Reemployment services

The State of South Carolina, through the State Fiscal Accountability Authority (SFAA) and the Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), is seeking a qualified vendor to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program. The primary objective is to design, implement, and evaluate an intensive follow-up component aimed at improving employment outcomes and reducing unemployment insurance (UI) benefit duration for claimants. The selected contractor will perform a rigorous impact evaluation using a randomized controlled trial design, including an implementation study and process evaluation activities. Key deliverables include quarterly progress reports, a final narrative report meeting Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research (CLEAR) standards, and detailed analyses addressing specific evaluation questions about UI benefit reduction, employment outcomes, and post-program earnings. The procurement will be evaluated based on four primary criteria: evaluation project plan and approach (40 points), staff qualifications and experience (40 points), timeline clarity (15 points), and price (5 points). Critical dates include a proposal due date of February 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET, with questions due by February 20, 2024, and award notification anticipated on March 27, 2024.

The contract will have an initial one-year term with four potential one-year renewals, creating a maximum five-year contract period from April 2, 2024, to April 1, 2029. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are mentioned in the solicitation. Contractors must meet substantial insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability, Auto Liability, and Information Security and Privacy Insurance, with Worker's Compensation at statutory limits. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, offerors are required to submit a fixed-price proposal with a detailed budget narrative. The contract's delivery location will be SCDEW headquarters at 1550 Gadsden Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Additional contractor responsibilities include attending kickoff and monthly progress meetings, conducting IRB reviews if necessary, training RESEA staff on study enrollment and randomization, and ensuring compliance with South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and standard state terms regarding information security and data safeguarding.