Arts-Rolling RFR - Posted.docx

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Department of Youth Services

Cecely Reardon, Commissioner

Request for Responses:

DYS Arts RFR ARTS Initiative

RFR # 2024-03

November 2024

SKILL UP REQUEST FOR RESPONSE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: Description of the Massachusetts Department

Emergency Regulation 101 CMR 23.00 Regarding Covid-19 Vaccinations for Staff at Certain

Instructions for Submission of Responses

To be completed by DYS Only. Modifications to these requirements will not be accepted.

ACQUISITION METHOD TO BE USED FOR CONTRACT(S):

License

Tax Exempt Lease Purchase (TELP)

Term Lease

Rental (not to exceed 6 months)

Other (specify):

SINGLE OR MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS FOR CONTRACT PERFORMANCE:

SINGLE OR MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS MAY CONTRACT UNDER THIS REQUEST FOR RESPONSES (RFR):

Option to Allow Other Departments/Political Subdivisions to Contract Under This RFR

Statewide Contract – All Departments may purchase under the terms of this RFR.

Multiple Un-identified Additional Departments may purchase under terms of this RFR under a separate contract.

Multiple Identified Departments Listed in RFR may purchase under terms of this RFR under separate contracts.

TOTAL ANTICIPATED DURATION OF QUALIFICATION(S):

Initial Qualification Duration (Indicate Number)

Options To Renew (Indicate Numbers):

Month(s)

General Requirements for Submission of Responses

Proposal Submissions Electronic Submissions - Effective July 1, 2014, all procurements posted on COMMBUYS, known as Bids, require the submission of electronic responses, known as Quotes on COMMBUYS. To submit an electronic Quote, those entities responding to this RFR (Responders or Bidders) must register and maintain an active COMMBUYS Seller subscription account. Questions regarding COMMBUYS should be directed to the COMMBUYS Help Desk at commbuys@state.ma.us.

All pages must be consecutively numbered to facilitate review and cross-referencing during the proposal review.

A Table of Contents must be provided to assist the reviewers in finding relevant information.

Representatives from the Department are available to respond to programmatic and fiscal questions specific to this RFR. All questions must be sent via e-mail to: Phillip.W.Davis@mass.gov.

Any instance of the words ‘he/she’ or ‘him/her’ is changed to ‘he/she/they’ or ‘him/her/them’ as appropriate.

Procurement Calendar:

The Bidder’s Conferences and ‘New to State Business Informational Meeting’ will be held online.

Please limit the representatives from your organization to a maximum of three and send RSVPs for all attendees to Phillip.W.Davis@mass.gov at least two business days prior to the Conference.

Attendees will receive the link to the virtual Bidder’s Conference and ‘New to State Business Informational Meeting’ after submitting an RSVP for their organization representatives, including the names and respective email addresses of those who plan to join this meeting.

Note:

Attendance at the Bidder’s Conference or ‘New to State Business Informational Meeting’ is not a prerequisite for bidding on this procurement.

INTRODUCTION: Description of Massachusetts Department of Youth Services The Department of Youth Services (the Department or DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its mission is to foster positive outcomes for young people, build safer communities, and collaborate for an equitable and fair justice system. The Department envisions a Commonwealth in which every young person has the skills, support, and resources necessary to engage safely with their communities and lead productive and fulfilling lives. We support this work by valuing fairness, transparency, racial equity, and integrity.

DYS serves five primary populations of young people ranging in age from 12 to 22, dependent on the services provided:

Diversion Young People, who are youth facing arrest or prosecution for a juvenile offense and instead are referred to the Department for supportive community-based services, such as educational advocacy, substance use services, or behavioral health services;

Overnight Arrest Young People (ONA), who are youth arrested outside of court business hours who require overnight placement;

Detained Young People, who are youth committed to DYS’ care by the juvenile courts during the pendency of their juvenile cases;

Committed Young People, who are youth committed to DYS’ custody in resolution of a pending delinquency or youthful offender matter; and Youth Engaged in Services (YES), who are youth receiving voluntary services from DYS post-discharge.

