Section 8: State Use Program
Anchor: #i1005578Authority
The Human Resource Code, Chapter 122, "Committee on Purchases of Products and Services of Blind and Severely Disabled Persons," provides the statutory authority for the State Use Program, previously known as the "Set Aside Program".
Anchor: #i1005588Background
The objective of the State Use Program is to provide employment to Texans with disabilities through Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP), who can provide services and/or products while, at the same time, providing government agencies with a means of accomplishing work. This program is Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped (TIBH) Incorporated. In 1975, the legislature mandated the establishment of a program through which state agencies would purchase products and services produced by workers with disabilities. The law requires the use of this program if a CRP can provide the needed service on time for a fair market value.
Anchor: #i1005600Process
Detailed State Use Program procedures are contained in the State Use Program Manual of Contract Procedures. A summary of the process follows.
|
Stage |
Description |
|---|---|
| 1 |
The district establishes a need to contract, evaluates the possibility of implementing a State Use Program contract and develops the technical analysis. |
| 2 |
TIBH, using input from TxDOT staff, selects a CRP to perform the service. |
| 3 |
Representatives from TxDOT, TIBH and the CRP meet to review the technical analysis, evaluate the provider's cost, develop the scope of work and negotiate the contract. * |
| 4 |
The standard State Use Program contract is prepared and executed. These contracts are signed by the CRP, TIBH representative and the district engineer or his or her representative. |
NOTE: Representatives from the Maintenance Division are available to assist in resolving any issue.