INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE- ECKERDYOUTH

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) has issued a sole source procurement (5400023638) to acquire Motivational Interviewing (MI) training services from Eckerd Youth Alternatives. The procurement specifically targets comprehensive training for both institutional and community corrections (parole) staff, complementing SCDC's existing Risk-Asset Assessment (GRAD) and Intervention Program (CREST). Required deliverables include a Motivational Interviewing Participant Manual with full curriculum and job aids, an MI Train the Trainers Instructor Manual, and evidence-based reference materials. Training must be conducted in small group sessions of 15-20 participants, not exceeding 12 training hours or two business days per session, with separate training tracks for institutional and community staff. Vendors must provide detailed explanations of training expectations, references from federal and state agencies demonstrating successful MI training implementations, two examples of previously successful MI programs, and a list of training staff with biographical information. The response period for this intent to award ends on July 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with proposals to be submitted in sealed packages to specified mailing or physical addresses, or via email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov.

This sole source procurement appears to be exclusively targeted to Eckerd Youth Alternatives, which was previously the sole respondent to a related Best Value Bid Solicitation (5400014791) awarded on May 2, 2018. Upon contract completion, SCDC will own all rights to training materials and deliverables. The procurement does not explicitly mention set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or specific budget constraints. Eckerd Youth Alternatives has demonstrated prior experience through several weeks of onsite training at the SCDC Training Academy, which likely informed their selection as the sole source vendor. Protests regarding the intent to award must be submitted within five business days of posting for notice of intent and within fifteen days for actual protests. While specific contract value is not disclosed, the comprehensive training program suggests a significant investment in staff development and correctional rehabilitation strategies.