This RFR is designed to cover services to DYS-involved young people who are either Detained or Committed as well as Youth Engaged in Services. The intended service recipients will be collectively referred to as “DYS young people” for the remainder of this RFR.

In response to changing demographics and guided by successful partnerships, DYS is working to implement a broad-based, community-focused approach to intervention in and prevention of juvenile delinquency. A primary focus for this effort is to strengthen and expand community partnerships. DYS has committed itself to establishing partnerships with a variety of organizations and individuals, with an eye toward the following goals and objectives:

consistently assessing strengths, risks, and needs of all DYS-involved young people;

supporting a service continuum that provides all DYS-involved young people with a comprehensive range of services;

strengthening and expanding partnerships that allow us to collaborate in efforts to reduce crime and enhance community safety;

providing comprehensive, high-quality residential programming for all DYS-involved young people in the least restrictive settings available, with a focus on service locations that are geographically close to their families and supportive adults;

supporting district Offices and Satellite Offices in communities with the highest population of DYS-committed young people to effectuate successful community transitions and community supervision;

increasing staff skill and consistency of practice through strong staff training efforts and practices;

addressing racial and ethnic disparity for all DYS-involved young people, their families, and communities;

ensuring that each program incorporates Positive Youth Development (PYD), a framework that is strength-based and incorporates young peoples’ voices at all levels of service development and provision;

ensuring that each program is trauma-responsive and that every aspect of service delivery, including physical environment, values, staff approach, programming, and language, are focused on best meeting the needs of young people and families who have experienced trauma;

ensuring that each program uses a clinical framework approved by the Department; and protecting the public by embracing a rehabilitative framework that includes providing all DYS-involved young people with resources and opportunities for restoration and healthy methods for reintegration into their communities.

CONTEXT OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES

The Department divides its statewide operations into five geographic regions that loosely conform with Massachusetts counties: the Metropolitan Boston Region, covering Suffolk County; the Southeast Region, covering Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes Counties; the Northeast Region, covering Essex and Middlesex Counties; the Central Region, covering Worcester County; and the Western Region, covering Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties.

The Department’s service continuum consists of a combination of community-based and residential services and supports designed to meet the needs and address the risks of young people committed to its care and custody based on their status with the Department. DYS operates or contracts for 36 residential programs for detained and committed young people ranging in security levels, and 21 district offices that are strategically located in each region to provide committed young people with comprehensive supervision and supports that are as close as possible to their home communities and families. As noted above, the services procured through this RFR specifically pertain to DYS Detained, Committed, and Youth Engaged in Services young people as they move through DYS’ continuum (“DYS young people”).

DYS YOUNG PERSON PROFILE

For FY 2024, the average daily population of detained young people was approximately 141 young people. The average age at admission was 15.7 years. 82.4% were male and 17.6% were female. 17.0% were Caucasian, 30.4% Black, 46.1% Hispanic, 0.7% Asian, and 5.9% All Other Races.

The average daily population of committed young people statewide was approximately 267 young people. The average age of a committed young person was 16.4 years. Eighty-eight percent (88%) were male, and twelve (12%) were female. 11.6% were Caucasian, 29.1% Black,50.8.2% Hispanic, 1.1% Asian, and 7.4% All Other Races.

DYS committed young people who were discharged from DYS in FY 2021 spent an average of 292 days in residential treatment, where they received education, post-secondary, clinical, health, and other services before release to the community under DYS supervision. These same young people spent an average of 204 days in the community with case management and supports under DYS supervision. Youth Engaged in Services (YES) are eligible, post-discharge, to receive DYS voluntary transitional services until age 22. The average daily YES population is approximately 140 young people. The average duration of YES engagement is more than 11.9 months.

