REQUEST FOR HOMEBUILDERS® PROGRAM PROPOSAL

REQUEST FOR HOMEBUILDERS(R) PROGRAM PROPOSAL
VENANGO COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
1 DALE AVENUE
FRANKLIN, PA 16323
(814) 432-9100
April 24, 2026
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Interested qualified service provider agencies are invited to submit a sealed proposal to provide the
HOMEBUILDERS(R) program for the Children, Youth & Family Services Department of Venango County
Human Services, Franklin, PA in the fiscal mid-year 2025-2026 and full-year 2026-2027, in accordance
with the specifications contained in the attached Instructions to Proposers, Program Objectives, and
Proposal Requirements.
Final Proposals must be submitted via email to:
Nicole Clark
CYFS Program Manager
Venango County Human Services
1 Dale Avenue
Franklin, PA 16323
(814)432-9100
nicole.clark@venangocountypa.gov
Issue RFP: April 24, 2026
Deadline for Questions: May 1, 2026
Answers to Questions Posted: May 8, 2026
Deadline to Submit Proposals: May 15, 2026
Tentative Award Selection and Initiation of Contract Negotiation: May 22, 2026
Venango County Children, Youth & Family Services Department will receive proposals until 4:00 PM
(EST) on May 15, 2026. Late proposals will not be considered. The proposal must be signed by an official
authorized to bind the bidder, and it will contain a statement to the effect that the proposal is firm for a
period of at least 90 days from the date of receipt. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the
specifications outlined in the Proposal Requirements section of the RFP. Proposals will be opened at
10:00 AM, prevailing time, or shortly thereafter, on May 18, 2026 by a Program Committee appointed
by the CYFS Administrator. Said Committee shall review the proposals pursuant to the criteria stated
herein. Award of the contract for the HOMEBUILDERS(R) program for the fiscal mid-year 25-26 and full-
year 26-27 shall be made in writing on May 25, 2026.
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR HOMEBUILDERS(R) PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS......................................................................................................PAGE 4
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES..................................................................................................................PAGE 6
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................PAGE 9
SELECTION CRITERIA......................................................................................................................PAGE 11
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................PAGE 12
APPENDIX - PRICING CERTIFICATION.........................................................................................PAGE 13
EXHIBIT - NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT......................................................................................PAGE 14
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INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS
A. All potential bidders must notify Nicole Clark, CYFS Program Manager via email by May 1, 2026.
The purpose of the notification is to ensure that information relating to this Request for Proposal and
any changes that may occur to the same are provided to all potential bidders.
B. Proposers may submit questions concerning this Request for Proposal (RFP) in writing via email
to CYFS Program Manager no later than 4:00 PM on May 8, 2026. Written questions and answers will be
shared with all proposers who have registered as potential bidders to the RFP. After submission of
proposals and closing thereof, no information will be furnished until an award has been made.
C. Proposals must be submitted via email to CYFS Program Manager. The subject line of the email
must be titled "HOMEBUILDERS(R) Program RFP." All attachments must be saved as a PDF, Microsoft
Word Document, or Microsoft Excel Workbook.
D. Each proposal must disclose the program description and service delivery model in as much
detail possible, including but not limited to, the requirement specified in the Technical Proposal
Requirements section of this RFP.
E. The County reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposals
submitted. Therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms from both
a price and technical standpoint. The County also reserves the right to reject any and all proposals
received. It is understood that all proposals submitted will become a part of the official file on this
matter without obligation to the County, and that all proposals and attachments shall become public
record upon their receipt by the County.
F. The County reserves the right to conduct personal interviews of any or all proposers prior to
selection. The tentative timeframe for these interviews is between January 26, 2026 and January 30,
2026. The County will not be liable for any costs incurred by the proposer in connection with such an
interview.
G. The County reserves the right to conduct pre-contract negotiations with any or all proposers.
H. Any proposal received after the time specified for receipt will not be considered.
I. Proposals may be withdrawn or modified in person by a Proposer or his/her authorized
representative, provided his/her identity is made known and he/she signs a receipt for the proposal,
before the time proposals must be received as stated previously in this RFP.
J. If a service requirement cannot be performed by the proposer, then the term "No Proposal"
should be entered on the Proposal form for that specific requirement. In the case of a "No Proposal"
remark, the proposer should explain and may offer an alternative equivalent service.
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K. The County will not be liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals or
attendance at the pre-bid conference.
L. The submission of this proposal shall be prima facie evidence that the proposer has full
knowledge of the scope, nature, quantity, and quality of the work to be performed, the detailed
requirements of the specifications, and the conditions under which the work is to be performed.
M. Each proposer shall be expected to furnish the County with additional information as may be
reasonably required.
N. The County will not be responsible for any costs not included in the proposal and subsequent
contracted-for costs.
M. Venango County Children, Youth & Family Services Department will award the contract to the
qualified bidder whose proposal is the most advantageous to Venango County CYFS Department
considering the evaluation criteria. Anticipated selection to occur by May 22, 2026.
