2-Request for Proposal 26-0060-3.pdf

Chatham County Purchasing &

Contracting Department 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite C, Savannah, Georgia 31406

(912) 790-1618

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP NO. 26-0060-3

ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY

DRUG COURT WITH VETERANS DIVISION (SCCDC)

SERVICES

WEBEX PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: 2:00 P.M., JUNE 2, 2026

PROPOSALS RECEIVED BY: 5:00 P.M., JUNE 18, 2026

CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA

OFFICE OF THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR

1117 EISENHOWER DRIVE, SUITE C

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31406

(912) 790-1624

DATE: May 11, 2026 RFP NO.: 26-0060-3

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

This is an invitation to submit a proposal to supply Chatham County with services as indicated herein. Proposals shall be submitted on-line on the County’s procurement portal https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal up to 5:00 P.M., June 18, 2026. The

Purchasing Director reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive formalities.

Instructions for preparation and submission of a qualification proposal are contained in the Request for Proposal package. Please note that specific forms for submission of a proposal are required.

A pre-proposal conference has been scheduled to discuss the specifications and resolve any questions and/or misunderstanding that may arise. The pre-proposal conference will be held via WebEx only on June 2, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. You are encouraged to attend.

Meeting Link:

https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/j.php?MTID=m83d5bb7410404ecb d621bc79f038b4fd

Meeting Number: 2300 052 9018 Meeting password: iDVHv8kEw64

Join by Video System: Dial 23000529018@chathamcountyga.webex.com

Join by Phone: 1-415-655-0001 Access Code: 23000529018

Any changes to the conditions and specifications must be in the form of a written addendum to be valid; therefore, the Purchasing Director will issue a written addendum to document approved changes. For good and sufficient reason, up to 24 hours before the advertised deadline, the County may extend the response schedule. An addendum will be issued setting forth the new date and time.

Chatham County has an equal opportunity procurement policy. Chatham County seeks to ensure that all segments of the business community have access to providing services needed by County programs. The County affirmatively works to encourage utilization of disadvantaged and minority business enterprises in our procurement activities. The County provides equal opportunity for all https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/j.php?MTID=m83d5bb7410404ecbd621bc79f038b4fd https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/j.php?MTID=m83d5bb7410404ecbd621bc79f038b4fd mailto:23000529018@chathamcountyga.webex.com businesses and does not discriminate against any persons or businesses regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or handicap. The County expects its consultants to make maximum feasible use of minority businesses and qualified minority employees. The terms

"disadvantaged business", "minority business enterprise", and "minority person" are more specifically defined and explained in the Chatham County Purchasing Ordinance.

SECTION I

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1.1 PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use in submitting a qualification proposal to supply Chatham County with services as described herein. All proposals are governed by the Code of Chatham County, Chapter 4, Article IV, and the laws of the State of Georgia.

1.2 HOW TO PREPARE PROPOSALS: All proposals shall be:

A. Proposers are encouraged to review carefully all provisions and attachments of this document prior to submission. Each proposal constitutes an offer and may not be withdrawn except as provided herein.

1.3 HOW TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS: All proposals shall be:

A. Submitted on-line on the County’s procurement portal at:

https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal.

** In submitting their proposal, the proposer certifies that he/she has carefully read all related Request for

Proposal documents and agrees to comply with all provisions.

B. If a proposer is unable to submit their proposal on-line, they should notify the procurement contact for the solicitation at least one week prior to proposals being due to receive instructions. The County is seeking to conduct all solicitations on-line. The phone number for Purchasing and Contracting is 912-790-1618.

1.4 HOW TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION: Objections from Offerors to this Request for

Proposals and/or these specifications should be brought to the attention of the County

Purchasing Director in the following manner:

A. When a pre-proposal conference is scheduled, the Proposer may object in writing any time prior to or at the pre-proposal conference.

B. When a pre-proposal conference is not scheduled, the Proposer shall object in writing not less than five (5) days prior to the Date for submission.

C. The objections contemplated must pertain to both form and substance of the https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal

Request for Proposal documents. Failure to object in accordance with the above procedure will constitute a waiver on the part of the business to protest this Request for Proposal.

1.5 ERRORS IN PROPOSALS: Proposers or their authorized representatives are expected to fully inform themselves as to the conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting proposals. Failure to do so will be at the Proposer's own risk.

1.6 STANDARDS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSERS FOR CONTRACT AWARD:

The County reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any irregularities or technicalities in Proposals received whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best interest of the County. The County reserves the right to reject the Offer of a Proposer who has previously failed to perform properly or complete on time contracts of a similar nature, whom investigation shows is not in a position to perform the contract.

