21-Open Enrollment (OE) for OM 3202600155.pdf

Open Enrollment for No. 3202600155 Orientation and Mobility v. 1.1

Joe Esparza, Chairman and Commissioner Representing Employers

Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner Representing Labor

Brent Connett, Commissioner Representing the Public

Steve Pier, Executive Director

Open Enrollment (OE)

For

Orientation and Mobility Services

Open Enrollment No. 3202600155

Date of Release: May 28, 2026

Responses Due: November 24, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. CST

785-17 Blind Teaching and Training Equipment and Supplies

470-79 Vision Impaired Mobility Devices and Equipment

924-86 Vocational Training, All Types, Including Vocational Rehabilitation and Technical Education

952-90 Training and Instruction Services, Clients, Not Staff

Sole Point of Contact:

Meghan Osborn, CTCD

TWC Procurement Portal https://twc-texas-gov.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Table of Contents

Article I Purpose

Article II Scope of Work

2.1 Overview of Orientation and Mobility Services

2.2 Provider Requirements, Responsibilities, and TWC Policies

2.3 VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual

2.4 Requirements

2.5 Service Area

2.6 Background Checks

2.7 Transportation of VR Customers

2.8 Provider’s Director

2.9 Provider Staff Providing Services to VR Customers

Article III General Information

3.1 Authority

3.2 Schedule of Events

3.3 Contract Documents

3.4 Attachments and Forms

3.5 Sole Point of Contact

3.6 Addenda

Article IV Application Process

4.1 Deadline

4.2 General Information

4.3 Discrepancies

4.4 Submission Method

4.5 Required Application Documents

4.6 Binding Offer

4.7 Franchise Tax – Right to transact business in Texas

4.8 Ambiguity, Conflict, or Discrepancy

4.9 TWC Rights

Article V Application Evaluation

5.1 Application Screening

5.2 Review of Applications

5.3 Public Information Act

Article VI Terms and Conditions

6.1 Contract Award

6.2 Contract Term

6.3 Payments

6.4 Contract Amendments

6.5 No Guarantee of Volume, Usage or Compensation

6.6 Governmental Entities

6.7 Costs Incurred

6.8 Applicant Waiver-Intellectual Property

6.9 Required Insurance

6.10 FAILURE TO PERFORM

6.11 Remedies

6.12 Change of Ownership or Financial Condition

6.13 Severability

Definitions

Table 1: Definitions

Term/Acronym Definition

ACVREP Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education

Professionals.

Addendum;

Addenda;

Amendment

A written addition, change, or supplement to this Solicitation that is posted to the ESBD and issued prior to the response due date.

Applicant An entity or individual who submits a Provider Enrollment Packet in response to this Open Enrollment.

Business Day The day and hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Central Time) at which TWC is open for business.

TWC is closed for business on the scheduled holidays indicated by the State Auditor’s Office available at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/holidays/.

The terms “Working Day” and “Business Day” may be used interchangeably. All uncapitalized references to “day” shall mean calendar day.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/holidays/

Term/Acronym Definition

Confidential

Information

Any communication or record (whether oral, written, electronically stored or transmitted, or in any other form) provided to or made available to Contractor or that Contractor may create, receive, maintain, use, disclose or have access to on behalf of TWC that consists of or includes any or all the following:

a. Customer Information;

b. Protected Health Information (PHI), in any form including, without limitation, Electronic Protected Health Information or Unsecured Protected Health Information;

c. Sensitive Personal Information, as defined by Texas

Business and Commerce Code, § 521.002(a)(2);

d. Federal Tax Information;

e. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) as defined by

Texas Business and Commerce Code § 521.002(a)(1);

f. Social Security Administration Data, including, without limitation, Medicaid information;

g. All privileged work product; all information designated as confidential under the constitution and laws of the State of

Texas and of the United States, including the Texas Health and Safety Code and the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552;

h. Personally Identifiable Information defined by 2 CFR 200.1;

and

i. Information deemed confidential under The Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. Chapter 16, as amended, and implementing regulations 34 C.F.R. Parts 361 through 396.

Term/Acronym Definition

Conflict of

Interest

A situation that creates a risk that professional judgment or actions will be unduly influenced by a personal interest or relationship and creates substantial conflicts with the proper discharge of duties required by a contract and the public interest.

Each Applicant must comply with the content on Conflict of

Interest located in the VR-SFP Chapter 3: Basic Standards.

Contract The written agreement entered into by TWC and Provider, which will incorporate the contents of this Open Enrollment and the

Provider’s Application, except as may be provided in the Contract and any amendments thereto.

Contractor (also

Provider)

A legal entity or individual who TWC is contracted with to provide goods and/or services for TWC Customers. Contractor can be used interchangeably with Provider, Service Provider, or Vendor.

Contract Term The definite period of time that the Contract will remain in effect, including all stated renewals and extensions.

Customer An individual that has met the TWC eligibility criteria and has been approved to receive TWC Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.

CTCD Certified Texas Contract Developer.

