DISC 1196 Family Participation and Engagement Consultant

The New York State (NYS) Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) and the Council on Children & Families (CCF) announce a Discretionary Opportunity Announcement (DISC) to identify and contract with a qualified contractor/consultant to lead the development of a statewide family engagement framework manual. Eligible entities must have a working knowledge of communities in NYS and programs that provide resources and outreach to families. Additionally, understanding the needs of under-served communities is vital. Please see the Eligibility Criteria and Scope of Work sections for additional information.

The purpose of this solicitation is to invite any eligible and interested entities that believe they can satisfy this program’s needs to inform OCFS by a Letter of Interest (LOI). To be considered responsive, your organization’s LOI should be received no later than the deadline specified on the first page of this announcement. Please see the How to Respond section for additional information and submission requirements.

This opportunity is authorized under Section 163 of State Finance Law as a Discretionary Purchase. OCFS intends to contract pursuant to its discretionary purchasing authority under State Finance Law Section 163(6), which authorizes purchases without a formal competitive process in certain circumstances. This funding opportunity is limited to purchases up to the Discretionary Buying Threshold from respondent organizations qualified as:

• NYS certified Minority- and/or Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)
• NYS certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB)
• NYS Small Business Enterprises (SBE)

NYS-certified MWBE and SDVOB are qualified pursuant to Article 15-A of State Executive Law and Article 3 of Veterans’ Services Law. In accordance with Section 160(8) of State Finance Law and Article 4-B of Economic Development Law, SBE are defined as a small business concern domiciled in New York State, independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field, and employs 100 or less persons.

Primary respondents that are certified and/or qualify as an SBE, MWBE or SDVOB should complete, sign, and submit the Attachment 3 – Affirmation of Business Status provided with this solicitation.

Please see the DISC document located on the "Documents" tab for additional information and submission requirements.