NVFS SAMHSA-Funded External Evaluator

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) is requesting quotes for an external evaluator for its SAMHSA-funded National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative project, with quotes due November 6, 2026, and potential interviews scheduled November 9–13, 2026. Contract execution is anticipated by November 24, 2026.

The evaluator will provide independent technical expertise in evaluation planning, data analysis, stakeholder feedback, reporting, and continuous quality improvement for NVFS' Violence Prevention and Intervention Program, which embeds trauma-informed mental health services in Fairfax County Public Schools and Manassays City Public Schools, serving children and youth ages 5–21 who have experienced traumatic events. The evaluator must possess an advanced degree in education research, public administration, psychology, social work, public health, evaluation, statistics, or a closely related field, with demonstrated experience evaluating SAMHSA-funded programs and school-based or community-based behavioral health programs. Required expertise includes mixed-method evaluation, fidelity monitoring, continuous quality improvement, and handling de-identified sensitive behavioral health data.

The Year 1 evaluation budget is capped at $35,000, with projected budgets of $35,000 for Year 2, $30,000 for Year 3, $30,000 for Year 4, and $33,000 for Year 5, subject to negotiation prior to each budget period. The contract spans five years beginning within four months of the grant award. Work is performed primarily in a remote capacity with occasional in-person meetings and observations. The project is 100 percent funded by SAMHSA/HHS under Federal Award H79SM092542, with Year 1 total budget of $600,000. Salary rates are subject to the Executive Level II of the Federal Executive Pay Scale limitation.

Selection criteria are weighted: relevant evaluation experience (30%), technical approach and understanding of the project (30%), qualifications and availability of personnel (20%), and cost and value (20%). Written questions are due October 23, 2026, with responses posted October 28, 2026. NVFS reserves the right to reject any or all quotes, negotiate scope or price, and cancel or reissue the RFQ.