1. What
credentials must an organization supply to establish eligibility
for bidding on state contracts?
Viability of vendors is not
pre-determined and competitive solicitations are open to all
vendors. However, solicitations may contain mandatory vendor
requirements that limit those eligible for award.
2. Can
faith-based organizations contract with the
state for social service programs?
Entities of all types are eligible to
become registered vendors with the State of Oklahoma and pursue
competitively bid contracts. Members of the faith community
compete for contracts with OKDHS (and the state) on the same
basis as any other provider. Such Contractors shall not be
required to alter their forms of internal governance, their
religious character or remove religious art, icons, scripture or
other symbols. Such Contractors may not, however, discriminate
against clients on the basis of their religion, religious
beliefs or clients' refusal to participate in religious
practices.
3. As a faith-based
entity, a faith component is incorporated into our program.
Would expressions of faith, such as prayer, need to be omitted
from our program in order to receive funding?
OKDHS clients cannot be
forced to pray or otherwise participate in religious rites or
practices
4. What
role does the Department of Central Services (DCS) play in
contracts with the state?
The Department of Central Services
provides oversight for all contracting and purchasing functions
for all state agencies and is, specifically, responsible for
awarding all contracts in excess of $25,000.
5. How
do I know what social service contracts are available?
Routinely check the DCS website for Open
Solicitations at: http://www.dcs.state.ok.us/Solicitations.nsf
6. What are an RFP and ITB?
Request for Proposal and Invitation to
Bid. Both are solicitation requests for services being requested
by a state agency.
7. How do I submit an RFP or ITB?
Follow the instructions included with
the solicitation on the DCS website.
8. What if I have questions about the
terminology or the application process after the RFP has been
posted?
Contact the DCS Buyer listed in each
individual solicitation.
9. May I
contact the state agency or the Office of Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives for help or clarification on an RFP?
No. Contact with all agency personnel
regarding solicitations is prohibited.
10. What
if I miss the deadline? Will you accept late applications?
Late submissions (even by one minute)
will not be accepted under any circumstances.
11. Will
all applicants be notified when the contract is awarded?
No. Awarded Solicitations can be viewed
on the DCS website at
http://www.dcs.state.ok.us/Solicitations.nsf
The selected Contractor will be issued a
Purchase Order.
12. What
constitutes the contract and who administers it?
The contract consists of the
solicitation document (RFP or ITB), the successful Contractor’s
proposal or bid and the Purchase Order issued by the state
agency or DCS. The agency administers the contract with
oversight by DCS.
13. How are government funds
distributed?
Contracts can be awarded using different
funding mechanisms but will always be paid in arrears They, like
any other contract, must be paid based on some type of program
related costs with measurable results and outcomes.
14. Are contracts with the state
renewable?
Contracts can contain renewal clauses
that allow renewals, at the sole discretion of OKDHS for a
previously determined number of contract periods.
15. Will
we have reporting requirements and what type of recordkeeping
will be required?
Yes, those issues will be detailed in
each specific solicitation.
16. Will
my organization be subject to an audit?
Audit requirements vary but will be
addressed specifically in each solicitation.
