Interpreting Service Policies, Procedures and Fees

The Bay Area Communication Access (BACA) office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

REQUESTS: When requesting an interpreter, advance notice of five working days is required and additional notice is appreciated. We sometimes can fill requests made with less notice, but late requests will receive lower priority. All requests made with less than one working day notice will be assessed an additional $90. Assignments exceeding one and 1/2 hours will require the services of two interpreters. Breaks (e.g. lunch) of less than two hours will be considered part of the assignment. Requests and cancellations are to be made directly to the BACA office, not to individual interpreters. When making a request, you are welcome to request a particular interpreter. We make every effort to arrange for your preferred interpreter.

CANCELLATIONS: When a request for services is to be canceled or shortened, you must notify BACA of the change at least two working days prior to the assignment to avoid being billed. Conferences are subject to extended cancellation liability.

RATES: Interpreting service rate varies. It depends on the day and time of the assignment and on the situation of the assignment.

TRAVEL EXPENSES: $.45 per mile, round trip will be charged for all assignments. Parking charges and bridge tolls will be charged when necessary.

LATE FEE: One and Half percent (1 1/2%) finance charge per month will be added to invoices 30 days and older.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: BACA accepts checks and major credit cards. Credit card payments are assessed a 3.25% (of payment amount) processing fee.

INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS: BACA conducts business primarily as a referral agency. Many interpreters are hired on an hourly basis as independent contractors, and therefore must maintain their own professional liability insurance. We carry Workers' Compensation insurance and personal liability insurance for BACA staff interpreters.

REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION: BACA can begin providing services once we have received authorization to bill your organization.