Southwest Partnership

The Dane County Department of Human Services (RFP #427026-EGH) is seeking a contractor to provide Employment and Training (FSET) services to adults eligible for FoodShare in a neighborhood-based setting, specifically within the Meadowood neighborhood. The selected vendor must deliver comprehensive employment services including job search training, job skills training, work experience opportunities, case management, and coordinated services designed to support 35-40 FSET-eligible participants annually in achieving and maintaining unsubsidized employment at a living wage. The program requires the contractor to partner with other service providers to address participants' complex needs through holistic service delivery, with staffing equivalent to 1.25 FTE including a case manager, program director, and community social worker. Key evaluation criteria include program abstract (10 points), program strategies and activities (35 points), experience and qualifications (20 points), quality improvement (15 points), cost proposal (20 points, awarded to the lowest-cost proposer), and local vendor preference (5 points for Dane County vendors; 2 points for adjacent county vendors). Critical dates include a question submission deadline of June 1, 2026, responses to questions posted by June 9, 2026, and a proposal submission deadline of June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., with award notification anticipated in August 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Dane County eProcurement Portal and include a completed W9 form, budget backup documentation via Excel workbook, and a vendor questionnaire addressing all evaluation criteria.

The contract operates on a cost-reimbursement basis with a 50/50 cost-share structure, requiring the selected provider to contribute up to 100% of the non-federal match, though any County contribution toward the match will be determined during contract negotiation. The current service provider is Common Wealth Development, which currently serves 40 individuals annually. Administrative costs are capped at 15% of total program costs. All prospective vendors must be registered entities in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions at the time of contracting. The contract term is one year from the execution date with an option for four additional one-year renewals by mutual agreement, and proposals are fixed-price for 180 days. The Dane County Department of Human Services reserves the right to conduct oral presentations with highest-ranking vendors and to negotiate final contract terms with the selected proposer. While specific award values are not stated in the RFP summary, the budget will be determined based on the cost-reimbursement structure and the selected vendor's submitted budget proposal.