ODJFS Junior Consultant RFP

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Office of Contracts and Acquisitions on behalf of the Office of Information Services, is requesting quotes for a Junior Consultant Program Partners contract with responses due October 7, 2026. An Ohio preference applies to companies headquartered in Ohio or those with significant economic presence in the state.

The scope requires the contractor to recruit, screen, hire, train, and manage entry-level IT consultants who will support ODJFS technology projects while gaining on-the-job experience. The contractor must provide a minimum of five junior consultants per fiscal year with capacity for up to 25 positions. Initial positions include a Microsoft 365 Modern Workplace Specialist, Operational Intelligence/Monitoring specialist, Business Analyst for Software Testing, Business Analyst for Security & Risk Management, and a Salesforce Developer/Tester. Junior consultants work 40-hour weeks with approximately four hours weekly dedicated to training and skill development. The contractor must supply a project or program manager with minimum five years of experience in that role. All contractor and subcontractor personnel requiring access to state facilities or systems must complete FBI fingerprint background checks at the contractor's expense.

Mandatory qualification: five years of experience delivering training and consulting services, with public sector apprenticeship program experience preferred. Pricing must use all-inclusive hourly rates for junior consultants with no separate travel or reimbursable expenses; rates remain fixed throughout the contract term and any renewals. Service performance and State data location are restricted to the United States unless the contractor obtains a signed state waiver; the state retains contract termination rights if services are performed or data is located outside the U.S.

The initial contract term runs from award date through June 30, 2027, with potential renewal for up to two additional two-year terms through June 30, 2031, subject to appropriations and discretionary state decisions, plus one additional month renewal option. Evaluation prioritizes best value: proposed services quality, staff expertise, company capacity, work plan, Ohio preference, and hourly rates. Responses must include cover letter, corporate capabilities, client references, staffing plan, approach and methodology, work plan and schedule, assumptions, required forms and attachments, and cost summary. Offerors must complete the Offeror Certification Form and Affirmation and Disclosure Form addressing offshore service performance, data location, and Russian institution restrictions.