Customized Employment Specialists - Quadrant 4

Minot State University, in coordination with the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD), is seeking Customized Employment Specialists for Quadrant 4 counties through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the North Dakota Customized Employment Journey to Inclusion Program. The procurement aims to secure Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for disconnected youth and adults with disabilities, with contractors responsible for providing individual employment supports, completing intake and discovery processes, participating in training and stakeholder meetings, and submitting monthly reports. Qualified bidders must be prepared to support up to 20 new job seekers per contract year, with specific deliverables including comprehensive employment discovery, individualized job placement, and ongoing support to ensure successful employment outcomes. The contract period will run from October 15, 2025, to September 30, 2026, with potential renewal options for up to three additional periods. Key deadlines include a bid question deadline of September 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM CT and a bid response deadline of October 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM CT. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the bidder's ability to successfully navigate customized employment processes and achieve meaningful employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

The contract is funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant and offers a compensation structure that includes up to $2,500 per job seeker per contract year, with additional financial incentives for achieving specific milestones. Contractors can earn $400 per newly certified Employment Specialist (up to 4 specialists) and $250 per job seeker who maintains 90 days of successful CIE (up to 20 payments). While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the program appears to prioritize organizations with expertise in disability employment support and customized employment strategies. NDCPD and Minot State University will provide training, technical assistance, and support throughout the program, suggesting a collaborative approach to implementation. The total potential compensation for a successful contractor could reach approximately $50,000-$75,000, depending on the number of job seekers placed and milestones achieved. The program's focus on creating a 21st-century workforce for youth and adults with disabilities indicates a strong commitment to inclusive employment practices.