Consultant to Address Over-Representation of BIPOC Youth in Juvenile Justice System

Background The North Dakota Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group (SAG) seeks to contract with a consultant to address the over-representation of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) youth in North Dakota’s juvenile justice system. The SAG was established under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act and is responsible for addressing the needs of at-risk youth and strengthening the juvenile justice system in North Dakota. The SAG has developed a 3-year strategic plan and a Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities Plan, which include objectives related to BIPOC youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. Work Details The consultant will collaborate with BIPOC communities, service providers, and public agencies to develop an action plan for policy, practice, and funding related to juvenile justice diversion and community-based prevention services. Key activities include: - Facilitating strategic planning sessions with BIPOC community members; - Conducting surveys and focus groups with BIPOC youth and families; - Engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback on existing services; - Conducting gap and barrier analyses for effective prevention services; - Developing actionable recommendations for policy changes. The action plan should focus on reducing barriers to service access for BIPOC youth, identifying funding opportunities, pilot programs addressing service gaps, improving cultural competence among agencies, and ensuring that BIPOC voices are incorporated into the planning process. Period of Performance The project period is anticipated to be 24 months, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027. Place of Performance The primary focus will be in Burleigh County, North Dakota, but the work is intended to have implications statewide. Bidder Requirements Consultants must demonstrate cultural credibility with BIPOC communities through lived experience or established partnerships. Preference will be given to individuals identifying as BIPOC. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov and cannot currently provide services to youth to avoid conflicts of interest. Contractors will undergo screening for suspension or debarment from federal funds.