STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES

PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP)

Request for Applications (RFA) 2017

The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), hereinafter referred to as the Department, is seeking applications from organizations to provide community based rehabilitation employment services. These services will be purchased by the Department’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Employment Opportunities Programs (EOP) for the purpose of assisting individuals with significant physical, and/or mental disabilities to prepare for, obtain, advance in and maintain employment. Through the provision of individual and group community based rehabilitation employment services, persons with disabilities who are eligible for these programs are supported in planning for, achieving and maintaining their employment goals.

Eligible Entities:

Public/private non-profit or for-profit providers, organizations or companies,or

Accredited Colleges and UniversitiesQualifications:The Applicant must meet all of the prescribed qualifications stated in the CRP_RFA_2017 Section IV, Part 1. C. to be considered a Community Rehabilitation Provider. This is an ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION. Applicants shall use the Word Document entitled “CRP Application” and the accompanying forms and attachments to respond to all requirements listed.

The anticipated start date of contracts resulting from this procurement will be March 1, 2018.

The RFA is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal at http://www.biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/Def ault.aspx?AccLast=2 , under the Department of Rehabilitation Services or from the Department’s Official Contact:

Name: Mary VanNess, Contract Administration and ProcurementAddress: 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105-3725E-Mail: Mary.VanNess@ct.gov

The RFA is also available on the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) website at www.ct.gov/dors/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=493102&PM=1. Questions or requests for information in an accessible form must be directed to the Department’s Official Contact at the email address above.

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

PROCUREMENT NOTICE. . . . . . . 1

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . 4

A. Introduction . . . . . . . . 4 B. Application outline . . . . . . . 4

SECTION II - INSTRUCTIONS. . . . . . . 5

A. Official Contact, Schedule and Delivery Requirements . . 5B. Application Format Information. . . . . . 8C. Evaluation of Submissions. . . . . . . 9

Section III - MANDATORY PROVISIONS . . . . . 11

A. Standard Contract, Parts I and II . . . . . 11B. Assurances . . . . . . . 11 C. Terms and Conditions . . . . . . . 12D. Rights Reserved to the State . . . . . . 13E. Statutory and Regulatory Compliance. . . . . 14

Section IV – DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM INFORMATION . . 16

PART 1 Overview and Contractor Qualifications . . . 16

A. Department Overview . . . . . . 16B. Program Overview . . . . . . . 17C. Qualifications of the Resultant Contractor(s) for Approval

as a Community Rehabilitation Provider . . . 18D. Qualifications of the Resultant Contractor(s) for Mitigation

of Communication Barriers . . . . . 18E. Objectives, Activities and Expectations of the Resultant

Contractor(s) . . . . . . . . 22

PART 2 Structure and Scope Requirements of Community Based Rehabilitation and Employment Services . . 23

A. Work Attachment . . . . . . . . 23B. Assessment Model . . . . . . . 26C. Work Readiness Training . . . . . . 27D. On the Job Supports . . . . . . . 29E. Additional Services Specific to Individuals with

Communication Barriers . . . . . . 30

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PART 3 Program Tracking and Reporting Requirements. . 32

A. Program Tracking . . . . . . . 32B. Reporting Requirements . . . . . . 33C. Invoicing Requirements . . . . . . 33

PART 4 Employment Services Rates . . . . . 34

A. Required Core Services . . . . . . 34B. Additional Services Specific to Individuals with

Communication Barriers . . . . . . 35

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. INTRODUCTION

1. RFA Name Community Rehabilitation Provider: Request for Applications (CRP_RFA_2017)

2. Qualifications The Applicant must meet all requirements in Section IV, Part 1.

C.

3. Commodity Codes The services that the Department wishes to procure through this RFA are as follows:

a. 2000: Community and Social Servicesb. 3000: Educational and Training Services

4. Application Submission Process THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION

Please refer to Section II, INSTRUCTIONS, A. and B. for detailed submission requirements.

B. APPLICATION OUTLINE

This section presents the required outline that must be followed when submitting an Application in response to this RFA. Applications must include each of the components listed below, in the order specified:

1. A Required Outline that exactly conforms to the requirements as stated in Section II, B. 1. and includes each of the required components.

2. CRP Application Package a. www.ct.gov/dors/lib/dors/procurement/crp_application.docx (Forms A 1

through D 1 are found as links within the CRP Application)

b. Form A 1 Required Director of Vocational Services Credentials

c. Form B 1 Organizational Description

d. Form B 2 Blind-Low Vision and Assistive Technology

e. Form B 3 Organization Attestation

f. Form B 4 Organization Procedures and Controls

g. Form B 5 Organization Assurances

h. Form B 6 Organizational Chart

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i. Form C 1 Applicant Direct Service Capacity

j. Form C 2 Direct Service Plan

k. Form D 1 Applicant Strategy to Mitigate Communication Barriers

3. State of Connecticut Contract Itemsa. Gift and Campaign Contribution Certification, as noted in Section III E.1.b. Consulting Agreement Affidavit, as noted in Section III E.2. c. Affirmation of Receipt of State Ethics Laws Summary, as noted in Section III

E.3.d. Iran Certification, as noted in Section III E.4.e. Freedom of Information Act exemptions (FOIA), as noted in Section III E.5, if

applicablef. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement, as noted in Section II A.8, if

applicable. NOTE: To submit a responsive Application, the Applicant SHALL submit completed State of Connecticut Contract Items a., b., c., and d. listed above with their application. Forms are available at OPM’s website at: http://www.ct.gov/opm/fin/ethics_forms

4. Addendum Acknowledgement forms shall be completed, signed and returned with Applicant’s submission when applicable. Applicable Addendum Acknowledgement forms shall be placed at the end of each addendum or addenda posted to this RFA.

The Official Contact is the only authorized recipient of applications submitted in response to this RFA. THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.

II. INSTRUCTIONS

A. OFFICIAL CONTACT, SCHEDULE AND DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

1. Official Contact. DORS has designated the individual below as the Official Contact for purposes of this RFA. The Official Contact is the only authorized contact for this procurement and, as such, handles all related communications on behalf of the Department. Applicants, Prospective Applicants and other interested parties are advised that any communication with any other Department employee(s) (including appointed officials) or personnel under contract to the Department about this RFA is strictly prohibited. Applicants or prospective Applicants who violate this instruction may risk disqualification from further consideration.

Name: Mary VanNess, Contract Administration and ProcurementAddress: 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105-3725E-Mail: Mary.VanNess@ct.gov

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Applicants are required to ensure that e-mail screening software (if used) recognizes and will accept e-mails from the Official Contact.

2. RFA Information. The RFA, addenda to the RFA and other information as associated with this procurement are available in electronic format from the Official Contact or from the Internet at the following locations:

The State Contracting Portal, under the Department of Rehabilitation Services: http://www.biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/Default.aspx?AccLast=2

The Department of Rehabilitation Services:www.ct.gov/dors/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=493102&PM=1

It is strongly recommended that any Applicant or prospective Applicant subscribe to receive e-mail alerts from the State Contracting Portal. Subscribers will receive a daily e-mail announcing procurements and addenda that are posted on the portal. While this service is provided as a courtesy to assist in monitoring activities associated with State procurements, including this RFA, it is incumbent upon each Applicant or prospective Applicant to monitor the State Contracting Portal for information regarding this and any other procurement.

3. Application Schedule. See below. The Department may amend the schedule, as needed. Any change will be made by means of an amendment to this RFA and will be posted on the Department’s Web Page and the State Contracting Portal. Dates listed after the Application Due Date below are target dates only.

