Orientation & Mobility Services needed for RSSLC

The Health and Human Services Commission of Texas, through solicitation HHS0017468, is seeking orientation and mobility services for individuals with vision impairments at the Richmond State Supported Living Center. The contract, governed under Texas Government Code 2155.144(b)(b-1), requires vendors to provide comprehensive services that include conducting patient evaluations using approved assessment tools, training staff in the safe transport and escort of visually impaired individuals, and enabling clients to achieve independent and safe travel in all environments. The service is to be performed across Texas, with the contract term running from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029, though the agency retains the option to extend the contract by up to one additional year for continuity or transition purposes, with no renewal options permitted. Bidders must submit pricing solely via Exhibit C – Pricing Sheet, and evaluation for award is based on a best value standard that considers requirements compliance, performance delivery capability, price, and ability to perform, with pricing being significant in the overall assessment. Past performance is a pass/fail gate; bidders with histories of terminations, cure notices, audits, litigation, or non-renewals may be rejected outright. All contractors must meet stringent compliance and operational requirements, including maintaining insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 in umbrella liability, with primary policies written on an occurrence basis by Texas-admitted carriers rated A or better by A.M. Best, and providing certificates within ten days of award. Personnel must undergo comprehensive background checks covering Social Security verification and criminal/sex offender records across all Texas and out-of-state counties where the individual has resided in the past seven years, with individuals convicted of fraud, sex offenses, or abuse strictly prohibited from service. Contractors must comply with federal civil rights statutes including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and must adhere to the prohibition of human trafficking under Texas law. Invoicing must be submitted monthly, with each invoice referencing the contract number and detailing completed work per Exhibit C, and payments are contingent on the vendor possessing a valid Texas Identification Number and other required state registrations including a SAM.gov UEI, EIN, and Texas Franchise Tax Number. Invoices subject to dispute must be returned by the agency no later than the 21st day after receipt, and all deliverables must conform to professional standards and be free of material