QUALIFIED EVALUATOR NETWORK (QEN)

The State of Florida Department of Children and Families is soliciting bids to establish and manage a Qualified Evaluator Network (QEN) under Chapter §287, Florida Statutes, to ensure that children in its care and custody, particularly those placed in residential treatment facilities, receive timely and qualified assessments. The selected respondent will be responsible for recruiting, credentialing, and maintaining a network of Qualified Evaluators (QEs) who are properly licensed and experienced in conducting comprehensive evaluations for children within the child welfare system. This network must be capable of responding to the Department’s needs across the entire state of Florida, with evaluators available to perform assessments that inform placement decisions, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination. The contract is issued under solicitation number DCF RFP 2324 081, which was posted on July 14, 2026, with responses due by November 16, 2026. The solicitation falls under NAICS code 85101700, indicating a focus on educational support services, and is open to entities qualified to deliver statewide evaluation services under state oversight. Point of contact for inquiries is Sally Johns, who can be reached via email and phone listed in the solicitation. Proposers must demonstrate capacity to manage evaluator vetting, compliance with state regulations, data reporting, and coordination with Department staff to ensure evaluations are conducted accurately and efficiently within mandated timelines. The place of performance is statewide in Florida, and the contract aims to enhance child safety and well-being through consistent, high-quality professional evaluations.