RFP #190000001956 - Genetic Paternity Testing Services

The State of Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP #190000001956) for Genetic Paternity Testing Services on behalf of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Child Support and Children's Protective Services. The procurement seeks an American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) certified genetic testing laboratory with minimum five years of child support genetic testing experience to provide comprehensive DNA testing services for Title IV-D child support and child protective proceeding cases. Required services include specimen collection across all 83 Michigan counties, laboratory testing, results reporting, consultation, expert witness testimony, and training, with an anticipated annual volume of approximately 16,000 individuals. The RFP was issued on June 3, 2019, with questions due by June 14, 2019, and proposals due by July 8, 2019, at 1:45 p.m. ET, with a contract start date of October 1, 2019. Evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale, with points allocated as follows: Schedule A Requirements (60 points), Project Management Work Plan (10 points), Vendor Questions (5 points), State of Michigan and Prior Experience (15 points), Staffing Section (5 points), and acceptance of Standard Terms and Conditions (5 points). Proposals must receive at least 80 technical points to proceed to pricing evaluation.

The RFP includes a provision for qualified disabled veteran preference under MCL 18.1261(8), potentially providing an advantage to veteran-owned businesses. The contract includes specific requirements for specimen collection, including developing a secure web portal for results, maintaining a toll-free support line, and achieving turnaround times of 7 days or less for test results. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day will be assessed for late or improper service completion. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, historical data indicates that in fiscal year 2018, there were 7,184 staff collections and 8,692 vendor collections, with Wayne County representing the highest volume at 4,926 specimens. The contract will utilize annual delivery orders with payment via Electronic Funds Transfer, and pricing must comprehensively cover all services including specimen collection, testing, reporting, training, and expert testimony. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the RFP suggests a substantial annual contract value based on the high volume of required genetic testing services across Michigan's 83 counties.