RFP Document.pdf

Dated 10/16/23

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

DIVISION OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

OFFICE OF HOME VISITING

221 MALL DRIVE, SUITE 101

RAPID CITY, SD 57701

(Bright Start Personnel and Service Delivery) PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST

RFP #: 27-0904004-004 State POC: Carrie Churchill EMAIL: carrie.churchill@state.sd.us

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1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Home Visiting (OHV), is seeking proposals from partner agencies to support staffing and service delivery. OHV funding includes federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) funds, which support the implementation of evidence-based home visiting models that meet the effectiveness criteria established through the Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness (HomVEE) review and the statutory requirements set by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). OHV currently implements the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) model through the Bright Start program to deliver evidence-based home visiting services to eligible pregnant women across South Dakota. Selected agencies will be responsible for employing, supervising, and providing oversight of key Bright Start personnel, including a Team Lead, Nurse Home Visitors (NHVs), a Community Health Worker, Program Assistants/Referral Specialists, and a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Specialist. Agencies will collaborate closely with the Bright Start team, including the Office Administrator, Epidemiologist, Nurse Managers, Team Leads, NHVs, and referral and administrative staff. While NFP is the evidence-based model currently utilized by OHV, MIECHV-funded programs must remain responsive to federal requirements and evolving evidence. Therefore, the State reserves the right to modify or transition to a different evidence-based home visiting model in the future if program, funding, or federal guidance necessitates such a change. Agencies should indicate their willingness and capacity to adapt to potential future model changes, if required.

Background: The South Dakota Department of Health’s Bright Start Home Visiting Program is dedicated to improving pregnancy outcomes, strengthening child health and development, and supporting early childhood systems across the state. For more than 25 years, Bright Start has delivered comprehensive support to eligible families through the NFP model. Bright Start provides voluntary home visits conducted by trained registered nurses who offer guidance on maternal and child healthcare, parenting skills, child development, and connections to community resources.

Throughout their visits, nurses also conduct screenings and make referrals for maternal and child health services to ensure families receive timely, appropriate care. The program enrolls expectant mothers who meet income requirements and connects them with a personal nurse from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday. By offering consistent, relationship-based support in the family’s home or another comfortable location, Bright Start equips parents with the tools they need to foster healthy development and build strong, confident beginnings for their children.

1.2 ISSUING OFFICE AND RFP REFERENCE NUMBER

The Office of Home Visiting is the issuing office for this document and all subsequent addenda relating to it, on behalf of the State of South Dakota, Department of Health. The reference number for the transaction is RFP # 27-0904004-004. This number must be referred to on all proposals, correspondence, and documentation relating to the RFP.

1.3 LETTER OF INTENT

All interested offerors must submit a Letter of Intent to respond to this RFP.

The letter of intent should be submitted to Carrie Churchill via email at carrie.churchill@state.sd.us no later than October 30, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST. Please place the following in the subject line of your email: “Letter of Intent for RFP #27-0904004-004”.

mailto:carrie.churchill@state.sd.us?subject=Letter%20of%20Intent%20for%20RFP%20%2327-0904004-004

1.4 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

RFP Publication October 13, 2026 Letter of Intent to Respond Due October 30, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST Offeror Questions Due Responses to Offeror Questions

October 30, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST November 10, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST

Proposal Submission November 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST Anticipated Award Decision/Contract Negotiation December 18, 2026 Anticipated Contract Start January 1, 2027

1.5 SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL

All proposals must be completed and received by the Agency by the date and time indicated in Section 1.4 Schedule of Activities.

Proposals received after the Deadline for Proposal Submission will be late and ineligible for consideration.

All proposals must be signed, in ink or electronically, by a representative of the offeror who is legally authorized to bind the offeror to the proposal. Proposals that are not properly signed may be rejected. The offeror’s proposal must be prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 5 Proposal Submission Requirements of this RFP.

The State will only accept electronic proposals via email.

Each offeror must provide an electronic version of the proposal. The electronic version should be provided in MS Word or in PDF format to carrie.churchill@state.sd.us. The email, including attachments, must be limited to 20MB in size.

As an alternative if the email submission will exceed 20 MB, proposals must be submitted as PDFs via Secured File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). Offerors must request an SFTP folder by the date and time indicated in Section 1.4 Schedule of Activities by emailing Carrie Churchill at carrie.churchill@state.sd.us with the subject line of “RFP# 27-0904004-004-SFTP Request”. The email should contain the name and the email of the person who will be responsible for uploading the document(s).

