Fiscal Note
Civil Rights' 2023 adopted operating budget includes $132,000 for interpretation and translation services to support the proposed contract. No additional appropriation required.
Title
Substitute; Authorizing a noncompetitive contract with LanguageLine Solutions for the provision of interpretation and translation services for the City of Madison, WI.
Body
PREAMBLE
As a recipient of federal funds, the City of Madison is subject to Title II and Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which prohibits discrimination based on national origin), and Executive Order 13166, which mandates meaningful language access to City programs, services, and information. Meaningful access means that individuals are given adequate information and can understand the services and benefits available, can receive the services for which they are eligible, and can communicate the relevant circumstances of their situation to the service provider. In February of 2018, the Common Council approved the Language Access Plan created by the Department of Civil Rights as a response to these obligations. 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 and translation agency.
WHEREAS, the Department of Civil Rights desires to contract with LanguageLine Solutions beginning upon signature of the contract by the Mayor through December 31, 2023; and
WHEREAS, under sec. 4.26(4)(b), of the Madison General Ordinances if the aggregate amount of the fee for services exceeds $50,000 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, according to City purchasing guidelines governing Non-Competitive Selection, “a particular consultant [LanguageLine] 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.” The Department of Civil Rights is currently working with LanguageLine to develop a series of trainings to all City staff on LanguageLine’s on-demand interpretation services to support meaningful access. A completed sole source application is on file.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign contract document(s) as needed with LanguageLine Solutions for these purposes not to exceed $132,000.