CTCM Certified Texas Contract Manager.

ESBD The Electronic State Business Daily. An online platform administered by the Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) of the

Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). The ESBD may be accessed as http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.

https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-3 http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

Term/Acronym Definition

Fiscal Year (FY) Texas State Fiscal Year, September 1 through August 31.

ILS-OIB Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind.

OE Open Enrollment

Older Individuals who are Blind

(OIB)

An individual age 55 or older whose significant visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom independent living goals are feasible.

PCS or

Procurement and Contract

Services

A department within TWC’s Business Operations division.

PS Procurement Services, a section within TWC.

Provider The Applicant(s) with whom TWC executes a Contract to provide the goods and/or services that this Solicitation requires.

SME Subject Matter Expert

Solicitation This Open Enrollment, including all exhibits, attachments, forms, and Addenda, if any.

State The State of Texas and its instrumentalities, including TWC, its officers, employees, or authorized agents, and any other state agencies.

Term/Acronym Definition

Subcontractor Any entity(ies) or person(s) providing goods or services under the Contract on Provider’s behalf, whether or not the entity(ies) or person(s) has/have a written agreement with the Provider.

The term does not include a state agency; rather a subcontractor may be an officer or employee of a state agency when the officer or employee contracts with a vendor in a private capacity.

TWC Texas Workforce Commission.

Vocational

Rehabilitation

Division (VRD)

The TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Division (VRD) administers the

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program, which is a joint state and federally funded program to assess, plan, develop, and provide VR services for eligible individuals with disabilities, consistent with their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice so that these individuals can prepare for and engage in competitive integrated employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by

Title IV of WIOA (29 U.S.C. § 720 et seq.). VRD is the single designated state unit for the VR program.

Vocational

Rehabilitation

Standards for

Providers

Manual (VRSFP)

The VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual focuses on the business practices, processes, and policies that must be followed for TWC and the Contractor to comply with federal and state laws and TWC rules and requirements. The VR-SFP Manual ensures

TWC-VR Customers receive quality services. Each Contractor should review the VR-SFP Manual and forms for changes every thirty (30) calendar days. Each Contractor is expected to be familiar with and comply with the most recently published VR-

SFP Manual and use the most recently published forms applicable to their Contract.

https://twc.texas.gov/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual http://www.texasworkforce.org/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual http://www.texasworkforce.org/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual http://www.texasworkforce.org/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual

Term/Acronym Definition

VPTS Vendor Performance Tracking System, as described under Texas

Government Code § 2262.055 and 34 TAC § 20.115. Reporting requirements and vendor performance factors considered in VPTS are described in Texas Government Code § 2155.089 and 34 TAC

§ 20.509. The VPTS is available at:

https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/vpts.

ARTICLE I PURPOSE

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking Applications from qualified

Service Providers to deliver services to be provided to Vocational Rehabilitation

(VR) Customers served by TWC’s VR division. This is an Open Enrollment (OE) opportunity solicited through an Open Enrollment.

Opportunities are available to provide Orientation and Mobility Services in all areas of the state. Applicants must meet all requirements and specifications outlined herein to be eligible to provide services.

The TWC Procurement Services (PS) section will administer the procurement process for this Open Enrollment, which includes Open Enrollment publication, handling of communications from Applicants, as well as managing the receipt of Applications for review.

Information regarding TWC and its programs is available online and can be currently accessed at www.twc.texas.gov.

https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/vpts http://www.twc.texas.gov/

ARTICLE II SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 OVERVIEW OF ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SERVICES

TWC’s mission is to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, families, individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) services prepare blind and visually impaired customers to travel independently with competence and confidence.

This Open Enrollment is for O&M Services. O&M services prepare blind and visually impaired customers to travel independently with competence and confidence.

O&M specialists offer complex, interrelated services designed to develop independent travel skills in individuals who are blind or visually impaired. O&M services begin with an assessment and can include training held in environments frequently visited by customers.

Orientation is the process of using the available senses to establish one's position and relationship within the environment.

Mobility is the ability to travel in the environment with the help of an established tool (including white canes, dog guides, and electronic travel aids).

O&M assessments and training can be provided in locations within the customer's home or community. O&M assessments and training are provided in person and cannot be provided remotely.

Examples of training locations include:

1. the customer's home (indoor and outdoor);

2. public areas, such as a bank, church, or doctor's office;

3. commercial areas, such as a grocery store or mall;

4. transit systems, such as public transportation, paratransit, and taxis;

5. rural areas;

6. residential areas (with light traffic and stop signs);

7. small business areas (with heavier traffic and simple traffic lights);

8. downtown areas (with heavy traffic and complex traffic lights); and

9. commercial modes of travel, such as trains and planes.

All fees for services described in this chapter can be found in VR-SFP 5.5

Orientation and Mobility Service Fees.

2.2 PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TWC

POLICIES

Providers must be knowledgeable about their responsibilities, the service requirements, and TWC policies applicable to them.

