Six Core Strategies

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is issuing an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN 260000000043) for a single-source contract with the American Association of Children's Residential Centers (ACRC) to implement Six Core Strategies, an evidence-based, trauma-informed organizational model designed to eliminate restraint and seclusion in child-serving settings, with a response deadline of October 6, 2026.

This is a sole-source procurement. ACRC is the sole authorized provider of Six Core Strategies in the United States for children and youth residential programs. The justification rests on ACRC's current contract performance and established relationships with Michigan agency leadership and staff; transitioning to a new vendor would introduce new terminology, create confusion, and reduce organizational buy-in, thereby increasing risks associated with restraint and seclusion.

The scope includes technical assistance, coaching calls, Six Core Strategies training, Quality Improvement Collaborative participation, Congregate Care Institute webinars, and an Aftercare Project Workgroup. The intended contractor is located at 16 Wright Lane, Housatonic, Massachusetts.

The ITN does not disclose contract value, funding sources, or contract duration. Written questions are due October 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST through www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS, with responses posted on the same portal. Potential bidders who dispute that the good or service is available only from the intended source must submit written documentation of an equivalent product or service by October 6, 2026.