Respite and Extended Services

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP 2027-0904) to procure services for a statewide Respite and Extended Services program supporting children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). The Department seeks one organization to develop, administer, and serve as the fiduciary for a program that will provide information about and assistance with accessing and funding respite services, extended services, and support services for CYSHCN enrolled in the Connecticut Medical Home Initiative (CHMI). Key program activities include assisting caregivers in accessing respite and extended services (capped at $500 per enrolled family per funding period), enrolling CYSHCN in the CHMI Program, facilitating health insurance acquisition, and disseminating information on available programs and services. Eligible proposers must be duly formed business entities with at least one physical office location in Connecticut where individuals can receive services and must demonstrate experience serving CYSHCN, evaluating special health care needs, providing culturally appropriate education to caregivers, working with insurance companies, and collaborating with community-based organizations. Extended services funding supports medically necessary and appropriate goods and services at rates not exceeding Medicaid/HUSKY payment levels for families with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. Proposals are due May 27, 2026, at 12:00 Noon EST, with a letter of intent due by May 4, 2026, and a question deadline of May 4, 2026, with answers released May 13, 2026. No bidders conference will be held. Proposers must submit detailed organizational information, staffing plans with resumes, comprehensive work plans utilizing SMART objectives, itemized budgets with justifications, quality improvement plans, and evidence of financial stability through recent audited financial statements, with proposals not exceeding 25 pages excluding appendices and required forms.

No set-aside designations or restrictions on organization type are specified in the RFP documentation; all vendors are eligible to respond regardless of disadvantaged enterprise status. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The contract will commence July 1, 2026, and run through June 30, 2031, consisting of an initial three-year term with two optional one-year extensions, contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory program performance. Funding is subject to annual review and continuation based on demonstrated performance outcomes. The total funding available is up to $2,057,765 for the entire five-year period, sourced from the State of Connecticut Children's Health Initiative. The Department reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, amend or cancel the RFP, request best and final offers on cost, and approve any changes to key personnel throughout the contract term. The target date for proposer selection is June 15, 2026, with contract negotiations to begin July 1, 2026. Inquiries regarding the RFP should be directed to Ann Gionet, Health Program Supervisor, at 860-509-8069 or Ann.Gionet@ct.gov.