The Department of Health and Human Services seeks contractors to provide secure care placements for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) in its custody. Facilities must be state-licensed and maintain 30 secure care beds, ensuring admissions within 72 hours of notification. Contractors are responsible for comprehensive care, including medical, educational, and mental health services tailored to UAC needs, particularly those who have experienced trauma. Other requirements include maintaining a 1:6 staff-to-UAC ratio, providing nutritious meals, and ensuring a safe environment free from punitive practices.
The period of performance is anticipated for six months, with a possible extension, and services are to be provided continuously, including holiday coverage. Essential objectives include timely family reunifications, legal support, and assessments to create Individualized Service Plans. The document reinforces the commitment to child welfare best practices and mandates compliance with federal policies, aiming to create a humane, supportive, and structured environment for UAC during their stay. All contractor actions will be monitored for compliance, with several reporting and meeting requirements to maintain accountability.
The ACF Secure Care Placement Request for Information (RFI) outlines the requirements for vendors interested in providing secure care services for youth aged 13-17. The RFI consists of several sections that vendors must address:
1. **Corporate Background**: Vendors need to provide information about their business, including their name, address, contact details, business size based on NAICS Code 561210, and socio-economic status if applicable.
2. **Technical Experience**: Vendors must demonstrate their experience, including their licensing status for secure care provision, capacity to offer immediate placements, and any ramp-up time necessary to meet the required number of placements.
3. **Draft PWS Comment Matrix**: Feedback on specific Performance Work Statement (PWS) sections is requested, allowing vendors to provide both technical and contractual comments.
4. **Acquisition Considerations**: Vendors are encouraged to identify any potentially restrictive requirements and suggest improvements to facilitate participation, particularly for small businesses. Additionally, information on customary industry practices regarding pricing and terms is sought.
This RFI serves as a preliminary step to gather insights from potential vendors to enhance procurement processes and ensure the successful provision of secure care services. It aims to encourage comprehensive responses from a diverse range of service providers while addressing any barriers that may exist.
The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) issued a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at identifying potential vendors to provide Secure Care Placement services for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) in ORR custody. This initiative seeks to ensure timely admission of UAC meeting specific placement criteria, including those charged with crimes or posing threats while in custody. ACF is conducting market research to assess the availability of qualified contractors and their capacity to provide on-demand secure care, which may involve a six-month initial contract with an optional extension.
The RFI outlines requirements for a capability statement, which includes corporate background, technical experience, and operational readiness. Interested firms are prompted to offer feedback on the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) and to respond via email by March 26, 2025. The document stresses that this is a preliminary market survey; no proposals are being accepted yet, and all participation is voluntary, with costs incurred by respondents alone. The overall objective is to enhance the care and management of UAC in alignment with legal and policy standards while exploring viable vendor partnerships.
The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement issued a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at identifying potential vendors for Secure Care Placement services for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) in their custody. The purpose of this RFI is to evaluate the availability of qualified contractors who can comply with legislative requirements while providing essential services such as diagnostics, transfers, and family reunifications. The anticipated period of performance for this contract spans six months, with a possible six-month extension, and the government is particularly interested in feedback regarding whether to set aside opportunities for small businesses.
Interested vendors must submit capability statements that detail their qualifications, corporate background, and technical experience related to secure care placements. Specific questions are outlined for vendors to address their capacity to meet immediate placement needs and any potential barriers to participation in the procurement process.
The RFI emphasizes that this is an information-gathering effort and not a solicitation for proposals. Responses are requested by March 26, 2025, and should be submitted electronically to specified contacts. The document serves as part of the government's market research to inform future procurement decisions in alignment with maintaining compliance and effective care for vulnerable populations.