PO27-059 Leadership Development Program

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is soliciting a vendor to deliver a comprehensive leadership development and organizational culture transformation program across DCFS for a one-year initial term, with proposals due October 20, 2026.

The scope encompasses evidence-informed curriculum development, executive leadership consultation, organizational assessments if requested, and program evaluation support. The contractor must design and deliver training to approximately 200 DCFS supervisors, managers, and executive leadership staff across four four-day statewide cohorts in Cook, Northern, Central, and Southern regions. Deliverables include a project implementation plan within 30 days of contract execution, final training schedules within 45 days, leadership training delivery according to mutually approved schedules, executive facilitation sessions, organizational assessment reports if applicable, sustainability recommendations, and a final project summary report within 30 days of services completion. Subcontracting is not permitted, and all services must be performed in the United States.

The contractor must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in leadership development, organizational development consulting, executive coaching, and workforce engagement with public sector agencies, social service organizations, and complex organizations. The lead trainer or coach must hold a master's degree and possess five years of leadership experience in social work, behavioral health, education, human services, or related disciplines. General commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate is required, along with auto liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and workers' compensation insurance as required by law.

The contract is firm-priced with the maximum amount to be determined by the State prior to execution. The initial term is one year from the date of last execution, with a maximum total term not exceeding ten years including any renewals or extensions. The State retains sole and exclusive ownership of all work product and deliverables as work-for-hire. Prevailing wage compliance, background check procedures, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws apply. The vendor must comply with 34 distinct standard Illinois certifications covering vendor eligibility, tax compliance, equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, drug-free workplace standards, cybersecurity clearance, and political contribution restrictions.