1.7 PROPOSER: Whenever the term "Proposer" is used, it shall encompass the "person", "business", "firm", or other party submitting a proposal to Chatham County in such capacity before a contract has been entered into between such party and the County.

1.8 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: The Proposer shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, workman's compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by Federal, State or County statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proposer and the County.

Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proposer and the County shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.9 CONSULTANT: Consultant or subconsultant means any person, firm, or business having a contract with Chatham County. The Consultant certifies that the firm will follow equal employment opportunity practices in connection with the awarded contract as more fully specified in the contract documents.

1.10 LOCAL PREFERENCE: The Consultant agrees to follow the local preference guidelines as specified in the contract documents, which state “The CONSULTANT hereby agrees, as part of the consideration to Chatham County for making this Contract, that the CONSULTANT in the carrying out of this contract will give the citizens of

Chatham County preference for employment to perform all labor required by this contract.

that the rate of wages to be paid shall not be less than legally required; and that in the purchase of materials to be used in the Work of the Project, preference shall be given to sources from within Chatham County to the maximum extent possible. The

CONSULTANT will cause the forgoing provisions to be inserted in all subcontracts so that provisions will be binding upon each subconsultant.”.

1.11 DEBARRED FIRMS AND PENDING LITIGATION: Any potential proposer/firm listed on the Federal or State of Georgia Excluded Parties Listing (Barred from doing business) will not be considered for contract award. It is the proposer’s responsibility to inform the County should the proposer/firm be placed on the Federal or State of Georgia

Excluded Parties Listing during the proposal process. Proposers shall disclose any record of pending criminal violations (Indictment) and/or convictions, pending lawsuits, etc., and any actions that may be a conflict of interest occurring within the past five (5) years. Any proposer/firm previously defaulting or terminating a contract with the County will not be considered. Successful proposers with whom the County enters into a contract with for goods or services will notify the County if they become debarred during the course of the contract.

** All bidders or proposers are to read and complete the Disclosure of Responsibility

Statement. Failure to do so may result in your solicitation response being rejected as non-responsive.

Bidder acknowledges that in performing contract work for the Board, bidder shall not utilize any firms that have been a party to any of the above actions. If bidder has engaged any firm to work on this contract or project that is later debarred, Bidder shall sever its relationship with that firm with respect to Board contract.

1.12 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: On April 11, 2008, the Chatham County Board of

Commissioners approved a change to the County Purchasing Ordinance requiring

Contractor/Consultant Performance Evaluations, at a minimum, annually, prior to contract anniversary date.

Should Contractor/Consultant performance be unsatisfactory, the appointed County

Project Manager for the contract may prepare a Contractor/Consultant Complaint Form or a Performance Evaluation to the County Purchasing Director.

SECTION II

PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

2.1 SPECIFICATIONS: Any obvious error or omission in specifications shall not inure to the benefit of the bidder but shall put the Proposer on notice to inquire of or identify the same to the County.

2.2 MULTIPLE PROPOSALS: No Proposer will be allowed to submit more than one offer.

Any alternate proposals must be brought to the Purchasing Director's attention during the

Pre-proposal Conference or submitted in writing at least five (5) days preceding the date for submission of proposals.

2.3 OFFERS TO BE FIRM: The Proposer warrants that terms and conditions quoted in his offer will be firm for acceptance for a period of sixty (60) days from bid date submitted, unless otherwise stated in the proposal. When requested to provide a fee proposal, fees quoted must also be firm for a sixty-day period.

2.4 COMPLETENESS: All information required by the Request for Proposals must be completed and submitted to constitute a proper proposal.

2.5 LIABILITY PROVISIONS: Where Proposers are required to enter or go into Chatham

County property to take measurements or gather other information in order to prepare the proposal as requested by the County, the Proposer shall be liable for any injury, damage or loss occasioned by negligence of the Proposer, his agent, or any person the Proposer has designated to prepare the Offer and shall indemnify and hold harmless Chatham County from any liability arising therefrom. The contract document specifies the liability provisions required of the successful Proposer in order to be awarded a contract with

Chatham County.

2.6 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION: By submission of this Offer, the Proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint offer, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, that in connection with this procurement:

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other competitor;

(2) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in this offer have not been knowingly disclosed by the Proposer and will not knowingly be disclosed by the Proposer prior to opening, directly or indirectly to any other competitor; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the Proposer to induce any other person or firm to submit or not submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

2.7 AWARD OF CONTRACT: The contract, if awarded, will be awarded to that responsible Proposer whose proposal will be most advantageous to Chatham County, price and other factors considered. The Board of Commissioners will make the determination as to which proposal best serves the interest of Chatham County.

