0148620002.doc

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Community Based Employment Services

Community Based Employment Services (CBES)

Request for Response Procurement Category: Human and Social Services

Employment and Training Sub-category Issued 2/15/01 Table of Contents

1Cover Sheet and Instructions for Submission for Streamlined Responses for Previously Qualified Contractors

Cover Sheet – For Full CBES Response Pre-qualification Requirements for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Criminal Record Information for Contractor Employees Description and Purpose of Procurement Acquisition Method Request for Single or Multiple Contractors Use of the Procurement by Single Or Multiple Departments Anticipated Duration of Contract Including Renewal Options Performance and Contract Specifications Introduction Program Narrative Service Elements

1) Assessment Component Goal Product Description Process Additional Support

2) Placement Component Goal Product Description Process Additional Support

3) Initial Employment Supports Component Goal Product Description Process Additional Support

4) Extended Supports Component Goal Product Description Process

5) Flexible Supports Component Consumer Profile and General Referral Criteria Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Massachusetts Commission for the Blind - Vocational Rehabilitation /Supported Employment Department Of Mental Retardation Department Of Mental Health Compensation Structures Rates Assessment Component Placement Component Initial Employment Supports Component Extended Supports Component Flexible Supports Component Additional Support Definition of Placement by Participating Departments Stabilization Other Financial Conditions Bidder’s Response and Instructions for Submission of Full Responses Bidder’s Response Assessment Component Placement Component Initial Supports Component Extended Supports Component Flexible Supports Component Instructions for Submission Deadline for Responses and Procurement Calendar RFR Attachments/Required Specifications Evaluation Streamlined Responses Full Responses Evaluation Summary Sheet Evaluation Form Assessment Component Placement Component Initial Employment Supports Component Extended Supports Component

Cover Sheet and Instructions for Submission for Streamlined Responses for Previously Qualified Contractors

The participating departments have determined that the requirements for the services under this procurement are similar to those under the previous procurement. As such, an expedited Response has been developed for previously qualified bidders. Please complete this sheet if you have been previously qualified as a CBES contractor.

Please note that although this RFR contains slight modifications to Additional Supports and introduces Flexible Supports, previously qualified contractors need not complete full Responses in order to be qualified to deliver these services.

In addition to this short application, please complete the following attachments available on the Forms and Information page of Comm-PASS: www.comm-pass.com.

· Standard Contract Form and Instructions (The bidder is required to complete this form.)

· Contractor Authorized Signature Verification Form (The bidder is required to complete this form.)

· Northern Ireland Notice and Certification (The bidder is required to complete this form.)

· Purchase of Service Attachment 1: Program Cover Page (This form is provided for informational purposes. Completion is required at the time of contract execution.)

· Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer (This payment method is the Commonwealth’s preferred method of payment. It is optional but strongly encouraged.)

In addition to the required attachments above, please attach a copy of your SOMWBA certification letter for the current period, if applicable.

This RFR incorporates by reference the mandatory RFR specifications which are also available on the Forms and Information page of Comm-PASS: www.comm-pass.com.

Bidder Name:

Bidder Address:

Program Name:

Program Address:

Bidder Contact Name:

Bidder Contact Phone:

Massachusetts Vendor Code:

Through the submission of this streamlined Response, the above named bidder has been previously qualified via the prior CBES procurement and is seeking to be qualified to deliver the following employment services components, as specified in the Request for Response. The bidder understands that an application for any components not previously qualified will require a full Response.

· Assessment

· Placement

· Initial Employment Supports

· Extended Supports

Through the submission of this streamlined Response, the above named bidder had previously indicated the departments below whose consumers they proposed to serve via the prior CBES procurement. The bidder understands that although they are only qualified for components, their previous Response was targeted toward the specific consumer groups of the participating departments. Therefore, any change to the proposed consumers of the departments below will require a full Response.

· Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

· Statewide Head Injury Program

· Statewide Employment Services

· Vocational Rehabilitation Program Title I

· Massachusetts Commission for the Blind - Vocational

Rehabilitation /Supported Employment

· Department of Mental Retardation

· Department of Mental Health

Through the submission of this abbreviated Response, I certify that I have been previously qualified to deliver CBES services (components) for the above specified departments and would like to be qualified to deliver the same CBES components under this Request for Response. I understand that my streamlined Response will be verified via the CBES List of Qualified Contractors on the Comm-PASS contract summary page for the CBES procurement.

