Montana Access to Quality Childcare System MAQCS

The State of Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is seeking a contractor to design and implement the Montana Access to Quality Childcare System (MAQCS), a comprehensive database system supporting child care licensing functions for providers and facilities. The project involves developing a robust technological solution to manage subsidy, contracting, and administrative activities across the state's child care ecosystem. Key deliverables include creating a complex database with 404 tables covering authorization, contracts, invoicing, inspections, persons, providers, and financial transactions, along with over 40 distinct project management and technical documents. The solicitation (DPHHS-RFP-2024-0492KH) was posted on September 29, 2023, with proposals due by December 21, 2023 at 5:00 PM MST. Vendors must provide detailed technology specifications, including cloud services, software development, and IT infrastructure support, with opportunities to earn bonus points for compliance with Equal Pay for Montana Women Executive Order. Evaluation will consider technology matrix submissions, resource allocation plans, cost proposals, and comprehensive system design capabilities.

The procurement appears open to a wide range of technology vendors, with no explicit set-aside designations mentioned in the documents. Potential respondents must demonstrate extensive experience in database design, with senior-level personnel required to have either a four-year degree plus five years of experience or seven years of direct experience. The contract is structured as a six-year agreement from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2029, with a firm fixed price payment model and Net 30 payment terms. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the cost sheet provides hourly rates ranging from $10 to $160 per hour across various project roles. The system must integrate with existing state infrastructure and support complex child care administrative workflows, including provider licensing, quality rating, financial transactions, and comprehensive data tracking. Vendors must also certify non-discrimination against firearms entities and provide detailed security testing information as part of their proposal.