Authority/Reference(s) State of Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide; Texas Government Code §2155.074; Texas Government Code §2262.051(j); 34 Texas Administrative Code §20.214 (c)
Revision Date March 31, 2025

Policy

A determination of need, or needs assessment, is completed by gathering and documenting information to justify the need to purchase goods or services.

The determination of need should :

  • Promote a collective understanding of the need to make the purchase.
  • Determine the type and level of service required to meet the need.
  • Determine how to measure, document, and track performance and quality of service delivery.
  • Facilitate prioritization of the funding required to make the purchase.
  • Provide a formal review and approval process for committing agency resources to a purchase. 

The information gathered through the determination of need process is vital for the success of the procurement and resulting contract.

Health and Human Services- Procurement and Contracted Services (HHS-PCS)  procures goods and services on behalf of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). A clearly defined needs assessment  serves to inform the HHS-PCS purchaser so they can best support and coordinate the procurement.

Request for Applications (RFAs) for grants must be posted to the HHS-PCS Grants Website .