F746734887_DCFRFP2122014PositivePathways.pdf

DCF RFP Template: 1 of 36 (PMT-05-2021) Effective 6/24/2021

STATE OF FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

OFFICE OF CHILD WELFARE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

DCF RFP 2122 014

Positive Pathways for Transitioning Postsecondary Youth

Release Date: FEBRUARY 21, 2022

DCF RFP Template: 2 of 36

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to the Procurement

1.2 Term of the Agreement

1.3 Contact Person and Procurement Officer

1.4 Official Notices

1.5 Protests

SECTION 2. SOLICITATION PROCESS

2.1 General Overview of the Process

2.2 Limitations on Contacting Department Personnel and Others

2.3 Timeline

2.4 Woman--, Veteran--, and Minority-owned Small Businesses Participation

2.5 Written Questions and Department Answers

2.6 Receipt of Proposals

2.7 Form PUR 1001

2.8 Department’s Discretion

SECTION 3. SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 Definitions

3.2 Minimum Programmatic Specifications

3.3 Minimum Financial Specifications

3.4 Composition of the Contract

3.5 Order of Precedence

3.6 Supporting Documentation

SECTION 4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO THE SOLICITATION

4.1 How to Submit a Proposal

4.2 Contents of the Proposal

4.3 Content of the Financial Proposal

4.4 Public Records and Trade Secrets

SECTION 5. THE SELECTION METHODOLOGY

5.1 Selection Criteria

5.2 Evaluation Phase Methodology

APPENDIX I: CERTIFICATE OF SIGNATURE AUTHORITY

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APPENDIX II: VENDOR’S CERTIFICATIONS

APPENDIX III: QUESTION SUBMITTAL FORM

APPENDIX IV: SUBCONTRACTOR LIST

APPENDIX V: BUDGET SUMMARY AND DETAIL INSTRUCTIONS

APPENDIX VI: PROJECT BUDGET SUMMARY

APPENDIX VII: PROPOSED COST ALLOCATION PLAN

APPENDIX VIII: STANDARD CONTRACT PART 1

APPENDIX IX: STANDARD CONTRACT PART 2

APPENDIX X: FEDERAL GRANT COMPLIANCE INTRODUCTION

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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to the Procurement

The Department of Children and Families (Department), Office of Child Welfare, is seeking a Vendor or Vendors for services to help address the need for a comprehensive support structure, in the academic arena, to assist children and young adults, who have been or continue to remain in the foster care system, transition from a structured care system into an independent living setting.

In addition, the Department is exploring the possibility of using an Independent Living (IL) application to help foster youth gain knowledge about topics including but not limited to:

Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) & Aftercare; Extended Foster Care (EFC); financial assistance; housing/transportation opportunities; Health – Medicaid (OTC, Transportation); mental health services; education-tuition waiver; assistance and access to SNAP, TANF, and WIC; youth rights and expectations (Bill of Rights); Extended Maintenance Adoption Subsidy; Extended Guardianship Assistance Program; contact information for IL Point of Contact (POC) & IL supervisor, positive pathways, ombudsman, youth councils, and Daniel Kids IL center; information board to jobs & youth voice opportunities; resource linkage to Care Portal and My 211 Florida.org; Office of Continuing Care; leadership opportunities; and advocate programs such as One Voice Impact, Florida Youth Shine, and Florida Youth Leadership Academy.

Should the Department require the IL application, the Department preference should be given to a Vendor or Vendors with an existing IL application and can enhance the Vendor or Vendors current IL application. With the IL application, the Department wants to give youth and young adults the resources that some youths do not receive while they are in care. There are a handful of youth that have expressed to the Department a lack of knowledge about these resources and the Department hopes that this IL application will decrease homelessness and increase the amount of youth having knowledge of resources in the community. Future versions of the IL application may include integrated platform capabilities, gamification and communication between administrators and users.

Any person interested in participating must comply with the terms of this solicitation.

1.2 Term of the Agreement

The anticipated start date of the resulting contract is July 1, 2022. The anticipated duration of the contract is from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. Renewal, if any, shall comply with s.

287.057(13), F.S.

1.3 Contact Person and Procurement Officer

The sole contact point for communication (which will only be accepted in writing) regarding this solicitation is:

Jessica Koburger Procurement Officer Florida Department of Children and Families

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2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 400, Room N348 Tallahassee, FL 32303 Jessica.Koburger@myflfamilies.com

1.4 Official Notices

All notices, decisions, intended decisions, addenda (including Notices of Intent to Award), and other matters relating to this solicitation will be posted on the Department of Management Services (DMS) Vendor Bid System (VBS) located at:

http://www.myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.main_menu

It is the responsibility of Vendors to check VBS for addenda, notices of decisions and other information or clarifications to this solicitation. Posting on VBS is the only official notice for determinations of timeliness of protests (see 1.5).

