MK26-1 Pre-Employment Transtion Services

The Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and the State of Utah Division of Purchasing are conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP #MK26-1) to establish multiple contracts for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) targeting students aged 14-21 who are eligible or potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The procurement seeks to provide comprehensive services across five core areas: job exploration counseling, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, counseling on post-secondary opportunities, and work-based learning experiences. Contractors must be capable of delivering services in at least 19 of Utah's 29 counties, with services potentially offered virtually or in-person through school, after-school, or community-based programs. The technical evaluation will assess proposals based on five key criteria: experience/performance/references, contractor staffing, program services, collaboration, and budget, with vendors required to score a minimum of 560 points out of 800 possible points. The solicitation was posted on July 10, 2025, with proposals due by August 7, 2025, and the contract will span four years, during which vendors must guarantee their pricing for the first year.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but requires vendors to be authorized to do business in Utah and demonstrate professional experience with Pre-Employment Transition Services for youth. Contractors can request up to $2 million annually, with specific service rates established ranging from $500 to $3,000 per service component, and an additional $250 rural fee per student. The contract allows for multiple awards, with contracts granted to the highest-scoring proposals until available funding is allocated. Background check requirements are comprehensive, mandating annual Bureau of Criminal Identification checks and fingerprint-based national criminal history record checks for employees with direct client access. Vendors must comply with strict data privacy regulations, including two-factor authentication, data encryption, and adherence to laws such as GRAMA, FERPA, and the Privacy Act of 1974. Successful vendors will be responsible for maintaining detailed documentation, tracking student data in the DWS-USOR case management system, and meeting rigorous monitoring and reporting protocols.