No proposal will be accepted from, or no contract or purchase order will be awarded to, any person, firm, or corporation that is in arrears upon any obligations to the State of South Dakota, or that otherwise may be deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the State of South Dakota.

1.6 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND

VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION – LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS

By signing and submitting this proposal, the offeror certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation, by any Federal department or agency, from transactions involving the use of Federal funds. Where the offeror is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, the bidder shall attach an explanation to their offer.

1.7 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The State of South Dakota requires that all contractors, vendors, and suppliers doing business with any State agency, department, or institution, provide a statement of non-discrimination. By signing and submitting their proposal, the offeror certifies they do not discriminate in their employment practices with regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, ancestry, national origin or disability.

1.8 CERTIFICATION RELATING TO PROHIBITED ENTITY

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, is not an entity, regardless of its principal place of business, that is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign national, a foreign parent entity, or foreign government from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela, as defined by SDCL 5-18A. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.9 RESTRICTION OF BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of the bid or offer, with a person or entity on the basis of Israeli national origin, or residence or incorporation in Israel or its territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.10 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by the offeror prior to the established due date and time.

No oral, telephonic, telegraphic or facsimile responses or modifications to informal, formal bids, or Request for Proposals will be considered.

1.11 OFFEROR INQUIRIES

Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to Carrie Churchill at carrie.churchill@state.sd.us with the subject line “RFP #27- 0904004-004”.

The State will to respond to offeror’s inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State’s response will be posted on the state’s e-procurement system. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.

1.12 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The proposal of the successful offeror(s) becomes public information. Proprietary information can be protected under limited circumstances such as client lists and non-public financial statements.

An entire proposal may not be marked as proprietary. Offerors must clearly identify in the Executive Summary and mark in the body of the proposal any specific proprietary information they are requesting to be protected. The Executive Summary must contain specific justification explaining why the information is to be protected. Proposals may be reviewed and evaluated by any person at the discretion of the State. All materials submitted become the property of the State of South Dakota and may be returned only at the State's option.

1.13 LENGTH OF CONTRACT

This RFP may result in multiple offerors who will enter into a contract with the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Home Visiting. The term of the contract resulting from this RFP will be negotiated with the successful offeror(s) for a term of 5 years. If the entity expects costs to increase in subsequent years, the increases will not exceed the rate increase approved during Legislative session.

1.14 GOVERNING LAW

Venue for any and all legal action regarding or arising out of the transaction covered herein shall be solely in the State of South Dakota. The laws of South Dakota shall govern this transaction.

1.15 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS (ORAL PRESENTATION/NEGOTIATIONS)

An oral presentation by an offeror to clarify a proposal may be required at the sole discretion of the State. However, the State may award a contract based on the initial proposals received without discussion with the Offeror. If oral presentations are required, they will be scheduled after the submission of proposals. Oral presentations will be made at the offeror’s expense.

This process is a Request for Proposal/Competitive Negotiation process. Each Proposal shall be evaluated, and each respondent shall be available for negotiation meetings at the State’s request.

The State reserves the right to negotiate on any and/or all components of every proposal submitted. From the time the proposals are submitted until the formal award of a contract, each proposal is considered a working document and as such, will be kept confidential. The negotiation discussions will also be held as confidential until such time as the award is completed.

2.0 STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Any contract or agreement resulting from this RFP will include the State’s standard terms and conditions as listed below, along with any additional terms and conditions as negotiated by the parties:

2.1 The Contractor will perform those services described in the Scope of Work, attached hereto as

Section 3 of the RFP and by this reference incorporated herein.

2.2 The Contractor’s services under this Agreement shall commence on __________________ and end on ___________________, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

2.3 The Contractor will not use State equipment, supplies or facilities. The Contractor will provide the

State with its Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number upon execution of this Agreement.

2.4 The State will make payment for services upon satisfactory completion of the services. The TOTAL

CONTRACT AMOUNT is an amount not to exceed $________________. The State will not pay Contractor's expenses as a separate item. Payment will be made pursuant to itemized invoices submitted with a signed state voucher. Payment will be made consistent with SDCL ch. 5-26.