1.5 Protests

Any protest concerning this solicitation shall be made in accordance with sections 120.57(3) and 287.042(2), F.S., and Rule Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), F.S., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

Notices of Protest must be filed with the Clerk of Agency Proceedings (Agency.Clerk@myflfamilies.com).

SECTION 2. SOLICITATION PROCESS

2.1 General Overview of the Process

Proposals from responsible and responsive Vendors are eligible for evaluation. By submitting a proposal, the Vendor agrees to each of the certifications listed in this solicitation unless otherwise indicated.

The Department may request Vendor presentations.

2.2 Limitations on Contacting Department Personnel and Others

In accordance with s 287.057(23) F.S., “respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state approved holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a proposal.”

mailto:Jessica.Koburger@myflfamilies.com http://www.myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.main_menu mailto:Agency.Clerk@myflfamilies.com

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2.3 Timeline

Activity Date Time Eastern

Address Section Reference

Solicitation advertised and released on VBS:

February 21, 5:00 PM VBS Electronic Posting site:

http://myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_w ww.main_menu

1.4

Written questions must be received by:

February 28, 2:00 PM See Section 1.3 2.6

Department’s response to questions:

March 11, 2022 See Section 1.3 2.6

Sealed proposal must be received by the Department:

March 22, 2022 11:00

AM

See Section 1.3 2.7

*Proposal opening:

March 22, 2022 3:00 PM Please join meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

https://www.gotomeet.me/SolicitationAdmi nistration You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 Access Code: 687-621-357

2.7.3

Posting of intended contract award:

April 19, 2022 DMS VBS Electronic Posting site:

http://myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_w ww.main_menu

5.2.5

Effective date of contract:

July 1, 2022 N/A 1.2

*All meetings noted with an asterisk (*) are public meetings.

2.4 Woman--, Veteran--, and Minority-owned Small Businesses Participation

Woman--, Veteran--, and Minority-owned Small Businesses are encouraged to participate in any scheduled conferences, conference calls, or pre-solicitation meetings. All Vendors shall be accorded fair and equal treatment. For questions about registering to identify your Small Business as a Woman--, Veteran--, or Minority-owned Small Businesses visit:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd

2.5 Written Questions and Department Answers

Vendor questions for which binding Department answers are desired must be addressed as permitted in Section 1.3, using the template provided in APPENDIX III, and received by the Procurement Officer on or before the dates and time specified in Section 2.3.

https://www.gotomeet.me/SolicitationAdministration https://www.gotomeet.me/SolicitationAdministration https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd

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2.6 Receipt of Proposals

Due to health implications and sensitivity to COVID-19, the Department prefers proposals be sent by electronic means (email). The electronic submission must comply with the following requirements:

The Vendor shall submit an electronic version of the proposal in response to this solicitation (including all required documents) in PDF format as an attachment to an email sent to the Procurement Officer’s email address provided in Section 1.3. The software used to produce the electronic file must be Adobe portable document format (“pdf”), version 6.0 or higher.

The Department must be able to be open and view the proposal utilizing Adobe Acrobat. In the event that the electronic file attachment is too large to be submitted in a single email, the Vendor may utilize multiple emails so long as all required documents are delivered to the Procurement Officer by or before the date and time specified in Section 2.3. The Department can allow up to 100 MB for incoming attachments. The Vendor email system must also allow for a 100 MB attachment. Zipping attachments will reduce file sizes.

2.6.1 Proposal Deadline

Proposals must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than the date and time and at the address provided in Section 2.3. Facsimile or electronic transmissions of proposals will not be accepted. Vendors are exclusively responsible for timely delivery of sealed proposals to the Procurement Officer.

2.6.2 Proposal Withdrawal and Amendment

Vendors may withdraw, or withdraw and replace, previously submitted sealed proposals on or before the date and time specified for sealed proposals to be received by the Department.

2.6.3 Binding Proposal

Vendors are bound by their proposals until the latter of 60 calendar days after the proposal opening or the closing of all opportunities for protest or appeal.

2.6.4 Cost of Preparation of Proposal

The Department will not pay any costs incurred in responding to this solicitation.

2.7 Form PUR 1001

The standard “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 (10/06) is hereby incorporated into this solicitation by reference as if fully recited herein. In the event of any conflict between Form PUR 1001 and this solicitation, the terms of this solicitation shall take precedence over Form PUR 1001, unless the conflicting term is required by Florida law, in which case the term contained in Form PUR 1001 shall take precedence. Form PUR 1001 is available at:

http://www.dms.myflorida.com/media/purchasing/pur_forms/1001_pdf.

2.8 Department’s Discretion

2.8.1 The Department may:

2.8.1.1 Determine whether a Vendor is responsible, as defined in section 287.012, F.S.;

http://www.dms.myflorida.com/media/purchasing/pur_forms/1001_pdf

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2.8.1.2 Waive minor irregularities when doing so would be in the best interest of the State of Florida;

2.8.1.3 Withdraw the solicitation or reject all proposals at any time;

2.8.1.4 Select more than one Vendor for the commodities and contractual services encompassed by this solicitation;

2.8.1.5 Withdraw or amend its Notice of Award;

2.8.1.6 Award contract(s) for a reduced scope of the commodities and contractual services encompassed by this solicitation.

