21550689-RFI.docx

Request for Information (RFI)

The California Health and Human Services Agency, Office of Technology and Solutions Integration (CalHHS OTSI), hereinafter referred to as the “CalHHS OTSI” or “State,” is releasing this Request for Information (RFI), to identify potential vendors capable of designing and delivering a one-day training program for managers to better understand, support, and effectively lead neurodivergent employees.

This RFI is intended to identify vendors with demonstrated expertise in workplace neurodiversity and the ability to translate that expertise into practical, actionable management strategies that drive measurable outcomes related to recruitment and retention of neurodivergent team members. Recognizing there are organizations that provide support services for attracting and retaining neurodivergent employees but might not have an existing training program, we invite such organizations interested in constructing such a program to meet the State’s needs to respond as well.

Please read this RFI document thoroughly and adhere to the response submission guidelines.

1. RFI Disclaimer This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. A response to this RFI is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the State to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

Responders must be aware that responses to this RFI are the property of the State and may be subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 7920.000 et seq.). As such, please do not include any proprietary information or any specific solutions in your response to this RFI.

Submitting a response to this RFI will not enhance the review of that respondent’s proposal(s) to any future solicitations. Not submitting a response to this RFI will not prohibit a response to any future solicitations, nor disadvantage the evaluation of a response to any future solicitation. By submitting a response to this RFI, a responding vendor is implicitly agreeing with these conditions.

2. RFI Key Action Dates Actions should be taken or completed by the dates listed below. If the CalHHS OTSI finds it necessary to change any of these dates, an update may be made to this RFI and posted on the State’s eProcurement website: https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx

RFI KEY ACTION DATES

3. Background

CalHHS OTSI is committed to embracing neurodiversity and the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in the State workplace. This initiative aims to increase awareness and knowledge within CalHHS Departments, Offices, and their Programs, specific to supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. This training will assist CalHHS in the development and implementation of effective management practices that support this goal.

The primary objectives of this initiative are to:

· Increase manager understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace;

· Equip managers with practical tools to improve their recruitment, retention, management and support for neurodivergent employees;

· Improve communication, performance management, and team effectiveness, and;

· Foster a more inclusive and high-performing work environment.

4. Scope Vendors should be capable of:

· Designing and delivering manager-focused training (virtual, in-person or hybrid).

· Providing practical tools and frameworks, specifically differentiating between individualized strategies for effectively managing neurodivergent staff, and principles of universal design that benefit all employees.

· Including content related to disability etiquette, terminology, and reducing stigma.

· Making the content culturally relevant in the context of organization’s specific HR policies.

· Offering optional ongoing learning through reinforcement mechanisms (e.g., coaching, toolkits, microlearning).

5. Vendor Questions Vendors must submit questions regarding this RFI via e-mail by the specified date in Section 2, RFI Key Action Dates. Questions should be submitted via email to the contact person listed in Section 8, Contact Information. The following must be included in the e-mail inquiry:

· On the subject line of the e-mail, include RFI #21550689 Leading Neurodiversity with Intention - Vendor Questions;

· Vendor name, contact person, telephone number, and e-mail address, as part of the sender’s contact information;

· A description of the subject or issue in question, or discrepancy found in the RFI;

· RFI section, page number and/or other information useful in identifying the specific problem or issue in question; and

· The vendor’s question(s).

At its discretion, the State may contact vendors to seek clarification of any inquiry received. The State may respond to questions directly to the vendor or, if deemed necessary, release an update to the RFI.

6. RFI Format and Submission Responses to this RFI are due by the date stated in Section 2, RFI Key Action Dates. Responses must be submitted via e-mail to the State’s contact identified in Section 8, Contact Information, and must include the following information in the e-mail subject line:

RFI #21550689 Leading Neurodiversity with Intention.

A vendor’s response shall contain the following:

A. A signed cover letter that includes the following elements:

a. Vendor name, address, and telephone number; and

b. Contact information including the name, title, address, phone number, and e-mail address of the vendor’s primary contact person for this RFI.

