Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC)

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) Services

RFP QAAA 2026000215

Publication Date: May 1, 2026

Signature Page VENDORS: Reference the solicitation document below for the response deadline and other response submission information and requirements.

Vendors responding to this solicitation are required to complete this page in its entirety, sign it, and submit it along with their response. This page must include either a physical or electronic signature, as defined by the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act," section 24-71.3-102 (8), to indicate the vendor's intent to be bound by their submission. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of the vendor's response.

The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that any misrepresentation made in their response or in subsequent discussions or information provided to the State may be considered sufficient grounds for the State to decline to enter into a contract. Furthermore, any later discovery of omissions or misrepresentations in the solicitation response or in subsequent discussions may lead to the cancellation of any existing contract.

Legal Vendor Name:

Vendor Address:

Vendor Primary Contact Name:

Vendor Primary Contact Email:

Vendor Primary Contact Phone:

Name and email address of individual submitting this proposal (if different from the primary contact):

Is the Vendor a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) pursuant to C.R.S. §24- 103-905?

Is the Vendor currently on any debarred list?

Are you receiving funding from multiple sources for this project? (Yes/No)

· If yes, please provide details on how this proposal is a separate project from the others and how funding will be monitored.

· A duplication occurs when a person, household, business, or other entity receives federal assistance from multiple grant sources for the same purpose, and the total assistance received for that purpose is more than the total need. The amount of the Duplication of Benefit (DOB) is the amount received in excess of the total need for the same purpose. Any persons, business concerns, or other entities that are the recipient of duplicative assistance are liable to the United States for the amount of duplicated aid and the agency that provided the duplicative assistance is responsible for debt collection.

· Grant funds cannot be used to supplant current funding or existing activities. “Supplant” is defined as replacing funding of a recipient's existing program with funds from a state, federal, or local funding.

Individual authorized to bind the Vendor to the proposal submission for this RFP:

Signature of individual authorized to bind the Vendor to the proposal submission for this RFP:

*If applicable, I confirm that my printed name acts as my signature.

Schedule of Activities

Single Point of Contact: Raven Lopez/raven.lopez@state.co.us Please note that phone lines may not be consistently monitored, email is the preferred method of communication. The individual listed above is the sole point of contact for this solicitation. Please note that reaching out to anyone other than this individual may lead to disqualification of an offer, with the exception of the Colorado Supplier Diversity Navigator at the Statewide Equity Office of Supplier Diversity for the sole purpose of assisting with submission of the solicitation.

Solicitation Purpose: The Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) Program within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), aims to strengthen families and advance child safety, permanency, and well-being, through evidence-based services and promising practices that promote family preservation, family reunification services, adoption and post-permanency support. This initiative prioritizes family voice, community collaboration, and measurable outcomes to support families across the entire child welfare continuum. CDEC is seeking qualified organizations to provide PSSF services statewide.

Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Organizations are any organizations that focus on social, human, family services, or family support. This includes local government agencies such as County Departments of Human or Social Services, private non-profit or not-for-profit community organizations, and tribal nations. Please reference the additional eligibility requirements for proposal in Section 4.0 – Introduction and Background.

Service Location/Delivery Area: Statewide - Colorado Anticipated Contract Start Date: October 1, 2026, or Upon execution of a Contract.

Anticipated Contract Term: The anticipated term of the resulting contract is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The resulting contract may be renewed for up to four additional one-year periods, not to exceed a maximum term of five years, at the sole discretion of the State, contingent upon funds being appropriated, budgeted, and otherwise made available, and other contractual requirements being satisfied.

Submission Method: Electronic. Reference Section 2.0 - Proposal Submission Instructions, for more information.

Pre-Proposal Conference: May 7, 2026, at 1:00pm *There will be a Pre-Proposal Conference. Reference Section 2.0 - Proposal Submission Instructions, for more information.

Inquiry Due Date and Time: May 14, 2026, at 2pm

* Please send any questions via email to the Single Point of Contact prior to the inquiry deadline. Reference Section 2.0 - Proposal Submission Instructions, for more information.

Answers to Inquiries: May 21, 2026

* Reference Section 2.0 - Proposal Submission Instructions, for more information.

Proposal Due Date and Time: June 3, 2026, at 2pm

* Reference Section 2.0 - Proposal Submission Instructions, for more information.

Public Opening Date and Time: June 4, 2026, at 2pm

* Reference Section 2.0 - Proposal Submission Instructions, for more information.

Note: All dates and times are subject to change and are listed in Mountain Time.

