Agency Human Services Dept

Contractor Childre's Defense Fund MN

SWIFT Contract Number 184414

Project Name PDG Bridge to Benefits

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: Technology maintenance and updates, as well as training
for Implementation Hub staff to use Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota’s Bridge to Benefits - a screening
and direct referral tool for application assistance for an array of federal and state funded work support
programs and tax credits that improve family economic stability and connection with programs that help
families pay for and access child care and early education services.

Project Duration

Start Date Mon, 10/12/2020 - 00:00

Original end date Thu, 12/30/2021 - 00:00

Actual end date Fri, 06/30/2023 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $150000

Amendments $150000

Contract total $300000

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Federal Preschool Development grant via interagency agreement with Department of Education

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) The vendor and the web-based Bridge to Benefits platform are explicitly named in the federal Preschool Development Grant (renewal) application/award. Children's Defense Fund MN (CDF) is the only source for the Bridge to Benefits tool.

Evaluator Name Heather Reynolds

Evaluator Email Address heather.reynolds@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The contractor met all of their workplan timelines. All work, meetings, reporting etc. timely. Very reliable.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The contractor met and exceeded expectations with their work and additional responsiveness to the needs of the grantees and the ongoing work of the PDG team.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The tool was rated highly by grantees and used extensively. The cost of updating and maintaining the tool was appropriate and in line with the benefit for the implementation Hub grantee staff. The support and training from CDF staff for the PDG hub grantees was also aligned. The improvements made to the tool through evaluation will continue to be helpful to families and service providers throughout Minnesota.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Excellent. The contractor's understanding of the work and communities they were supporting, their understanding of the public and financial benefits their Bridge to Benefits tool screened for, their professional support and responsiveness to the grantees was excellent.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): none

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied