Title
Elections Department recommending the Board approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute a new perpetual Agreement 4151 with Language Line Services, Inc., for foreign language interpretation services and American Sign Language services as required by the State, effective upon contract execution, for $360 per year plus per minute usage rates.
FUNDING: Help America Vote Act funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Language Line Services, Inc. provides desktop and tablet applications and over-the-phone foreign language and American Sign Language translation services to be used at all Vote Centers as well as in the Election's office. This is a new service using the latest technology to provide translation services to voters in a manner never before available. Every voter in the County will have an opportunity to speak to Vote Center workers in the language of their choice, including American Sign Language. This is a new service agreement to meet the requirement of the State of California to provide foreign language translation services in Spanish and Chinese or American Sign Language for voters with auditory disabilities. The agreement includes American Sign Language services that comply with State ADA requirements.
There is a $30.00 monthly service fee for up to 18 devices plus up to $2.95 per minute per session. The over-the-phone translation services are $.97 per minute. The total yearly standard charges are $360 per year plus per minute usage rates.
ALTERNATIVES
Elections could hire translators to be staffed at all Vote Centers and the Elections Department during the open voting period.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total charge for these services is $360 per year plus per minute usage rates. This cost is included in the Elections FY 2019-20 Adopted budget and will be included in future budgets. All charges...
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