Notice of Intent to Award RFP210000001575

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued RFP210000001575 on May 12, 2021, for the procurement of Families Together Building Solutions - Pathways to Potential (FTBS) family preservation services across 14 regions within Michigan, with proposals due on June 23, 2021. The solicitation sought contractors to provide comprehensive family preservation and support services with a contract term of two years plus up to three one-year renewal options. Key service deliverables include direct service units, transportation, and specific assistance services, with proposed caseloads and unit volumes varying by region from approximately 90 to 444 clients and 6,600 to 62,636 service units. Contractors must establish standard FTBS teams comprised of one part-time Program Manager (0.2-0.25 FTE), one full-time Supervisor (1 FTE), and four full-time FTBS Direct Workers (4 FTE), maintaining a strict 1:4 supervisor-to-direct service worker ratio. Required staff qualifications include bachelor's degrees in human services fields, preferably social work, with mandatory Family Preservation Core Training completion within 30 days of hire and specialized topic trainings completed within one year. Evaluation was conducted using a 100-point technical scoring rubric assessing bidder experience and qualifications (35 points), staffing and training capabilities (24 points), and program implementation and work plans (41 points), with awards determined based on best value considerations combining technical merit and pricing.

Multiple awards were recommended across the 14 regions to various service providers including Orchards Children's Services, Judson Center, Catholic Charities West Michigan, Samaritas, Wellspring Lutheran Services, Good Will Farm Association Inc., Professional Counseling Center, Spectrum Child and Family Services, Catholic Human Services Inc., and Highfields, Inc., with total award values ranging from approximately $506,000 to $1,619,000 per region. Several awarded contractors hold Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB) designations, including Wellspring Lutheran Services, Professional Counseling Center, and Catholic Human Services Inc. The procurement did not specify incumbent contractors or restrictions on organizational type beyond responsiveness and responsibility requirements, though the evaluation process emphasized technical compliance with staffing ratios and training requirements as critical factors in contractor selection. Per-unit service rates proposed by selected contractors ranged from $24.00 to $72.39 per unit, with total regional contract values including transportation and specific assistance costs. All award recommendations were pending State Administrative Board approval, and unsuccessful bidders were offered debriefing sessions with Solicitation Analyst Stephen Henderson to discuss evaluation outcomes.