2.8 PROCUREMENT PROTESTS: Objections and protests to any portion of the procurement process or actions of the County staff may be filed with the Purchasing

Director for review and resolution. The Chatham County Purchasing Ordinance – Part 9

– Vendor Disputes shall govern the review and resolution of all protests.

2.9 QUALIFICATION OF BUSINESS (RESPONSIBLE PROPOSER): A responsible

Proposer is defined as one who meets, or by the date of the acceptance can meet, all requirements for licensing, insurance, and service contained within this Request for

Proposals. Chatham County has the right to require any or all Proposers to submit documentation of the ability to perform the service requested.

Chatham County has the right to disqualify the proposal of any Proposer as being unresponsive or unresponsible whenever such Proposer cannot document the ability to deliver the requested service.

2.10 COUNTY TAX CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT: A current Chatham County or municipal business license (within the State of Georgia) is required unless otherwise specified. A firm need not have a Chatham County Business License prior to submitting a proposal. However, a license must be obtained by the successful vendor prior to award of contract.

Please contact the Chatham County Department of Building Safety and Regulatory Services at (912) 201-4300 for additional information.

NOTE: No contract shall be awarded unless all real and personal property taxes have been paid by the successful consultant and/or subconsultant as adopted by the Board of

Commissioners on 8 April 1994.

2.11 INSURANCE PROVISIONS, GENERAL: The selected CONSULTANT shall be required to procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work, hereunder by the Consultant, his agents, representatives, employees or subconsultant. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Bid.

It is every Consultant’s responsibility to provide the County Purchasing and Contracting

Department current and up-to-date Certificates of Insurance and Declaration Sheets for multiple year contracts before the end of each term. Failure to do so may be cause for termination of contract.

2.11.1 General Information that shall appear on a Certificate of Insurance:

I. Name of the Producer (Consultant’s insurance Broker/Agent).

II. Companies affording coverage (there may be several).

III. Name and Address of the Insured (this should be the Company or Parent of the firm Chatham County is contracting with).

IV. Summary of all current insurance for the insured (includes effective dates of coverage).

V. A brief description of the operations to be performed, the specific job to be performed, or contract number.

VI. Certificate Holder (This is to always include Chatham County).

Chatham County as an “Additional Insured”: Chatham County invokes the defense of “sovereign immunity.” In order not to jeopardize the use of this defense, the County is not to be included as an “Additional Insured” on insurance contracts.

2.11.2 Minimum Limits of Insurance to be maintained for the duration of the contract:

A. Commercial General Liability: Provides protection against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from operations of a Consultant or Tenant. This policy coverage includes premises and operations, use of independent consultant, products/completed operations, personal injury, contractual, broad form property damage, and underground, explosion and collapse hazards. Minimum limits: $1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and annual aggregate.

B. Worker's Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Provides statutory protection against bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by employees of the Consultant while performing within the scope of their duties.

Employer’s Liability coverage is usually included in Worker’s

Compensation policies, and insures common law claims of injured employees made in lieu of or in addition to a Worker’s Compensation claim.

Minimum limits: $500,000 for each accident, disease policy limit, each employee and Statutory Worker’s Compensation limit.

C. Business Automobile Liability: Coverage insures against liability claims arising out of the Consultant’s use of automobiles. Minimum limit:

$1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Coverage should be written on an “Any Auto” basis.

2.11.3 Special Requirements:

Claims-Made Coverage: The limits of liability shall remain the same as the occurrence basis, however, the Retroactive date shall be prior to the coincident with the date of any contract, and the Certificate of Insurance shall state the coverage is claims-made. The Retroactive date shall also be specifically stated on the

Certificate of Insurance.

A. Extended Reporting Periods: The Consultant shall provide the County with a notice of the election to initiate any Supplemental Extended

Reporting Period and the reason(s) for invoking this option.

B. Reporting Provisions: Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided in relation to this request.

C. Cancellation: Each insurance policy that applies to this request shall be endorsed to state that it shall not be suspended, voided, or canceled, except after thirty (30) days prior to written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the County.

D. Proof of Insurance: Chatham County shall be furnished with certificates of insurance and with original endorsements affecting coverage required by this request. The certificates and endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All certificates of insurance are to be submitted prior to, and approved by, the County before services are rendered. The Consultant must ensure Certificate of Insurance are updated for the entire term of the County.

E. Insurer Acceptability: Insurance is to be placed with an insurer having an

A.M. Best’s rating of A and a five (5) year average financial rating of not less than V. If an insurer does not qualify for averaging on a five (5) year basis, the current total Best’s rating will be used to evaluate insurer acceptability.

