- Pin
- 35910-15850
- Kind
- RFP
- Doc Id
- RFQ 35910-15850
- Title
- Case Management
- Due Date
- Sep 9, 2026
- Pdf Text
- 12-18-25 RFQ
1
STATE OF TENNESSEE
CENTRAL PROCUREMENT OFFICE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
CASE MANAGEMENT
RFQ # 35910-15850
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONS:
1. Introduction
2. RFQ Schedule of Events
3. Response Requirements
4. General Information & Requirements
5. Procurement Process & Contract Award
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Mandatory Requirement Items
B. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – General Qualifications &
Experience Items
C. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Technical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach Items
D. Statement of Certifications & Assurances
E. Reference Questionnaire
F. Pro Forma Contract
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RFQ # 35910-15850 2
1. INTRODUCTION
The State of Tennessee, Central Procurement Office, hereinafter referred to as “the State,”
issues this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) to define mandatory goods or services
requirements; solicit responses; detail response requirements; and, outline the State’s process for
evaluating responses.
Through this RFQ or any subsequent solicitation, the State seeks to buy the requested goods or
services and to give ALL qualified respondents the opportunity to do business with the state as
contractors or subcontractors.
1.1. Statement of Procurement Purpose
The State seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive child welfare Case Management
services on behalf of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). The purpose of this RFQ is to
procure a qualified vendor capable of delivering professional case management services
consistent with DCS policy, the DCS Practice Model, Council on Accreditation (COA) standards,
and all applicable state and federal requirements. The Contractor shall assume all responsibilities
and obligations of DCS Case Managers, including but not limited to, assessment, service
coordination, permanency planning, court participation, documentation in the State’s electronic
records system, and compliance with funding and eligibility requirements such as Targeted Case
Management (TCM) and Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) standards.
The State’s objective is to ensure the timely achievement of safety, permanency, and well-being
outcomes for children and families by maintaining consistent, high-quality case management
services that meet required visitation frequencies, assessment timelines (including CANS and
FAST), Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) standards, and data reporting obligations. The
Contractor must provide appropriately qualified staff, structured supervision, coordinated training,
and effective caseload management in alignment with DCS operational protocols. Through this
RFQ, the State intends to identify vendors with the capacity, experience, and infrastructure to
manage defined caseload volumes, support permanency efforts including reunification and
kinship placement, and meet performance metrics tied to case progression, documentation
accuracy, compliance, and measurable child welfare outcomes.
1.2. Notice of Intent to Respond
Before the Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events,
potential Respondents should submit to the Solicitation Coordinator a Notice of Intent to Respond
in the form of a simple e-mail or other written communication. Such notice should include the
following information: the business or individual’s name (as appropriate), a contact person’s name
and title, the contact person’s mailing address, telephone number, facsimile, number, and e-mail
address. Filing a Notice of Intent to Respond is not a prerequisite for submitting a response;
however, it is necessary to ensure receipt of notices and communications relating to this RFQ.
1.3. Definitions and Abbreviations
.
TERM DEFINITION
Case Manager (CM) Means a professional position that advocates,
guides, supports, and provides and
coordinates care for children and families. CM
services shall include, but are not limited to:
Providing all the responsibilities and
obligations of the current CM provides and
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RFQ # 35910-15850 3
which may be included in the scope of the Pro
Forma Contract and ensuring that the CM is
adhering to the DCS governing documents
and guidance.
Case Management Means a method of service delivery involving
assessing needs, arranging, coordinating,
monitoring, evaluating, and advocating for
comprehensive services to meet complex
child and family needs, ensuring safety, well-
being, and timely permanency.
Child Visitation Means face to face visits between the Case
Manager and child/youth that shall occur a
minimum of once per month.
Parent Visitation Means face to face visits between the Case
Manager and parent that shall occur a
minimum of once per month.
Child and Adolescent Strengths and Needs
(CANS)
Means an assessment completed on custodial
children and families. Conducted per DCS
policy, the “Child and Adolescent Strengths
and Needs Manuals 2.0,” and the “Child and
Adolescent Strengths and Needs Protocol.”
Initial CANS must be completed as outline in
Chapter 31 - Regional and Field Services
Operations CANS Protocol.
Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) Means meetings where all important members
and decision makers for the child come
together to develop and review case plans
and make decisions. These members may
include but are not limited to the child,
birthparents, Guardian ad Litem(s), Case
Manager, Therapist, service providers and
other family members. Meetings should be
completed within the expected timeframe
outlined by DCS Protocol for Child and Family
Team Meetings.
