Federal Child Welfare System Expertise Services Needed

Background
The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) was established as the state's lead child welfare agency by the 2016 Mississippi Legislature. Its mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in Mississippi by strengthening families, preventing child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and promoting permanent family connections.

MDCPS is seeking consulting services to enhance its ability to navigate the federal child welfare system, ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations while leveraging available federal revenues.

Work Details
The selected vendor will provide expertise in navigating the federal child welfare system, focusing on compliance with federal laws and regulations. Specific services include:

1. Expertise in Federal Regulations: Knowledge of Children’s Bureau regulations, Title IV-E regulations, audit support, and assistance with grant submissions.
2. Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Support: Installation of protocols to improve claims for federal funding and preparation for federal reviews.
3. Development of a Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program: Compliance with state and federal regulations including the Family First Prevention Services Act.
4. Review of National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD): Support for MDCPS’s 2025 NYTD Audit Review.
5. Fiscal Assistance: Use of evidence-based data for financial decisions and continuous quality improvement methods.
6. Consultation, Coaching, and Training: In public policy, federal child welfare laws, financial regulations, etc.
7. KinGap Program Reporting: Monthly status reports on the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program.
8. Legislative Review: Recommendations for legislative changes.

Period of Performance
The contract is anticipated to begin on July 3, 2025, and end on July 2, 2026. It may be renewed at MDCPS's discretion for up to four additional one-year periods.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at various locations as determined by MDCPS within the state of Mississippi.

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must be registered to do business in Mississippi and not currently debarred from submitting proposals for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Mississippi or federal government. They must demonstrate a minimum of ten years' experience in consulting within the child welfare system and specific experience with the Federal Children’s Bureau.