How to bid on the Kinship Navigator Program for the VT Department for Children and Families

What the agency is buying

The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a provider for its Kinship Navigator program. This program supports kinship caregivers, including grandparents, other relatives, and close family friends, who are raising children when parents cannot. The selected provider will help these caregivers navigate various systems, such as child welfare, aging services, education, housing, and health care.

This opportunity is for organizations that can deliver comprehensive support services to both formal and informal kinship caregivers, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to care for children effectively.

Key dates and deadlines

The Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on July 29, 2026. If you have questions about this solicitation, they must be submitted by August 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. The final deadline for all proposals is September 04, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your response before this closing time to be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for organizations with experience in social services, child welfare, or community support programs, particularly those focused on family services and caregiver support. Firms with expertise in navigating complex systems like healthcare, education, and housing for vulnerable populations would be well-suited. The category for this bid is healthcare, and the work is located in Waterbury, VT.

How to respond

To access the bid details, click on the “View original source” link. This will take you to the bid's preview on the Vermont Business Registry & Bid System. You do not need to log in to view the posting. The description, work location, and instructions on how to obtain the full bid documents are available on that page. Bid documents typically come from the listed contact person, Craig Baden.

You must respond as directed in the posting before the September 04, 2026 deadline. Registering on the Vermont Business Registry is free and will ensure you receive notifications for future Vermont bids.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your proposal, clearly demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges faced by kinship caregivers. Highlight any previous experience providing similar navigation or support services within child welfare, aging, education, housing, or health care systems. Detail your proposed approach to connecting caregivers with necessary resources and how you will measure the program's success.

Ensure your proposal directly addresses all requirements outlined in the solicitation documents. Pay close attention to the agency's mission and how your services align with their goals for the healthy development, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Vermonters. A well-structured response that is easy to read and clearly articulates your capabilities will be beneficial.