Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an Indefinite Quantity Agreement with Homeland Language Services LLC for translation services.
The use of translation and interpretation services by the Public Utilities Department aka Columbus Water & Power (CWP) is necessary to ensure all customers have equal access to essential utility services and information, regardless of their primary language. Language assistance supports clear communication related to billing, service connections and disconnections, water quality notices, conservation requirements, and emergency or service interruption notifications. Providing interpretation helps prevent misunderstandings, promotes public health and safety, improves customer service outcomes, and ensures compliance with applicable language access requirements while reinforcing the City’s commitment to equitable, reliable, and transparent utility service for all residents.
Procurement:
The Department of Public Utilities solicited bids through Vendor Services from December 17th, 2025 to January 2nd, 2026 for Translation Services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code, RFQ031878. Four Hundred Sixty Nine vendors were solicited; eleven bids were received. The bids were evaluated on February 18th, 2026, the evaluation committee met with the low bidder to review a demo of the services to verify they would work for the City of Columbus. They recommended the award be made to Homeland Language Services LLC as they were the lowest, responsive, responsible, and best bidder.
The original term of the contract will be for a period of one year, from May 1st, 2026, up to and including April 30th, 2027, with four one-year renewal options, for a maximum contract length of five years, on a year-by-year basis. For each year of the contract, funding is contingent on funding availability, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of...
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