RFP Table of Contents

Section 1 Administrative Overview

I. Procurement Timetable......................................................................................... 1-1

II. Website Reference................................................................................................ 1-2

III. Authority.............................................................................................................. 1-2

IV. RFP Organization................................................................................................. 1-3

V. Contracting Office................................................................................................. 1-3

VI. Orientation............................................................................................................ 1-3

VII. Submission of Questions....................................................................................... 1-4

VIII. Submission of Proposals....................................................................................... 1-4

IX. Discussions with Applicants................................................................................... 1-7

X. Opening of Proposals............................................................................................ 1-7

XI. Additional Materials and Documentation................................................................ 1-7

XII. RFP Amendments................................................................................................. 1-7

XIII. Final Revised Proposals........................................................................................ 1-7

XIV. Cancellation of Request for Proposals................................................................... 1-8

XV. Costs for Proposal Preparation............................................................................. 1-8

XVI. Provider Participation in Planning........................................................................... 1-8

XVII. Rejection of Proposals.......................................................................................... 1-8

XVIII. Notice of Award................................................................................................... 1-8

XIX. Protests................................................................................................................ 1-9

XX. Availability of Funds.............................................................................................. 1-9

XXI. General and Special Conditions of the Contract................................................... 1-10

XXII. Cost Principles.................................................................................................... 1-10

Section 2 - Service Specifications

I. Introduction

A. Overview, Purpose or Need.......................................................................... 2-1

B. Planning activities conducted in preparation for this RFP................................. 2-1

C. Description of the Goals of the Service.......................................................... 2-1

D. Description of the Target Population to be Served.......................................... 2-1

E. Geographic Coverage of Service................................................................... 2-1

F. Probable Funding Amounts, Source, and Period of Availability....................... 2-1

II. General Requirements............................................................................................ 2-2

A. Specific Qualifications or Requirements.......................................................... 2-2

B. Secondary Purchaser Participation................................................................. 2-2

C. Multiple or Alternate Proposals..................................................................... 2-2

D. Single or Multiple Contracts to be Awarded.................................................. 2-2

E. Single or Multi-Term Contracts to be Awarded............................................. 2-3

F. RFP Contact Person..................................................................................... 2-3

III. Scope of Work...................................................................................................... 2-3

A. Service Activities........................................................................................... 2-3

B. Management Requirements............................................................................ 2-3

C. Facilities........................................................................................................ 2-4

IV. Compensation and Method of Payment.................................................................. 2-5

Section 3 - Proposal Application Instructions

General Instructions for Completing Applications................................................................ 3-1

I. A Letter Stating an Interest in Delivering the Proposed Services............................. 3-1

II. Experience and Capability..................................................................................... 3-2

A. Necessary Skills................................................................................ 3-2

B. Experience........................................................................................ 3-2

III. Ability to Meet the Needs of the Counselors.......................................................... 3-2

A. Reliability....................................................................................................... 3-2

B. Effectiveness.................................................................................................. 3-3

IV. Litigation............................................................................................................... 3-3

Section 4 – Proposal Evaluation

I. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 4-1

II. Evaluation Process................................................................................................ 4-1

III. Evaluation Criteria................................................................................................. 4-2

A. Phase 1 – Evaluation of Proposal Requirements.............................................. 4-2

B. Phase 2 – Evaluation of Proposal Application................................................. 4-2

C. Phase 3 – Recommendation for Award.......................................................... 4-3

Section 5 – Attachments

Attachment A. Competitive Proposal Application Checklist

Attachment B. Sample Proposal Table of Contents

Section 1

Administrative Overview

Applicants are encouraged to read each section of the RFP thoroughly. While sections such as the administrative overview may appear similar among RFPs, state purchasing agencies may add additional information as applicable. It is the responsibility of the applicant to understand the requirements of each RFP.

I. Procurement Timetable

Note that the procurement timetable represents the State’s best estimated schedule. Contract start dates may be subject to the issuance of a notice to proceed.