Procurement Schedule Dates

RFA Released September 22, 2017

Questions Due October 6, 2017

Responses to Questions Posted October 20, 2017

Letter of Intent October 27, 2017

Application Due Date November 10, 2017

Successful Applicant(s) Announced December 22, 2017

Contract Negotiations Begin December 22, 2017

Contract Begins March 1, 2018

4. Letter of Intent. Prospective Applicants are encouraged, but not required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI is non-binding and does not obligate the sender to submit an Application. The LOI must be submitted to the Official

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Contact by e-mail by the deadline established in the Procurement Schedule. The LOI must clearly identify the sender, including name, postal address, telephone number and e-mail address. Please submit your LOI via e-mail, subject line: LOI CRP RFA, to the Official Contact for this RFA (Mary.VanNess@ct.gov) and include the proposed regions to be served.

5. Inquiry Procedures. All questions regarding this RFA or the Department’s

procurement process must be submitted via e-mail to the Official Contact. The early submission of questions is encouraged. Questions will not be accepted or answered verbally – neither in person nor over the telephone. All questions will be answered unless the source is unknown (i.e., nuisance or anonymous questions) or the questions are deemed unrelated to the requirements of the RFA or the procurement process. The Department may combine similar questions and give only one (1) answer. All questions and answers will be compiled into a written addendum to this RFA. If any answer to any question constitutes a material change to the RFA, the question and answer will be placed at the beginning of the addendum and duly noted as such. The agency will release the answers to questions on the dates established in the Procurement Schedule. The Department will publish any and all amendments or addenda to this RFA on the State Contracting Portal and the Department of Rehabilitation Services Website. Applications must include a signed Addendum Acknowledgement for each amendment or addenda posted to this RFA. The applicable Addendum Acknowledgement form(s) shall be placed at the end of each posted amendments or addenda.

6. Application Due Date. The Official Contact is the only authorized recipient of applications received in response to this RFA. Applications must be received by the Official Contact via e-mail.

This is an electronic Application Submission. Applicants shall put in the subject line, CRP_RFA_2017.Applications will be accepted by the Official Contact, Mary.VanNess@ct.gov. The last date for submission of Applications is November 10, 2017.

The electronic submission must be compatible with Microsoft Office and/or Adobe Acrobat .

NOTE: Applications received after the stated deadline may be accepted as a clerical function but will not be reviewed. Please be aware of the amount of time it may take for an electronic submission to be sent from one server and accepted to another.

7. Claim of Exemption from Disclosure. Applicants are advised that all materials associated with this request, procurement or contract are subject to the terms of the Freedom of Information Act, Conn. Gen. Stat.(CGS) § 1-200 et seq. (FOIA). Although there are exemptions in the FOIA, they are permissive and not required. If an Applicant believes that certain information or documents or portions of documents required by this procurement are exempt from disclosure under the FOIA, the Applicant must mark such information or documents or portions of documents as EXEMPT. 

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For information or documents so referenced, the Applicant must provide a detailed explanation of the basis for the claim of exemption. Specifically, the Applicant must cite to the FOIA exemption that it is asserting as the basis for claim that the marked material is exempt. In addition, the Applicant must apply the language of the statutory exemption to the information or documents or portions of documents that the Applicant is seeking to protect from disclosure. For example, if an Applicant marks a document as a trade secret, the Applicant must parse the definition in CGS § 1-210(b)(5)(A) and show how all of the factors are met. Notwithstanding this requirement, DORS shall ultimately decide whether such information or documents are exempt from disclosure under the FOIA. 

8. Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement. Applicants must include a disclosure statement concerning any current business relationships (within the last three (3) years) that pose a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85. A conflict of interest exists when a relationship exists between the Applicant and a public official (including an elected official) or State Employee that may interfere with fair competition or may be adverse to the interests of the State. The existence of a conflict of interest is not, in and of itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A conflict of interest may, however, become a legal matter if an Applicant tries to influence, or succeeds in influencing, the outcome of an official decision for their personal or corporate benefit. The Department will determine whether any disclosed conflict of interest poses a substantial advantage to the Applicant or is not in the best interests of the State. In the absence of any conflict of interest, an Applicant must affirm such in the disclosure statement. Example: “[name of Applicant] has no current business relationship (within the last three (3) years) that poses a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85.”

B. APPLICATION FORMAT INFORMATION

1. Required Format. All applications must follow the Required Outline presented in SECTION I-GENERAL INFORMATION, B. Application Outline, to include each of the following required components:a. Required Outlineb. CRP Application including written reference lettersc. Forms A1 through D1d. State of Connecticut Contract Items a. through f.e. Any documentation related to a Claim of Exemption from Disclosuref. All applicable Addendum Acknowledgement Forms

Applications that fail to follow the Required Outline will be deemed non-compliant and will not be reviewed.

2. Attachments. Attachments other than the required appendices and forms identified in SECTION I-GENERAL INFORMATION, B. Application Outline are not permitted. Further, the required appendices must not be altered or used to extend, enhance, or replace any component required by this RFA. Failure to abide by these instructions will result in disqualification.

3. Electronic Submission Requirements. All applications must be submitted via e-mail to Mary.VanNess@ct.gov, CRP_RFA_2017 shall be in the subject line.

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For accessibility purposes, all documents shall be in Microsoft Office and/or Adobe Acrobat format. If the number of documents requires submission in multiple e-mails, clearly indicate the Applicant organization in the subject line along with CRP_RFA 2017.

C. EVALUATION OF SUBMISSIONS

1. Evaluation Process. It is the intent of the Department to conduct a comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation of submissions received in response to this RFA. When evaluating submissions, negotiating with the successful Applicant(s), and offering the right to negotiate a contract, the Department will conform to its written procedures for Purchase of Service (POS) procurements (pursuant to C.G.S. § 4-217) and the State’s Code of Ethics (pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-84 and 1-85).

2. Evaluation Team. The Department will designate an Evaluation Team to evaluate qualifications submitted in response to this RFA. The contents of all submissions, including any confidential information, will be shared with the Evaluation Team. Only submissions found to be responsive (that is, complying with all instructions and requirements described herein) will be reviewed, rated, and scored. Submissions that fail to comply with all instructions will be rejected without further consideration. Attempts by any Applicant (or Representative of any Applicant) to contact or influence any member of the Evaluation Team may result in disqualification of the Applicant.

3. Minimum Submission Requirements. All submissions must comply with the requirements specified in this RFA. To be eligible for evaluation, submissions must (a) be received on or before the due date and time; (b) meet the Application Format requirements; (c) follow the required Application Outline; and (d) be complete. Submissions that fail to follow instructions or satisfy these minimum submission requirements may not be reviewed further. The Department may reject any submission that deviates from the requirements of this RFA.

4. Evaluation Criteria (and Weights). Submissions meeting the Minimum Submission Requirements will be evaluated according to the established criteria. The criteria listed in Section I. GENERAL INFORMATION, B. Application Outline are the objective standards that the Evaluation Team will use to evaluate the technical merits of the submissions. The information provided in the CRP Application Package will be used to evaluate submissions. The criteria are weighted according to their relative importance. The weights are confidential.

5. Applicant Selection. Upon completing its evaluation of submissions, the Evaluation Team will submit the rankings of all submissions to the Department Head. The final selection of a successful Applicant is at the discretion of the Commissioner. Any Applicant selected will be so notified and awarded an opportunity to negotiate a contract with the Department. Such negotiations may, but will not automatically, result in a contract. Any resulting contract will be posted on the State Contracting Portal. All unsuccessful Applicants will be notified by e-mail or U.S. mail, at the Department’s discretion, about the outcome of the evaluation and Applicant selection process.

