Open Enrollment (OE) For Project SEARCH

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division is requesting applications for Project SEARCH service providers under an open enrollment opportunity with applications due February 9, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time. This is a statewide enrollment covering all Texas counties; the enrollment period may close sooner if TWC receives sufficient applications.

Project SEARCH is a one-year, unpaid transition-to-work program for students with significant disabilities ages 18–22, combining total immersion in business environments with three unpaid internship rotations and assistance in securing permanent, competitive employment. Service providers must possess an active TWC-VR Employment Services contract in Job Skills Training and Job Placement, Work Experience Placement and Training, or Supported Employment services to be eligible.

Applicants must employ at least one Skills Trainer holding a University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment (UNTWISE) Job Skills Training credential and one Job Placement Specialist holding a UNTWISE Job Placement credential, with both positions preferably holding additional UNTWISE Supported Employment credentials. The entity's director must hold an UNTWISE credential. Providers must comply with the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 16; maintain required insurance coverage; conduct background checks on all staff interacting with customers; and maintain physical locations meeting ADA accessibility and fire safety standards.

Project SEARCH service fees are fixed: Asset Discovery at $613.00 per customer, Skills Training not exceeding $1,684.00 per customer per rotation, and Job Placement with three benchmarks at $919.00 (Benchmark A), $919.00 (Benchmark B), and $1,225.00 (Benchmark C) upon achievement of employment milestones. TWC makes no guarantee of volume, usage, or total compensation. The contract term commences on the fully executed contract date and expires five years from execution, with TWC retaining the right to cancel for convenience if no expenditures occur within twelve months. Applicants must submit child support certification, conflict of interest certification, insurance verification, entity headquarters information, physical location documentation, provider staff information forms, W-9 and direct deposit authorization, and all required application checklists.