SECTION 3. SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 Definitions

Contract terms and Program or Service specific terms can be found in Section 1.4.1 of the STANDARD CONTRACT PART 1 (APPENDIX VIII) and Section A-1 of the STANDARD

CONTRACT PART 2 .

3.2 Minimum Programmatic Specifications

The selected Vendor(s) shall perform the tasks outlined in the Department’s STANDARD

CONTRACT PART 1 AND PART 2 (APPENDIX VIII and APPENDIX IX) in accordance with all terms therein.

3.3 Minimum Financial Specifications

The selected Vendor(s) shall be compensated in the manner set forth in STANDARD

CONTRACT PART 2 (APPENDIX IX) in accordance with all terms therein.

3.3.1 Funding Sources

The contract services are associated with the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee Program). This contract will be funded 80% by Chafee Program funds and 20% by state match (general revenue).

The total dollar amount shall not exceed $100,000.00 for SFY 2022-2023; $100,000.00 for SFY 2023-2024; and $100,000.00 for SFY 2024-2025. The Department reserves the right to expand services after the contract is executed, based on the availability of funds.

3.3.2 Allowable Costs

Expenditures shall meet the minimum requirements established by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Accounting and Auditing, Bureau of Auditing, Reference Guide for State Expenditures, which is available at the Department of Financial Services web site.

3.3.3 No Cost-of-Living Increases

The Department does not fund Cost-of-Living increases.

3.4 Composition of the Contract

The contract awarded as a result of this solicitation will be composed of:

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3.4.1 Department’s Standard Contract

The Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT PART 1 (APPENDIX VIII) contains general contract terms and conditions required by the Department for all Vendors. In addition, the Department’s PART 2 (APPENDIX IX) contains additional contract terms and conditions governing the performance of work, the clients to be served, required deliverables, performance standards, and compensation.

3.4.2 Form PUR 1000

Form PUR 1000 is incorporated by reference into the Department’s Standard Contract. In the event of any conflict between Form PUR 1000 and this solicitation, the terms of this solicitation shall take precedence over Form PUR 1000, unless the conflicting term is required by Florida law, in which case the term contained in Form PUR 1000 shall take precedence. Form PUR 1000 is available at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_age ncy_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

3.4.3 Other Attachments or Exhibits

All other attachments and exhibits to the contract referenced in this solicitation shall also be part of the resulting contract, if any; and

3.4.4 Vendor Proposal

The Vendor’s proposal and any additional submittals, if incorporated into or attached to the contract.

3.5 Order of Precedence

In the event of conflict within any two or more documents within the contract documents listed in 3.4, the earlier listed document shall control (e.g., 3.4.2. will control over 3.4.3).

3.6 Supporting Documentation

This table lists the supporting documentation, and the associated link to download the supporting documentation.

Subject Description Link

Section 1009.25 (c) and (d), F.S.

Lists children and young adults who have been or are in foster care as those who are exempt from payment of tuition and fees at a school district that provides workforce education programs, Florida College System institution, or state university.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/St atutes/index.cfm?App_mode =Display_Statute&Search_Str ing=&URL=1000- 1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.

html

Section 409.1452, F.S.

Collaboration with Board of Governors, Florida College System, and Department of Education to assist children and young adults who have been or are in foster care.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/St atutes/index.cfm?App_mode =Display_Statute&Search_Str ing=&URL=0400- 0499/0409/Sections/0409.145 2.html https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.25.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1452.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1452.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1452.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1452.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1452.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1452.html

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Subject Description Link

Section 409.1451, F.S.

The Road-to-Independence Program http://www.leg.state.fl.us/st atutes/index.cfm?App_mode =Display_Statute&Search_Str ing=&URL=0400- 0499/0409/Sections/0409.145 1.html

SECTION 4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO THE SOLICITATION

4.1 How to Submit a Proposal

4.1.1 Number of Copies Required and Format for Submittal

Vendors shall submit their proposal, pursuant to Section 2.6, Receipt of Proposals.

Electronic signatures are acceptable. The proposal submitted to the Department must contain an original signature of an official authorized to bind the Vendor to the proposal. If applicable, one redacted copy of the proposal, identical to the original copy and clearly labeled as redacted, must also be submitted.

4.1.2 Sealed Proposals

The email sent to the Procurement Officer’s email address provided in Section 1.3, Contact Person and Procurement Officer, must include the title of the proposal, the solicitation number, the Vendor's name, and identification of enclosed documents.

4.1.3 Proposal Format

Proposals must be typed, single-spaced, on 8 1/2” x 11” format. Pages must be numbered in a logical, consistent fashion. Figures, charts, and tables should be numbered and referenced by number in the text. The proposal must be submitted in accordance with Section 4.2, Contents of Proposal, and Section 4.3, Content of the Financial Proposal.

