Agency Human Services Dept

Contractor Human Services Research Institute

SWIFT Contract Number 171753

Project Name Waiver Re-Imagine

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: To assist the state in determining potential options for reconfiguring four disability waivers and assist in the the development of an individual budgeting model for Home and Community-Based Service recipients in Minnesota as required under Minnesota Laws of 2019, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5, section 86. This included research, proposing and finalizing budget methodologies, budget recalibration for rates, onsite meetings, develop methodology for both adults and children, review CDCS budget methodologies, develop and make recommendations for rate exception, lead agency, fiscal policy and operational changes, assist in aggregate budget management policy and processes, research residential access criteria and submit recommendations, research comparability of services/funding for two waivers, conduct quality improvement research, and submit written quarterly reports of findings and deliverables.

Project Duration

Start Date Wed, 01/01/2020 - 00:00

Original end date Tue, 06/01/2021 - 00:00

Actual end date Fri, 01/31/2025 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $481000.00

Amendments $562103.00

Contract total $1043103.00

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? State funds

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) was under contract with the department to help with the data collection efforts and recalibration of budgets for the Waiver Reimagine Project which has a rigorous timeline for implementation. To continue this work we needed to extend their contract to finish data collection, recalibration, establish new methodologies, and continue research and development around Waiver Reimagine. HSRI had the historical knowledge, reports, and project information needed to continue this work. HSRI was the only entity, including in the department, that know how to collect the data around MnCHOICES assessment, and recalibrate the budget methodology. The Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) developed the program, policy, and data framework for this project under a previous contract between January and December 2018. This initial contract was procured through a competitive bidding process. Since then, the Legislature asked DHS to continue this work and perform additional project activities in anticipation of legislative proposal. DHS contracted with HSRI for this work because the entire project framework relies upon expertise and planning performed by HSRI. If HSRI were not used for this contract, DHS would be unable to complete its work by the legislative deadline.

Evaluator Name Jen Olson

Evaluator Email Address jen.olson@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness HSRI was sufficient in meeting timelines according to the set schedule of deliverables.

Evaluate the contractor's quality HSRI completed detailed research, recommendations, and had regular meetings with the state during the period of the contract. The information they submitted was well-written and included all necessary information to meet contract deliverables.

Evaluate the contractor's cost HSRI's cost was appropriate for the scope of work they provided the state.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance HSRI performed high quality work, had regular communication with the state, submitted reports and findings as required, and were able to shift deliverables throughout the length of the project through contract amendments and project needs. All deliverables were met upon the closure of this contract.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): None.

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied