Shared Living 2025

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is issuing a Request for Response (RFR) to identify a qualified list of Shared Living providers. Shared Living is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week residential support option that matches individuals with Shared Living caregivers. The RFR outlines detailed service requirements, including person-centered planning, medical and behavioral health management, staff and caregiver qualifications and training, and physical home specifications. Bidders must respond to a series of required questions and will be evaluated on a 0 to 1 point scale, with a score of 1 required on each question and the Supplier Diversity Plan to be deemed qualified. The contract term is open-ended, allowing providers to submit proposals on an ongoing basis through June 30, 2033. A bidders conference will be held on February 28, 2024, and the initial proposal due date is March 28, 2024.

The RFR requires bidders to make a meaningful financial commitment by partnering with a Supplier Diversity Program (SDO) certified or recognized diverse business enterprise or non-profit organization. New providers must have at least one proposed SDP partner and a current-year financial commitment, while existing providers must have at least one SDP partner, provide prior-year spending information, and make a current-year financial commitment. The RFR does not provide details on pricing, set-asides, incumbent providers, funding sources or amounts, but indicates an estimated procurement value of $1.5 billion over the 10-year contract term.