Sole Source - Inclusive Career Advancement Program

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services division, has issued a sole source determination for a Personal Services Contract with Cornell University for data collection, analysis, and completion of final evaluation and performance reports for the Inclusive Career Advancement Program (ICAP), a federal demonstration project. This is not an open procurement — no proposals will be accepted. The sole source determination was posted July 8, 2026, with a protest window closing July 15, 2026.

The contract covers the two-year closeout phase of ICAP following a supplemental award from the U.S. Department of Education. ICAP is a pilot/experimental demonstration project coordinating among 17 Oregon community colleges, VR, and ODHS Self-Sufficiency programs to advance educational and economic equity for people with disabilities. Cornell University has held the analytical and reporting role since the original grant award in October 2021 and the establishment of a grant agreement in November 2021.

The estimated total contract value is $70,000 over the two-year closeout period. The contract is structured as a Personal Services Contract to align with federal granting requirements, replacing an earlier pass-through grant structure that was determined to be inappropriate.

The sole source justification rests on ORS 279B.075, citing both the pilot/experimental nature of ICAP and Cornell University's status as the only practical source to complete closeout activities given its accumulated knowledge and experience since project inception. The agency reserves the right to purchase additional services based on unanticipated closeout needs. Cornell University's contact is Wahiahawi ("Hawi") Fitch at the Office of Sponsored Programs in Ithaca, New York.