4.2 Contents of the Proposal

4.2.1 Title Page

The first page of the proposal shall be a Title Page that contains the following information:

4.2.1.1 Title of solicitation;

4.2.1.2 Solicitation number;

4.2.1.3 Vendor’s name and federal tax identification number;

4.2.1.4 Name, title, telephone number, email address and mailing address of person who can respond to inquiries regarding the proposal;

4.2.1.5 Name of program coordinator (if known); and

4.2.1.6 Vendor’s point of contact’s email address and mailing address.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1451.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1451.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1451.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1451.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1451.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0409/Sections/0409.1451.html

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4.2.2 TAB 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS

4.2.3 TAB 2: SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for this solicitation:

4.2.3.1 Signature Authority

Include a signed certificate (APPENDIX I), completing either Section A (or providing a corporate resolution or other duly executed certification issued in the Vendor’s normal course of business) or Section B, demonstrating the person signing the proposal, and its statements and certifications, is authorized to make such representations and to bind the Vendor.

4.2.3.2 Vendor Certifications

Include the Vendor Certifications Form (APPENDIX II) signed by the person named in the Certificate of Signature Authority as the Authorized Representative of the Vendor and with “true” checked next to each of the Certifications (a) through (f).

4.2.4 TAB 3: EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Provide a brief executive overview demonstrating an understanding of the solicitation purpose and the needs specified in this solicitation. The Executive Overview includes a brief description of the Vendor’s organization, leadership credentials, approach for Scope of Work services, management of Performance Specifications, and timeline and means of completing Deliverables as defined in the Department’s STANDARD

CONTRACT PART 2 (APPENDIX IX).

4.2.4.1 The Vendor shall:

4.2.4.1.1 Describe Vendor’s approach and philosophy, including mission statement, core values, and vision.

4.2.4.1.2 Propose a method to track progress in the Vendor’ program. The Vendor shall propose quantitative and qualitative measurable outcomes based on the service provision. These outcomes measures shall be reported to the Department and included in ATTACHMENT 1, Performance Measure Compliance Report.

4.2.4.1.3 Describe Vendor’s organization and governance structure, depicting clear lines of authority including corporate affiliations;

describe how the structure represents a lean, efficient, and effective administrative model; describe experience and achievements in developing a governance model is designed to avoid conflicts of interest.

4.2.4.1.4 Vendor shall provide a brief description of their experiences with implementing, operating, and maintaining their similar services for public and private entities.

4.2.4.1.5 IL Application. Provide a brief high-level description of the Vendor’s existing application. Provide a written capabilities statement and an overview of the application’s ability and approach to meet the requirements of this RFP. The Vendor shall

DCF RFP Template: 12 of 36 directly address the capabilities listed in Exhibit C, of the Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT PART 2 (APPENDIX IX) and highlight if these features are standard functionality in the application currently available for implementation and to what extent, or are in process for a future release (and the release date available for implementation), or would require a custom solution. If custom, note the extent of customization needed and method, and describe the plan and target date for complying with the requirements.

4.2.4.1.5.1. The Vendor shall describe the approach to

operating and maintaining the application, including the timing and frequency of making any changes to the application such as break/fix/defect repair changes, system upgrades, infrastructure upgrades, and discretionary customer change requests, as described in Section C-1.1.11.2.

Provide information regarding the Vendor’s change management and configuration management methodology as relevant to the application. Topics to be covered in the response include:

4.2.4.1.5.1.1. The approach and frequency for

deploying new releases and interim enhancements to Vendor’s clients, including testing, training, and training material update approaches.

4.2.4.1.5.1.2. Vendor ability and/or policy to

support out of cycle enhancements and Vendor ability to accelerate development and delivery.

4.2.4.1.5.1.3. Vendor process for the intake of

enhancement requests from clients and ensuring an understanding of the scope and priority.

4.2.4.1.5.1.4. Vendor process and criteria for

determining the prioritization of changes across multiple customers.

4.2.4.1.5.1.5. Vendor process for determining

which requests will be fulfilled and scheduled.

4.2.4.1.5.1.6. Whether there are different

processes for enhancements versus report requests.

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4.2.4.1.5.1.7. The average time between original

intake and deployment of an enhancement.

4.2.4.1.6 Describe the potential barriers facing those former foster youth from succeeding in their transition and identify an organizational plan that will minimize or eliminate those barriers.

4.2.4.1.7 Describe the Vendor’s specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet the project management requirements of the

RFP.

4.2.4.1.8 Provide the requested information below which will demonstrate the Vendor’s and subcontractor(s)' ability to successfully complete the work described in this solicitation and its appendices, attachments, exhibits, and referenced supporting documentation.

The Vendor’s and any proposed subcontractor(s)’ information shall be shown separately.

