R00B7600017 - Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) for the Workforce and Technology Center

The Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services is soliciting bids on Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) for the Workforce and Technology Center in Baltimore under IFB R00B7600017, a Certified Small Business set-aside with bids due September 22, 2026 at noon. This is a restricted procurement open only to certified small businesses as defined by Maryland State Finance and Procurement Article 14-501 through 14-505.

The scope calls for establishment of contracts with up to two staffing agencies—one primary and one secondary—to provide qualified PCAs on an as-needed basis to supplement the WTC workforce during employee absences and vacant positions. PCAs must hold current Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses licensure as Certified Medicine Aides (CMAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), or Medication Technicians (MTs), with demonstrated competency in effective communication, infection control, medication support, safe transfer techniques, and emergency preparedness. Historical staffing demand averages 24 to 70 hours per week. Bidders must demonstrate at least three years of healthcare staffing experience supported by three references from the past five years.

The contract spans two years with one optional one-year renewal period. The estimated annual expenditure is $25,000 per awardee with a total aggregated expenditure across all awards capped at $75,000. Award is made to the lowest responsive bid price from responsible bidders, with the lowest bidder designated Primary Vendor and the second-lowest Secondary Vendor. The contract uses fixed unit pricing with indefinite quantity structure.

Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability ($1 million combined single limit / $3 million aggregate), Crime Insurance ($1 million minimum), Cyber Security/Data Breach Insurance ($5 million), and Workers' Compensation ($1 million). Contractors must execute a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement within five business days of award and comply with criminal background check requirements, including rejection of personnel with convictions for crimes against property, theft, fraud, crimes against public administration, or crimes of violence as defined in Maryland Criminal Law Article 14-101(a).

The pre-bid conference was held September 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM via Google Meet. Questions are due September 15 by 10:00 AM. Bidders must register with eMarylandMarketplace Advantage (eMMA) and the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) prior to award consideration. Work is performed at 2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21218. Federal funding derives from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (CFDA 84.126); no MBE or VSBE subcontracting goals apply.