Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Office of Cannabis Management (“State”) requests proposals for social equity status verification. State is looking for a third party to conduct due diligence for each applicant claiming social equity status and verification regarding whether they meet one or more of the criteria set out in Minn. Stat. § 342.17. Social equity status can be used by applicants for a cannabis license. Applicants pursuing social equity status will submit necessary information to the third party, the third party will conduct independent screening and determine whether the applicants are eligible. The third party will communicate to the applicant and OCM regarding eligibility. The State intends to use Invitation to Negotiation (“ITN”) method to select the winning responder. An ITN RFP is released with fewer requirements and a limited scope. State will select the highest-scoring responder(s) to enter into simultaneous negotiations, building out scope and additional value as part of the process. The State is interested in a verification services to determine whether cannabis license applicants meet the statutorily defined requirements to be a social equity applicant. The responder should offer a user-friendly web interface where prospective applicants can submit necessary information and documentation related to social equity applicant criteria pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 342.17. Responder’s solution should include: User-friendly web interface for applicants to submit information and documentation; Accessible (WCAG 2.0 will be updated to WCAG 2.1 after July 1, 2024); Provides examples of documentation necessary to meet selected social equity applicant status; Transparent, clear and understandable information about how applicant data will be treated; Plain language consent forms; Meets industry standards for background screening services; Standardized operating procedures; Compliance with all relevant state, local and federal requirements; Secure maintenance and disposal of information; Notification to both State and applicant regarding verification of social equity status.