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6. Debriefing. After receiving notification of the outcome of the review from the Department, any Applicant may contact the Official Contact, Mary VanNess, Contract Administration, at 860-424-4983 or Mary.VanNess@ct.gov and request a debriefing of the procurement process and its application. If Applicants still have questions after receiving this information, they may contact the Official Contact and request a meeting with the Department to discuss the procurement process. The Department shall schedule and conduct debriefing meetings that have been properly requested, within fifteen (15) days of the Department’s receipt of a request. The debriefing meeting must not include or allow any comparisons of any applications with other applications. The debriefing process shall not be used to change, alter, or modify the outcome. More detailed information about requesting a debriefing may be obtained from the Official Contact.

7. Appeal Process. No later than thirty (30) days after the Department notifies Applicants about the outcome of their application, Applicants may submit an Appeal to the Department. The e-mail sent date or the postmark date on the notification envelope will be considered “day one” of the thirty (30) days. Applicants may appeal any aspect of the Department’s procurement; however, such Appeal must be in writing and must set forth facts or evidence in sufficient and convincing detail for the Department to determine whether during any aspect of the procurement there was a failure to comply with the State’s statutes, regulations, or the provisions of the RFA. Any such Appeal must be submitted to the Department Head with a copy to the Official Contact. The submission must include the basis for the Appeal and the remedy requested. The filing of an Appeal shall not be deemed sufficient reason for the Department to delay, suspend, cancel, or terminate the procurement process or execution of a contract with a successful Applicant. More detailed information about filing an Appeal may be obtained from the Official Contact.

8. Contest of Solicitation or Award. Pursuant to CGS § 4e-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes, “Any bidder or proposer on a state contract may contest the solicitation or award of a contract to a subcommittee of the State Contracting Standards Board…” More detailed information is available on the State Contracting Standards Board web site at:

http://www.ct.gov/scsb/site/default.asp

9. Contract Execution. Any contract developed and executed as a result of this RFA is subject to the Department’s contracting procedures, which may include approval by the Department of Administrative Services and Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

A. STANDARD CONTRACT, PARTS I AND II

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III. MANDATORY PROVISIONS

By submitting an Application in response to this RFA, the Applicant implicitly agrees to comply with the provisions of Parts I and II of the State’s “standard contract”:

1. Part I of the standard contract is maintained by the Department and will include the scope of services, contract performance, budget, reports, and program-specific provisions of any resulting contract. A sample of Part I is available from the Department’s Official Contact upon request.

2. Part II of the standard contract is maintained by OPM and includes the mandatory terms and conditions of the contract. Part II is available on OPM’s web site at: http://www.ct.gov/opm/fin/standard_contract.

NOTE: Part I of the standard contract may be amended by means of a written instrument signed by the Department, the selected Applicant (contractor), and, if required, the Attorney General’s Office. Part II of the standard contract may be amended only in consultation with, and with the approval of, the Office of Policy and Management and the Attorney General’s office.

Included in Part II of the standard contract is the State Elections Enforcement Commission's notice (pursuant to C.G.S. § 9-612(g)(2)) advising executive branch State contractors and prospective State contractors of the ban on campaign contributions and solicitations.

B. ASSURANCES

By submitting an Application in response to this RFA, an Applicant implicitly gives the following assurances:

1. Collusion. The Applicant represents and warrants that the Applicant did not participate in any part of the RFA development process and had no knowledge of the specific contents of the RFA prior to its issuance. The Applicant further represents and warrants that no agent, representative, or employee of the State participated directly in the preparation of the Applicant’s submission. The Applicant also represents and warrants that the application is in all respects fair and is made without collusion or fraud.

2. State Officials and Employees. The Applicant certifies that no elected or appointed official or employee of the State has or will benefit financially or materially from any contract resulting from this RFA. The Department may terminate a resulting contract if it is determined that gratuities of any kind were either offered or received by any of the aforementioned officials or employees from the Applicant, contractor, or its agents or employees.

3. Validity of Application. The Applicant certifies that the application represents a valid and binding offer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFA and any amendments or attachments hereto. The application shall remain valid for a period of 180 days after it has been received by the Department and may be extended beyond that time by mutual agreement. At its sole discretion, the Department may

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include the application, by reference or otherwise, into the resultant contract with a successful Applicant.

4. Press Releases. The Applicant agrees to obtain prior written consent and approval of the Department for press releases that relate in any manner to this RFA or any resultant contract.

C. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting an Application in response to this RFA, an Applicant implicitly agrees to comply with the following terms and conditions:

1. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. The State is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its hiring, employment, or business practices. The State is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities.

2. Preparation Expenses. Neither the State nor the Department shall assume any liability for expenses incurred by an Applicant in preparing, submitting, or clarifying any qualifications submitted in response to this RFA.

3. Exclusion of Taxes. The Department is exempt from the payment of excise and sales taxes imposed by the federal government and the State. Applicants are liable for any other applicable taxes.

4. Changes to Application. No additions or changes to the original application will be allowed after submission. While changes are not permitted, the Department may request and authorize Applicants to submit written clarification of their application, in a manner or format prescribed by the Department, and at the Applicant’s expense.

5. Supplemental Information. Supplemental information will not be considered after an application is received, unless specifically requested by the Department. The Department may ask the Applicant to give demonstrations, interviews, oral presentations or further explanations to clarify information contained in their application. Any such demonstration, interview, or oral presentation will be conducted at a time selected and in a place provided by the Department. At its sole discretion, the Department may limit the number of Applicants invited to make such a demonstration, interview, or oral presentation.

6. Presentation of Supporting Evidence. If requested by the Department, the Applicant must be prepared to present evidence of experience, ability, data reporting capabilities, or other information necessary to satisfactorily meet the requirements set forth or implied in this RFA. At its discretion, the Department may also check or contact any reference provided by the Applicant.

7. RFA is Not an Offer. Neither this RFA nor any subsequent discussions shall give rise to any commitment on the part of the State or the Department or confer any rights on any Applicant unless and until a contract is fully executed

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by the necessary parties. The contract document will represent the entire agreement between the Applicant and the Department and will supersede all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, alleged or made, between the parties. The State shall assume no liability for costs incurred by the Applicant or for payment of services under the terms of the contract until the successful Applicant is notified that the contract has been accepted and approved by the Department and, if required, by the Attorney General’s Office.

D. RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE STATE

By submitting an Application in response to this RFA, the Applicant implicitly accepts that the following rights are reserved to the State:

1. Timing Sequence. The timing and sequence of events associated with this RFA shall ultimately be determined by the Department.

2. Amending or Canceling RFA. The Department reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFA on any date and at any time, if the Department deems it to be necessary, appropriate, or otherwise in the best interests of the State.

3. No Acceptable Applications. In the event that no acceptable Applications are submitted in response to this RFA, the Department may reopen the procurement process, if it is determined to be in the best interests of the State.

4. Award and Rejection of Applications. The Department reserves the right to award in part, to reject any and all applications in whole or in part, for misrepresentation or if the application limits or modifies any of the terms, conditions, or specifications of this RFA. The Department may waive minor technical defects, irregularities, or omissions, if in its judgment the best interests of the State will be served. The Department reserves the right to reject any application submitted after the closing date of November 3, 2017.

