How to Provide Contract Interpreter Services

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) is not directly involved in U.S. District Courts’ procuring of interpreters but provides courts with administrative and statutory policy guidance. Interested court interpreters must contact each district court to inquire about opportunities. Use the Federal Court Finder to find contact information for each federal court.

Court Interpreter Contracting Details

The contracting stage begins when the court requests services from a prospective interpreter. The court will discuss the nature of the assignment and provide an opportunity to clarify the terms of the contract, which include, among others: 

• Discussion of travel and/or commuting arrangements, which always need to be preapproved by the contracting officer;
• Expected time of arrival to the authorized location;
• Access to information about the case and about the court’s facilities;
• Federal court interpreting fees (rates);
• Terms of late cancellation versus early termination;
• Reimbursement of expenses and receipts; and
• Proper and timely invoicing.

Once the contract is reviewed and signed by the court and the contract interpreter, both are bound by its terms. Before signing the contract, interpreters should clarify with the court anything that may require the court’s approval or explanation.

All arrangements will be made directly with each individual court based on that court’s specific requirements and need for services. For example, many courts will require an updated resume and proof of credentials. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a current resume in PDF format no more than three pages long, without pictures, indicating relevant experience, training, and any other information related to credentials as a court interpreter that you can provide to the court. Also, for interpreters new to the federal courts, the court will create a record of the interpreter on the National Court Interpreter Database (NCID). An FBI background check will be processed and updated periodically.

Interpreters must carefully review the following documents and information before they agree to accept a court interpreting assignment:

• Purchase Order Terms and Conditions and Rate and Information Sheet (PDF)
  • The Purchase Order for Contract Court Interpreter Services, the Terms and Conditions (Part I), along with the Rate and Information Sheet (Part II), and any additional attachments, constitute the contract for court interpreter services. Contract court interpreters must provide services strictly in accordance with the terms as established in the contract.
• Director’s Fee Schedule/ Current Fees
  • Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1827, the Director of the AO is authorized to prescribe a fee schedule for interpreter services, subject to periodic reviews.
• Invoicing/Record Keeping
  • Contract court interpreters must maintain contemporaneous time and attendance records for all work performed. Such records, which may be subject to audit, must be retained for three years after payment of the final bill/invoice.