Bidder Authorized Signature:

Date:

Please send this streamlined Response and the required attachments to each department with whom you wish to contract:

· MRC – Nancy Byrne, Director, Contracts Unit, MRC, 5th Floor, 27 Wormwood Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02210-1616

· MCB – Robert Dowling, Deputy Commissioner for Services, MCB, 88 Kingston St., Boston, MA 02111-2227

· DMR – Margaret VanGelder, Director, Office of Policy and Planning, 160 North Washington St., Boston, MA 02114

· DMH – Lisa Matrundola, Program Coordinator, DMH, 25 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114

Written questions about this RFR may be directed to any of the contacts listed above. Answers to questions received by March 7, 2001 will be posted on Comm-PASS by March 15, 2001. Questions received after March 7, 2001 must be in writing and will be answered in writing on a case-by-case basis. Although these questions and answers will not be posted on Comm-PASS, they will be maintained in the department’s procurement file.

During the Response review process or at any time prior to the awarding of contracts, the participating departments may cancel the procurement and reject all Responses if it determines that such action is in the best interest of the Commonwealth. All bidders will be provided with written notification of such action.

Note: This is a rolling Request for Response. Streamlined Responses will be accepted at any time during the life of the procurement. In order to be considered qualified services starting on July 1, 2001, all Streamlined Responses must be submitted by March 27, 2001. However, this RFR will remain open to receive Streamlined Responses throughout the life of the procurement.

Cover Sheet – For Full CBES Response

Bidder Name:

Bidder Address:

Program Name:

Program Address:

Bidder Contact Name:

Bidder Contact Phone:

Massachusetts Vendor Code or, if you are not currently a contractor of the

Commonwealth, your Federal Employer Identification Number:

New Bidder: ____ YES (Please see pre-qualification requirements which follow this cover sheet.)

Through the submission of a Response, the above named bidder is seeking to be qualified to deliver the following employment services components, as specified in the Request for Response:

· Assessment

· Placement

· Initial Employment Supports

· Extended Supports

Please indicate one or more purchasing departments whose target populations you are proposing to serve. Please note: Although you may indicate one or more departments, if you are qualified for any component above, you may receive referrals from participating and other departments (not identified in the RFR). These departments may make referrals based on your response targeting the consumers of certain departments. They may also request you to provide a written response which demonstrates your ability to provide the components to their consumers.

· Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

· Statewide Head Injury Program

· Statewide Employment Services

· Vocational Rehabilitation Program Title I

· Massachusetts Commission for the Blind - Vocational

Rehabilitation /Supported Employment

· Department of Mental Retardation

· Department of Mental Health

Bidder Authorized Signature:

Date:

Pre-qualification Requirements for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has established a separate review process for financial, administrative and equal opportunity/affirmative action/programmatic access requirements which must be met before a bidder can be qualified to deliver services pursuant to this RFR. The vast majority of RFR respondents are expected to be existing contractors which have already met these pre-qualification requirements. If you are new to the Purchase of Service system, please obtain a New Provider Contracting Pre-qualification Package at: http://www.state.ma.us/dph/pos/eohhs.htm. Please call EOHHS at 617-727-7600 if you experience any problems in accessing this material.

For new providers, one package of pre-qualification materials must be submitted to the department from whom you anticipate the most referrals on or before the initial Response submission date. You need not submit these materials to more than one department. This is a minimum submission requirement. Pre-qualification requirements must be met before a bidder can be qualified to deliver services under this or any other EOHHS procurement. Once approved, the pre-qualification remains valid for the current fiscal year for any other EOHHS department.

Please indicate if you have already submitted pre-qualification materials because you are a new agency who is responding to another EOHHS procurement.

Criminal Record Information for Contractor Employees

The contractor shall be subject to any department specific standards for the disqualification of candidates for positions where the candidates have criminal records, for establishing proof of criminal record information of candidates prior to hire and for addressing criminal activities subsequent to hire.

Description and Purpose of Procurement

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) are jointly seeking qualified service contractors to achieve and maintain community based employment for individuals with disabilities. Additional departments may contract under this RFR. The departments seek to increase employment success for individuals with disabilities through greater choice and flexibility in service provision.

This consumer focused model includes performance based reimbursement and streamlined access to services. It also seeks to create a seamless joint procurement and purchasing initiative that is not restricted to a specific disability group or program model. It is designed to provide consumers and purchasers with greater options and choices in selecting both employment services and contractors.

Detailed program information is available in the performance and contract specifications section of this RFR.

