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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Accept Proposals from Professional Interpreting Consultants and Jessica Harrison Interpreting Services, Inc. - Request for Proposal (RFP) #12065-Interpreting Services for the Deaf (Business Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 18, 2012, the Procurement Department, in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department, issued an RFP for interpreting services for the deaf and hard of hearing.  Two firms responded and a committee of district personnel evaluated their proposals.  After presentations and questions, the committee recommended awarding Professional Interpreting Consultants as the primary vendor and Jessica Harris Interpreting Services, Inc. as the alternate vendor.

The purpose of this RFP was to establish the best service levels with an emphasis on technical qualifications, certifications, and the ability to respond quickly and efficiently.  Services will be rendered on an “as needed” basis as determined by the Supervisor of Exceptional Student Education for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Programs.  Interpreter services will be requested for students in academic classrooms, students involved in after-hour sports or school related activities, students on vocational job sites, and for parents at school related activities or meetings regarding their child.  These services shall include American Sign Language interpreting, Signing Exact English interpreting, and Trilingual interpreting.

The initial term of this contract will be for one year, with four one-year renewals.  All prices offered are firm against any increase for at least one year from the effective date.  The Superintendent is authorized to approve any extension agreements, per the terms of the specifications.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Expenditures were $190,320 for 2010/2011, and $130,320 for 2011/2012. A reduction of the hourly rate will result in an estimated 3 percent savings from previous years.
EVALUATION
Contract administration or evaluation is performed by the Project Manager (end user) and the Procurement Officer, who function as a team.  Reviews are conducted face to face, typically quarterly, or by utilizing an online vendor performance report.  Prior to soliciting a new contract, the Contract Administration team must first give consideration to the specifications and supporting data of the expiring contract.
SUBMITTED BY:  Jean Bowman, General Manager, Procurement Department
Wynne A. Tye, Assistant Superintendent   Gretchen Saunders
Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.13
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120717_509 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.13