RFP_35910-12703_Amd_1_Schedule.pdf

This is an amendment to a Request for Proposals issued by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services for Statewide Home Study Services across six geographic regions: East, Mid-State, Mid-West, Northeast, Tennessee Valley, and West. The RFP seeks six separate contracts to provide comprehensive home study services, including evaluations for traditional foster parent applicants, Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC) referrals, and court-ordered home assessments. Proposers must be capable of completing 60 percent of traditional home studies within 60 days and 80 percent of all home studies within 89 days. Amendment 1 updates the RFP schedule, establishing the following key dates: the RFP was issued October 13, 2025; disability accommodation requests are due by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on October 17, 2025; notices of intent to respond are due by 2:00 p.m. on October 20, 2025; written questions and comments are due by 2:00 p.m. on October 23, 2025; the state will respond to written questions by November 21, 2025; and proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on December 4, 2025. The state will complete technical evaluations by December 12, 2025, open and score cost proposals on December 15, 2025, conduct negotiations on December 16-17, 2025, and release notice of intent to award on December 22, 2025. The open file period concludes at 4:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, with the state sending contracts to selected contractors on January 5, 2026, and contractor signature deadline set for 2:00 p.m. on January 7, 2026.

The compensation structure is based on a per-completed-study basis at $225 per study, with separate rates required for traditional home studies, ICPC studies, and orders of reference for each of the six regions. The evaluation process utilizes a 100-point scoring system, allocating 25 points to general qualifications and experience, 45 points to technical qualifications and approach, and 30 points to cost considerations. The initial contract term commences from the effective date with options for up to four 12-month renewals, not to exceed a total contract period of 60 months. Multiple contracts may be awarded to a single vendor across different regions. The state has explicitly indicated a commitment to providing procurement opportunities to diverse business enterprises, including businesses owned by minorities, women, service-disabled veterans, persons with disabilities, and small business enterprises. Both responsive and responsible bidders will be considered, with the state seeking to award contracts to vendors offering the best combination of attributes.