PETITION FOR RELIEF-SIGNED.pdf

The document is a Petition for Relief from Competitive Sealed Bidding Requirements submitted by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) to the Public Procurement Review Board (PPRB). The agency intends to solicit services for Vocational Rehabilitation/Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Counselors, collaborating with local school districts to provide outreach about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The contract is intended to run from 9/12/25 to 9/11/26, with four optional 1-year renewals, and MDRS plans to award multiple contracts using a Request for Quotation (RFQ) procurement method.

The evaluation will be based on a 100-point scoring system, with 35 points for price (each vendor receiving 35/35), 30 points for technical factors and proposed methodology, and 35 points for management factors. Key considerations include the vendor's ability to perform services, technical training, education, experience, personnel qualifications, and availability of personnel, equipment, and facilities. MDRS believes the RFQ method is most appropriate, allowing them to evaluate respondents' individualized plans and abilities beyond minimum requirements, in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) and focusing on job exploration counseling and "job extravaganza" events for clients with disabilities.