The Vera Institute of Justice (Vera) works to drive change and urgently build and improve justice systems that ensure fairness, promote safety, and strengthen communities. Through our Center on Victimization and Safety (CVS), we promote healing and restore justice for survivors of  crime and people with disabilities. We also promote cultural and language justice for Deaf survivors to amplify the voices of people in these communities. Our work includes initiatives focused on communities at elevated risk of harm who are often marginalized by mainstream victim services and systems.

To achieve our mission, we host a variety of in-person and online meetings, including conferences, trainings, roundtable discussions,  planning meetings, consultations, team check-ins, and one-on-ine supervisory meetings. Some meetings are internal and involve CVS staff, partners/consultants, while other meetings involve advocates, policymakers, and funders in disability, Deaf, anti-violence, and other fields. Topics range from accessibility to community engagement, to marginalization, to victimization, and more. We are committed to ensuring  access at our in-person and virtual events and meetings for people with disabilities, Deaf people, people who speak languages other than English, and people who hold an intersectional identity. Vera seeks qualified American Sign Language interpreters, hearing and Deaf, to provide American Sign Language Interpretation and Pro-Tactile interpretation.

Vera seeks American Sign Language interpreters, hearing and Deaf, who will work collaboratively with us to provide ASL or ProTactile interpretation for our variety of virtual and in-person meetings and events. We anticipate needing sign language interpretation for over 300 hours of live webinar, virtual, in-person meeting, and for recorded content in the next two years.

We use Zoom Meeting and Zoom Webinar for all virtual meetings and events. We are hoping to resume hosting in-person trainings, meetings, and other events nationwide in 2022. We include simultaneous ASL interpretation in all webinars proactively. We include ASL interpretation in other virtual and in-person meetings and events by request from participants. 

Vera seeks a pool of diverse hearing and Deaf interpreters. For interpreters working remotely, they must have access to a computer, stable video and audio capabilities, reliable high-speed internet connection, and a private space to interpret. We are looking for interpreters from diverse backgrounds, especially Black, Indigenous, interpreters of color (BIPOC), trans interpreters, and interpreters with other marginalized identities, so we can fill interpreting assignments in ways that provide greater alignment in terms of linguistic, cultural, racial and other considerations crucial to a foundation of trust and fluency. We seek both Deaf and hearing interpreters, and are looking for interpreters who are qualified to interpret in a variety of sign languages, including American Sign Language and Black Sign Language, and Pro-Tactile. Completing a formal interpreting training program and being certified is one factor we consider when we determine qualifications. However, we recognize the ways in which systemic racism and other forms of oppression have created barriers to formal training, accumulating requisite interpreting hours and certification, especially for BIPOC interpreters. We also consider experience (formal or informal), community connection, and validation from Deaf and DeafBlind community members, especially those from BIPOC and other marginalized Deaf communities. It is also important for interpreters to have received training around trauma, domestic and sexual violence, and important considerations and practices when interpreting in these settings. We know, though, that this type of training has not been widely available to interpreters and barriers exist that prevent many interpreters from receiving this type of training, including the economic costs associated with participating in training. We actively create opportunities for interpreters who are otherwise qualified to gain this knowledge through shadowing, mentoring and receiving training while on assignment with us. We seek interpreters who take steps to continuously improve their interpretation and support other interpreters through the teaming process and active participation in the interpreting community. Lastly, we seek interpreters who recognize, analyze, and account for power and privilege in their interpreting process and are accountable to Deaf and DeafBlind individuals and communities. 

As a lot of our work is federally-funded, consultants who are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities will not be considered.

During the review process, we will focus primarily on the following criteria to evaluate responses from interpreters that meet the Minimum Qualifications:

Vera encourages submission of proposals from disadvantaged business enterprises and companies owned by people with disabilities, Deaf people, people of color, women, immigrants, people who identify as members of the LGBTQ communities, and veterans. Vera does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration of this award. We encourage our partners that qualify to include self-certification or third-party agency certification as part of their application to work with Vera. We also encourage all ourpartners to include a description of their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as how this commitment strengthens their work product.

Vera has the right to amend or cancel this RFP at any time. Vera reserves the right, at the time of evaluation of any Response, to request any additional information that it deems necessary. Vera further reserves the right to reject any or all Responses after evaluation and to be the sole judge of the merits of those received. Vera will not be responsible for late or incomplete responses. Any Response which does not comply with this RFP may not be considered. Vera will not return any materials it receives, and will not reimburse applicants for any costs incurred in developing a Response. Any proprietary material submitted with the proposal that is considered confidential by the bidder must be identified as such. Submission of application does not constitute any type of binding agreement or contract. Master agreements will have a term of five years or less, as determined by Vera. 

 

Any questions regarding this RFP should be directed to: 

Radairis Diaz, Rdiaz@vera.org, (212) 376-3163

Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

Center on Victimization and Safety

34 35th Street, Suite 4-2-A

Brooklyn, NY 11232