RFA for Infant and Early Child Mental Health Providers

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) seeking up to 15 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Regional Service Providers to implement an equity-focused approach for preventing suspension and expulsion in early childhood education settings. The RFA aims to establish a coordinated system of support, including a warmline and collaborative partnerships with early learning system partners across various Service Delivery Areas. Applicants must demonstrate strong community connections, equity-centered and trauma-informed policies, and experience with community-based services. The evaluation criteria will assess applicants' ability to build community relationships, coordinate support systems, implement equitable practices, and deliver effective IECMHC services to Early Care and Education providers. The RFA was posted on August 2, 2023, with an extended application deadline of October 6, 2023, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Successful applicants will be required to develop an IECMHC Equity Workforce Development Plan and submit quarterly progress and expenditure reports.

The RFA is open to state, Tribal, local government entities, private or public organizations, and non-profit entities licensed to do business in Oregon. There are no specific set-aside designations mentioned for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement offers two grant types: Planning Grants (up to 1 year) and Implementation Grants (up to 2 years), with an anticipated maximum funding allocation of $7,553,832 for the 2023-2025 biennium. Individual Service Delivery Area funding ranges from $339,153 to $1,344,727 for the two-year implementation period. Grantees must adhere to a 15% cap on indirect/administrative costs and will be expected to focus on four equity priority areas: collaboration with partners and communities, supporting partner and family involvement, improving workforce equity, and enhancing workplace equity. The State reserves the right to negotiate the final scope of work with selected applicants and may adjust funding allocations as needed.