Child and Family Service Reviews (CFSR) Means periodic reviews conducted by the
Children's Bureau of state child welfare
practice and compliance with state and federal
guidelines, quality residential treatment, and
case processes.
Council on Accreditation (COA) Means the national accrediting body that the
Department of Children’s Services is
accredited. COA sets standards for case
management services that DCS must meet in
order to be reaccredited.
Electronic Records System Means the system used to track care progress
and financial records for families receiving
services by the Department of Children’s
Services, as outlined in DCS Policy.
Family Advocacy and Support Tool (FAST) Means an assessment completed on non-
custodial children and families, as outlined in
DCS Policy and the “Protocol for Completion
of the Family Advocacy and Support Tool.
Permanency Plan Means the official case plan developed during
the Child and Family Team Meeting that
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RFQ # 35910-15850 4
outlines the needs of the child and family and
sets permanency goals applicable to both
custodial and non-custodial children.
“Qualified Residential Treatment Program
(QRTP)
Means a specific category of a non-foster
family home setting for which DCS must meet
detailed assessment, case planning,
documentation, judicial determinations and
ongoing review and permanency hearing
requirements for a child to be placed in and
continue to receive title IV-E Foster care
maintenance payments for the placement.
Targeted Case Management (TCM) Means monthly Caseworker visits with
children that are Medicaid reimbursed through
TennCare.
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RFQ # 35910-15850 5
2. RFQ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The following schedule represents the State’s best estimates for this RFQ; however, the State
reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the schedule at any time, or cancel and reissue
a similar solicitation. Nothing in this RFQ is intended by the State to create any property rights or
expectations of a property right in any Respondent.
EVENT TIME
(Central
Time
Zone)
DATE
(all dates are State
business days)
1. RFQ Issued AUGUST 10, 2026
2. Disability Accommodation Request Deadline 2:00 p.m. AUGUST 14, 2026
3. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. AUGUST 18, 2026
4. Written “Questions & Comments” Deadline 2:00 p.m. AUGUST 21, 2026
5. State response to written “Questions &
Comments” AUGUST 29, 2026
6. RFQ Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
7. State Completion of Technical Response
Evaluations SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
8. State Notice of Intent to Award Released and
RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
9. End of Protest Period 4:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
10. State sends contract to Contractor for
signature SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
11. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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RFQ # 35910-15850 6
3. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS
3.1. Response Contents: A response to this RFQ should address the following:
3.1.1. Mandatory Requirements: This section details the mandatory technical, functional, and
experience requirements that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ in order
to be passed on to Phase II of the Technical Response evaluation. A Respondent should
duplicate and use RFQ Attachment A as a guide to organize responses for the
Mandatory Requirements of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the
page location of the information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
This section is included in the State’s evaluation as to whether or not a Respondent
meets mandatory qualifications (Phase I).
3.1.2. General Qualifications & Experience: This section is included in the State’s evaluation of
Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details general information and
qualifications that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ. A Respondent
should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment B as a guide to organize responses for this
portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the page location of the
information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
3.1.3. Technical Qualifications, Experience & Approach: This section is also included in the
State’s evaluation of Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details technical
qualifications, experience, and approach items that must be demonstrated in the
response to this RFQ. A Respondent should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment C as a
EVENT TIME
(Central
Time
Zone)
DATE
(all dates are State
business days)
1. RFQ Issued AUGUST 12, 2026
2. Disability Accommodation Request Deadline 2:00 p.m. AUGUST 15, 2026
3. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. AUGUST 18, 2026
4. Written “Questions & Comments” Deadline 2:00 p.m. AUGUST 21, 2026
5. State response to written “Questions &
Comments” AUGUST 29, 2026
6. RFQ Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
7. State Completion of Technical Response
Evaluations SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
8. State Notice of Intent to Award Released
and RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
9. End of Protest Period SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
10. State sends contract to Contractor for
signature SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
11. Contractor Signature Deadline SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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RFQ # 35910-15850 7
guide to organize responses for this portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent
should reference the page location of the information within the response in the indicated
column of the table.
3.2. Response Delivery Location
A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a Response to this RFQ no later than the
Response Deadline time and dates detailed in the RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events. All responses
must be delivered to:
Will Harmon
Department of General Services, CPO
312 Rosa L Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
3.3. Response Format
3.3.1. A Respondent must ensure that the original response meets all form and content
requirements detailed within this RFQ.
