The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified proposers to provide for initial licensing based on the licensing requirements in statute and rule, and (when Medicaid participation is sought by a provider) initial certification based on the Medicaid Standards for Participation; licensing and recertification; periodic follow-up or focused licensing reviews; complaint investigations; and quality monitoring of providers on a statewide basis to ensure the quality of service delivery and necessary safeguards to protect the health and welfare of persons receiving services from licensed home and community-based providers. Due to staffing shortages and CMS mandates, a contract is necessary for the Department to verify that providers initially and continually meet required licensure and/or certification standards; to verify that provider training is conducted in accordance with state requirements; to identify, investigate, and seek to prevent the occurrence of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; to ensure deficiencies are remediated within required timelines; and to track and report data.