- Pin
- 35910-14666
- Kind
- RFP
- Doc Id
- RFQ 35910-14666 Solicitation Notice
- Title
- Bright Futures
- Due Date
- Jul 29, 2026
- Pdf Text
- 09-18-25v2 RFQ
1
STATE OF TENNESSEE
CENTRAL PROCUREMENT OFFICE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
BRIGHT FUTURES
RFQ # 35910-14666
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 #35910-14666 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 Department of Children’s Services provides continued foster care services to young adults
ages 18-23 that have aged out of foster care and to young adults that exited foster care to
adoption or subsidized permanent guardianship after the age of 16 through its Bright Futures
program (formerly Extension of Foster Care). The goal of the program is to assist young adults
with the transition to adulthood with skills, knowledge, experience, and supports necessary for
them to obtain education, housing, employment, health services, and permanent supportive
relationships. The Department is seeking to partner with an agency to provide statewide case
management services for approximately 1,200 young adults annually served in the program.
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
Bright Futures Bright Futures is a program to support young
adults that have transitioned out of foster care
with foster care related services and
supports.
Electronic Records System Statewide database utilized by the
Department of Children’s Services for record
keeping and case documentation
Notice of Change of Placement (NOCOP) Online form utilized to notify the Department of
Children’s Services Network Development
team of a change in the young adults
placement status.
HiSet (High School Equivalency Test) An exam that certifies an individual's
academic knowledge and skills are equivalent
to those of a high school graduate. It is an
alternative to a traditional high school diploma
and a competing credential to the GED.
EFCS Transitional Survey A tool utilized for case managers to record
specific information regarding a young adults
circumstances at the time of the Bright
Futures case ending.
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RFQ #35910-14666 3
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
1. RFQ Issued June 25, 2026
2. Disability Accommodation Request
Deadline 2:00 p.m. June 30 , 2026
3. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. July 2, 2026
4. Written “Questions & Comments” Deadline 2:00 p.m. July 8, 2026
5. State Response to Written “Questions &
Comments” July 22, 2026
6. Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. July 29, 2026
7. State Completion of Technical Response
Evaluations August 5, 2026
8. State Notice of Intent to Award Released
and
RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection
. August 7, 2026
9. End of Protest Period 4:30 p.m. August 14, 2026
10. State sends contract to Contractor for
signature August 20, 2026
11. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m. August 24, 2026
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RFQ #35910-14666 4
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
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. Digital Media Submission 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 #35910-14666 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL”
and One (1) copies 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:
09-18-25 RFQ
RFQ #35910-14666 5
“RFQ #35910-14666 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 # 35910-14666 TECHNICAL RESPONSE FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”
3.3.3.2. The separately, sealed Technical Response may be enclosed in a larger
package for mailing or delivery, provided that the outermost package is clearly
labeled:
“RFQ # 35910-14666 SEALED RESPONSE FROM [RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME]”
3.3.3.3. 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:
“RFQ #35910-14666 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;
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RFQ #35910-14666 6
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 #35910-14666 7
4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Communications
4.1.1. Respondents shall reference RFQ #35910-14666 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, Affirmative Action Director
Division for Diversity Initiatives
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 #35910-14666 8
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 RFP that are trade secrets, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-
1702 and applicable law. By submitting a response to this RFP, 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 #35910-14666 9
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 #35910-14666 10
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 #35910-14666 11
5. PROCUREMENT PROCESS & CONTRACT AWARD
5.1. The complete vendor selection will be a two-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 (Respondents will be
considered within the Competitive Range if they have passed all Mandatory
Requirements in Phase I and achieve a raw weighted score above 60 in section
C-Technical Qualifications, Experience, and Approach).
5.3. Cost Proposals: If cost is included for this solicitation, then Cost Proposals will be opened for the
highest evaluated Respondent. If the Cost Proposal is not acceptable to the State and the
Respondent, then the State will open the Cost Proposal for the next apparent highest evaluated
Respondent. See RFQ Attachment D, Cost Proposal.
