PRE-ETS POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRA

The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) is soliciting bids for a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) contract focused on postsecondary educational program counseling for students with disabilities aged 13-21. The selected vendor will be responsible for delivering in-person or virtual training sessions not exceeding 45 minutes, covering critical topics such as effective study habits, time management, college disability services, major selection, living arrangements, and understanding accommodations differences between high school and college. Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience working with youth with disabilities and provide all necessary supplies and accommodations for activities. The procurement is structured as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with specific requirements for interactive, flexible training tailored to individual learning styles. Key deadlines include March 24, 2023, at 12:00 PM for vendor questions, and April 4, 2023, at 1:00 PM for bid submissions. The contract award is scheduled for April 15, 2023, with an anticipated contract term of one year and potential for four one-year renewals, making the maximum contract duration five years (May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028). Payment will be processed on a per-student basis, with compensation only for students who attend and complete at least 75% of each session.

The procurement is funded through federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds, which subjects vendors to compliance with 34 C.F.R. 361 and 2 C.F.R. 200 regulations. Prospective bidders must be registered in the South Carolina SCEIS system and possess a state vendor number to submit bids through www.procurement.sc.gov. The solicitation includes potential South Carolina procurement code preferences, such as resident contractor and resident subcontractor advantages. Nonresident vendors may be subject to state withholding tax requirements. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, vendors must have substantial experience working with disabled youth. Invoicing is standardized, with payments processed within 30 business days of service submission and acceptance. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the contract's structure suggests compensation will be determined by the number of students successfully completing the prescribed educational counseling sessions. The geographic scope of the contract appears to be centered in Lexington County, South Carolina, with services targeted at supporting students with disabilities in their postsecondary educational planning.