4.2.4.2 Additional Corporate Information

In addition to the other information described above, the Vendor and the subcontractor(s) shall provide:

4.2.4.2.1 Full legal name and its associated Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or Social Security Number if a FEIN is not required;

4.2.4.2.2 Proof of registration with MFMP;

4.2.4.2.3 Country and state of incorporation;

4.2.4.2.4 Principal place of business;

4.2.4.2.5 Description of the Vendor’s organization, including number of years in business, subsidiaries, parent corporations, officers;

include organization charts and details concerning the number of facilities by geographic location; and

4.2.4.2.6 Names and addresses of all affiliated or related companies, partnerships, or associations (including subcontractor, if any) and a brief description of its relationship to the Vendor.

4.2.5 TAB 4: CORE TEAM QUALIFICATIONS (Limited to 10 pages)

4.2.5.1 The Vendor shall describe the qualifications and credentials of their leadership team with an explanation of why the leadership team is qualified to lead their organization in meeting the needs of this solicitation. In addition, the Vendor must include résumés for key leadership personnel describing their work experience, education, and training as it relates to the requirements of this solicitation and the Department’s STANDARD

CONTRACT PART 1 AND PART 2 (APPENDIX VIII and APPENDIX IX).

4.2.5.1.1 The Vendor needs to have at least 5 years’ experience working with former foster youth and have examples of how their

DCF RFP Template: 14 of 36 organization minimized or eliminated barriers, showing evidence of student success

4.2.5.1.2 The Vendor shall have experience working with diverse communities, and the Vendor shall describe this previous working experience. The Vendor needs to have experience coordinating Statewide Symposiums or Conferences, and the Vendor shall describe this previous experience. The Vendor needs to have experience working with a diverse network of education providers, and the Vendor shall describe this previous experience.

4.2.5.1.3 The staff assigned to lead this project need to have at least a bachelor’s degree or 5 years of experience working with this child welfare population. The staff will have experience in public service with a focus of improving educational outcomes.

4.2.5.2 The proposal shall include the Vendor’s operational approach to the recruitment, training, supervision, and retention of qualified personnel as described in the Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT PART 1 AND

PART 2 (APPENDIX VIII and APPENDIX IX). The proposal should address all applicable personnel grievance and conflict resolution practices. The Vendor should explain how it’s organization, subcontractors, and staffing levels will best meet the performance standards required to perform properly. It is also important to describe the credentials for human resources, quality assurance, financial, information technology, and other key professional level employees.

4.3 Content of the Financial Proposal

4.3.1 Financial Proposal Title Page

The first page of the proposal shall be a Title Page that contains the following information:

4.3.1.1 Title of solicitation;

4.3.1.2 Solicitation number;

4.3.1.3 Vendor’s name and federal tax identification number;

4.3.1.4 Name, title, telephone number and address of person who can respond to inquiries regarding the proposal;

4.3.1.5 Name of program coordinator (if known);

4.3.1.6 Vendor’s point of contact’s mailing address and email address.

4.3.2 TAB 1: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

4.3.2.1 Financial Management

The Vendor must describe its current financial management and accounting systems and capability.

4.3.2.2 Proposed Service Efficiencies and Re-investment

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The Vendor shall provide information on how it plans to develop efficiencies in the services being provided. From this plan, the Vendor shall show how the cost reduction or added services that are realized from these efficiencies will be re-invested into the required services.

4.3.2.3 Ongoing Approach to Reduce Administrative Costs and Expand Services

The Vendor shall provide its ongoing approach to reduce administrative cost, without affecting the quality of the services.

4.3.3 TAB 2: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

4.3.3.1 TAB 2: BUDGET

The Vendor shall submit:

4.3.3.1.1 The budgets and budget narratives to perform networking services as outlined in Sections C-1.1.1 through C-1.1.10 and C-1.1.12 through C-1.1.14, of the Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT PART 2, and applicable reporting requirements as outlined in Exhibits D, E, and F for these services. The Provider shall submit a budget and budget narrative for each fiscal year, (e.g., July 1, 2022

– June 30, 2023, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, and July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The budget totals should be based on available funding projections, if any, and if different, the Vendor should explain the differences.

4.3.3.1.2 The budgets and budget narratives to perform IL Application services as outline in Section C-1.1.11, of the Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT

PART 2. The Provider shall submit a budget and budget narrative for each fiscal year, (e.g., July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, and July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The budget totals should be based on available funding projections, if any, and if different, the Vendor should explain the differences.

4.3.3.2 TAB 2: COST ALLOCATION PLAN

The Vendor shall submit a proposed Cost Allocation Plan that clearly displays the allocation of costs across funding sources using the template provided in APPENDIX

VII to identify the distribution of costs between the proposed services and any other programs operated by the Vendor. The Cost Allocation Plan must identify, by line item, any cost in the proposed budget. The Cost Allocation Plan must include any indirect costs included in the Cost Reply, the indirect rate, and the allocation methodology used to determine the indirect rate.

