This sources sought announcement is to help determine if  adequate number of small businesses are available to provide adequate Verbatim Hearing Recording (VHR) services for the Social Security in Alaska at fair and reasonable prices.  

Vendors are requested to submit an email statement of interest to [email protected] which identifies their business size in accordance with NAIC code 5614492, whether they have experience providing VHR services, and whether they have VHR service providers located in Alaska.

This is not a solicitation for proposals.

Contractor's providing VHR services will provide the following:

1.  Complete, legible and accurate notes, in the Agency provided software format for digital proceedings, summarizing all aspects of hearing testimony and Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) directives at each hearing proceeding before an SSA ALJ;

2.  A complete set of proposed and admitted exhibits offered by the claimant on the day of the hearing, along with any background records associated with the record available at the sites; and

3.  A complete audible digital recording, on compact Disc (CD) and computer hard drive, of the verbatim record for each hearing proceeding before an SSA ALJ, labeled with the claimant's name, social security number, hearing date and digital recording identification.

At remote sites, the VHR Contractors may be required to gain access and prepare the site for performance of a video hearing session, including setting up, and repacking hearing-related equipment, if not already in place. Hearing-related equipment includes digital recording, video teleconferencing equipment and, electronic folder viewing equipment, if applicable. The VHR Contractors may be required to transport digital recording equipment to and from the location where the equipment is stored.

SSA generally will conduct hearings on Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., at locations specified by the Contracting Officer or other Authorized Ordering Official placing the order. 

SSA will provide the VHR Contractor access to, and use of, its recording equipment and a CD,  however, the VHR Contractor shall provide his or her own note paper and pens/pencils.