RFP 202603036 AMD1.docx

This is a Solicitation Amendment issued by the State of Maine Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services, modifying RFP 202603036 for Community-Based Diversion for Justice-Involved and At-Risk Youth. The RFP seeks community-based diversion programming services for youth ages 11-21 across three juvenile justice regions in Maine: Region 1 (York and Cumberland Counties), Region 2 (Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, and Sagadahoc Counties), and Region 3 (Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington Counties). Eligible programming includes community service, alternatives to suspension, diversion to assets, after-school programming, and recreational programming. Amendment 1 revises the Proposal Submission Deadline to April 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time (extended from the original April 24, 2026 deadline). The anticipated initial contract period runs from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods extending through June 30, 2030, and June 30, 2031. Questions must be submitted by April 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time.

Eligible bidders must maintain current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and demonstrate evidence-based or promising practices, with preference given to organizations capable of serving entire regions, though bidders may submit separate proposals for individual counties within a region. All staff and volunteers must undergo comprehensive background checks, and staff must receive training in trauma-informed care and positive youth development with a minimum of twelve continuing education units annually. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale: 20 points for organizational qualifications and experience, 55 points for proposed services, and 25 points for cost, with the lowest bid receiving full cost points and higher bids scored proportionally. Bidders must comply with Maine's Office of Information Technology information security policies, NIST standards, and breach notification protocols within 24 hours. Cost proposals must cover only the initial performance period (January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028) and be submitted as a fixed amount. Payment terms are anticipated to be net 30 upon receipt of accurate invoices containing the State contract number and required supporting documentation. The State reserves the right to make one or multiple awards and no specific budget range or award values are disclosed in the RFP.