3.3.2. A Respondent must submit their response as specified in one of the two formats below.
3.3.2.1. Technical Response:
One (1) original Technical Response in the form of one (1) digital document in “PDF”
format properly recorded on its own otherwise blank USB flash drive clearly labeled:
“RFQ #35910-15850 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL”
and One (1) copy of the Technical Response each in the form of one (1) digital
document in “PDF” format properly recorded on its own otherwise blank, USB
flash drive labeled:
“RFQ #35910-15850 TECHNICAL RESPONSE COPY”
If not emailed, then the sealed customer references will be the only paper
documents.
3.3.3. A Respondent must separate, seal, package, and label the documents and copies for
delivery as follows:
3.3.3.1. The Technical Response and copies must be placed in a sealed package that
is clearly labeled:
“DO NOT OPEN… RFQ # 35910-15850 TECHNICAL RESPONSE FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”
3.3.3.2. Any Respondent wishing to submit a Response in a format other than digital
may do so by contacting the Solicitation Coordinator
3.3.4. E-mail Submission
3.3.4.1. Technical Response
The Technical Response document should be in the form of one (1) digital document
in “PDF” format or other easily accessible digital format attached to an e-mail to the
Solicitation Coordinator. Both the subject and file name should be clearly identified
as follows:
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RFQ # 35910-15850 8
“RFQ #35910-15850 TECHNICAL RESPONSE”
The customer references should be delivered by each reference in accordance with
RFQ Attachment F. Reference Questionnaire.
3.3.5. A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a response no later than the
Response Deadline time and date detailed in the RFQ Section 2, Schedule of Events at
the following address:
Will Harmon
Department of General Services, CPO
312 Rosa L Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
3.4. Response Prohibitions: A response to this RFQ shall not:
3.4.1. Restrict the rights of the State or otherwise qualify the response to this RFQ;
3.4.2. Include, for consideration in this procurement process or subsequent contract
negotiations, incorrect information that the Respondent knew or should have known was
materially incorrect;
3.4.3. Include more than one response, per Respondent, to this RFQ;
3.4.4. Include any information concerning costs (in specific dollars or numbers) associated with
the Technical Response;
3.4.5. Include the respondent’s own contract terms and conditions (unless specifically
requested by the RFQ); or
3.4.6. Include the respondent as a prime contractor while also permitting one or more other
respondents to offer the respondent as a subcontractor in their own responses.
3.5. Response Errors & Revisions
A Respondent is responsible for any and all errors or omissions in its response to this RFQ. A
Respondent will not be allowed to alter or revise its response after the Response Deadline time
and dates as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events, unless such is formally requested in
writing by the State (e.g., through a request for clarification, etc.).
3.6. Response Withdrawal
A Respondent may withdraw a response at any time before the Response Deadline time and
date as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events, by submitting a written signed request by an
authorized representative of the Respondent. After withdrawing a response, a Respondent may
submit another Response at any time before the Response Deadline time and date as detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
3.7. Response Preparation Costs
The State will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, or presentation of any
response. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the costs it incurs in responding to this
RFQ.
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RFQ # 35910-15850 9
4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Communications
4.1.1. Respondents shall reference RFQ #35910-15850 in all communications relating to this
solicitation, and direct any such communications to the following person designated as
the Solicitation Coordinator:
Will Harmon
Department of General Services, CPO
312 Rosa L Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
The State will convey all official responses and communications related to this RFQ to
the potential respondents from whom the State has received a Notice of Intent to
Respond (refer to RFQ Section 1.3.).
4.1.2. Potential respondents with a handicap or disability may receive accommodation relating
to the communication of this RFQ and participating in the RFQ process. Potential
respondents may contact the RFQ Coordinator to request such reasonable
accommodation no later than the Disability Accommodation Request Deadline detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.1.3. Unauthorized contact about this RFQ with other employees or officials of the State
of Tennessee may result in disqualification from contract award consideration.
4.1.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential Respondents may also contact the following as
appropriate:
The following individual designated by the State to coordinate compliance with the
nondiscrimination requirements of the State of Tennessee, Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and associated federal
regulations:
Donovan Haynes, , M.Ed.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Manager
Office of Access and Engagement
Department of Children’s Services
7th Floor, UBS Financial Services Bldg.
