Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) – Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act

The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) seeks a qualified contractor to design and execute a comprehensive statewide needs assessment (CSNA) for its Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and VR for the Blind programs under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act. The contractor will employ mixed‑methods research (secondary data analysis, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and public forums) to evaluate service gaps, equity issues, and workforce development needs across diverse disability populations. Deliverables include a detailed work plan, interim data summaries, stakeholder‑engaged progress reports, a draft CSNA report, a final report with actionable recommendations, and required accessible formats. The contract term runs Jan 11 2027 – Jan 12 2028 with one possible one‑year renewal. The award will be a firm‑fixed‑price, non‑IT personnel services contract. • Scope: Full‑cycle CSNA covering quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting. • Timeline: Kick‑off (4 wks), interim data summary (22 wks), primary data collection (28 wks), draft report (35 wks), final report (52 wks). • Required expertise: Large‑scale needs‑assessment experience, knowledge of VR/WIOA regulations, accessible research methods, data visualization, and stakeholder engagement. • Deliverables: Work plan, interim summaries, stakeholder‑engagement updates, draft and final CSNA reports, executive summary booklet, and 50 printed copies of each major deliverable. • Evaluation criteria: Price (35 %), technical approach (35 %), management capability (30 %). • Mandatory compliance: Section 508 accessibility, workers’ compensation, registration with Mississippi Secretary of State, de‑barment certifications.