2.5 The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all actions, suits, damages, liability or other proceedings that may arise as the result of performing services hereunder. This section does not require the Contractor to be responsible for or defend against claims or damages arising solely from errors or omissions of the State, its officers, agents or employees.

2.6 The Contractor, at all times during the term of this Agreement, shall obtain and maintain in force insurance coverage of the types and with the limits as follows:

A. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain occurrence based commercial general liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit it shall apply separately to this Agreement or be no less than two times the occurrence limit.

B. Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance:

The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain professional liability insurance or miscellaneous professional liability insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000.00.

C. Business Automobile Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain business automobile liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each accident. Such insurance shall include coverage for owned, hired and non-owned vehicles.

D. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance as required by South Dakota law.

Before beginning work under this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish the State with properly executed Certificates of Insurance which shall clearly evidence all insurance required in this Agreement. In the event a substantial change in insurance, issuance of a new policy, cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy, the Contractor agrees to provide immediate notice to the State and provide a new certificate of insurance showing continuous coverage in the amounts required. Contractor shall furnish copies of insurance policies if requested by the State.

2.7 While performing services hereunder, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota.

2.8 Contractor agrees to report to the State any event encountered in the course of performance of this Agreement which results in injury to the person or property of third parties, or which may otherwise subject Contractor or the State to liability. Contractor shall report any such event to the State immediately upon discovery.

Contractor's obligation under this section shall only be to report the occurrence of any event to the State and to make any other report provided for by their duties or applicable law. Contractor's obligation to report shall not require disclosure of any information subject to privilege or confidentiality under law (e.g., attorney-client communications). Reporting to the State under this section shall not excuse or satisfy any obligation of Contractor to report any event to law enforcement or other entities under the requirements of any applicable law.

2.9 This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event the Contractor breaches any of the terms or conditions hereof, this Agreement may be terminated by the State at any time with or without notice. If termination for such a default is effected by the State, any payments due to Contractor at the time of termination may be adjusted to cover any additional costs to the State because of Contractor's default. Upon termination the State may take over the work and may award another party an agreement to complete the work under this Agreement. If after the State terminates for a default by Contractor it is determined that Contractor was not at fault, then the Contractor shall be paid for eligible services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

2.10 This Agreement depends upon the continued availability of appropriated funds and expenditure authority from the Legislature for this purpose. If for any reason the Legislature fails to appropriate funds or grant expenditure authority, or funds become unavailable by operation of law or federal funds reductions, this Agreement will be terminated by the State. Termination for any of these reasons is not a default by the State nor does it give rise to a claim against the State.

2.11 This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the State. This

Agreement may not be amended except in writing, which writing shall be expressly identified as a part hereof, and be signed by an authorized representative of each of the parties hereto.

2.12 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of

South Dakota. Any lawsuit pertaining to or affecting this Agreement shall be venued in Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County, South Dakota.

2.13 The Contractor will comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements applicable to providing services pursuant to this Agreement, and will be solely responsible for obtaining current information on such requirements.

2.14 The Contractor may not use subcontractors to perform the services described herein without the express prior written consent of the State. The Contractor will include provisions in its subcontracts requiring its subcontractors to comply with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the State, and to provide insurance coverage for the benefit of the State in a manner consistent with this Agreement. The Contractor will cause its subcontractors, agents, and employees to comply, with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements and will adopt such review and inspection procedures as are necessary to assure such compliance.

2.15 Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that all reports, plans, specifications, technical data, miscellaneous drawings, software system programs and documentation, procedures, or files, operating instructions and procedures, source code(s) and documentation, including those necessary to upgrade and maintain the software program, and all information contained therein provided to the State by the Contractor in connection with its performance of services under this Agreement shall belong to and is the property of the State and will not be used in any way by the Contractor without the written consent of the State. Papers, reports, forms, software programs, source code(s) and other material which are a part of the work under this Agreement will not be copyrighted without written approval of the State.

2.16 The Contractor certifies that neither Contractor nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or suspension, or declared ineligible from participating in transactions by the federal government or any state or local government department or agency.

Contractor further agrees that it will immediately notify the State if during the term of this Agreement Contractor or its principals become subject to debarment, suspension or ineligibility from participating in transactions by the federal government, or by any state or local government department or agency.

