Illinois Department of Human Services
Request for Information (RFI)
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)
Please respond by submitting your information Via Email to: Jean.Sandstrom@illinois.gov
Due Date December 23, 2022 at 5:00p.m. Central Time
Purpose and Objective
Summary
This request for information (RFI) invites participants to submit non-price information about the availability of specified types of services. The RFI is not a procurement method and will not result in a participant receiving a contract. (44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.15)
Responding to the RFI is not a prerequisite to participate in any related future procurement(s) and does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to conduct a future procurement. Further, a response to this RFI does not provide any advantages to the participant in potential future solicitations. All information received in a
participant's response must be non-proprietary, cannot contain confidential information, and will be available for public review. (44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.2050(j))
You are invited to provide non-proprietary, non-price information within the RFI's scope. You are prohibited from providing pricing, the details of customized solutions, sample procurement specifications, or any other information outside the scope of the RFI because it could disqualify your organization from participating in future related procurements. (30 ILCS 500/50-10.5[e])
Please provide general information about industry trends and innovations, products, services, or industry best practices that are not specifically tailored to meet IDHS's needs. For additional information on prohibited vs. non-prohibited information, please see 44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.2005(v).
Scope
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is an evidence based method of assisting people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to apply for Social Security Disability benefits (SSI/SSDI). SOAR helps communities increase access to disability benefits by providing a streamlined process to complete applications and communicating critical knowledge about SSI/SSDI. The SOAR model for completing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) applications increases the likelihood of an approval for eligible applicants. Through community collaboration, partnerships with the Social Security Administration, the Disability Determination Services and medical providers, SOAR trained case managers assist persons in accessing Social Security disability benefits.
Lack of income for people with disabilities is a significant barrier to successfully transitioning Class Members into the community. The SOAR model is an evidence-based process for connecting people at risk of homelessness with disability income through Social Security.
The Department is seeking information through this RFI regarding delivery of SOAR services to people with physical disabilities and those with mental illness.
The Department would like to learn more about products, services, industry trends, and best practices pertaining to:
- providing SOAR services efficiently to individuals at risk of homelessness, including individuals currently residing in an institutional facility, and
- analyzing SOAR delivery systems for the purpose of improving SOAR delivery, clarifying appropriate staffing, and implementing best practices for linking individuals to disability income.
Vendors are asked to provide information about current industry standards, best practices, products, services, and developing trends.
Vendors are also asked to include information about any barriers or challenges they believe the industry faces in seeking and entering into grants and/or contracts with large, public institutions, like states and state departments.
This RFI is intended to serve two purposes:
- Assist IDHS in better understanding this topic and
- Further prepare IDHS for possible future procurement(s), should IDHS determine it has a need in this area.
The purpose of this RFI is NOT to select a vendor or qualified vendors.
Information to be Submitted
Those interested in responding to this RFI should provide information organized as follows:
Background Information
Please provide a brief and general overview of the industry in which you conduct business, including but not limited to your: (1) services provided and (2) types of entities served. Please do not provide any specific application to IDHS.
Organization Information
Organization name, description, contact, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Process Overview and Vendor Submission
IDHS will review the responses for the purpose of identifying key concepts and industry trends.
The State reserves the right to make submissions to this RFI public.
Respondents may be invited to provide an in-person (WebEx) presentation to IDHS. If presentations are requested, all respondents will be given the same opportunity.
Providing a presentation, even if requested, is not a requirement of the response.
All submissions are subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1), and responders cannot request confidentiality inclusive of presentations.
Responses to this RFI should include a high-level description of current industry practices that relate to this RFI.
Responses to this RFI should be sent to Jean.Sandstrom@illinois.gov
IDHS recognizes considerable effort is required to respond to RFIs. Please note, however, this is not a request for services and that respondents bear all costs for preparing a submission.
Responses are due by: December 23, 2022 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
