Statewide Support Service Provider / Co Navigator (SSP/CN) Program

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is seeking a contractor to develop a statewide Support Service Provider / Co Navigator (SSP/CN) program for the support and benefit of DeafBlind individuals in Ohio utilizing the funds outlined in House Bill 730. OOD intends to contract with a single entity to provide one (1) of the following options: Option One (1): Statewide SSP/CN program implementation - OOD is seeking an entity that is ready to implement, operate, and manage a statewide SSP/CN program in Ohio. The selected entity will be responsible for all aspects of service delivery, program infrastructure, workforce development, program evaluation, and long‑term sustainability. Option Two (2): Statewide SSP/CN comprehensive model design - OOD is seeking an entity to provide a comprehensive model for how a statewide SSP/CN program could function in Ohio. For this option, OOD is seeking a design for how the SSP/CN program could function in Ohio, not for actual implementation. The model must include: 1. A training and recruitment plan for Support Service Providers / Co-Navigators (SSPs/CNs), and 2. An outreach plan for DeafBlind individuals who may benefit from these services. OOD will give priority to an entity that can implement Option One (1). If an award of a contract for Option One (1) results from this solicitation there will not be an award of a contract for Option Two (2).
Contractor shall complete and submit the Certification Statements form if seeking a Buy America, Buy Ohio, and/or a Veterans Preference. If not seeking a preference, Respondent does not need to return the attached form.Mailed, emailed, or faxed responses will NOT be accepted.OhioBuys provides the primary platform for Supplier Partners to engage in procurement activities with the State of Ohio. For additional information on submitting proposals see the “Viewing and Responding to Solicitations” Learner Guide or the “Viewing and Responding to Solicitations” Supplier Training Video linked below.OhioBuys Supplier Training Materials can be located at this site: https://procure.ohio.gov/bidders-and-suppliers/resources/bidder-and-supplier-training/04-ob-trainingOptional Question and Answer SessionOpportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) will be hosting an OPTIONAL question and answer session to give Contractors an opportunity to discuss the requirements of the solicitation. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET. via Zoom. Questions and answers will be posted in OhioBuys after the question-and-answer session for Contractors who were unable to attend. Please refer to the attached RFP for further detail.Viewing and Responding to Solicitations:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6iE32BUMJ0&feature=youtu.beTo participate or submit an inquiry for this sourcing project, 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 OhioBuys solicitation.If you encounter an issue or have a question regarding OhioBuys, please contact the OBM Shared Services Help Desk through one of the options listed below: Email at OBM.ContactCenter@OBM.Ohio.Gov - Please put "OhioBuys" in the subject line. Call 614-338-4781 or 1-877-OHIOSS1 (1-877-644-6771) If there is a need for technical support during your submission in the last 48 hours prior to the submission deadline, contact 614-466-5090. This number is for OhioBuys solicitation technical questions only; there will not be any questions answered regarding the solicitation. Note: Chrome is the preferred browser for OhioBuys.OOD recommends only having a single window open that is logged into OhioBuys. By having multiple windows open, this can create an error when trying to submit your proposal.This solicitation document was prepared with the assistance of AI-powered drafting tools to enhance clarity, consistency, and compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. All content has been reviewed and approved by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) to ensure accuracy and alignment with project goals.
Social development and services
Inquiries Inquiry 91756 | Q: Is office space in state required to submit a proposal? | Answer: A: Office space in the state of Ohio is not a requirement for this solicitation. It is not required to submit a proposal. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91758 | Q: Is the Travel tab on the Budget proposal submission template for program staff mileage only or for SSPs/CNs mileage as well? | Answer: A: The Travel Costs tab should be used for any travel paid via mileage reimbursement, regardless of the employment status of the individual (i.e., employee or contractor). Additionally, the Travel Costs tab should be used when overnight lodging and meals will be compensated, either directly or via reimbursement, regardless of the employment status of the individual (i.e., employee or contractor). | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91760 | Q: In rural areas SSPs/CNs sometimes must travel a considerable distance to meet with participants, can they be compensated for mileage or travel? | Answer: A: Travel is an allowable cost. It should appear on the budget proposal submission template based on how the travel costs will be paid. This may be different for various employees or contractors. If the SSP/CN will be reimbursed for travel based on mileage, this should be reflected on the Travel Costs tab. If the travel will be paid for via a fixed a fixed amount for a fixed period of time, this should be reflected on the Misc Costs tab. If the travel is incorporated in the wage or general compensation of the SSP/CN, this should be documented on the appropriate Payments to SSPs/CNs tab, with a comment stating the amount dedicated to travel. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91762 | Q: Is there a way to get a sense of the previous level of effort, how many DeafBlind participants were served and their location in Ohio, was it really statewide? How many SSPs/CNs were used previously, who were the SSPs/CNs, is there data available for us to understand current expectations? | Answer: A: Unfortunately, no, we do not have access to the previous contractor’s data, they were only doing it for maybe six months. We are unaware of anyone doing this previously. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91764 | Q: Would there be ability to share the rates of pay to SSPs/CNs from the previous vendor? | Answer: A: We do not have that data to share. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91766 | Q: What information can you share with us that is not currently listed in the posted RFP? | Answer: A: We are unable to share any information that is not currently posted in the RFP. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91768 | Q: Would there be the ability to share rate of pay? W2? 1099? | Answer: A: Unfortunately, OOD does not have access to that information. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91770 | Q: What happens if no one wins the bid? | Answer: A: OOD is hopeful to receive a winning proposal for either option 1 which is our preference or option 2. If OOD does not receive a winning bid, we will evaluate our options at that time. | Answered: 7/1/2026 Inquiry 91772 | Q: Reminder issued about solicitation closure date and submission requirements. | Answer: A: Please be aware that the solicitation closes at 12:00 PM on July 20, 2026. The inquiry period to ask questions ends at 12:00 PM on July 16, 2026. The system will not allow questions to be posted after this time. All questions, must be submitted through OhioBuys. We are unable to answer any questions submitted outside of OhioBuys. Please be mindful to submit everything that OOD is asking for in the RFP submission and speak to all of the items outlined in the evaluation criteria. | Answered: 7/1/2026