F. Lapse in Coverage: A lapse in coverage shall constitute grounds for contract termination by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

G. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention: Any deductibles or self-insured retention must be declared to, and approved by, the County. At the option of the County, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retention as related to the County, its officials, officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of related suits, losses, claims, and related investigation, claim administration and defense expenses.

2.11.4 Additional Coverage for Specific Procurement Projects:

Professional Liability: Insure errors or omission on behalf of architects, engineers, attorneys, medical professionals, and consultants.

Minimum Limits:

Coverage Requirement: $1 million per claim/occurrence.

If “claims-made, “retroactive date must precede or coincide with the contract

Effective date or the date of the Notice to

Proceed. The professional must state if

“tail” coverage has been purchased and the duration of the coverage.

2.12 INDEMNIFICATION: The PROPOSER agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Chatham County, Georgia, its commissioners, officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all liability, damages, claims, suits, liens, and judgments, of whatever nature, including claims for contribution and/or indemnification, for injuries to or death of any person or persons, or damage to the property or other rights of any person or persons caused by the PROPOSER or its subproposers. The PROPOSER’s obligation to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, as set forth herein above shall include, but not be limited to, any matter arising out of any actual or alleged infringement of any patent, trademark, copyright, or service mark, or any actual or alleged unfair competition, disparagement of product or service, or other business tort of any type whatsoever, or any actual or alleged violation of trade regulations. PROPOSER further agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Chatham County, Georgia, at his sole expense, and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if such claims, suits, etc., are groundless, false, or fraudulent, including any and all claims or liability for compensation under the Worker's

Compensation Act arising out of injuries sustained by any employee of the PROPOSER or his subconsultant or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them.

The PROPOSER’s obligation to indemnify Chatham County under this Section shall not be limited in any way by the agreed-upon contract price, or to the scope and amount of coverage provided by any insurance maintained by the PROPOSER.

2.13 COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION - TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The

Request for Proposals, Legal Advertisement, General Conditions and Instructions to

Proposers, Specifications, Special Conditions, Proposers Offer, Addendum, and/or any other pertinent documents form a part of the Offeror's proposal and by reference are made a part hereof.

2.14 SIGNED RESPONSE CONSIDERED AN OFFER: The submitted Response shall be considered an offer on the part of the Proposer, which offer shall be deemed accepted upon approval by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Purchasing Director or his designee. In case of a default on the part of the Proponent after such acceptance, Chatham

County may take such action, as it deems appropriate, including legal action for damages or lack of required performance.

2.15 NOTICE TO PROCEED: The successful proposer shall not commence work under this

Request for Proposal until a written contract is awarded and the Purchasing Director or his designee issues a Notice to Proceed. If the successful Proposer does commence any work or deliver items prior to receiving official notification, he does so at his own risk.

2.16 PAYMENT TO CONSULTANT: Instructions for invoicing the County for service delivered to the County are specified in the contract document.

A. Questions regarding payment may be directed to the Finance Department at (912)

652-7905 or the County’s Project Manager as specified in the contract documents.

B. Consultant will be paid the agreed upon compensation upon satisfactory progress or completion of the work as more fully described in the contract document.

C. Upon completion of the work, the Consultant will provide the County with an affidavit certifying all suppliers, persons or businesses employed by the Consultant for the work performed for the County have been paid in full.

D. Chatham County is a tax-exempt entity. Every consultant, vendor, business or person under contract with Chatham County is required by Georgia law to pay State sales or use taxes for products purchased in Georgia or transported into Georgia and sold to Chatham County by contract. Please consult the State of Georgia, Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax Unit in Atlanta (404) 656-4065 for additional information.

2.17 LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAXES: The price or prices for the service shall include full compensation for all fees that the proponent is or may be required to pay. Chatham

County is Tax Exempt. The Purchasing & Contracting Office upon request (912) 790-1618 will provide a Tax Exemption Certificate.

2.18 MINORITY – WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PARTICIPATION: It is the desire of the County Board of Commissioners to increase the participation of minority (MBE) and women-owned (WBE) business in its contracting and procurement programs.

The County is committed to a policy of equitable participation for these firms by setting goals for each contract. Bidder/proposers are requested to include in their proposals a narrative describing their past accomplishments and intended actions in this area. If bidder/proposers are considering minority or women owned enterprise participation in their proposal, those firms, and their specific duties must be identified in their proposal along with the percentage(s) and dollar amount awarded to the M/WBE firm. Proposers may also provide demographic information regarding their employees to show their commitment to equal opportunity. If a bidder/proposer is considered for award, he/she will be asked to meet with the County Staff so that the intended MBE/WBE participation goals can be formalized and included in the subsequent contract.

