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LCD to issue RFIs for three service contracts; state signals intent to award SSP contract amid protest period
Summary
LCD said it will release requests for information for regional support centers, communication-access services and an interpreter mentoring program; staff also reported the state announced an intent to award the SSP contract to Affiliated Blind of Lafayette and a protest period is open.
Acting Director Broussard told the commission the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf will release three statewide requests for information (RFIs) to solicit organizations to provide expanded services, and that staff will publish those RFIs on Monday with approximately a one-month response window.
Broussard said the three RFIs cover: (1) regional support centers for the deaf (RSCs) redesigned as "regional support centers" with a broader mission that may include screening, referral, advocacy and consultations in addition to equipment distribution; (2) communication-access services (formerly interpreting services) that could include tactile interpreting and captioning as part of comprehensive communication-access offerings; and (3) an interpreter mentoring program that LCD expects to build with a contracted organization while LCD remains closely involved.
Broussard said requirements will vary by contract. Regional support centers will need a physical, in-state presence accessible to clients; communication-access vendors need not have brick-and-mortar offices but must provide in-person and virtual services in Louisiana. The RFIs are intended to broaden competition and document why contract awards are made; Broussard said the state requires stricter RFPs only for contracts above a statutory threshold (discussed in the meeting as $250,000), which these RFIs are not expected to exceed.
Broussard also reported on a separate procurement: the state announced an intention to award the SSP (support service provider) contract to Affiliated Blind of Lafayette (ABL). She said the award is in an announced "intent to award" phase and that the protest period closes Oct. 22; if no successful protest is filed, staff will proceed with negotiations with the named contractor.
Commissioners asked whether out-of-state organizations can apply; Broussard said applicants must provide services in Louisiana and RSC applicants must have an in-state physical location. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services Director Melissa Baham said LRS is discussing a vocational access service provider (VASP) contract and intends to partner with LCD on development and contracting for services to support deaf-blind employment searches.
Ending: The RFIs will be posted Monday; LCD staff asked interested organizations to review materials and plan to evaluate proposals internally then recommend contracts.
