RFP and RFI process

The majority of the Council’s funds available for grants are distributed through the Request for Proposals process or the Field Initiated projects. The Council will release announcements requesting proposals to respond to specific priorities or initiatives to achieve specific outcomes.

The RFP and RFI processes begin at the committee level, with a committee recommendation as to the scope of work and money to be granted for a given project. The CDDC issues Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Information (RFI) on the State of Colorado BIDS system through the internet.

What is the difference between an RFP and and RFI?

An RFP, a Request for Proposals, reflects very specific ideas for a project that a committee would like to see implemented. The Council will be very specific about the areas to be addressed, methodologies, deadlines, desired outcomes and funding levels. RFP’s that are issued for projects over $150,000 follow a very formal process.

The RFP that led to the recent funding of two projects on Leadership Development and Empowerment in the African-American and Latino communities had specific requirements for the projects.  However, since the RFP was for projects under $150,000, the Council was able to use a more informal process for this RFP.

An RFI, a Request for Information, is a way to solicit creative ideas from the community. This method of gathering information is a tool used by the Council to focus on a project which addresses current needs in the community.

Recently, the CDDC issued a Request for Information that asked the community to respond with their own, creative ideas for how to address the need for better mental health care for children in Colorado. A proposal was funded that has developed a “Managed Care University”, a free training workshop for parents and guardians of children with mental health needs.

Who Decides on Which Group is Granted Money?

The CDDC works with the Office of Procurement to convene a committee of Council and community members that evaluates all of the proposals and decides which proposals to fund.

If you are interested in responding to this RFP, you must register with the State of Colorado.  Check the State website at website at http://www.gssa.state.co.us/ or call the help desk at (303) 894-2039 for general questions about the BIDS system, and technical assistance. 

To register with BIDS, vendors must download the forms from the website or visit the State Purchasing Office. Vendors must complete and sign a form, complete and sign a W-9 form for Federal Income Tax purposes, and submit a check payable to the State of Colorado for $40.00. The annual fee of $40.00 allows the vendor to download solicitation specifications and to bid on State business requirements at any State of Colorado agency, including institutions of higher education, for one (1) year.

You may access the internet from your own computer at your convenience, or use a computer with internet access at any public library. Be sure to check the website often for any changes that may be made to the original solicitation document. Contact the Purchasing Agent listed on each solicitation with specific questions about the project in which you are interested.