BB26-28, WIC 45-hour Lactation Education Course

Project Description: Issuing Procurement Unit: State of Utah Division of Purchasing
Conducting Procurement Unit: Dept of Health and Human Services
Professional Services Requested: The Utah WIC Program desires to provide WIC staff with a self-paced online 45-hour Advanced Lactation course this federal fiscal year. A 45-hour Advanced Lactation course will be provided for all of the 13 local WIC agencies which will include up to 45 people. This course is for health professionals and paraprofessionals and will be structured to include 40 hours of on-line class time and 5 hours of self-directed training. These valuable education hours in combination with their work service hours provides the opportunity to sit for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam.
Breastfeeding is a strong service pillar in WIC. It is imperative that we provide our staff with the opportunity to earn the highest breastfeeding credential possible. The potential credential earned after passing this exam is the highest-level, internationally recognized certification for professionals specializing in clinical breastfeeding and human lactation care. They require 90+ hours of lactation education, 1,000+ clinical hours, and passing a rigorous exam. After completing this course WIC staff will use the skills learned to improve their one-on-one breastfeeding support of Utah mothers statewide through the individualized service they provide to families enrolled in WIC. This training increases critical thinking skills in WIC staff and allows them to better provide solutions to common breastfeeding barriers that WIC families face. Through the course they will learn necessary skills to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates across the state of Utah.
Length of Contract: Five Years
The purpose of this RFSQ is to obtain statements of qualifications from companies. The intent is to award a contract under Utah Procurement Code 63G-6a Part 15 for the purchase of Design Professional Service Providers and Consultants. The vendor with the highest- ranking will be selected to negotiate a contract at compensation determined to be fair and reasonable. If fair and reasonable compensation, contract requirements, and contract documents cannot be agreed upon with the highest ranked vendor, the state may proceed with negotiations with the next highest ranked vendor. Do NOT include pricing when you submit your qualifications.