In 2018, the Snohomish Health District published a request for bid for translation and interpretation services. Universal Language Services (ULS) was one of two service providers chosen to ensure access to all needed languages for programmatic work at the District. Prior to COVID, the District has spent around $30,000 for services so this contract has not previously come before the board. In 2020 the District spent around $50,000 for these services and that number has increased in 2021 to about $75,000.

Universal Language Services has met the needs of the District for translation and interpreter services. The term of the original agreement (Exhibit A) was one year – from February 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. The Board approved extending the agreement an additional year at the January 2021 Board of Health meeting. Health District staff request to continue the partnership an additional year and have drafted a letter of intent to share with ULS, pending Board approval. If so approved, the agreement will commence on February 1, 2022, and terminate January 31, 2023, consistent with all applicable terms and provisions in the original agreement.

Consistent with Resolution 19-20 and the revised Division of Responsibilities (10/8/19), the Board of Health retains contract authority for non-legal services greater than $50,000/year or $100,000/total contract.