This RFR is a competitive procurement and is subject to the requirements and standards established by the Operational Services Division in regulations 801 CMR 21.00, Procurement of Commodities and Services, Including Human and Social Services and 808 CMR 1.00, Compliance, Reporting and Auditing for Human and Social Services and in the Procurement Policies and Procedures Handbook.

Acquisition Method

Non-negotiated rates and range of rates.

Request for Single or Multiple Contractors

Multiple contractors.

Use of the Procurement by Single Or Multiple Departments

Multiple departments:

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)

Department of Mental Retardation (DMR)

Department of Mental Health (DMH)

Pursuant to 801 CMR 21.06, Procurement of Commodities or Services, Including Human and Social Services, an RFR must identify whether the procurement is being issued primarily for the procuring department's needs or for use by additional departments as well. Accordingly, this procurement is one of the options specified in the Commonwealth Procurement Policies and Procedures Handbook; namely, it is a Multiple Department Procurement/Limited Department User Contract. This procurements is being conducted and managed by the above self-selected departments. The departments identified in this RFR, as well as other unnamed departments at a later date, may purchase CBES services from qualified contractors without having to conduct their own procurement. Please note: These departments may request information regarding the contractor’s ability to serve specific consumer groups.

Anticipated Duration of Contract Including Renewal Options

The initial duration is for a period of five years and three months. There are 5 options to renew for one year each.

Performance and Contract Specifications Introduction The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) are jointly seeking qualified service contractors to achieve and maintain community based employment for individuals with disabilities. Additional departments may contract under his procurement. The participating departments have worked collaboratively on this successful model for service delivery which is designed to increase employment success for individuals with disabilities through greater choice and flexibility in service provision.

This Request for Response seeks to continue a consumer focused model that includes performance based reimbursement and streamlined access to services. The initial duration of this procurement is for five years and three months, with five options to renew for one year each, subject to evaluation, consumer satisfaction results and the availability of funding.

This RFR is being issued jointly by multiple purchasing departments under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in order to continue to provide a seamless joint procurement and purchasing initiative that is not restricted to a specific disability group or program model. It is designed to provide consumers and purchasers with greater options and choices in selecting both employment services and contractors.

The Commonwealth seeks to enter into agreements with qualified employment services contractors for four specific service components:

1. Assessment - the completion of a comprehensive profile with the goal of determining an individual's interest and appropriateness for community based employment services; identification of the level of supports necessary to secure and maintain community based employment; recommendations of job goals; alternate recommendations.

2. Placement - the provision of services, including employment exploration and career planning, with the goal of job development, matching and placement.

3. Initial Employment Supports - the provision of supports necessary for the maintenance and stabilization of an individual in community based employment.

4. Extended Supports - the provision of supports necessary for the long term maintenance of an individual in community based employment.

In addition to the four components listed above, this RFR contains two additional features:

a. Additional Supports are available, upon department pre-authorization, in writing, from the appropriate department, in the Assessment, Placement and Initial Employment Supports components. Contractors are asked to address Additional Supports in their Responses. They will be evaluated on their Response.

b. Flexible Supports, also available upon pre-authorization, in writing, from the appropriate department, is a stand-alone component for services related to an employment outcome but which are not the full array of services as described in each component. These supports may be a partial set of services within the component or may be used to creatively respond to a specific consumer need. Contractors who are completing full Responses only are asked to address Flexible Supports in their Responses for informational purposes.

Each component is described in greater detail further on in this RFR.

The Commonwealth has demonstrated that purchasing employment services through this model provides greater flexibility to consumers, encourages contractors to be innovative in their service delivery, results in job placement more quickly and increases the number of consumers working in the community.

Bidders are encouraged to evaluate their own capacity to deliver all or some of the components identified in this RFR. Bidders must meet the qualification standards to provide specific components. In addition, bidders must specify at least one state purchasing department from which they wish to receive referrals and demonstrate their expertise in serving the needs of the specific disability groups identified by the purchasing department (described later in this RFR). Purchasing departments may consider bidder experience in serving a specific consumer group, among other things, when making referrals to qualified contractors. Please note: There is no guarantee of referrals under this procurement even though a bidder may be deemed qualified to deliver some or all of the components. This process will establish a pool of qualified contractors who are available to provide the specific services described in this RFR. Qualified bidders will execute a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with each department who intends to use their services. The MSA does not contain a maximum obligation nor does it commit the Commonwealth to refer or purchase a specified amount of employment service from qualified contractors. Referrals to qualified contractors will be made by participating departments.