As of August 8, 2024, 223 committed and YES young people resided in the community, 180 were placed in residential settings, and 138 were detained [see Appendix A for program type descriptions].

6% of detention admissions were identified as English Language Learners, while 15% of the committed population were identified as English Language Learners.

THE ARTS INITIATIVE

Over the past 15 years, DYS has invested in arts-based programming that has evolved into a key rehabilitative element of the agency’s service model referred to in this RFR as “The Arts Initiative”. The Arts Initiative is grounded in the Department’s positive youth development approach and has fostered a range of high-engagement interconnected services across the DYS continuum. The Arts Initiative has provided innovative options for the agency to engage system partners, foster youth-adult partnerships, and increase internal and external community-building efforts that celebrate and validate creativity, expression, and positive change.

The DYS Arts Initiative approach incorporates:

Positive Youth Development In a positive youth development approach, positive social connections build protective factors and mitigate and build resilience in navigating difficult experiences. The Department recognizes the importance of positive relationships and social networks. The Arts Initiative supplements the Community Services Network of Service Providers (CSN) with a network of caring adults with creative and niche expertise and resources.

System Integration The Arts Initiative prepares artists and instructors to partner effectively within the juvenile justice setting. It plays a unique role in bridging and supplementing typical arts and youth development programming to ensure effective communication, wraparound support, and integration within DYS teams. The programming model is team-centered and functions in close coordination with DYS staff and teams in both residential and community settings.

The Arts Initiative relies on the following key system integration partnerships:

Skill Up Initiative and Career, Employability and Vocational Services (Appendix P Skill Up) Connections may include supporting a young person’s career exploration, developing resource connections to support employment goals, and skill-building to support career goals.

Casework Teams and Residential Providers All programming is coordinated with casework teams and/or residential providers; the team approach supports the challenges our high-risk population encounters navigating youth development.

Clinical Services Ongoing clinical consultations and collaboration on programming provide a strong foundation for the Arts Initiative to spark curiosity, allow the unconscious to flex, make room for expression, and promote a deeper understanding of self and others.

Education Services Education services are part of the team that makes arts programming work at DYS; ongoing partnerships with teachers, including the visual arts teachers, support the young artist network and provide capacity for special projects and events.

Legal & Communications Departments Celebrating our young artists and supporting their artistic pursuits may include aiding them in navigating marketing and publicity while in the juvenile justice setting. DYS provides education for young artists and arts partners on options and obtains informed consent to protect privacy, confidentiality, and general safety.

Outcomes for Young People The Arts Initiative will continue to be leveraged in new and innovative ways to support young people’s engagement and outcomes in both community and residential settings. The Arts Initiative supports young people who have an identified focus and motivation to learn in a specific area, as well as programs and young people who may need a new intervention or resources to support stabilization and positive engagement.

Organizational Wellness The Arts Initiative programming aims to support the Department’s racial equity and fairness values and goal for organizational wellness. It fosters creative outlets for expression and community-building opportunities for young people, staff, programs, agency leadership, and families. The Arts Initiative seeks to further develop opportunities for staff participation and feedback.

Social/cultural interface The Arts Initiative provides a platform for social and cultural experiences that promote positive community building and culture building within DYS and the community at large. The Arts Initiative seeks to create space for and celebrate young peoples’ culture(s) and voice. The Arts Initiative is a powerful tool for young people to explore the world, celebrate their own identities and cultures, and exchange experiences with one another. Cultural events, performances, and museum visits are important activities. The Arts Initiative provides programming for young people, staff, and families to celebrate their creative artistry and network with other young artists as rising stars in the visual, performing, movement-based, and spoken arts.

The Arts Initiative has also been a capacity-building avenue for new partnerships and projects with other local and state-wide organizations and institutions. It supports DYS in building external partnerships with key system partners to promote systemic change and elevate young people’s voices.

