STEP Intervention Services

The Iowa Judicial Branch is issuing a Request for Proposal to procure STEP Intervention Services for Juvenile Court Services in the Sixth Judicial District, which encompasses Benton, Iowa, Linn, Jones, Johnson, and Tama counties. The procurement seeks one or more vendors to provide in-home, level-based supervision and intervention services to approximately 60 youth ages 12-18 who are adjudicated delinquent or at risk of juvenile justice involvement. STEP services follow a structured intervention model consisting of Say the problem, Think of solutions, Explore consequences, and Pick the best solution, with anticipated service duration of 3-6 months for informal youth and 9-12 months for formal youth. Deliverables include an inclusive monthly program rate covering all direct and indirect services for up to 60 youth and a separate hourly unit rate for out-of-district youth transportation. Mandatory requirements include acceptance of all referrals, assignment of same-gender facilitators, development of crisis plans within seven days, weekly written progress summaries, and discharge plans within 14 days. STEP Facilitators must possess an associate's degree in social science or a related field with one year of experience working with delinquent youth or law enforcement, and must complete training in Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and cognitive-behavioral intervention models such as EPICS-I or Carey Guides within six months of hire. Proposals will be evaluated on a total of 10,500 points, with 10,000 points allocated to technical qualifications addressing compliance with mandatory and scored specifications, staffing qualifications, performance criteria, and service delivery standards, and 500 points allocated to cost based on a ratio formula comparing each respondent's price to the lowest submitted price. The RFP was posted April 3, 2026, with letters of intent to bid due April 13, 2026, written questions due April 17, 2026, and proposals due May 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with submission via email to Mary.Loops@iowacourts.gov; the anticipated Notice of Intent to Award is May 29, 2026, and contract execution is targeted for July 1, 2026.

The RFP documents do not identify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting eligibility to specific categories of organizations, disadvantaged enterprises, or minority-owned businesses. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available procurement materials. Respondents must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including $2 million in general liability, $1 million in automobile liability, and $1 million in professional liability or errors and omissions insurance. The State of Iowa follows a 60-day payment cycle per Iowa Code 8A.514 for invoice payment. The anticipated maximum annual contract budget is $600,000, with an initial contract term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and options for up to five additional one-year renewals exercisable at the Iowa Judicial Branch's sole discretion. The award will be made to the responsive, responsible respondent whose proposal provides the best value to the State, rather than necessarily to the lowest-cost bidder.