Caregiver Supports Phase II-Catchment Area 9-14

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is seeking qualified contractors through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ 24-DCYF-CW-080) to provide comprehensive caregiver support services across six catchment areas (9-14) encompassing multiple counties and regions. The primary objective is to assist caregivers in supporting children and youth by helping them access medical, social, educational, and other necessary services through a fee-for-service contract model. Contractors must demonstrate at least three years of experience providing support services to caregivers and children, maintain a physical office within or adjacent to their assigned catchment area, and have an Executive Director on staff. The evaluation criteria heavily emphasize cultural responsiveness (20 points), tribal collaboration (20 points), understanding of tribal sovereignty and Indian Child Welfare Act (20 points), staff recruitment (15 points), emergency response support (15 points), and experience with Native American communities (15 points). The solicitation requires detailed responses including organizational charts, key personnel resumes, and comprehensive service delivery approaches. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM via Microsoft Teams, with final proposals due by January 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Contract terms will vary by catchment area, with initial periods starting between April 1, 2025, and October 1, 2025, and all contracts ending September 30, 2026.

The procurement appears to have some preferences for diverse businesses, with opportunities for OMWBE certification, veteran-owned business status, and small business designations. The contract funding structure is complex, combining 48% capacity payments based on full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing and 52% fee-for-service payments based on caregiver support levels ranging from 1-7. Funding is structured with 90% state money and 10% federal money, with start-up funding for the first three months and ramp-up funding for service capacity development. Monthly case rates for placement support vary by level and zone, ranging from $259 to $568 per child/youth, and case aide hourly rates range from $55.79 to $62.68. The total contract value is not explicitly stated, but the fee table suggests significant potential revenue, with capacity payments for support managers and case aides, along with additional reimbursements for travel and specific service provisions. Contractors will be expected to make contact within 72 hours of placement notification and partner with support entities like CaRES, with the potential for two two-year contract extensions not to exceed September 30, 2029.