Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced its intention to award a contract for Employment and Training Services (E&T) to Maximus US Services, Inc. This decision follows a competitive bid process in which Maximus received the highest score from an independent review committee. The State of Montana and Maximus will now enter into contract negotiations.

DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton stated, “Once contract negotiations are complete, DPHHS is excited to partner with Maximus to re-invigorate programs that will put more Montanans back to work and drive their self-sufficiency.” He further explained that the goal is to help clients find secure employment through a new pay-for-performance model.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) aimed at finding a single statewide contractor for E&T services. These services are intended for individuals referred by DPHHS who are applicants or participants in Montana's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Both programs target low-income families in Montana.

E&T programs focus on immediate needs while also aiming to build confidence and capacity for education, employability, job security, and wage improvement after program completion. As part of this initiative, DPHHS decided to consolidate existing contracts into one performance-based model where payments depend on achieving specific outcomes.

The desired outcomes include obtaining educational certifications like Montana HiSET or GED, completing post-secondary training, securing employment, retaining jobs, or improving current employment situations. This shift was partly due to the expiration of existing contracts on June 30, 2024. Maximus is set to take over statewide E&T service provision starting July 1, 2024.

The RFP stipulates that the new contractor should collaborate with Montana-based organizations and subcontract with existing service providers as needed. This ensures continuity of services and supports local communities.

Once negotiations conclude and a contract is finalized, DPHHS and Maximus plan to work with current providers on developing a transition plan. Public comments on the Notice of Intent to Award can be submitted until Tuesday, February 7 via the Department of Administration’s website.