The proposed bill authorizes Contract No. GAGA-2026-C-0162B with ContextGlobal, Inc. to provide American Sign Language (ASL) services to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) for a total amount of $1,149,879, effective from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. ContextGlobal, Inc., a woman-owned business specializing in translation and interpretation services, was selected through a competitive bidding process. The contract includes provisions for performance monitoring by DCPS, compliance with tax obligations, and adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure effective communication for students, families, and employees with disabilities.
Additionally, the bill outlines various contractor obligations, including maintaining payroll records, compliance with the Living Wage Act, and subcontracting requirements for contracts exceeding $250,000. It mandates that at least 35% of the contract's dollar volume be subcontracted to qualified small business enterprises. The bill also emphasizes the importance of conducting criminal background checks for employees and volunteers, maintaining insurance coverage, and adhering to non-discrimination policies in employment practices. Overall, the bill aims to enhance language access and support for students with disabilities while ensuring fair employment practices and compliance with legal standards in contracting processes.