Program Narrative Service Elements The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to enter into agreements with providers of community based employment services to purchase specific employment related components. Qualified bidders will be reimbursed for the completion of program components, upon acceptance of the product by the purchasing departments, as described elsewhere in this RFR. Employment services are particularly well suited to this type of product based reimbursement because there is a clear-cut outcome to the services - the attainment and maintenance of community based employment.

The following components are being procured through this RFR. Bidders may submit a Response for some or all of the components.

1) Assessment Component

Goal

1. Determine appropriateness/interest in community based employment services.

2. Identify level of supports necessary to secure and maintain community based employment.

3. Identify job goal or alternative recommendations.

Product A written report must be completed after the assessment. The report should provide a comprehensive profile of the individual. If further community based employment services are recommended, the report will describe the rationale and recommendations with respect to the employment goal, the supports needed at each component in order to achieve the employment goal, and an anticipated timeline. The contractor may submit a progress report.

If the outcome of the assessment does not recommend further community based employment services, the report will provide a comprehensive profile of the individual, the rationale for the evaluator's decision and recommendations for alternative services.

Description The assessment process is an individualized systematic process by which the evaluator gathers information in the following areas:

1. Employment interests, job preferences, general likes and dislikes.

2. Previous work experience, paid and volunteer.

3. Aptitudes and talents.

4. Work personality and work behavior.

5. Work related skills such as reading, math, time management, money management.

6. Physical description, strength, stamina, and mobility.

7. Medical needs and the effects of medication on functioning.

8. Communication abilities, expressive and receptive communication skills and the need for alternative communication support.

9. Psychosocial needs as related to various work environments.

10. Transportation skills and transportation availability.

11. Financial incentives and disincentives to working in the community.

12. Individual support network/natural supports (family, friends, advocates).

13. Adaptive equipment needs, compensatory strategies.

14. Living situation, residential supports currently provided, impact (if any) of employment on residential supports.

15. Assessment of the consumer’s desire and availability to work, including, but not limited to, the following:

· Pros and cons of working.

· Potential impact on benefits, including the provision of an individual benefit readout.

· Emotional and physical barriers, substance abuse issues.

· Stability in non-work areas.

· Supports needed/available.

· ADA/accommodations.

· Transportation.

· I-9 work eligibility.

· Analysis of recent work history.

The assessment will also include projected needs for the placement component based on information gathered through the assessment process.

Process A. The assessment should gather information through:

1. Direct discussions with the consumer whenever possible.

2. Interviews with parents, friends, family, residential staff, counselors or any other significant individuals in the person's life.

3. Community based work experiences in a variety of interest areas.

4. Review of previous records.

5. Standardized testing, when applicable.

6. General observation of the individual in a variety of familiar as well as more challenging environments.

B.

The assessment contractor should have ongoing communication with the department.

C.

A team meeting must be convened to review the assessment report. A plan must be developed detailing the employment goal, supports needed, and roles and responsibilities of the consumer and other team members. The plan must specify the subsequent steps needed to transition into the placement component.

D.

This model recognizes the building of relationships as significant to the successful outcome of community based employment services and ought not to be compromised as individuals choose different contractors for different components of service. Time for the development of rapport is reflected within the reimbursement rates. Additional Supports (described below) may be purchased by the department.

Additional Support This procurement contains the flexibility to allow departments to reimburse contractors, on a case by case basis, for services in addition to those which are described in this component. Additional Support, when needed, is considered a part of the assessment component. Additional Supports must be pre-authorized, in writing, by the appropriate department.

Additional Support is intended to enable persons with a severe disability to complete the assessment. Supports are provided to individuals who require the level and kind of support that is beyond those inherently available within the assessment component.

Examples of Additional Supports for the assessment component include, but are not limited to, transportation, behavioral psychology to resolve a particular problem during the assessment, or additional hours of attention for a person with a particularly difficult or unusual constellation of needs.

Most individuals in the assessment component will not need Additional Support. However, Additional Supports are available for those instances where the contractor must go beyond the routine activities reasonably assumed within the component.

2) Placement Component

Goal

1. Facilitate employment exploration, career planning and decision-making.

2. Provide job development, job matching services and job placement.

3. Provide the advocacy, linkages and coordination services necessary to achieve and maintain community based employment.