315 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: 615-741-8422
Donovan.Haynes@tn.gov
4.2. Nondiscrimination
No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise
subjected to discrimination in the performance of a contract pursuant to this solicitation or in the
employment practices of the Contractor on the grounds of handicap or disability, age, race, creed,
color, religion (subject to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 4-21-401 and 405), sex, national origin, or any
other classification protected by federal, Tennessee state constitutional, or statutory law. The
Contractor pursuant to this solicitation shall post in conspicuous places, available to all
employees and applicants, notices of nondiscrimination.
4.3. Conflict of Interest
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RFQ # 35910-15850 10
4.3.1. The State may not consider a proposal from an individual who is, or within the past six (6)
months has been, a State employee. For these purposes,
4.3.1.1. An individual shall be deemed a State employee until such time as all compensation for
salary, termination pay, and annual leave has been paid;
4.3.1.2. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other contracting entity
in which a controlling interest is held by any State employee shall be considered to be a
contract with or proposal from the employee; and
4.3.1.3. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other contracting entity
that employs an individual who is, or within the past six months has been, a State
employee shall not be considered a contract with or a proposal from the employee and
shall not constitute a prohibited conflict of interest.
4.3.2. This RFQ is also subject to Tenn. Code Ann. § 12-4-101—105.
4.4. Respondent Required Review & Waiver of Objections
4.4.1. Each potential respondent must carefully review this RFQ, including but not limited to,
attachments, the RFQ Attachment G, pro forma Contract, and any amendments for
questions, comments, defects, objections, or any other matter requiring clarification or
correction (collectively called “questions and comments”).
4.4.2. Any potential respondent having questions and comments concerning this RFQ must
provide such in writing to the State no later than the written “Questions & Comments
Deadline” detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.4.3. Protests based on any objection shall be considered waived and invalid if the objection
has not been brought to the attention of the State, in writing, by the written “Questions &
Comments Deadline.”
4.5. Disclosure of Response Contents
4.5.1. All materials submitted to the State in response to this solicitation become property of the
State of Tennessee. Respondents are cautioned not to provide any materials in
response to this RFQ that are trade secrets, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-
1702 and applicable law. By submitting a response to this RFQ, the respondent
acknowledges and agrees that the State shall have no liability whatsoever for disclosure
of a trade secret under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as provided at Tenn. Code Ann. §
47-25-1701-1709, or under any other applicable law. Selection for award does not affect
this right. By submitting a response, a Respondent acknowledges and accepts that the
full contents and associated documents submitted in response to this request will
become open to public inspection in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.
Refer to RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.5.2. The RFQ responses will be available for public inspection only after the completion of
evaluation of the RFQ or any resulting solicitation which this RFQ becomes a part of,
whichever is later.
4.6. Notice of Professional Licensure, Insurance, and Department of Revenue Registration
Requirements
4.6.1. All persons, agencies, firms or other entities that provide legal or financial opinions, which
a Respondent provides for consideration and evaluation by the State as part of a
response to this RFQ, shall be properly licensed to render such opinions.
4.6.2. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent (and Respondent employees and subcontractors, as applicable) must hold
all necessary, appropriate business and professional licenses to provide service as
required. The State may require any Respondent to submit evidence of proper licensure.
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RFQ # 35910-15850 11
4.6.3. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must provide a valid, Certificate of Insurance indicating current insurance
coverage meeting minimum requirements as may be specified by the RFQ.
4.6.4. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must be registered with the Department of Revenue for the collection of
Tennessee sales and use tax. The State shall not approve a contract unless the
Respondent provides proof of such registration or provides documentation from the
Department of Revenue that the Contractor is exempt from this registration requirement.
The foregoing is a mandatory requirement of an award of a contract pursuant to this
solicitation. To register, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Tennessee Taxpayer
Access Point (TNTAP) website for Online Registration and the Vendor Contract
Questionnaire. These resources are available at the following:
https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/_/#1
4.7. RFQ Amendments & Cancellation
4.7.1. The State reserves the right to amend this RFQ at any time, provided that it is amended
in writing. However, prior to any such amendment, the State will consider whether it
would negatively impact the ability of potential respondents to meet the deadlines and
revise the RFQ Schedule of Events if deemed appropriate. If a RFQ amendment is
issued, the State will convey it to potential respondents who submitted a Notice of Intent
to Respond (refer to RFQ § 1.3). A response must address the final RFQ (including its
attachments) as may be amended.
