Electronic Payment Card (EPC) Services

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) numbered RFI19023DSS seeking vendor input on implementing an Electronic Payment Card (EPC) system for disbursing payments to older youth in foster care. The primary objective is to gather comprehensive information about creating an efficient payment distribution mechanism that can provide financial support to foster youth through an electronic card system. The RFI was posted on January 7, 2019, with responses due by February 1, 2019, at 8:00 PM GMT, and vendors can submit their responses either electronically through the MissouriBUYS system or via hard copy to the Division of Finance and Administrative Services - Procurement Unit. The DSS has a strong preference for services to be provided at no cost, though they may consider proposals that include an administrative cost assessed to the Department. The RFI spans jurisdictions including Clay County and Jefferson City, and seeks vendors capable of developing a flexible, user-friendly electronic payment solution that can effectively distribute funds to older foster youth. Submission requirements are detailed in section 4.2 of the RFI document, and vendors must ensure timely and compliant submissions.

The RFI does not specify any explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor eligibility, indicating the opportunity is open to all vendors capable of meeting the described requirements. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are mentioned in the documentation, suggesting this may be a new program or service implementation. The solicitation provides no specific budget range or award value, though the payment terms are defined as Net 45 Days with Free On Board Destination delivery terms. The RFI does not outline detailed evaluation criteria beyond seeking a cost-effective, efficient electronic payment card system for foster youth. Existing technological infrastructure requirements are not explicitly defined, leaving potential vendors flexibility in proposing innovative solutions. The primary goal appears to be gathering market intelligence and exploring potential approaches to implementing an electronic payment system that can effectively support older foster youth in Missouri.