Product

1. Job placement.

2. Job placement report including all service needs.

Description Placement is an individualized process that integrates information gathered during the assessment component, further defines what a desirable job might be, and then cultivates appropriate job opportunities in the community. The contractor is expected to, among other things:

1. Identify skills, competencies, interests and preferences.

2. Identify concrete, transferable skills.

3. Analyze the job market and correlate the market with the consumer’s interests.

4. Obtain benefit readout (if still needed) and assist in accessing Social Security Work Incentives, e.g., PASS plans.

5. Identify short-term and long-term employment goals.

6. Develop a resume for the consumer.

7. Develop job search preparation skills.

8. Identify transportation options or need for supports.

9. Develop and pursue individualized, targeted job leads.

10. Provide employer education.

11. Conduct job analysis.

12. Identify need for accommodations; make appropriate arrangements.

13. Secure job offers and assist with guided decision-making.

14. Provide job coaching and/or post employment counseling for up to two weeks.

15. Advocate for the consumer’s desired outcomes.

16. Help the consumer to choose the contractor to deliver the next service component.

17. Identify, facilitate and secure other supports necessary for a successful outcome, e.g., transportation, substance abuse and mental health counseling, community college.

18. Identify funding source responsible for employment related supports via the team process.

19. Collaborate with the funding source to monitor and ensure that appropriate job opportunities and supports are being provided.

20. Coordinate with other team members, including professionals, families and significant others.

21. Project services needed for the Initial Employment Supports component based on available resources.

22. Develop an employment plan.

Process Effective placement is accomplished through discussion and negotiation with the consumer and the team. It may also be accomplished by using information gathered during the assessment. Specific placement activities may include, but are not limited, to:

1. Identification of viable job types in the local job market.

2. Standardized testing, interest inventory.

3. Group work.

4. Analysis of work history.

5. Situational assessment supplemented by volunteer or internship position (paid/unpaid) or paid facility-based experience when needed and appropriate. These situations may be offered individually or in combination.

6. Mock/informational interviews.

7. Provision of job coaching and/or post employment counseling for up to two weeks.

8. Provision of Additional Supports (described below) which may be provided upon approval of the department.

Additional Support

This procurement contains the flexibility to allow departments to reimburse contractors, on a case by case basis, for services in addition to those which are described in this component. Additional Support, when needed, is considered a part of the placement component. Additional Supports must be pre-authorized, in writing, by the appropriate department.

Additional Support is intended to enable persons with a severe disability to be placed in a job. Supports are provided to individuals who require the level and kind of support that is beyond those inherently available within the placement component.

Examples of Additional Supports for the placement component include, but are not limited to, job carving, additional job coaching beyond two weeks, transportation, behavioral psychology to resolve a particular problem associated with the placement, or additional hours of attention for a person with a particularly difficult or unusual constellation of needs.

Most individuals in the placement component will not need Additional Support. However, Additional Supports are available for those instances where the contractor must go beyond the routine activities reasonably assumed within the component.

3) Initial Employment Supports Component

Goal

1. To provide services necessary to maintain and stabilize an individual in community based employment.

2. To provide the advocacy, linkages and coordination services necessary to achieve and maintain community based employment.

Product

1. Stabilization on the job with or without the need for ongoing, paid supports. A consumer has reached stabilization when s/he is receiving a consistent level of support; when the job is not in jeopardy of ending; and the worker is maintaining acceptable production and attendance. A progress report upon stabilization will be required.

2. An Extended Supports Plan, if needed, will be produced.

Description

The following available supports must be individualized. The average length of time for this service is approximately four months. Some services may be provided on the job while others may be provided elsewhere.

1. Task Analysis - the break down of job tasks into steps that are understandable to the new employee.

2. Skills Training - the teaching of job specific skills.

3. Natural Supports - the identification of support persons who are in the work environment and agree to support the new employee.

4. Employer Education - assistance provided to supervisors and co-workers to help them understand how to best supervise and/or work along with the new employee.

5. Assistive Technology - assessment of the work environment to determine any devices or modifications that may help the new employee learn and perform the job duties.

6. Transportation/Travel Training - assistance that may encompass the identification of options, as well as the coordination of these services. It may also include obtaining and filling out applications, mapping out routes and providing “hands on” travel training to the site of the job.

7. Advocacy for the outcome the consumer wants.

8. Assistance to the consumer in choosing a contractor(s) if additional employment services are needed.

9. Identification, facilitation and the provision of other supports necessary for a successful employment outcome, e.g., transportation, substance abuse and mental health counseling, community college.

10. Identification of the funding source responsible for employment related supports via the team process.

11. Collaboration with the funding source to monitor and ensure that appropriate supports are being provided.

12. Coordination with other team members, including professionals, families and significant others.

13. Assistance in accessing Social Security Work Incentives, e.g., PASS plans, if still needed, and the coordination these services.