Activity	Scheduled Date
Public notice announcing Request for Proposals (RFP)	March 9, 2011
Distribution of RFP	March 9, 2011-April 5, 2011
RFP orientation session	March 15, 2011
Closing date for submission of written questions for written responses	March 21, 2011
State purchasing agency's response to applicants’ written questions	March 23, 2011
Discussions with applicant prior to proposal submittal deadline (optional)
Proposal submittal deadline	April 5, 2011
Discussions with applicant after proposal submittal deadline (optional)
Final revised proposals (optional)
Proposal evaluation period	April-May 2011
Provider selection	April-May 2011
Notice of statement of findings and decision	April-May 2011
Contract start date	July 1, 2011

II. Website Reference

The State Procurement Office (SPO) website is http://hawaii.gov/spo/
	For	Click
1	Procurement of Health and Human Services	“Health and Human Services, Chapter 103F, HRS…”
2	RFP website	“Health and Human Services, Ch. 103F…” and ”The RFP Website” (located under Quicklinks)
3	Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) for Procurement of Health and Human Services	“Statutes and Rules” and “Procurement of Health and Human Services”
4	Forms	“Health and Human Services, Ch. 103F…” and “For Private Providers” and “Forms”
5	Cost Principles	“Health and Human Services, Ch. 103F…” and ”For Private Providers” and “Cost Principles”
6	Standard Contract -General Conditions	“Health and Human Services, Ch. 103F…” “For Private Providers” and “Contract Template – General Conditions”
7	Protest Forms/Procedures	“Health and Human Services, Ch. 103F…” and “For Private Providers” and “Protests”
Non-SPO websites (Please note: website addresses may change from time to time. If a link is not active, try the State of Hawaii website at http://hawaii.gov)
	For	Go to
8	Tax Clearance Forms (Department of Taxation Website)	http://hawaii.gov/tax/ click “Forms”
9	Wages and Labor Law Compliance, Section 103-055, HRS, (Hawaii State Legislature website)	http://capitol.hawaii.gov/ click “Bill Status and Documents” and “Browse the HRS Sections.”
10	Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration	http://hawaii.gov/dcca click “Business Registration”
11	Campaign Spending Commission	http://hawaii.gov/campaign

III. Authority

This RFP is issued under the provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 103F and its administrative rules. All prospective applicants are charged with presumptive knowledge of all requirements of the cited authorities. Submission of a valid executed proposal by any prospective applicant shall constitute admission of such knowledge on the part of such prospective applicant.

IV. RFP Organization

This RFP is organized into five sections:

Section 1, Administrative Overview: Provides applicants with an overview of the procurement process.

Section 2, Service Specifications: Provides applicants with a general description of the tasks to be performed, delineates provider responsibilities, and defines deliverables (as applicable).

Section 3, Proposal Application Instructions: Describes the required format and content for the proposal application.

Section 4, Proposal Evaluation: Describes how proposals will be evaluated by the state purchasing agency.

Section 5, Attachments: Provides applicants with information and forms necessary to complete the application.

V. Contracting Office

The Contracting Office is responsible for overseeing the contract(s) resulting from this RFP, including system operations, fiscal agent operations, and monitoring and assessing provider performance. The Contracting Office is:

Department of Human Services, 601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 515, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707. Phone: (808)692-8606 Fax: (808)692-8600

VI. Orientation

An orientation for applicants in reference to the request for proposals will be held as follows:

Date:	March 15, 2011	Time:	1:00-2:00 p.m.
Location:	600 Kapiolani Blvd., Room 301, Honolulu, Hawaii

Applicants are encouraged to submit written questions prior to the orientation. Impromptu questions will be permitted at the orientation and spontaneous answers provided at the state purchasing agency's discretion. However, answers provided at the orientation are only intended as general direction and may not represent the state purchasing agency's position. Formal official responses will be provided in writing. To ensure a written response, any oral questions should be submitted in writing following the close of the orientation, but no later than the submittal deadline for written questions indicated in the paragraph VII. Submission of Questions.

