Acting Director Broussard told the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf on Tuesday that LCD will open three statewide requests for information (RFI) next week to reshape longstanding contractor relationships and expand service expectations across the state.

Broussard said the three RFI categories are:
- Regional Support Centers for the Deaf: rebranded from prior regional service centers, these centers would provide in-person intake, screening, referrals, advocacy and a broader set of direct supports. Broussard said a brick-and-mortar location in Louisiana will be required for a regional support center so residents can access the service in person.
- Communication Access Services: a separate contract focused on interpreting and broader communication-access work, including tactile interpreting, captioning and workforce development. That contract need not require a brick-and-mortar office but must demonstrate capacity to deliver in-person and virtual accessibility in Louisiana.
- Interpreter Mentoring Program: a program to expand mentoring, training and certification support for interpreters; LCD staff said the agency will remain closely involved while an outside organization operates the program.

Broussard described the process as an RFI rather than a full state RFP because the anticipated annual contract amounts fall below the state's formal RFP threshold. She said the RFIs will be posted on Monday, with approximately a one-month period for organizations to submit proposals and questions. Broussard said LCD intends the RFIs to increase transparency and to allow organizations, including existing contractors and new providers, to present business plans for service delivery.

Broussard also described how LCD will evaluate proposals internally and encouraged both existing Louisiana organizations and out-of-state organizations that plan to establish a Louisiana presence to respond. She said the state requires a professional standing (for example, registration with the Louisiana Secretary of State) as part of application eligibility.

The acting director said the approach is intended to widen the pool of potential partners, identify gaps in current service delivery and ensure the state can document why it selected particular providers.

Broussard asked stakeholders to watch LCDs website and social media for the RFIs on Monday and to send questions and proposals within the posted window.