BSLA Baby-Friendly Hospital RFP - CLOSED

BEST START LA (BSLA)

Through BSLA, First 5 LA seeks to optimize the social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical and motor development of Los Angeles County's youngest children. Further, the Commission recognizes that addressing the developmental potential of young children must be done within the context of the multiple environments that affect their development. Best Start LA is designed to both strengthen the integration of existing First 5 LA investments and to address the need to make additional investments using the best available evidence of what works as a key criterion. The long-term vision is a Best Start LA model that is sustainable and scalable for all communities in the county. For more information on Best Start LA, please click here.

BSLA BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITALS PROJECT

The BSLA Baby-Friendly Hospitals Project will be a direct complement to other Best Start LA components as it will enhance and support a continuum of care to improve initiation and duration of breastfeeding by improving breastfeeding policies and procedures in birthing hospitals. This improvement in breastfeeding policies will also support BSLA's outcome of strengthened "attachment and bonding" between mother and child as it is aimed at increasing exclusive breastfeeding.

The strongest risk factors for early breastfeeding termination are late breastfeeding initiation and supplementing the infant, making imperative that hospitals adopt and follow institutional policies that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Institutional changes in maternity care practices effectively increase breastfeeding initiation and duration as most children are born in a hospital or birthing center.

Unfortunately, in Los Angeles County, the 2007 average exclusive hospital breastfeeding rate at discharge is 24.1%, compared with California's rate of 42.7% and 67.3% for California hospitals already designated Baby-Friendly. The First 5 LA Board of Commissioners recognizes the great need in LA County to improve breastfeeding rates. This BLSA Baby-Friendly Hospital Project is a key activity for Best Start LA with a total allocation of up to $10,500,000.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Through the BSLA Baby Friendly Hospital Project, First 5 LA will provide selected hospitals with support in the hospital's efforts to attain the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation from Baby-Friendly USA.

BSLA Baby-Friendly Hospitals Project RFP Cover Page (pdf)
BSLA Baby-Friendly Hospitals RFP (pdf)
BSLA Baby-Friendly Hospitals Board Memo (pdf)
BSLA Baby-Friendly Hospitals Framework (pdf)
Review Tool 1 (pdf)
Review Tool 2 (pdf)

                                                                                         
INFORMATION SESSION

An information session for the Baby-Friendly Hospital RFP was held on December 7, 2009. A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) received at this information session can be reviewed by clicking here.  Please check this website periodically for the most updated FAQ and any changes or updates regarding the RFP.

HOW TO APPLY 

The application period is now closed. Individuals and organizations that wished to apply for the Baby-Friendly Hospital RFP must have completed an application online by January 12, 2010.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

The application must include the important documents listed below.

• Appendix A: Proposal Package Checklist (pdf)
• Proposal Content *
    ○ Table of Contents*
    ○ Proposal Narrative*
    ○ Scope of Work (doc) (Appendix B)
    ○ Instructions for Buget Forms (pdf) and Budget Forms (xls) (Appendix C) (formulas corrected- 1/7/10) **
    ○ Budget Narrative*
• Appendix E: Signature Authorization Form** (pdf)
• Appendix F: Agency Involvement in Litigation and/or Contract Compliance Difficulties** (pdf)
• Appendix G: Commitment to Achieve and Maintain Baby-Friendly Hospital Designation ** (pdf)
• Proof of nonprofit status or appropriate business license (if applicable) *
• Current Audited Financials*
• By-Laws (if applicable)*
• Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)*
• List of Governing Body Members *

* No First 5 LA format is required. Applicants may submit existing documents or records.
** Original signature page must be follow by mail, postmarked no later than January 12, 2010.

The following document is for applicant's refrence only:

Appendix D: Sample Contract (pdf)

CONTACT US

For additional information or further questions, please email babyfriendly@first5la.org.