VII. Submission of Questions

Applicants may submit questions to the RFP Contact Person identified in Section 2 of this RFP. All written questions will receive a written response from the state purchasing agency.

Deadline for submission of written questions:

Date:

March 21, 2011

Time:

4:30 p.m.

HST

State agency responses to applicant written questions will be provided by:

Date:

March 23, 2011

VIII. Submission of Proposals

A. Forms/Formats - Forms, with the exception of program specific requirements, may be found on the State Procurement Office website referred to in II. Website Reference. Refer to the Proposal Application Checklist for the location of program specific forms.

1. Proposal Application Identification (Form SPO‑H‑200). Provides applicant proposal identification.

2. Proposal Application Checklist. Provides applicants with information on where to obtain the required forms; information on program specific requirements; which forms are required and the order in which all components should be assembled and submitted to the state purchasing agency.

3. Table of Contents. A sample table of contents for proposals is located in Section 5, Attachments. This is a sample and meant as a guide. The table of contents may vary depending on the RFP.

4. Proposal Application (Form SPO-H-200A). Applicant shall submit comprehensive narratives that address all of the proposal requirements contained in Section 3 of this RFP, including a cost proposal/budget if required.

B. Program Specific Requirements. Program specific requirements are included in Sections 2, Service Specifications and Section 3, Proposal Application Instructions, as applicable. If required, Federal and/or State certifications are listed on the Proposal Application Checklist located in Section 5.

C. Multiple or Alternate Proposals. Multiple or alternate proposals shall not be accepted unless specifically provided for in Section 2 of this RFP. In the event alternate proposals are not accepted and an applicant submits alternate proposals, but clearly indicates a primary proposal, it shall be considered for award as though it were the only proposal submitted by the applicant.

D. Tax Clearance. Pursuant to HRS Section 103-53, as a prerequisite to entering into contracts of $25,000 or more, providers shall be required to submit a tax clearance certificate issued by the Hawaii State Department of Taxation (DOTAX) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The certificate shall have an original green certified copy stamp and shall be valid for six (6) months from the most recent approval stamp date on the certificate. Tax clearance applications may be obtained from the Department of Taxation website. (Refer to this section’s part II. Website Reference.)

E. Wages and Labor Law Compliance. If applicable, by submitting a proposal, the applicant certifies that the applicant is in compliance with HRS Section 103-55, Wages, hours, and working conditions of employees of contractors performing services. Refer to HRS Section 103-55, at the Hawaii State Legislature website. (See part II, Website Reference.)

· Compliance with all Applicable State Business and Employment Laws. All providers shall comply with all laws governing entities doing business in the State. Prior to contracting, owners of all forms of business doing business in the state except sole proprietorships, charitable organizations unincorporated associations and foreign insurance companies be registered and in good standing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division. Foreign insurance companies must register with DCCA, Insurance Division. More information is on the DCCA website. (See part II, Website Reference.)

F. Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE). Providers may register with HCE for online proof of DOTAX and IRS tax clearance Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) labor law compliance, and DCCA good standing compliance. There is a nominal annual fee for the service. The “Certificate of Vendor Compliance” issued online through HCE provides the registered provider’s current compliance status as of the issuance date, and is accepted for both contracting and final payment purposes. Refer to this section’s part II. Website Reference for HCE’s website address.

G. Campaign Contributions by State and County Contractors. Providers are hereby notified of the applicability of HRS Section 11-205.5, which states that campaign contributions are prohibited from specified State or county government contractors during the term of the contract if the contractors are paid with funds appropriated by a legislative body. For more information, FAQs are available at the Campaign Spending Commission webpage. (See part II, Website Reference.)

H. Confidential Information. If an applicant believes any portion of a proposal contains information that should be withheld as confidential, the applicant shall request in writing nondisclosure of designated proprietary data to be confidential and provide justification to support confidentiality. Such data shall accompany the proposal, be clearly marked, and shall be readily separable from the proposal to facilitate eventual public inspection of the non-confidential sections of the proposal.