2.17 Any notice or other communication required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the address set forth above. Notices shall be given by and to ___________________ on behalf of the State, and by ________________, on behalf of the Contractor, or such authorized designees as either party may from time to time designate in writing. Notices or communications to or between the parties shall be deemed to have been delivered when mailed by first class mail, provided that notice of default or termination shall be sent by registered or certified mail, or, if personally delivered, when received by such party.

2.18 In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall hold any provision of this Agreement unenforceable or invalid, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision hereof.

2.19 All other prior discussions, communications and representations concerning the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by the terms of this Agreement, and except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 The selected agency(ies) will be responsible for all hiring and personnel management of contracted personnel, as directed by the State, assigned to support Bright Start operations. Agencies will work collaboratively with Bright Start team members, including the Office Administrator, Epidemiologist, Nurse Managers, Team Leads, Nurse Home Visitors, and referral and administrative staff. All personnel hired through this procurement will be employees of the selected agency(ies), not the State of South Dakota. Key personnel include, but is not limited to, the following positions: a Team Lead, Nurse Home Visitors (NHVs), a Community Health Worker, Program Assistants/Referral Specialists, and a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Specialist. Position descriptions are provided in Appendix A: Job Descriptions.

3.2 Agency(ies) must demonstrate the capacity to provide qualified personnel to deliver Bright Start services in accordance with the Bright Start Staffing Map (see Appendix B: Bright Start Staffing Map).

The staffing requirements for this RFP include the following components. Applicants must clearly identify which components they are proposing to deliver and specify the locations where Nurse Home Visitors (NHVs) and all other proposed personnel will be assigned. Applicants must also clearly identify each position included in their proposal. The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to add, modify, or eliminate positions in the future. Vendors should indicate their willingness and capacity to accommodate potential future adjustments to staffing as needed. Regional and local demographics should be taken into consideration when selecting personnel for proposed positions.

Staff living within the service delivery radius will help ensure accessibility and alignment with community needs. If any proposed personnel reside/the assigned office location is more than 20 miles from the current service delivery locations in Appendix B, this must be clearly explained within the proposal. Agencies must ensure that staff time is dedicated primarily to Bright Start service delivery, as key personnel will be funded 100% by Bright Start (unless indicated otherwise).

Agency‑driven priorities or non‑program duties should be strictly limited to prevent interference with or diversion from core service delivery responsibilities. Administrative oversight may be budgeted to support necessary supervisory functions but should be structured to avoid excessive administrative involvement that detracts from direct service work.

3.2.1 Component 1: Employing one Team Lead, five to seven Nurse Home Visitors (NHVs), and one optional Community Health Worker/Outreach Assistant to serve the Sioux Falls metropolitan area (Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, identified as “SF” on the Bright Start Staffing Map). Applicants submitting a proposal for this component must apply for all required positions listed within it; partial proposals will not be accepted. The Community Health Worker/Outreach Assistant position is optional, but if included, it must be clearly identified in the proposal.

3.2.2 Component 2: Employing ten Nurse Home Visitors (NHVs) to support additional locations across South Dakota, as identified on the Bright Start Staffing Map (NHVs 1– 10). Applicants may submit proposals for any portion or all the NHV positions listed in this component. Applicants must clearly identify which specific NHV position(s) they are applying for.

3.2.3 Component 3: Employing two program assistants/referral specialists to support Bright

Start. Applicants submitting a proposal for this component must apply for all required positions listed within it; partial proposals will not be accepted.

3.2.4 Component 4: Employing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Specialist, preferably a Registered Nurse consultant, at an estimated 0.2 FTE to support CQI activities for the Bright Start program. The CQI Specialist will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and supporting program improvement efforts that advance the quality, effectiveness, and consistency of home visiting services statewide.

3.3 Assure personnel participate in and complete State sponsored training for service delivery.

3.3.1 Personnel will complete NFP and Bright Start required training. Agency will work with Nurse Managers and Team Leads to ensure that all new positions are trained and onboarded in accordance with NFP requirements and the Bight Start orientation requirements. In addition, all personnel will complete confidentiality and HIPAA training prior to providing services. All training will be tracked by the contracting agency and/or through the DOH TRAIN system.

3.4 Personnel are expected to work both independently and collaboratively with their team to support the achievement of DOH and OHV strategic goals.