Notification of the intention to award will occur around May 25, 2026 with contract negotiation to
follow.
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HOMEBUILDERS(R) PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
HOMEBUILDERS(R) is a short-term, intensive, evidence-based, in-home crisis intervention program
designed to prevent the placement of children into foster care and support safe family stabilization or
reunification. Developed by the Institute for Family Development, the model provides immediate
engagement (within 24-48 hours), 4-6 weeks of service, and up to 10-15 hours per week of
individualized, skill-based intervention delivered in the family's home. Therapists maintain small
caseloads and are available 24/7 to address crises, strengthen caregiver capacity, implement safety
planning, and connect families to concrete supports. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed
approach with structured supervision and fidelity monitoring, HOMEBUILDERS(R) has demonstrated
effectiveness in reducing out-of-home placements, improving child safety, and increasing family
stability.
HOMEBUILDERS(R) serves families with children from birth to 18 years old, who have one or more
children at imminent risk of placement, or have children in placement who cannot be reunified without
intensive services. The presenting problems are often varied and complex, including child abuse and/or
neglect, family conflict, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, child or parental developmental
disabilities and/or mental health problems, and substance abuse. Families are typically referred to
services by a county caseworker.
HOMEBUILDERS(R) therapists work with high-risk families involved with the child welfare system. The goal
of the program is to remove the risk of harm to the child instead of removing the child. The program
gives families the chance to learn new behaviors and helps them make better choices for their children.
Child safety is ensured through small caseloads, high intensity, and 24-hour a day service availability.
The HOMEBUILDERS(R) program aligns with Pennsylvania's child welfare goals under Act 148 and
supports Title IV-E Family First prevention candidacy standards when applicable. Outcomes include
reduced placement rates, improved child safety, increased parental protective capacity, and
strengthened family functioning. Data collection, fidelity monitoring, and performance reporting are
embedded to ensure compliance with CYFS standards and continuous quality improvement.
There is formal support available for implementation of the program. More information can be found
at: https://www.cebc4cw.org/program/homebuilders/
The provider's proposal shall detail how they plan to provide the services listed above.
Venango County Children, Youth & Family Services Department reserves the right to reject any or all
proposals, and to waive any defects or irregularities in the best interest of the County. Requests for any
information concerning this solicitation are to be referred to:
Nicole Clark
CYFS Program Manager
1 Dale Avenue, Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: (814) 432-9100
nicole.clark@venangocountypa.gov
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A. Purpose
The purpose of this contract is to obtain the services of a service provider agency, hereafter referred to
as "Contractor."
1. The County desires the Contractor to provide the HOMEBUILDERS(R) program in Venango County.
Please submit a program description outlining the service provided.
2. The program description must include your agency's business hours and projected schedule that
you will be able to offer the HOMEBUILERS(R) program.
3. The Contractor should include a plan and costs associated with providing services.
4. The Contractor must agree to provide progress reports to the County in a timely manner. A
Tracking sheet will be provided monthly to the CYFS Program Manager as well as a quarterly meeting.
Required training certificates will submitted to the county.
5. The Contractor shall maintain compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which
provides that no person shall "on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or
activity receiving federal financial assistance." The Contractor shall include their limited English
Proficiency Plan in their proposal.
6. The Contractor certifies that neither it, nor any of its employees or affiliates providing services
hereunder, are currently under suspension or debarment by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the
Federal Government. Contractor shall not enter into any subcontract for any work under this contract
with any subcontractor who is currently suspended or debarred by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or the Federal Government. A list of suspended and debarred individuals or contractors may be
obtained by contacting the following: Department of General Services, Office of Chief Counsel, 603
North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17125; Phone: #717-787-1284; Fax: #717-787-9138.
B. Assigned Staff
The Contractor must ensure that staff assigned the duties of the HOMEBUILDERS(R) program services
have the minimum qualifications and experience necessary to provide quality services to children and
families. The Contractor is requested to submit a job description detailing the education and experience
required for the position responsible for providing the HOMEBUILDERS(R) Program.
The Contractor must assure that all staff have current State Police, Childline, and FBI clearances. The
contractor shall have a provision to provide staff trainings and orientation to understand their
responsibilities as mandated reporters under the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) per HB 431,
enacted 4/25/14, effective 12/31/14.
C. Program Schedule
The contract will be awarded via writing on May 25, 2026. CYFS would like this program to start
expeditiously, with a projected program start date no later than June 1, 2026.
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D. Cost and Pricing Data
Bidders are required, at a minimum, to submit cost proposals fully supported by cost and pricing data
adequate to establish the reasonableness of the Contractor's overall bid. State the total hours and the
hourly rate required by staff classification and the resulting all- inclusive contract maximum fee for
services.
