QUALIFIED EVALUATOR NETWORK (QEN)

The Florida Department of Children and Families is soliciting proposals for the development and management of a Qualified Evaluator Network (QEN) to perform clinical assessments on children in the Department's care who are being placed in or are already in residential treatment facilities. The selected provider must maintain a network of at least twenty Qualified Evaluators, including at least one Seminole Tribe Qualified Evaluator. All evaluators must be Florida-licensed psychiatrists or psychologists with a minimum of three years of experience in diagnosing and treating serious emotional disturbances in children and adolescents, and they must be certified in Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). The contract is anticipated to begin on January 1, 2027, for a three-year term with an estimated total funding of approximately 5,091,334 dollars, contingent upon legislative appropriation. The provider is held to strict performance timelines, requiring initial suitability assessments to be completed within seven business calendar days of referral and full BQRTP assessments to be submitted within 30 calendar days of placement. Operationally, the provider must maintain a dedicated business presence in Florida, hold QIO-like status approved by CMS, and provide the Department with real-time online and API access to relevant databases. Compliance requirements include adherence to HIPAA, the submission of a performance bond, and the implementation of a comprehensive Internal Quality Control Program. Financial oversight involves rigorous monitoring and audit requirements, including potential on-site visits and cooperation with the Florida Auditor General and the Department's Inspector General.