4.7.2. The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or to cancel and reissue this
RFQ in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
4.8. State Right of Rejection
4.8.1. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the State reserves the right to reject, at its
sole discretion, any and all proposals.
4.8.2. The State may deem as nonresponsive and reject any proposal that does not comply
with all terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFQ. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the State reserves the right to seek clarifications or to waive, at its sole
discretion, a response’s minor variances from full compliance with this RFQ. If the State
waives variances in a response, such waiver shall not modify the RFQ requirements or
excuse the Respondent from full compliance with such, and the State may hold any
resulting vendor to strict compliance with this RFQ.
4.8.3. The State will review the response evaluation record and any other available information
pertinent to whether or not each respondent is responsive and responsible. If the
Solicitation Coordinator identifies any respondent that appears not to meet the
responsive and responsible thresholds such that the team would not recommend the
respondent for potential contract award, this determination will be fully documented for
the record. (“Responsive” is defined as submitting a response that conforms in all
material respects to the RFQ. “Responsible” is defined as having the capacity in all
respects to perform fully the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which
will assure good faith performance.)
4.9. Assignment & Subcontracting
4.9.1. The vendor may not subcontract, transfer, or assign any portion of the Contract awarded
as a result of this RFQ without prior approval of the State. The State reserves the right to
refuse approval, at its sole discretion, of any subcontract, transfer, or assignment.
4.9.2. If a Respondent intends to use subcontractors, the response to this RFQ must
specifically identify the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor will perform
(refer to RFQ Attachment B, Item B.14.).
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RFQ # 35910-15850 12
4.9.3. Subcontractors identified within a response to this RFQ will be deemed as approved by
the State unless the State expressly disapproves one or more of the proposed
subcontractors prior to signing the Contract.
4.9.4. The Contractor resulting from this RFQ may only substitute another subcontractor for a
proposed subcontractor at the discretion of the State and with the State’s prior, written
approval.
4.9.5. Notwithstanding any State approval relating to subcontracts, the Contractor resulting from
this RFQ will be the prime contractor and will be responsible for all work under the
Contract.
4.10. Next Ranked Respondent
The State reserves the right to initiate negotiations with the next ranked respondent should the
State cease doing business with any respondent selected via this RFQ process.
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RFQ # 35910-15850 13
5. PROCUREMENT PROCESS & CONTRACT AWARD
5.1. The complete vendor selection will be a one-part process: (1) Qualification of Technical
Responses.
5.2. Qualification of Technical Responses: Technical Responses will be short-listed for further
evaluation, analysis or negotiation if they are apparently responsive, responsible, and within the
competitive range (“Competitive Range”). A Technical Response will be deemed within the
Competitive Range based on the following criterion:
Phase I: The State will evaluate the Mandatory Requirements set forth in RFQ Attachment
A on a pass/fail basis.
Phase II: Following the Phase I evaluation, the State will apply a standard equitable
evaluation model, which will represent a qualitative assessment of each
response. Each response will be scored by Evaluation Team members
according to the Technical Response & Evaluation Guides (See RFQ
Attachments B & C).
The Solicitation Coordinator will total the average score from the evaluation team
for each responsive and responsible Respondent’s Technical Response Points
for RFQ Attachments B & C to determine which of the Respondents are
considered Qualified and within the Competitive Range.
5.3. Clarifications and Negotiations: The State reserves the right to award a contract on the basis of
initial responses received; therefore, each response should contain the respondent’s best terms
from a technical and cost standpoint. However, the State reserves the right to conduct
clarifications or negotiations with respondents. All communications, clarifications, and
negotiations shall be conducted in a manner that supports fairness in response improvement.
5.3.1. Clarifications: The State may identify areas of a response that may require further
clarification or areas in which it is apparent that there may have been miscommunications
or misunderstandings as to the State’s specifications or requirements. The State may
seek to clarify those issues identified during one or multiple clarification round(s). Each
clarification sought by the State may be unique to an individual respondent.
5.3.2. Negotiations: The State may elect to negotiate with Qualified Respondents, within the
competitive range, by requesting revised responses, negotiating costs, or finalizing
contract terms and conditions. The State reserves the right to conduct multiple
negotiation rounds.
5.3.2.1. Cost Negotiations: All respondents within the competitive range will be given
equivalent information with respect to cost negotiations. All cost negotiations will
be documented for the procurement file. Additionally, the State may conduct
target pricing and other goods or services level negotiations. Target pricing may
be based on considerations such as current pricing, market considerations,
benchmarks, budget availability, or other methods that do not reveal individual
respondent pricing. During target price negotiations, respondents are not
obligated to meet or beat target prices but will not be allowed to increase prices.
