OCA Foster Care Initiative

The OCA Foster Care Initiative IDV provides comprehensive technical assistance and policy research services focused on analyzing and improving Michigan's foster care system. Under this master agreement, the State of Michigan can procure policy research, stakeholder engagement services, and infrastructure support to examine drivers within the foster care system. Specific deliverables include conducting listening sessions with child welfare stakeholders across Department of Health and Human Services business service center regions, performing law and policy research, analyzing Office of the Child Advocate investigations, hosting a statewide summit, and delivering policy briefs and state snapshots. The contract also encompasses bi-weekly progress meetings, webinars, and a final comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to support evidence-based improvements to Michigan's child welfare system.

The Council of State Governments LTD., a Kentucky-based nonprofit organization, serves as the prime contractor for this master agreement with the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management & Budget. The contract is effective from September 12, 2024, through September 11, 2029, with coverage limited to the State of Michigan. The total estimated contract value is $248,404.49, with all costs concentrated in fiscal year 2025, and pricing remains firm throughout the contract term. The contract may be renewed for up to five additional one-year periods at the State's sole discretion, subject to approval by the Child Advocate under Michigan state law. All contract payments require the Child Advocate's approval and are processed monthly via electronic funds transfer.