2027-2000-0099 Comprehensive BH Services.pdf

STATE OF ALASKA

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS

OFFERORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN THIS FORM.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOU RECEIVED THIS SOLICITATION FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA’S

“ONLINE PUBLIC NOTICE” WEB SITE, YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER

LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS. FAILURE

TO CONTACT THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER MAY RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER.

ISSUED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

PRIMARY CONTACT:

ALLAN OYAO

PROCUREMENT OFFICER

allan.oyao@alaska.gov

(907) 269-5910

COMPREHENSIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

(Bethel, Ketchikan, Nome, and Seward, Alaska)

RFP 2027-2000-0099

ISSUED SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

mailto:allan.oyao@alaska.gov

STATE OF ALASKA – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP 2027-2000-0099

2 Rev. 8/24

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFERORS WITH DISABILITY

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

SEC. 1.12 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.13 NEWS RELEASES

SEC. 1.14 METHOD OF AWARD

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SECTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK & CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK

SEC. 3.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

SEC. 3.03 PROVIDER REQUEST PROCESS

SEC. 3.04 PROVIDER PRIOR EXPERIENCE

SEC. 3.05 DELIVERABLES

SEC. 3.06 CONTRACT TYPE

SEC. 3.07 PROPOSED PAYMENT PROCEDURES

SEC. 3.08 CONTRACT PAYMENT

SEC. 3.09 LOCATION OF WORK

SEC. 3.10 TRAVEL

SEC. 3.11 SUBCONTRACTORS

SEC. 3.12 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

SEC. 3.13 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

SEC. 3.14 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

SEC. 3.15 CONTINUING EDUCATION

SEC. 3.16 CONTRACT CHANGES - UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

SEC. 3.17 NONDISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

SEC. 3.18 INDEMNIFICATION

SEC. 3.19 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 3.20 SERVICE CONTRACT DEFICIENCIES

SEC. 3.21 SECURITY BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SEC. 3.22 SECURITY SPECIFICATIONS

SEC. 3.23 TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT

SECTION 4. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

SEC. 4.01 INTRODUCTION

SEC. 4.02 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 4.03 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

SEC. 4.04 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT

SEC. 4.05 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 4.06 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 4.07 COST PROPOSAL

SEC. 4.08 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SECTION 5. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

SEC. 5.01 SUMMARY OF EVALUATION PROCESS

SEC. 5.02 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SEC. 5.03 SCORING METHOD AND CALCULATION

SEC. 5.04 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS (25%)

SEC. 5.05 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT (15%)

SEC. 5.06 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT (5%)

SEC. 5.07 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT (5%)

SEC. 5.08 CONTRACT COST (40%)

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SEC. 5.09 ALASKA OFFEROR PREFERENCE (10%)

SECTION 6. GENERAL PROCESS AND LEGAL INFORMATION

SEC. 6.01 INFORMAL DEBRIEFING

SEC. 6.02 ALASKA BUSINESS LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIRED LICENSES

SEC. 6.03 SITE INSPECTION

SEC. 6.04 CLARIFICATION OF OFFERS

SEC. 6.05 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS

SEC. 6.06 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 6.07 CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

SEC. 6.08 FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE

SEC. 6.09 OFFEROR NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION

SEC. 6.10 PROTEST

SEC. 6.11 APPLICATION OF PREFERENCES

SEC. 6.12 ALASKA BIDDER PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.13 ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.14 ALASKA MILITARY SKILLS PROGRAM PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.15 STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS

SEC. 6.16 QUALIFIED OFFERORS

SEC. 6.17 PROPOSAL AS PART OF THE CONTRACT

SEC. 6.18 ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SEC. 6.19 HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SEC. 6.20 RIGHT OF REJECTION

SEC. 6.21 STATE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARATION COSTS

SEC. 6.22 DISCLOSURE OF PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 6.23 ASSIGNMENT

SEC. 6.24 FORCE MAJEURE (IMPOSSIBILITY TO PERFORM)

SEC. 6.25 DISPUTES

SEC. 6.26 SEVERABILITY

SEC. 6.27 SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SEC. 6.28 SOLICITATION ADVERTISING

SEC. 6.29 FEDERALLY IMPOSED TARIFFS

SECTION 7. ATTACHMENTS

SEC. 7.01 ATTACHMENTS

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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services (department), is statutorily responsible for providing comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals in custody. Due to continued staffing shortages, and in order to provide constitutionally mandated services, the department is soliciting proposals to provide comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals in custody at four (4) department locations. The locations of service for this solicitation are:

• Anvil Mountain Correctional Center (AMCC) – Nome, Alaska

• Ketchikan Correctional Center (KCC) – Ketchikan, Alaska

• Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC) – Seward, Alaska

• Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center (YKCC) – Bethel, Alaska

A more detailed description of the scope of work is provided in SECTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK &

CONTRACT INFORMATION.

