MassAbility Transition to Adulthood Program 2026 - N. Shore, Cape Ann, Southeastern MA

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking responses on a Request for Response (RFR) for the MassAbility Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP) across the North Shore, Cape Ann, and Southeastern Massachusetts regions, with responses due October 16, 2026. Procurements valued above $250,000 require submission of a Supplier Diversity Plan as a mandatory component; the Supplier Diversity Program applies, and bidders must demonstrate meaningful financial partnerships with SDO-certified or recognized diverse business enterprises or non-profit organizations, with a recommended minimum spend of 1% of Commonwealth contract revenue directed toward SDP partnerships.

The scope encompasses comprehensive transition services for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on employment, community integration, and independent living skills across the three regional service areas. Qualified respondents must demonstrate experience providing transition services to individuals with developmental disabilities, possess appropriate staff credentials and licensing, show capacity to meet performance metrics, and address seven core requirements: organizational experience with comparable services including behavioral health needs and underserved populations; staff knowledge and supervision structures; student engagement and empowerment strategies; capacity to deliver five required TAP services; ability to partner with MassAbility in multi-disciplinary teams; quality assurance and continuous quality improvement frameworks; and cultural and linguistic competency.

Evaluation uses a standardized scorecard with a minimum qualifying threshold of 60 points from a total of 100 points. The framework allocates 75 points to Program and Business Response and 25 points to the Supplier Diversity Plan, with scoring on a 5-point scale and no partial points permitted. Compensation is structured according to the Commonwealth's established rates for transition services. The initial contract term includes options for renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability. Incumbent providers may be eligible for continued participation if performance standards are met. Responses must be submitted electronically in accordance with specified submission procedures.