4.4 Public Records and Trade Secrets

4.4.1 How to Claim Trade Secret Protection

If the Vendor considers any portion of the documents, data or records submitted in its proposal to be trade secret, as defined in Section 812.081(1)(c), F.S., and exempt from public inspection or disclosure pursuant to Florida’s Public Records Law, the Vendor must submit all such information in a separately bound document (or in the case of electronic media, in a manner compliant with Section 4.1.4, , with the words "Trade Secret" included in the file name) clearly labeled "Attachment to Proposal, Solicitation No. – Trade Secret Material". Appropriate cross-references should be included in nonexempt materials. The first page of the electronic file and hardcopy documents must explain why the information in the document is a trade secret. This submission must be

DCF RFP Template: 16 of 36 made no later than the proposal submittal deadline. Where such information is part of material already required to be submitted as a separately bound or enclosed portion of the proposal, it shall be further segregated and separately bound or enclosed and clearly labeled as set forth above in addition to any other labeling required of the material. If the Vendor considers any portion of a submission made after its proposal to be trade secret the Vendor must clearly label the submission as containing trade secret information (or in the case of electronic media, include "Trade Secret" in the relevant file names).

4.4.2 Vendor’s Duty to Respond to Public Records Requests

In response to any notice by the Department that a public records request received by the Department encompasses any portion of the separately bound part of the Vendor’s proposal or other submissions labeled as “trade secret,” the Vendor shall expeditiously provide the Department, or the public pursuant to subsection 119.0701(2), Florida Statutes, with a redacted version of the document(s) and identify in writing the specific statutes and facts that authorize exemption of the information from the Public Records Law. If different exemptions are claimed to be applicable to different portions of the redacted information, the Vendor shall provide information correlating the nature of the claims to the redacted information. The redacted copy must only exclude or obliterate only those exact portions that are claimed confidential or trade secret. If the Vendor fails to promptly submit a redacted copy and justification in response to the notice of a public records request, the Department is authorized to produce the records sought without any redaction.

4.4.3 Department not Obligated to Defend Vendor Claims

The Department is not obligated to agree with or defend any Vendor claim of exemption from inspection and copying under Florida’s Public Records Law. The Vendor is responsible for defending such claims. Further, the Vendor shall protect, defend, and indemnify, including attorney’s fees and costs, the Department for actions (including litigation initiated by the Department) arising from or relating to such claims.

SECTION 5. THE SELECTION METHODOLOGY

The Department intends to award the contract to the responsible and responsive Vendor(s) whose proposal is determined, in writing, to be the most advantageous to the state. The Department will award the contract based on a consideration of the relative importance of price and other evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation. The Department may also make a determination as to whether to deem one or more Vendors ineligible for award due to non-responsibility or non-responsiveness. The Department will electronically post the intent to award in accordance with section 120.57(3)(a), Florida Statutes, and Rule 60A-1.021, Florida Administrative Code.

5.1 Selection Criteria

The following Selection Criteria shall apply for this solicitation:

Criteria

• Criteria 1: Displaying an understanding of the purpose of this RFP

• Criteria 2: Organizational Qualifications

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• Criteria 3: Project Staffing

• Criteria 4: Project Management

• Criteria 5: Vendor’s Approach and Solution

• Criteria 6: Technical Capability

• Criteria 7: Vendor’s Budget and Budget Narrative for Sections C-1.1.1 through C-1.1.10 and C-1.1.12 through C-1.1.14.

• Criteria 8: Vendor’s Budget and Budget Narrative for Section C-1.1.11

• Criteria 9: Cost Allocation Plan

The Department may consider any information that reflects upon a Vendor’s capability to fully perform the contract requirements and demonstrates the level of integrity and reliability required to assure performance of the contract.

5.2 Evaluation Phase Methodology

All proposals determined to be responsive will be evaluated using the process outlined below.

5.2.1 Programmatic Scoring

The Department’s Evaluators will independently evaluate each Programmatic Proposal in accordance with the following criteria:

Criteria Relative Value

Possible Points

Criteria 1: Displaying an understanding of the purpose of this RFP

Understanding of the purpose of this RFP

• The Vendor needs to have a full comprehension of the needed academic support structure and services necessary to assist former foster youth in making the transition to and through the college and university systems.

• The Vendor needs to be aware of the potential barriers facing those former foster youth from succeeding in their transition and identify an organizational plan that will minimize or eliminate those barriers.

• The Vendor proposes outcome measures that are quantitative and qualitative to measure performance.

24% 60

Criteria 2: Organizational Qualifications

• The Vendor needs to have at least 5 years’ experience working with former foster youth and have examples of how their organization minimized or eliminated barriers, showing evidence of student success.

• The Vendor needs to have experience working with diverse communities.

o The Vendor needs to have experience coordinating Statewide Symposiums or Conferences.

16% 40

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Criteria Relative Value

Possible Points o The Vendor needs to have experience working with a diverse network of education providers.

