Breastfeeding Support Services

Post Information
Posted At:
Fri, Oct 23, 2026 12:09 PM
Sealed Bid Process:
Yes (Bids Sealed / Pricing Sealed)
Private Bid:
No

1. Introduction
   1.1. Summary

Breastfeeding yields many positive health benefits to infants and mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by the introduction of solid foods and continued breastfeeding until two years or more as mutually desired by parent and baby. However, the data shows that while many parents wish to breastfeed, many discontinue breastfeeding in the early weeks and months after birth due to lack of support, challenges with breastfeeding, and the reality of returning to work or school.

Given the importance of breastfeeding, the intent of this funding opportunity is to support an effective program that will: support new parents with the initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding through at least six months, and preferably one year after birth; and work to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding rates.

The Commission is seeking an organization that has at least five years of experience providing breastfeeding support services in Sacramento County, incorporates the use of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in advanced levels of care, and can provide the minimum services as specified in the attached Specifications Sheet, which include but are not limited to: education, support, and 1:1 consultation.

1.2. Contact Information
Linda Fong-Somera
Program Planner
Email: fongli@saccounty.gov
Phone: (916) 876-7386

Department:
First 5 Sacramento

Department Head:
Julie Gallelo
Director

1.3. Timeline

Responses to the DOI must be submitted electronically to OpenGov by the deadline listed in order to be considered for this funding opportunity. The Commission is not responsible for delays in submission due to internet outages, software and computer issues, or other technical difficulties. 

Following the submission deadline, a screening tool will be used to determine applicant eligibility and next steps. If only one agency successfully responds to the DOI, the Commission will engage in an application process to gather additional details. If more than one agency successfully responds to the DOI, a Request for Proposals (RFP) process will be initiated; only successful DOI applicants will be eligible to apply in such an RFP. 

The Commission reserves the right to release addendums to this DOI, request additional information from applicants, re-release the DOI, and cancel the DOI.  

DOI Release Date:
October 23, 2026
Question Submission Deadline:
November 10, 2026, 5:00pm
Deadline to Submit Response to DOI:
November 16, 2026, 5:00pm
Applicant Notification of DOI Screening Results:
December 2, 2026
2. Overview
2.1. Breastfeeding Support Services

The First 5 Sacramento Commission is seeking an experienced agency to provide breastfeeding support services in Sacramento County. The Commission’s goal is to support new families with the initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months (preferably up to one year).

Up to $600,000 is available over the Commission’s identified term period (July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2030).

Please carefully read Attachment A (Breastfeeding Support Services—Specifications  Sheet). This Specifications Sheet delineates all required experience, staffing patterns, and minimum core services expected of a successful respondent to this DOI.

2.2. Minimum Qualifications

Public, private, non-profit, governmental, and faith-based organizations that are located in or currently serving people in Sacramento County are welcome to apply. We are seeking applicants with experience and expertise in supporting parents, particularly those from underserved communities, with breastfeeding support.

A single entity or consortium of entities in Sacramento County may apply. 

Please note that while partnerships and subcontracts are allowed, organizations cannot apply for the funds and then re-grant the funds to other entities to provide the services.

3. Vendor Questionnaire
4. Organization Name*
   *Response required
5. Organization Contact Name: *
   *Response required
6. Email:*
   *Response required
7. Applicant affirms it is eligible to apply for this DOI.*
   Yes
   No
   *Response required
8. Does your organization have at least 5 years of experience providing breastfeeding support services as one of your core services in Sacramento County? *
   Yes
   No
   *Response required
9. Does your organization have an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on staff or as a contractor that has provided breastfeeding support services over the last five years?*

Maximum response length: 250 characters

Response required
7. Please refer to Specifications Sheet, Requirements A-E. Describe your organization's relevant experience in providing breastfeeding support services in Sacramento County. What types of services were provided, to what populations? How many people were served overall?

Maximum response length: 750 characters

*Response required
8. If your organization is selected to apply to a Request for Proposal (RFP), how would you address Specifications Sheet, Requirements F-J? Please provide a list of the core services you would offer. *

Maximum response length: 500 characters

*Response required
4. Attachments
  A - Breastfeeding support specifications sheet.2027-30.final

Attached documents:
• Breastfeeding_Support_Services.pdf
• A - Breastfeeding support specifications sheet.2027-30.final