Building Group Employment Supports Capacity

This solicitation seeks proposals from qualified contractors to assist Ohio's Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) in expanding the capacity of Adult Day and Employment Services, particularly focusing on Group Employment Supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The initiative aims to help providers develop sustainable business models and organizational strategies that incorporate Group Employment Supports, which facilitate person-centered employment planning, job site training, job coaching, and transportation planning for groups of two or more individuals. The project responds to evolving program practices driven by federal and state mandates, advocacy efforts, and the needs of people with disabilities and their families, emphasizing the importance of expanding community-based employment opportunities within the Home and Community Based-Services waiver framework. The contract, titled "Building Group Employment Supports Capacity," is set to be awarded through a competitive solicitation process with a response deadline of June 6, 2024. The project size ranges from $500,000 to $1,500,000, and it is administered by Ohio’s Office of Policy & Strategic Direction. An informational webinar scheduled for May 13, 2024, will provide further details about the RFP and allow potential bidders to ask questions. The procurement emphasizes compliance with various certification requirements, including preferences for domestic products, Ohio-based businesses, and veteran-friendly enterprises, as well as adherence to regulations concerning offshore services and data security, as outlined in related affirmation and disclosure forms. The overarching goal is to foster organizational growth and fiscal strategies that enable providers to effectively deliver and expand Group Employment Supports, ultimately enhancing employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities across Ohio.