Description
The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is establishing a qualified‑provider list for employment‑related supports and community‑based day services for adults with developmental disabilities. This “rate‑contract” solicitation does not set a ceiling on spend; instead, providers will be paid on a unit‑rate basis for services they actually deliver. Qualified contractors may receive master‑agreement contracts that allow DDS to issue individual service orders over a ten‑year horizon. The scope includes individual supported employment, group‑supported employment, community‑based day supports, and accompanying transportation services, all required to meet HCBS waiver and WIOA standards.
• Individual Supported Employment (ISE) – career planning, job‑development, initial and ongoing employment supports, transportation, and benefit counseling.
• Group Supported Employment (GSE) – small‑group work settings, job coaching, skill‑building, transportation, and optional social‑enterprise operation (funded only for support staff).
• Community‑Based Day Supports (CBDS) – community‑integrated day‑program activities, skill development, socialization, and transportation coordination.
• Transportation Services – reliable transport to/from jobs or day‑program sites, including training for participants.
Providers must hold a DDS license, satisfy background‑check and privacy requirements, and submit a comprehensive response package through COMMBUYS. The contract term may extend up to ten years, with an estimated total procurement spend of $1.9 billion.