Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services for Summer or Year-Round Programming

The New Hampshire Department of Education's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation is seeking qualified entities to develop, market, and provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programming for students with disabilities aged 14 to 22 across Grafton and Sullivan Counties. The Request for Proposals (RFP VR-2023-2.2) seeks comprehensive summer or year-round programming focused on job exploration, employment preparation, and work experiences, including techniques such as short-term internships, job shadowing, and hands-on learning activities. Proposed services must include group-based programming with the flexibility to offer individualized services, and contractors will be responsible for developing outreach plans in collaboration with school districts, families, and community partners. Proposers must provide all student transportation without additional monetary support from Vocational Rehabilitation. The RFP requires proposers to create innovative, interactive programming that is fully accessible to various student disability populations, with a specific focus on serving the Lebanon, Claremont, and North Country regions. Proposals are due on July 7, 2023, with the intent to award multiple contracts upon Governor and Council approval to ensure comprehensive state coverage.

The RFP mandates that at least 15% of the Bureau's federal funds must be allocated to these Pre-Employment Transition Services, with funding to be drawn from "regular" VR grant resources. While specific award values are not detailed, the procurement is structured to support multiple contractors across different geographic areas. The solicitation does not explicitly outline set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but emphasizes a collaborative service delivery model that can accommodate diverse student needs. Contractors must ensure that participating students are either current Vocational Rehabilitation participants or potentially eligible for services. The Bureau reserves the right to renew successful programming for future cohorts, suggesting potential long-term contract opportunities for selected providers. No incumbent vendors are specifically identified in the documentation, and there are no explicit requirements regarding existing technological infrastructure or integration specifications. The primary goal is to create flexible, responsive programming that supports the vocational development and employment readiness of students with disabilities.