1.0 Exhibit List

· Exhibit A - Statement of Work (SOW) Template (Complete and Return)

· Exhibit B Budget Template 1 - County (Complete and Return)

· Exhibit B Budget Template 2 - Community Agency (Complete and Return)

· Exhibit C - Background Check Attestation (Complete and Return)

· Exhibit D - Additional Provisions (For Review Only)

· Exhibit E - Vendor Contact Information Sheet (For Review Only)

· Exhibit F - CDEC Personal Services Contract Template (For Review Only)

· Exhibit G - CDEC Purchase Order (PO) Terms and Conditions (For Review Only)

· Exhibit H - PSSF Intensive Care Management Guidelines (For Review Only)

· Exhibit I - PSSF Adoption Support/Kinship/Post Permanency Guidelines (For Review Only)

· Exhibit J - PSSF Salesforce Mandatory Fields (For Review Only)

2.0 Proposal Submission Instructions

i. Electronic Procurement Systems. Solicitations published by the CDEC will be posted on both BidNet Direct and the Vendor Self-Service (VSS) site, however all bid submissions will only be officially accepted on BidNet Direct by the deadline listed in the Schedule of Activities.

ii. Electronic Bid Submission. Vendors must be registered with BidNet Direct in order to download solicitation documents (including any amendments or modifications) and to be considered responsive at the time of submission of the response. Bidders who have not registered on the BidNet Direct website, must register promptly to ensure they are able to submit a timely bid response. Information may be accessed through the BidNet Direct website at: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/register. Bidnet Direct’s Help Desk can be reached at 800-835-4603 or by email at: support@bidnet.com. No submissions will be accepted via VSS so please ensure that the proposal is submitted in accordance with these instructions.

iii. File Names. The zip file name should start with the solicitation type, solicitation number, and vendor name (e.g., “RFP QAAA 2026000215 Vendor Name…”).

iv. Confirmation. Vendors will receive an email confirmation that the file was uploaded correctly. If not, please contact the BidNet Direct Help Desk.

Pre-Proposal Conference. There will be an optional pre-proposal conference offered. The format of this meeting will be a 30-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute questions and answers (Q&A) session. Please note that during the Q&A session, if there are no questions received after a period of time, the Pre-Proposal conference will end. Please refer to the information below on how to attend:

PSSF Pre-Proposal Conference May 7, 2026: 1:00 - 2:00pm Join with Google Meet: meet.google.com/cha-dzqa-dsi Join by phone More phone numbers: https://meet.google.com/tel/cha-dzqa-dsi?pin=5175413681545&hs=1

v. Public Bid Opening. During the public bid opening, CDEC will formally open and announce all received proposals, revealing each bidder's name and submission timestamp to all attendees. To attend the public Bid Opening, please refer to the information below on how to attend the conference:

June 4, 2026: 2:00pm Join with Google Meet: meet.google.com/ubv-gdfq-ywb Dial in #: (

vi. Questions. Vendors may submit questions by email to the Single Point of Contact prior to the inquiry deadline identified in the Schedule of Activities above. The Department may answer some, all, or none of the questions asked by posting them publicly via an amendment to this solicitation on both the BidNet and VSS sites. The state reserves the right to decline to answer any questions that do not pertain to the bid, are deemed offensive, or to decline to answer any question for any reason.

vii. Timeliness of Proposal Submission. Proposals received after the submission deadline shall not be opened and shall be rejected as a late proposal, unless otherwise permitted by the procurement official in accordance with Colorado Procurement Rule R-24-103-201-10.

viii. Deadline Adherence. Time is of the essence. Failure of a vendor to respond to any requests by established deadlines may result in the proposal being rejected.

ix. Multiple or Alternate Proposals. Unless otherwise stated in this solicitation, vendors shall not be limited in providing multiple or alternate proposals. In the event a vendor provides multiple or alternate proposals, each proposal must be submitted separately and distinctly to permit independent review based on the individual proposal. Further, any vendor submitting multiple or alternate proposals must expressly identify their preferred or primary proposal.

x. Additional Resources:

· Vendor Assistance. Any vendors needing support responding to solicitations may contact the Colorado Supplier Diversity Navigator at the Statewide Equity Office of Supplier Diversity, https://dhr.colorado.gov/statewide-equity-office/supplier-diversity. Services provided include assistance with responding to solicitations, interpretation of solicitation documents, technical assistance referrals. The office can be reached during normal business hours by calling 303-866-5765 or emailing DPA_SupplierDiversityHelp@state.co.us.

· Statewide Equity Office of Supplier Diversity: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__dhr.colorado.gov_statewide-2Dequity-2Doffice_supplier-2Ddiversity&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=2K9kkYDPzg9W7wrnb9URPPzWuzXzmzc6oQUqmP_d9mA&m=UsSCoCc_Nnj_It7iTj2w9Xh-U0kW8zKwh7sIdTrgvW_OXQDDQG8CMBmOZsCmKo6l&s=AHk9LQL8xQKwtYW6AlMhIpKhc64M4gHnBm1wvGiKqhU&e=

· BidNet Direct: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/

· Vendor Self-Service (VSS) Site: https://prd.co.cgiadvantage.com/PRDVSS1X1/Advantage4

· Colorado Office of State Controller - Travel Fiscal Rule - https://osc.colorado.gov/financial-operations/fiscal-rules-procedures/travel-fiscal-rule

· Colorado County Designation Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tCu9UAbaeTau-shguvO46JH46f0VBpGD/view

· Colorado Family Support Assessment 2.0 (CFSA 2.0): https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Li5yBIIS4r0nhKusil0yDDXsmb9KTQU/edit

· Family Resource Center Association (FRCA): https://www.cofamilycenters.org/trainings.

