Response to Offeror Questions Document.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES &

SERVICE TO THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Hillsview Plaza, 3800 East Highway 34 c/o 500 East Capitol Avenue

Pierre, South Dakota 57501-5070

Phone: (605) 773-3195

FAX: (605) 773-5483 TTY: (605) 773-4547

Website: dhs.sd.gov

Date: February 2, 2024

Subject: Questions & Responses, RFP #24RFP9738, State of South Dakota

In accordance with the subject Request for Proposal (RFP), the following are answers to questions which have been submitted prior to January 19, 2023, 5:00PM CT. These questions are for informational purposes only; they do not alter the requirements specified within the RFP. Any changes to the RFP will be accomplished by the Office of Procurement Management through the use of an addendum.

*The State’s responses will be indicated by red font after each question

Question 1: 3.1 Purchasing & Service Deliverables: Does the State of South Dakota require, as was previously contractually mandated, the vendor to use a multipurpose shipping box that can be used to both ship the equipment and peripherals to the consumer and for the consumer to ship back to the vendor in case of repair and/or return?

State’s Response: While this is not part of the RFP requirements, a multi-purpose shipping box has shown to be a benefit to individuals receiving services and would be a preferred practice moving forward.

Question 2: Does the State of South Dakota require, as was previously contractually mandated, the wireless device to be pre-installed in a heavy-duty laser etched protective Otterbox case?

State’s Response: While this is not part of the RFP requirements, a heavy-duty laser etched protective Otterbox case has shown to be a benefit to individuals receiving services and would be a preferred practice moving forward.

Question 3: 3.2 Program Identification: Does the State of South Dakota, as was previously contractually mandated, require the vendor to:

a. Develop and manage a unique asset tag numbering system, which incorporates state-reviewed and approved graphics, such as the State Seal or an agency/program logo, specifically tailored for the State of South Dakota iOS devices?

February 2, 2024

b. Employ laser etching to inscribe this unique asset tag number and design onto the iOS device?

c. Utilize laser etching to mark this unique asset tag number and design onto the protective case?

d. Feature this unique asset tag number on the invoice?

e. Provide images for review of a through d for the State to review, revise and/or approve?

State’s Response: While this is not part of the RFP requirements, the mentioned features have shown to be a benefit to individuals receiving services and for state program monitoring. These features would be preferred moving forward.

Question 4: Does the State of South Dakota wish the vendor to incorporate new technology that facilitates quick and secure access for consumers to connect their wireless device to their WiFi network? This is new technology that is being incorporated into many similar wireless programs across the country which allows for programs to expand and enhance the seamless addition of new technologies to their program.

State’s Response: The Division of Rehabilitation would be interested in hearing more details regarding this technology.

Question 5: 3.9 Training: Does the State of South Dakota, as was previously contractually mandated, require the vendor to conduct an annual in-person training?

State’s Response: While this is not part of the RFP requirements, the training has potential to be beneficial to individuals receiving services and for staff distributing the equipment. These trainings would be a preferred practice moving forward.