Note that price is not considered confidential and will not be withheld.

I. Confidentiality of Personal Information. Act 10 relating to personal information was enacted in the 2008 special legislative session. As a result, the Attorney General’s General Conditions of Form AG Form 103F, Confidentiality of Personal Information, has been amended to include Section 8 regarding protection of the use and disclosure of personal information administered by the agencies and given to third parties.

J. Proposal Submittal. All mail-ins shall be postmarked by the United States Postal System (USPS) and received by the State purchasing agency no later than the submittal deadline indicated on the attached Proposal Mail-in and Delivery Information Sheet. All hand deliveries shall be received by the State purchasing agency by the date and time designated on the Proposal Mail-In and Delivery Information Sheet. Proposals shall be rejected when:

· Postmarked after the designated date; or

· Postmarked by the designated date but not received within 10 days from the submittal deadline; or

· If hand delivered, received after the designated date and time.

The number of copies required is located on the Proposal Mail-In and Delivery Information Sheet. Deliveries by private mail services such as FEDEX shall be considered hand deliveries and shall be rejected if received after the submittal deadline. Dated USPS shipping labels are not considered postmarks.

IX. Discussions with Applicants

A. Prior to Submittal Deadline. Discussions may be conducted with potential applicants to promote understanding of the purchasing agency’s requirements.

B. After Proposal Submittal Deadline - Discussions may be conducted with applicants whose proposals are determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award, but proposals may be accepted without discussions, in accordance HAR Section 3-143-403.

X. Opening of Proposals

Upon receipt of a proposal by a state purchasing agency at a designated location, proposals, modifications to proposals, and withdrawals of proposals shall be date-stamped, and when possible, time-stamped. All documents so received shall be held in a secure place by the state purchasing agency and not examined for evaluation purposes until the submittal deadline.

Procurement files shall be open to public inspection after a contract has been awarded and executed by all parties.

XI. Additional Materials and Documentation

Upon request from the state purchasing agency, each applicant shall submit any additional materials and documentation reasonably required by the state purchasing agency in its evaluation of the proposals.

XII. RFP Amendments

The State reserves the right to amend this RFP at any time prior to the closing date for the final revised proposals.

XIII. Final Revised Proposals

If requested, final revised proposals shall be submitted in the manner, and by the date and time specified by the state purchasing agency. If a final revised proposal is not submitted, the previous submittal shall be construed as the applicant’s best and final offer/proposal. The applicant shall submit only the section(s) of the proposal that are amended, along with the Proposal Application Identification Form (SPO-H-200). After final revised proposals are received, final evaluations will be conducted for an award.

XIV. Cancellation of Request for Proposal

The RFP may be canceled and any or all proposals may be rejected in whole or in part, when it is determined to be in the best interests of the State.

XV. Costs for Proposal Preparation

Any costs incurred by applicants in preparing or submitting a proposal are the applicants’ sole responsibility.

XVI. Provider Participation in Planning

Provider participation in a state purchasing agency’s efforts to plan for or to purchase health and human services prior to the state purchasing agency’s release of a RFP, including the sharing of information on community needs, best practices, and providers’ resources, shall not disqualify providers from submitting proposals if conducted in accordance with HAR Sections 3-142-202 and 3-142-203.

XVII. Rejection of Proposals

The State reserves the right to consider as acceptable only those proposals submitted in accordance with all requirements set forth in this RFP and which demonstrate an understanding of the problems involved and comply with the service specifications. Any proposal offering any other set of terms and conditions contradictory to those included in this RFP may be rejected without further notice.