· Colorado Child Welfare Training System at: https://www.coloradocwts.com/mandated-reporter-training

3.0 Proposal Format

i. In General. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the organization’s ability to perform the services described in this RFP.

ii. Maximum Length. Proposal narratives should not exceed 20 pages (excluding any required attachments). The Department may evaluate proposals negatively if this page limit is not followed. Proposals must include all required attachments:

· Exhibit A - Statement of Work Template.

· Exhibit B - Budget Template

· Exhibit C - Background Check Attestation

· Budget Narrative

· Letters of Support Please note that omission of these mandatory documents will result in disqualification.

iii. Please respond to the items listed in Section 5.0 Proposal Content in the same sequence as outlined in this section. Proposals that do not follow the sequence outline and response format of this Request for Proposals (RFP) may be deemed non-responsive and disqualified from further consideration.

iv. Please define all acronyms used in your proposal. Include any additional considerations, capabilities, or information that demonstrate your qualifications for this project.

v. Mandatory Requirements. Failure to address any mandatory requirements outlined in Section 5.0 Proposal Content will result in disqualification.

4.0 Introduction and Background

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education, and well-being of all of Colorado’s young children, their families, and early childhood professionals in all settings.

Family Strengthening is the organizational unit within CDEC focused on building protective factors among children, families, and communities. The unit promotes child maltreatment prevention and school readiness through funding and programmatic initiatives, including but not limited to Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP), Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF), Nurse Home Visiting Program (NHVP), and the Family Resource Center (FRC) Program.

In Colorado, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) program supports local community agencies and county Departments of Social/Human Services to provide essential services to families.

The program is a federally funded initiative managed by the Children’s Bureau under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. It aims to strengthen family stability, prevent child maltreatment, and promote permanency for children in foster care or those at risk of removal. States and Tribes receive formula grants to develop and expand community-based services that help families care for their children, reduce unnecessary separations, and improve long-term child welfare outcomes. Funding from PSSF supports four core service areas: family support, family preservation, family reunification services, and adoption promotion and support.

PSSF programs emphasize creating integrated and coordinated service systems that leverage the strengths of families and communities. These systems should focus on early risk detection and provide prevention-oriented interventions. Programs are encouraged to include family input and to strengthen support for families, kinship connections, foster care, and post-permanency situations.

The goal of the PSSF program is to ensure children find permanency through reunification, adoption, or other stable living arrangements. Additionally, PSSF aligns with the Family First Prevention Services Act by promoting evidence-based practices, supporting caseworker and navigator engagement, and endorsing kinship and post-permanency programs. Overall, the program aims to protect children, empower families, and create safe, stable, and nurturing environments that support child well-being, long-term sustainability, and resilience.

In summary, PSSF legislation reflects a strong commitment to integrating prevention strategies into child welfare and family support systems, with the goal of fostering healthy families and achieving positive outcomes for children.

Eligibility Requirements Primary Eligible Entities:

· County Departments of Human/Social Services: Local government agency responsible for the administration and delivery of state and federally mandated social safety net programs.

· Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Non-profit organizations (501(c)(3) status) that provide family support, parenting education, or kinship navigation.

· Tribal Nations/Organizations: Federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations.

Single Applicant:

Organizations (i.e. community agencies) may submit applications independently, providing services through their own agency. When applying alone, organizations can choose to serve one or multiple counties.

Multi-agency Applicant:

Eligible agencies can submit applications that include multiple organizations. In these proposals, one agency should be designated as the contracting and fiscal lead. The designated agency does not need to be a Department of Human or Social Services. The fiscal agent or contract agency must not act solely as a pass-through entity; this means the fiscal agent cannot simply manage funds. Instead, the fiscal agent must also allocate a portion of the contracted services through their agency. This portion should be approximately equal to other subcontracts listed in the proposal. Understanding that not all partners within a proposal may require the same level of funding to implement services, the organization must justify any differences in the percentage of funding allocated among all partnering agencies.

Statewide applicant: An organization applying to provide approved PSSF services to at least 50% of Colorado Counties. This organization can engage with Counties that may already be participating in another application. Letters of support must be obtained by Counties in which services will be provided.

