State of Minnesota Awards Contracts to Seven Vendors Engaging People with Developmental Disabilities in Digital Imaging Work

Contracts help recognize abilities while striving to alleviate
high unemployment rate of people with developmental disabilities

August 11, 2008

(ST. PAUL) – The State of Minnesota, recognizing the ability of many people with developmental disabilities to perform effectively in document imaging positions, has awarded contracts to several firms that regularly employ people with such disabilities for that work.

A provision in a 2007 law directed the Department of Administration to promote the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities in document imaging services for government. Following several successful demonstration projects, the agency sought proposals from prospective vendors.

The selected vendors are Midway Training Services, AccessAbility, Inc., Minnesota State Operated Community Services, Ability Building Center, River City Data, Cities Digital and ACS State & Local Solutions. The contract awards follow an extensive evaluation process by the Department of Administration’s Materials Management Division, the state’s procurement office. All seven vendors currently employ or agreed to employ persons with developmental disabilities.

The combined contracts have an estimated value of up to $1.1 million annually and cover work for state government and for members of the state’s Cooperative Purchasing Venture, which includes counties, cities and other local government entities. The agreements are for a term of one year, with possible extensions of up to four additional years.

“This is an important forward step, and the example set by the State of Minnesota will also have meaning to other employers and users of document imaging services,” said Dana B. Badgerow, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration. “People with developmental disabilities have more than proven their capabilities in document imaging work in the public and private sectors. It is our hope that emphasizing their abilities through the state contracting process will help expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”