Adaptive Sports and Recreation

The Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is soliciting proposals to provide adaptive sports and recreation services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired across the state of Vermont under solicitation number DBVI 405. The contract, with a two-year initial performance period from November 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028, includes the option to extend for up to three additional one-year periods. Contractors are required to plan and execute two annual adaptive recreational events that align with seasonal opportunities, collaborate with regional state staff and volunteers, and maintain specialized adaptive equipment. Performance must include quarterly progress reporting, development of trained staff and volunteer networks, participant enrollment and training, and strict adherence to data privacy regulations including HIPAA, Vermont state statutes, and mandatory disclosure of AI usage under 3 V.S.A. § 3305(a)(2) and § 5021. All services must be delivered exclusively within Vermont, and contractors must ensure accessibility and compliance with federal and state safety standards, including the Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Evaluation of proposals will be based on a best-value approach, with technical merit accounting for 85% of the scoring and cost 15%. The primary evaluation factors include demonstrated skills and experience in adaptive recreation, ability to provide statewide or regional coverage, proven experience serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired, communication and coordination effectiveness including confidentiality and timely reporting, and cost reasonableness and sustainability. Offers must be submitted as a single, digitally searchable PDF under 40 MB to taya.tarr@vermont.gov by the deadline of July 29, 2026, with the project title included in the email subject line. Contractors must comply with stringent security requirements aligned with NIST SP 800-53 and FIPS 200, implement dual control and background checks for personnel handling state data, and report any security breaches within 24 hours. Additional requirements include disclosing potential organizational or personal conflicts of interest, submitting a completed Business Associate Agreement and AI Usage Disclosure Form, reporting subcontractors and their workers’ compensation providers if the contract exceeds $250,000, and certifying compliance with state and federal laws. Invoicing must be done monthly via email, and no formal electronic invoicing systems such as WAWF are required. The contract incorporates by reference multiple state attachments, including the Standard