Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for Spanish interpretation services for the Austin Municipal Court, Downtown Community Court, and magistration services at the Travis County Central Booking Facility with Maria Carolina Bowen d/b/a Marcar Interpreting Services LLC for an initial term of two years with up to three one-year extension options, for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,750,000. Funding: $453,300 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Municipal Court. Funding for remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Municipal Court.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $453,300 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Municipal Court.
Funding for remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Qualifications Statements solicitation RFQS 5000 BRS4002 for these services. The solicitation was issued on August 5, 2024, and closed on September 19, 2024. Of the 29 offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140727.
MBE/WBE:
This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract is for Spanish interpretation services. These services are provided daily in support of court operations and magistrate functions. Additionally, Texas statute (Texas Government Code §57.002 and §157.191) requires court certified interpreters for the Spanish language to perform these services. Due to a change in the interpreter industry and shifting business needs, the proposed pricing represents a 55% increase from current contract pricing which reflects recent changes in the interpreter industry and shifting business needs. The terms of the contract and rates will be assessed annually to ensure the required level of certification is in place and current business needs are considered.
This contract replaces the current contract for Spanish interpretation and translation services which expires January 2, 2025. The recommended contractor meets all specifications as mandated by law. The requested authorization amount is based on department estimates and pricing submitted in response to the solicitation. Municipal Court will monitor expenses due to the increased contract costs and work closely with the Budget and Performance team to minimize negative impacts.
An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Maria Carolina Bowen d/b/a Marcar Interpreting Services LLC as the best to provide these services based on expertise and compliance, and agency qualifications, personnel, and references.
The timely execution of this contract is critical to ensure the City remains in compliance with state law and that the Spanish speaking community has a continuation of services related to services at the Municipal Court, Downtown Austin Community Court, and magistrate services.