Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent for approval of a renewal option with Universe Technical Translation, Inc., at a cost of $447,280; Language Line Services, Inc., $516,001; and MasterWord Services, Inc, $586,276 for medical interpretation and translation services for Public Health Services for the period of June 25, 2026 - June 24, 2027 (230425), MWBE Contracted Goal: 37%.

When you visit a public health clinic, you have the right to understand what your doctor or nurse is saying. These contracts keep trained medical interpreters and translators available so language is never a barrier to getting care. The three vendors together cover a wide range of languages and formats.

Harris County Public Health uses three vendors for these services: - **Universe Technical Translation, Inc.** — up to $447,280 - **Language Line Services, Inc.** — up to $516,001 - **MasterWord Services, Inc.** — up to $586,276

The total value across all three contracts is about $1.55 million for one year. The contracts also carry a Minority and Women-Owned Business goal of 37%.

Key details

• What: City Council vote on renewing medical interpretation & translation contracts for Houston Public Health Services
• Contract Period: June 25, 2026 – June 24, 2027
• Total Value: $1,549,557 across 3 vendors (Universe Technical Translation, Language Line Services, MasterWord Services)
• MWBE Goal: 37% Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise contracted goal
• Cost to Attend: Free — open public meeting

About Harris County Commissioners Court

The Harris County Commissioners Court is the governing body of Harris County, Texas. Led by the County Judge and four precinct commissioners, the court sets the county budget, tax rate, and policies affecting public heal…

When

Date

June 11, 2026

Address

1001 Preston St, 77002

District

City Council · District I

This and 7 more nearby in Our Health — tap a dot to open it.

This is a contract renewal, meaning the county previously used these vendors and is choosing to continue. The Commissioners Court must vote to approve the renewal. Once approved, Harris County Public Health clinics can continue booking interpretation and translation support for patients through June 2024.

If you have questions about this agenda item, the listed contact is Lauren.Stuckett@bmd.hctx.net.

Actions

This renewal connects to Harris County Public Health's broader commitment to serving residents who speak languages other than English. If you use county health services and need an interpreter, ask clinic staff about available language support — these contracts help fund that assistance.