Specifications include, but are not limited to:Overview Department is soliciting proposals to establish a pre-qualified vendor pool to provide agricultural credit counseling services for NDMS at a competitive and reasonable cost. NDMS plans to award contracts to multiple vendors. Once the contracts are in place, NDMS will select vendors from the pool based on geographic location, relevant background experience associated with the issue(s), and availability. The contractor, and its employees or agents, are expected to maintain confidentiality and show respect to all parties. Credit counselors are sometimes exposed to highly stressful or volatile situations. Agricultural Credit Counseling Services Your proposal is expected to cover the following services: 1. Assist clients with agricultural finance issues. a. Credit counselors have the right to refuse clients due to personal conflicts. b. Contact or make a good faith effort to contact clients within 48 hours of receiving assignment. c. Explain intent, format and services available from the NDMS. d. Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities related to the NDMS. e. Travel to client locations across North Dakota. f. Obtain signed releases and other required forms on initial contact with client. g. Review clients’ past tax and other appropriate financial records. h. Inform the client of his/her responsibility to get records in order and verify debts. i. Assist client in completing all necessary paperwork. j. Develop and analyze options for clients and explain them to the clients on a timely basis. k. Be aware of stress on families and make appropriate and tactful referrals. l. Prepare client for mediation. 2. Maintain strict confidentiality of all clients and their records. All client information, including client’s names, shall be regarded as confidential information and shall only be discussed with or given to those individuals or agencies which have a need to know such information. 3. Complete and submit client reports to Department as required
