Language Line Selected as New Language Translation Service for 9-1-1 1

State 9-1-1 has announced that Language Line Services (LLS) will be awarded the Foreign Language Emergency Interpretation Services contract for 9-1-1 in California.  The current state contract with CanTalk will expire on June 30, 2013.

The new State Contract needs to be executed by the Department of General Services (DGS) before services can begin.  The CA 9-1-1 Division cannot meet with LLS to discuss the implementation and transition of services until the new State Contract is executed.  The execution of the new State Contract is anticipated by June 12, 2013.

The CA 9-1-1 Division Contract Manager, Wendy Gavia (State), will be working directly with the PSAPs who need to transition from the current contract with CanTalk to the new State Contract to ensure there is no interruption in receiving services.  After the new State Contract has been executed and the initial meeting with LLS has occurred, Ms. Gavia will contact the applicable PSAPs and provide direction on what action is required.

Information has been prepared for PSAPs that describes applicable action by State, LLS and PSAP to transition from – (1) the CanTalk contract, (2) CMAS POs expired/expiring 6/30/13, or (3) CMAS POs expiring after 6/30/13 – to the new State Contract.

1.  PSAPs Using Current State Contract with CanTalk (occurs after 6/12/13)

• PSAP does not need to take any action to cancel use of contract.
• State will contact PSAPs and provide direction on what action is required.
• State will provide LLS with a Master list of PSAPs using the CanTalk Contract.
• State or LLS will contact each PSAP with customer ID # & 800#.
• PSAP will program the 800# provided by LLS.
• PSAP will delete the programmed 800# for CanTalk.

2.  PSAPs Using CMAS Contract with expired PO or POs expiring 6/30/13

• PSAP does not need to take any action to cancel expiring PO.
• PSAPs who fall within this category who want to use the new State Contract need to contact Wendy Gavia at Wendy.Gavia@state.ca.gov or at (916-657-9183)
• PSAPs shall advise State if they have a current LLS customer ID # and 800#.
• State will provide direction on what action is required.
• PSAPs currently using the LLS (800) 523-1786 will need to receive a new LLS 800# since this 800# is answered by an automated attendant and is not compliant with the new State Contract requirement to have a “live” attendant.

3.  PSAPs Using CMAS Contracts with POs expiring after 6/30/13

• PSAP does not need to take any action at this time.
• State will continue to pay the per-minute rate that appears on the PO until further notification has been issued.
• State will issue further instructions after a Transition Plan from CMAS contracts to new State Contract has been approved.  The Transition Plan has been assigned to the County Coordinator Task Force (CCTF) who is currently developing for the State’s review and approval.

A Virtual Town Hall meeting is currently being scheduled the last week in June 2013.  Once the meeting date has been established, a notice will be issued that include the details on how to participate and submit questions prior to the meeting.  This forum will include answering previously submitted and real-time questions received from PSAPs and 9-1-1 County Coordinators regarding the new State Contract and related policy change.