Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the noncompetitive contract with Interpreters Cooperative of Madison for in person language interpretation services at a cost not to exceed $40,000. In the adopted 2018 operating budget the Department of Civil Rights budgeted $122,000 for interpreter services in conjunction with the Language Access Plan.
Title
Authorizing a noncompetitive contract with Interpreters Cooperative of Madison for in person language interpretation services.
Body
Preamble
In order to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and executive order 13166, the City of Madison is required to provide comprehensive language services to ensure that all residents have access to city services. In February of 2018 the Common Council approved the Language Access Plan created by the Department of Civil Rights as a response to this obligation. In order to provide these services in compliance with City contracting requirements it is necessary for the Department of Civil Rights to enter into a contract with an appropriate interpretation agency.
WHEREAS, Interpreters Cooperative has demonstrated the ability to meet the needs of the city in providing services in a consistent manner; and,
WHEREAS, interpreters provided through the Cooperative are trusted by members of the community and reflect those communities utilizing services; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Civil Rights prefers to employ interpreters from within our community whenever possible; and,
WHEREAS, the need for this contract is due to the immediate interpretation needs while the Department of Civil Rights works on the details of needs assessment, coordination and RFP processes as part of the implementation of the Language Access Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Civil Rights desires to contract with Interpreters Cooperative beginning upon signature of the contract by the mayor through December 31, 2019; and,
WHEREAS, under sec. 4.26(4)(b), of the Madison General Ordinances if the aggregate amount of the fee for services exceeds $25,000 and the contract was not subject to a competitive bidding process, the contract shall meet one of the other requirements of sec. 4.26(4)(a) and be approved by the Common Council; and,
WHEREAS, for the reasons stated in the attached Noncompetitive Selection Request Form, the proposed contract with Interpreters Cooperative of Madison meets the exception to the bidding process in section 4.26(4)(a)7, which states “A particular consultant has provided services to the City on a similar or continuing project in the recent past, and it would be economical to the City on the basis of time and money to retain the same consultant.”,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign contract document(s) as needed with Interpreters Cooperative for these purposes not to exceed $40,000.