Subcontractor:

Upon award, all Subcontractor contracts or agreements, including a detailed budget documented on the PSSF budget template, and statement of work, must be submitted to CDEC for approval and adhere to all requirements of this RFP and state contract requirements.

Organizations may only be involved in the submission of one proposal, unless they are part of a “statewide proposal” for services. In that case, the county or organization can be involved or named in two proposals.

Only one proposal should be submitted per county, even if the county partners with other agencies or counties to deliver services.

Multiple service models can be included within a single proposal submission. This approach broadens service coverage and prevents multiple programs from competing within the same county, thereby reducing duplication of resources.

Please note that strong agreements between partners should be in place, and all agencies are responsible for fulfilling their contractual requirements.

Funding Allocations:

The State anticipates making multiple awards to organizations that best align with the program's scope and goals, and that are likely to produce the greatest impact and measurable return on the available funds. The minimum award for any given applicant is $25,000, while the maximum is up to $250,000 for proposals with a statewide impact (must serve a minimum of 50% of Colorado Counties).

Organizations might not receive the full amount requested in the proposal but may receive funds to deliver services at a lower funding level. Awards will primarily depend on funding availability and the number of requests received at each funding level. The organization’s annual funding range should be based on community need, capacity to serve, and past spending on similar grants.

Current data should be included in applications to justify the appropriate level of funding, especially when estimating proposed spending for each service area. For example, if the organization’s county has historically had a low number of children in out-of-home placement, the targeted service population should not mainly focus on family reunification services.

Organizations may apply for one of the following funding tiers based on organizational capacity and proposed scope:

Requested funding levels should be justified with a clear budget narrative and demonstrate the capacity to manage funds in compliance with federal and state requirements. Organizations should not apply for the highest level of funding in anticipation of receiving a lower award.

Organizations requesting funding in Tiers 3 and 4 should plan on allocating at least 25% of funding towards either or both service areas of Family Reunification Services and Adoption/Post-permanency Support Services.

Please note that PSSF awards require a match commitment of 30% of all awarded funds. The calculation method is as follows: total budget amount = grant award amount (or requested funding) divided by 0.70. Then, subtract the grant award amount (or requested funding) from the total budget to determine the match requirement.

Example:

· If the grant award is $100,000, then $100,000 divided by 0.70 equals $ 142,857.14.

· $142,857.15 is the total budget. $100,000 is 70% of the grant.

· $142,857.15– $100,000= $42,857 (rounded number). This is the match requirement or 30% of the total grant budget.

Pursuant to Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1357.32(f): Organizations may not use funds under Title IV-B, subpart 2, to supplant federal or non-federal funds for existing family preservation, family support, family reunification, or adoption/post-permanency support Services. This also includes not using other federal funds to report as a match expenditure.

Unallowable PSSF Costs:

· Funds awarded under Title IV-B, PSSF, may not be used for the purchase or construction of facilities.

· Section 425(a)(1) of the Social Security Act does not include the provision of medical or health care, including prescription drugs, as one of the purposes for which expenditures may be reimbursed with Title IV-B funds.

· Employee incentives, such as, but not limited to, entertainment and gifts, will not be reimbursed and shall not be included in direct expenses or indirect calculations.

· Gift cards are unallowable.

· Food for meetings is not a reimbursable item; it should not be included in meeting expenses or anywhere else. Food may be provided if it is not provided with PSSF funds, this is an expense that the agency may provide as a match expense or by another funding source.

· The State shall not pay for Contractor/Employee lunches, membership dues, and company leave payouts.

· Support residential treatment programs or inpatient mental health treatment.

· Support childcare slots or student scholarships.

· Participate in inherently religious activities, including but not limited to worship, religious instruction, or proselytization as part of the programs or services offered under this application. Support programs or strategies that research has already shown to be ineffective or harmful.

· Support one-time events and activities that are not part of ongoing programming.

Funding considerations will also depend on the ability to offer activities in the four service population areas. As a state, 20 percent of funds are required to be allocated to each service population area (Family Support Services, Family Preservation Services, Family Reunification Services, and Adoption/Post-Permanency Support Services). Organizations should demonstrate their capacity to provide services in each area; although it is not mandatory to serve families in all four areas, organizations may apply for funding in one to four of the population areas. The state has recently allocated less funding to Family Reunification Services and Adoption/Post-permanency service population areas, which may suggest that funding in these areas is underutilized. Organizations seeking the highest level of funding should plan to allocate at least 25% of their resources to support either or both Family Reunification Services and Adoption/Post-Permanency Support Services. Statewide applications should allocate at least 25% of resources to support either or both Family Reunification or Post/Permanency services.

Flex funding: can be used for emergency assistance, essential household items, transportation costs to appointments, or other supportive services. Some allowable examples would be security deposits, emergency rent, minor home repairs for a safe living environment, bus passes, small car repairs, food/groceries, clothing, diapers, over the counter medications, tutoring, school supplies, and financial literacy materials. These funds are optional for the PSSF program and can be used to help families with urgent economic needs that affect child safety, well-being, or stability. Providers may allocate up to 15% of their total award for flex funds, which must support families currently involved in PSSF services and align with program goals.

