Case Management Services for Indigent Defendants & Youth

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP 202602024) for case management and mitigation support services for indigent defendants and youth charged with criminal offenses. The procurement seeks qualified bidders to provide comprehensive assessment, coordination, and barrier reduction services designed to help clients access critical resources including mental health treatment, substance use treatment, medical care, employment support, and other services necessary for favorable case outcomes. Services will be delivered on a referral basis from eligible attorneys and may be performed at the bidder's facilities, state facilities, or in the community. Qualified bidders must hold a minimum bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social and behavioral science, social work, or related field and provide proof of eligibility. The Department anticipates making three awards to bidders capable of providing statewide coverage or coverage in specific counties. The proposal scoring is weighted as follows: Organization Qualifications and Experience (50 points), Proposed Services (25 points), and Cost Proposal (25 points), with the lowest-cost bidder receiving maximum cost points and proportionally fewer points for higher bids. Questions must be submitted by March 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time, and proposals are due March 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time via the Vendor Self Service System, with the RFP Coordinator being Darcy Fisher (darcy.fisher@maine.gov).

The RFP does not identify specific set-asides or restrictions on organization types eligible to respond, nor does it reference incumbent vendors or current contractors. Bidders must propose an hourly rate for direct client services, with minimum annual hours of 1,500 and maximum of 2,000, though no specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available documentation. All bidders must demonstrate compliance with security controls and technical requirements for protecting personally identifiable information and confidential client data. The initial contract period runs from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2028, with three optional one-year renewal periods extending through April 30, 2031. The Department will not seek best and final offers; all bidders must submit their best pricing with their initial proposal. Contract negotiations will follow the award decision, subject to approval by the State Procurement Review Committee, with final contract execution and fund encumbrance required before services commence.