Background
The mission of DFPS and the goals of our programs are supported through a wide variety of contracted goods and services. The Procurement and Contracting Services (HHSC-PCS) division of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) purchases goods and services for direct DFPS client use or benefit and for DFPS support services. Within DFPS, purchased client services are defined as the services provided by outside entities under contract.
DFPS is committed to the application of the Guiding Principles for Business Decisions that have been developed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Guiding Principles support consistent decision-making across the state's health and human services enterprise and the provision of quality services to Texans. The Guiding Principles can be found at hhs.state.tx.us/consolidation/Consl_Principle.shtml.
Purpose
The purpose of these policies is to provide clear guidance to DFPS staff who perform functions related to the purchase of goods and services and resulting contracts.
Features
The DFPS Contracting Policies serve as a central organizational framework for DFPS contracting. The policies provide guidance to both client services and administrative contracts.
The functions described include planning for services, procurement, contracting, contract administration, contract monitoring, and resolution of contracting issues.
DFPS divisions responsible for contracting functions include:
Chapter 1: Overview
Chapter 2: Contract and Procurement Planning
Chapter 3: Procurement Development
Chapter 4: Agreements Secured by DFPS
Chapter 5: Contract Execution
| Handbook Page |
Last Revision Date |
| Required Checks |
July 1, 2014 |
| Legal Entities that May Contract with DFPS |
July 1, 2014 |
| Debarred or Excluded Parties |
July 1, 2014 |
| Franchise Tax Account Status |
July 1, 2014 |
| Vendor Hold |
July 1, 2014 |
| Subcontracts |
July 1, 2014 |
| Cost Allocation |
November 1, 2011 |
| Background Check Policy |
November 1, 2013 |
| Effective Dates and Duration of the Contract |
May 31, 2013 |
| Electronically Transmitted and Electronically Signed Contracting Records |
November 16, 2012 |
Chapter 6: Contract Management
Chapter 7: Contract Monitoring
| Handbook Page |
Last Revision Date |
| Contract Monitoring |
October 1, 2013 |
| Statewide Monitoring Plan (SMP) |
October 15, 2014 |
| Sampling Methodology |
May 31, 2013 |
| Child-Specific Contracts Monitoring Process |
August 8, 2013 |
| Salaries |
November 1, 2011 |
| Fringe Benefits |
November 1, 2011 |
| Travel |
November 1, 2011 |
| Materials and Supplies |
November 1, 2011 |
| Other Costs |
November 1, 2011 |
| Equipment |
November 1, 2011 |
| Related-Party Lease/Rental |
November 1, 2011 |
| Using Outputs and Outcomes in Monitoring |
November 1, 2011 |
| Verification of Mental Health Professional Licenses |
November 1, 2011 |
| Questioned Costs |
January 14, 2013 |
| Disallowed Costs |
January 14, 2013 |
| Collections |
March 15, 2013 |
| Corrective Action |
November 1, 2011 |
| Conducting a Follow-Up Visit |
July 1, 2014 |
Chapter 8: Performance Based Contracting
Chapter 9: Contract Closeout and Termination
Chapter 10: Contract Dispute Resolution /Contract Remedy
Chapter 11: Administrative Contracts