5. Sole Property of the State. All applications submitted in response to this RFA are to be the sole property of the State. Any product, whether acceptable or unacceptable, developed under a contract awarded as a result of this RFA shall be the sole property of the State, unless stated otherwise in this RFA or subsequent contract. The right to publish, distribute or disseminate any and all information or reports, or part thereof, shall accrue to the State without recourse.

6. Contract Negotiation. The Department reserves the right to negotiate or contract for all or any portion of the services contained in this RFA. The Department further reserves the right to contract with one (1) or more Applicants for such services.

7. Clerical Errors in Award. The Department reserves the right to correct inaccurate awards resulting from its clerical errors. This may include, in extreme circumstances, revoking the awarding of a contract already made and subsequently awarding the contract to another. Such action on the part of the State shall not constitute a breach of contract on the part of the State since the contract with the initial Applicant is deemed to be void ab initio and of no effect as if no contract ever existed between the State and the Applicant.

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E. STATUTORY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

By submitting an application in response to this RFA, the Applicant implicitly agrees to comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations, including, but not limited to:

1. Gift and Campaign Contributions, C.G.S. §§ 4-250 and 4-252(c); Governor M. Jodi Rell’s Executive Orders No. 1, Para. 8 and No. 7C, Para. 10; C.G.S. § 9-612(g)(2). If an Applicant is offered an opportunity to negotiate a contract with an anticipated value of $50,000 or more in a calendar or fiscal year, the Applicant must fully disclose any gifts or lawful contributions made to campaigns of candidates for statewide public office or the General Assembly. Municipalities and CT State agencies are exempt from this requirement. The gift and campaign contributions certification (OPM Ethics Form 1) is available on OPM’s website at:http://www.ct.gov/opm/fin/ethics_forms

NOTE: To submit a responsive Application, the Applicant shall include a completed Gift and Campaign Contribution Certification with their application.

2. Consulting Agreements, C.G.S. § 4a-81. Applications for State contracts with a value of $50,000 or more in a calendar or fiscal year, excluding leases and licensing agreements of any value, shall require a consulting agreement affidavit attesting to whether any consulting agreement has been entered into in connection with the proposal. As used herein "consulting agreement" means any written or oral agreement to retain the services, for a fee, of a consultant for the purposes of (A) providing counsel to a contractor, vendor, consultant or other entity seeking to conduct, or conducting, business with the State, (B) contacting, whether in writing or orally, any executive, judicial, or administrative office of the State, including any department, institution, bureau, board, commission, authority, official or employee for the purpose of solicitation, dispute resolution, introduction, requests for information or (C) any other similar activity related to such contract. Consulting agreement does not include any agreements entered into with a consultant who is registered under the provisions of C.G.S. Chapter 10 as of the date such affidavit is submitted in accordance with the provisions of C.G.S. § 4a-81. The Consulting Agreement Affidavit (OPM Ethics Form 5) is available on OPM’s website at: http://www.ct.gov/opm/fin/ethics_forms

NOTE: To submit a responsive Application, the Applicant shall include a completed Consulting Agreement with their application.

3. Affirmation of Receipt of State Ethics Laws Summary. Completion of the form is to affirm (1) receipt of the summary of State ethics laws developed by the Office of State Ethics pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-81b and (2) that key employees of such person, contractor, subcontractor, or consultant have read and understand the summary and agree to comply with its provisions. The Affirmation of Receipt of State Ethics Laws Summary (OPM Ethics Form 6) is available on OPM’s website at:

http://www.ct.gov/opm/fin/ethics_forms

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NOTE: To submit a responsive Application, the Applicant shall include a completed Affirmation of Receipt of State Ethics Laws Summary with their application.

4. Iran Certification. Entities whose principal place of business is located outside of the United States are required to complete the entire form, including the certification portion of the form. United States subsidiaries of foreign corporations are exempt from having to complete the certification portion of the form. Those entities whose principal place of business is located inside of the United States must also fill out the form, but do not have to complete the certification portion of the form. The OPM Iran Certification Form 7 (Rev. 3-28-14) is available on OPM’s website at: http://www.ct.gov/opm/fin/ethics_forms

NOTE: To submit a responsive Application, the Applicant shall include a completed Iran Certification with their application.

5. Freedom of Information, C.G.S. § 1-210(b). The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally requires the disclosure of documents in the possession of the State upon request of any citizen, unless the content of the document falls within certain categories of exemption, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-210(b). Applicants are generally advised not to include in their applications any confidential information. If the Applicant indicates that certain documentation, as required by this RFA, is submitted in confidence, the State will endeavor to keep said information confidential to the extent permitted by law. The State has no obligation to initiate, prosecute, or defend any legal proceeding or to seek a protective order or other similar relief to prevent disclosure of any information pursuant to a FOIA request. The Applicant has the burden of establishing the availability of any FOIA exemption in any proceeding where it is an issue. While an Applicant may claim an exemption to the State’s FOIA, the final administrative authority to release or exempt any or all material so identified rests with the State. In no event shall the State or any of its employees have any liability for disclosure of documents or information in the possession of the State and which the State or its employees believe(s) to be required pursuant to the FOIA or other requirements of law.

6. Contract Compliance, C.G.S. § 4a-60 and Regulations of CT State Agencies § 46a-68j-21 thru 43, inclusive. CT statute and regulations impose certain obligations on State agencies (as well as contractors and subcontractors doing business with the State) to ensure that State agencies do not enter into contracts with organizations or businesses that discriminate against protected class persons.

NOTE: The selected Applicant(s) must upload the Workplace Analysis Affirmative Action Report through an automated system hosted by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS)/Procurement Division, and the Department of Rehabilitation Services can review said document online. The DAS Upload Instructions. pdf guide to uploading affidavits and nondiscrimination forms online is embedded in this section as a hyperlink.

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7. Nondiscrimination Certification, C.G.S. § 4a-60(a)(1) and 4a-60a(a)(1). If an Applicant is offered an opportunity to negotiate a contract, the Applicant must provide the Department with written representation or documentation that certifies the Applicant complies with the State's nondiscrimination agreements and warranties. A nondiscrimination certification is required for all State contracts – regardless of type, term, cost, or value. Municipalities and CT State agencies are exempt from this requirement. The nondiscrimination certification forms are available on OPM’s website at: OPM: Nondiscrimination Certification

NOTE: The selected Applicant(s) must upload the Nondiscrimination Certification through an automated system hosted by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS)/Procurement Division prior to contract execution, and the Department of Rehabilitation Services can review said document online. The DAS Upload Instructions.pdf guide to uploading affidavits and nondiscrimination forms online is embedded in this section as a hyperlink.

IV. DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

PART 1 Overview and Contractor Qualifications

A. DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department contains twelve distinct programs, including two Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs. The general VR program, situated within the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), serves individuals with all types of disability except those with a primary disability of legal blindness. Clients that are legally blind, as well as transition-aged youth with visual impairments are served by the state VR program for the Blind, which is housed within the Department’s Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB). Clients that are legally blind and deaf or hard of hearing are served by either BRS or BESB. The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities who need assistance in maintaining or achieving their full potential for self-direction, self-reliance and independent living. The primary customers of the agency are individuals with disabilities, and in our employment-based programs we also have business/employers as a dual customer.The Department is headed by the Commissioner of the Department of Rehabilitation Services. The Department administers services that are delivered on a statewide basis with Central Office support located in Hartford, CT.Department Mission. The Department’s mission is to maximize opportunities for people in Connecticut with disabilities to live, learn and work independently.

B. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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The Department is seeking applications from organizations to become certified as Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) to support the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Opportunities Programs (EOP) administered by the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). The goal of these programs is to assist individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities to prepare for, obtain, advance in and maintain employment. Through the provision of individual services, persons with disabilities are supported in planning for and achieving their job goals. The intent of this Request for Application (RFA) is to: 1. Align employment services for DORS clients with the federal Workforce

Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. The WIOA emphasizes coordination among the service delivery systems, alignment of workforce needs and enhanced community development. WIOA expectations for the DORS Vocational Rehabilitation Programs include, but are not limited to, providing services to improve the abilities of clients that lead to higher-paying jobs and community based supports that lead to retention of employment.

2. Implement a uniform menu of community based rehabilitation and employment services to clients statewide, along with a standard rate structure that ensures equity and adequacy among and for Resultant Contractors.

3. Ensure that individuals who manage and directly provide community based rehabilitation and employment services have the necessary certifications, experience in Vocational Rehabilitation and qualifications in employment and remediation of disability-related barriers to serve DORS clients.

4. Ensure that cross disability populations of clients served by the Department will have equal access to community based employment services. All Resultant Contractors of this procurement will be expected to equally serve each of the disability populations of DORS clients. This will include the requirement to serve and offer equal access of services to individuals with communication barriers listed below in Section IV, Part 1. D. 2. & 3. Applicants will be expected to be able to provide the full range of core services (defined in Section IV, Part 2. A. through D.) to all clients. Dependent upon the selected strategy for mitigation of communication barriers, the Applicant may also be eligible to provide services listed in Section IV, Part 2. E.

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C. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE RESULTANT CONTRACTOR(S) FOR APPROVAL AS A COMMUNITY REHABILIATION PROVIDER

For an Applicant Organization to become certified as a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) with the Department, it must demonstrate the ability to meet the criteria established through one of the two options listed below:1. Option 1. The Applicant organization/provider is accredited in relevant areas

by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and is able to submit proof of this accreditation.

2. Option 2. The organization/provider is able to demonstrate, through an organizational chart (required by CRP Application, Component II, A. 2.) a business infrastructure that will be capable of managing DORS referrals and providing high quality services to DORS clients. Under this option, the individual identified on this chart as the “Director of Vocational Services” must be able to demonstrate that they meet either criteria a. or b. listed below.It should be noted that the Director of Vocational Services will assume the role of being responsible for all administrative supervision of the Applicant organization and all services provided under the resulting contract.The Director of Vocational Services MUST possess the necessary credentials to meet either criteria a. or b. listed below: a. The Director of Vocational Services has CRC certification and a minimum of

two years’ experience (experience is defined as a minimum of 1000 documented service hours per year) in providing community based vocational services to persons with disabilities. Experience must include providing the services listed in RFA Section IV, Part 2.

OR

b. The Director of Vocational Services has a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area and a minimum of five years’ experience (experience is defined as a minimum of 1000 documented service hours per year) in providing community based vocational services to persons with disabilities. Experience must include providing the services listed in RFA Section IV, Part 2.

D. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE RESULTANT CONTRACTOR(S) FOR MITIGATION OF COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

The Department has identified individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language (ASL) and individuals who are Monolingual Spanish Speaking as underserved populations. The options listed below are being made available to serve these distinct populations. For individuals with other language

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and communication barriers, interpreter services through a third-party vendor will be made available on an as needed basis as determined by the Department.

1. Options for Serving Individuals with Communication Barriers. As required by Section IV, Part 1. E.2. all Applicants agree to serve the broad range of cross disability populations that are eligible for the VR and EOP programs administered by the DORS. In addition, Applicants must identify their approach to serving clients with common communication barriers. There are three options for fulfilling this requirement:

a. Qualified Direct Service Staff . Communication barriers mitigated by qualified direct service staff employed by the Applicant – under this option the staff providing services (i.e. Job Coaching) will independently communicate with and facilitate communication as necessary on behalf of the client.

b. Qualified Staff Interpreter. Communication barriers mitigated by qualified interpreters employed by the Applicant - under this option the Applicant organization will employ qualified interpreters to communicate with and interpret as necessary on behalf of the client.

c. Third Party Vendor Interpreter. Communication barriers mitigated by services provided by contracted interpreters - under this option the Applicant organization will purchase services through third party vendors to provide qualified interpreters to communicate with and interpret as necessary on behalf of the client.

2. Qualifications for Mitigation of Communication Barriers for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language (ASL):a. Qualifications for Direct Service Staff. (as defined in Section IV, Part 1.

D. 1. a.). To be determined as qualified, the Direct Service Staff must:i. Pass the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI)

provided by Gallaudet University at a minimum of Level 4+; Reference link: http://www.gallaudet.edu/asldes/aslpi/aslpi-proficiency-levels.html

OR

ii. Pass the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) provided by Rochester Institute of Technology at a minimum of Level Superior; Reference link: https://www.rit.edu/ntid/slpi/

ANDiii. Have experience and knowledge of Deaf Culture through intensive

personal experience and/or completion of a Deaf Studies Program;

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ANDiv. Be able to read and write in the English language.

b. Qualifications for Staff Interpreter. (as defined in Section IV, D. 1. b.). To be determined as qualified, Staff Interpreters must be registered with the Department of Rehabilitation Services and meet the requirements of the CT State Statutes.

i. State Statutes: Sec. 46a-33 (Formerly Sec. 17-137k) and Sec. 46a- 33a;

ii. State Statutes and guidelines can be found online at: http://www.dhoh.ct.gov/dhoh/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&Q=319100&dhohNav=|

iii. State Registered Interpreter Listing can be found online at: http://ct.gov/dors/, under Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

c. Qualifications for Third Party Vendor Interpreter. (as defined in Section IV, D. 1. c.). To be determined as qualified, the Third Party Interpreter must be registered with the Department of Rehabilitation Services and meet all the requirements of the CT State Statutes.

i. State Statutes: Sec. 46a-33 (Formerly Sec. 17-137k) and Sec. 46a- 33a;

ii. State Statutes and guidelines can be found online at: http://www.dhoh.ct.gov/dhoh/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&Q=319100&dhohNav=|

iii. State Registered Interpreter Listing can be found online at: http://ct.gov/dors/, under Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

3. Qualifications for Mitigation of Communication Barriers for individuals who are Monolingual Spanish Speaking:

a. Qualifications for Direct Service Staff. (as defined in Section IV, D. 1. a.). To be determined as qualified, the Direct Service Staff must:

i. Pass the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Test in spoken Spanish at a minimum of Intermediate mid.

Reference link https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/public/ACTFLProficiencyGuidelines2012_FINAL.pdf

Screening company reference link: https://www.profluentplus.com/

AND

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ii. Have experience and knowledge of Latino/Latina culture through intensive personal experience;

ANDiii. Be able to read and write in the English language.

b. Qualifications for Staff Interpreter. (as defined in Section IV, D. 1. b.). To be determined as qualified, the Staff Interpreter must meet one of the following criteria:

i. American Translator’s Association (ATA) Certificationii. Certified State of Connecticut Court or Healthcare Interpreter iii. Provide proof of Written and Oral Certification test results from any

jurisdiction that is a member of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) or Council of Language Access Coordinators (CLAC)

iv. Provide written and oral certification from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AOUSC)

v. Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) provided by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters

vi. Passed Interpreter screening by Interpreters and Translators out of Manchester, CT.

c. Qualifications for Third Party Vendor Interpreter. (as defined in Section IV, D. 1. c.). To be determined as qualified, the Third Party Interpreter must meet one of the following criteria:

i. American Translator’s Association (ATA) Certificationii. Certified State of Connecticut Court or Healthcare Interpreter iii. Provide proof of Written and Oral Certification test results from any

jurisdiction that is a member of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) or Council of Language Access Coordinators (CLAC)

iv. Provide written and oral certification from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AOUSC)

v. Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) provided by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters

vi. Passed Interpreter screening by Interpreters and Translators out of Manchester, CT.

