Sole Source for Safe & Together Training

This is a sole source procurement issued by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Child Welfare Programs, for certification and training services in the Safe & Together (S&T) Model. The procurement authorizes the certification of six ODHS staff members through the Safe & Together Institute to become qualified trainers capable of delivering S&T training to Child Welfare staff who work with families experiencing domestic abuse and child maltreatment. The certified staff will complete a four-day core training followed by a "Train the Trainer" program, which will equip them to subsequently train over 400 additional Agency staff in the S&T model and its application. The S&T model represents the most comprehensive domestic violence intervention framework available for child protection agencies and has been integral to the Agency's "Child Welfare Practices in Cases with Domestic Violence" guidelines since at least 2011. The prospective contractor is David Mandel & Associates LLC, doing business as the Safe & Together Institute, located in Canton, Connecticut. The estimated total contract value is $150,000, with ODHS reserving the right to purchase additional training attendees or resources if necessary. The procurement posting date was April 14, 2026, with a due date of April 15, 2026, and protests to the sole source determination must be submitted via email to louie.thomas@odhs.oregon.gov within seven calendar days of the first posting date.

This procurement is designated as a sole source award under ORS 279B.075(2)(d) and DHS OAR regulations, meaning only the Safe & Together Institute is authorized to respond, as the S&T model is proprietary, trademarked intellectual property owned exclusively by David Mandel & Associates and available from no other source. Market research conducted by the ODHS DV Intervention Coordinator confirmed the exclusive availability of this training and certification program. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises noted in this sole source determination. The incumbent vendor and current contractor is David Mandel & Associates LLC, with Leah Vejzovic serving as the North America Regional Manager and primary contact. No existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements are specified in the procurement documentation. The contract value is estimated at $150,000, representing the cost for certifying the six staff members and delivering the core and Train the Trainer programs.