OCM/Social Equity Application Verification

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is seeking a third-party contractor to conduct social equity status verification services for cannabis license applicants across Ramsey County and St. Paul City. The primary objective is to perform comprehensive due diligence on applicants claiming social equity status, specifically verifying whether they meet the criteria outlined in Minnesota Statute 342.17. The selected vendor will develop and maintain a user-friendly web interface for applicants to submit documentation, screen applicants against established eligibility requirements, and provide notification of verification results to both the applicants and OCM. Evaluation criteria will include assessment of the work plan, vendor qualifications and experience, proposed methodology, quality assurance approach, and cost. The procurement timeline is precise, with responses due by 10:00 AM Central Time on April 16, 2024, and an anticipated contract term from July 1, 2024 to December 1, 2024, with potential extensions up to five years. The successful contractor will be responsible for processing an estimated 2,000 social equity applicants during the initial contract period.

The state has incorporated several set-aside and preference mechanisms for this procurement, including potential preference points for certified targeted group, economically disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses. Responders must complete specific attachments demonstrating their qualifications, including a Veteran-Owned Preference form and an Accessibility Narrative detailing their approach to service accessibility. The procurement will be conducted through Minnesota's Small Business Procurement Program, which encourages participation from diverse business types. Pricing will be structured on a per-applicant basis, with vendors required to provide both a per-applicant rate and a one-time set-up fee. The state reserves the right to negotiate with top-scoring respondents and potentially award contracts to multiple vendors if deemed in the state's best interest. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the state estimates processing approximately 2,000 social equity applicants during the initial contract period, which will influence the overall contract value.