Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Electronic Payment Card (EPC) Systems RFP

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is soliciting proposals for the implementation of a new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Electronic Payment Card (EPC) solution. The scope of work encompasses the delivery of core EBT services, including account setup, benefit authorization, card and PIN issuance, uninterrupted transaction processing, settlement, reconciliation, and reporting. The project will follow a Project Development Life Cycle (PDLC) involving initiation, design, development, and testing phases, with a specific requirement for a mobile application for both EBT and EPC solutions. The contractor must adhere to Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards and provide a detailed transition plan 12 months prior to execution. The selection process is based on a technical scoring system weighted at 700 points, focusing on key areas such as the end-of-contract transition, customer service help desk, training, and staffing plans. Proposals must be submitted via the OhioBuys portal as separate technical and cost volumes. The contract includes strict compliance requirements regarding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, HIPAA, and various federal labor and non-discrimination laws. Additionally, the contractor is responsible for the mailing of EBT cards, which must include training materials in 15 different languages and be marked as Do Not Forward. Invoicing is handled electronically on a monthly basis, and the contract allows for termination if the contractor fails to meet financial stability or legal obligations.