Women Infants & Children (WIC) Compliance Buy Investigations

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is seeking a vendor under a Blanket Purchase Agreement to conduct Women Infants and Children (WIC) compliance buy investigations. The primary objective is to identify and investigate abuse, fraud, and corruption by authorized retail stores through undercover compliance buys and the production of detailed written reports. To meet WIC regulations, investigations must cover at least five percent of authorized vendors annually, as well as all vendors designated as high risk. The contract includes specific line items for compliance buy investigations and hourly rates for testimony and hearings, with pricing structured as firm and fixed. The award will be granted to the lowest and best vendor based on a compliance review and a technical evaluation of the vendor's experience, methodology, and approach. Key requirements for the technical bid include plans for managing investigations, food preservation methods for charitable transfers, and recordkeeping for WIC cards. Vendors must comply with various state and federal regulations, including E-Verify participation, the Drug-Free Workplace Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, the state maintains strict cybersecurity and AI usage protocols, reserving the right to cancel the contract if AI integration poses unacceptable risks to state data. Invoices are to be submitted monthly via Electronic Funds Transfer, with detailed itemization of retailers investigated and hours spent on testimony.