Sara Sole Source Justification Q3 2023- Idaho.pdf
PDF 90 KB Posted
- Attached to
- SSA - Sara Digital Assistant Software
- Solicitation number
- 145
- Issued by
- Kootenai County, Idaho
About this file
This document is a sole source justification memo from SaraWorks, LLC requesting approval for the state of Idaho to procure their proprietary "Sara" digital assistant software on a sole source basis. The memo outlines the unique characteristics of the Sara product, including its history of serving vocational rehabilitation agencies, use of active digital assistant technology, two-way communication capabilities in English and Spanish, integration with agencies' case management systems, and embedded virtual appointment and electronic signature tools. The memo also highlights Sara's recognition as a unique solution, including its selection for RSA-funded projects and acquisition by the Veterans Administration. The related state and local contract opportunity indicates that the Idaho Division of Purchasing is publishing notice of intent to approve a sole source authorization for the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to purchase the Sara digital assistant software from SaraWorks, LLC. Any interested vendor may file a challenge to this sole source procurement within five business days.
The memo provides pricing or funding details. However, it notes that the Administrator of the Division of Purchasing has determined that there is only one vendor qualified to provide this property (commodity or service), which is the basis for the sole source justification.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| ITB_Attachment 2-Bid Schedule.docx | DOCX document | |
| solicitation_instructions Jan 2017.pdf | ||
| SaraWorks Key Values.pdf | ||
| Insurance Requirements 2023.docx | DOCX document | |
| Signature Page ITB RFP August 2020.pdf | ||
| Alliance and SaraWorks Partnership.pdf | ||
| Attachment 4 Lease agreement.docx | DOCX document | |
| Request Form to Division of Purchasing (DOP).pdf | ||
| Event 182 Administration Document.docx | DOCX document | |
| Standard Terms and Conditions_May 2021.pdf |
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Text version
Memo Subject: Sara Sole Source Justification
Date: July 25, 2023
To: Teresa Pitt, Planning and Evaluation Manager, Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
From: Cody Dixon, Director of Operations, SaraWorks
Memo:
We are writing this memo as a justification of sole source procurement for the product “Sara” in the state of Idaho.
Our product is a proprietary software that is only available from our company and serviced by our organization.
The following are the unique characteristics of the Sara communications platform:
● Vocational Rehab History- Virtual assistant developed specifically for the human services field, with an eight year history servicing Vocational Rehabilitation agencies.
● Active Digital Assistant Technology-Most “virtual assistants” and “chatbots” use passive digital assistant technology that awaits input before responding. Sara uses Active Digital Assistant technology that proactively connects with clients, more closely mimicking what a human assistant can do.
● Two Way Communication- Sara provides two-way communication in English and Spanish, to interpret responses and determine action based on the agency's policy.
● Case Note Integration with System of Record- Sara supports compliance by documenting the interaction in concise and consistent case notes that integrate into the agency's case management system.
● Virtual Appointments- Sara has an embedded virtual appointment tool, enabling an agency to offer
HIPAA-compliant remote video conferencing.
● Electronic Signatures- Sara offers a native electronic signature tool and document management center.
Sara has been been recognized as “unique” in the following projects:
● In 2015, Sara was selected to join the RSA funded, Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center project. The project showcased Sara's ability to collect common core WIOA required data and distribute the information to agencies sharing co-enrolled clients. Details here.
● On May 1, 2019, The Veterans Administration (VR&E) acquired Sara for national implementation on a sole source basis. Details here.
● In 2020, Sara was added to the RSA funded Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM). Through the project, Sara continues to enable State VR agencies to improve effective service delivery, and increase the number and quality of employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Details here.
Signed:
Cody Dixon, Director of Operations, SaraWorks
SaraWorks LLC – 855-208-Sara (7272) – www.saraworks.com 601 East Sherman Avenue, Suite #4, Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814 https://www.wintac.org/content/workforce-innovation-pilot-projects https://www.fedhealthit.com/2019/04/va-to-award-contract-for-vre-virtual-assistant/ https://www.vrtac-qm.org/ http://www.saraworks.com
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