Human Service is a highly regulated area of work, but the Department strives to simplify it as much as possible. The Department will determine when a Public Contract for Services (PCS) is required. A contract issued for one term (generally 12 months) does not guarantee a subsequent contract. The Department cannot guarantee a volume of referrals or work and corresponding revenue stream. The demand for goods and services varies by caseload size, specific case needs, and program policy decisions.
Vendors’ internal policies, e.g., invoicing policies and missed appointments, are not assumed to be incorporated into the PCS. Services and rates are defined in the PCS. Any staff discussions, emails or agreements inconsistent with or not included in the PCS or Amendment are not binding or assumed to be part of the PCS or Amendment.
Child Welfare services can be complex. Interested vendors should familiarize themselves with these special notes.
Generally, the process takes two months. The actual amount of time varies based on many factors, e.g., number of contracts being developed at any given time, whether the vendor is new to the Department, and the type of services or goods being provided.
Since services should not begin prior to the execution of a fully executed PCS, vendors should review the requirements when contract discussions begin so they are able to begin accepting referrals and work as soon as the PCS is signed.
An Amendment may be required during the term of a PCS. Examples of when an Amendment is required include increases in the contract maximum, a change in vendor address, or updates to services or goods being provided. Typically, an Amendment takes less time to complete than a PCS and follows the same process.
If you have questions, please contact [email protected].