5.3.2.2. If the State determines costs and contract finalization discussions and
negotiations are not productive, the State reserves the right to bypass the
apparent best evaluated Respondent and enter into contract negotiations with
the next apparent best evaluated Respondent.
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RFQ # 35910-15850 14
5.4. Evaluation Guide
The State will consider qualifications, experience, technical approach, and cost (if applicable) in
the evaluation of responses and award points in each of the categories detailed below. The
maximum evaluation points possible for each category are detailed below.
5.6. Contract Award
5.6.1. The Solicitation Coordinator, will determine the apparent best-evaluated response using
the scoring provided by the Proposal Evaluation Team. (To effect a contract award to a
Respondent other than the one receiving the highest evaluation score, the Solicitation
Coordinator must provide written justification and obtain written approval of the Chief
Procurement Officer and the Comptroller of the Treasury.)
5.6.2. The State reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of any
response.
5.6.3. The State will issue an Evaluation Notice and make the RFQ files available for public
inspection at the time and date specified in the RFQ §2, Schedule of Events.
NOTICE: The Evaluation Notice shall not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in either
the Respondent identified as the apparent best evaluated or any other Respondent.
5.6.4. The Respondent identified as offering the apparent best-evaluated must sign a contract
drawn by the State pursuant to this RFQ. The contract shall be substantially the same as
the RFQ Attachment G, pro forma contract. The Respondent must sign said contract no
later than the Respondent Contract Signature Deadline detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of
Events. If the Respondent fails to provide the signed contract by the deadline, the State
may determine the Respondent is non-responsive to this RFQ and reject the response.
5.6.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may, at its sole discretion, entertain limited
negotiation prior to contract signing and, as a result, revise the pro forma contract terms
and conditions or performance requirements in the State’s best interests, PROVIDED
THAT such revision of terms and conditions or performance requirements shall NOT
materially affect the basis of response evaluation or negatively impact the competitive
nature of the RFQ and contractor selection process.
5.6.6. If the State determines that a response is nonresponsive and rejects it, the Solicitation
Coordinator will re-calculate scores to determine (or re-determine) the apparent best-
evaluated response.
Evaluation Category Maximum Points Possible
Mandatory Requirements (refer to RFQ
Attachment A)
Pass/Fail
General Qualifications, Experience, Technical
Qualifications, Experience & Approach (refer to
RFQ Attachment B)
25
Technical Qualifications, Experience &
Approach (refer to RFQ Attachment C)
75
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RFQ # 35910-15850 15
ATTACHMENT A
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
All Respondents must address all items detailed below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation
as required (referenced with the associated item references). All Respondents must also detail the response page
number for each item in the appropriate space below.
The Solicitation Coordinator will review all responses to determine if the Mandatory Requirement Items are
addressed as required and mark each with pass or fail. For each item that is not addressed as required, the
Solicitation Coordinator must review the responses and attach a written determination. In addition to the Mandatory
Requirement Items, the Solicitation Coordinator will review each response for compliance with all RFQ requirements.
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes)
Item
Ref. Section A— Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
The Technical Response must be delivered to the State no later than
the Technical Response Deadline specified in the RFQ § 2, Schedule
of Events.
The Technical Response must not contain cost or pricing information
of any type.
The Technical Response must not contain any restrictions of the
rights of the State or other qualification of the response.
A Respondent must not submit alternate responses.
A Respondent must not submit multiple responses in different forms
(as a prime and a subcontractor).
A.1. Provide the Statement of Certifications and Assurances (RFQ
Attachment E) completed and signed by an individual empowered to
bind the Respondent to the provisions of this RFQ and any resulting
contract. The document must be signed without exception or
qualification.
A.2. Provide a statement, based upon reasonable inquiry, of whether the
Respondent or any individual who shall perform work under the
contract has a possible conflict of interest (e.g., employment by the
State of Tennessee) and, if so, the nature of that conflict.
NOTE: Any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely within the
discretion of the State, and the State reserves the right to cancel any
award.
A.3. Provide a current bank reference indicating that the Proposer’s
business relationship with the financial institution is in positive
standing. Such reference must be written in the form of a standard
business letter, signed and dated within the past three (3) months.
