Admin of the Telecommunication Relay Services in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) contract serving the entire state, specifically Minnehaha County. The procurement seeks a vendor to provide full-service, confidential, statewide telecommunications relay services that operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, ensuring functionally equivalent communication access for individuals with disabilities. Proposals must meet all current and future Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards. The RFP requires offerors to provide all necessary facilities, equipment, software, circuits, telephone services, personnel, training, setup, testing, and reporting capabilities for implementing and operating South Dakota Relay Service. Proposal submissions are due by 5:00 pm CDT on February 23, 2024, with an anticipated award decision and contract negotiation scheduled for March 12, 2024. The contract will have an initial five-year term with a potential five-year renewal option, commencing on June 1, 2024. Offerors may submit inquiries via email to Hailey Bowers at Hailey.Bowers@state.sd.us, with all questions and responses to be posted on the state's e-procurement system.

The current contract incumbent is T-Mobile, which has been providing services since 2019. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP indicates openness to alternative solutions during contract negotiations. The contract term is structured as a two-year base period with up to three additional 12-month option periods. Though the total contract amount is not publicly disclosed, the state will make payments upon satisfactory completion of services based on itemized invoices. The procurement requires a comprehensive cost proposal including both price per minute and monthly recurring charges. Contractors must demonstrate capability to provide intrastate and interstate TRS services that fully comply with state and federal requirements. The RFP suggests the state is seeking a vendor with robust technological infrastructure, comprehensive service capabilities, and a proven track record in providing accessible telecommunications relay services for individuals with disabilities.