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E. OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE RESULTANT CONTRACTOR(S)

The Resultant Contractor Community Rehabilitation Provider will have the following requirements:

1. An ability to provide high quality vocational rehabilitation services to all DORS clients including, but not limited to, required core services outlined in Section IV, Part 2 A. through D.

2. An ability to provide services to a cross disability population of clients consistent with all those served by the Department.

3. An ability to conform to all procedures, rules and regulations for providing services for the Department and its clients.

4. An ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with DORS staff, clients and their families, as well as other partners in the VR process.

5. An ability to maintain adequate organizational structure inclusive of a Director of Vocational Services.

6. An ability to hire and maintain staff with the appropriate training and credentials for working with persons with all types of disabilities. This includes ongoing efforts to adhere to the Department’s guidance around training and staff development.

7. An ability to provide adequate and balanced geographical coverage and prompt response to the Department’s need for capacity in certain areas.

8. An ability to provide services throughout the duration of the term of any resulting contract for all geographical regions committed to via the application process.

9. An ability to develop and maintain effective employer relationships to foster the creation of appropriate community based work experiences for DORS clients.

10. An ability to submit data as needed to the Department.

11. An ability to achieve acceptable performance when compared to qualitative metrics established by the Department related to the provision of services to DORS clients.

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PART 2 Structure and Scope Requirements of the Community Based Rehabilitation and Employment Services:

As a result of this procurement, all services listed in this section will be able to be purchased either individually or in combination with other services, dependent upon the needs of clients, as determined solely by the Department. The Resultant Contractor(s) is required to provide the Core Services listed under A. through D below. The Resultant Contractor(s) may also be eligible to provide services listed under E. Additional Services Specific to Individuals with Communication Barriers, dependent upon their selected strategy for mitigation of communication barriers. A. Work Attachment

Work Attachment is the process of locating and securing a job placement in the competitive labor market for a DORS client.

1. Work Attachment Referral. This service may be defined as the initiation and subsequent efforts to develop an opportunity for a client to be hired by an employer for an open position that is consistent with their interests, strengths, informed choice and capabilities. This opportunity can be facilitated through any of the Work Attachment models outlined below (Competitive Placement Opportunity, Job Placement or On the Job Training Site Development) dependent upon the approach that would best meet the needs of the employer and the client relative to identified opportunities. Work sites developed by the Resultant Contractor must be arranged as specifically requested and approved by the Department.

a. Competitive Placement Opportunity . A Competitive Placement Opportunity (CPO) is an arrangement for a client to perform work in a competitively integrated work setting as defined by Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 361.5(c)(9), for the purposes of trying out a specific job prior to being hired while proving his/her competencies to a prospective employer. In a CPO, the Resultant Contractor would search for an open position in the community and negotiate the opportunity for a DORS client to try out a specific open position with the identified employer. The CPO provides an employer with the opportunity to observe a client “in action” to determine his/her suitability for the job, rather than measuring how well he/she may perform in an interview. During this observation period, a client has access to supports, if necessary, to assist with acclimation to the roles and responsibilities of the position, development of relationships and effective communication with supervisors and co-workers, and adjustment to any other environmental factors encountered.

b. CPO Placement . This service may be defined as the securing of an opportunity for a client to compete to be hired by an employer for an open position that is consistent with their strengths and capabilities. Work sites developed by the Resultant Contractor must be arranged as specifically

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requested and approved by the Department. This service will be authorized in conjunction with an authorization for Competitive Placement Opportunity Client Wages and Onboarding supports.

c. CPO 90-Day Retention . This service may be defined as ongoing oversight by the CRP during the client’s first ninety (90) days post hire to ensure that the client is successfully fulfilling the duties and responsibilities necessary to retain such employment. This service includes direct follow-up with the client and employer during the first ninety (90) days of employment.

d. CPO Client Wages . Client wage rate encompasses the actual wages paid no less than the current state minimum wage and administrative overhead costs (Workers' Compensation coverage and FICA) to vendor. The Resultant Contractor must secure adequate Workers' Compensation coverage consistent with the delivery of services as they are defined in this section of the Procurement Notice.

e. Onboarding Service . An Onboarding Service will assist the client with adjustments to new roles, responsibilities, peers, supervisors, and the organization at large. The service is designed to provide on-site support to the client in becoming acclimated to the work environment, assisting with engaging with new co-workers, and helping to understand the organization’s needs, values and structural policies. This support will also assist in the maintenance of the relationship with the employer and the client during the CPO. As a standard, Onboarding Services will be authorized at twenty-five percent (25%) of the total hours of the CPO. Adjustments to this standard will be at the discretion of the Department. The majority of authorized Onboarding hours will typically occur during the initial hours of a CPO, however, check-in and monitoring throughout the duration of the CPO is expected. An abbreviated Onboarding Report will be required as a component of this service.

f. Onboarding Service – Communication Barriers . An onboarding service will assist the client with adjustments to new roles, responsibilities, peers, supervisors, and the organization at large. This service is designed to support the client in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to become acclimated to the work environment, assist with engaging with new co-workers, and help to understand the organization’s needs, values and structural policies. This support will also assist in the maintenance of the relationship with the employer and the client during the CPO. This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that employ qualified direct service staff as defined in Section IV, D. 2. a. and Section IV, D. 3. a. An abbreviated Onboarding Report will be required as a component of this service. As a standard, Onboarding Services will be authorized at twenty-five percent (25%) of the total hours of the CPO. Adjustments to this standard will be at the discretion of the Department. The majority of authorized Onboarding hours will typically occur during the initial hours of a CPO, however, check-in and monitoring throughout the

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duration of the CPO is expected. An abbreviated Onboarding Report will be required as a component of this service.

g. Comprehensive Onboarding Report . Onboarding reports will provide necessary information including, but not limited to, tasks assigned to the client, review of the client’s performance of assigned tasks, analysis of direct observation and feedback from the client and employer during this service.

2. Job Placement. Job placement is the process of locating and securing a permanent job in the competitive labor market for a client. The placement service is used for securing independent employment or for an individual who needs time-limited or ongoing support in an individual placement site.

a. Job Placement . This service is defined as the securing of an offer for a client to be hired by an employer for an open position in a competitive integrated setting that is consistent with their strengths and capabilities. The job site developed by the Resultant Contractor must be arranged as specifically requested by and approved by the Department. This service will be authorized when a Job Specification Report is provided outlining the job title, rate of pay, start date and, if applicable, fringe benefit package.

b. Job Placement 90-Day retention . This service is defined as ongoing oversight by the CRP during the client’s first ninety (90) days post hire to ensure that the client is successfully fulfilling the duties and responsibilities necessary to retain such employment. This service includes direct follow-up with the employer and client during the first ninety (90) days of employment. This service will be paid when a Job Retention Report is provided listing the ninetieth (90th) day of employment and detailing any successes or issues related to the client’s retention.

3. On the Job Training Site Development. On the Job Training (OJT) is a service provided by the Department whereby an agreement is developed specifically with an employer in the community for the training of a DORS client in the employer’s place of business.

a. OJT Site Development. The Resultant Contractor’s responsibility for OJT

Site Development is to locate an open position that is consistent with the client’s needs, market the general terms of an OJT agreement to the prospective employer and arrange an opportunity for DORS to negotiate an agreement with that employer. The Resultant Contractor does not have any direct involvement in the development of the agreement between DORS and the employer. The submission of an OJT Specification Report along with the completion of a DORS agreement with the identified employer will constitute the CRP's fulfillment of this service.

