Specifications include, but are not limited to: See attached RFP document for more detailed information. The Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is publishing a Request for Proposals (RFP to establish or expand current Customized Employment programs in South Dakota. The intent of this RFP is after completion of services, individuals in South Dakota with the most significant barriers to employment are able to find success in employment through highly individualized and strengths-based services utilized in Customized Employment practices and procedures. This RFP will solicit proposals from South Dakota private nonprofit Community Support Providers and who want to establish or expand current Customized Employment programs by hiring dedicated Customized Employment staff with DHS/DRS financial support. This funding will decrease (outlined in section 7 of this RFP) over a period of four years with the intent being that the program build the necessary fee-for- service funding stream needed to support and justify the Customized Employment position by the end of year four. During this grant, staff hired to provide Customized Employment Services will bill the department for services provided following rates outlined in the Current Fee Schedule SFY22 for services as well as bill the department for position-related costs as outlined in section 7. The proposal will need to demonstrate how the agency intends to utilize Customized Employment to increase successful employment experiences for individuals they serve. For information on Customized Employment, please refer to Attachment III. The proposal will need to demonstrate that this proposal will establish or expand on the agency’s current vocational employment program. The proposal must identify the current staff positions in the vocational employment program. Proposal must assure that this position will be designated only for delivering Customized Employment services. The Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services is the issuing office for this document and all subsequent addenda relating to it, on behalf of the State of South Dakota, Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services. The reference number for the transaction is RFP #2505. This number must be referred to on all proposals, correspondence, and documentation relating to the RFP. No proposal shall be accepted from, or no contract or purchase order shall be awarded to any person, firm or corporation that is in arrears upon any obligations to the State of South Dakota, or that otherwise may be deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the State of South Dakota. Offerors may make written or email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Email inquiries must be sent to Jordan Trumbo at Jordan.Trumbo@state.sd.us with the subject line “RFP #2505”. Inquires may also be faxed to 605.688.5497. If inquiries are submitted by mail the envelope should be addressed to Jordan Trumbo. Be sure to reference the RFP number in your letter. The Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services prefers to respond to offeror’s inquiries (if required) via e-mail. If an offeror does not indicate an email address, the State’s response will be sent via fax. If no fax number is provided, the State will mail the response to the offeror. All offerors will be informed of any inquiries and the State’s response. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.