3.4.1 Ensure personnel working directly with participants demonstrate empathy, take initiative, and maintain a high level of professionalism, demonstrate effective communication and strong relationships with clients, co‑workers, and community partners.

3.4.2 The agency will conduct performance evaluations, and when needed, disciplinary action.

The Nurse Manager will provide supporting documentation to assist in performance evaluations or disciplinary action.

3.4.3 Scheduling and leave management must be communicated with the Team Lead and/or

Nurse Manager.

3.5 Comply with and provide services in accordance with federal regulations, OHV, and Bright Start

Policies and Procedures.

3.6 Meet monthly with the assigned Nurse Manager to discuss hiring efforts, open positions, retention efforts, training related to the agency organization, and other updates.

3.7 Utilize all DOH Bright Start branding standards and adhere to the centralized referral process, including use of the designated statewide referral number, to ensure consistency, accessibility, and uniform communication across all service areas.

3.8 Maintain complete, accurate, well‑documented, and up‑to‑date accounting of all program funds, ensuring full transparency and compliance with all applicable fiscal requirements.

3.9 Ensure staff document program data using the data system provided by the state as outlined in Bright

Start Program policy. Allow client, family, and program records to remain property of the State. This includes following HIPAA policy and procedures relating to client records, to include maintaining confidentiality and keeping client records in locked files and protecting records from loss or use by unauthorized persons.

3.10 Assume responsibility for knowledge of, and compliance with, the State Nurse Practice Act applicable to its operations, to state laws, regulations, and licensing requirements pertaining to nursing practice, and to all laws and regulations pertaining to mandatory reporting.

3.11 Develop an agency policy for mandatory reporting, incident reporting, and staff safety protocol.

3.12 Personnel will submit a monthly report of activities to the team lead of the team they serve on by the

5th of each month. The state will provide an example report.

3.13 Agencies must provide comprehensive benefits and resources to support staff. Agencies should outline their capacity to deliver the items listed below and include all associated costs in the itemized budget. Agencies should also describe any additional benefits or supports offered.

3.13.1 Employee Benefits: Ensure staff have access to a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, and retirement, supporting employee well-being and long-term stability.

3.13.2 Office Space: Specify whether office space is available for staff to conduct visits when a client prefers not to meet in the home. Clearly identify if the space is dedicated or shared, and describe accessibility, privacy considerations, and any scheduling processes.

3.13.3 Office Supplies: Provide essential office supplies and materials needed for staff to perform duties effectively, including but not limited to printing resources, standard office supplies, organizational tools, and program-specific materials.

3.13.4 Technology Resources: Ensure staff have access to reliable technology necessary for program operations, such as laptops, secure internet access, mobile devices, software licenses, data systems, and technical support. The State will provide selected offeror(s) with the final technical specifications necessary to support successful implementation.

3.13.5 Transportation Support: Outline how the agency will ensure staff have safe and reliable transportation to conduct home visits and community-based work. This may include agency/fleet vehicles, mileage reimbursement, or access to rental vehicles.

3.13.6 Administrative Support Services: Provide core administrative infrastructure, including human resources, accounting, IT, and legal support to ensure staff are fully supported in compliance, risk management, technology needs, and daily operations.

3.13.7 Professional Development: Demonstrate commitment to staff competency by ensuring completion of all required training. Agencies should outline their onboarding, supervision, and coaching processes and describe how they will allocate resources to ensure staff meet program standards.

4.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 The offeror is cautioned that it is the offeror's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and that the State of South Dakota is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the proposal. The offeror's failure to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the proposal.

4.2 Offeror's Contacts: Offerors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFP, the evaluation, etc. to the buyer of record indicated on the first page of this RFP. Offerors and their agents may not contact any state employee other than the buyer of record regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Offerors and their agents who have questions regarding this matter should contact the buyer of record.

4.3 Provide the following information related to at least three previous and current service/contracts, performed by the offeror’s organization, which are similar to the requirements of this RFP.

a. Name, address and telephone number of client/contracting agency and a representative of that agency who may be contacted for verification of all information submitted;

b. Dates of the service/contract; and

c. A brief, written description of the specific prior services performed and requirements thereof.

5.0 PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORMAT

5.1 The offeror should provide one (1) copy of their entire proposal via email, including attachments, in Microsoft Word or PDF.

5.1.1 The proposal should be page numbered and should have an index and/or a table of contents referencing the appropriate page number.