A proposal may be automatically rejected for any one or more of the following reasons:

(1) Rejection for failure to cooperate or deal in good faith.
(HAR Section 3-141-201)

(2) Rejection for inadequate accounting system. (HAR Section 3-141-202)

(3) Late proposals (HAR Section 3-143-603)

(4) Inadequate response to request for proposals (HAR Section 3-143-609)

(5) Proposal not responsive (HAR Section 3-143-610(a)(1))

(6) Applicant not responsible (HAR Section 3-143-610(a)(2))

XVIII. Notice of Award

A statement of findings and decision shall be provided to all applicants by mail upon completion of the evaluation of competitive purchase of service proposals.

Any agreement arising out of this solicitation is subject to the approval of the Department of the Attorney General as to form, and to all further approvals, including the approval of the Governor, required by statute, regulation, rule, order or other directive.

No work is to be undertaken by the awardee prior to the contract commencement date. The State of Hawaii is not liable for any costs incurred prior to the official starting date.

XIX. Protests

Any applicant may file a protest against the awarding of the contract. The Notice of Protest form, SPO-H-801, is available on the SPO website. (See paragraph II, Website Reference.) Only the following matters may be protested:

(1) A state purchasing agency’s failure to follow procedures established by Chapter 103F of the Hawaii Revised Statutes;

(2) A state purchasing agency’s failure to follow any rule established by Chapter 103F of the Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

(3) A state purchasing agency’s failure to follow any procedure, requirement, or evaluation criterion in a request for proposals issued by the state purchasing agency.

The Notice of Protest shall be postmarked by USPS or hand delivered to 1) the head of the state purchasing agency conducting the protested procurement and 2) the procurement officer who is conducting the procurement (as indicated below) within five working days of the postmark of the Notice of Findings and Decision sent to the protestor. Delivery services other than USPS shall be considered hand deliveries and considered submitted on the date of actual receipt by the state purchasing agency.

Head of State Purchasing Agency	Procurement Officer
Name: Patricia McManaman	Name: Edwin Igarashi
Title: Director	Title: Procurement Officer
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 339 Honolulu, Hawaii 96808	Mailing Address: P.O. Box 339 Honolulu, Hawaii 96808
Business Address: 1390 Miller Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813	Business Address: 1390 Miller Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

XX. Availability of Funds

The award of a contract and any allowed renewal or extension thereof, is subject to allotments made by the Director of Finance, State of Hawaii, pursuant to HRS Chapter 37, and subject to the availability of State and/or Federal funds.

XXI. General and Special Conditions of Contract

The general conditions that will be imposed contractually are on the SPO website. (See paragraph II, Website Reference). Special conditions may also be imposed contractually by the state purchasing agency, as deemed necessary.

XXII. Cost Principles

In order to promote uniform purchasing practices among state purchasing agencies procuring health and human services under HRS Chapter 103F, state purchasing agencies will utilize standard cost principles outlined in Form SPO-H-201, which is available on the SPO website (see paragraph II, Website Reference). Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an exemption from any cost principle arising under federal law.

Section 2

Service Specifications

I. Introduction

A. Overview, purpose or need

Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division, Department of Human Services, State of Hawaii, is designated to provide vocational rehabilitation services to eligible individuals with disabilities to enable them to achieve an employment outcome. Psychological assessment services contribute to the determination of an individual’s eligibility for the public vocational rehabilitation program and the vocational rehabilitation needs of the individual in order to achieve an employment outcome.

B. Planning activities conducted in preparation for this RFP

Request for Information (RFI) was posted on the procurement website <www4.hawaii.gov/bidfiles/RFI> on February 24, 2011 with a deadline of March 8, 2011 for responses.

C. Description of the goals of the service

The goal of the service is to assess the intellectual, educational, vocational, personality, emotional and neuropsychological diagnosis and/or functioning of the individual with disabilities and the impact of that functioning on their employment.

D. Description of the target population to be served

Those to be served are individuals with disabilities who are applicants or clients of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division, Oahu Branch. An applicant submitting a proposal shall be prepared to serve individuals who may have a wide range of disabilities or who have multiple disabilities including individuals who are deaf or blind.

E. Geographic coverage of service

The services shall be provided on Oahu.

F. Probable funding amounts, source, and period of availability

State and federal funds are available for two years. Probable funding amounts are listed below.