Statement of Need The Massachusetts Department of Youth Services “Arts Initiative” Request for Responses (RFR) seeks to develop and expand the DYS Arts Initiative’s Arts Roster of qualified Arts Partners, both organizations and individuals, from which it will draw from on an ‘as needed’ basis for arts-based programming and services, performance and production supports, technical assistance, consultation, arts administration supports and training across the DYS continuum.

As part of the ongoing development of Transition Services and Programming at DYS, the Arts Initiative supports the Department’s internal capacity for developing creative strategies for young people’s engagement and skill development as they prepare for eventual discharge from the Department. The Arts Initiative supports young people with an identified focus and motivation to learn in a specific area and supports programs and young people who may need a new intervention or resources to support stabilization and positive engagement. The Arts Initiative includes arts-based productions, special events, and projects that create space for and celebrate young peoples’ creative pursuits, culture(s), and voice (i.e., performance, art gallery, sales, commissioned artwork).

The Arts Initiative is evolving, and the Department is seeking the expansion of services by individuals or entities, as described above, that can provide specialized programming and expertise in residential and community settings for individuals and groups. These partners will need to be flexible and understand that operational circumstances are often fluid. DYS requires partners to be agile and comfortable with its changing environment and organizational needs.

ARTS RFR: ROSTER OF QUALIFIED ARTS PARTNERS

DYS is interested in maintaining a network of qualified Arts Partners that can continuously evolve and innovate across content areas that may include and are not limited to visual arts, murals, photography, performing arts, playwriting, mixed media, podcasting, fashion design, wood burning/pyrography, cosmetology & barbering, sneaker design, dance, movement arts, music, music production, hip-hop, voice (song, rap, beat-boxing), musical instruments, fiber arts, textiles, clothing, creative writing, poetry, automotive design, tattoo artistry, textiles/fabric arts, lighting design, and installation arts, healthy expression through social media, videography, movement arts, martial arts, digital and graphic arts, animation, art & tech/robotics, and experimental media. This list is not exhaustive; if your medium of artistic expertise is not listed, please still apply.

DYS intends to contract with several individuals and/or organizations to create a Roster of Qualified Arts Partners for DYS to use as needed or scheduled. Upon contract award, successful Responders to the Arts Partner RFR are expected to work collaboratively with the Department (and provider entities, if appropriate) to refine the scope of services, including timelines and estimated resource needs. All Arts Partners will be expected to engage in regular reporting processes outlined by the DYS Director of Transition Services and Programming and the Arts Program Manager, including but not limited to a weekly report on services provided.

How does the Arts Partner Roster work?

Once placed on the Arts Partner Roster, the Arts Partner will be eligible to contract with DYS. The DYS Arts Program Manager and DYS Director of Transition Services and Programming are responsible for deploying Arts Partners to facilitate statewide arts programming that meets young people’s interests and needs and strategically culminates in production(s). The Arts Partner Roster allows for the flexibility and capacity to create ongoing opportunities for young people and artists.

Who should apply?

Organizations and Individuals

How to respond to this RFR?

Responders should complete the DYS Arts Partner Roster application (Appendix C). The application has specific sections corresponding to each Arts Program Category outlined below. Applicants may apply for multiple Arts Program Categories. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Arts Program Category descriptions below when completing the application.

ARTS PROGRAM CATEGORIES

1) ARTS RESIDENCY

Arts Residency programming places teaching artists in DYS residential programs, typically but not limited to, school-day hours for 6 -12 weeks in a range of arts media (described above). Arts Residencies provide structured, trauma-informed, engaging, and fun arts programming that culminates in a program celebration. Arts Residencies take place in all residential program types - treatment, detention, and revocation - and are therefore tailored to the needs of the program (both short and long-term interactions with young people). All logistics of the Arts Residency are coordinated in a team approach and in collaboration with our residential management and direct care staff and our education management and teaching staff. The Arts Residency requires collaboration with our education team to ensure arts programming meets education standards. The Arts Residency model may include opportunities for programming after school hours, i.e., weekends and/or school vacations.

