Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, Late-deafened (DDBHH/LD) and Limited English Proficient (LEP) Statewide Language Interpreter Services

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA or the
Administration), is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to acquire a qualified offeror to facilitate language
interpreter services for deaf language interpretation for Deaf, Deaf-blind, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened
(DDBHH/LD), and/or Non-English speaking language interpretation for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals
diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Mental Health Disorder (MH), or co-occurring SUD and MH
disorder. Language interpreter services will be utilized to support the facilitation of language interpretation for low
barrier/threshold access to behavioral health treatment that is not readily accessible for individuals who are
DDBHH/LD and/or LEP or other disability that may fall within the provision in the use of an “interpreter” due to the
presence of communication barriers, and the lack of staff trained in the provision of culturally and linguistically
appropriate services to these populations. The interpreting and translation program funded under this agreement,
is not reimbursable under the fee-for-service (FFS) model; is designed for individuals who have a documented SUD,
MH, or co-occurring SUD and MH disorder diagnosis, and are DDBHH/LD and/or LEP.

Procurement Program Participation Goals