SFY 2012 SFY 2013

$87,500 $87,500

II. General Requirements

A. Specific qualifications or requirements, including but not limited to licensure or accreditation

· Proof of current and appropriate State of Hawaii licenses and professional certifications.

· Not to be excluded, suspended or otherwise barred from participation in any Federal or State Program.

· Verification of licensure in the area of psychology from the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

B. Secondary purchaser participation

(Refer to HAR Section 3-143-608)

After-the-fact secondary purchases will be allowed.

Planned secondary purchases: None

C. Multiple or alternate proposals

(Refer to HAR Section 3-143-605)

Allowed Unallowed

D. Single or multiple contracts to be awarded

(Refer to HAR Section 3-143-206)

Single Multiple Single & Multiple

Criteria for multiple awards:

Multiple contracts may be awarded for the geographic area specified above if the STATE determines that multiple contracts will be more advantageous in terms of offering a choice among providers to its participants. The highest scoring applicants will be awarded multiple proposals. The relative funding of the multiple awardees will be limited by available funding for the geographic area to be served and will be allocated at the discretion of the Department taking into account factors that may include but not limited to availability, accessibility, and proposed configuration of the service activities.

E. Single or multi-term contracts to be awarded

(Refer to HAR Section 3-149-302)

Single term (2 years or less) Multi-term (more than 2 years)

Contract terms:

Initial term of contract:	July 1, 2011 – June 30 2013
Length of each extension:	Not applicable
Number of possible extensions:	None
Maximum length of contract:	July 1, 2011 – June 30 2013

The initial period shall commence on the contract start date or Notice to Proceed, whichever is later.

Conditions for extension: Not Applicable.

F. RFP contact person

The individual listed below is the sole point of contact from the date of release of this RFP until the selection of the successful provider(s). Written questions should be submitted to the RFP contact person and received by the day and time specified in Section 1, paragraph I (Procurement Timetable) of this RFP.

Albert Perez

601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 515

Kapolei, Hawaii 96707

III. Scope of Work

The scope of work encompasses the following tasks and responsibilities:

A. Service Activities

(Minimum and/or mandatory tasks and responsibilities)

The contractors shall conduct intellectual, personality, and/or neuropsychological assessments and submit a narrative report of their assessment on a timely basis.

B. Management Requirements (Minimum and/or mandatory requirements)

1. Personnel

Licensed in the State of Hawaii to do Psychological Evaluations.

2. Administrative

Contractors shall adopt and implement procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal information.

3. Quality assurance and evaluation specifications

Contractors shall adopt and implement procedures that ensure the assessment of individuals and the submission of reports of their assessment findings following the date of the assessment will be timely.

4. Output and performance/outcome measurements

a) The number and percentage of individuals referred for psychological assessment that are assessed soon after the referral and for whom a written report of the assessment is provided soon after.

b) The number and percentage of individuals whose psychological assessment contributes to the determination of their vocational rehabilitation eligibility and/or their vocational rehabilitation needs.

5. Experience

The applicant shall demonstrate that he or she has the necessary experience relating to the delivery of the proposed services.

6. Coordination of services

Not applicable.

7. Reporting requirements for program and fiscal data

Psychological and/or neuropsychological reports will be completed and sent to referring counselor in a timely manner as determined by the State.

C. Facilities

Applicants shall provide the services in a facility or office at a specific site that is adequate in relation to the proposed services, have special equipment required by consumers for equal access to all the services and facilities and shall meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

IV. COMPENSATION AND METHOD OF PAYMENT

A. Pricing structure or pricing methodology to be used

The total contract amount available will not exceed $175,000 for the period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013. or $87,500 for each fiscal year. The amounts awarded will be determined by the proposals and the client needs.