If the awarded consultant is claiming minority status, the consultant shall apply for certification by Chatham County, Georgia to the Office of Minority Business Coordinator.

The Minority Business Coordinator will provide documentation of application status once approved or disapproved by Chatham County. Certification by any other government entity is acceptable if current copy of the certification is provided with this solicitation. For additional information concerning Chatham County’s MBE/WBE Coordinator, please contact Connell Heyward, at (912) 652-7860 or cheyward@chathamcounty.org.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SECTION III

GENERAL CONDITIONS

mailto:cheyward@chathamcounty.org

3.1 DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chatham County is seeking a qualified professional licensed Vendor to provide services for the Savannah-Chatham County Drug

Court with Veterans Division Program. This RFP seeks to identify potential providers for the above-mentioned services. All respondents to this RFP are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review the entire RFP and follow instructions carefully. Chatham County reserves the right to reject any or all

RFP’s and to waive technicalities and informalities at the discretion of Chatham County.

3.2 METHODOLOGY: The procurement described herein may be conducted in a two-step process.

STEP ONE- ACCEPTANCE AND EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATION

PROPOSALS: All technical requirements, unless otherwise specified, must be met by the proponent or such proposal may be disqualified as being non-responsive. Proposals that are deemed incomplete as to substance and content may be returned without consideration. A shortlist of qualified firms will be developed and ranked.

STEP TWO-INTERVIEWS: The evaluation committee may request an interview with short-listed firms. If interviews are conducted, they will be scored. It will be at the discretion of the evaluation committee on the number of firms that will interview/present.

3.3 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: The response to this ‘Request for Proposal” must be received on-line on the County’s procurement portal no later than 5:00 P.M., June 18, 2026.

https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal.

For good and sufficient reason, up to 24 hours before the advertised deadline, the County may extend the response schedule. An addendum will be issued setting forth the new date and time.

3.4 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS: Upon receipt of a proposal by the County, the proposal shall become the property of the County without compensation to the proponent, for disposition or usage by the County at its discretion (except for as provided by Georgia law for proprietary information). The details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award or rejection of proposals and/or protected under the restraints of law. Only final points and ranking of proposals will be openly disclosed prior to approval by the Board of Commissioners. Proponent shall have no contact with any

Department Representative or Evaluation Committee Member during and after the evaluation process. Any information contained in the proposal that is considered by the

Proponent as “proprietary” to remain confidential shall be clearly identified and justified.

3.5 CONE OF SILENCE: Lobbying of Procurement Evaluation Committee members, County Government employees, and elected officials regarding this product or service solicitation, Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposal (RFP) or contract by any member of a proposer’s staff, or those people employed by any legal entity affiliated with an organization that is responding to the solicitation is strictly prohibited. Negative campaigning through the mass media about the current service delivery is strictly prohibited. Such actions may cause your proposal to be rejected.

3.6 COMPENSATION: The County has attempted in SECTION V to provide as much information about the project as possible to enable firms to structure their offer.

3.7 REJECTING PROPOSALS: The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not bound to accept any proposal if that proposal is contrary to the best interest of Chatham County. Similarly, the County is not bound to accept the lowest dollar proposal if the offer is not considered in the County's best interest.

3.8 COST TO PREPARE RESPONSES: The County assumes no responsibility or obligation to the respondents and will make no payment for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of the proposal.

3.9 INQUIRIES: Direct any questions related to this RFP to Mr. Felix Espada Jr., Procurement Specialist, and submit all questions through the County’s procurement portal https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal Message or Vendor Discussion section.

Include the RFP number, page, and paragraph number as a reference to each question.

DEADLINE FOR ALL QUESTIONS IS one week after the pre-proposal conference prior to due date.

THE ONLY OFFICIAL ANSWER OR POSITION OF CHATHAM COUNTY WILL BE

THE ONE STATED IN WRITING.

3.10 METHOD OF SOURCE SELECTION: Chatham County is using the Competitive

Sealed Proposal method of source selection, as authorized by Part 3 of the Chatham

County Purchasing Ordinance for this procurement.

An award, if made, will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to Chatham County, taking into consideration price and other factors set forth in this Request for Proposal (RFP). The County will not use any other factors or criteria in the evaluation of the proposals received.

3.11 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: During the performance of this contract, the COMPANY agrees as follows:

The COMPANY will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, place of birth, physical handicap, or marital status.

SECTION IV

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

4.1 PENDING LITIGATION: Proposals will not be accepted from any company, firm, person, or party, parent subsidiary, against which Chatham County has an outstanding claim, or a financial dispute relating to prior contract performance. If the County, at any time, discovers such a dispute during any point of evaluation, the proposal will not be considered further.

