Family resource and preservation servic

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is procuring Family Resource Connection and Preservation Services through a fixed-price bid solicitation targeting community-based organizations across the state. The procurement seeks service providers to deliver short-term, family-focused interventions designed to improve parenting skills, maintain child safety, and prevent child placement in state custody. Providers will utilize the Family Advocacy and Support Tool (FAST) for eligibility determination and Motivational Interviewing (MI) as the primary service delivery method. Qualified contractors must serve families with open preservation cases, open investigations, or kinship placements, with a weekly case rate of $362.83 for up to six months per family. Key qualifications include three years of experience providing community-based services, bachelor's-level direct care staff supervised by master's-level professionals, and comprehensive liability insurance coverage. The solicitation timeline includes a virtual pre-bid conference held on April 17, 2024, with original proposal submissions initially due May 1, 2024, but subsequently extended to June 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET, with award notification scheduled for June 20, 2024.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must be registered South Carolina vendors and demonstrate compliance with state and federal laws, including debarment certification and immigration compliance. The contract will have an initial one-year term beginning June 4, 2024, with four optional one-year renewal terms possible, potentially extending through June 3, 2029. Additional reimbursement is available for concrete services up to $500 per family and mileage at the IRS reimbursement rate. The state anticipates serving approximately 500 families annually statewide, with referrals distributed on a rotating basis to providers at capacity. Insurance requirements are substantial, including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability, $1,000,000 in abuse or molestation coverage, $5,000,000 in information security and privacy coverage, and mandatory worker's compensation. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract structure suggests significant potential funding for qualified service providers across South Carolina counties.