PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The County of Riverside, through its Department of Public Social Services Children and Family Services Division, is soliciting proposals for Psychological Evaluation Services to support children and youth aged 0–17 in foster care, with an annual demand historically ranging between 50 and 100 evaluations. The contract, identified as RFP DPARC-0681, seeks qualified vendors to deliver comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive psychological assessments that inform case planning, permanency goals, and treatment decisions. Services must include in-person evaluations incorporating clinical interviews, standardized psychometric testing, collateral record reviews, and the development of evidence-based diagnostic impressions aligned with DSM-5-TR standards. Contractors are required to provide an oral summary of findings within 24 hours of assessment completion and submit a written report via encrypted email within 72 hours, with performance measured against strict benchmarks of ≥95% compliance on both timelines and overall evaluation completion rates. The contract also mandates expert testimony in court proceedings, participation in case planning and multidisciplinary team meetings, and strict adherence to reporting, documentation, and confidentiality protocols. All contractors must comply with California and federal requirements including HIPAA as a Business Associate, PII security standards, and criminal background checks certified by the California Department of Justice for all personnel, including subcontractors and volunteers. Insurance coverage with the County named as an additional insured is required, alongside adherence to the California Civil Code §2782 on indemnification. Proposals must be submitted electronically by September 15, 2026, and are subject to pass/fail gates on references, financial status, credentials, and compliance exceptions. Evaluation will prioritize best value, weighing experience, technical methodology, responsiveness, and overall cost, with prices being only one of multiple factors in selection. Preference programs offer a 5% bid price advantage to service-disabled veterans, active duty military-affiliated businesses, and local or small businesses. The contract period extends through June 30, 2031, with payment processed monthly upon submission of DPSS Forms 2076A and 2076B, and reimbursed within 45 calendar days upon approval. Contractors must also support smooth transition processes upon contract expiration and comply with mandated reporting obligations for child abuse and other specified conditions under California law.