Criteria 3: Project Staffing

• The staff assigned to lead this project need to have at least a bachelor’s degree or 5 years of experience working with this child welfare population. The staff will have experience in public service with a focus of improving educational outcomes.

o Prioritize the hiring of staff with lived experience.

• Staff need to have knowledge of Florida’s Child Welfare system and in particular those services available to former foster youth.

8% 20

Criteria 4: Project Management

• The Vendor’s use of specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet the requirements of the RFP. 16% 40

Criteria 5: Vendor’s Approach and Solution

• The Vendor’s articulation of its solution and the ability of the solution to meet the requirements of this RFP and provide additional value.

• The Vendor’s approach to working with CBCs to communicate to graduating high school youth about the available services.

• Vendor’s approach and solution to networking with campus coaches to assist students who are seeking certifications and degrees at state colleges and universities.

8% 20

Criteria 6: Technical Capability

Technical Capability

• The Vendor’s technical capability to meet the requirements of the

RFP.

4% 10

• (Optional) The Vendor’s capability of develop, create, host, update, and support a Department -approved IL application to support youth and young adults with the resources necessary to transition into adulthood.

o Priority to a Vendor with an existing application that would need to be updated.

4% 10

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Criteria Relative Value

Possible Points

TOTAL 80% 200

5.2.2 Financial Scoring:

Criteria 7: Vendor’s Budget and Budget Narrative for Sections C-1.1.1 through C-1.1.10 and C-1.1.12 through C-1.1.14.

• The budgets and budget narratives to perform networking services as outlined in Sections C-1.1.1 through C-1.1.10 and C-1.1.12 through C-1.1.14, of the Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT

PART 2, and applicable reporting requirements as outlined in Exhibits D, E, and F for these services. The Provider shall submit a budget and budget narrative for each fiscal year, (e.g., July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, and July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The budget totals should be based on available funding projections, if any, and if different, the Vendor should explain the differences.

8% 20

Criteria 8: Vendor’s Budget and Budget Narrative for Section C-1.1.11

• (Optional) The budgets and budget narratives to perform IL Application services as outline in Section C-1.1.11, of the Department’s STANDARD CONTRACT PART 2. The Provider shall submit a budget and budget narrative for each fiscal year, (e.g., July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, and July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The budget totals should be based on available funding projections, if any, and if different, the Vendor should explain the differences.

8% 20

Criteria 9: Cost Allocation Plan

• Evaluate the Vendor’s Cost Allocation Plan to ensure that it clearly displays the allocation of costs across funding sources to identify the distribution of costs between the proposed services and any other programs operated by the Vendor. The Cost Allocation Plan must identify, by line item, any cost in the proposed budget. The Cost Allocation Plan must include any indirect costs included in the Cost Reply, the indirect rate, and the allocation methodology used to determine the indirect rate.

4% 10

TOTAL 20% 50

5.2.3 Total Score of Proposals

The total possible points for the financial proposal are: 50.

The maximum points awarded for this solicitation are: 250.

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The Procurement Officer will average the total programmatic point scores and the total financial point scores. The Procurement Officer will then add the programmatic proposal points score to the financial proposal point scores to obtain a total score. The Procurement Officer will use the total points to rank Vendors. This ranking will serve as the recommended ranking of the Department’s Evaluators.

For example:

Firm Raw Points Received Rank

Company A 900 2

Company B 1000 1

Company C 800 3*

Company D 750 5

Company E 800 3*

*In the event that multiple firms have the same raw point score, the rank positions needed to cover those firms are the same. Each firm receives a rank of 3.

5.2.4 Report of the Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer will report those proposals deemed responsive and Vendors deemed responsible. The report will include the Vendor rankings.

5.2.5 Selection of Vendor(s), Decision to Reject All, or Cancel

The Department will make a determination to award to the Vendor(s), reject all proposals, or cancel this procurement. The Department will notice, in writing, it’s decision on VBS: http://vbs.dms.state.fl.us/vbs/main_menu.

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APPENDIX I: CERTIFICATE OF SIGNATURE AUTHORITY

Check below and complete Section A or Section B

Vendor is not a sole proprietorship (Complete Section A)

Vendor is a sole proprietorship (Complete Section B)

Section A

I, _______________________________ _______ (name), hold the office or position of ____________________________________ (title) with__________________ (legal name of vendor) and have authority to make official representations by said vendor regarding its official records and hereby state that my examination of the vendor’s records show that __________________________ (name) currently holds the office or position of ______________________________ (title) with the vendor and currently has authority to make binding representations to the Department and sign all documents submitted on behalf of the above-named vendor in response to solicitation # ____________, and, in so doing, to bind the named vendor to the statements made therein.

Dated:

Signature:

Printed Name:

Title:

NOTE: In lieu of the above, the vendor may submit a corporate resolution or other duly executed certification issued in the vendor’s normal course of business to prove signature authority of the named Authorized Representative.

Section B

I, ____________________________(name) am a sole proprietor, personally doing business in the name of ________________________________________ (name of vendor), and will be personally bound by the proposal submitted in response to solicitation # ________.

