Low-Income Home Energy Assistance & DE Energy Assistance Pgms

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services, is seeking professional services through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP). The primary objective is to help low-income households manage energy costs associated with heating and cooling residential dwellings, with priority given to households with older adults (60+), individuals with documented disabilities, and families with young children (age 5 and under). The RFP (contract number HSS-25-025) requires contractors to provide comprehensive intake services, benefits distribution, and program administration. Evaluation criteria include qualification and expertise (10%), work plan (50%), staffing (5%), and budget (35%). Key submission details mandate electronic proposal submission through the Bonfire portal by March 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST, with anticipated award notification by April 30, 2025. The contract term is one year, with potential for four optional one-year extensions. Deliverables will include detailed budget workbooks, comprehensive program tracking, and specific documentation of energy assistance services across multiple funding streams including federal LIHEAP funds, Older Americans Act funds, and state allocations.

The procurement allows for multiple contractors, with one primary contractor selected to execute funding, though no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned. The budget workbook indicates planned allocations of $182,902.18 for intake services and $14,329.60 for salary components, with administrative costs capped at 10% and operational costs limited to 10%. Contractors must maintain required insurance coverage and complete background checks for staff working on state premises. The program requires meticulous financial documentation, including separate budgets for each service, proper allocation of administrative versus program costs, and federal approval for indirect cost calculations. Mileage reimbursement is limited to $0.50 per mile, and equipment purchases require detailed justification. While specific total contract value is not disclosed, the comprehensive budget worksheets suggest a multi-faceted funding approach incorporating federal LIHEAP funds, DEAP funds, state funds, local cash/in-kind match, and potential program income. No incumbent vendors are identified in the provided documentation, and no specific technological integration requirements are outlined beyond standard budget and reporting protocols.