2.3 VR STANDARDS FOR PROVIDERS (VR-SFP) MANUAL

The VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual focuses on the business practices, processes, and policies that must be followed for TWC and the

Provider to comply with federal and state laws and TWC rules and requirements. Providers must adhere to the current VR-SFP Manual when providing services to VR Customers.

An Applicant applying for a contract must comply with the following VR-SFP

Manual chapters in addition to the Solicitation.

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation

• Chapter 2: Obtaining a Contract for Goods and Services

• Chapter 3: Basic Standards

Notice of upcoming changes to the VR-SFP Manual are published on the https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-5 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-5 https://twc.texas.gov/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp http://www.twc.state.tx.us/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual http://www.twc.state.tx.us/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp

Vocational Rehabilitation Providers’ Resources page at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the effective date of the changes. Each Provider is contractually responsible for maintaining compliance with the most current VR-

SFP Manual.

A revision list that summarizes any formal changes to the VR-SFP Manual can be found on the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Revision Log.

TWC GovDelivery notifies Providers every time revisions are posted to the VR-

SFP Manual and other important information. All Providers should subscribe to

TWC GovDelivery list to gain these notifications. Visit the TWC GovDelivery website, enter an email address, and select the topic “Vocational Rehabilitation

Contractors and Providers News” to subscribe.

For questions about the content in the VR-SFP email, contact vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

2.4 REQUIREMENTS

2.4.1 Qualifications and Training

Before services are provided, the service provider director must:

• approve VR3455, Provider Staff Information Form, which is completed by each of the provider's staff members, such as specialists and interns (the form must include the staff members' qualifications as stated in Section

2.4.2 Orientation and Mobility Specialist and provide evidence that the staff member meets the qualifications); and

• submit the approved form to the provider's assigned contract manager and assigned regional program specialist.

2.4.2 Orientation and Mobility Specialist

The O&M specialist must meet one of the following criteria:

https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/provider-resources https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp/log http://www.texasworkforce.org/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual http://www.texasworkforce.org/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-standards-providers-manual https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/txwc/subscriber/new https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/txwc/subscriber/new mailto:vr.standards@twc.texas.gov

• Be certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and

Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Blindness Professional

Certification Board (NBPCB);

• Have a degree in O&M from an accredited college or university with an established O&M training curriculum and become certified by ACVREP or

NBPCB within one (1) year of being hired by a service provider;

• Have at least two (2) years of full-time experience teaching O&M skills for an entity that VR recognizes, such as a rehabilitation center, a

Veterans Administration hospital, or an educational system, and:

o provide three (3) professional references indicating the candidate's ability to teach O&M skills to blind or visually impaired individuals;

and o be certified by ACVREP or NBPCB within one year of being hired by the service provider.

2.4.2.1 REQUIRED TEXAS CONFIDENCE BUILDERS TRAINING FOR O&M

SPECIALISTS

In addition to meeting the requirements for education, training, and experience described in Section 2.4.2 Orientation and Mobility Specialist, all prospective O&M providers must successfully complete the Orientation and

Mobility Texas Confidence Builders training before becoming providers.

Texas Confidence Builders training is a two- to three-day training program offered in Austin. While the training is provided free of cost, providers must pay all costs associated with attending the training program. Contact the state office O&M program specialist to schedule the training.

2.4.3 Annual Staff Training

To ensure that O&M specialists remain competent in their skills, VR recommends that each O&M trainer complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of blindfold travel per fiscal year, so that the O&M trainer:

• practices his or her own independent travel skills;

• provides effective role modeling; and

• promotes independent travel as a confidence-building tool for customers.

Examples of recommended activities for blindfold travel include:

• traveling around a city block;

• traveling on an L-shaped sidewalk route;

• traveling to the grocery store; and

• exploring a new neighborhood.

VR also recommends O&M specialists:

• create a report like the Sample Orientation and Mobility Provider's

Independent Travel Activity Report; and

• send a copy of their travel activity report to the assigned regional program specialist for VR.

2.4.4 Orientation and Mobility Interns

O&M service providers are ultimately responsible for the monitoring, supervision, and follow-up of the O&M intern during the internship.

O&M service providers using interns to work with VR customers must:

• have an O&M specialist with ACVREP or NBPCB certification observe each intern for a minimum of twelve (12) lessons during the internship and document the observations on VR2922, Orientation and Mobility Weekly

Internship Observation;

• submit VR2922 to the regional program support specialist each month during the internship; and

• submit VR2923, Orientation and Mobility Internship Performance

Evaluation to the designated regional program specialist within thirty-five

(35) days of completion of the internship.

The O&M intern must:

• attend Texas Confidence Builders training in Austin or attend another approved training with the VR in-house O&M designee before working with blind and visually impaired customers;

• be supervised by an approved VR-certified O&M provider for the duration of the internship;

• be observed by a VR-certified O&M provider for a minimum of twelve

(12) lessons during the internship; and

• sign and then forward reports to the supervising O&M provider that maintains either the ACVREP or NBPCB for his or her approval.

