
2. Armenian (Eastern)
3. Armenian (Western)
4. Cantonese
5. Farsi
6. Hindi
7. Korean
8. Mandarin
9. Punjabi
10. Russian
11. Spanish
12. Tagalog
13. Vietnamese
In addition to the required languages listed above, it is preferable
that the Contractor also provide telephonic interpreting services in
as many of the remaining top thirty (30) spoken languages as
reasonably possible, including but not limited to: Bengali, Dari,
Hmong, Japanese, Kanjobal (Q'anjob'al), Khmer (Cambodian),
Lao, Mam, Mixteco, Mixteco Alto, Mixteco Bajo, Mixteco de
Guerrero, Portuguese, Romanian, Triqui, and Urdu.
Contractor may additionally provide telephonic interpretation in
other spoken languages not listed above to support broader JBE
needs.
2.0 Remote Contractor must provide on-demand Remote Interpreter Services
Interpretation (also known as Video Remote Interpreting/VRI), including video
Services and audio, for the following:
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
# Requirement Description
* American Sign Language (ASL)
* Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI)
* The thirteen (13) most interpreted spoken languages
identified in Requirement 1.0
In addition to the required languages listed above, it is preferable
that the Contractor provide VRI services in as many of the
remaining top thirty (30) interpreted spoken languages identified in
Requirement 1.0 as reasonably possible.
Contractor may also provide VRI in additional spoken or signed
languages not listed above to support broader JBE needs.
3.0 Limited * Access to spoken language Interpreter Services set forth in
Telephonic Requirement 1.0 of this table must be provided
Interpreter telephonically on demand. Contractor must provide a single,
Services toll-free number and/or a dedicated email address to access
all said Interpreter Services, as well as conference calling
services and capabilities for interpreted calls.
* Contractor must provide JBEs with the ability to reserve or
schedule a telephonic interpreter in advance of the actual
time needed.
* Contractor must provide interpreters for the list of languages
offered, the time frame when the interpreter can be
available, and what percent of the time that this commitment
can likely be achieved (see Attachment 10, Payment
Provisions).
* Telephonic interpreter services must be available during
statewide court business hours, with the ability to support
after-hours or weekend requests when a JBE identifies an
operational need.
* Contractor must ensure that California certified or registered
interpreters are assigned whenever available for the
requested language. When such interpreters are not
available, Contractor must inform the JBE at the outset of
the request.
4.0 Limited Remote * Contractor must provide on-demand and scheduled VRI
Interpreter services for ASL, CDI, and the top thirteen spoken
Services languages identified in Requirement 1.0.
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
# Requirement Description
* Contractor must also provide VRI service coverage in as
many of the remaining top thirty (30) spoken languages as
reasonably possible, depending on interpreter availability.
* Contractor must provide a single, centralized digital access
point (e.g., website, portal, or application) that allows JBEs
to request and connect to VRI services, including
scheduling, cancellations, and status updates.
* Contractor must identify for each offered language: (1)
availability windows; (2) anticipated response times; and (3)
the percent of time the Contractor can achieve the stated
availability, as required under Attachment 10, Payment
Provisions.
* Contractor must ensure its VRI technology supports clear
audio and video, stable connectivity, appropriate encryption,
and functionality consistent with judicial remote proceeding
needs.
* Proposals must indicate whether Contractor intends to use a
proprietary platform or a third-party video conferencing
platform to deliver Remote Interpreter Services and must
include information or instructions regarding how JBEs
and/or participants will access the platform. It is preferable
that the Contractor also support commonly used court
platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex or
JBE-provided platforms) when operationally feasible.
* Solutions must have the capability for breakout rooms that
allow confidential conversations between the Hearing-
Impaired individual or LEP, attorney, and court interpreter
before, during, and after the hearing.
* For ASL and CDI services, Contractor solutions must also
meet the following performance standards;
real-time, full-motion video and audio over a
o
dedicated high-speed, wide-bandwidth video
connection or wireless connection that delivers high-
quality video images that do not produce lags;
choppy, blurry, or grainy images; or irregular pauses
in communication;
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
# Requirement Description
a sharply delineated image that is large enough to
o
display the interpreter's face, arms, hands, and
fingers, and the face, arms, hands, and fingers of the
person using sign language, regardless of his or her
body position;
* Proposals must include minimum technology and equipment
specifications necessary for JBEs and LEP/ Hearing-
Impaired individuals to ensure each has the equipment and
technology necessary to access the Remote Interpreter
Services.
5.0 Interpreter * Contractor must provide the list of languages for which
Credential and interpreters are available, the time frame when the
Qualification interpreter can be available, and what percent of the time
Requirements that this commitment can likely be achieved (see
Attachment 10, Payment Provisions).
