Birth to Three System Request for Proposals (RFP)

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood is requesting proposals from qualified organizations to operate Early Intervention Programs on behalf of the Connecticut Birth to Three System under a five-year contract term from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2032, with proposals due November 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. The total funding available is up to $199,568,130 derived from federal and state sources. This is open competition; no set-asides or incumbent restrictions apply.

The scope encompasses two provider categories: Comprehensive Early Intervention Providers delivering all individualized services to referred children, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support Providers assisting comprehensive programs. The Birth to Three System serves approximately 15,000 eligible children annually under IDEA Part C for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, disabilities, or health-related needs. Applicants may apply for multiple town clusters; a minimum of two providers will be selected per cluster.

Comprehensive providers must maintain a minimum staffing team of a Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Physical Therapist. All applicants must demonstrate sound fiscal health through three years of audited financial statements, maintain GAAP compliance, register with the System of Award Management prior to execution, and be legally registered with Connecticut's Secretary of State or hold nonprofit exemption with IRS determination letters.

Evaluation employs weighted scoring: Compliance/Operations & Services (35%), Staffing/Training Plan (25%), Financial Profile (10%), Outreach/Partnerships (10%), Dispute Resolution (10%), and Towns (10%). Proposals must be submitted electronically as PDF and spreadsheet files totaling less than 25 MB, with the main proposal body limited to 15 pages excluding required attachments.

An optional pre-bid conference is scheduled for October 13, 2026. The vendor question-and-answer period runs September 28 through October 16, 2026. Anticipated proposer selections occur January 4, 2027. Contact Kaitlyn Czap at OEC.RFP.B23@ct.gov or 860-500-4436 for clarification.