Responders should include a description of any experience implementing arts programming in educational or clinical settings, adhering to educational standards, or collaborating with teachers or clinicians.

2) ARTS IN COMMUNITY

Successful Responders will coordinate with DYS Community Operations, Career, Vocational, Employment Services Skill Up (Appendix P) providers, and the Community Services Network providers through the DYS District Offices to support employability programming that may intersect with the Arts. This may include workshops, subsidized employability training, internships, positive incentive-based activities, and employment at or with community arts organizations, subcontracted organizations, or other partnered spaces.

The Arts Initiative is a powerful tool for young people to explore the world, celebrate their own identities and cultures, and exchange experiences with one another. Programming options may also include collaboration with arts organizations and institutions that would provide opportunities for young people’s access to arts and culture shows and events (i.e.; museums, performances, etc.). The Department aims to encourage young people to explore the arts throughout the world, celebrate their own identities and cultures, and witness the professional arts industries that provide opportunities for artists in all media.

Responders should include a description of their Arts in Community programming and/or services as described above.

3) ARTS MENTORSHIP

A web of support is the intersection of a multilayered ecology filled with a network of relationships that provide social support. This framework is composed of three key layers that contribute to a young person’s development: relationships, resources, and network/social capital. [footnoteRef:2] [2: Center For Promise (2017). Defining Webs of Support: A New Framework to Advance Understanding of Relationships and Youth Development. Washington, DC: Americas Promise Alliance ]

Arts Mentorships aim to support the building and connection of positive relationships, meet resource needs to support young people's gains in their personal goals and build awareness and skills that support life-long social networks and social capital. They provide an opportunity for rapport and connection to support positive youth engagement, interest-based pursuits, and skill-building activities.

Arts Mentorship is an individualized and mostly 1:1 service model. Arts Mentorships provide young people with specific support that is determined with the young person to cater to the young person’s creative or artistic interests, needs, and goals. The Department will also consider group or peer mentorship models.

All Arts Mentorship opportunities are established in connection and collaboration with the DYS case management and/or program teams to support a young person’s case management plan and/or treatment objectives. The mentorship services support both the young person and their team in leveraging new contexts for engagement. It is crucial that the team and mentor work together to support the progression of these individualized services.

The DYS Arts Initiative team reviews current mentorships and new mentorship opportunities that may emerge. For example, mentorship opportunities may be initiated through programming such as an Arts Residency and can become formalized into mentor-mentee relationships. The Arts Mentorships provide a structure for building and/or sustaining relationships that DYS young people have found vibrant and encouraging.

Responders should describe their Arts Mentorship opportunities and any experience they have with mentoring young people with trauma histories and/or system involvement.

4) MUSIC STUDIOS

DYS is working to expand and support music studios in our residential settings and community District Offices. Our music studio equipment and spaces vary across programs and may range from full set-ups to mobile studio options. Please see Appendix M for more specifics.

DYS seeks the following:

Artists with interest and expertise supporting young people in learning all elements of audio engineering, recording, mixing, beat making, and producing.

Artists with interest and expertise supporting young people in developing their creative content and voice.

Support in the design and enhancement of music studio spaces.

Support and expertise in overseeing and maintaining the statewide music studio equipment.

Collaborators on best practices for how to leverage both the technical and artistic outlets that music studios provide while managing the unique safety and security parameters in a juvenile justice setting.

Artists that can provide instruction in instruments and recording of instruments.

Partnerships with Community-based Music Studios and Producers DYS is interested in building new partnerships with already established music studios and music producers in the community to provide young artists access to music production skill-building and support.

Artists and music studios and/or music producers with interest and expertise supporting young people in learning all elements of audio engineering, recording, and producing.

Artists and music studios and/or music producers with interest and expertise supporting young people in developing their creative content.

