DCYF Comprehensive Needs Assessment

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is seeking proposals to conduct a statewide Comprehensive Needs Assessment, targeting Providence County and the broader state jurisdiction. This procurement aims to develop a comprehensive program of services designed to help children and families achieve their full potential. The RFP (RFP25005168) solicits vendors to perform an in-depth assessment that will inform future planning, development, and evaluation of statewide child and family services. Key dates for this opportunity include a solicitation opening on February 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST, with proposals due on March 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM EDT. The vendor Q&A period runs from February 12, 2025, at 10:15 AM EST to February 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST. Evaluation criteria will encompass technical proposals, cost proposals, and ISBE (Minority/Women/Disabled-owned Business Enterprise) participation rates. Vendors will be scored on technical merit, cost competitiveness using a standard formula, and their level of ISBE participation.

The procurement appears to have specific insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 in general liability, $100,000 in workers compensation, $1,000,000 in automobile liability, $2,000,000 in professional liability, and $5,000,000 in cyber/privacy liability coverage. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures system, with technical and cost proposals submitted separately. The initial contract period is expected to run approximately from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, with potential for two additional 12-month renewal periods contingent on vendor performance and funding availability. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the needs assessment suggests a significant scope of work. The state appears to be encouraging participation from diverse business enterprises, with additional points awarded for higher levels of ISBE participation, potentially creating opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled-owned businesses to compete for this contract.