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, has a limited budget for this project, and negotiations may be necessary. The resulting contractors will draw from the shared funding pool, which will not be allocated to one contractor.

Approval or continuation of a contract resulting from this RFP is dependent upon legislative appropriation of funding and programmatic needs.

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be received no later than 2:00 PM prevailing Alaska Standard Time on October 28, 2026, as indicated by postmark or email timestamp, and late proposals will not be considered.

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

In order for offers to be considered responsive, offerors must meet these minimum prior experience and qualification requirements:

Offerors must have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience providing behavioral health staffing services in a correctional setting. The proposal must describe the offeror’s relevant experience and include resume(s) for the individual(s) who will be managing the contract, if awarded.

In addition, offerors should indicate whether they have prior experience in providing and administering the services required under this RFP, or similar services.

Qualifications: The offeror will be responsible for ensuring all personnel have the skills needed to provide comprehensive mental health services within a correctional setting. Any individual providing services will be required to meet the minimum qualifications established by the State of Alaska equivalent to an MHC II. A general description and minimum qualifications for the MHC II are outlined in the following link:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/classspecs/newprint/891421 https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/classspecs/newprint/891421

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Experience working in a correctional institution is preferred but NOT required.

Special Requirement: Offerors must identify any history of non-performance or default in the terms or conditions of providing contract services in any contract (previous or current) with State of Alaska agencies or other public/government agencies during the past three years. If an offeror does not disclose any non-performance or default history as stated, and the procurement officer receives documented information to the contrary, the offeror will be considered non-responsive, and the proposal will not be considered for evaluation or award.

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

Offerors should carefully review this solicitation for defects and questionable or objectionable material.

Comments concerning defects and questionable or objectionable material should be made in writing and received by the procurement officer at least ten days before the deadline for receipt of proposals. This will allow time for the issuance of any necessary amendments. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective proposal and exposure to the offeror's proposals upon which an award could not be made.

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS

All questions must be in writing and directed to the procurement officer. The interested party must confirm telephone conversations in writing.

Two types of questions generally arise. One may be answered by directing the questioner to a specific section of the RFP. These questions may be answered over the telephone. Other questions may be more complex and may require a written amendment to the RFP. The procurement officer will make that decision. The deadline for questions is October 18, 2026.

Procurement Officer: Allan Oyao – Phone: 907-269-5910 – Email: allan.oyao@alaska.gov

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

Do not submit your proposal through IRIS Vendor Self-Service (VSS).

If submitting a hard copy proposal, offerors must submit one hard copy of their proposal to the procurement officer in a sealed package. The cost proposal included with the package must be sealed separately from the rest of the proposal and must be clearly identified. The sealed proposal package(s) must be addressed as follows for all delivery methods:

Department of Corrections Division of Administrative Services

Attention: Allan Oyao RFP Number: 2027-2000-0099

RFP Title: Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1800

Anchorage, AK 99501

If submitting a proposal via email, the technical proposal and cost proposal must be saved as separate PDF documents and emailed to allan.oyao@alaska.gov as separate, clearly labeled attachments, such as “Vendor A

– Technical Proposal.pdf” and “Vendor A – Cost Proposal.pdf” (Vendor A is the name of the offeror). The email must contain the RFP number in the subject line.

mailto:benjamin.baker@alaska.gov mailto:doc.procurement@alaska.gov

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The maximum size of a single email (including all text and attachments) that can be received by the state is 20mb (megabytes). If the email containing the proposal exceeds this size, the proposal must be sent in multiple emails that are each less than 20 megabytes, and each email must comply with the requirements described above.

Please note that email transmission is not instantaneous. Similar to sending a hard copy proposal, if you are emailing your proposal, the state recommends sending it with enough time to ensure the email is delivered by the deadline for receipt of proposals.

It is the offeror’s responsibility to contact the issuing agency at 907-269-5910 or by email (preferred) to confirm that the proposal has been received. The state is not responsible for unreadable, corrupt, or missing attachments.

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFERORS WITH DISABILITY

Offerors with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of communicating this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the procurement officer no later than ten days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

Amendments to or withdrawals of proposals will only be allowed if acceptable requests are received prior to the deadline that is set for receipt of proposals. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the deadline unless they are in response to the state's request in accordance with 2 AAC 12.290.

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

If an amendment is issued before the deadline for receipt of proposals, the amendment will be posted on the State of Alaska Online Public Notice (OPN) website. The link to the posting of the amendment will be provided to all who were notified of the RFP and to those who have registered with the procurement officer after receiving the RFP from the OPN.

