HealthySteps Program Implementation Sites Solicitation

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP QAAA 2026000153) to procure HealthySteps Program Implementation Sites throughout Colorado, with jurisdiction specific to Arapahoe County. This is a cost-reimbursement contract solicitation seeking organizations to implement the HealthySteps evidence-based model, which provides enhanced well-child care to children ages birth to three years and their families within pediatric primary care practices. The scope of work requires implementation of the HealthySteps model at a minimum "Approaching Basic Fidelity" level, with an embedded HealthySteps Specialist delivering services across three service tiers: universal developmental, social-emotional, and autism screening for all eligible children (Tier 1); brief developmental and behavioral consultations for families with typical concerns (Tier 2); and comprehensive team-based well-child visits for families with the greatest need through age three (Tier 3). Key deliverables and objectives include universal screening implementation, maternal mental health and family needs assessment, establishment of a functional warm line, provision of developmental resources, care coordination and community referrals, developmental consultations, comprehensive data collection and reporting, and mandatory participation in professional development and technical assistance activities. The contract period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with options to renew for up to four additional one-year periods for a maximum five-year term contingent on appropriated funds and contract compliance. Required qualifications include three or more years of prior HealthySteps service experience, an active physician champion in a pediatric primary care practice, a dedicated workspace for the specialist, monthly supervision capacity, commitment to all eight core components, and employment of a qualified HealthySteps Specialist with at least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant child development discipline. The pre-proposal conference was held February 18, 2026, at 11:15 a.m., with an inquiry deadline of February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., answers posted by March 4, 2026, and proposals due March 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via BidNet Direct submission, with public opening scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Evaluation criteria include vendor experience, organizational capacity, budget reasonableness, implementation feasibility, and commitment to family-centered, system-of-care approaches.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) that meet Colorado state registration requirements will receive an additional 3 percent scoring advantage. Eligible organizations must serve statewide across Colorado, and no incumbent vendors or current contractors have been identified in the solicitation materials. All contractors must register with the Colorado Secretary of State, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and the Colorado CORE system before contract execution, and must comply with federal employment eligibility verification, SAM.gov exclusion checks for all staff upon hiring and annually, and child abuse and neglect reporting requirements. The budget template establishes a maximum allowance of $50,000 per contractor for the initial one-year period, with past awards generally covering a portion of the HealthySteps Specialist's salary and potentially small amounts for travel and supplies. Contractors may apply a de minimis indirect cost rate of 15 percent on Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) if no negotiated federal or state rate exists. Awarded vendors must submit certificates of insurance and complete background checks as required by Colorado statute, execute a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement to protect Protected Health Information, and comply with all mandatory provisions including monthly invoicing through the OnBase Invoice Submission Process with payment made within 30 days of month-end or per compressed fiscal year-end timelines.