DLT Payroll Service for the Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP23002470) seeking a vendor to provide payroll services for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which is the nation's oldest program helping low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55 and older find work. The procurement is specifically for comprehensive payroll processing services for program participants in Providence County, with the initial contract period set for two years beginning approximately July 1, 2023, and potential renewal options for two additional 12-month periods. Vendors must submit separate technical, cost, and ISBE (Minority/Women/Disability Business Enterprise) proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by April 3, 2023, at 6:00 PM GMT. The RFP requires vendors to provide detailed insurance coverage, including $1 million liability, workers compensation, automobile liability, $500,000 crime coverage, and $2 million professional liability insurance. Evaluation criteria will include technical merit, cost proposal, and ISBE participation rates, with proposals being scored by a technical evaluation committee. Vendors must also submit a bid surety bond or certified check for 5% of their cost proposal, and the successful bidder will be required to furnish 100% payment and performance bonds prior to contract award.

The RFP strongly encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disability Business Enterprises (DisBEs), with proposal points explicitly awarded based on the proposed ISBE utilization rate. While no incumbent vendor is specifically identified, the solicitation is open to all qualified vendors capable of meeting the technical and operational requirements. The RFP does not specify a precise contract value or budget range, noting that funding is contingent on the availability of appropriated funds. Vendors must register in the state's procurement system and comply with Rhode Island's affirmative action and non-discrimination policies. The State reserves significant discretion in the procurement process, including the right to cancel the solicitation, award based on cost alone, or select the vendor deemed most qualified to provide the specified payroll services. All contract deliverables will be provided to the DLT-Workforce Development Services located at 1911 Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, Rhode Island.