B. Units of service and unit rate

Fees are the maximum allowed and not subject to negotiation.

a) Specific Assessments

Intelligence $144.00

Personality $144.00

b) Combined Assessments

Intelligence/Personality $288.00

c) Neuropsychological Assessments

Including Intelligence/Personality $566.00

Section 3

Proposal Application Instructions

General instructions for completing applications:

· Proposal Applications shall be submitted to the state purchasing agency using the prescribed format outlined in this section.

· The numerical outline for the application, the titles/subtitles, and the applicant organization and RFP identification information on the top right hand corner of each page should be retained. The instructions for each section however may be omitted.

· Page numbering of the Proposal Application should be consecutive, beginning with page one and continuing through for each section. See sample table of contents in Section 5.

· Proposals may be submitted in a three ring binder (Optional).

· Tabbing of sections (Recommended).

· Applicants must also include a Table of Contents with the Proposal Application. A sample format is reflected in Section 5, Attachment B of this RFP.

· A written response is required for each item unless indicated otherwise. Failure to answer any of the items will impact upon an applicant’s score.

· Applicants are strongly encouraged to review evaluation criteria in Section 4, Proposal Evaluation when completing the proposal.

· This form (SPO-H-200A) is available on the SPO website (see Section 1, paragraph II, Website Reference). However, the form will not include items specific to each RFP. If using the website form, the applicant must include all items listed in this section.

The Proposal Application comprises the following sections:

· Title Page

· A Letter Stating an Interest in Delivering the Proposed Services

· Experience and Capability

· Knowledge

· Ability to Meet the Counselors Needs

· Litigation

I. A Letter Stating an Interest in Delivering the Proposed Services

Applicant shall state in writing their interest in delivering the proposed services.

II. Experience and Capability

A. Necessary Skills

The applicant shall demonstrate that he/she has the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge relating to the delivery of the proposed services.

B. Experience

The applicant shall demonstrate that he/she has the necessary experience relating to the delivery of the proposed services. The applicant shall submit the following:

· Current vitae and a copy of appropriate current State license and professional certification.

· A listing of verifiable experience with projects or contracts in the last three years that includes the number of psychological assessments performed for vocational rehabilitation counselors of a public vocational rehabilitation agency.

(Those applicants who are now delivering a substantial volume of the proposed services need not address these criteria. Their application will be based on their current work.)

C. Quality Assurance and Evaluation

The applicant shall describe its own plans for quality assurance and evaluation for the proposed services, including methodology.

III. Ability to Meet the Needs of the Counselors

The applicants shall describe in writing their ability to meet the needs of the counselors in the following areas:

A. Reliability

1. Consistently schedule an office visit for the Vocational Rehabilitation applicant or client within two weeks after the referral by the counselor.

2. Consistently provide a written report of the Vocational Rehabilitation applicant or client within two weeks of the assessment.

B. Effectiveness

1. Facilitate the counselor’s understanding of the applicant or client through the assessment.

2. Facilitate the counselor’s decision making about and with the client through the assessment.

(Those applicants who are now delivering a substantial volume of the proposed services need not address this criteria. Their application will be based on their current work.)

IV. Litigation

The applicant shall disclosure any pending litigation to which they are a party, including the disclosure of any outstanding judgment. If applicable, please explain.

Section 4

Proposal Evaluation

I. Introduction

The evaluation of proposals received in response to the RFP will be conducted comprehensively, fairly and impartially. Structural, quantitative scoring techniques will be utilized to maximize the objectivity of the evaluation.

II. Evaluation Process

The procurement officer or an evaluation committee of designated reviewers selected by the head of the state purchasing agency or procurement officer shall review and evaluate proposals. When an evaluation committee is utilized, the committee will be comprised of individuals with experience in, knowledge of, and program responsibility for program service and financing.

