VT-IES Procurement Approach
The VT-IES Project has adopted a procurement strategy to implement a customer-focused Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment system consisting of a Customer Portal, Case Management, and a Rules Engine. The primary objective of this strategy is to enhance the customer experience for Vermonters and State Staff. While the Request for Proposal (RFP) will describe the IES, the IE&E Program acknowledges that the vendor's proposed solution may include additional required functionality (reporting, interfaces, financial management, correspondence) to support the implementation of a Customer Portal, Case Management, and Rules Engine. The bidder response format will allow vendors to present their overall proposed solutions while also recommending any additional functionalities or capabilities their solution can offer through configuration or customization.
Recognizing the complexities of modernizing an IE&E system, Vermont intends to engage a single vendor with experience implementing complex solutions within state governments. The VT-IES RFP will outline mandatory vendor qualifications, with a requirement that the vendor (Prime only, with or without the engagement of sub-vendors) must have prior experience with engagements of similar size, complexity, and scope to this procurement.
Validating Vermont’s System Modernization Approach
Vermont has engaged with other states and conducted three Requests for Information (RFI) between November 2022 and April 2023. These RFIs were aimed at soliciting feedback from the vendor community regarding Vermont's IE&E System Modernization procurement approach. The feedback received during this outreach process confirmed that Vermont's procurement approach involved implementing an IE&E system with an estimated implementation timeframe of three (3) to four (4) years. The feedback from other states highlighted the common challenges of system modernization with limited resources. Recognizing the importance of securing the resources needed for successful modernization efforts, Vermont confirmed that a broad range of prime vendors would qualify to bid on the VT-IES procurement. This approach increases the likelihood of attracting vendors who can provide the required resources and expertise to support the IE&E Program's modernization goals.