Note: VR does not pay for any expenses incurred by the intern during the internship.

2.4.5 Orientation and Mobility Service Assessment

The following sections describe the O&M Service assessment and expectations.

2.4.5.1 ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE DESCRIPTION

The assessment includes an evaluation of the customer's O&M skills in multiple situations in person and cannot be conducted remotely.

Assessments may be conducted using the customer's functional vision.

Functional vision refers to the way in which an individual uses whatever vision he or she has in a given travel situation. Assessments provide an opportunity for customers to recognize that their vision might not meet all their travel needs.

Locations for assessments include a combination of:

1. the customer's home and immediate surrounding area;

2. public areas, such as a church, park, or college campus;

3. commercial areas, such as a bank, store, or mall;

4. transit systems, such as paratransit or taxis (if available);

5. local buses and similar public transportation (if available);

6. rural areas (if applicable);

7. residential areas (those with light vehicle and foot traffic and some stop signs);

8. small business areas (those with heavier traffic and simple traffic lights);

9. downtown areas (those with heavy vehicle and foot traffic and complex traffic lights);

10. commercial transportation systems, such as buses, trains, and airplanes (if applicable); and

11. travel using low-vision devices (if applicable).

For Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) customers, the OIB worker authorizes a maximum of three (3) hours for the initial assessment to be completed.

The O&M specialist must include in the initial assessment observations of and recommendations on white cane skills. The recommended number of hours allowed for training must include the customer's travel needs, regardless of the mobility tool (dog or white cane). Training with a guide dog must not exceed more than four hours and must be preapproved in writing by the VR counselor or OIB worker.

Recommendations for training must be:

• documented under the summary section of VR2894, Orientation and

Mobility Assessment; and

• submitted to the VR counselor or OIB worker.

Following the assessment, it is recommended that the O&M specialist reviews the results with the customer and answers any questions that the customer might have about the recommended training.

2.4.5.2 PROCESS AND PROCEDURE

The VR counselor or OIB worker completes the VR2897, Orientation and

Mobility Referral, leaving no blanks and putting NA (not applicable) as needed.

After completion of the form, the VR counselor or OIB worker sends it to the provider that has been chosen by the customer. Included with the referral is information that helps the O&M specialist assess and recommend training for the customer.

The VR counselor or OIB worker is responsible for authorizing an O&M assessment and approving services, including approving the documentation for payment when invoiced.

Based on the results of the O&M assessment, the VR counselor or OIB worker determines the training goal and hours to be funded by VR or OIB. No assessments or training sessions are completed before a service authorization is issued.

After submitting VR2894, Orientation and Mobility Assessment, the O&M specialist must contact the customer's VR counselor or OIB worker to discuss the initial assessment. This discussion must be documented and filed in the

O&M provider's customer file.

The discussion includes:

• the O&M specialist's recommendations for training (if any), including the:

o O&M skills needed;

o proposed completion date; and o number of training hours authorized by the customer's VR counselor or OIB worker;

• anticipated delays in services, if any;

• special considerations or extended direct training dates, if any;

• the customer's readiness to begin nonvisual O&M skills training; and

• the customer's understanding of O&M skills training and its potential benefits.

2.4.5.3 OUTCOMES REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

The O&M provider documents in descriptive terms the information required on the VR2894, Orientation and Mobility Assessment, including:

• the O&M specialist's observations and comments;

• recommendations for O&M skills training;

• the number of training hours recommended for each area of training and the total number of training hours recommended;

• the anticipated beginning and ending dates for the recommended training;

• the customer's response to the training recommendations;

• the height of the white cane that is most appropriate for the customer

(using the measurement between the customer's chin and nose when the customer is standing up); and

• a description of all travel aids that the customer uses or would benefit from using.

2.4.6 Orientation and Mobility Training

The following sections describe how O&M is provided to the client after an evaluation.

2.4.6.1 ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY TRAINING SERVICE DESCRIPTION

O&M training prepares an individual who is blind or visually impaired to travel independently with competence and confidence.

Based on the results of the evaluation, the VR counselor or OIB worker determines the training goal and hours to be funded by VR or OIB. No training is provided before a service authorization is issued. Training is provided in person and cannot be conducted remotely.

All O&M training services for VR customers are conducted using:

• nonvisual (blindfold) techniques; and

• a rigid (non-folding) white cane with a metal tip.

All O&M training services for OIB customers are conducted using:

• either nonvisual (blindfold) or visual training, whichever better addresses the customer's needs and circumstances; and

• a rigid (non-folding) white cane with a metal tip, unless an alternate cane is needed.

The O&M specialist must discuss the benefits of nonvisual and visual training with each customer. Role modeling and peer support for nonvisual training are encouraged.

The O&M specialist may not conduct more than six (6) hours or fewer than two

(2) hours of O&M instruction per day. The O&M specialist cannot conduct more than six (6) hours of training in a day, even if multiple customers are served during that day. Billing for O&M services must not exceed six (6) hours per day. Lessons are at least two (2) hours long unless approved by an obtained

VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request for Blind and Visually

Impaired Services.

For Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (ILS-OIB) customers, the length of the training lesson will be determined by the customer’s health, stamina, and ability to participate.

2.4.6.2 PROCESS AND PROCEDURE

The following details the specific processes and procedures involved in O&M

Training services.

2.4.6.2.1 GENERAL

The VR counselor or OIB worker is responsible for authorizing O&M training for the customer and approving services, including approving the documentation for payment when invoiced.

The provider must not bill for any services other than Orientation and Mobility training, or Orientation and Mobility group training.

Based on the results of the assessment, the VR counselor or OIB worker determines the training goals and hours to be funded by VR or OIB. No training is provided before a service authorization is issued.

O&M training must not exceed the total number of training hours and type of training authorized by the customer's VR counselor or OIB worker on the service authorization.

Consistent and frequent scheduling is recommended to maximize learning.

One two-hour lesson a week is the minimum training allowable. Daily O&M training is considered best practice.

Note: For OIB customers, if less than two (2) hours of training were provided in one (1) session, the trainer must document on the VR2896 in the Brief

Description of how the training lesson affected the customer’s health, stamina, and ability to participate.

Time spent transporting customers does not count toward training time. O&M specialists are not reimbursed for time spent in the car, even when a customer is present.

The O&M specialist must notify the customer's VR counselor or OIB worker within 24 hours about all:

• missed, cancelled, or rescheduled appointments;

• issues, concerns, or circumstances that might impact or delay planned services; and

• incidents or injuries that occur during training that might negatively impact the customer's health and safety.

If services are interrupted and training cannot be completed as planned, or if services are postponed indefinitely because of unexpected circumstances, the

O&M provider must notify the customer's VR counselor or OIB worker within twenty-four (24) hours.

The O&M specialist must submit required forms and complete the required training under the specifications of the referral and the service authorization.

2.4.6.2.2 GROUP TRAINING

VR and OIB encourages O&M specialists to coordinate group training sessions

(that is, sessions of up to three (3) customers) when it will benefit the instruction process and better meet the needs of the customers.

The O&M specialist must get approval in writing from each customer's VR counselor or OIB worker before providing group training.

An O&M specialist:

• must not enroll more than twenty-five (25) customers who are blind and visually impaired in active training; and

• must keep all relevant counselors, OIB workers, and assigned regional program specialist informed by email about the total number of customers in active training.

Active training—Any customer who is receiving an O&M assessment or is enrolled in O&M training is in active training.

2.4.6.2.3 TRAVEL AIDS

The VR counselor or OIB worker purchases one rigid, long white cane with a metal tip and sleep shade (blindfold) for each customer who is approved to receive an O&M training.

The O&M specialist gives each customer information about how to purchase a white cane. Customers are responsible for replacing white canes and cane tips, buying backup white canes, and making similar purchases.

VR or OIB does not reimburse the O&M service provider for any items provided to a customer by the specialist.

The O&M specialist may recommend additional travel aids or other items to the customer's VR counselor or OIB worker, but the decision to purchase additional items rests solely with the VR counselor or OIB worker.

If a customer uses a guide dog, the customer is assessed by the O&M specialist to determine whether the customer also has proficient white cane skills. Once assessed, the customer may attend O&M training with either a white cane or a guide dog.

If customers need further assessment of and direct training for a guide dog, they must contact the school from which they obtained the dog.

2.4.6.3 OUTCOMES REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

The O&M specialist documents in descriptive terms each customer's monthly training progress and must include:

• the number of training hours provided in each training area;

• a detailed narrative on each skill area addressed during the reporting period and the training location for each lesson;

• a detailed explanation of anticipated training for the upcoming month;

• an explanation of deviations from assessment recommendations, if any;

and

• a detailed narrative of cumulative progress, if training is complete.

2.4.7 Orientation and Mobility Service Fee

The following section outlines the approved service fees for O&M services.

O&M Services Unit Rate Comment

O&M

Assessment $75.00 per hour

Limited to three (3) hours per customer

O&M Training–

Individualized $75.00 per hour

• Training sessions must last at least two (2) hours

• No more than six (6) hours of training allowed per day

Note: For OIB customers, the length

O&M Services Unit Rate Comment of the training lesson will be determined by the customer’s health, stamina, and ability to participate.

O&M Training–

Group

• $75.00 per hour for the first customer

• $37.50 per hour for each additional customer

• Limit of three (3) customers per group

• Training sessions must last at least two (2) hours

• No more than six (6) hours of training allowed per day

2.5 SERVICE AREA

This is a statewide open enrollment solicitation procured through an Open

Enrollment. All Texas counties are included in this solicitation. If awarded a contract for these services, the Provider(s) may serve VR Customers throughout the state of Texas upon receipt of an approved service authorization issued on behalf of a VR Customer.

2.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

VR-SFP Manual Chapter 3: Basic Standards require each Provider to run background checks on each Provider staff member who will interact with any

VR Customer. This includes any Provider staff who have any communication or other contact whether in person, on paper, by voice, by sign language, electronically or any other method. The only exception is for Provider staff who never communicate with or are physically present with a VR Customer.