5) MURAL & SPACE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

The DYS Arts Initiative seeks to partner with artists interested in working with our young people and staff to design and implement projects that can enhance and transform our residential and community-based spaces.

DYS is seeking artists with interest and expertise in leading instruction and implementing projects that may include larger-scale murals or other art forms that would enhance the space and provide new types of interaction with art.

6) CREATIVE & TECHNICAL PRODUCTION SUPPORTS

The Arts Initiative needs to support productions on an ongoing basis including live performances, video performances, art galleries, and sales, as well as special projects, and events. DYS seeks to expand its network of production partners.

For the past decade, DYS has produced an annual, “Share Your Art, Share Your Voice Art Showcase”. DYS seeks to maintain annual production(s) and is interested in new ideas and partnerships for creative programming including but not limited to live and pre-recorded performances, a visual art gallery, and art sales.

DYS is seeking partners to work with the DYS Arts Initiative to support young people in realizing their creative vision.

DYS is seeking professional services including but not limited to:

Digital media, photography, videography, lighting and sound design and production, photo and video editing, set design, technical theater, and/or a venue or space.

Partners that can provide the above services while also including opportunities for young people to learn and practice these technical skills.

Performing arts coaching and providing rehearsal supports: voice, movement, content development, and other support to be determined.

The design, management and coordination of Art Gallery & Sales: In person & virtual formats.

Artwork preparation (framing, etc.)

Artwork gallery curation and display Artwork Sales process and mechanism

7) ARTS PROGRAMMING TRAINING, CONSULTATION & ARTS ADMINISTRATION

The Arts Initiative is a developing program and will benefit from training and consultation services. The Arts Initiative is developing a new Arts Administration structure. In particular, the Arts Initiative is interested in:

Expertise in Arts Administration. Arts Administration functions may include coaching Arts practitioners and providing technical support, data and evaluation design and implementation, coordination and project management of Arts programming and projects, the capability to subcontract to provide additional services, and the capability to support the organization and management of administrative tasks related to the Arts Roster Contracts.

Partnerships and expertise in the field of Hip-Hop Education and Arts-based therapeutic interventions.

Expertise in the design and support of multi-functional ‘Art Spaces’ in residential settings (visual arts, performance arts, etc.)

Expertise and support for an Arts Initiative website, including an online art gallery and sale feature Expertise in Youth Leadership and Peer Leadership programming. Programming development may include engaging current young people and DYS alumni in projects and/or new programming opportunities.

8) ARTS- GENERAL

The Arts Initiative is interested in new programming models and ideas. Responders should describe any Arts programming available through their organization that does not fit into the above categories.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

DYS will work with the successful Responders to benchmark appropriate target goals, and/or the successful Bidders may respond with achievable performance measures based on the suggested program design. The DYS Contracts Unit may also work with the successful Responders to establish additional Quality Assurance measures.

The amounts available to DYS for these services may increase or decrease based on the availability of funds allocated to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other special grant funds.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DYS PROVIDERS

Emergency Regulation 101 CMR 23.00 regarding COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccinations for Staff at Certain Agency Facilities COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination Requirement As outlined in 101 CMR 23.00, all state and contracted provider Staff and certain others listed in the memorandum who work at Massachusetts Public Health Hospitals and State-Operated Congregate Care settings must be vaccinated annually against seasonal influenza and remain up to date with available COVID-19 vaccines. Staff may choose to decline vaccination; in which case they must provide a signed declination statement certifying that they have received information regarding the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccines. To comply with regulatory requirements, 100% of Staff must be accounted for in one of two categories: vaccinated or declined.

Respiratory Virus Risk Mitigation Policy In addition to vaccination requirements, the Respiratory Virus Risk Mitigation Policy remains in effect. During periods of elevated risk, all Staff in youth-facing or direct care roles are required to wear masks in DYS residential programs. Elevated risk is defined as when 12% or more of hospital emergency department visits in the Commonwealth are attributed to respiratory viruses. This threshold is monitored weekly through the DPH Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard, which is updated every Thursday.

