Performance Reviews of Home Delivered Meals Grants

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 551-20-01064 to procure comprehensive performance review services for the Texans Feeding Texans: Home Delivered Meal Grant Program. The selected accounting firm will develop and implement a risk assessment tool, conduct monitoring visits, and provide detailed reports on approximately 164 governmental and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that received a total of $9.2 million in grant funding for FY 2020. Key deliverables include creating a risk assessment tool within 30 days of approval, completing risk assessments within 30 days after tool approval, and implementing an approved monitoring plan. Proposers must have licensed CPAs with a minimum of 7 years of experience conducting performance reviews of government and non-profit organizations receiving state funding. The proposal evaluation will be based on qualifications (30 points), technical approach (30 points), and understanding of requirements (40 points). The original proposal due date of June 1, 2020, was extended to June 18, 2020, at 3:00 PM Central Time through Addendum #1, with the initial contract term running through August 31, 2021 and three optional one-year renewal periods available.

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan requirement, with a HUB participation goal of 26% for proposals over $80,000. The state has established specific HUB participation goals across various contract categories, including 26% for other services contracts. Contractors must demonstrate good faith efforts in utilizing Texas-certified HUB subcontractors, including notification of subcontracting opportunities and monthly compliance reporting. The RFP requires vendors to meet extensive data security requirements, including compliance with NIST SP 800-53 standards, FISMA requirements, and PCI DSS standards. Vendors must provide vulnerability scanning reports, SOC2 Type 2 reports, and disaster recovery plans. While no specific maximum budget is listed, the RFP requires detailed cost proposals with hourly rates and estimated hours for performing the reviews. Electronic or faxed submissions will not be accepted unless specifically approved due to potential transportation or delivery disruptions. The procurement is open to accounting firms with the requisite experience and ability to meet the state's comprehensive monitoring and reporting requirements.