* Contractor must verify the competency of interpreters (see
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Essential for Court
Interpretation) and maintain documentation available upon
request, including:
Verification of California-credentialed court
o
interpreter status (i.e., certified or registered) or
otherwise qualified;
The language(s), level, and type of competency
o
tested and verified (e.g., general conversational,
legal, etc.); the score or rating assigned to identify
the interpreter's level of competency, including
listening comprehension and interpreting skills in
English and the foreign language; and the date the
interpreter's competency was tested and verified;
Information that provides how the interpreter's
o
competency is tested and verified; information that
provides how the interpreter's knowledge, skills, and
abilities are monitored and how the Contractor can
ensure the quality of interpretation;
That the interpreter has a minimum of two (2) years
o
of professional interpreting experience; in the case of
languages of lesser diffusion, this requirement may
be waived by agreement of both parties to this
Agreement before services begin;
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
# Requirement Description
That the interpreter has engaged in continuing
o
education and training to maintain or improve the
interpreter's knowledge, skills, and abilities.
* Contractor must provide training, assessment, and ongoing
monitoring of interpreters' compliance with standard court
interpreter protocols and ethical canons as stated in
California Rules of Court, rule 2.890 and the Professional
Standards and Ethics for California Court Interpreters.
* Contractor must maintain ongoing access to California
certified and registered interpreters and demonstrate active
recruitment and retention efforts, particularly in the priority
languages listed in Requirement 1.0. Contractors must
prioritize the recruitment, retention, and assignment of
credentialed interpreters as follows:
Priority 1: The thirteen (13) most interpreted spoken
o
languages listed in Requirement 1.0. and ASL and
CDI.
Priority 2: Remaining languages within the top thirty
o
(30) identified in the 2025 Language Need and
Interpreter Use Study.
Priority 3: All other languages as required by JBEs.
o
* The Judicial Council acknowledges that access to California
certified or registered court interpreters may be limited due
to workforce constraints. Contractor must prioritize
assignment of credentialed interpreters whenever they are
reasonably available. When a credentialed interpreter is not
available, Contractor must follow the disclosure
requirements outlined in Requirement 7.0 (Provisional
Qualification Support).
* For ASL and CDI interpreters, the Contractor must verify
one of the following credentials:
Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L) (formerly
o
offered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
(RID)),
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
# Requirement Description
Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)
o
Court Interpreter Certification (CIC), awarded by the
Texas Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services,
or
Generalist certificate from Registry of Interpreters
o
for the Deaf, Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) for
deaf interpreters.
6.0 Reporting * At no further cost, Contractor must provide the Judicial
Services Council with quarterly reports no later than 30 days
following quarter-end and in conjunction with invoicing,
indicating services provided for that quarter. Reports should
include, at a minimum: the language of the service
provided; the name of the requesting court; the length of the
proceeding or service provided; the name of the interpreter
provided; and the credentials and/or qualifications of the
interpreter provided.
7.0 Provisional * Contractor acknowledges that provisional qualification of
Qualification non-credentialed interpreters is solely within the discretion
Support of the court, consistent with California Rules of Court, rule
2.893.
* In circumstances where a California certified or registered
interpreter is not available, Contractor may provide
interpreters who do not hold such credentials. However,
these interpreters must be qualified to perform court
interpreting.
* Contractor must ensure that, upon request by a JBE,
interpreters are able to provide sufficient information
regarding their qualifications, training, and interpreting
experience to support the court's completion of Judicial
Council form INT-110 Provisional Qualification of
Noncertified or Nonregistered Spoken Language Interpreter.
* If an interpreter does not meet one or more minimum
qualifications identified on form INT-110, the interpreter
may still be used for temporary purposes if permitted under
rule 2.893, subject to the court's discretion.
* If the Contractor determines prior to scheduling or
connection that a certified or registered interpreter will not
be available, the Contractor must inform the JBE at the time
of the request or at the outset of the connection that the
assigned interpreter is not California certified or registered,
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RFP Title: Statewide Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services
RFP Number: TCAS-2026-02-TM
# Requirement Description
in order to facilitate any provisional qualification process
requested by the court.
* Contractor is not responsible for completing or signing INT-
110 or INT-120. Courts are responsible for determining
provisional qualification per rule 2.893.
8.0 Interpreter * Contractor must demonstrate capacity to provide
Availability interpreters for both telephonic and remote interpreting
Expectations services during standard statewide court business hours,
with the ability to accommodate afterhours, evening, or
weekend requests when a JBE identifies an operational
need.
* For ondemand telephonic interpreting, Contractor must
have sufficient interpreter resources to connect the requester
to an interpreter within the timeframes that they identified in
Attachment 10, Payment Provisions.
* For ondemand VRI requests in highdemand languages and
ASL/CDI, Contractor must connect JBEs with an interpreter
within the timeframes identified in Attachment 11.
* For scheduled hearings, Contractor must ensure assigned
interpreters are available a few minutes (preferably at least 5
minutes) before the scheduled start time to allow for
technical checks and readiness.
* Contractor must demonstrate adequate interpreter staffing
levels across both spoken languages and ASL/CDI.
* Contractor must maintain a process to monitor interpreter
availability and anticipated demand and proactively address
any anticipated service gaps.
* Contractor must ensure that California certified or registered
court interpreters are assigned whenever reasonably
available. When such interpreters are not available,
Contractor must follow disclosure requirements outlined in
Requirement 7.0 (Provisional Qualification Support).
9.0 Interpreter * Contractor must ensure all interpreters providing services
Training under this RFP receive appropriate training to support work
Requirements in court settings, including telephonic and remote
proceedings.
10