RFQ—Language Translation and Interpretation Services

Energy Trust of Oregon, a nonprofit organization overseen by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, is seeking qualifications from businesses capable of providing translation and interpretation services. The organization serves utility customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, and Avista, and aims to expand access to its energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by reducing language barriers.

Scope 1 encompasses translation of customer-facing materials and legal documents into 15 languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Tagalog, Arabic, Ukrainian, Japanese, German, Mandarin, Cantonese, Somali, Romanian, Nepali, and Chuukese. Materials to be translated include incentive applications, participation agreements, marketing collateral, website content, PowerPoint presentations, Terms and Conditions, and other program-related documents. Translators must provide meaning-based translations that capture cultural context and intent, maintain quality assurance through professional review, and meet quick turnaround times of one week or less when needed. Translators must be capable of handling legal and technical text but are not responsible for graphic design, document formatting, or image formatting.

Scope 2 involves simultaneous interpretation services for virtual meetings into the same 15 languages. Interpreters will support board meetings, community outreach events, trade shows, and other virtual gatherings including Board of Directors meetings, Conservation Advisory Council, Diversity Advisory Council, and Renewable Advisory Council meetings. Interpreters must hold State of Oregon Court Interpreter Certification, provide simultaneous interpretation using Zoom (with optional training provided), and use familiar terminology accessible to diverse audiences.

The selected pool may be engaged on an ongoing basis as needed, with Energy Trust's goal to contract with no more than two firms per language and scope (maximum 30 firms total per scope). Energy Trust anticipates a total annual aggregate budget across the pool of up to $150,000. Selected applicants will enter into professional services contracts with Energy Trust. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 24, 2026 by 5:00pm PST. All entries to the pool will receive training on Energy Trust's mission, organization, brand, and style. Agencies and professionals will be notified of acceptance via email, and interviews may be scheduled in some cases.