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REFERENCE All our policies strive to ensure that the selection process is conducted in an open and fair environment providing all potential applicants equal opportunity to reply to funding proposals and to access funds. Minority firms (holding Florida Certificate) are granted preference. Each funding opportunity is openly advertised, and a "Cone of Silence" shields each competitive selection process from undue influences prior to the recommendation for contract award. Types of Competitive Solicitation Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) - is issued by The Children's Trust to annouce a funding opportunity for a number of initatives at once. An organization can apply to specific section of the NOFA that relates to the services they would be providing. Request for Qualification (RFQ) - is used by The Children's Trust to select service providers based on specific qualifications prior to issuance of a final solicitation. Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) - is issued when The Children's Trust seeks to enter into negotiations with one or more vendors for the procurement of commodities or contractual services and a written competitive solicitation is required. Request for Proposal (RFP) - is issued by The Children's Trust as a written proposal that follows specific guidelines is requested in order to participate in a competitive and fair process of awarding funds. Training workshops are often provided by The Trust (see Community Calendar) to assist candidates with the proposal requirements. Key Concepts: Cone of Silence - begins at the time of advertisement of the RFP and ends when the chief executive officer makes his written recommendation to The Children's Trust board. Helps ensure an impartial and fair process for all candidates. Funding Application - grants to fulfill non-programmatic functions or non-service proposals that benefit children and families through other means such as public awareness, events, and training. These grants are not subject to the cone of silence and are not competitively bid. Steps in the Funding Application Process: Not all steps apply to every funding type. Bidder's Conference - generally held three weeks after a funding application is publicly announced to answer questions and communicate details regarding timeline and other requirements. Letter of Intent - Interested candidates submit their letter of intent to participate in competitive process. Question-and-Answer Period - Questions are submitted and answers communicated via email to all candidates. Receipt - Proposals are received and receipt acknowledged. Review - Designated Children's Trust staff review request-for-funding proposals. Rating - Proposals are assigned a rating based on requirements and qualification. Recommendation - The Children's Trust communicates its decisions regarding proposals. For more detailed information, please submit |