Customized Employment Subject Matter Expert Services

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) are soliciting proposals for Customized Employment Michigan Mentor services through RFP 250000002663. The procurement seeks contractors with extensive Customized Employment (CE) experience to provide statewide support, including mentoring, technical assistance, consultation, and facilitating a community of practice for vendors working with individuals with significant disabilities. Contractors must have staff with Association Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) training specifically in Customized Employment and demonstrate at least one year of CE service delivery resulting in job placements. The contract will commence on October 1, 2025, and run for one year with potential for two additional one-year renewals. Proposals are due by July 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with the State evaluating proposals based on technical criteria weighted across the Statement of Work. A minimum 80-point threshold is required to advance to pricing evaluation. The contractors will be responsible for providing remote and potentially in-person support, emphasizing a strength-based, individualistic approach to supporting employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations are explicitly mentioned in the documents, the RFP suggests a preference for contractors with specialized experience in Customized Employment services. The pricing structure will be based on hourly rates for services, with firm pricing maintained throughout the contract duration. The procurement is funded with federal government funds, as indicated by the attached Federal Provisions Addendum, which requires compliance with various federal regulations including equal employment opportunity, clean air and water pollution standards, and procurement of recovered materials. Contractors must verify vendor eligibility through the System for Award Management (SAM) and adhere to anti-lobbying regulations. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the contract's scope and requirements suggest a substantial investment in professional services aimed at supporting employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities. The federal funding and comprehensive service requirements indicate this is a significant procurement opportunity for qualified vendors with expertise in Customized Employment services.