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

Employment Services

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194

Date of Release: August 10, 2026

Responses Due: February 8, 2027 by 10:00 a.m. CST

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

952-60 Job Search Workshop

952-90 Training and Instruction (For Clients, Not Staff)

Sole Point of Contact for this OE

Meghan Osborn, CTCD

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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 2 of 56

Table of Contents

Article I Purpose, Authority and Schedule of Events

1.1 Purpose

Article II Scope of Work

2.1 Overview/Background

2.2 Provider Requirements, Responsibilities, and TWC Policies

2.3 VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual

2.4 Scope of Work (SOW)

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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 3 of 56

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 General 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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 4 of 56

Definitions

Table 1: Definitions

Term/Acronym Definition

Addendum 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/

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 5 of 56

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.

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 6 of 56

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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 7 of 56

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

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.

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.

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 8 of 56

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.

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.

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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 9 of 56

ARTICLE I PURPOSE, AUTHORITY AND

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1.1 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.

Opportunities are available to provide Employment 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 OE, which includes OE 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.

ARTICLE II SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 OVERVIEW/BACKGROUND

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.

This Open Enrollment is for Employment Services. Employment services serve individuals with varying needs and disabilities through comprehensive assessments, skills training, practical work experiences, individualized job http://www.twc.texas.gov/

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 10 of 56 placements, and supports to overcome barriers, enabling them to achieve long-term, competitive, integrated employment.

This Open Enrollment is to establish contracts with qualified vendors for

Employment Services to perform services in accordance with the following

Chapters of the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards For Providers (VR-SFP)

Manual:

• Chapter 4: Employment Assessments

• Chapter 13: Work Readiness Services

• Chapter 14: Work Experience Services

• Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services

• Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services

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 OE SOW:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation. (See

Attachment 03 for PDF of Chapter 1 of the VR-SFP Manual.)

https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp 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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 11 of 56

• Chapter 2: Obtaining a Contract for Goods and Services. (See

Attachment 04 for PDF of Chapter 2 of the VR-SFP Manual.)

• Chapter 3: Basic Standards. (See Attachment 05 for PDF of

Chapter 3 of the VR-SFP Manual.)

Notice of upcoming changes to the VR-SFP Manual are published on the

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 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

The Contractor must provide Employment Services in accordance with the applicable Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual chapters effective for the date(s) services are delivered.

Each service chapter outlines:

• Staff Qualifications;

• Service Description;

• Process and Procedure;

https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp 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 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 12 of 56

• Outcomes Required for Payment; and

• Fee table.

Services must be delivered after issuance of a Service Authorization, which will include the description of the service, quantity, start date, and end date of service delivery, and associated fee.

All Contractors must be in compliance with all applicable chapters in the

Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Provider Manual (VR-SFP), including:

• VR-SFP Chapter 1: Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation. For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 03.

• VR-SFP Chapter 2: Obtaining a Contract for Goods and

Services. For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 04.

• VR-SFP Chapter 3: Basic Standards. For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 05.

At a minimum, the applicant must have

• a director, as described in VR-SFP Chapter 3: Basic Standards;

• at least one (1) person who meets the staff qualifications for each service included in the application; and

• a VR3455 Provider Staff Information Form with Supporting

Documentation must be submitted for each director and at least one (1) person who meets the staff qualifications for each service included in the application.

After a contract is awarded, the application forms must be kept up to date and on file with the TWC-VR as described in VR-SFP Chapter 3: Basic Standards.

This includes a VR3455 Provider Staff Information Form with Supporting

Documentation for each staff person.

Below are the chapters and services included in the Employment

Services open enrollment.

https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-1 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-2 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-2 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-3

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 13 of 56

For orientation and familiarization with the nature and extent of the goods and/or services described in this Open Enrollment, the relevant chapter(s) from the TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Division’s Vocational Rehabilitation

Standards for Providers Manual are included as attachments to this solicitation.

However, please note that the inclusion of any attached chapters as a part of the posting and solicitation process is solely for reference purposes only. Any subsequently awarded contract which may result from this solicitation will be supported and governed by the versions of those chapters or their successors that are active and applicable when services are actually provided or performed. That content will be available from the TWC public website at https://www.twc.texas.gov/ at the following site: Vocational Rehabilitation

Standards for Providers (VR-SFP)

2.4.1 VR-SFP Chapter 4: Employment Assessments

Employment assessments are tools that evaluate a customer's work and training background, general functional capacities, and social behavior.