Flex funding should not be used for the following:

· Alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances.

· Sexually explicit materials.

· Fines or legal fees (in some jurisdictions).

· Staff-only expenses or office supplies.

PSSF Service Priorities:

CDEC has approved specific service priority categories and service models for the PSSF program implementation. Organizations must evaluate their capacity to deliver services that will have the greatest impact on the families they intend to serve. Community needs should inform the selection of service priorities from Colorado’s PSSF-funded options. To be considered for funding, proposals must align with the approved Colorado PSSF Service Priorities and meet specific evidence-based rating requirements.

PSSF funds can be used for the following service population areas:

· To prevent child maltreatment among families at risk through the provision of supportive family services (family support services).

· To ensure children’s safety within the home and preserve intact families in which children have been maltreated, when family issues can be addressed effectively (family preservation services).

· To address issues faced by families whose children have been placed in foster care so that reunification may occur in a safe and stable manner (family reunification services).

· To support adoptive/post-permanency families with necessary support services so that they can make a lifelong commitment to their children (adoption/post-permanency support services).

Organizations may choose to implement services/curricula across the four core populations or service areas: Family Support (FS), Family Preservation (FP), Family Reunification Services (FSR), and Adoption/Post-Permanency Support Services (APS).

Approved Service Priorities Legend of Service Areas:

· FS: Family Support

· FP: Family Preservation

· FRS: Family Reunification Services

· APS Adoption/Post-permanency Support Services.

All proposed services must fall under one of the following categories. While specific populations are noted for each, organizations are permitted to serve any of the four core PSSF populations (FS, FP, FRS, APS) within these categories:

· Intensive Family Case Management: Models must be selected from approved registries or adhere to the PSSF ICM Guidelines (Exhibit H) which includes a significantly higher frequency and intensity of family engagement compared to standard case management activities. (Focus: FP, FRS, APS)

· Family Team Decision-Making (FTDM): Structured models selected from approved registries for collaborative family planning. (Focus: FP, FRS, APS)

· Parenting Education: Validated curricula for skill-building and family stability. (Focus: FS, FP, FRS, APS)

· Fatherhood Programming: Curricula from approved registries or the Nurturing Dads and Partners (NDAP) curriculum. (Focus: FS, FP, FRS, APS)

· Respite Care: Models providing temporary relief for primary caregivers. (Focus: FS, FP, FRS, APS)

· Post-Adoption & Permanency Support: Models selected from approved registries, Includes Adoption Navigator models or adherence to the PSSF Adoption/Kinship/Post Permanency Support Services Guidelines (Exhibit I). (Focus: APS)

· Kinship Navigation: Programs designed to support relative caregivers, including Colorado Kinnected. (Focus: FS, FP, FRS, APS)

· Parent Peer Support & Mentoring: Peer-led initiatives from approved registries such as Parent Cafes or Circle of Parents. (Focus: FS, FP, FRS, APS) Evidence-Based Requirements Organizations should select specific services or curricula for implementation within the approved service priorities.

In the fields of social work, education, and public health, "clearinghouses" function as a Consumer Reports for social programs. They evaluate scientific research to determine a program's effectiveness and the strength of its measurable outcomes. While agencies, such as the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Friends clearinghouse, or the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, may have slight variations in their criteria, they generally employ evidence-based hierarchies to establish the reliability of a program’s results.

It is crucial that the chosen curricula meet one of the following ratings from one of the approved clearinghouses listed below. Furthermore, organizations are responsible for ensuring that their staff receive appropriate training and that the program is implemented with high fidelity to the original model. Selected programs or curricula must be rated as "Well-Supported," "Supported," "Promising," or "Emerging." It is essential for organizations to provide the necessary training for staff and ensure the program is executed according to the original model.

Approved Clearinghouses for Model Selection:

· California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC)

· Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse

· CBCAP Ratings for Evidence-Based Programs and Practices

5.0 Proposal Content

Proposal Substance. Responses to the following components should be included in the proposal. Each component will be evaluated for completeness. Please address the following:

I. Organizational Information

a. Mandatory. Indicate the application type:

· Single County

· Single Community Agency

· Multi-agency/Regional Partnership

· Statewide Provider (Note: Statewide organizations must serve at least 50% of Colorado counties).

i. Define the organizations included in the application: county departments, community -based organizations (or a combination of both).

ii. List all of the Counties where services will be provided.

iii. Provide a list of all subcontractors participating in the project that involves a multi-agency collaboration. Please ensure that the organization identifies the contracting and fiscal agency.

b. Provide the organization’s mission and vision.

c. Describe the current organizational structure and your staff’s capacity to execute project requirements.

d. Mandatory. Detail your experience in meeting funder requirements, including both contractual and financial obligations. Relevant experience may include managing grants for programs such as the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) initiative or other grants. A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required.

