Unemployment Insurance Appeals Mentoring and Support Services

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking proposals for Unemployment Insurance Appeals Mentoring and Support Services through RFP No. 3202600042. The solicitation requires a contractor to provide expert mentoring and support services to Reviewing Attorneys (RAs) within the Commission Appeals department, with the primary objectives of reducing case backlog and improving work product quality. The services include regular review of RA work product drafts, providing analysis and feedback, identifying process efficiencies, and implementing improvements. The procurement requires up to two Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) mentors working 40 hours per week, each monitoring up to six RAs, plus a Senior Consultant to manage mentor activities. Minimum qualifications include 20 years of full-time experience in state UI appeals program management, monitoring, or training, with preference for prior mentoring experience and proficiency in proprietary software. The proposal evaluation will be based on a 100-point scoring matrix, with 60 points allocated to Response to Requirements, 20 points to Cost/Price Reasonableness, and 20 points to Past Performance and Qualifications. Key dates include a pre-proposal conference on December 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM, written questions due by December 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and proposal submissions due by January 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time, with an anticipated contract start in February 2026.

The solicitation includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting goal of 26 percent for all other service contracts. Respondents must complete and submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan, detailing how they will engage Texas certified HUB vendors in the contract work. The procurement requires all services to be provided remotely, with TWC providing VPN access, training on proprietary applications, cybersecurity training, and up to 24 hours of training per mentor. The contract term is one year from the fully executed date, with TWC holding the option to renew for four additional one-year terms, plus a potential one-year extension. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the solicitation indicates that the selected contractor must have extensive experience in UI appeals programs. The contract is contingent upon continued funding availability, and TWC may assess liquidated damages of up to 2 percent of total service costs for non-compliance. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement includes detailed cost proposal forms requiring respondents to specify mentor and senior consultant hourly rates and total service costs.