Release Day Transportation RFP

The Michigan Department of Corrections is requesting proposals for Release Day Transportation services statewide under RFP 260000002520, with proposals due October 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. A critical set-aside requirement mandates that a majority of the bidder's organizational leadership must be comprised of formerly incarcerated individuals, verified through the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN); this requirement applies independently to owners, officers, employees, and each subcontractor.

The contractor must provide transportation for MDOC clients being released from all state facilities except Marquette, Baraga, and Alger to approved home placements or parole offices. Service capacity is up to three simultaneous transports per day and up to 60 per calendar month, though the State provides no minimum guarantee. MDOC anticipates approximately 60 referrals monthly with 2–3 weeks advance notice; referrals with less than one week notice are optional. Billable time commences 15 minutes before agreed pickup at an MDOC facility and ends upon client drop-off. The contractor must employ staff trained in Motivational Interviewing, pass LEIN clearance and background checks, comply with PREA standards, and complete mandatory MDOC training annually before September 30. All staff assignments may require access to criminal justice information systems under FBI CJIS Security standards. The contractor may decline only two categories of requests: inability to accommodate unusual disability needs or receipt of referrals with less than seven days notice.

Pricing is submitted as a flat hourly rate measured in 15-minute increments, with all travel expenses (tolls, parking, lodging, ferry charges) incorporated into the rate. Meal expenses for clients are reimbursable separately at State-allowable rates. Motivational Interviewing training is reimbursable at $10.00 per module per staff member upon successful completion. Invoices are due within 15 calendar days of each monthly period. The initial award term expires September 30, 2027, with options to renew for up to four additional one-year periods at State discretion. Contract initiation is anticipated by November 15, 2026. The State will award to a single vendor and approve or deny proposed subcontractors as part of bidding. Evaluation criteria award 30 points each for Sections 1–2 of the Statement of Work, Section 3, and Sections 4–22, plus 10 points for the Vendor Questions Worksheet (100 total); proposals scoring 80 or higher will have pricing evaluated. The State is not obligated to accept the lowest price and may consider total cost of ownership, Michigan economic impact, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business status.

Questions were due September 4 with responses posted September 9; a second-round question deadline was September 21 with responses posted September 24. Insurance requirements include $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate commercial general liability, $1 million automobile liability with hired and non-owned coverage, and workers' compensation per state law.