Agency with Choce-19

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is reopening the Agency With Choice (AWC) program to identify additional qualified providers interested in delivering self-directed services across the Commonwealth, including in Suffolk County. The AWC program requires providers to share employment responsibilities with self-directed program participants and families, where the provider serves as the employer of record, and the participant/family serves as the day-to-day managing employer. Qualified providers must be able to deliver services such as Individualized Home Supports, Individualized Day Supports, and Flexible Funding. The response deadline is November 19, 2024, with the anticipated contract start date of December 1, 2024. Contracts will be maximum obligation and paid as cost reimbursement, with Service Navigation and the AWC Administration Fee paid as a monthly accommodation rate. Federal funds may be used to fund portions of the contract.

The updated RFR has changed the contract type from "Open" to "Rolling", allowing providers to submit unsolicited proposals throughout the contract period up to December 31, 2027. Proposals submitted after November 19, 2024, will be evaluated on a quarterly basis. The Supplier Diversity Program requirements have also been updated to the 2024 template language. Current providers qualified under AWC-19 do not need to take any action to remain on the qualifying list, but the Department is seeking additional responses through this updated RFR. Pricing terms, set-asides, and funding requirements are not explicitly stated in the update, though the original COMMBUYS posting can be referenced for further details.