B. Assessment Model

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1. Trial Work Experience. A Trial Work Experience (TWE) is conducted with the goal of helping the DORS vocational counselor and the client learn more about the client’s ability to work in certain jobs. This service provides an opportunity to determine what barriers a client’s disability can present to being successful and allows a CRP to implement strategies or to attempt interventions to work around those barriers. The TWE is expected to help determine whether or not an individual is able to work competitively in an integrated setting. This service is intended to be a short-term evaluation for assessment purposes only.

The Department will determine the number of hours for the TWE on an individual basis and will authorize individual service components in accordance with the schedule provided in Section IV, Part 4: Employment Service Rates.

It is the Department’s expectation that a representative sampling of trial work sites will be pre-developed and maintained by the CRP to address the rapid initiation of assessments. New or unique sites will be developed, as specifically requested by the Department.

a. Trial Work Site Maintenance . This service is defined as the facilitating of an opportunity for a client to participate in a TWE in a pre-developed work site.

b. Trial Work New Site Development . This service is defined as the facilitating of an opportunity for a client to participate in a TWE in a new or unique work site developed by the Resultant Contractor, as specifically requested by the Department.

c. Trial Work On-site Evaluation . This service is intended to be used for assessment purposes only during a Trial Work Experience. The focus of this service is to observe, document and recommend through a prescribed report on the following areas of vocational assessment: disability-related limitations; physical environment match; skill strength; social skill match (job culture); learning process; and adaptations or accommodations. This service is inclusive of an abbreviated TWE report.

d. Trial Work On-site Evaluation – Communication Barriers. This service is intended to be used for assessment purposes only during a Trial Work Experience. The focus of this service is to observe, document and recommend through a prescribed report on the following areas of vocational assessment: disability-related limitations; physical environment match; skill strength; social skill match (job culture); learning process; and adaptations or accommodations. This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that employ qualified direct service staff as defined in Section IV, D. 2. a. and Section IV, D. 3. a. This service is inclusive of an abbreviated TWE report.

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e. Trial Work Client Wages . Client wage rate encompasses the actual wages paid at the current state minimum wage and administrative overhead costs (Workers' Compensation coverage and FICA) to Resultant Contractor. The Resultant Contractor must secure adequate Workers' Compensation coverage consistent with the delivery of services as they are defined in this section of the Procurement Notice.

f. Comprehensive Report . Assessment reports must be a critical analysis of the client's performance at the sites in which s/he is assessed. The report includes identification of skills, deficits, strategies or interventions to overcome deficits; time frames to learn skills or extinguish deficits; environmental assessments and adaptations needed. A comprehensive TWE report will only be completed upon request from the DORS counselor.

C. Work Readiness Training

1. Work Readiness Training – Group. The Work Readiness Training Program is intended to evaluate and improve the abilities of clients with disabilities with the goal of enhancing employment opportunities. The service will focus on pre-employment training activities to help clients develop the skills needed to enter the workforce and/or become positioned to realize career advancement. This service will be delivered as a module in a group format, with a maximum ratio of five (5) clients to one (1) Resultant Contractor staff person. Each module will be delivered over two (2) days. DORS will provide the curriculum for each module with clearly defined expectations for delivery by the Resultant Contractor. All materials will be standardized and made available in accessible formats. A brief progress report will be due upon the conclusion of each module. The modules are:

a. Module A: Pre-Employment This module will consist of the following topics:

i. First Impressionsii. Work Ethicsiii. Work Place Valuesiv. Conflict Resolution

b. Module B: Job Seeking Skills This module will consist of the following topics:

i. Resume Developmentii. Job Applicationsiii. Disability Disclosureiv. Job Search Strategiesv. Interview Strategies

2. Work Readiness Training – Individual. The Work Readiness Training

Program is intended to evaluate and develop the abilities of clients with disabilities with the goal of enhancing employment opportunities. The service will focus on pre-employment training activities to help clients develop the skills needed to enter the workforce and/or become positioned to realize career

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advancement. The training modules will be tailored to the specific needs of individual clients. Instruction and clearly defined expectations for these modules will be provided to Resultant Contractors. A brief progress report will be due upon the conclusion of each module.

a. Module A: Pre-Employment This module will consist of the following topics:

i. First Impressionsii. Work Ethicsiii. Work Place Valuesiv. Conflict Resolution

b. Module B: Job Seeking Skills This module will consist of the following topics:

i. Resume Developmentii. Job Applicationsiii. Disability Disclosureiv. Job Search Strategiesv. Interview Strategies

c. Module C: Informational Interviews This module will consist of arranging and supporting the client in two informational interviews.

d. Module D: Job Shadowing This module will consist of arranging and supporting the client in one job shadowing opportunity.

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D. On the Job Supports

1. On the Job Support Services are provided to an individual who has been placed in employment in order to stabilize the placement and enhance job retention.

a. Job Coaching . Job Coaching is training and related supports provided on a one-to-one basis to an employed client who needs these supports in order to learn or maintain skills related to the job. It may include learning job skills (such as job tasks, appropriate behaviors, how to work with co-workers and supervisors, how to travel to work, etc.), teaching the employer or co-workers strategies of working with the client, advocating with the employer on behalf of the client, developing natural supports, etc. Supports are generally provided in person on the job, but in some cases may be provided off site (e.g., to discuss personal issues) or when off site services are requested by the client and agreed upon by the DORS counselor. A Job Coaching report will be completed as a component of this service. As Job Coaching may be authorized over extended periods of time, Job Coaching reports are required to be submitted every thirty (30) days of service duration, regardless of the number of service hours provided during the time span.

b. Job Coaching – Communication Barriers . Job Coaching is training and related supports provided on a one-to-one basis, in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to an employed client who needs these supports in order to learn or maintain skills related to the job. It may include learning job skills (such as job tasks, appropriate behaviors, how to work with co-workers and supervisors, how to travel to work, etc.), teaching the employer or co-workers strategies of working with the client, advocating with the employer on behalf of the client, developing natural supports, etc. Supports are generally provided in person on the job, but in some cases may be provided off site (e.g., to discuss personal issues) or when off-site services are requested by the client and agreed upon by the DORS counselor. This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that employ qualified direct service staff as defined in Section IV, D. 2. a. and Section IV, D. 3. a. A Job Coaching report will be completed as a component of this service. As Job Coaching may be authorized over extended periods of time, Job Coaching reports are required to be submitted every thirty (30) days of service duration, regardless of the number of service hours provided during the time span.

c. Long Term Employment Support. Long Term Employment Supports are provided on a one-to-one basis to an employed client who requires these supports in order to maintain skills related to the job. It may include modifying or refreshing previously acquired strategies essential to maintaining employment and may pertain to maintaining performance of job tasks, appropriate behaviors or appropriate relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This

CRP_RFA_2017 29

service will also involve interacting with the employer to verify the performance of the client and to identify any areas that may require remediation. Supports are generally provided in person on the job, but in some cases may be provided off site (e.g., to discuss personal issues) or when off-site services are requested by the client and agreed upon by the Department. Long Term Employment Support reports are required to be submitted every three months or as otherwise specified in individual circumstances by the Department.

d. Long Term Employment Support – Communication Barrier. Long Term Employment Supports are provided on a one-to-one basis in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to an employed client who requires these supports in order to maintain skills related to the job. It may include modifying or refreshing previously acquired strategies essential to maintaining employment and may pertain to maintaining performance of job tasks, appropriate behaviors or appropriate relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This service will also involve interacting with the employer to verify the performance of the client and to identify any areas that may require remediation. Supports are generally provided in person on the job, but in some cases may be provided off site (e.g., to discuss personal issues) or when off-site services are requested by the client and agreed upon by the Department. This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that employ qualified direct service staff as defined in Section IV, D. 2. a. and Section IV, D. 3. a. Long Term Employment Support reports are required to be submitted every three months or as otherwise specified in individual circumstances by the Department.