Dated:

Signature:

Printed Name:

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APPENDIX II: VENDOR’S CERTIFICATIONS

CERTIFICATIONS

MASTER CERTIFICATION

As the person named in the Certificate of Signature Authority as the Authorized Representative of the vendor, ________________________________________ (legal name of vendor), I confirm that I have fully informed myself of all terms and conditions of solicitation #__________ (the solicitation), the facts regarding the proposal submitted by the vendor in response to the solicitation and the truth of each statement contained in Certifications (a) through (f) and certify, by checking the applicable “true” or “false” box below and affixing my signature hereto, that each statement in each checked certification is “true” or “false” as indicated.

Check the applicable box next to the title to each certification:

True False

a. Certification of Binding Proposal and Acceptance of Terms of the Solicitation and Contract Document

b. Statement of No Prohibited Involvement

c. Statement Non-Collusion

d. Certification Regarding Subcontractors

e. Certification Regarding Prior Contractual Obligations

f. Certification of Representations Per sections 287.133, and 287.134, F.S.

The content of each certification named above, set forth below, is incorporated into this Master Certification as if fully recited herein and, for each certification marked “true” above, the below signature is deemed to be affixed to each such certification. I agree that any certification not marked above will be deemed “false.”

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Date:

a. Certification of Binding Proposal and Acceptance of Terms of the Solicitation and Contract Document

By checking the “True” box in the Master Certification and signing the same, I hereby certify that the vendor’s proposal submitted in response to the Department of Children and Families Request for Proposals (the solicitation ) is binding on the vendor in accordance with the terms of the solicitation. If awarded any contract as a result of the solicitation, the vendor will comply with the specifications, terms, and conditions stated in the solicitation and the contract document.

b. Statement of No Prohibited Involvement

By checking the “True” box in the Master Certification and signing the same, I hereby certify that no member of this firm or any person having interest in this firm has: Been awarded a contract as described in subsections 287.057(17)(c), Florida Statutes, to perform a feasibility study of the potential implementation of a subsequent contract to support this project, participated in drafting of a solicitation for this specific project, or developed a program for future implementation of this project.

c. Statement of Non-Collusion

By checking the “True” box in the Master Certification and signing the same, I hereby certify that all persons, companies, or parties interested in the solicitation as principals are named therein, that the vendor’s proposal is made without collusion with any other vendor.

d. Certification Regarding Subcontractors

By checking the “True” box in the Master Certification and signing the same, I hereby certify the vendor’s agreement that by submitting a proposal to this solicitation, the vendor waives any exclusivity provision in its subcontractor agreements.

e. Certification Regarding Prior Contractual Obligations

By checking the “True” box in the Master Certification and signing the same, I hereby certify the vendor has not:

(1) Failed to correct any unsatisfactory performance in a previous contract to the satisfaction of any Agency or eligible user;

(2) Had a contract terminated by any Agency or eligible user for cause; or

(3) Failed to sign a contract awarded by any Agency.

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f. Certification of Representations Per Sections 287.042, 287.133 and 287.134, Florida Statutes

By checking the “True” box in the Master Certification and signing the same, I hereby certify the vendor is not listed on the Suspended Vendors List maintained pursuant to Rule 60A-1.006, F.A.C., Convicted Vendors List created and maintained pursuant to section 287.133, F.S., or on the Discriminatory Vendors List created and maintained pursuant to section 287.134, F.S, and for Federal funds, not be listed on the governmentwide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM).

TIE BREAKING CERTIFICATIONS

Statutory Preferences When Awarding Contracts Various provisions of Chapters 287 and 295, F.S., provide qualifying vendors the advantage of "tie breakers" whenever two or more bids, proposals, or replies received by an agency are equal with respect to price, quality, and service. In order to take advantage of the below "tie breakers," a vendor who meets the statutory qualifications for one or more of these "tie breakers" must certify that it qualifies for the cited preference. Completion of the certification is optional for qualifying vendors; however, a vendor waives all rights to consideration of a "tie breaker" if it fails to submit the certification on or before the deadline to submit its bid, proposal or reply.

MASTER CERTIFICATION – TIE-BREAKING CERTIFICATIONS

As the Authorized Representative of the vendor, ________________________________________ (legal name of vendor), I confirm that I have fully informed myself of all terms and conditions of the solicitation ____________(the solicitation), the facts regarding the proposal submitted by the vendor in response to the solicitation and the truth of each statement contained in Certifications (g) through (k) and certify, by checking one or more of the boxes below and affixing my signature hereto, that each statement in each checked certification is true.

Check the box next to the title to each certification that is true:

g. Certification of a Certified Minority Business Enterprise

h. Certification of a Certified Veteran Business Enterprise

i. Certification of a Florida Business

j. Certification of a Foreign Manufacturer with a Factory in Florida

k. Certification of a Drug Free Workplace

The content of each certification named above, set forth below, is incorporated into this Master Certification as if fully recited herein and, for…