5.2 All proposals must be organized and tabbed with labels for the following headings:

5.2.1 RFP Form. The State’s Request for Proposal form (1st page of RFP) completed and signed.

5.2.2 Executive Summary. The one-to-two-page executive summary is to briefly describe the offeror's proposal. This summary should highlight the major features of the proposal. It must indicate any requirements that cannot be met by the offeror. The reader should be able to determine the essence of the proposal by reading the executive summary.

Proprietary information requests should be identified in this section.

5.2.3 Detailed Response. This section should constitute the major portion of the proposal and must contain at least the following information:

5.2.3.1 A complete narrative of the offeror's assessment of the work to be performed, the offeror’s ability and approach, and the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements. This should demonstrate the offeror's understanding of the desired overall performance expectations.

5.2.3.2 A specific point-by-point response, in the order listed, to each requirement in the

RFP. The response should identify each requirement being addressed as enumerated in the RFP.

5.2.3.3 A clear description of any options or alternatives proposed.

5.2.4 Cost Proposal. Cost will be evaluated independently from the technical proposal.

Offerors may submit multiple cost proposals. All costs related to the provision of the required services must be included in each cost proposal offered.

See section 7.0 for more information related to the cost proposal.

6.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

6.1 After determining that a proposal satisfies the mandatory requirements stated in the Request for Proposal, the evaluator(s) shall use subjective judgment in conducting a comparative assessment of the proposal by considering each of the following criteria:

6.1.1 Specialized expertise, capabilities, and technical competence as demonstrated by the proposed approach and methodology to meet the project requirements;

6.1.2 Resources available to perform the work, including any specialized services, within the specified time limits for the project;

6.1.3 Record of past performance, including price and cost data from previous projects, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control, and contract administration;

6.1.4 Availability to the project locale;

6.1.5 Familiarity with the project locale;

6.1.6 Proposed project management techniques; and

6.1.7 Ability and proven history in handling special project constraints.

6.2 Experience and reliability of the offeror's organization are considered subjectively in the evaluation process. Therefore, the offeror is advised to submit any information which documents successful and reliable experience in past performances, especially those performances related to the requirements of this RFP.

6.3 The qualifications of the personnel proposed by the offeror to perform the requirements of this RFP, whether from the offeror's organization or from a proposed subcontractor, will be subjectively evaluated. Therefore, the offeror should submit detailed information related to the experience and qualifications, including education and training, of proposed personnel.

6.4 The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the State of South Dakota.

6.5 Award: The requesting agency and the highest ranked offeror shall mutually discuss and refine the scope of services for the project and shall negotiate terms, including compensation and performance schedule.

6.5.1 If the agency and the highest ranked offeror are unable for any reason to negotiate a contract at a compensation level that is reasonable and fair to the agency, the agency shall, either orally or in writing, terminate negotiations with the contractor. The agency may then negotiate with the next highest ranked contractor.

6.5.2 The negotiation process may continue through successive offerors, according to agency ranking, until an agreement is reached or the agency terminates the contracting process.

7.0 COST PROPOSAL

7.1 See the budget proposal template in Appendix C: Bright Start RFP Budget Template. Proposals must include all personnel costs (salary and benefits) and position titles for staff contributing to the proposed project.

Travel and per diem will be reimbursed at the rates established by the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM). All anticipated costs for supplies, equipment, rent, indirect expenses, and other operational items must include a brief narrative justification describing the necessity and basis of the expense. Any in‑kind contributions (e.g., staff time, professional expertise, supplies, training, or space) must be detailed in a separate section of the budget template.

7.2 Salaries proposed must not exceed the N2 career band market value for Nurse Home Visitors or the N3 career band market value for the Nurse Team Lead, as published by the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. If a proposer seeks to exceed these rates, clear justification must be submitted for program review and approval. State of South Dakota pay structures and market values are available at:

https://www.sd.gov/bhra?id=cs_kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044635&sys_kb_id=bab149581b7132 90ff55631ee54bcbeb&spa=1. Navigate to the “Nursing Salary Structure” section.

https://www.sd.gov/bhra?id=cs_kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044635&sys_kb_id=bab149581b713290ff55631ee54bcbeb&spa=1 https://www.sd.gov/bhra?id=cs_kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044635&sys_kb_id=bab149581b713290ff55631ee54bcbeb&spa=1