14. The projection of the needed services for the Extended Supports component based on available resources and the development of a plan.

Process

1. Referrals are made by the person identified by the team as responsible for the assurance of the delivery of specific supports at the time of job placement.

2. The support person, i.e., Job Coach, may conduct an assessment of support needs if no prior identification of needs has been completed. Support needs will be adjusted throughout this component as additional information becomes available.

3. Supports are consumer driven, i.e., they identified by the consumer and significant others.

4. The need for these supports is reviewed periodically by the consumer, support person, i.e., Job Coach and others.

5. The review determines if and when Additional Supports ought to be requested.

6. This review occurs at a team meeting involving the new employee, affiliated purchasing department, and support (contractor) staff. The focus is the identification of supports that the person will need, on an ongoing basis, to maintain employment.

7. The support person, i.e., Job Coach, assesses the person's performance for a two week period, identifies needs and makes recommendations for Additional Supports if needed.

Additional Support This procurement contains the flexibility to allow departments to reimburse contractors, on a case by case basis, for services in addition to those which are described in this component. Additional Support, when needed, is considered a part of the Initial Employment Supports component. Additional Supports must be pre-authorized, in writing, by the appropriate department.

Additional Support is intended to enable persons with a severe disability keep their job. Support services are provided to individuals who require the level and kind of support that is beyond those inherently available within the Initial Employment Supports component.

Examples of Additional Supports for the Initial Employment Supports component include, but are not limited to, transportation, behavioral psychology to resolve a specific problem or additional hours of attention for a person with a particularly difficult or unusual constellation of needs.

Most individuals in this component will not need Additional Support. However, Additional Supports are available for those instances where the contractor must go beyond the routine activities reasonably assumed within the component.

4) Extended Supports Component

Goal

1. To implement the plan for the delivery of Extended Supports to maintain stability on the job.

2. To provide the advocacy, linkages and coordination of services necessary to achieve and maintain community based employment.

Product A monthly report is required from the service contractor to document the consumer status and the need for continued support. The plan must include hours of service as well as the specific services delivered.

Description Extended Supports are provided to an individual in community based employment. These supports assist him/her in maintaining employment. The implementation of an Extended Service Plan is an individualized process in which the needs for supports are identified. The intent is that the best alternative support option will be secured. However, if this is not possible, another support option may be proposed.

The contractor is expected to deliver the level of services needed as identified in the Extended Supports Plan, which may have been developed during the Initial Employment Supports component. Specifically, the contractor is expected to:

A. Advocate for the outcome the consumer wants.

B. Assist the consumer in choosing their contractor(s) if additional employment services are needed.

C. Identify, facilitate and secure other supports necessary for a successful employment outcome, e.g., transportation, substance abuse and mental health counseling, community college.

D. Identify the funding source responsible for employment related supports via the team.

E. Collaborate with the funding source to monitor and ensure that appropriate supports are being provided.

F. Coordinate with team members, including professionals, families and significant others.

G. Assist the consumer in accessing Social Security Work Incentives, i.e., PASS plans, if not already in place; coordination of the associated services.

H. Monitor the extended service plan and schedule quarterly team meetings to review consumer status.

I. Project the need for continued services which are necessary for the consumer to maintain community based employment.

Process A team meeting involving at least the current service contractor(s), the consumer, affiliated purchasing department personnel and potential extended services contractor(s) must occur to review the plan. All members of the team must review the supports needed to maintain stability on the job.

This plan will be monitored by contractor staff who will schedule team meetings to review consumer status at least every three months. Some examples of supports would be: job coaching, peer support group, transportation coordination, assistive technology services, and work adjustment counseling.

5) Flexible Supports Component Flexible supports will be provided to individuals who need short term support to reach an employment outcome but do not need the same array of services as described in each component. This is a stand-alone component for services related to employment outcome. These supports may be a partial set of services within the component or may be used to creatively respond to a specific consumer need. Flexible supports are expected to be identified, authorized by the department and arranged prior to their provision. Flexible support might include services such as: the need for assistance on the job for a few days the first week of employment, travel training or a behavioral psychologist to resolve a particular problem the person faces on the job. It is anticipated that not every individual who seeks employment services will need the services of each component, nor all of the services listed within each component description. Similarly, flexible supports are available for those instances where the department wants to purchase only a few of the routine activities reasonably assumed within each component.

