ODJFS Junior Consultant RFP

Please find resources below to aid with using OhioBuys and solicitations:Using OhioBuys: https://procure.ohio.gov/bidders-and-suppliers/resources/03_Using+OhioBuysSubmitting a response: https://procure.ohio.gov/bidders-and-suppliers/resources/04_Submitting+a+ResponseAdditional Webinars regarding OhioBuys and Solicitations: https://procure.ohio.gov/bidders-and-suppliers/resources/bidder-and-supplier-training/01_Supplier+WebinarsTo participate or submit an inquiry for this RFx, you need to be registered in the OhioBuys Supplier Portal. Suppliers are not required at this time to be registered in OAKS. If you have a need to seek technical support, clearly specify you need access to an active Ohio Buys solicitation.Technical Support +1 (555) 000-0000
Permanent information technology staffing needs
Inquiries Inquiry 98225 | Is there a set list of job sites for ODJFS for this contract? | Answer: The positions will be primarily remote work but there may be times that they are required to attend meetings or do in person work at the Rhodes State Office Tower at 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. | Answered: 9/18/2026 Inquiry 98228 | Please confirm that the minimum required is 5 Junior Consultants with a potential of up to 25 Junior Consultants per fiscal year | Answer: Correct. | Answered: 9/18/2026 Inquiry 98374 | What is the estimated budget for this contract? | Answer: The State expects each supplier to provide its best rate, and we will evaluate each response to ensure it delivers the best value while meeting our expected needs. | Answered: 9/22/2026 Inquiry 98377 | What is the expected lead time for the vendor to provide the requested contracted staff? | Answer: Four to six weeks. | Answered: 9/22/2026 Inquiry 98382 | What is the minimum duration of each contract position? | Answer: Assuming there are no performance issues, the State would expect a minimum of a year. | Answered: 9/22/2026 Inquiry 98386 | Reference Section: Section 3.1 & Section 3.2 (Response Tab 3: Offeror References) Page Number: Page 3 and Page 4 Question: Section 3.1 states that "Offerors must not submit a proprietary or confidential response." However, Response Tab 3 requires detailed client references, including client organization names, current contact names, direct phone numbers, email addresses, project costs, and project descriptions. In many instances, client contact information and specific contract pricing/costs are considered confidential business data or trade secrets under non-disclosure agreements. Could the State please clarify how Offerors should reconcile the prohibition against confidential responses with the requirement to provide specific client contact and financial details in Tab 3? Specifically, will the State accept redacted contact information or general cost ranges if a client requires an NDA, or is there an alternative mechanism (such as marking specific reference pages as confidential) to protect sensitive client data? | Answer: Bidders may submit a redacted version alongside an unredacted version. All redactions must adhere to State and Federal law and may be reviewed by State attorneys for compliance. | Answered: 9/22/2026 Inquiry 98389 | Section/Requirement: Proposal Format / Section Cover Pages Page Number: page 4 Question: The instructions state that "An identifiable cover page must precede each section of the response." Could the State please clarify what is expected for these section cover pages? Specifically, would a simple page featuring the company letterhead and a clear, bold title for that specific tab/section (e.g., "Response Tab 3: Offeror References") satisfy this requirement, or is a more detailed standalone divider page required? | Answer: Yes, your example would be acceptable. | Answered: 9/22/2026 Inquiry 98392 | Section/Requirement: Section 7. Cost Summary (and Section 5. Scope of Work) Page Number: 9 and 7 Question: Section 7 provides a simplified Cost Summary template featuring a single line item for "Junior Consultant". However, Section 5 specifies five distinct initial junior consultant positions with varying specializations (Microsoft 365 Modern Workplace Specialist, Operational Intelligence/Monitoring, Business Analyst – Software Testing, Business Analyst – Security & Risk Management, and Salesforce Developer/Tester). Could the State please clarify whether Offerors should expand the Cost Summary table to provide individual, role-specific hourly rates for each of these five positions, or if we should provide a single blended rate under the generic "Junior Consultant" title? | Answer: A single blended rate is what the State is looking for. | Answered: 9/22/2026 Inquiry 98395 | Section/Requirement: Section 1. Purpose and Background Page Number: Page 2 Question: Section 1 states, "If a suitable single Offeror response is accepted to perform the Work, ODJFS may enter a contract (the “Contract”) to have the selected Offeror (the “Contractor”) perform all or part of the Work." Could the State please clarify whether this contract will be awarded exclusively to a single vendor (a single-award contract), or if ODJFS reserves the right to split the award across multiple Offerors or distinct roles? | Answer: The State prefers to award to a single Bidder. | Answered: 9/22/2026