Residential Child Care Services

The Maryland Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration (SSA) is requesting expressions of interest for Residential Child Care (RCC) services across nine program categories, with proposals due January 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM under Amendment 1. MBE participation goals range from 3% to 10% depending on provider bed capacity, and all respondents must complete MBE Attachment D-1A regardless of certification status.

Providers must hold a current, valid license in good standing from the DHS Office of Licensing and Monitoring, Department of Juvenile Services, Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration, or Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration by the response deadline. The nine program categories are Developmentally Disabled Program, Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment Program, High Intensity Group Home Programs, Therapeutic Group Home Program, Medically Fragile Program, High Intensity Group Home Services for Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth, High Intensity Group Home Services for Emotional and Cognitive Developmentally Disabled Youth, Psychiatric Respite, and Group Home Program services. Providers must maintain 24-hour, 365-day operational capacity and comply with COMAR 14.31.05 through 07, the Integrated Practice Model, and the Emerging Adults framework.

Compensation is established by the Maryland Department of Education's Interagency Rates Committee on a per diem basis; SSA pays the IRC rate when a child is placed with a provider. The contract term is three years (April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029) with one optional two-year renewal. Contractors must obtain Commercial General Liability Insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), Errors and Omissions Insurance ($1 million), Crime Insurance ($1 million), and Workers' Compensation. All existing contracts expire March 31, 2026; currently contracted providers must submit an EOI to continue. Required submissions include program descriptions, staffing plans, proof of licensure, organizational charts, certificates of insurance, FY2026 IRC rate letters, and signed compliance affidavits (Conflict of Interest, Non-Disclosure Agreement, Bid Proposal Affidavit, Contract Affidavit, and others). Annual audits by December 2 and quarterly CANS assessments are mandatory. Procurement Officer: Sang Kang, 410-767-7404 or sang.kang@maryland.gov.