FPB: certified nursing assistants (CNA)

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) issued a Fixed Price Bid (FPB) solicitation for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) staffing services to support the Medical Division across 21 correctional institutions in the state. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to provide licensed CNAs on an hourly basis, with services to be scheduled as needed across Richland County and other jurisdictions. All CNAs must hold current South Carolina licensure and pass rigorous background checks, including NCIC background checks through SLED and FBI, drug testing, and meet the same screening standards as SCDC employees. The solicitation was originally issued on February 3, 2022, with a bid opening date of February 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and an award notification scheduled for March 3, 2022. Bidders were required to submit documentation of qualifications, including a summary of experience providing similar services and references from two state agencies or entities. The maximum fixed price for CNA services is capped at $22.00 per hour, with bids exceeding this amount being rejected as non-responsive, and no additional holiday or overtime premiums will be provided.

The contract allows for multiple awards, with successful bidders added to a Qualified Provider List (QPL), and no guaranteed volume of business for any vendor. The initial contract period runs from April 8, 2022, through April 7, 2023, with a potential one-year renewal option, bringing the maximum contract life to two years. Ten vendors were ultimately awarded spots on the Providers List, including Condustrial, Inc., Global Empire LLC, Favorite Healthcare Staffing, Inc., Technostaff LLC, Health Advocates Network, Inc., MedFirst Staffing LLC, Medical Edge Recruitment LLC, HSSC Homecare, Hire Power, and Embark Business Solutions, LLC. Embark Business Solutions submitted the lowest bid at $20.50 per hour. The total initial contract value is $499,999.50, with a maximum potential contract value not exceeding $999,999.00 for the entire contract period. Contractors are responsible for all payroll administration, including federal and state tax withholding, Social Security taxes, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. The SCDC retains the right to add or delete institutions from the contract based on staffing needs and to interview, screen, accept, or reject any assigned CNA personnel.