Temporary Healthcare Staffing

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC) is seeking multiple vendors to provide comprehensive temporary healthcare staffing services for all Minnesota Correctional Facilities through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The solicitation seeks vendors capable of supplying temporary healthcare professionals including registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPN), advanced nurse practitioners (NP), certified medical assistants (CMA), certified nursing assistants (CNA), dentists, dental therapists, personal care attendants, licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and other healthcare specialists. Proposals will be evaluated using a 1000-point scoring system, with points distributed across Work Plan (200 points), Qualifications and Experience (200 points), Quality Assurance & Quality Control (150 points), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (150 points), and Cost Detail (300 points). The RFP requires all work to be performed within U.S. borders, with vendors mandated to pre-screen staff, conduct background checks, provide orientation and training, and ensure compliance with Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Corrections policies. Responses are due by February 5, 2025, at 2:30 PM Central Time, with vendor selection expected by February 17, 2025, and an initial contract term of two years from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, with potential extensions for three additional one-year terms.

The solicitation includes provisions for targeted business participation, offering up to 120 additional preference points for targeted group, economically disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses. Vendors will be required to submit a single percentage mark-up rate covering all costs, including travel expenses, fees, equipment, and supplies, with an example showing a 6.50% mark-up calculation for a Registered Nurse position. Currently, five contracted vendors are meeting MNDOC's staffing needs, with historical usage data showing variable demand across healthcare positions, ranging from 0-5,025 hours depending on the role. The state encourages responses from Minnesota-based small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans. Vendors must register as suppliers in the SWIFT system before contract award and will be compensated for required orientation and training time, including annual PREA training. While the specific budget is not disclosed, the RFP indicates the state will make multiple awards based on natural break points in final scores, suggesting a flexible procurement approach to ensure comprehensive healthcare staffing coverage across correctional facilities.