II. Target Population

a. Identify which PSSF service areas your program will address and provide the proposed percentage of families expected to be served in each category:

· Family Support (FS): ____%

· Family Preservation (FP): ____%

· Family Reunification Services (FRS): ____%

· Adoption/Post-Permanency Support (APS): ____% Note: Statewide organizations must serve at least 50% of Colorado counties and should also allocate 25% of the requested funding for Family Reunification Services and/or Adoption/Post-Permanency Support Services.

b. Indicate the specific geographic area to be served. Indicate if you are serving counties designated as “frontier” or “rural” per the Colorado County Designation Map.

c. Identify key community partners/stakeholders that will collaborate to reach the families, and how you intend to engage families with significant barriers to resources.

d. Describe the data sources (e.g., census data, child welfare statistics, community surveys) your organization uses to identify and assess the specific needs of your target community.

III. Mandatory. Requested Funding.

a. Select your requested Tier below:

· [] Tier One: $25,000 -$50,000

· [] Tier Two: $50,001 - $120,000

· [] Tier Three: $120,001 - $200,000

· [] Tier Four / Statewide: Up to $250,000 (Must serve 50% of all Colorado Counties) Note: Awards will primarily depend on funding availability and the number of requests received at each funding level. Please choose an amount based on community need, capacity to serve, and past spending on similar grants.

IV. Service Provisions

a. Please describe the specific curriculum or curricula your organization intends to implement. While applicants may choose multiple models, only select those that your agency has the actual capacity to support. Please include the following information:

i. Official Program Name: Use the full, official name of the program as it appears in the approved registries (e.g., use "The Nurturing Parenting Program" rather than "parenting class").

ii. Registry and Rating: For each selected curriculum, specify the Evidence-Based Repository/Registry used for verification and the current Rating Level (e.g., "Well-Supported" via the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse).

iii. Implementation Commitment. Describe how the organization will:

1. Implement the model with full fidelity.

2. Obtain all necessary training and certifications. (costs will need to be included in the budget).

3. Participate in ongoing monitoring and quality assurance as required by the model and PSSF guidelines.

b. Describe how the organization will collaborate with state intermediaries, national organizations, or certified trainers for training, consultation, and evaluation of the selected curricula, ensuring model fidelity. Include information about how the agency plans to deliver PSSF-funded services accurately according to established guidelines, using prescribed assessment tools or, if unavailable, an approved alternative in coordination with service delivery.

c. Describe the recruitment and engagement activities plan, including the main sources of referrals into the program.

d. Describe your process for tailoring PSSF activities to meet the unique needs of each family. Explain how you use strengths-based assessments to drive service delivery while ensuring child safety remains the paramount priority.

e. Family and Community Engagement: Detail the methods used to integrate family and community voice into your programming or how the agency plans to in regards to PSSF.

f. Detail your strategies for involving the entire family unit. Specifically, address how you intentionally engage fathers and father figures in case planning, support activities, and direct service delivery.

g. Document your experience using standardized assessment tools to inform collaborative work with families, establish measurable goals, and track progress over time.

h. Describe your experience delivering evidence-based or promising practices. Explain your process for maintaining model fidelity and how you collaborate with intermediary organizations, national/state trainers, or consultants.

i. Document the continuous quality improvement and family engagement/feedback activities. Outline how your organization stays accountable to the families you serve:

· CQI Cycle: List specific dates or intervals for data review meetings to examine program performance.

· Family Engagement Method: Specify the exact tool or forum used to gather feedback (e.g., Parent Advisory Committees, exit surveys, or focus groups).

· Community Integration: Describe how family feedback will be documented and the process for implementing changes based on that input.

j. Please provide an example of how the organization incorporates the principles of at least one of the following frameworks:

· Strengthening Families & Protective Factors Framework

· YouthThrive Framework

· The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Protective Factors Approach

· Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) Framework Note: Highlight specific efforts to build family strengths and promote positive childhood experiences.

V. Mandatory. PSSF Database Entry Compliance

a. Describe how the organization will ensure all necessary information regarding PSSF services and families receiving resources will be entered in the designated state database within the 10-day timeframe set by CDEC. Please reference Exhibit J as it lists the required information to be entered into the database. Ensure that the following information is outlined in the description:

i. Include a statement explaining how the agency will ensure that the database documentation requirements are met, specify who will enter data (position titles), and detail the data entry schedule to meet the ten-day deadline.