Background checks must be completed by the Provider before the Provider https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-3 staff interacts with any VR Customer.

Applicants and Providers are responsible for obtaining a background check for all applicable Provider staff. A background check consists of running a name-based search from the Texas Department of Public Safety and checking the

National Public Sex Offender public website.

For more information on required background checks refer to the following resources:

• VR-SFP Chapter 3, Section 3.2.18 Background Checks o Convictions Barring Contractor Staff from Performing Services for

TWC

o Contracted Service Exempt from Background Checks o Exception to Background Check Instructions o Background Check FAQ

• Form VR1307 Background Checks Attestation and Release Form found at https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/forms

• Webinar: Background and National Public Sex Offender Requirements

2.7 TRANSPORTATION OF VR CUSTOMERS

Transportation of VR Customers by a Provider (or Provider’s staff) is not required. However, if a Provider (or Provider’s staff or Provider’s subcontractors) do transport a VR Customer in the Provider’s vehicle or

Provider’s staff personal vehicle, they must meet the minimum liability requirements of the Texas Department of Insurance. The Provider must maintain current proof of insurance for any Provider staff who transports VR

Customers. When Provider staff transports VR Customers in personal vehicles, the Provider staff must submit to VR proof of auto liability insurance as required by the Texas Department of Insurance with Form VR3455.

https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/ConvictionNameSearch/ https://www.nsopw.gov/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/forms https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=ehh1h4_GeFY&feature=youtu.be

Verification statements on Form VR3455 must be signed by the Provider staff represented on the form and the Provider’s Director appointed by the legal authorized representative.

2.8 PROVIDER’S DIRECTOR

Each Provider/Entity must have a Director who meets the qualification as stated in the VR-SFP Manual, Chapter 3 Basic Standards. The

Provider’s/Entity’s legally authorized representative must appoint Director(s) using Form VR3441A. The Provider’s/Entity’s Director must also have a VR

3455 included in the Application. Anytime the VR3455 is completed and/or updated the Provider must keep a copy on file and submit it to VR. For additional information refer to VR-SFP Manual Chapter 3.

2.9 PROVIDER STAFF PROVIDING SERVICES TO VR CUSTOMERS

For any service selected by the Applicant on VR3441B, the Applicant must have at least one (1) person who meets the qualifications to provide the service(s) as described in Section 2.4 Requirements.

Each Provider staff must have VR3455 with the supporting documentation

(resumes, transcripts, proof of insurance, and credentials) included in the

Application.

After contract award, a VR3455 with supporting documentation must be submitted for each person who will be providing services under the Contract.

Each Provider must submit Form VR3455 and the supporting evidence that the staff member meets the required qualifications within 30 days of:

• hiring new staff member;

• making a significant change to a staff member's job duties such as fundamentally altering the nature of the job, requiring new skills, responsibilities, or a substantial time commitment;

• changing staff qualifications and/or credentials; or

• terminating a staff member.

For additional information refer to the VR-SFP Manual.

ARTICLE III GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 AUTHORITY

TWC is soliciting the services stated in this Solicitation under the statutory authority of Texas Labor Code §352.060.

All official communication (including, but not limited to, Schedule of Event changes, and Addenda will be posted to the Electronic State Business Daily

(ESBD). TWC has no responsibility to communicate personally with each potential Applicant for this OE. Each interested party is solely responsible for checking the ESBD for official TWC communication regarding this OE.

3.2 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The dates in this Schedule of Events are tentative, and TWC reserves the right to modify these dates at any time. At the sole discretion of TWC, events listed in the Schedule of Events are subject to changes and cancellation. Scheduling changes or cancellation made prior to the Deadline for Submission of Applications will be published as an Addendum posted to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) and the TWC Procurement Portal.

Applicant is required to sign and return all Addenda related to the Open

Enrollment.

Table 2: Schedule of Events

EVENT DATE and TIME

Open Enrollment Period Start Date: May 28, 2026

End Date: November 24, 2026, by 10 a.m. CST

NOTE: This solicitation may be closed sooner than the published end date if TWC receives sufficient applications to cover all required needs.

Applicant must submit their Application to TWC within the open enrollment period in accordance with Schedule of Events shown above, or as changed via a notification of an Addendum posted to the ESBD.

NOTE: TWC reserves the right to close this solicitation at any time prior to the published deadline. If TWC determines that a sufficient number of applications or awarded contracts exist, this solicitation will be closed.

3.3 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The Contract(s) resulting from this solicitation may consist of the provisions in this Open Enrollment (including its attachments, forms, exhibits, and any

Addenda); the Provider’s Application, any TWC Request for Revised

Application, the Provider’s Response to the Request for Revised Application, and TWC’s Service Authorization (SA). No prior agreement or understanding, oral or otherwise, of the parties or their agents will be valid or enforceable unless embodied in these documents. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of these documents, the documents are given the following order of priority: (1) TWC SA; (2) most recent Request for Revised Application (if any);

(3) Provider’s Response to the Request for Revised Application; (4) Invitation for Application (OE); and (5) Provider’s Application.

