Strengthening Enforcement Capacity in Housing & Lending Prac

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is requesting proposals for curriculum development and training to strengthen enforcement capacity in housing and lending practices and address artificial intelligence impact in these sectors under RFP 260000001628, with proposals due August 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

The scope comprises three primary deliverables: strengthening MDCR enforcement capacity in housing and lending practices; developing AI-impact assessment and responsive AI-use frameworks for MDCR enforcement investigations; and creating training materials and a user resource manual. The contractor must deliver document review, process assessment, tool development, training workshops, and case-development support to identify discrimination practices and strengthen evidentiary development. The vendor must develop AI-related guidance and frameworks (not software or tools) to help staff identify and investigate unlawful discrimination involving AI-enabled systems. All contract activities must be completed within one year from the September 11, 2026 effective date. The contractor must appoint one Contractor Representative and two Key Personnel with expertise in legal/civil rights and housing data engineering, subject to State approval; unauthorized removal triggers liquidated damages of up to $5,000 per individual plus daily credits to $3,000 per person.

The contract runs September 11, 2026 through September 10, 2027, renewable at the State's sole discretion for up to three additional one-year periods. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract term, with undisputed invoices payable within 45 days of receipt. Contracts valued at $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: 30 points for experience, 30 points for vision on strengthening MDCR enforcement capacity, 30 points for vision on AI impact and responsive AI use, and 10 points for ADA compliance. Proposals must achieve a minimum of 80 technical points to advance to pricing evaluation. The State reserves the right to negotiate terms and pricing with one or more bidders and to consider economic impact including Michigan job creation. Written questions are due August 3, 2026, with answers posted by August 10. Proposals must be submitted electronically through www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS in modifiable formats (Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, or Sheets); late submissions will not be accepted. The solicitation manager is Robert Dimov (dimovr@michigan.gov, 313-570-1748).

Contractors must maintain Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions coverage of $3 million each occurrence and annual aggregate, or submit proposals with $2 million current coverage while committing to increase to $3 million prior to contract execution. All insurers must hold an A.M. Best rating of A- VII or higher. Liquidated damages of $1,000 plus $100 per day apply for late or improper completion of contract activities. All digital deliverables must comply with ADA accessibility standards.