Bidders will not be "qualified" for Flexible Supports component. However, please see the requirement pertaining to Flexible Supports in the Bidder’s Response section of this RFR.

Flexible Supports must be pre-authorized, in writing, by the appropriate department.

Consumer Profile and General Referral Criteria

All referrals to the Community Based Employment Services will be at the sole discretion of each department and/or area office.

Although departments may make referrals to qualified contractors, contractors have the right to refuse referrals for cause. The reason for the refusal must documented and may be considered by departments when making future referrals.

An overview of the needs and characteristics of the consumers follows. Each department has established criteria that will be used when making referrals. The following criteria pertain to all participating departments. Consumer profiles and criteria specific to each department follow the general criteria. The specific referral criteria for each department includes, but is not limited to, those items listed. New agencies must prepare detailed plans of how they would propose to meet these consumer requirements for components for which they have no experience.

General referral criteria for all participating departments:

· Consumers are involved in decision-making regarding all phases of employment related services.

· Linguistic and cultural capabilities reflect the population to be served.

· The contractor has staff which reflect the cultural and ethnic demographics of the consumers most likely to be served in the geographic region.

· The contractor has the ability to do situational assessments.

· The contractor demonstrates a willingness to serve individuals with challenging behaviors.

· The contractor plans to provide support and education to neighbors, employers, merchants and community groups.

· The contractor has the ability to provide consumers with information regarding the impact of employment on entitlements such as health care at all stages of selecting, securing and maintaining employment.

· The contractor provides opportunities to consumers to try a variety of employment options through the use of short term trial experiences, open houses, internships, volunteer experiences, and on-the-job-training.

· The contractor’s hours and days of operations of all program components meet the needs of the consumer and the schedule of the employment programs in which the majority of the consumers participate.

· The contractor has a demonstrated ability to establish linkages between the consumers, the community and clinical supports, e.g., substance abuse treatment, behavioral psychology, etc.

· Please note: consumer preference and geographic reach will also be considered.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP)

Consumer Profile:

Consumers to be served under this initiative have sustained a traumatic, externally caused brain injury and they have been determined eligible for paid SHIP services (contact SHIP for more detailed information regarding eligibility criteria). They may exhibit a variety of cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and functional characteristics.

SHIP Specific Referral Criteria:

· Demonstrated expertise in working with people with traumatic brain injury, or the successful completion of trainings required by SHIP to gain an understanding and ability to work effectively with this population.

· Affiliation with or access to consultation with a qualified neuropsychologist.

· Willingness to participate in ongoing mandatory SHIP trainings.

· Types of individuals served in the program.

Statewide Employment Services Title VI (b) Program Consumer Profile:

· Individuals who are registered with the Statewide Employment Services (SES) and have been determined eligible for services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.

· Eligible individuals with the most severe disabilities who have been unserved or underserved.

· Specific disability groups which may be identified based on these criteria.

· Note: Specific geographic locations may be identified.

SES/MRC Specific Referral Criteria:

· Demonstrated experience with specific disabilities or the successful completion of trainings required by the MRC resulting in an understanding and ability to work with the specified population.

· Experience in providing an assistive device or service as an accommodation to support an individual in any employment related service need described within the components.

Experience and success in the development, placement and retention of community based employment for unserved or underserved populations, or the successful completion of trainings. Satisfactory results of the agency’s most recent internal and/or external evaluations or reviews. When serving people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), SHIP criteria will be applied.

Statewide Employment Services State Funded Services

Consumer Profile:

· Individuals who are registered with the SES/MRC and have been determined eligible to receive services.

· Eligible individuals will have serious mental illness or be individuals with mental retardation.

· Specific disability group(s) may be identified based on these criteria.

· Specific geographic locations may be identified.

SES/MRC State Funded Services Specific Referral Criteria:

Demonstrated experience with specific disability groups or the successful completion of trainings required by the MRC resulting in an understanding and ability to work with a specified population. Ability to provide assistive devices or services as an accommodation to support an individual in any employment related service need described within the components. Satisfactory results of the agency’s most recent internal and external evaluation or review.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Title I

Consumer Profile:

· Individuals who have been determined eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act.

· Eligible individuals with the most severe or severe disabilities.

· Specific disability group(s) may be identified based on these criteria.

· Specific geographic locations may be identified.

MRC/VR Specific Referral Criteria:

· Experience in delivery of supported work programs.

· Demonstrated experience and knowledge in serving the disability group(s) identified.

· Experience and success in development, placement and retention of community based employment.