Proposers are required to certify their pricing will be valid for a period of Ninety (90) days from the date
of the Proposal. Failure to state agreement with this provision will result in non-consideration of a
proposal. (Appendix)
E. Unacceptable Work
The Agreement may be canceled at any time upon ninety (90) days written notice by either party
without cause. However, if the Contractor fails to comply with any of the terms specified in this Article,
the County may terminate the contract without notice.
F. Length of Contract
Venango County is interested in establishing a mid-year contract for FY 25-26 with renewal for fiscal
year 26-27 to be automatic providing deadlines are met and standards complied with.
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TECHNICAL PROPOSAL REQUIRMENTS
A. Proposals must be submitted via email to Nicole Clark ( nicole.clark@venangocountypa.gov ) by
4:00 PM on May 15, 2026. If the document size is too large to attach to a single email, multiple emails
may be submitted, but must be clearly labeled in the subject line as "HOMEBUILDERS(R) Program RFP"
and the body of the email must state email 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.
B. For ease of comparison, each Proposal shall be organized in the following manner. Proposers are
encouraged to title sections for ease of review by County staff. Sections may be included in one
electronic document or in multiple electronic documents.
1. Summary Cover Sheet - to include the name of the agency; agency address; name,
telephone number, and title of person with authority to commit the agency; name,
telephone number, and title of contact person, if different than above; and the date of
submission.
2. Table of Contents
3. Letter of Transmittal - A brief letter (1-2 pages) to introduce the service provider to
Venango County CYFS. It should briefly state the provider's understanding of the scope
of service required and the proposer's commitment to accomplish the work within the
specified scope.
4. Profile of Proposer - Submit a detailed description of the provider, including the Mission
and Vision, and range of services provided. State the location of the office from which
the work is to be done and the number of staff employed at that office.
5. Qualifications and Experience - Identify staff who would provide the HOMEBUILDERS(R)
program, and include a job description detailing the education and experience needed,
and what training would be provided. Include an organizational chart that indicates the
reporting relationships of that personnel.
6. Program Description - Describe in full the scope of services to be provided. Include the
information requested in the Program Objectives, including: expected outcome
measures, service locations, hours of availability, assessment, treatment plan/goal
setting, progress reports etc. The successful proposer shall familiarize themselves with
and comply with the provisions of any and all federal and state requirements that may
pertain to the work required under this engagement.
Equal Opportunity Employment: The Contractor shall certify in their proposal that employment
is available to all persons qualified regardless of age, race, sex, income, sexual preference,
national origin, religion or disability.
7. Liability Insurance - The successful proposer shall procure, maintain, and provide proof
of insurance coverage for injuries to persons and/or property damage as may arise from or in
conjunction with the work performed on behalf of Venango County by the contractor, his
agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. Proof of coverage as contained herein
shall be submitted prior to the contract approval, and such coverage shall be maintained by the
Contractor for the duration of the contract period for occurrence policies.
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A. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance which will protect the Service Provider from claims
for bodily injury to persons, including wrongful death, and for damage to property which may arise from
operations by the Service Provider or by any sub-contractor. The Comprehensive General Liability Policy
will include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Contractual liability on a blanket basis or contractual liability specifically
covering this Agreement;
2. Contractors Protective Liability;
3. Products Liability and Completed Operation;
4. Limits of liability may be satisfied by a combined single limit of $1,000,000 per
occurrence, and $3,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury and property damage.
B. Worker's Compensation insurance as required by law.
C. Professional Liability Insurance with limits of liability of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence
and $3,000,000 aggregate.
D. Fidelity Bond Insurance shall be maintained to insure those employees who have financial
responsibilities related to the receipt and disbursement of funding under this agreement shall
be covered by a fidelity bond. Coverage to be required and maintained for fidelity bond
insurance shall be minimally for an amount which is equal to, but not less than 10% of the total
allocation of this agreement.
E. The Service Provider shall carry Comprehensive Liability Insurance covering all owned, hired,
and non-owned automobiles. The limits of liability for automobile insurance may be satisfied by
a combined single limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $1,000,000 for bodily injury and
property damage.
The County may, at its discretion, waive or modify any of the foregoing insurance requirements.
The Service Provider will provide the County certificates of insurance evidencing the insurance
coverage identified above, and naming the County as an additional insured, and will submit the
new certificates of such insurance coverage one month in advance of their expiration during the
term of this Agreement. Said certificates of insurance shall be attached to this Agreement. All
certificates of insurance will provide that the insurance company and the Service Provider will
notify the County, in writing, by certified mail, at least 30 days prior to any termination of the
policy or any alterations in the policy, which alterations change, restrict or reduce the insurance
provided or change the name of the insured.
9. Fees and Contracts - Provide a program budget for FY 25-26 and including rates and projected
number of service units. Provide an explanation of any one-time startup costs associated with
providing this service.
C. Proposals that do not meet all the above requirements of this RFP will be rejected as
non-responsive. Without each item required an adequate analysis and comparison of proposals is
impossible.
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