DOC Onsite Vision and Optometry Services for the Incarcerated Population

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections is soliciting proposals for comprehensive onsite vision and optometry services to the incarcerated population, with proposals due September 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT and a vendor Q&A period running through September 2. Inclusive Small Business Enterprise (ISBE) participation is required — vendors must submit an ISBE participation plan documenting planned utilization of certified MBE, WBE, or DisBE subcontractors, with MBE/WBE subcontractors certified by the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and DisBE subcontractors certified by the Governor's Commission on Disabilities at time of bid submission.

The scope encompasses vision screening, comprehensive eye examinations, and optometry services delivered directly at DOC facilities. Vendors must hold all required Rhode Island licenses for optometry and vision services and execute a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement prior to performance. The contract term is approximately three years beginning fall 2026, with renewal options for up to two additional 12-month periods contingent on vendor performance and fund availability. No estimated contract value is stated in the solicitation.

Pricing must be submitted as a separate cost proposal reflecting hourly rates or alternative fee structures. Evaluation weighs technical merit and cost (100 percent of available points awarded to the lowest bidder with proportional scoring for others), with ISBE participation rates as an additional scoring factor. Required insurance includes general liability ($1 million per occurrence), workers compensation ($100,000 each accident), automobile liability ($1 million combined single limit), professional liability/errors and omissions ($2 million per occurrence and aggregate), and Information Technology Cyber/Privacy coverage ($5 million per occurrence and aggregate, or a minimum of $25 per incarcerated individual for breach response expense). A contract administrative fee of 0.33 percent of total annual spend will be withheld from invoices. All proposals must be submitted electronically through Ocean State Procures at https://webprocure.proactiscloud.com/login. Vendor inquiries should be directed to Bridgette DuBois at Bridgette.DuBois@purchasing.ri.gov or 401-574-8466.