Statistical Assist. for Independent Redistricting Commission

The State of Michigan Department of State has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 190000002407 seeking statistical assistance for the Independent Redistricting Commission. The procurement aims to secure an expert contractor to perform two critical constitutional requirements: randomly selecting at least 10,000 Michigan registered voters to receive application mailings and developing statistically weighted methods to create a semi-finalist applicant pool that reflects the state's geographic and demographic composition. Key deliverables include a comprehensive work plan for random voter selection, estimation of required application mailings, and a transparent method for drawing semi-finalists. The RFP requires a nonpartisan, independent statistical expert capable of developing and validating complex selection processes. Evaluation criteria are structured with a total possible score of 100 points, with technical criteria weighted 50% for product quality, 25% for service capabilities, and 25% for vendor questionnaire responses. Proposals were due by July 17, 2019, with an anticipated contract start date of August 1, 2019, and an initial contract term running through July 30, 2020, with potential for one additional one-year renewal. Critical project milestones include completing the initial voter mailing before January 1, 2020, and finalizing the application pool between June 1 and June 30, 2020.

While the RFP documents do not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, the State reserves the right to award the contract based on best value, potentially considering factors such as Michigan economic impact, job creation, and tax revenue implications. The contract includes standard state provisions for insurance, confidentiality, and data protection, with potential liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day for improper or late completion of contract activities. No incumbent vendors were identified in the provided documentation, and specific budget ranges were not explicitly stated. The procurement appears to require high-level statistical expertise and methodological transparency, suggesting that respondents should have advanced capabilities in demographic sampling, statistical modeling, and public-facing data presentation. While pricing details were to be submitted separately, the State's evaluation approach indicates a preference for comprehensive, methodologically sound proposals that demonstrate clear value beyond simple cost considerations.