11-CSU Questions and Answers 3-25-26.docx

Adult CSU RFP Questions & Answers March 24, 2026

1. Can bidders propose alternate or additional services based on knowledge of the client population (for example, specific specialty populations, ages, etc.)?

a. Yes

2. Can the County provide more information on the CSU location on Los Angeles Avenue? a. Was this space recently remodeled? b. Is the space currently co-located or are there plans for it to be co-located with other services in the facility?

a. Building will be undergoing renovations to allow for the operation of a CSU, that will include main room with 8 CSU chairs & nurse station, medication room, interview room, office for workstations, receptionist office, reception/lobby, bathrooms/showers.

b. It will be a stand-alone CSU, with plans for a Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF), to be located nearby.

3. Would it be possible for bidders to arrange a visit to/tour of the County provided site for services at 3150 E. Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065?

a. The building is undergoing renovation, so visit or tour is not feasible currently.

4. For prescriber services, please confirm the County will accept an NP (with MD supervision) in lieu of a psychiatrist.

a. County requires contracted providers to follow required staffing as specified in CCR, Title 9, § 1840.348

5. What is the anticipated annual census? Can VCBH provide any historical information on other CSU programs in the County?

a. Bidders are to develop and submit their own projections for the anticipated volume of individuals to be served.

6. Regarding Sec 4.1.5, who procures and funds patient-facing televisions and ongoing cable or streaming services in the common areas?

a. County will purchase the patient facing televisions, television replacements/repairs and the ongoing cable or streaming will be the responsibility of the contractor.

7. Regarding Sec 4.1.5, are physical 24/7 on-site security guards required, or is the security requirement strictly limited to staff monitoring the county-provided camera feeds?

a. That will be at the discretion of the contracted operator

8. Will VCBH provide historical utilization data (referral volumes, ED diversion rates, average length of stay) from existing county crisis programs to help formulate accurate rate projections?

a. Bidders are expected to develop and submit their own projections for the anticipated volume of individuals to be served.

9. Sec 4.3 requires a physician to be on call at all times. Can this be fulfilled via a licensed telepsychiatry provider, or is physical on-site response required?

a. County requires contracted providers to follow required staffing as specified in CCR, Title 9, § 1840.348

10. 5150 holds often require strict 1:1 line-of-sight staffing due to extreme violence or suicide risk, which exceeds standard Title 9 minimums. Will the county allow a separate hourly add-on rate for clinically mandated 1:1 staffing?

a. Cost is rate based

11. Sec 1.1.3 and 4.1.2 require the contractor to provide the EHR system and licenses, but Sec 4.2.1 mandates documenting in the County Electronic Health Record. Please clarify if the contractor is required to procure a standalone EHR or utilize the county's EHR, and if using the county's system, who is responsible for paying the user license fees?

a. Contractor shall utilize the County’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system for services performed under this Agreement. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with access to and use of the County’s EHR system, including but not limited to user license fees.

12. Sec 4.2.1 allows the county to recoup money for denied claims. Will the contract include a standard 30 to 60 day cure period to allow the contractor to appeal the denial or correct the documentation before funds are automatically deducted from our invoice?

a. Yes, if claims are denied by DHCS, VCBH allows the responsible party to make the required corrections within the standard number of days.

13. The 8-bed expansion triggers at 80% occupancy (Sec 4.1.4). Expanding requires a 30 to 60 day ramp-up to hire and train new 24/7 staff before the new beds officially open. Will the county provide a transitional bridge rate to cover these overlapping labor costs before the 8-bed rate officially takes effect?

a. Bidders will also need to incorporate their proposed budget to include the ramp-up estimates

14. The document states: “A minimum ratio of at least one licensed or waivered registered professional on site for each four beneficiaries or other patients receiving Crisis Stabilization at any given time.” Does this requirement mean that a clinician must be present during every shift (AM, PM, and NOC)? This is apart from the Nurse.

a. County requires contracted providers to follow required staffing as specified in CCR, Title 9, § 1840.348

15. Is there a requirement that the psychiatrist provide a minimum number of in-person (face-to-face) hours, or can the psychiatrist be available remotely and on-call 24/7?

a. County requires contracted providers to follow required staffing as specified in CCR, Title 9, § 1840.348