VI. Mandatory. Letters of Support

a. All proposals must include a support letter from each county department of human or social services where services will be offered. These letters should include details regarding the agency’s experience in delivering coordinated, family-driven services and the years of experience in collaboration. Organizations must provide a support letter from each county department of human/social services where services are offered.

i. Single Applicant/Multi-agency, or Statewide Applicant: provide a letter of support from each county where services are offered. County Agencies, If collaborating with a community agency, include a letter of support from that specific organization.

ii. County Departments of Human/Social Services: may only provide one letter of support for their county and may only be involved in one application. Support or participation in multiple proposals representing that county is not allowed.

Note: Exception - Counties named as participants in statewide proposals are permitted to submit up to two letters of support.

VII. Mandatory. Background Check Requirements

a. Please attest via Exhibit C - Background Check Attestation, that the awarded organization will conduct appropriate background checks, including fingerprint-based criminal background checks, for all staff working with children and vulnerable populations prior to employment and that all contractors and subcontractors are required to complete the annual online mandated reporter training available through the Colorado Child Welfare Training System at: https://www.coloradocwts.com/mandated-reporter-training. Certificates of completion will need to be retained in employee files to ensure ongoing compliance.

VIII. Mandatory. Exhibit A Statement of Work (SOW) Template

a. Complete the work plan within Exhibit A – Statement of Work Template. The Statement of Work Template may not be modified from its original version. The work plan must include documentation of all activities, required training, performance measures, and implementation timeframes. Address all comments within the template and incorporate the following information:

i. Specify the specific services or curricula planned for implementation that align with the “approved PSSF Service Priorities” outlined in Section 4.0 Introduction and Background and meet registry requirements in the SOW key activities section. Please use one key activity for each specific service or curricula.

ii. Include all related activities for service implementation, training, direct provision, and required assessments including specific implementation requirements for the CFSA 2.0, (which requires tracking family progress, entering assessment results into Salesforce, and completing pre- and post-testing for applicable families), the target population or service area and ensure all are detailed in the organization's statement of work. Include the number of families expected to be served with each activity.

iii. Please demonstrate the use of the CFSA 2.0 tool to monitor family goals, identify needed services, and coordinate resource referrals. For PSSF programs, this assessment is required for families served through PSSF funds who receive more than 6 hours of services.

iv. Provide a detailed schedule of deliverables that reflects the agency’s planned PSSF services. Milestones should demonstrate a clear timeline for meeting all CDEC program requirements, including specific targets for family enrollment, service frequency, and the achievement of established performance outcomes.

v. Create a chronological timeline that demonstrates how you will meet CDEC requirements. This must include:

1. Enrollment Targets: Specific monthly or quarterly goals for family intake.

2. Service Frequency: How often families will be engaged (e.g., "Weekly home visits for 12 weeks").

3. Performance Outcomes: Key milestones such as "80% of enrolled families will complete the full curriculum" or "90% of families will demonstrate an increase in protective factors via the CFSA 2.0."

IX. Mandatory. Exhibit B - Budget Template

a. Vendors are required to submit cost information via Exhibit B - Budget Template, in its original format. Please refer to the comments within the template as well as the guidelines outlined below for assistance with completing the budget. Please ensure to address the following:

i. Select the budget template version that matches your organization type:

1. Exhibit B Budget Template 1 - County

2. Exhibit B Budget Template 2 - Community Agency Note: The County template does not allow indirect costs while the Community Agency (or Single Applicant) template does allow indirect costs. Ensure you're using the correct version before proceeding.

b. Provide a concise budget narrative (maximum 300 words) that justifies your funding request. Your narrative must demonstrate the relationship between requested funding levels and proposed activities and show your organization's capacity to manage funds in compliance with federal and state requirements. Do not request the maximum funding level in anticipation of receiving a reduced award. Include the following information:

i. Matching Sources: describe planned match sources (note: match must be in-kind only; other federal funds are ineligible).

ii. Operating Context: the organization’s overall annual operating budget.

iii. Fiscal Oversight: identify by position title who will manage the budget and monthly invoicing.

iv. Allocation by Service Population should be reflected on the budget template. Indicate the estimated funding (by dollar amount) for each of the four PSSF service areas, using the appropriate columns listed in the template. You are not required to allocate funds to all areas - only those your program will serve:

1. Family Support for Family Stability (FSFS)

2. Family Preservation for Family Stability (FPFS)

3. Family Reunification Services (FRS)

4. Adoption/Post-Permanency Support (APS)

c. Additional Guidelines. Please refer to the additional items listed below as guidance to complete the budget.

i. Personnel Services: For each position, list the job title, not employee names. Specify the percentage dedicated solely to PSSF activities. Include all salaries, fringe benefits, gross salary costs supported by PSSF funds. Do not try to change formulas in the template to figure costs allocations.

ii. Contractors/Consultants: Identify any external individuals or organizations hired to perform specific project tasks.