E. Additional Services Specific to Individuals with Communication Barriers

Dependent upon the selected strategy for mitigation of communication barriers, the Applicant may also be eligible to provide certain Communication Barrier Mitigation services. Eligibility to provide these services will be limited to those Applicants that select the applicable option(s) on CRP Application Form D.1. The ability to provide the full range of services listed below will not be a requirement of all Resultant Contractors. 1. Communication Barrier Mitigation Package

a. Communication Assessment . This service is intended to be used to assess an individual who communicates in American Sign Language or monolingual Spanish related to communication strengths and abilities in the workplace in comparison with their employer’s communication needs. The assessment can take place during a client’s trial work experience or job development services. A report is required as part of this service.

NOTE: This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that select the “Communication barriers mitigated by qualified direct services staff employed by the applicant” option on CRP Application Form D.1.

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b. Communication Support . This service is intended to be used to provide support to an individual who communicates in American Sign Language or monolingual Spanish related to communication and cultural issues. The service will be delivered on a one-to-one basis to a client who needs these supports in order to learn or maintain effective communication and soft skills on the job.

NOTE: This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that select the “Communication barriers mitigated by qualified direct services staff employed by the applicant” option on CRP Application Form D.1.

c. CRP Staff Interpreter . This service is intended to be used when the Resultant Contractor is qualified to provide American Sign Language or monolingual Spanish to a client receiving any contracted Community Based Rehabilitation and Employment service.

NOTE: This service may only be provided by Resultant Contractors that select the “Communication barriers mitigated by qualified interpreters employed by the applicant” option on CRP Application Form D.1.

d. Third Party Interpreter Reimbursement . This service is intended to be used to reimburse the Resultant Contractor for provision of American Sign Language, monolingual Spanish or other language interpreting support to a client while they are receiving any contracted Community Based Rehabilitation and Employment service. Under this service, the Resultant Contractor must arrange the interpreting services from a qualified source and must submit the third-party invoice as a basis for the reimbursement.

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PART 3 Program Tracking and Reporting Requirements:

A. Program Tracking

1. Resultant Contractors are required to conform to all procedures, rules and regulations related to the provision of services for the Department and its clients.

2. The Department may conduct annual assessments of performance for all Resultant Contractors. This will include a defined set of quantitative and qualitative measures to ensure that each contractor’s performance is in line with the Department’s expectations.

a. Quantitative measures . Quantitative measures will be drawn from core services outcome data. Performance Assessments will include, but not be limited to the following measures:

i. Competitive Placement Opportunity assessment will be based on success rates around clients being hired and retaining employment. The timeliness of establishing sites measured from the date of referral to the start date at the work site will also be incorporated.

ii. Job Placement assessment will be based on success rates around clients being hired and retaining employment. The timeliness of establishing sites measured from the date of referral to the start date at the work site will also be incorporated.

iii. On the Job Training Site Development assessment will be based on the timeliness of establishing sites measured from the date of referral as well as the percentage of sites developed that lead to OJT contracts being established with the Department.

iv. Trial Work Experiences assessment will be based on the timeliness of initiating services measured from the date of referral to the start date of the experience.

v. Work Readiness Training assessment will be based on the timeliness of initiating the training program, the accessibility of the training materials to meet the broad range of individual disability needs, and the percentage of clients that complete the training.

vi. Job Coaching assessment will be based upon the number of clients that retain employment through the completion of the service.

vii. Long Term Employment Support assessment will be based upon the number of clients that retain employment.

b. Qualitative measures. Qualitative measures will be drawn, across all core services, from:i. Client satisfaction surveysii. Department staff evaluationiii. Periodic review of written reports submitted

B. Reporting Requirements

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Resultant Contractors are required to remain in compliance with the Department’s standard reporting requirements, which include the submission of written service reports within twenty-one (21) days from the end date listed on the Department’s Service Authorization form. Standardized Report form templates will be provided by the Department for each of the following services listed in Section IV, Part 2. The following represents a list of core services and the affiliated report:

1. Competitive Placement Opportunity – Onboarding Report required

2. Job Placement – Job Placement Specification and Job Retention Reports

3. OJT Site Development – OJT Specification Report

4. Trial Work Experience – Minimum of an Abbreviated TWE report is required, unless a Comprehensive TWE Report is separately authorized

5. Work Readiness Training both group and individual programs - Brief Work Readiness Training Progress Report for each module provided.

6. Job Coaching – One (1) Job Coaching Report must be submitted for every thirty (30) days Job Coaching is provided.

7. Long Term Employment Support – Long Term Support Report (Reports submitted every three (3) months or as otherwise specified in individual circumstances by the Department)

C. Invoicing Requirements

1. All services require prior written or electronic authorization by the Department. Resultant Contractors must issue billing invoices for services performed within ninety (90) days of the “End Service Date” on the Department’s Service Authorization Form.

2. To be considered “payable”, all required reports associated with the services provided must be received.

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PART 4 Employment Service Rates

A. Required Core Services

1. Work Attachment Models a. Work Attachment Referral $550.00 per installment

2. Competitive Placement Opportunity (CPO) a. CPO Placement $885.00 per installmentb. CPO 90-Day Retention $885.00 per installmentc. CPO Client Wages $14.60 per hourd. Onboarding Supports $55.00 per houre. Onboarding Supports – Communication Barriers $80.00 per hourf. Comprehensive Onboarding Report $165.00 per report

3. Job Placement (JP) a. Job Placement $885.00 per installmentb. Job Placement 90-Day Retention $885.00 per installment

4. On The Job Training Site Development (OJT DEV) a. OJT Site Development $885.00 per installment

5. Trial Work Experience (TWE) a. TWE Site Maintenance (if using an existing

site) $165.00 per installmentb. TWE New Site Development (if site has to

be developed) $550.00 per installmentc. On-Site Evaluation $55.00 per hourd. On-Site Evaluation - Communication Barriers $80.00 per houre. Trial Work Client Wages $14.60 per hourf. Comprehensive TWE Report $165.00 per report

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6. Work Readiness Training Program a. Group Modules

i. Module A: Pre-Employment $132.00 per participantii. Module B: Job Seeking Skills $132.00 per participant

b. Individual Modulesi. Module A: Pre-Employment $55.00 per hourii. Module B: Job Seeking Skills $55.00 per houriii. Module C: Informational Interview $440.00 per participantiv. Module D: Job Shadowing $440.00 per participant

7. Job Coaching a. Job Coaching $55.00 per hourb. Job Coaching - Communication Barriers $80.00 per hour

8. Long Term Employment Supports (L/T) a. Long Term Employment Supports $45.00 per hourb. Long Term Employment

Supports - Communication Barriers $70.00 per hour

B. Additional Services Specific to Individuals with Communication Barriers

1. Communication Barrier Mitigation Package a. Communication Assessment Service $80.00 per hourb. Communication Support $80.00 per hourc. CRP Staff Interpreter $75.00 per hourd. Third Party Interpreter Reimbursement up to $100.00 per hour

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