DCYF Youth Development Support (YDS) Services

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families is soliciting proposals for Youth Development Support Services under solicitation RFP26006807, with a deadline for submissions on July 30, 2026. The contract aims to support youth transitioning into adulthood through a comprehensive array of services defined in Appendix I of the Scope of Work, with performance to commence on July 1, 2026, and an initial term ending June 30, 2027, extendable for up to four additional one-year periods through June 30, 2031. Vendors must submit a lump sum annual fee covering all services, structured in a base year and two optional renewal years, with costs broken down into labor, materials, and other direct costs, and indirect costs not to exceed 10% of the contract award unless justified. The evaluation process is scored on a 100-point base total, with 30 points each for the Work Plan and Cost Proposal, 20 points for Approach/Methodology oriented toward desired outcomes, 10 points each for Staff Qualifications and Vendor Capability, and up to six bonus points for ISBE participation, with a mandatory minimum score of 55 out of 70 on the technical proposal to proceed to cost evaluation. Compliance with federal and state regulations is strict, requiring adherence to statutes including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment, and the Uniform Administrative Requirements under 45 CFR Part 75, along with Rhode Island-specific laws such as Chapter 37-2, Chapter 40.1-5-26, and MARS-E version 2.0. Contractors must implement robust data security measures meeting administrative, physical, and technical standards, including secure storage of confidential information with access controls such as door locks or biometrics, and must maintain an audit trail of financial transactions with separate subsidiary ledgers for equipment and property. All staff with one-on-one contact with youth must pass background checks, and the contractor must ensure subcontractors comply with all requirements, including reporting under federal subaward rules and maintaining a quality assurance system. Insurance must cover bonding, vehicles, fire and theft, and liability, with the Department named as an additional insured. Financial controls require separation of duties in cash handling, and unexpended funds must be returned