DCYF Comprehensive Needs Assessment

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is seeking proposals for a statewide Comprehensive Needs Assessment through RFP25005168, targeting Providence County. The primary objective is to conduct an in-depth assessment that will inform planning, development, and evaluation of comprehensive statewide programs designed to help children and families achieve their full potential. Vendors must submit separate technical and cost proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by March 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT, with a vendor Q&A period running from February 12-20, 2025. The initial contract period will span from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, with potential for two additional 12-month renewals contingent on vendor performance and funding availability. Evaluation criteria will include technical merit, cost competitiveness, and vendor participation rates, with a technical evaluation committee reviewing submissions. Comprehensive proposals must demonstrate significant research capabilities, deep understanding of child and family service systems, and capacity to conduct a thorough statewide needs assessment.

The procurement encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses (MBEs/WBEs) and disability business enterprises, with additional evaluation points awarded based on proposed Israel Small Business Enterprise (ISBE) utilization rates. Vendors must demonstrate substantial insurance coverage, including $1 million in general liability, workers compensation, and automobile liability, $2 million in professional liability, and $5 million in cyber/privacy liability to manage potential risks associated with accessing protected health information. No specific incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation. While a precise budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the assessment and the statewide scope suggest a significant investment in understanding and improving child and family services. Proposing organizations should have extensive experience in conducting complex, multi-dimensional needs assessments, with expertise in child welfare, social services, data analysis, and strategic planning.