PO24-018 Agency Re-accreditation Services, TP

The State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), is issuing a sole source contract for agency re-accreditation services to be provided by Social Current, the only vendor nationwide that accredits child welfare agencies. DCFS has maintained accreditation through Social Current since 2000, and the re-accreditation process, which is required every 3 years, involves on-site peer reviews of DCFS' central office and regional offices. The estimated one-year contract term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 has an estimated value of $138,333, which covers the re-accreditation fee, site visit fees, and a maintenance of accreditation fee. DCFS considers accreditation essential for maintaining nationally recognized best practice standards, ensuring consistency in service delivery, and improving outcomes for children and families, noting that losing accreditation could result in potential lawsuits, non-compliance with consent decrees, loss of federal funds, and a loss of public confidence.

This is a sole source procurement, as Social Current is the sole vendor that provides accreditation services for child welfare agencies. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, as this is a sole source award. DCFS has utilized Social Current/Council on Accreditation for accreditation services since 1996, and the pricing is based on DCFS's legislated budget minus pass-through funds. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is the only agency involved in this procurement, which is limited to the jurisdiction of Cook County.