RFP_35910-12703_Amd%205_Schedule.pdf

This is Amendment #5 to a Request for Proposals (RFP #35910-12703) issued by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services for Statewide Home Study Services. The amendment updates the schedule of events for the procurement process across six geographic regions: East, Mid-State, Mid-West, Northeast, Tennessee Valley, and West. The RFP was originally issued on October 13, 2025, with a written questions and comments deadline of October 23, 2025, and a response deadline of December 19, 2025. Key milestones include state completion of technical response evaluations by January 9, 2026; opening and scoring of cost proposals on January 21, 2026; negotiation scheduled for January 22-23, 2026; and release of the state's notice of intent to award on January 29, 2026. The open file period for public inspection concludes on February 5, 2026, with the state sending the contract to the selected contractor on February 10, 2026, and a contractor signature deadline of February 12, 2026. Six separate regional contracts will be awarded to provide comprehensive home study services for traditional foster parent applicants, Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC) referrals, and court-ordered home assessments, with contractors required to complete 80% of home studies within 89 days. The contract term includes an initial period plus up to four 12-month renewal options, not to exceed 60 months total.

The compensation structure is based on a per-completed-study basis at $225 per study, with separate rates required for three service types (traditional home studies, ICPC studies, and orders of reference) across each of the six regions. The state utilizes a 100-point scoring system for evaluation, allocating 25 points to general qualifications and experience, 45 points to technical qualifications and approach, and 30 points to cost considerations. The state has demonstrated 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. Responsive and responsible bidders will be considered, with awards made to vendors offering the best combination of attributes. Vendors may bid on multiple regions, with no restrictions on multi-region awards.