4.2 EVALUATION FACTORS: Factors such as proponents overall capability, specialized experience, reputation, past performance on similar projects, technical competence, financial stability, ability to meet program goals, delivery under the contract terms, and fee schedule will be considered in the award recommendation. Commitment in the level of MBE/WBE firms, consultant and employees will also be considered in the evaluation of proposals.

4.3 SELECTION PROCESS: Proposals will be evaluated initially on the basis of the written document. Thus, the proposal must be complete, concise and clear as to the intent of the respondent. Further evaluation may include an oral presentation, which will be scheduled after receipt of the written proposal and approval of the shortlist.

4.4 CONTRACT: The successful respondent will be expected to execute a contract within

30 days of notice of award. This contract will be in effect for a period of twelve months from date of award.

4.5 PROPOSALS MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO:

4.5.1 INTRODUCTION/COVER LETTER: You should provide no more than a two

(2) page letter of introduction. The letter should highlight or summarize whatever information you deem appropriate as a cover letter, as a minimum, this section should include the name, address, email address, telephone number of one (1) contact to whom any correspondence should be directed. This section should include a clear statement of the Proposer’s understanding of this RFP and the contract requirements, and how the Proposer intends to meet the RFP requirements.

4.5.2 EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 25

A. Provide information that documents your company’s and any subconsultant’s qualifications to provide the requested services, including your ability, capacity, skill, and financial strength, emphasis on quality control, and number of years of experience in providing the proposed services.

B. Provide detailed examples of engagements and/or contracts similar in detail to this RFP. The proposer shall provide a list of three specific projects to demonstrate their experience similar to this Scope of Service.

C. Please list any contracts that have been terminated within the last five (5) years and the reason for termination.

D. Names and resumes of proposed staff who will be utilized for this engagement to include a project manager to whom all communications shall be directed.

E. State if your firm has operated under a different name within the past ten (10) years and provide that name that your firm previously operated under.

F. State if your company employs all company employees physically in the United

States.

G. Provide complete details of any contract that your firm has been fired from and/or where your contract was not renewed during the last five (5) years for services to a drug court

4.5.3 TECHNICAL APPROACH – TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 30

A. Proposal demonstrates that Proposer fully understand and meets the needs of the county, which are specified in the Scope of Service Section V of this RFP.

B. The technical approach focuses on the Proposer’s operational capacity to meet the performance requirements and provide any services described in this RFP in compliance with the Scope of Services of this RFP to include a staff organizational chart with job titles of who will be assigned to this contract.

C. The statement shall include but not necessarily be limited to the offerors’ proposed organizational structure and procedures to provide the required services, software and equipment to be used, reporting to be provided, expectations regarding the County’s responsibilities and contributions under the contract, any limitations in delivering all the required services, any potential problem areas that might impede the successful implementation of the contract, and any other information not specifically required elsewhere in this RFP but considered pertinent by the offeror. State additional information regarding your services that distinguishes your firm from your competition.

D. The Service Provider must explain and demonstrate, through example, its theoretical background to ensure adequate, effective services will be provided to the participants. This should include what the Service Provider believes will be necessary for the participants to succeed.

E. The Service Provider must provide a floor plan showing the total size of its building and designated space to be committed to the Drug Court participants.

F. The Service Provider must propose a preliminary plan for the treatment and case management services including how initial evaluations including the LS/CMI will be conducted, case management duties, schedule of group times, general topics to be addressed during each phase, and the evidenced-based curriculum selection taught during each session.

G. The Service Provider must propose a preliminary plan for implementing alcohol and drug testing including how participants will be selected and notified of random tests, manufacturer and type of tests to be used, drugs tested for and rationale for the testing of these drugs (i.e. drugs commonly abused in area), procedure for observed collection by same gender observer or licensed medical professional, procedure for testing, procedure for testing for creatinine level each time, plan for obtaining quick and accurate confirmation, how weekend testing will be accomplished, etc.

H. The Service Provider must propose a preliminary plan to obtain the goal of a

75% or better graduation rate.

4.5.4 MBE/WBE PARTICIPATION - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 15:

Commitment in the level of MBE/WBE business/firms, subconsultants, consultant, and employees. Approach to meeting and exceeding the MBE/WBE requirements. History of Minority-owned, Women-owned business utilization in the past.

4.5.5 FEE PROPOSAL: TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 25:

For participants receiving one or more services outlined in Section 5.2 for an entire calendar month, fees will be an inclusive monthly participant fee. For participants receiving one or more services in Section 5.2 for only a portion of a calendar month (e.g., participant is terminated during the calendar month), fees will be an inclusive daily participant fee multiplied by the number of days in that month that the participant received services.

