DFSS CSD seeks an entity that can provide subject matter expertise and training and technical assistance (T/TA) to DFSS and its Chicago Early Learning (CEL) direct service providers in subjects related to Mental Health Services as a support service delegate agency. As a result of these activities: 

1. DFSS and its delegate agencies should maintain Mental Health Services compliance with Chicago Early Learning Standards (CELS) 2.0, ISBE Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) and Illinois Early Learning Guidelines (IELG), Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (HSELOF) and Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework (HSPFCEF), Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), and the Head Start Act;
2. DFSS and its direct service delegate agencies will meet the mental health needs of the children and families they serve and improve them;
3. DFSS and its direct service delegate agencies will integrate a trauma-informed approach into their mental health services; and 
4. DFSS and its direct service delegate agencies will have policies, procedures, and strategies for maintaining and improving staff mental health and wellness.

The Children Services Division uses support service providers with particular areas of expertise to supplement its management of programs and provide T/TA to a variety of audiences. It should be noted that support service subject matter experts will not deal directly with the children and families, but rather will provide consultation and T/TA to leadership, managers and direct service staff.

For more information, please refer to the application posted on the City of Chicago’s eProcurement page:

https://eprocurement.cityofchicago.org/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=PON_ABSTRACT_PAGE&PON_NEGOTIATION_STATUS=ACTIVE

A NOTE ABOUT THE CITY’S EPROCUREMENT SYSTEM:
For those who have not done business with the City of Chicago before, registration in iSupplier is the first step to ensuring your agency’s ability to conduct business with the City of Chicago and DFSS. Please allow five to seven days for your registration to be processed.

Current contractors need only to start an application via their existing iSupplier/eProcurement account.

All vendors must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and an IRS W9 for registration and confirmation of vendor business information.

RFP DUE DATE/SUBMISSION LOCATION:

June 23, 2020
12:00, NOON CST

Proposals must be submitted via on-line application.
E-mailed or faxed proposals will not be accepted.

PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE:

A Pre-Proposal Webinar will be held on May 22, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4805776615563622155

Please register prior to the Webinar’s start using the link found in the RFP and above.  A link to the completed Webinar will be available on-line after the time and date listed above for those who cannot attend at the live scheduled time.  The purpose of this pre-submittal event is to clarify the RFP process and the scope of the required services.  Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly suggested that interested applicants attend.

Head Start Support Services Mental Health RFP Webinar