The evaluation will be conducted in three phases as follows:

· Phase 1 - Evaluation of Proposal Requirements

· Phase 2 - Evaluation of Proposal Application

· Phase 3 - Recommendation for Award

Evaluation Categories and Thresholds

Evaluation Categories		Possible Points
*Administrative Requirements*		Pass or Rejected

*Proposal Application*		100 Points
Letter Stating Interest in Delivering	0 points
Proposed Services
Experience and Capability	40 points
Knowledge	30 points
Ability to Meet the Counselors Needs	30 points

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS		100 Points

III. Evaluation Criteria

A. Phase 1 - Evaluation of Proposal Requirements

1. Administrative Requirements

· Tax Clearance Certificate (except for contracts less than $25,000)

· Certificate of Compliance (except for contracts less than $25,000)

· Certificate of Good Standing (except for contracts less than $25,000 or when applicants are sole proprietors)

· Registration (if not pre-registered with the State Procurement Office)

2. Proposal Application Requirements

· Proposal Application Identification Form (Form SPO-H-200)

· A Letter Stating Interest in Delivery of the Proposed Services

· Experience and Capability

· Knowledge

· Ability to Meet the Counselors Needs

B. Phase 2 - Evaluation of Proposal Application

(100 Points)

Letter of Interest: No points are given to this category. The intent is to give the applicant the opportunity to declare his or her interest in delivering the proposed services.

1. Experience and Capability (40 Points)

The state will evaluate the applicant’s experience and the number of psychological assessments that were done for vocational rehabilitation counselors of a public vocational rehabilitation agency.

2. Knowledge (30 points)

The state will evaluate the applicant’s understanding of the vocational rehabilitation program, philosophy and requirements and the various psychological disabilities and their implications for employment functioning.

3. Ability to Meet the Counselors Needs (30 Points)

The state will evaluate the applicant’s ability to meet the counselors’ needs by how well he/she:

· will be able to consistently schedule participants within two weeks of the referral by the counselor and provide a written assessment report within two weeks after the assessment.

· describe how their assessment will facilitate the counselor’s understanding of and decision making about and with the individual with a disability.

The applicants shall describe in writing their ability to meet the needs of the counselor in the following area:

1) Reliability

a) consistently schedule an office visit for the Vocational Rehabilitation participant within two weeks after the referral by the counselor

b) consistently provide a written report of the Vocational Rehabilitation participant within two weeks of the assessment

C. Phase 3 - Recommendation for Award

Each notice of award shall contain a statement of findings and decision for the award or non-award of the contract to each applicant.

Proposal Application Checklist

Applicant:

RFP No.:

HMS 802/OB-12-1

The applicant’s proposal must contain the following components in the order shown below. This checklist must be signed, dated and returned to the purchasing agency as part of the Proposal Application. SPOH forms ore on the SPO website. See Section 1, paragraph II Website Reference.*

Item	Reference in RFP	Format/Instructions Provided	Required by Purchasing Agency		Completed by Applicant
General:
Proposal Application Identification Form (SPO-H-200)	Section 1, RFP	SPO Website*	X
Proposal Application Checklist	Section 1, RFP	Attachment A	X
Table of Contents	Section 5, RFP	Section 5, RFP	X
Proposal Application (SPO-H-200A)	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*	X
Tax Clearance Certificate (Form A-6)	Section 1, RFP	Dept. of Taxation Website (Link on SPO website)*
Cost Proposal (Budget)
SPO-H-205	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-205A	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website* Special Instructions are in Section 5
SPO-H-205B	Section 3, RFP,	SPO Website* Special Instructions are in Section 5
SPO-H-206A	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206B	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206C	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206D	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206E	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206F	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206G	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206H	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206I	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
SPO-H-206J	Section 3, RFP	SPO Website*
Certifications:
*Federal Certifications*		Section 5, RFP
Debarment & Suspension		Section 5, RFP
Drug Free Workplace		Section 5, RFP
Lobbying		Section 5, RFP
Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act		Section 5, RFP
Environmental Tobacco Smoke		Section 5, RFP
Program Specific Requirements:



	^{Authorized Signature}			^Date

Section 1 Administrative Overview

Section 2 - Service Specifications

Section 3 - Proposal Application Instructions

Section 4 – Proposal Evaluation

Section 5 – Attachments

Head of State Purchasing Agency