Employment assessments are designed to determine a customer's present and future vocational potential and to evaluate the customer's employment-related strengths and limitations. Services included:

• Vocational Evaluation

• Situational Assessments and Work Samples

• Environmental Work Assessment (EWA)

• Career Planning Assessment (CPA)

For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 06.

2.4.2 VR-SFP Chapter 13: Work Readiness Services

Work Readiness Services prepare participants to excel in their abilities to successfully obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment. Work https://www.twc.texas.gov/ 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#sfp-chapter-4 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-13

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 14 of 56

Readiness services address disability issues, interpersonal skills, daily living skills, and other issues that interfere with obtaining or maintaining employment, to support customers in achieving work readiness.

• Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT)

• Work Adjustment Training (WAT)

• Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT)

For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 07.

2.4.3 VR-SFP Chapter 14: Work Experience Services

Work Experience Services provide individuals with short-term, part-time placements in community businesses to develop skills, explore career interests, and prepare for long-term, competitive employment. Services

Included are:

• Work Experience Placement

• Work Experience Training

For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 08.

2.4.4 VR-SFP Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services

Basic Employment Services offer personalized assistance to help customers prepare for, secure, and keep a competitive integrated permanent job.

Services included are:

• Job Placement Services

• Job Skills Training

For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 09.

2.4.5 VR-SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services

Supported Employment uses a "Place, Then Train" model to secure a https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-14 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-17 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-18

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 15 of 56 competitive, integrated job for customers with most-significant disabilities.

Supported Employment provides job development, intensive ongoing support services, and training for long-term extended service providers to ensure long-term employment success.

For a PDF of this chapter, see Attachment 10.

2.5 FEE SCHEDULES

The following are the Fee Schedules for each Employment Services chapter.

Fee Schedules requirements are subject to change after proposed changes have been posted at least 30 days on the Vocational Rehabilitation Providers’

Resources page.

2.5.1 Employment Assessments Service Fees

A provider may not collect money from a VR customer or the customer's family in excess of VR service fees for any service charged. If VR services and another resource are used to paying for a service for a customer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the VR Standards for Providers manual.

Each employment assessment below must only be purchased one time per customer.

Employment

Assessments

Unit

Rate Comment

Vocational Evaluation $288 per day

• Minimum hours per day is two with no more than six hours

• Maximum payment allowed is $1,440.

• Incomplete assessments with the report are paid at $48 per hour, when

VR3472, Contracted Service

Modification Request for Vocational

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 16 of 56

Employment

Assessments

Unit

Rate Comment

Assessments is approved by the VR division director

Vocational Evaluation

- Situational

Assessments and

Work Samples

$864 • Paid only on receipt of a complete report, with all deliverables addressed

Environmental Work

Assessment $1213 • Paid only on receipt of a complete report, with all deliverables addressed

Career Planning

Assessment $1,194 • Paid only upon receipt of a complete report, with all deliverables addressed

Prorated Career

Planning Assessment $643 • Paid only when EWA has been completed and paid

Premium payments may be available for some employment assessment services. Premiums payments are paid after all deliverables for the service have been achieved. For more information, refer to VR-SFP Chapter 20:

Premiums.

2.5.2 Work Readiness Service Fees

A provider cannot collect money from a VR customer or the customer's family for any service charged in excess of VR fees. If VR and another resource are paying for a service for a customer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the VR Standards for Providers manual.

The following section outlines the approved service fees for Personal-Social

Adjustment Training services.

https://twc.texas.gov/standards-manual/vr-sfp-chapter-20

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 17 of 56

Personal-Social

Adjustment

Training (PSAT)

Unit

Rate Comments

PSAT Evaluation $21.00 per hour

• The evaluation period is up to five days and may be for no more than 10 hours.

• Evaluation is purchased one time for any customer.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

• There must be one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than

10 customers.

PSAT

$21.00 per hour

• VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan, must be approved by the VR counselor before training.

• No more than 20 hours of service per week are permitted.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

• There must be one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than

10 customers.

The following section outlines the approved service fees for Vocational https://twc.texas.gov/vocational-rehabilitation-service-forms

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 18 of 56

Adjustment Training services.

