MDHS Issues RFP for Workforce, Afterschool Programs, and Parenthood Initiatives
Welcoming new and existing partners in underserviced areas
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on addressing the critical needs of underserviced areas throughout Mississippi. MDHS seeks Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) service providers offering Afterschool Program Activities and Parenthood Initiatives in the state. The RFP, issued on Monday, June 3, 2024, aims to foster new partnerships with organizations and expand on existing partnerships that can effectively deliver essential services in these areas.
Submissions are due by Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time (CDT).
The agency will primarily invest TANF block grant dollars to fund the programs outlined in the RFP.
“The key to moving forward and creating a more self-sufficient Mississippi lies in our ability to connect with and serve all areas of the state,” emphasized MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. “We encourage partners in historically underserviced areas who have demonstrated their commitment and expertise in Afterschool Program Activities, Parenthood Initiatives, and Workforce Training and Education Programs to apply. Together, we can make a significant impact in all communities.”
MDHS is committed to connecting and uplifting underserviced communities throughout Mississippi. With a primary focus on low-income, at-risk areas, MDHS seeks proposals from both new and existing partners who can deliver high-quality services to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.
RFP includes:
MDHS is seeking partnerships to provide TANF services throughout Mississippi, with priority given to underserviced areas.
Organizations are encouraged to read the RFP for more details here: Procurement Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov)
MDHS remains committed to fostering partnerships that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and well-being in Mississippi. By connecting with both new and existing partners and inviting organizations to serve in underserviced areas, MDHS aims to bridge the gap and create a brighter future for all Mississippians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of this RFP is to address the needs of Mississippi counties with less than two active MDHS TANF service providers offering Afterschool Program Activities and/or Parenthood Initiatives. MDHS aims to foster new partnerships and expand on existing ones to effectively deliver essential services in these underserved areas.
The RFP is scheduled to be issued on Monday, June 3, 2024.
The deadline for submissions is set for Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Central Standard Time (CDT).
MDHS is seeking proposals from both new and existing partners who can deliver high-quality services to address the unique challenges faced by underserviced communities.
MDHS will invest Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant to fund the programs outlined in the RFP.
The RFP seeks proposals for services in the following areas: Alcorn, Lincoln, Amite, Lowndes, Attala, Madison, Benton, Marion, Bolivar, Marshall, Calhoun, Monroe, Carroll, Montgomery, Chickasaw, Neshoba, Choctaw, Newton, Claiborne, Noxubee, Clarke, Oktibbeha, Clay, Panola, Coahoma, Pearl River, Copiah, Perry, Covington, Pike, DeSoto, Pontotoc, Forrest, Prentiss, Franklin, Quitman, George, Rankin, Greene, Scott, Grenada, Sharkey, Hancock, Simpson, Harrison, Smith, Hinds, Stone, Holmes, Sunflower, Humphreys, Tallahatchie, Issaquena, Tate, Itawamba, Tippah, Jackson, Tishomingo, Jasper, Tunica, Jefferson, Union, Jefferson Davis, Walthall, Jones, Warren, Kemper, Washington, Lafayette, Wayne, Lamar, Webster, Lauderdale, Wilkinson, Lawrence, Winston, Leake, Yalobusha, Lee, and Yazoo.
The RFP requests services in three main areas: Afterschool Program Activities (APA), Parenthood Initiative (PI), and Workforce Training and Education Programs (WTEP). Please note that WTEP can only be applied for in addition to one of the other two services and not separately. Each area has specific objectives and requirements outlined in the RFP, which you can find in full detail on the MDHS Procurement Services website: (https://www.procurement.mdhs.ms.gov).
APA proposals should provide a comprehensive range of services, including academic support, career exploration, leadership development, work-based learning, and education on important topics like teen pregnancy prevention, drug abuse, and violence prevention, sexual assault awareness, and healthy family relationships. Proposals should also collaborate with the MDHS Division of Youth Services and local schools to improve attendance and academic performance, provide transportation, literacy programs, additional services, and soft skills training, and expand learning programs to offer flexible hours and STEAM opportunities.
PI proposals aim to preserve and strengthen the parent-child relationship while reducing safety threats. Proposals should focus on preventing child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and teen pregnancies. They should provide parenting skills, awareness of child development, positive discipline methods, support for mental health and special needs, healthy communication, coping skills, self-care, and building family and community support systems. Proposals should also provide resources for education and skills training.
WTEP proposals should assess income, household, and employment status to determine workforce training and education eligibility. They should provide job readiness skills, vocational training, educational resources, assistance in finding employment and advancing careers, and support services to address barriers to employment. It is important to note that WTEP cannot be applied to on its own; it can only be added if applying to another area. Proposals should also involve collaboration with local workforce authorities and community colleges for sector-specific training programs.
Upon award, subgrantees will be required to prepare and submit demographic and outcome reports designed by MDHS. These reports should be submitted by a designated due date, which will be at most monthly and at least quarterly. Evaluation and outcome reports are essential for program planning, design, and implementation. Detailed reports allow subgrantees to make informed decisions about necessary program changes.
MDHS aims to bridge the gap in underserviced areas and create a brighter future for all Mississippians by fostering partnerships that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and well-being in the state. By connecting with both new and existing partners, MDHS seeks to create sustainable change and offer tangible help today to create lasting hope for tomorrow.
You can find the full RFP details on the MDHS Procurement Services website
For any questions or assistance regarding the RFP, please contact the MDHS Procurement Services team at procurement.services@mdhs.ms.gov. Please do not contact the county offices as they will be unable to assist you with the RFP process.