Relative Caregiver Program Case Management Services

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 of Tennessee seeks to procure qualified vendor(s) to provide Relative Caregiver
Program (RCP) Case Management Services in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
37-2-422 and applicable Department of Children's Services (DCS) policies. The purpose of this
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to identify and select vendor(s) with the demonstrated
capacity, experience, and infrastructure necessary to deliver comprehensive support services to
relative caregivers who have assumed care of children outside of formal foster care.
The Relative Caregiver Program is designed to stabilize relative caregiver households, promote
child safety and well-being, and support permanency by providing case management,
assessments, service planning, caregiver support, and administration of the RCP Stipend for
eligible families. Relative caregivers often assume custody during periods of crisis, frequently
without adequate resources, formal training, or access to coordinated services. Without
structured support, these placements may be at risk of disruption, resulting in adverse outcomes
for children and increased likelihood of entry into state custody.
Through this procurement, the State intends to select vendor(s) that can effectively implement
RCP Case Management Services, coordinate with DCS and community partners, ensure
compliance with statutory and policy requirements, and support eligible caregivers in maintaining
safe, stable homes for children. This RFQ is focused on determining vendor qualifications only;
detailed service requirements, performance expectations, and contractual obligations will be set
forth in the pro forma contract.year.
Detailed information regarding service areas and fiscal projections is provided on the following
pages; specifically, Table 1 outlines the counties within each group, while Table 2 details the
projected number of children to be served and the maximum liabilities per fiscal year for each
county group.
This solicitaiton will result in one contract awarded per group.
RFQ #35910-14926 2

TABLE 1
GROUP ID COUNTIES
35910-14926-1 Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln,
Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, Wayne
35910-14926-2 Anderson, Campbell, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roan, Scott, Union, Knox , Blount,
Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier
35910-14926-3 Davidson, Cheatham, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale,
Williamson, Wilson, Dickson, Humphreys, Houston, Stewart
35910-14926-4 Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, Meigs, McMinn, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie
35910-14926-5 Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton,
35910-14926-6 Shelby
35910-14926-7 Hancock, Hawkins, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Sullivan, Carter, Johnson
35910-14926-8 Benton, Carrol, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Weakley, Chester,
Decatur, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison,
McNairy, Tipton
RFQ #35910-14926 3

TABLE 2
TOTAL
PROJECTED NUMBER OF CHILDREN TO BE SERVED AND MAXIMUM LIABILITIES
MAXIMUM
GROUP ID PER FISCAL YEAR/ PER COUNTY GROUP
LIABILITY
FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 FY31
35910-14926-1 Children: 276 Children: 271 Children: 266 Children: 262 Children: 258 $4,865,450
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$1,007,400 $989,150 $970,900 $956,300 $941,700
35910-14926-2 Children: 448 Children: 440 Children: 432 Children: 425 Children: 418 $7,894,950
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$1,635,200 $1,606,000 $1,576,800 $1,551,250 $1,525,700
35910-14926-3 Children: 826 Children: 812 Children: 799 Children: 785 Children: 772 $14,578,100
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$3,014,900 $2,963,800 $2,916,350 $2,865,250 $2,817,800
35910-14926-4 Children: 190 Children: 186 Children: 183 Children: 180 Children: 177 $3,343,400
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$693,500 $678,900 $667,950 $657,000 $646,050
35910-14926-5 Children: 215 Children: 211 Children: 207 Children: 204 Children: 201 $3,788,700
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$784,750 $770,150 $755,550 $744,600 $733,650
35910-14926-6 Children: 293 Children: 288 Children: 283 Children: 278 Children: 273 $5,164,750
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$1,069,450 $1,051,200 $1,032,950 $1,014,700 $996,450
35910-14926-7 Children: 181 Children: 178 Children: 174 Children: 171 Children: 168 $3,182,800
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$660,650 $649,700 $635,100 $624,150 $613,200
35910-14926-8 Children: 697 Children: 685 Children: 674 Children: 662 Children: 651 $12,296,850
Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability: Liability:
$2,544,050 $2,500,250 $2,460,100 $2,416,300 $2,376,150
RFQ #35910-14926 4

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
Relative Caregiver Program (RCP) Shall refer to the overarching program
containing the RCP Services and RCP
Stipend.
Case Management Services A coordinated set of activities designed to
help individuals access, organize, and
manage the services and resources they need
to address specific problems or achieve
certain goals. A case manager works with a
client to assess needs, develop a service
plan, connect them to appropriate supports,
monitor progress, and adjust the plan as
needed.
Individualized Service Plans A written, person-centered plan that outlines
the specific needs, goals, and support
strategies for an individual receiving services.
ISPs are developed collaboratively with the
individual (and often their family or support
team) to ensure services are tailored to their
unique circumstances, strengths, preferences,
and desired outcomes.
RCP Stipend Shall mean the financial assistance provided
to relative caregivers, governed by T.C.A.
37-2-422.
RFQ #35910-14926 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.
TIME
EVENT DATE
(central time
zone)
1. RFQ Issued MAY 6, 2026
2. Disability Accommodation Request
2:00 p.m. MAY 11, 2026
Deadline
3. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. MAY 12, 2026
4. Written "Questions & Comments" Deadline 2:00 p.m. MAY 15, 2026
5. State Response to Written "Questions &
MAY 28, 2026
Comments"
6. Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. JUNE 4, 2026
7. State Completion of Technical Response
JUNE 15, 2026
Evaluations
8. State Notice of Intent to Award Released
and . JUNE 17, 2026
RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection
9. End of Protest Period 4:30 p.m. JUNE 24, 2026
10. State sends contract to Contractor for
JUNE 25, 2026
signature
11. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m. JUNE 29, 2026
RFQ #35910-14926 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
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 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
3.3.2.1.1. 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 #35910-14926 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL"
RFQ #35910-14926 7

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:
"RFQ #35910-14926 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 # 35910-14926 TECHNICAL RESPONSE FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]"
3.3.3.3. The sealed Technical Response may be enclosed in a larger package for
mailing or delivery, provided that the outermost package is clearly labeled:
"RFQ # 35910-14926 SEALED RESPONSE FROM [RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME]"
3.3.3.4. 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 #35910-14926 TECHNICAL RESPONSE"
The customer references should be delivered by each reference in accordance
with RFQ Attachment E, Reference Questionnaire.
3.3.6. 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 Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
RFQ #35910-14926 8

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.
RFQ #35910-14926 9

4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Communications
4.1.1. Respondents shall reference 35910-14926 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 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 | Equal Employment
Opportunity Manager
Office of Access and Engagement
Internal Affairs Division
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
7th Floor UBS Building
315 Deaderick St.
Nashville, TN 37243
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
RFQ #35910-14926 10