Vocational Adjustment

Training (VAT) Unit Rate Comments

VAT Explores the

"You" in Work $420.00

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 10 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Soft Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering

Soft Skills for

Workplace Success

$839.00

• There may be more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 20 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Soft Skills for

Work Success $629.00

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 13 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 19 of 56

Vocational Adjustment

Training (VAT) Unit Rate Comments

VAT Entering the

World of Work $420.00

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 10 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Job Search

Training $839.00

Training for Pre-ETS customers only

• There may be no more than six customers in a group;

available before ETS

(Employment Training

Services) only.

• Training must be at least 20 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Disability

Disclosure $839.00

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 20 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 20 of 56

Training (VAT) Unit Rate Comments unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Money Smart $1,259.00

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 30 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Public

Transportation

Training (Individual)

Negotiated up to $46.00 per hour

• There may be no more than four customers to one trainer.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

• This service cannot be provided remotely.

VAT Public

Transportation

Training (Group)

Negotiated up to $23.00 per hour, per customer

• There may be no more than four customers in a group.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

• This service cannot be provided remotely.

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 21 of 56

Training (VAT) Unit Rate Comments

VAT Specialized

Evaluation

$21.00 per hour

• The evaluation period is up to five days and may be no more than 10 hours.

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Evaluation is purchased one time per customer.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

VAT Specialized $21.00 per hour

• The VR counselor must approve VR3135B, Vocational

Training, Specialized Training

Plan before the training.

• There may be no more than six individuals in a group.

• The number of hours provided may not be greater than the amount approved on the

VR3135B.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

https://twc.texas.gov/vocational-rehabilitation-service-forms

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 22 of 56

Training (VAT) Unit Rate Comments

VAT Exploring

Postsecondary

Education and

Training

$420.00

• There may be no more than six customers in a group.

• Training must be at least 10 hours.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

The following section outlines the approved service fees for Work Adjustment

Training services.

Work

Adjustment

Training (WAT)

Unit

Rate Comments

Work

Adjustment

Evaluation

$9.00 per hour

• The evaluation period is up to 10 days and may be no more than 25 hours.

• The evaluation may be purchased only once.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

• This service cannot be provided remotely.

• There must be one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide, or one trainer and one aide with no more than 10 customers.

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 23 of 56

Work

Adjustment

Training (WAT)

Unit

Rate Comments

Work

Adjustment

Training

$9.00 per hour

• The VR counselor must approve VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work

Adjustment Training Plan before the training.

• A minimum of 25 hours must be offered per week.

• VR pays for no more than 25 hours per week per customer.

• VR does not pay for excused, unexcused, or holiday absences.

• This service cannot be provided remotely.

• There must be one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers.

Premium Services may be available for some Work Readiness Services.

Premium Services are paid after all deliverables for the service have been made. For more information, refer to Chapter 20: Premiums.

2.5.3 Work Experience Service Fees

A provider cannot collect money from a VR customer or the customer's family for any service. If VR and another resource are paying for a service for a customer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the

Standards for Providers manual.

https://twc.texas.gov/vocational-rehabilitation-service-forms https://twc.texas.gov/vocational-rehabilitation-service-forms

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 24 of 56

Services Unit Rate Comment

Work Experience

Placement

$919.00 per placement

Can be purchased multiple times for a customer

Work Experience

Training– Individual $46.00 per hour

Work Experience

Training–Group

$23.00 per hour, per individual

No more than four individuals in a group

Premium Services may be available for some Work Experience Services.

Premium Services are paid after all deliverables for the service have been made. For more information, refer to VR-SFP Chapter 20: Premiums.

2.5.4 Basic Employment Service Fees

A provider cannot collect money from a VR customer or the customer's family for any service. If VR and another resource are paying for a service for a customer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the

Standards for Providers manual.

Premium Services may be available for some Basic Employment Services.

Premium Services are paid after all deliverables for the service have been made. For more information, refer to Chapter 20: Premiums.

2.5.4.1 NON-BUNDLED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The following table outlines the approved service fees for Non-Bundled

Employment services.

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 25 of 56

Services Unit

Rate Comment

Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training Service $459.00

Can only be purchased one time per customer

Interview Training Service $368.00 Can only be purchased one time per customer

2.5.4.2 BASIC JOB PLACEMENT

The following table outlines the approved service fees for Bundled Job

Placement services.

Bundled Employment

Services

Unit

Rate Comment

Benchmark A: Job

Placement—5 days $1103.00

• Reduction payment applies if a

Non-Bundled Job Placement

Service was previously purchased for an adult VR customer. Students or youth with a disability may receive

Non-Bundled and Bundled Job

Placement services when necessary for the customer to achieve his or her vocational goals.

