Evaluation of Maine's Family First Prevention Services

The State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services is requesting proposals for evaluation services for Maine's Family First Prevention Services program under RFP 202607117, with proposals due August 21, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. via the Vendor Self Service system and questions due July 29, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

The scope calls for a comprehensive five-year outcome evaluation plan aligned with the Department's FFPSA Evaluation Plan. The contractor must track evidence-based practices provided, service costs and duration, child placement status twelve months after prevention plan initiation, re-entry into foster care within two years, demographics of pregnant and parenting youth, relevant state population data, and fidelity and outcome measure data on service implementation and effectiveness. The contractor must maintain administrative staff availability Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding state holidays), provide technical assistance to Department staff and partners with two business day response times, conduct monthly meetings with the Department, and deliver quarterly status reports due thirty calendar days after quarter close. All communications require two business day response times.

The initial contract period runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods: October 1, 2028 through September 30, 2030, and October 1, 2030 through September 30, 2031. Cost proposals must be submitted on a fixed-price basis covering the initial period and all renewal periods. Payments are anticipated on a net 30 basis.

The Department evaluates proposals on a 100-point scale: Organization Qualifications and Experience (30 points), Proposed Services (35 points), and Cost Proposal (35 points). The lowest submitted cost proposal receives the maximum 35 points, with other proposals scored proportionally. One award is anticipated. Bidders must maintain active Vendor Codes (VC or VS) with the State of Maine and comply with State IT-Service Contract provisions, including appropriate insurance coverage and risk assessment and vulnerability scanning policies for sensitive information. No best and final offers will be sought. Awards require State Procurement Review Committee approval and are not effective until at least 14 calendar days after notification.