Qualified evaluator network (QEN)

The State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, Office of Child and Family Well-Being is requesting proposals to develop and manage a Qualified Evaluator Network (QEN) under Chapter 287, Florida Statutes, with proposals due November 16, 2026. The QEN will establish a network of qualified evaluators to conduct clinical assessments on children in the Department's care and custody who are placed in or reside in residential treatment facilities.

The scope requires the selected respondent to establish and maintain a network of at least 20 qualified evaluators, including at least one Seminole Tribe Qualified Evaluator. The provider must perform Initial Suitability Assessments, 60-day and 90-day independent assessments, reconsideration assessments, and BQRTP-specific assessments according to specified timelines (typically 7–14 business days for completion). Required qualifications include a Project Manager with 5+ years of behavioral health management experience, a QEN Program Manager holding a master's degree and 3+ years of behavioral health or child welfare experience, and qualified evaluators licensed as psychiatrists or psychologists with 2–3 years of experience in child mental health. The provider must establish a toll-free 24/7 customer service system, develop and maintain training materials, implement an internal quality control program, and maintain administrative offices open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday. Compliance with Florida Statutes Section 39.407 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-28.021 is mandatory.

The contract is structured as a fixed unit-price arrangement with estimated annual volumes of 492–985 initial assessments, 705–1,410 follow-up assessments, and 205–410 rescheduling coordination fees per year, depending on fiscal year. The contract term runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029, subject to annual legislative appropriations. The provider must establish and maintain a performance bond equal to 3% of the annual contract amount within 30 days of contract execution. Financial consequences include invoice reductions of 2–5% for failure to meet performance measures related to evaluator qualifications, assessment completion timelines, assessment quality, report submission deadlines, and disaster recovery planning.