Agency Human Services Dept

Contractor Regents of the University of Minnesota

SWIFT Contract Number 114205

Project Name Observation of Parent Aware Quality Coaches

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Child Care Services Division, Child Development Services unit (CDS or State), contracted with the University of Minnesota - Center for Early Education and Development to observe Parent Aware Quality Coaches and collect data related to quality of coaching in Parent Aware. Observations were conducted on-site when Parent Aware Quality Coaches were working with child care programs. They were responsible for recruiting, hiring, training and managing observers who conducted observations, collect data and wrote summary reports with individualized feedback for Parent Aware Quality Coaches. Aggregated results of the observations and data analysis are used to inform program and policy decisions.

This project is part of a set of activities which support Trainers and Relationship Based Professional Development Specialists in preparing child care providers to participate in Parent Aware – Minnesota’s voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Parent Aware is led by the Minnesota Department of Human Services – Child Development Services (CDS) in coordination with the Minnesota Departments of Education and Health. Parent Aware provides a common set of program standards for child care and early education programs.

Project Duration

Start Date Thu, 09/01/2016 - 00:00

Original end date Fri, 06/30/2017 - 00:00

Actual end date Wed, 06/30/2021 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $25000.00

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $171472

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Child Care Development Fund

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Kimberly Stone

Evaluator Email Address KIMBERLY.STONE@STATE.MN.US

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The contractor met timelines established in the contract. They pivoted when COVID changed how they could do the work and was creative in meeting contract expectations.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The contractor is dedicated to providing high quality services. They communicated with DHS about changes needed to adapt to COVID restrictions and still meet contract deliverables.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The contractor's cost is within the parameters of what the department had budgeted for this work.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The contractor's performance was excellent. They implemented a process of continuous improvement and brought new ideas to DHS for consideration in future amendments all were within the scope of the project and budget.

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.): {Empty}

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