Community-Based Care Lead Agency Circuit 6

The State of Florida Department of Children and Families is soliciting proposals for a Community-Based Care Lead Agency to provide foster care and related services for Circuit 6, covering Pinellas and Pasco County. The selected agency will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive system of care, including case management, out-of-home care placements, reunification, adoption, and prevention services for children referred via the central abuse hotline. The anticipated contract term is five years, beginning January 1, 2027. This is an advance fixed payment contract funded by federal and state sources, with payments issued monthly upon the submission of detailed expenditure and match funds reports. Award selection is based on a combined score of programmatic and financial evaluations. Programmatic responses are assessed on competency, capability, and solution approach, while financial responses are scored on budget justification and financial management. The contract mandates strict adherence to Florida Statutes and federal Social Security Act titles, requiring the lead agency to maintain a continuous quality improvement process and ensure public records access. Key contractual requirements include the provision of performance and payment bonds for 100 percent of the contract price, comprehensive liability and cyber insurance, and compliance with drug-free workplace and conflict of interest standards.