For participants who are receiving services in another setting for more than 5 days

(i.e. out of town residential, jail, RSAT, etc.), fees will be a reduced inclusive daily participant fee that covers case management and data entry duties for each day out of full services.

Fees provided must be all inclusive and cover any item which may normally be regarded as reimbursable. Phones, computers, office supplies, etc. are the responsibility of the contractor.

4.5.6 REFERENCES: TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 5:

Provide a minimum of three (3) references of current or past clients for whom you review financial reports involving fiduciary relationships. References should be of a similar size and scope of services, if possible.

4.5.7 INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS (IF REQUIRED) – TOTAL POSSIBLE

POINTS: 30

4.6 PERFORMANCE AND APPROVAL OF SUB-CONSULTANTS: The proponent will perform the project as an independent consultant and not as an agent or employee of the County. Joint ventures and sub-consultant arrangements are not prohibited; however, the proponent shall secure written permission from Chatham County before subcontracting any part of this service. Such permission should be obtained during the proposal evaluation stage. Proponents are encouraged to use Minority/Woman Business Enterprises and are reminded of reporting requirements when utilizing these arrangements.

4.7 ASSIGNMENT: The PROPOSER shall not assign or transfer any interest of the contract without prior written consent of the County.

SECTION V

SCOPE OF SERVICES

ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY DRUG COURT WITH

VETERANS DIVISION (SCCDC) SERVICES

5.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND:

The Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia is seeking a highly-qualified service provider to provide comprehensive evaluation, case management, treatment, and drug testing services to justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders enrolled in the Savannah-Chatham Drug Court with Veterans Division program (“SCCDC”). Founded in 2001, SCCDC is a collaborative effort between the Superior Court, the District Attorney’s Office, Office of the Public Defender, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Community Supervision, and the private sector. The program targets primarily high-risk, high-need offenders with substance use disorders.

The program is divided into phases and lasts a minimum of twenty-four (24) months.

Funding for SCCDC comes from, inter alia, local funds and grant funds. Funding under any services contract is contingent on the receipt of said local funds and grant funds each year. Direct any questions related to this RFP to Felix Espada Jr., and submit all questions through the County’s procurement portal (https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal) Messages-Vendor Discussions.

Bidders are not to contact any department directly.

5.2 SCOPE OF WORK:

The service provider shall provide comprehensive evaluation, case management, treatment, and drug testing services to SCCDC participants. The number of SCCDC participants may fluctuate between roughly 35 individuals to 75 individuals at any given time.

A. Evaluation

Upon referral of prospective participants to SCCDC and prior to their acceptance into the program, the service provider shall meet with each prospective participant and evaluate whether the prospective participant has a substance use disorder. The service provider shall review the prospective participant’s criminal history, conduct a biopsychosocial interview, and perform a risk-need assessment of the prospective participant using the LS/CMI. Following this evaluation, the service provider will report to SCCDC whether the prospective participant is appropriate from a clinical perspective to be accepted into the program.

B. Case Management The service provider will be responsible for providing case management services to each participant from the time of the participant’s acceptance into the SCCDC program until the participant’s graduation or termination from the program. Case management services will include, inter alia:

1. Development of a case plan based on each participant’s needs identified on the

LS/CMI, and review and updates of said case plan at regular intervals;

2. Medical assessment of each participant and referral to medical, dental, and/or psychiatric services as indicated;

3. Identification of participants who may benefit from obtaining a GED and allocation of sufficient space and computers for GED tutoring;

4. Finding suitable sober housing, including but not limited to providing assistance through, inter alia, Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, Union Mission/Grace House, and privately-owned residences;

5. Outside placement identification and assistance as warranted; in the event that a participant is no longer eligible for housing and/or treatment services with the service provider, the service provider shall substantially assist with finding a suitable outside placement treatment and/or housing option in accordance with NADCP’s Adult Treatment Court Best Practices and Standards. When a participant is moved to an outside placement treatment program, the provider shall still provide case management services by maintaining regular contact with the outside placement facility. Service provider shall provide weekly updates to the Court and work to ensure that the outside placement program is following Adult Drug Court Best Practices and Standards. Service provider shall promptly notify SCCDC about any changes or issues that arise with the outside placement provider. Service provider shall also keep track of participant phase movement, community service hours, restitution and fee payments of participants in outside placement in the designated court case management system.