iii. Supplies & Operating: Itemize tangible materials needed for implementation, such as curriculum workbooks for parents, educational materials, and office supplies used specifically for PSSF activities. Flex funding. Include costs for phone, internet, or prorated rent only if they are directly attributable to the PSSF program and not already covered by an indirect cost rate. Please also include all costs for curricula training, professional development, necessary certifications, and CFSA 2.0 training. If your agency has not previously paid the one-time CFSA 2.0 licensing fee, it must be included here.

i. Travel: Include costs for staff attendance at the required biennial events mentioned in the RFP.

ii. Indirect Costs: The de minimis rate is 15%.

iii. If your agency has a NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement), you must use that approved rate.

iv. Reminder: Indirect costs do not apply to County Departments.

v. Funding Exclusions: PSSF funds cannot be used for mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, or residential placement. These services must be billed to other eligible sources, such as Medicaid.

vi. Unallowable Costs. For a comprehensive list of unallowable costs, reference Section 4.0 - Introduction and Background.

vii. Flex Funding. For a comprehensive list of unallowable flex funding costs, reference Section 4.0 - Introduction and Background.

viii. Organizations requesting Tier 3 funding should allocate 25% of the requested funding for Family Reunification Services and/or Adoption/Post-Permanency Services. This must be reflected in the budget.

ix. Statewide organizations must serve at least 50% of Colorado counties and should also and should allocate 25% of the requested funding for Family Reunification Services and/or Adoption/Post-Permanency Services. This must be reflected in the budget.

x. SOW Alignment: Every expense listed in the budget must directly align with an activity described in your Statement of Work (Exhibit A).

xi. No Zero-Cost Lines: Do not include line items that represent zero cost to the agency.

xii. Reimbursement Structure: All PSSF contracts are cost-reimbursement only.

xiii. Narrative Justification: Use the “Description” column within the template to provide specific justifications for all personnel and operating expenses.

6.0 How Proposals are Evaluated

i. In General. Vendors are encouraged to review the solicitation and related attachments in their entirety to assure understanding of and compliance with requirements that may be included in these documents. To facilitate evaluation of proposals, a proposal should be thorough yet brief. A proposal should address the requirements set forth in the RFP and should provide sufficient details to allow the evaluation committee(s) to determine whether the proposal evidences:

· Understanding of the State’s needs, requirements and contracting terms and conditions; and

· Ability to meet the State’s needs, including the experience and resources necessary to carry out the work towards meeting the State’s needs; and

· Costs that are reasonable and consistent with the industry.

The Department will identify the proposal(s) most advantageous to the State through an objective and competitive process. A committee will review all acceptable proposals in accordance with §24-103-203(7), C.R.S, and may request more information or clarifications from any vendor. The committee will then recommend one or more proposals for the award. The Single Point of Contact will notify all vendors of the final decision.

ii. Mandatory Criteria. The Department may identify mandatory criteria. However, the Department reserves the right to waive mandatory requirements pursuant to Rule 24-103- 301-03.

iii. Evaluation Committee. The purpose of the Evaluation Committee is to review the submitted proposals, engage in candid and thorough discussions, and recommend a Vendor for the award.

The Evaluation Committee will utilize measures to ensure the integrity of the evaluation process. These measures include the following:

· Selecting committee members who possess no conflicts of interest related to this solicitation.

· Facilitating independent reviews of proposals.

· Requiring the evaluations of the proposals to be based strictly on the content of the proposals.

· Ensuring the fair and impartial treatment of all Vendors.

iv. Evaluation of Factors. An evaluation committee will evaluate proposals against all evaluation factors set forth in the RFP. The evaluation, including the results of any discussions, will result in determination by the committee of the competitive range of vendors reasonably susceptible to receiving an award. Factors that would allow for success in meeting the responsibilities outlined in this RFP:

· Completeness and accuracy of the proposal in addressing stated needs and requirements as outlined in Section 6.0 - Proposal Content, above.

· Cost-Effectiveness: Reasonableness of the proposed budget in relation to the scope of work. The State will consider price in determining the competitive range and the apparent successful vendor.

· The State reserves the right to determine a vendor's responsibility based on factors such as financial, material, personnel resources and expertise; satisfactory record of performance; satisfactory record of integrity; and status of debarment. Reference §24-101-301(43) C.R.S.

· Note: It is the vendor’s responsibility to assure all required materials are included with the proposal. Failure of a vendor to provide required information and/or failure to follow the response format for this RFP may result in reduced scoring and/or exclusion from the competitive range of vendor proposals reasonably susceptible of receiving an award.

v. Weighted Scale Evaluation Process. In evaluating proposals submitted in response to this RFP, CDEC may employ a weighted scale evaluation process to ensure a fair and objective assessment of each submission. This process involves assigning weights to specific evaluation criteria based on their importance to the overall project goals and objectives. Each proposal will be evaluated against the criteria outlined in Section 5.0 - Proposal Content above.