Language access technology pilot

The Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) will run a three-month pilot to test new translation and interpretation tools starting Fall 2026. The goal is to find out if these tools can help the City provide residents with high-quality, efficient, and more consistent language services. We will test several tools using only public materials and low-risk, controlled settings. City language specialists, bilingual staff, and community-based organizations will review the tools for accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and ease of use.

Through this pilot, we want to learn how new technology could support language access while still keeping strong human review and community trust. We will use the Emerging Technologies vendor pool, which allows City departments to safely test new tools before committing to a long-term contract.

This pilot is only the first step. What we learn may help inform future standards, tools, and long-term investments to improve language access citywide.

• August 2026: The City sent the Request for Proposals to the Emerging Technologies vendor pool.
  
• September 25, 2026: Vendors must submit their proposals by this date.
  
• Early November 2026: The City finalizes short-term pilot contracts with up to four vendors.
  
• November 2026 – February 2027 : The pilot testing and evaluation takes place.
  
• Spring 2027: With staff and community input, the City will make a decision on how best to move forward.

Dates subject to change.

For questions about the language access technology pilot, reach out to the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) at: civic.engagement@sfgov.org