Request for Application (RFA) for Pre-Formative Assessments and S

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), through its Office of Child Welfare Programs, has issued a Request for Application (RFA) numbered S-10000-00013581 for Pre-Formative Assessments and Evaluation Support Services. The procurement seeks a PhD-level social work researcher to develop and conduct pre-formative assessments and pilot usability tests supporting a new child welfare practice model. Key deliverables include creating assessment plans, developing research instruments, conducting data collection through interviews and surveys, and producing comprehensive evaluation reports. The successful applicant must demonstrate a minimum of ten years of research and evaluation experience in child welfare, with peer-reviewed publications and in-depth knowledge of the Oregon public child welfare system. Specific evaluation requirements mandate the contractor lead Child Welfare in translating organizational values into defined practice behaviors and strategies for its workforce. The RFA was posted on May 5, 2025, with proposals due by June 2, 2025, and the anticipated contract term is less than two years, likely less than one year. The project aims to transform Child Welfare Programs' approach by creating a collaborative, dependable method of interacting with children and families through systematic assessment and evaluation.

The procurement encourages applications from minority, women, emerging small, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, indicating a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Potential contractors must complete a comprehensive certification form demonstrating compliance with state legal and ethical requirements, including non-discrimination practices, tax law adherence, and employee wage policies. The application remains valid for 180 days following the closing date, with successful applicants expected to meet performance standards outlined in the final negotiated contract. While no specific budget or funding details are provided, the contract template allows for potential extensions up to a total contract period of 5 years, with possibilities for periodic amendments to payment rates. Contractors must also meet extensive insurance requirements, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, automobile liability, and professional liability coverage. The certification process is rigorous, with potential legal consequences for false statements under the Oregon False Claims Act. This procurement represents a strategic initiative to enhance the state's child welfare service delivery through comprehensive research and evaluation methodologies.