B. A detailed narrative describing the following:

a. The vendor’s response to Attachment A, RFI #21550689 Leading Neurodiversity with Intention Questions. Please ensure that the format and numbering of the response correlates to that within Attachment A.

b. The total response should not exceed 15 pages.

7. Demonstrations Additional information will be provided to vendors if the State chooses to hold demonstrations.

8. Contact Information The RFI responses and all correspondence and/or questions related to this RFI shall be directed to the State contact person:

Taylor Corder Acquisition and Contracting Services Division Office of Technology and Solutions Integration

California Health and Human Services Agency Office of Technology and Solutions Integration 2870 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150 Sacramento, California 95833

GAVIN NEWSOM GOVERNOR

Phone: (916) 263-4264 E-mail Address: solicitations@otsi.ca.gov Attachment A RFI #21550689 Leading Neurodiversity with Intention Questions

The State is requesting responses to the questions below to gain an understanding of vendors’ expertise in workplace neurodiversity and their ability to design and deliver a one‑day management training program that provides practical, actionable management strategies to lead, recruit, support, and retain neurodivergent employees. Provide written responses to all sections above that apply to your organization, either existing today or something that you would be qualified to support and are interested in developing.

Supporting documentation may be attached to provide clarity or additional information.

1. Vendor Qualifications and Information Requested

1.1 Organizational Overview

A. What is your company name, headquarters location, and number of years in operation?

B. What are your organization’s primary market offerings and mission?

C. Provide an overview of your organization’s services related to neurodiversity and workplace inclusion.

D. What is the size and structure of your organization?

1.2 Subject Matter Expertise

A. Please describe your organization’s expertise in workplace neurodiversity.

B. What is your experience addressing conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences?

C. Provide a description of how lived experience informs your training approach.

D. Provide relevant certifications, research, or published work relating to the subject matter.

1.3 Training Approach and Content

A. Provide an overview of your neurodiversity training programs OR your proposed training program for inclusive management of neurodiverse work teams.

B. What are the key topics covered?

C. Provide examples of practical tools and frameworks provided to managers.

D. Describe your use of real-world scenarios, simulations, or role-playing.

E. Estimated pricing (optional)

1.4 Instructional Design and Delivery

A. What training formats do you offer (e.g., virtual, in-person, hybrid, asynchronous)?

B. What is your instructional design methodology?

C. What strategies are used to drive engagement and behavior change?

D. What are your post-training reinforcement and sustainment approaches?

1.5 Organizational Experience

A. What is your experience working with private sector, nonprofits and government organizations?

B. What is your understanding of workplace policies, HR practices, and relevant legal considerations?

C. Provide examples of prior engagements and outcomes.

1.6 Measurement and Outcomes

A. What methods are used to measure training or other support services effectiveness?

B. What sample metrics do you use (e.g., manager confidence, employee engagement, retention)?

C. Provide examples of measurable outcomes achieved for clients.

D. What pre- and post-assessment tools do you use?

1.7 Facilitator Qualifications

A. Provide the qualifications and experience of facilitators.

B. What is their experience leading sensitive or complex workplace discussions?

C. What is their approach to engaging diverse or resistant audiences?

1.8 Customization and Co-Design

A. What is your approach to tailoring content to client needs?

B. What is your stakeholder engagement process?

C. Describe your ability to incorporate organization-specific scenarios.

D. Is there potential for ongoing support offerings (e.g., coaching, office hours, refreshers)?

1.9 Accessibility and Inclusion

A. How is training designed to be accessible to diverse learners?

B. Describe your use multiple learning modalities.

C. What accommodation practices are included within training delivery?

1.10 References and Case Studies

A. Provide 2–3 client references for current services offered.

B. Include case studies demonstrating measurable impact if available.

2. Evaluation Criteria CalHHS OTSI recognizes that this is an emerging area of interest and that there will be varying levels of interest and experience. We will review each submission in this context and will not have strict evaluation criteria; we are looking to learn about this important area to determine if there are one or more offerings that might meet our goals.

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