Community-Based Diversion for Justice-Involved and At-Risk Y

The State of Maine Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP 202603036) to procure community-based diversion programming services for justice-involved and at-risk youth ages 11-21 across three juvenile justice regions: Region 1 (York and Cumberland Counties), Region 2 (Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, and Sagadahoc Counties), and Region 3 (Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington Counties). Eligible programming includes community service, alternatives to suspension, diversion to assets, after-school programming, and recreational programming, with preference given to organizations capable of serving entire regions, though bidders may apply to serve individual counties within a region with separate proposals submitted for each. Qualified organizations must maintain current 501(c)(3) status, demonstrate evidence-based or promising practices, conduct comprehensive background checks on all staff and volunteers, and provide staff training in trauma-informed care and positive youth development with a minimum of twelve continuing education units annually. The procurement will be evaluated on a 100-point scale consisting of 20 points for organizational qualifications and experience, 55 points for proposed services, and 25 points for cost, with the lowest bid receiving full cost points and higher bids scored proportionally. Bidders must comply with extensive security and data protection requirements, including Maine's Office of Information Technology information security policies, NIST standards, breach notification protocols within 24 hours, and proper handling of personally identifiable information classified as high-impact. The deadline for submitting questions is April 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with proposals due April 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time via the Vendor Self Service system. The anticipated initial contract period runs from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods extending through June 30, 2030, and June 30, 2031.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular disadvantaged enterprise categories; however, eligible bidders must maintain current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, effectively restricting participation to eligible nonprofit organizations. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement materials. Bidders must integrate with and comply with Maine's existing Office of Information Technology infrastructure and security frameworks, including adherence to NIST standards and the State's data protection protocols. The Department reserves the right to make one or multiple awards based on what best serves the State's interests. No specific budget range or award values are disclosed in the RFP; however, cost proposals must cover only the initial performance period (January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028) and be submitted as a fixed amount. Payment terms are anticipated to be net 30 upon receipt of accurate invoices containing the State contract number and required supporting documentation.