Request for Qualifications (RFQs)

RFQ 590 – important updates for Service Providers

Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) has updated how you apply to become a qualified service provider. During the past year, while the Request for Qualifications (81-CSN-2026-RFQ 590) has been closed, CLBC has conducted additional review of the RFQ and has strengthened areas around organizational readiness to deliver quality services, ability to comply with legislative and other requirements (such as WorkSafeBC and financial requirements), and ability to factor in past performance as part of the evaluative process. This review helped us create a stronger Request for Qualifications that will ensure CLBC works with organizations that have sufficient administrative and operational capacity to provide quality services. At this time, this update will not impact currently qualified service providers.

What updates will you see in the RFQ

CLBC has completed an additional review and further assessment of the requirements for qualified vendors with whom we contract to deliver supports and services to individuals. This review reflects CLBC’s responsibility to ensure that contracted services are delivered in a manner that is safe, sustainable, and compliant with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. CLBC recognizes that the delivery of these services requires organizations to have appropriate governance, operational capacity, and administrative systems in place. Contracted providers are expected to demonstrate the ability to operate successfully, and to comply with requirements established by oversight and regulatory bodies such as WorkSafeBC and the Canada Revenue Agency. Updates include:

A new Operations and Administration section wherein prospective Service Providers will be able to speak to their organizational readiness to operate as a business.
Added questions around ability to comply with legislative requirements such as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Information Management Act.
Consideration of past performance with added controls respecting past performance.
Strengthened controls for non-arm’s length applications.
Temporary pause on accepting Employment Service qualifications.
Temporary pause on accepting Home Share Service qualifications.

Key Dates

On June 1, 2026 we will post an updated RFQ 590 on the BC Bid Portal.
On June 1, 2026 we will accept submissions completed on the updated RFQ590. We will not accept submissions or re-submissions on older formats of RFQ 590 or older versions of the RFQ.

Get Ready for the Change

If you are interested in becoming a CLBC qualified service provider, you may wish to complete the following:

Join a webinar to learn how to navigate RFQ 590.
- The first session takes place on June 25, at 2pm. Find full details on the BC Bid website
Review our Practice Guide to CLBC’s RFQ for Service Providers which includes information on submitting an RFQ and tips for new service providers.
Read RFQ 590 – Frequently Asked Questions for Service Providers.

Contact CLBC with your questions

Email us at CLBCDDandPSI@gov.bc.ca.

About RFQ 590

CLBC is introducing a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Request for Qualifications of Service Providers for Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and/or Under the Personalized Supports Initiative (81-CSN-2026-RFQ 590). This RFQ will replace the current RFQ 355 and will be used to qualify service providers going forward. This update will not impact qualified service providers’ existing qualifications other than we will be removing the Services to Indigenous Individuals, which will be replaced by the new Culturally Safe Services.

Over the past year, we reviewed the current RFQ documents and processes with input from the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. Based on that review, we created a new RFQ that is easier to follow and better aligned with current standards and service requirements.

What you will see in RFQ 590

Clear, plain language throughout

Updated service standards and expectations

New L.I.F.E.-Based Service qualification

Stronger standards for Staffed Living

An invitation to self-declare if you are an Indigenous vendor

A new Culturally Safe Services specialization, replacing the previous specialization, Services to Indigenous Individuals.

Steps for finding the RFQ 590 on the BC Bid Portal

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to BC Bid Portal.

Step 2: Search for the CLBC RFQ

Click on “Opportunities” in the upper left-hand corner of the homepage.

Filter the results by “Organization”.

In the filter field, start typing “Community Living BC” and select it from the list and click “search”

Step 3: Locate the RFQ Opportunity

A list of opportunities related to CLBC will appear.

Find the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Service Providers.

Click on the numbers under “Opportunity ID” to open the full details.

Step 4: Download the RFQ Documents

In the opportunity details, there will be a section with attached documents.

Download the following three documents:

The RFQ Document (PDF) – Contains instructions, terms, and conditions.

The RFQ Response Forms (Word document) – This is the main application form that service providers need to complete.

Form O-1 (Excel document) – Used to indicate the geographic areas where services will be provided.

Optional: Register for BC Bid for More Features

While it’s possible to download documents without an account, creating a Business BCeID allows access to additional functionalities, such as notifications and tracking submissions:

Go to BCeID

Complete the registration steps as directed

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