TWC may elect to have the Contract(s) resulting from this Open Enrollment consist of a single document. This document will contain all rights and duties of the parties extracted from the relevant terms and conditions of the Open

Enrollment (including its attachments, forms, exhibits, and any Addenda), the

Provider’s Response, the Request for Revised Response, if any, and Provider’s

Response to the Request for Revised Response, if any. Prior to award, TWC will prepare the Contract for review by the Provider.

Discussions may be had concerning possible revisions to the draft Contract to clarify points, further define Contract text, or to correct minor technicalities.

These discussions are to be finalized and all requests for revisions resolved within ten (10) Business Days after the Provider receives the draft Contract for review or such additional time that may be agreed to by TWC. If discussions are not finalized within such time frame, the Application/Enrollment Packet may be rejected.

3.4 ATTACHMENTS AND FORMS

To ensure efficient and timely processing, please adhere to the following guidelines for form submission:

1. Documentation Placement: All supporting documentation must be collated directly behind its corresponding form.

2. Duplicate Forms: Duplicate forms must not be submitted.

3. Specific Example: For instance, if multiple Form 3455s are submitted, the supporting documentation pertinent to each staff member must be appended directly to their specific Form 3455.

Please be advised that improperly organized applications may be rejected or experience significant processing delays.

Table 3: Attachments and Form

Attachment/Form Title

Attachment 01 VR OE T&Cs (12/18/25)

Attachment 02 OE Application Submission Checklist

Attachment 03 VR 2894, Orientation and Mobility Assessment

Attachment 04 VR 2896, Orientation and Mobility Training

Attachment 05 VR 2897, Orientation and Mobility Referral

Attachment 06 VR 2922, Orientation and Mobility Weekly

Internship Observation

Attachment 07 VR 2923, Orientation and Mobility Internship

Performance Evaluation

Attachment 08 VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request

Form 01 Execution of Application

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_Execution of Application

Form 02 W-9 and Direct Deposit Form (VR 1020)

• Complete the Form VR1020, TWC

Substitute W-9 and Direct Deposit.

• Refer to the VR1020 instructions and to TWC Substitute W-9 and Direct Deposit

Form video for guidance.

• If the TWC1020 shows a “Business Name”

(DBA) designation in Box 2, include a copy of County DBA registry letter.

• If the TWC1020 uses an “EIN” in box 6, include a copy of IRS letter assigning

Employer Identification Number.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_W-9 https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr1020-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr1020-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/twc1020INST-twc.pdf https://youtu.be/wtHUyJgHfVE https://youtu.be/wtHUyJgHfVE

Form 03 Child Support Certification (VR 1305)

• Complete Form VR1305, Child Support

Certification.

• Refer to the VR1305 instructions for additional guidance.

• Provide the name and social security number (SSN) of the individual or sole proprietor, or if not a sole proprietorship, of each partner, shareholder, or owner with an ownership interest of at least 25 percent of the business entity.

• If no one person owns 25 percent or more of the business, state “Not Applicable (N/A)” in the Name/SSN field and complete the remaining sections.

• Form VR1305 must be signed by the entity’s legal authorized representative.

Name convention for submission:

APPLICANTName_VR1305

Form 04 TWC VR Standards for Provider Certification (VR

3443)

• Complete Form VR3443, TWC VR Standards for Provider Certification.

• Form VR3443 must be signed by the entity’s legally authorized representative.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_VR3443

Form 05 Conflict of Interest Certification (VR 3444)

• Complete the Form VR3444, Conflict of

Interest Certification.

• Form VR3444 must be signed by the entity’s legally authorized representative.

Name convention for submission: Applicant’s

Name_VR3444

Form 06 Provider Insurance Verification (VR 3445)

• Applicants with or without insurance must complete the form VR3445, Provider

Insurance Verification.

• When the Applicant has insurance, a current and accurate certificate of insurance from the

Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD) or its equivalent must be attached to Form

VR3445.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_VR3445

Form 07 Entity Headquarters Information Management

Form (VR 3441A)

• Complete the Form VR3441A Entity

Headquarters Information Management Team to record the Applicant’s management team information.

Name convention for submission: Applicant’s Legal

Name_VR3441A

Form 08 Entity Headquarters Information - Services (VR

3441B)

• Complete Form VR3441B, Entity

Headquarters

• Information- Part B-Services form to describe the Applicant’s staff experience and to indicate what services the Applicant is applying for to gain a contract.

• To be eligible to apply for a service the Applicant must have at least one (1) person who meets the qualifications to provide the service at application

• Name convention for submission:

APPLICANT Name_VR3441B

Form 09 Entity Headquarters Information – Location(s)

(VR 3441C)

• Complete Form VR3441C, Entity Headquarters

Information - Location(s) form.

