The Permanency and Connections Expert (PACE)

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is requesting proposals for the Permanency and Connections Expert (PACE) program under RFP 260000001271, with proposals due June 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and an optional pre-proposal meeting on June 3, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern via Microsoft Teams.

The scope encompasses three service components: PACE-Recruiter, Permanency Review Facilitator, and Technical Assistance and Training, each projected to serve 275 clients annually on an hourly-rate basis. The contract term runs three years from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029, with an option for up to two additional one-year renewal periods at the State's sole discretion. The maximum annual award is $3,190,000 per year. Pricing must be submitted in modifiable format separately from technical proposals, with all proposals submitted electronically through Michigan SIGMA VSS. Travel costs are reimbursable at either the premium Michigan state rate or the contractor's usual employee reimbursement rate, whichever is less, including mileage for client transportation and advocacy-related travel calculated from the contractor's home or normal place of business.

Technical evaluation is weighted across five criteria totaling 125 points: Bidder Experience and Past Performance (20 points), Education, Credentials & Qualifications (15 points), Staffing, Training, Agency Organization & Location (20 points), Program Implementation (45 points), and Vendor Question Worksheet responses (25 points). Only proposals scoring 100 or more technical points will have pricing evaluated. The State may conduct on-site visits, require oral presentations, and perform reference checks during evaluation.

Contractor must maintain $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000 Automobile Liability, $500,000 Employers Liability, and $1,000,000 Privacy and Security Liability coverage. The contract requires State Administrative Board approval if the award equals or exceeds $250,000. Written questions are due June 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, with answers posted by June 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.