12-18-25 RFQ
RFQ # 35910-15850 16
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes)
Item
Ref. Section A— Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
A.4. Provide positive credit references from vendors the Proposer has
done business written in the form of standard business letters, signed,
and dated within the past 3 months.
A.5. Provide an official document or letter from an accredited credit
bureau, verified and dated within the last three (3) months and
indicating a positive credit rating for the Proposer (NOTE: A credit
bureau report number without the full report is insufficient and will not
be considered responsive.)
A.6. Provide a financial statement of access to sixty (60) days of operating
capital.
A.7. Provide a copy of Council on Accreditation (COA); Joint Commission,
or CARF Accreditation from a nationally known accrediting body.
A.8. Provide a statement accepting the coordination of completion of the
Tennessee Child and Adolescents Needs and Strengths (CANS) and
Life Skills 2.0 Assessment.
A.9. Provide confirmation that staff will have the following minimum
qualifications:
The minimum qualifications for staff providing services are a
bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college or university and
experience equivalent to one (1) year of full-time professional work
providing child welfare services including, but not limited to, one or a
combination of the following: social, psychological, or correctional
counseling or case management; volunteer services coordination for
a children's service program; and/or juvenile classification
coordination.
A.10. Provide a statement confirming agency’s ability to provide case
management statewide.
State Use – RFQ Coordinator Signature, Printed Name & Date:
12-18-25 RFQ
RFQ # 35910-15850 17
ATTACHMENT B
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
SECTION B: GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE. The Respondent must address all items detailed
below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation as required (referenced with the associated
item references). The Respondent must also detail the response page number for each item in the appropriate
space below. Evaluation Team members will independently evaluate and assign one score for all responses to
Section B— General Qualifications & Experience Items.
RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME:
Response Page
#
(Respondent
completes)
Item
Ref. Section B— General Qualifications & Experience Items
B.1. Detail the name, e-mail address, mailing address, telephone number, and
facsimile number, if applicable, of the person the State should contact regarding
the response.
B.2. Describe the Respondent’s form of business (i.e., individual, sole proprietor,
corporation, non-profit corporation, partnership, limited liability company) and
business location (physical location or domicile).
B.3. Detail the number of years the Respondent has been in business.
B.4. Briefly describe how long the Respondent has been performing the goods or
services required by this RFQ.
B.5. Describe the Respondent’s number of employees, client base, and location of
offices.
B.6. Provide a statement of whether there have been any mergers, acquisitions, or
sales of the Respondent within the last ten (10) years. If so, include an
explanation providing relevant details.
B.7. Provide a statement of whether the Respondent or, to the Respondent's
knowledge, any of the Respondent’s employees, agents, independent contractors,
or subcontractors, proposed to provide work on a contract pursuant to this RFQ,
have been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled nolo contendere to any felony. If so,
include an explanation providing relevant details.
B.8. Provide a statement of whether, in the last ten (10) years, the Respondent has
filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or
assignee for the benefit of creditors. If so, include an explanation providing
relevant details.
B.9. Provide a statement of whether there is any material, pending litigation against the
Respondent that the Respondent should reasonably believe could adversely affect
its ability to meet contract requirements pursuant to this RFQ or is likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Respondent’s financial condition. If such exists, list
each separately, explain the relevant details, and attach the opinion of counsel
addressing whether and to what extent it would impair the Respondent’s
performance in a contract pursuant to this RFQ.
12-18-25 RFQ
RFQ # 35910-15850 18
RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME:
Response Page
#
(Respondent
completes)
Item
Ref. Section B— General Qualifications & Experience Items
NOTE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities that provide legal opinions
regarding the Respondent must be properly licensed to render such opinions. The
State may require the Respondent to submit proof of such licensure detailing the
state of licensure and licensure number for each person or entity that renders such
opinions.
B.10. Provide a statement of whether there is any pending or in progress Securities
Exchange Commission investigations involving the Respondent. If such exists, list
each separately, explain the relevant details, and attach the opinion of counsel
addressing whether and to what extent it will impair the Respondent’s performance
in a contract pursuant to this RFQ.
NOTE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities that provide legal opinions
- Start Date
- Aug 10, 2026
- Due Date Raw
- Sep 9, 2026
- Pdf Enriched
- Yes
- Start Date Raw
- Aug 10, 2026
Tennessee Central Procurement Office (CPO)Issuing agency·Tennessee·via a public procurement portal