Response to Offeror Questions document.pdf

RFP11660 South Dakota Central Prevention Resource Center Development

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT

523 EAST CAPITOL AVENUE

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA 57501-3182

South Dakota Central Prevention Resource Center Development

PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM CST ON DECEMBER 4TH, 2024.

RFP11660 BUYER: Division of Behavioral Health POC: Kirsten Blachford Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us

Written Responses to Offeror Questions

# Vendor Question Answer 1 a) We are currently completing the tasks within the SPF internally for our communities in Dewey and Ziebach. If we were to apply, would it be allowable to use these funds to concentrate services within those two counties, while expanding resources to the other 13 listed in the RFP?

b) Are there existing coalitions or community networks within the target counties that we should coordinate with, or are we expected to establish these relationships independently?

Most of the identified counties do not currently have an established coalition or other prevention infrastructure in place. Therefore, it is anticipated that the awarded offeror will be the primary provider of direct prevention service delivery in these counties until prevention coalitions are developed. The proposed implementation of direct prevention service delivery should be outlined in the offeror’s proposal. Technical assistance will be provided from the three existing Prevention Resource Centers (PRCs) to help guide these efforts.

There are two existing coalitions that are contracted with the Department of Social Services (DSS) that fall within the catchment area of the CPRC. The DSS will facilitate introductions between the CPRC and those two coalitions.

2 Reading through the proposal, is this primarily a call for an offeror to start up and manage the CPRC program, or is the state looking for assistance to plan and build a CPRC facility, for which the state will manage the staff and programs?

This is a call for an offeror to start up and manage the

CPRC.

3 What is the expected timeframe and/or contract period for the $187,947 available for year 1?

The yearly contracted amount is expected to be $187,947.

The state fiscal year goes from June 1 – May 31, and the current state fiscal year ends May 31, 2025. Therefore, the first contract is expected to be for the March 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025 timeframe. The following contract will be for June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026.

mailto:Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us

4 If community needs or program priorities change over the contract period, is there flexibility to adjust the budget or reallocate resources within the approved budget?

There is flexibility to reallocate resources within the approved budget as priorities change based on the needs of the catchment area. Any changes in scope or budget need to be communicated with and approved by the Division of Behavioral Health and may require contract amendments.

5 Could you provide more clarity on the specific performance criteria or benchmarks that will determine eligibility for contract renewal in years six and seven?

As stated in 1.14 Length of Contract, “The option for renewal for year six (6) and seven (7) are dependent on the offeror’s performance on implementing the services as outlined in section 3.2 of this RFP.

6 What is the State's sustainability plan for the Central Prevention Resource Center beyond years six and seven?

DSS will do their diligence in looking for alternative, non-discretionary funding streams but long-term viability will be equally informed by the offeror’s successful implementation of the efforts in the central region.

7 What level of involvement will the State have in creating, implementing, and sustaining the Central Prevention Resource Center with the awardee?

The State and three existing PRCs will provide training and technical assistance to guide the CPRC through the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) process. The State will not administer any direct prevention services.

8 Could you provide more detailed guidelines on the types of outcome measures or data metrics that should be collected and reported? Are there specific reporting templates or software that should be used?

DSS will provide any applicable reporting templates or software upon award. The project’s data analyst will train CPRC staff on proper data collection techniques, informed consent, participant protection, and any unique software utilized to facilitate surveys or other feedback mechanisms.

Examples of required data collection include, but are not limited to the following:

• Number of community prevention activities completed

• Number of individuals participating in prevention activities

• Key Stakeholder Interviews

• Past 30-day use of substances

• Perception of harm of substance use

9 Is there a preferred list of TOT (Training of Trainers) programs that we should focus on for our staff, or are we free to propose TOT programs based on our analysis of community needs?

The contracted prevention network in South Dakota utilizes an approved evidence-based programming list with additional programs reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The following programs are currently on the approved list:

• LifeSkills

• Project SUCCESS

• Too Good for Drugs

• Positive Action

• Project Venture

• Canoe Journey Life’s Journey: Life Skills for Native Adolescents (Medicine Wheel Journey)

• S.A.F.E.

• Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol

(CMCA)

• Challenging College Alcohol Abuse (CCAA)

• Strengthening Families The offeror may propose other evidence-based TOT programs not listed above. Any TOT program proposed should be supported through the community needs.

10 What level of detail is expected in Letters of Support from community stakeholders, and should these letters indicate specific commitments or collaborations?

The offeror’s letter of support should contain the community stakeholder’s understanding and endorsement of the project, while also indicating specific areas of potential collaboration or support where appropriate.