LEO-WD Layoff Aversion RFP

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is requesting proposals for a comprehensive assessment of Michigan's workforce system's early warning and layoff aversion practices, with proposals due August 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and questions due August 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. A Qualified Disabled Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (QDV/SDVOB) preference applies under Michigan law.

The scope is a 12-month assessment of state and local Rapid Response and business services programs, encompassing a literature review of national best practices, an engagement plan with approximately 16 regional site visits to Michigan Works! Associations (MWAs) with roundtable discussions, LEO staff interviews (9–10 interviews), and monthly progress meetings during months 3–8. Deliverables include a final workplan (within 14 business days of award), a literature review brief (within 90 days), an engagement plan (within 45 days), monthly progress presentations, draft and final assessment reports with three to four case studies, a companion PowerPoint presentation, and a virtual leadership briefing in month 12. The contractor must assign a dedicated Program Manager and one Key Personnel individual responsible for day-to-day operations, respond to state inquiries within 24 hours, and ensure all digital deliverables comply with ADA accessibility standards. Unauthorized removal of Key Personnel without prior written consent triggers $10,000 per individual credits to the State. Any subcontractors must be fully disclosed.

Proposals must score 80 or more points on technical criteria across Schedule A sections and the Vendor Questions Worksheet (100 points total) to qualify for pricing evaluation. Contracts valued at $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract term; adjustments are permitted only for documented cost changes supported by Consumer Price Index or industry data, subject to mutual agreement following a 30-day review period. Invoices must contain eight mandatory elements including delivery order, quantity, unit price, and vendor-generated invoice number. Payment is due within 45 calendar days of receipt or final acceptance via Electronic Funds Transfer through the Michigan SIGMA VSS system. Service level penalties apply: $1,000 for each of the first five task completion failures per calendar year, reducing to $500 thereafter; $500 for the first five invoicing failures, reducing to $100 thereafter. Bidders must accept the State's standard Contract Terms and all federal provisions (Schedule F) or submit proposed changes with visible track changes and detailed explanations. RFP number is 260000002479. Solicitation Manager is Jennifer Frank (frankj4@michigan.gov). All submitted documents become public records immediately; bidders may request confidential treatment for trade secrets and proprietary information by submitting a completed Confidential Treatment Form and a redacted public copy.