· Ability to provide or arrange for necessary services supporting the employment of the individuals such as transportation, assistive technology and needed clinical or consultative supports.

· Satisfactory results of the agency’s most recent internal and/or external evaluations and reviews.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind - Vocational Rehabilitation /Supported Employment Consumer Profile:

· Individuals who are registered with the Commission and have been determined eligible to participate.

· Blind persons with significant secondary disabilities (diabetes, cerebral palsy, heart disease, mental retardation.)

· Persons who are deaf/blind and are eligible to participate.

· Deaf-blind/MH and deaf-blind/MR persons who are eligible to participate.

MCB Specific Referral Criteria:

· History of successful interaction with individuals who are blind and/or members of other disability groups in the areas of Assessment, Job Placement, Initial Employment Supports and Extended Supports.

· History of successfully securing and maintaining community based employment opportunities for individuals who are blind.

· Ability to deliver employment related services, e.g., standardized testing, interest inventories, in a manner accessible to blind program participants.

· Ability to directly deliver or arrange for provision of foreign language and American Sign Language interpreter services, if necessary.

· Experience in either directly arranging, or securing through partnership with MCB, worksite accommodations for individuals who are blind.

· Ability to directly provide, or otherwise secure, transportation services to individuals who are blind.

Please note that MCB is interested in further expanding the pool of qualified employment service contractors and will thus provide a range of technical assistance to interested contractors.

Department Of Mental Retardation

Consumer Profile:

· Individuals who have been determined eligible for DMR adult services and have expressed interest in working in community based employment.

DMR Specific Referral Criteria:

· Experience and success in the provision of community based employment opportunities for individuals with mental retardation including job development, placement, and retention.

· Ability to deliver individualized, flexible, and ongoing employment support services in a timely manner.

· Capacity to identify and assist employers in making reasonable accommodations on the job and throughout the employment process.

· Willingness and capacity to develop natural supports in the workplace and maintain positive working relationships with employers.

· Ability to work with individuals with challenging behaviors.

· Special areas of expertise, such as working with individuals with multiple disabilities or significant physical disabilities.

· Ability to plan for and assist in developing transportation arrangements, when needed.

· Geographic accessibility.

· Satisfactory results of the most recent internal and external evaluations or reviews including certification and/or accreditation surveys completed within the past two years.

Department Of Mental Health

Consumer Profile:

· All persons participating in any components of CBES that are sponsored by the Department Mental Health must meet eligibility criteria as set forth in 104 CMR 29.00 DMH Service Planning Regulations and meet the Clinical Criteria for DMH continuing care services.

DMH Specific Referral Criteria:

· A history of successfully providing competitive, independent employment, job training and/or education related services or a history of providing the supports necessary for mentally ill individuals to find and maintain employment.

· Bidders who do not have all three types of services must demonstrate effective linkages to the services they have and provide a summary of these services or affiliations, which are more than one year old.

· Provide documentation of these programs. Where appropriate include number of people placed, types of employment secured, wages earned, average length of employment per placement, and other relevant information.

· Demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively with other agencies, the DMH consumer, and DMH staff. Describe past collaborative programs in detail. Provide letters of support from other agencies that have collaborated with you in the past.

· Provide a detailed statement describing interest in serving people with serious mental illness.

· Demonstrate a willingness to make the appropriate and reasonable accommodations necessary to work with individuals with serious mental illness. Contractors must also educate employers about reasonable accommodation issues and the ADA. Describe how this will be accomplished.

· Demonstrate a willingness to partner with other organizations, both public and private, in order to effectively provide employment services for people with serious mental illness. Provide letters of support indicating willingness on the part of these agencies to work in collaboration with you.

· Demonstrate the capacity to provide successful natural support systems and support groups such as family contacts, job clubs and self help groups. A contractor must recognize and support the natural supports, which are preferred by consumers. These services provide a valuable resource and assist the consumers in their job search and in job retention.

· Demonstrate the ability to provide consumer assistance for post-employment services in the area of SSA benefits counseling.

· Provide educational and technical assistance to employers on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program (WOTC).

Compensation Structures

Overall reimbursement rates have been established through the evaluation of Responses to a Request for Information, pricing surveys, the Uniform Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report (UFR) submissions and supplemental reports submitted by CBES contractors in prior years. As a result, the following reimbursement amounts and methodologies are subject to modification without re-issuance of this RFR. Reimbursement rates will be re-examined periodically during the procurement period.

A benchmark/component completion payment…