Unemployment Insurance Appeals Mentoring and Support Services

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 3202500264 for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Appeals Mentoring and Support Services, seeking up to two Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) mentors to support Reviewing Attorneys (RAs) in the Commission Appeals (CA) department. The primary objectives include reducing case backlog and improving attorney work product through remote mentoring, with each mentor monitoring up to six attorneys. Qualified mentors must possess a minimum of 20 years of experience in UI appeals programs, with specific requirements including management, training, and judicial experience. The mentors will be responsible for reviewing case work, providing feedback, identifying process improvements, and supporting training initiatives. The solicitation was released on July 16, 2025, with bids due by July 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM Central Time, with an anticipated contract start date in August 2025 for an initial one-year term with potential one-year extension. Evaluation criteria will consider both purchase price and the bidder's ability to meet all IFB requirements, with potential performance assessment through the Texas Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS).

The IFB allows for various state-level preferences, including opportunities for Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned companies, and businesses from economically depressed areas. Bidders must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Texas Identification Number (TIN) for contract award. The contract will be fixed-price, with TWC providing necessary training, VPN access, and up to 24 hours of training per mentor, and no additional expenses will be paid by the agency. Potential bidders must complete comprehensive documentation, including a Form 1 Execution of Bid, Form 2 Cost Sheet, and a Form 3 Financial Questionnaire, which requires disclosure of financial history, including any bankruptcy filings, loan defaults, or previous contract terminations. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement is structured as a fixed-price contract for mentoring services. The solicitation includes extensive terms and conditions outlined in the 58-page TWC Vendor Terms & Conditions document, which covers critical vendor responsibilities such as insurance coverage, regulatory compliance, and data protection.