5.4. 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.
5.4.1. 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.
5.4.2. 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.
5.4.2.1. Cost Negotiations: All responsive 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
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RFQ #35910-14666 12
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.
5.4.2.2. 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.
5.5. 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.
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)
50
Technical Qualifications, Experience &
Approach (refer to RFQ Attachment C)
50
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RFQ #35910-14666 13
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.
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RFQ #35910-14666 14
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.
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RFQ #35910-14666 15
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes)
Item
Ref. Section A— Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
A.4. Provide two current positive credit references from vendors with which
the Proposer has done business written in the form of standard
business letters, signed, and dated within the past three (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 (B.A or B.S) in the social sciences with one
(1) year relevant professional experience working with families and
children. Although a degree in the social sciences is preferred, a
Bachelor’s level degree in another field is permissible so long as the
staff has three (3) years of relevant professional experience working
with families and children.
A.10. Provide statement confirming agency’s ability to provide case
management statewide.
A.11. Provide a statement confirming that, if awarded a contract pursuant
to this RFP, the Respondent has or will have at the time of the
Contract’s Effective Date one of the requirements outlined in
D.37.a.(3) Information Technology Security Requirements of the Pro
Forma Contract.
State Use – RFQ Coordinator Signature, Printed Name & Date:
09-18-25 RFQ
RFQ #35910-14666 16
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.
09-18-25 RFQ
RFQ #35910-14666 17
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 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.11. Provide a brief, descriptive statement detailing evidence of the Respondent’s
ability to deliver the goods or services sought under this RFQ (e.g., prior
experience, training, certifications, resources, program and quality
management systems, etc.).
B.12.
Provide a narrative description of the proposed contract team, its members,
and organizational structure along with an organizational chart identifying the
key people who will be assigned to provide the goods or services required by
this RFQ, illustrating the lines of authority, and designating the individual
responsible for the completion of each task and deliverable of the RFQ.
B.13.
Provide a personnel roster listing the names of key people who the
Respondent will assign to perform tasks required by this RFQ along with the
estimated number of hours that each individual will devote to the required
tasks. Follow the personnel roster with a resume for each of the people
listed. The resumes must detail the individual’s title, education, current
position with the Respondent, and employment history.
B.14.
Provide a statement of whether the Respondent intends to use
subcontractors to accomplish the work required by this RFQ, and if so, detail:
(a) the names of the subcontractors along with the contact person, mailing
address, telephone number, and e-mail address for each;
(b) a description of the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor
will perform; and
(c) a statement specifying that each proposed subcontractor has expressly
assented to being proposed as a subcontractor in the Respondent’s
response to this RFQ.
B.15.
Provide a statement of whether or not the Respondent has any current
contracts with the State of Tennessee or has completed any contracts with
the State of Tennessee within the previous five-year period. If so, provide the
following information for all current and completed contracts:
(a) the name, title, telephone number and e-mail address of the State
contact responsible for the contract at issue;
09-18-25 RFQ
RFQ #35910-14666 18
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response Page #
(Respondent
completes)
Item Ref. Section B— General Qualifications & Experience Items
(b) the name of the procuring State agency;
(c) a brief description of the contract’s specification for goods or scope of
services;
(d) the contract term; and
(e) the contract number.
B.16. Provide a statement and any relevant details addressing whether the
Respondent is any of the following:
(a) is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or
voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal or
state department or agency;
(b) has within the past three (3) years, been convicted of, or had a
civil judgment rendered against the contracting party from
commission of fraud, or a criminal offence in connection with
obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal,
state, or local) transaction or grant under a public transaction;
violation of federal or state antitrust statutes
- Start Date
- Jun 25, 2026
- Due Date Raw
- Jul 29, 2026
- Start Date Raw
- Jun 25, 2026
- Categorized By
- llm-nc
