Request for qualifications (RFQ) for respite services

The South Texas Development Council (STDC), in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure respite services within the eight-county Middle Rio Aging and Disability Resource Center (MRARDC) service area. The procurement seeks a single qualified service provider to deliver short-term, temporary relief to informal, unpaid caregivers of individuals with disabilities of any age or individuals under age 60 who require assistance with activities of daily living. Respondents must submit one original and two copies of their proposals by 5:00 PM on December 5, 2025, either by mail to Michelle Cuellar at P.O. Box 2187, Laredo, TX 78044, or by hand-delivery to 1002 Dicky Lane, Laredo, TX 78043. The service agreement will cover the period from January 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026, with payment made on a negotiated unit-of-service basis. Required qualifications include maintaining good standing with state and federal agencies, possessing current state licenses, obtaining a DUNS number, and registering with SAM.gov. Providers must establish separate hourly rates for priority and non-priority individuals and ensure all staff and volunteers receive appropriate training and licensing.

The RFQ does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Providers must establish separate hourly rates for priority individuals requiring specialty care and non-priority individuals, with the ability to justify rates exceeding published rates for similar services. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the STDC reserves the right to award to a single or multiple bidders, reject proposals, negotiate services and costs, or cancel the RFQ entirely. Providers will be required to comply with federal and state regulations, maintain fiscal records according to accounting standards, and retain all project-related documentation for five years following contract expiration or until all audits and litigation are resolved. Payment terms include STDC paying providers within 45 days of invoice receipt for services rendered to eligible participants. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement is focused on providing critical respite services within the eight-county MRARDC service area, suggesting a commitment to supporting caregivers and individuals with disabilities.