6. Employment counseling and assistance as warranted;

7. Assistance with government-funded and/or community-based assistance programs where warranted; and

8. Tracking court fees, community service hours required for the program, restitution, and any other program requirements in the designated case management system;

and

9. Managing phase advancements, providing phase advancement certificates, and notifying SCCDC when a participant is eligible to graduate from the program., allowing enough notice for a commencement ceremony to be planned by SCCDC.

Service provider shall assist SCCDC in planning and execution of the commencement ceremony as needed.

C. Treatment

The service provider shall provide clinical treatment services by licensed substance use disorder counselors. These treatment services shall include, inter alia:

1. Clinical assessment of new referrals within one week of District Attorney approval;

2. Individual and group counseling, with a minimum of two hundred (200) hours of approved manualized evidence-based treatment provided to all clients (including MRT, Seeking Safety, Anger Management, CBI, Prime Solutions);

3. For participants who are veterans, work in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Justice Outreach coordinator for enhanced services as required;

4. Regular pro-social community meetings and activities organized and held by the services provider;

5. Medically-Assisted Treatment as indicated.

D. Drug Testing

1. The service provider shall randomly drug screen each participant at least two times per week for illicit substances and creatinine levels for the duration of the participant’s participation in the program. As indicated in NADCP’s Adult Treatment Court Best Practices and Standards, participants should have the same probability of being tested on weekends and holidays is the same as on other days.

All drug screens shall be observed by a same-gender observer or a licensed/certified medical professional. Labor shall be furnished by the service provider. The same collection method shall be utilized for each sample collection. The Participant shall be required to remove all outer clothing and wash hands prior to donation. Prior to collection the participant providing the sample should be asked if the sample they are about to provide will test positive for any illicit substances and which substances (if known). If the individual admits to use then they should be asked to complete and sign the form acknowledging this, which shall then be provided to the SCCDC Coordinator. Collection shall be witnessed and directly observed. The participant shall be required to squat and cough prior to collection. Ensuring control strategies are critical in preventing sample tampering. Samples that screen positive for illicit substances must be saved and a chain of custody form must be completed by the trained professional who collected the sample. The sample should be saved and properly sealed, to prevent leakage (as this would render the sample unusable) and the SCCDC Coordinator should be notified that it is available for pickup. The SCCDC Coordinator will then send the sample to lab (contracted by SCCDC) for verification using SCCDC funds specifically designated for this purpose.

E. Other Contractor Services The service provider shall:

1. Participate in SCCDC as a member of the program, with the SCCDC judge, the

Superior Court Administrator, and the SCCDC coordinator making all final administrative decisions;

2. Appoint and provide a consistent, knowledgeable representative to attend weekly staffing and court sessions;

3. Routinely enter notes regarding participants’ progress in the SCCDC case management system (the current case management system required by CAJC) such that up-to-date progress notes, drug screen results, and other required information, are available for SCDCC weekly staffing sessions and for quarterly submissions and grant applications and reports;

4. Keep up with participant contact information to include any address changes that may occur; the service provider shall provide updated addresses and curfew information to the Community Policing coordinator on a weekly basis, as part of the curfew check list. This information should include information about participants currently serving jail sanctions, changes in curfew, and any other information that would impact the Community Policing curfew checks for that week;

5. Provide participants with assistance in finding employment, when appropriate.

Once a participant has obtained employment the treatment provider shall verify employment and obtain proof of the participant’s regular schedule. The treatment provider is responsible for ensuring that the employment is appropriate for each individual’s recovery and that the hours permit the individual to remain successful in treatment. The treatment provider should provide participant schedules to the Community Policing Coordinator and notify them if the employment schedule will interfere with curfew checks. Relevant employment information should also be kept current in the case management system;

6. As funding permits, send staff to state and national conferences as required by Council of Accountability Court Judges rules,

7. Provide staff when necessary to conduct on site peer reviews of Georgia Accountability Courts;

8. Furnish in totality all labor, materials, and other equipment necessary to provide all services pursuant to the resulting contract; and

9. Adequately meet the needs of the non-English speaking, hearing impaired, and/or LEP participants.

5.3 SERVICE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS

A. The service provider will have a history of service in the field of substance use disorders and in the field of mental health, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and an understanding of the accountability court concept.

B. The service provider will have a staff large enough to accommodate the size of the

SCCDC program and be willing to grow with the program;

C. The service provider will provide qualified, trained, and experienced staff to meet the challenges inherent in working with the program population and furnish documentation of staff qualifications; and

D. The service provider will comply with all applicable federal and state laws and standards and all requirements of funding sources, such as:

1. Treatment and State Drug Court Standards:

https://cacj.georgia.gov/standards- certification/cacj-standards-accountability-courts

2. National…