DHS Infant Toddler Strategic Plan

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a qualified vendor to develop a comprehensive strategic plan addressing the availability of licensed, high-quality infant and toddler childcare slots within the state. The procurement, identified as RFP24003139, requires vendors to conduct an in-depth assessment of current licensed infant and toddler childcare capacity, identify existing gaps and needs, and develop targeted strategies to increase the availability of high-quality childcare slots. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by September 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM EDT, with a vendor Q&A period running from August 4 to August 15, 2023. The initial contract period is expected to begin approximately October 1, 2023, with the potential for a one-year extension based on vendor performance and funding availability. Evaluation criteria will include technical proposal merit, cost proposal, and Identified Small Business Enterprise (ISBE) participation rates, with proposals reviewed by a technical evaluation committee comprising state agency staff.

The procurement encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disability Business Enterprises (DisBEs), with vendors receiving evaluation points based on their proposed ISBE participation rates. Vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system and provide separate technical, cost, and ISBE participation proposals. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 liability coverage per occurrence, $100,000 workers compensation, $1,000,000 automobile liability, and $2,000,000 professional liability coverage. While the total estimated contract value is not specified in the documents, the contract will be contingent on the availability of appropriated funds. The state reserves the right to award the contract based on cost alone, reject any or all proposals, or cancel the solicitation at its discretion. No incumbent vendor is identified in the procurement documents, and the strategic plan will serve as a foundational document for improving infant and toddler childcare availability in Rhode Island.