Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist_AuSSLC

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are soliciting bids for a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) to provide services at Austin State Supported Living Center in Austin, with responses due June 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. Questions are due June 9, 2026. The contract is fixed-price, begins upon award, and expires August 31, 2026, with no renewals; HHSC reserves the right to extend for up to one additional year for continuity or transition purposes.

The scope includes pre-cane training, sighted guide techniques, assessments, and direct services for individuals with visual impairment, blindness, and dual sensory impairment; staff training on safe transportation and escorting; development of treatment plan proposals for the Interdisciplinary Team; onsite sessions Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time; session record maintenance; participation in IDT and Individual Service Plan meetings; and monthly progress notes.

Minimum qualifications require five years of relevant experience and current COMS certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Educational Professionals (ACVREP). Assigned personnel must also possess five years of relevant experience and be at least 18 years old. Bidders must provide three verifiable references for similar services within the last five years. Comprehensive insurance is required: workers' compensation, commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence, commercial automobile liability of $1 million, professional liability of $1 million, and umbrella liability of $1 million.

Pricing is submitted on fixed-price Exhibit C, covering all labor, transportation, equipment, and materials. Price adjustments are permitted only at HHSC's sole discretion based on the Consumer Price Index or Federal Minimum Wage Rate changes with supporting documentation. Evaluation is based on ability to meet requirements, performance delivery capability, and price; awards are made on best value, not necessarily lowest price. Bids may be submitted in person at HHS Procurement and Contracting Services, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas, or electronically through the optional HHS Online Bid Room via IAMOnline portal. Bidders must comply with extensive HHS affirmations, data use agreements, and NIST-based cybersecurity standards, including breach notification within one hour for federal information and 24 hours for other confidential information.