If you require guidance to determine if this regulation applies to the program type(s) you are proposing to implement, please reach out to DYS Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance Michael Lynch at michael.lynch4@mass.gov.Michael.Lynch4@mass.gov

Only respondents proposing to do business in state-operated congregate care settings (DYS hardware secure residential programs) are subject to this requirement.

Training Requirements Responders shall ensure all staff complete required DYS training as deemed necessary by the Department and as determined by the level of contact with youth to ensure all staff are best equipped to work effectively with the DYS population and in an effective partnership with DYS staff.

Background Checks Successful Responders’ staff will be subject to background checks in accordance with DYS policy/procedure and legal requirements. Background checks shall include a review of the following databases:

CORI

DCF

RMV

SORI

Multi-state fingerprinting

DYS Policy Compliance Successful Responders must comply with all DYS policies and procedures.

EVALUATION OF QUOTES

Arts Roster RFR quotes will be evaluated by a team of DYS staff from various DYS divisions. Proposals that do not contain all required components will not be eligible for further consideration.

The Department of Youth Services may also choose representatives of other state agencies or community groups to participate in the review process.

Compensation Structure:

The DYS Director of Transition Services and Programming and/or Arts Program Manager and the successful Responders will work with Arts Partners on the compensation structure. Any proposed budget is subject to modification based on the final scope of the agreed-upon services.

Additional Information:

Any questions regarding this procurement should be submitted in writing to Phillip Davis at phillip.w.davis@mass.gov. Questions and answers will be posted on COMMBUYS.

Additional Requirements:

At the Department’s discretion, additional references may be requested, and receipt is required prior to contract execution. The Department may also request interviews with potential Arts Partners.

Successful Responders must ensure adherence to DYS policies and compliance with all legal and contractual expectations.

Evaluation Criteria for Arts Roster Applications DYS utilizes a consensus model for evaluating Quotes. The evaluation committee members independently read and review all Quotes, then meet as a group to discuss and jointly rate all qualified Quotes to generate a prioritized award list. The committee members are oriented to ensure uniformity, accountability, fairness, and efficiency in awarding purchase-of-services contracts. Committee members evaluate each Quote against the established criteria described below.

The review committee members may use sources of information other than the Responder’s Quote to evaluate proposed programs. Other sources of information may include oral presentations by the Responder, written responses to questions posed by committee members, the Responder’s history and/or experience in providing services to young people in community and residential settings, the Responder’s past performance as a Responder, a review of current programs operated by the Responder, materials submitted for prequalification purposes, quality assurance and/or licensing surveys, telephone interviews with designated staff, an on-site review of the Responder’s (proposed) program site and other programs, a review of the Responder’s finances, discussion with relevant community members or Responders, governmental agencies and other funding organizations.

ANY AWARD FROM THIS PROCUREMENT IS SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION.

Proposal Outline and Evaluation Criteria for Single Service Provider or Consultant Proposals

QUESTION ONE

QUESTION TWO

QUESTION THREE

QUESTION FOUR

QUESTION FIVE

QUESTION SIX

QUESTION SEVEN

QUESTION EIGHT

QUESTION NINE

QUESTION TEN

QUESTION ELEVEN

TOTAL 100

CONCLUSION

The young people of DYS are an amazing, multi-talented force of creative energy and potential. Artists and organizations partnering with DYS will find it a highly rewarding opportunity to enrich their creative practice while being part of an Arts Initiative comprised of practitioners and young people invested in the power and joy of the arts. DYS recognizes the growing body of work that indicates arts-based programming as a highly effective platform that creates learning opportunities for young people’s skill development that are highly transferable across life domains.

See Appendix K – Wisdom from the Arts.

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