Benchmark A: BASIC Job

Placement—5 days $643.00

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Bundled Employment

Services

Unit

Rate Comment

PRORATED when Non-

Bundled Employment Data

Sheet, Application, Resume Training previously purchased

Benchmark A: BASIC Job

Placement—5 days

PRORATED when Non-

Bundled Interview

Training previously purchased

$735.00

Benchmark A: BASIC Job

Placement—5 days

PRORATED when both

Non-Bundled services-

Employment Data Sheet

Application and Resume and Interviewing Training previously purchased

$276.00

Benchmark B: Job

Placement—45 days $551.00

• Customer must work at least 45 days in the same position with the same employer before achievement of Benchmark B.

Benchmark C: Job $1103.00 • Customer must work at least 90

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Bundled Employment

Services

Unit

Rate Comment

Placement—90 days days in the same position with the same employer before achievement of Benchmark C.

2.5.4.3 ENHANCED JOB PLACEMENT

The following table outlines the approved service fees for Enhanced Job

Placement services.

Benchmark Unit

Rate Comment

Benchmark A: Job

Placement—5 days $1,470.00

• Reduction payment applies if a

Non-Bundled Job Placement services was previously purchased for an adult VR customer. Students or youth with a disability may receive

Non-Bundled and Bundled Job

Placement services when necessary for the customer to achieve their vocational goals.

Benchmark A: ENHANCED

Job Placement—5 days

PRORATED when Non-

Bundled Employment Data

Sheet Application, and

$1011.00

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Benchmark Unit

Rate Comment

Resume Training previously purchased

Benchmark A: ENHANCED

Job Placement—5 days

PRORATED when Non-

Bundled Interview

Training previously purchased

$1103.00

Benchmark A: ENHANCED

Job Placement—5 days

PRORATED when both

Non-Bundled services-

Employment Data Sheet, Application and Resume and Interviewing training previously purchased

$643.00

Benchmark B: Job

Placement—45 days $735.00

• Customer must work at least

45 days in the same position with the same employer before achievement of Benchmark B.

Benchmark C: Job

Placement—90 days $1,470.00

• Customer must work 90 days in the same position with the same employer before the achievement of Benchmark C.

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2.5.4.4 JOB SKILLS TRAINING

The following table outlines the approved service fees for Job Skills Training services.

Note: The maximum total of hours of Job Skills Training is 200. This total includes both Individual and Group Job Skills.

Service Unit

Rate Comments

Individual Job Skills

Training

$46.00 per hour

• For a maximum of 200 hours

Group Job Skills

Training

$23.00 per hour

• No more than four individuals in a group

• For a maximum of 200 hours per individual in the group

Job Skills Training for Extended

Services for Youth with Disabilities

$45.00 per hour

• An approved VR3472, Contracted

Service Modification Request for Job

Placement, Job Skills Training, and

Supported Employment Services required before the purchase.

• A new VR3472 required before every

200 hours issued with an SA

2.5.5 Benchmark and Service Fees

A provider may not collect money from a VR customer or the customer's family for any service. If VR and another resource are paying for a service for a customer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the

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Standards for Providers manual.

Premium Services may be available for some SE services. Premium Services are paid after all deliverables for the service have been made. For more information, refer to Chapter 20: Premiums.

Services Unit

Rate Comments

Supported Employment Plan

Meeting $184

May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

Supported Employment Job

Development and Placement

Benchmark

$1,875 May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

Supported Employment Job

Retention Benchmark $1,838

With SA, may be purchased multiple times and is paid every 28 cumulative calendar days.

Supported Employment Job

Stability Review $184

May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

Supported Employment Closure

Benchmark $3,675

May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

2.6 SERVICE AREA

This is a statewide Open Enrollment solicitation. 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.

2.7 BACKGROUND CHECKS

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VR-SFP Manual Chapter 3: Basic Standards requires 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 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 also found at https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/forms

• Webinar: Background and National Public Sex Offender Requirements

2.8 TRANSPORTATION OF VR CUSTOMERS

Transportation of VR Customers by a Provider (or Provider’s staff) is not https://twcgov.sharepoint.com/sites/BusOPS/pcs/procurement-services/SolicitationOE%20Files/Osborn/OPEN%20ENROLLMENT%20(OE)/3202600194%20OE%20Employment%20Services/OE%20for%20Employment%20Services/3202600194%20OE%20for%20ES%20-%20For%20Program%20Review/Chapter%203:%20Basic%20Standards https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/ConvictionNameSearch/ https://www.nsopw.gov/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-3 https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr1307-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/forms https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/forms https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=ehh1h4_GeFY&feature=youtu.be

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 32 of 56 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.

