Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. Specifications include, but are not limited to: Agency has been purchasing accreditation from this vendor since FY97. However, payments beyond FY04 are on microfiche and are not readily available. The Dept. has and continues to utilize statewide accreditation as a means for achieving and maintaining high standards of practice. In addition the Dept. requires all contracted private agencies that deliver foster care and intact services to achieve and maintain accreditation. DCFS initiated the accreditation in 1996. Through it's agreement with COA, each individual DCFS office undergoes on-site peer visits with COA and the departments Central Office, divisions go through as well, culminating in the Department being accredited as a state child welfare agency. The Department first became accredited as a state agency in June 2000 with all of its offices having gone through their site visits between 1997 and 2000. IDCFS was only the 2nd state to become accredited and Illinois was the first state to be reaccredited. DCFS is considered to be a national leader in this arena. The Social Current/Council on Accreditation is the sole vendor who provides this service for The Child Welfare agencies.