• Form VR3441C must be completed by all Applicants to record the counties where the

Applicant is able to provide services with the staff currently hired. Counties can be added and removed without amending the contract as staff availability changes by completing and submitting a new Form VR3441C to the assigned regional quality assurance specialist.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_VR3441C

Form 10 Entity’s Physical Location(s) – Part A – Service

Contracts Certification (VR 3442A)

• Complete the Form VR3442 A, Entity’s

Physical Location(s)- Part A- Service

Contracts Certification Statement.

• Form VR3442A must be completed by the Applicant to indicate if the Applicant has a physical location. The VR3442A form must be submitted even if the Provider does not have a physical location.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_VR3442A

Form 11 Entity’s Physical Location(s) – Part B – General

Information Service Contracts (VR3442B)

• Complete Form VR3442 B - Entity’s Physical Location(s)-Part B- General Information

Service Contracts when applicable.

• Form VR3442B must be completed for each physical location the entity has. If the entity does not have any physical locations, the

Form VR3442B is not required.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_VR3442B

3.5 SOLE POINT OF CONTACT

All requests, questions, or other communication about this Open Enrollment must be submitted through the TWC Procurement Portal and will be directed at the Sole Point of Contact below:

Meghan Osborn, CTCD

TWC Procurement Portal

3.5.1 Prohibited Communication

Except as provided in Section 3.5, a potential Applicant and Applicant that has submitted an Application is prohibited from any communication with TWC regarding the Open Enrollment. Unless allowable, TWC, its representative(s), Form 12 Provider Staff Information Form(s) with

Supporting Documentation (VR 3455)

• Complete a Form VR3455, Provider Staff

Information and attach required supporting documentation (resumes, transcripts, proof of insurance, and credentials) to demonstrate the staff person, including the

Director, meets the required qualifications as stated in the VR-SFP Manual.

• When a staff person will be transporting VR customers in personal vehicles, the staff person must submit proof of auto liability insurance as required by the Texas

Department of Insurance with Form VR3455.

• Verification statements on Form VR3455 must be signed by the staff person represented on the form and the Director appointed by the legal authorized representative.

Name convention for submission: APPLICANT

Name_ Staff Legal Last Name_VR3455 and partners will not answer any questions or otherwise discuss the contents of this Open Enrollment with any potential Applicant or its representative(s).

Attempts to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid. Applicants shall rely only on written statements issued by or through TWC designated staff as provided by the Sole Point of Contact in

Section 3.5.

Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in disqualification of Applicant's Application. These restrictions do not preclude discussions between affected parties for the purpose of conducting business unrelated to this Open Enrollment.

3.6 ADDENDA

Should an addition or correction become necessary after the Open Enrollment is issued, an Addendum relating the necessary information will be posted to the ESBD. Applicants are responsible for periodically checking the ESBD for addenda or additional information. Applicants are required to acknowledge the Addenda by returning the signed Acknowledgment of

Addenda with the Application/Enrollment Packet. Failure to do so does not absolve an Applicant from the requirements contained within any

Addenda.

ARTICLE IV APPLICATION PROCESS

4.1 DEADLINE

Applications must be received by TWC as prescribed no later than date and time specified in Section 3.2 Schedule of Events.

4.2 GENERAL INFORMATION

Applicants must fully and completely address all requirements described in this Open Enrollment. Incomplete or partial Applications will not be considered. Applicants must provide all information that is required in accordance with Section 4.5. Applicants shall prepare an Application that clearly and concisely represents its qualifications.

4.3 DISCREPANCIES

In the event of any discrepancies or variations between copies, TWC is under no obligation to resolve the inconsistencies and may make its selection decision, accordingly, including the decision to potentially disqualify an

Application. If Applicant fails to designate an “Original” Application as required by Section 4.4. TWC in its sole discretion, will determine the version to be used as the original or may disqualify the Application. If the Applicant submits a redacted Application as the “Original,” TWC will disqualify the Application, and it will not be reviewed.

4.4 SUBMISSION METHOD

TWC has implemented the eProcurement platform referred to as the TWC

Procurement Portal. Applicants must upload all documentation indicated to the

TWC Procurement Portal link on the “Open Opportunities” tab.

Submissions by any other method will not be accepted.

To respond to this Open Enrollment, Applicants must register through the TWC

Procurement Portal website. There is no charge to register.

Step-by-step instructions are available at: Vendor Registration –

Procurement.

For step-by-step instructions about the submission process, visit:

Creating and Uploading a Submission – Procurement

Any issues with uploading must first be addressed with the TWC Procurement

Portal Technical Support at the contact information included in the https://twc-texas-gov.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities https://procurement-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en-us/sections/48366912105235-Vendor-Registration https://procurement-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en-us/sections/48366912105235-Vendor-Registration https://procurement-help.eunasolutions.com/hc/en-us/articles/48585321559955-Creating-and-Uploading-a-Submission

Procurement Information Summary and TWC Procurement Portal Instructions to Applicants document.

Applicants must contact the Sole Point of Contact prior to the deadline if there are issues with using the TWC…