IFB #SD25-00005 Blind Cane Tapping Training Services

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are soliciting bids for Blind Cane Tapping Training Services through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #SD25-00005, specifically targeting services at California State Prison - Los Angeles County. The contract will run from October 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028, with the contractor responsible for providing comprehensive training services for incarcerated individuals who are blind or experiencing vision changes. Training will cover five primary areas: Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology, Independent Living Skills, Communication and Language, and Adjustment to Blindness. Bidders must meet specific minimum qualifications, including maintaining a location within 150 miles of the prison, being in good standing with the California Secretary of State, and providing three positive references for similar services performed within the last five years. The proposal submission deadline is September 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with a public bid opening scheduled for 4:00 PM the same day, and contract award anticipated on October 2, 2025. Evaluation will focus on selecting the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, with an estimated 5 training sessions per year for fiscal years 25/26 and 26/27, reducing to 1 session per training category in fiscal years 27/28 and 28/29.

The procurement includes specific set-aside provisions and preferences for small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with potential 5% preference for small businesses and incentives for DVBE participation. Contractors must maintain appropriate Small Business or DVBE certification throughout the contract duration. Work will be conducted during standard state business hours (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), with no work permitted on state holidays and no authorized overtime. While the maximum contract amount is currently marked as "To Be Determined" (TBD), the pricing structure will be hourly-based, with the contractor responsible for providing comprehensive training that includes skills for living confidently with low vision or blindness. The training will encompass critical life skills such as personal hygiene, food preparation, and using adaptive aids, with an initial assessment of incarcerated persons' ambulatory abilities. Mandatory attachments for bidders include various certification forms, references, and a Non-Disclosure Agreement, emphasizing the detailed and rigorous nature of this specialized training services contract.