MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Maier, (531) 893-1359,
erin.maier@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in response to concerns raised by families and advocates in the developmental disabilities community, will pursue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to select an independent firm to evaluate Nebraska's use of the interRAI assessment tools. Out of a desire to be abundantly transparent, to ensure the highest quality of evaluation, and to impose a rigorous competitive standard, DHHS will follow the standard RFP process.
How the RFP process will work:
- DHHS refines the developed identification of the state's needs, detailed scope of work, and evaluation criteria.
- The RFP is then publicly posted, allowing qualified vendors an opportunity to submit proposals.
- Proposals are evaluated against the requirements established in the RFP, including factors such as technical merit, qualifications, experience, and cost.
- Following the evaluation, DHHS selects the proposal that best meets the state's needs and proceeds through the required contracting and approval process.
A proposed timeline for the procurement will be published once available.
InterRAI is used by over 25 other states and has also developed standardized and evidence-based assessment tools with research, clinicians, and policy experts spanning more than 35 countries.
From the launch of the interRAI for DD Waivers on July 1, 2025, DHHS has significantly expanded access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). More than 80% of Nebraskans' funding levels have stayed the same or increased as a result of the interRAI assessments.
"Before launching the interRAI in July 2025, the state intended to conduct an independent evaluation of the interRAI implementation for DD Waivers based on feedback. Hearing the recent concerns raised by families, providers, and clients led DHHS to the decision to pursue an RFP," said Tony Green, Division of Disability and Aging Director.
Visit the DHHS website for more interRAI information: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/interRAI.aspx.
When the RFP is posted in can be found here.