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.

2.9 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 Form

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.

2.10 PROVIDER STAFF PROVIDING SERVICES TO VR CUSTOMERS

For any service selected by the Applicant on Form VR3441B, the Applicant must have at least one (1) person who meets the qualifications to provide the service(s) as described in Article II Scope of Work.

Each Provider staff must have Form VR3455 with the supporting documentation (resumes, transcripts, proof of insurance, and credentials) included in the Application.

After contract award, a Form VR3455 with supporting documentation must be https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/sfp#sfp-chapter-3 https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr3441a-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr3455-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr3455-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr3441b-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/forms/vr3455-twc.docx

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 33 of 56 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 members;

• 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

Open Enrollment No. 3202600194 Employment Services Page 34 of 56 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: August 10, 2026

End Date: February 8, 2027 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.

Applicants 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 OE (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

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Response to the Request for Revised Application; (4) Request for Application

(OE); and (5) Provider’s Application.

TWC may elect to have the Contract(s) resulting from this OE 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 OE (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

Attachment/Form Title

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

Attachment 02 OE Application Submission Checklist

Attachment 03 Chapter 01

Attachment 04 Chapter 02

Attachment 05 Chapter 03 and Sample Forms

Attachment 06 Chapter 04 and Sample Forms

Attachment 07 Chapter 13 and Sample Forms

Attachment 08 Chapter 14 and Sample Forms

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Attachment 09 Chapter 17 and Sample Forms

Attachment 10 Chapter 18 and Sample Forms

Form 01 Execution of Application

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

Form 03 Child Support Certification (VR 1305)

Form 04 TWC VR Standards for Provider Certification (VR 3443)

Form 05 Conflict of Interest Certification (VR 3444)

Form 06 Provider Insurance Certification (VR 3445)

Form 07 Entity Headquarters Information Management Form (VR 3441A)

Form 08 Entity Headquarters Information - Services (VR 3441B)

Form 09 Entity Headquarters Information – Location(s)

(VR 3441C)

Form 10 Entity’s Physical Location(s) – Part A – Service Contracts Certification (VR 3442A)

Form 11 Entity’s Physical Location(s) – Part B – General Information Service Contracts (VR3442B)

Form 12 Provider Staff Information Form(s) with

Supporting Documentation (VR 3455)

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3.5 SOLE POINT OF CONTACT

All requests, questions, or other communication about this OE must be submitted through the TWC Procurement Portal and will be directed to the Sole

Point of Contact below:

Meghan Osborn, CTCD

TWC Procurement Portal

3.5.1 Prohibited Communication

Except as provided in Section 3.5 Sole Point of Contact, a potential

Applicant that has submitted an Application is prohibited from any communication with TWC regarding the OE. Unless allowable, TWC, its representative(s), and partners will not answer any questions or otherwise discuss the contents of this OE 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 OE.

3.6 ADDENDA

Should an addition or correction become necessary after the OE 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 and dated Acknowledgment of

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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 OE. Incomplete or partial Applications will not be considered. Applicants must provide all information that is required in accordance with Section 4.5

Required Application Documents. 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 Submission Method, 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

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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 OE, Applicants must register through the TWC Procurement

Portal website. There is no charge to register. Applicants should use Google

Chrome when submitting all applications.

Step-by-step instructions on how to register are available at: Vendor Registration – Procurement

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

Submissions – Procurement

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

Portal Technical Support at the contact information included in the

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 Procurement Portal and an alternative submission method may be required. Failure to contact the Sole Point of

Contact well before the deadline to make alternative arrangements will disqualify any subsequent Application submission.

In no event will TWC be responsible or liable for any delay or error in delivery.

TWC is not responsible for electronic submissions that are captured, blocked, filtered, quarantined or otherwise prevented from reaching the proper destination server by any TWC anti-virus or other security software.

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to appropriately mark and upload the

Application to the TWC Procurement Portal by the specified date. Each

Applicant is solely responsible for ensuring its Application is submitted in accordance with all…