After receipt of proposals, if there is a need for any substantial clarification or material change in the RFP, an amendment will be issued. The amendment will incorporate the clarification or change, and a new date and time will be established for new or amended proposals. Evaluations may be adjusted as a result of receiving new or amended proposals.

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

The RFP schedule set out herein represents the state’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. If a component of this schedule, such as the deadline for receipt of proposals, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted accordingly. All times are in Alaska Standard Time.

ACTIVITY TIME DATE

Issue Date / RFP Released 9/28/2026 Question Deadline 10/18/2026 Deadline for Receipt of Proposals 2:00 PM 10/28/2026 Proposal Evaluations Complete 10/30/2026 Notice of Intent to Award 11/2/2026 Contract Issued 11/12/2026

7 Rev. 8/24

This RFP does not, by itself, obligate the state. The state's obligation will commence when the contract is approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or the Commissioner's designee. Upon written notice to the contractor, the state may set a different starting date for the contract. The state will not be responsible for any work done by the contractor, even work done in good faith, if it occurs prior to the contract start date set by the state.

SEC. 1.12 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Offerors may only submit one proposal for evaluation. In accordance with 2 AAC 12.830, alternate proposals (proposals that offer something different than what is asked for) will be rejected.

SEC. 1.13 NEWS RELEASES

News releases related to this RFP will not be made without prior approval of the project director.

SEC. 1.14 METHOD OF AWARD

It is anticipated that the state will issue one (1) contract award for this service. Contract award will be based on the highest scored proposal.

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SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Alaska Department of Corrections operates as a unified correctional system that includes both pretrial and sentenced individuals in custody. Department facilities house a mix of sentenced and unsentenced individuals across the state. The department remands approximately 28,000 individuals annually and houses approximately 4,500 individuals on any given day. The department is one of the largest behavioral healthcare providers in the state of Alaska.

Health Care Mission: The mission of the State of Alaska, Department of Corrections Division of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HARS) is to provide timely access to essential care through an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach. HARS is committed to a culture of professionalism, quality, and safety

Provision of Mental Health Services: The Department shall provide essential mental health services to individuals in custody who experience mental illness. These services are intended to maintain or improve mental health, support appropriate adjustment within the correctional environment, reduce the risk of criminal recidivism upon release, and assist the department in maintaining an environment that preserves the basic human rights and dignity of individuals in custody and correctional staff.

The Department has adopted policies and procedures for the health care of individuals in custody in adult correctional facilities. The successful offeror will provide services in accordance with these policies and procedures. A list of departmental health care policies and procedures is attached.

Please see below for a brief description of each department institution:

• Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels for male individuals in custody. ACC houses unsentenced, sentenced, and Federal individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 863 individuals in custody. ACC includes acute and sub-acute psychiatric units.

• Anvil Mountain Correctional Center (AMCC) in Nome, Alaska, is a minimum/medium custody correctional center. AMCC houses mostly unsentenced male and female individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 128 individuals in custody.

• Fairbanks Correctional Center (FCC) in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels.

FCC houses unsentenced and sentenced male and female individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 259 individuals in custody.

• Goose Creek Correctional Center (GCCC) in Wasilla, Alaska, is a minimum/medium custody correctional center. GCCC houses sentenced and sentenced male individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 1,472 individuals in custody. GCCC includes a subacute psychiatric unit.

• Hiland Mountain Correctional Complex (HMCC) in Eagle River, Alaska, is the only all-female population facility in Alaska. HMCC houses unsentenced and sentenced individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 404 individuals in custody. HMCC includes acute and sub-acute psychiatric units.

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• Ketchikan Correctional Center (KCC) in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a minimum/medium custody correctional center. KCC houses unsentenced and sentenced male and female individuals in custody.

The maximum capacity is 58 individuals in custody.

• Lemon Creek Correctional Center (LCCC) in Juneau, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels. LCCC houses unsentenced and sentenced male and female individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 226 individuals in custody.

• Mat-Su Pretrial Facility (MSPT) in Palmer, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels. MSPT houses sentenced and unsentenced male and female individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 102 individuals in custody.

• Palmer Correctional Center (PCC) in Palmer, Alaska, is a minimum/medium custody correctional center. PCC houses sentenced male individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 514 individuals in custody. PCC includes a sub-acute psychiatric unit.

• Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm (PMCF) in Wasilla, Alaska, is a minimum custody facility.

PMCF houses sentenced male individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 127 individuals in custody.

• Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC) in Seward, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels. SCCC houses sentenced male individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 535 individuals in custody. SCCC includes a sub-acute psychiatric unit.

• Wildwood Correctional Complex (WCC) in Kenai, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels.

WCC houses sentenced male individuals in custody and unsentenced female individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 476 individuals in custody.

• Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center (YKCC) in Bethel, Alaska, is a booking facility for all custody levels. YKCC houses mostly unsentenced male and female individuals in custody. The maximum capacity is 207.

Comprehensive behavioral health services are needed at AMCC, KCC, SCCC, and YKCC. Interested offerors should be cognizant of the unique considerations associated with providing services in a correctional setting, including the standards established by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). All Offerors shall carefully review the deliverables outlined in this RFP and the information contained in the associated appendices to ensure submission of a complete and responsive proposal.

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SECTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK & CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services (department), is soliciting proposals from individuals or agencies to provide comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals in custody at four (4) department locations.

The offeror shall provide and manage comprehensive mental health services at the designated locations. All services must be delivered in accordance with department policies and procedures, as well as the guidelines established by NCCHC. The offeror shall ensure that individuals at the contracted facilities receive essential mental health care consistent with department policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures. The offeror must be prepared to provide a full range of behavioral health services, including supervision of staff under the general oversight provided by the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee) and the Chief Psychiatrist (or designee). The offeror shall provide qualified professionals skilled in brief intervention and capable of functioning effectively in fast-paced environments with competing priorities. These professionals must be familiar with essential behavioral health service delivery and able to meet the clinical demands of the contracted facilities.

All contractors may be assigned shifts that may include weekends and evening hours, as determined by facility needs. This scheduling option shall ensure continuity of care and adequate client coverage during shift changes, thereby supporting the department’s obligation to maintain consistent behavioral health services.

The successful offeror shall provide MHCs to perform in-person behavioral health services, or a combination of in-person and telehealth behavioral health services. The successful offeror shall provide MHCs to perform a full range of clinical mental health services, including screenings/assessments at the time of remand and/or based on referrals from institution medical and security staff. These screenings and assessments must support the assignment of mental health classification codes within our system of care. In the event that the regularly scheduled MHC is unavailable, the offeror must provide a coverage plan to ensure continuity of required duties, and this scheduling plan, including the approach for backfilling vacant positions, must be included in the proposal.

Please see below for a more detailed description of required MHC duties and responsibilities.

Behavioral Health Services:

• Direct Care: MHCs shall provide direct care to individuals in custody, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and release planning for individuals in custody referred for behavioral health services.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): All interactions and interventions shall be documented in the EHR system, including but not limited to mental health evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, case management notes, safety precautions documentation, and observation notes. MHCs shall utilize the EHR system, and the department shall provide necessary training to the agency.

• Screening and Assessment: MHCs shall conduct screenings, assessments, and make treatment recommendations as clinically appropriate for mental health and substance use disorders.

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• Therapeutic Services: MHCs shall deliver a range of psychotherapeutic interventions, including but not limited to brief individual counseling, skill-building interventions, crisis intervention, and structured group treatment with the use of evidence-based materials to support the mental health needs of individuals in care.

• Requests for Interview (RFI): MHCs shall respond to Requests for Interview (RFI) in accordance with established policy and required timelines.

• Collaboration with Facility Staff: MHCs shall collaborate with facility staff to follow up on individuals in custody who are reported as exhibiting symptoms of mental illness. MHCs must be knowledgeable about HIPAA guidelines and understand how interdisciplinary teams coordinate care to ensure appropriate information sharing and treatment planning.

• Policies and Procedures: MHCs shall perform all duties in accordance with the department’s established Policies and Procedures.

• Coordination of Care: MHCs shall maintain a team-approach, assist in timely coordination of care, and maintain professional working relationships with other staff involved in the treatment of the individuals, including other MHCs, psychiatric providers, nurses, medical staff, and security personnel. As needed and directed, the MHC shall effectively communicate with and inform the facility and mental health leadership of issues.

• Reporting and Documentation: MHCs shall complete all required accident and incident reports and shall maintain all mental health records in compliance with departmental standards.

• Informed Consent: MHCs shall obtain informed consent from individuals in custody in accordance with the Department’s policies and procedures.

• Training: MHCs shall both facilitate and participate in training on behavioral health policies, procedures, and topics, including but not limited to suicide prevention and mental health awareness, as directed by the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee). MHCs shall, at all times, remain current with all department-required training.

• The agency shall maintain training records for each MHC assigned to provide services and shall provide a list of trainings completed by each MHC to verify compliance with the Department standards.

• Quality Assurance: MHCs shall review medical records to verify that mental health services and processes comply with established quality standards and support continuous improvement.

• Segregation Units: MHCs shall conduct mental health rounds within segregation units on a weekly basis and document appropriately in the EHR.

• Institution Compliance: MHCs shall comply with all standing institution security requirements, procedures, and other protocols.

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Suicide Prevention Training: MHCs shall be responsible for facilitating department-approved suicide prevention training for institutional staff. The department-approved curriculum is a standardized two (2)-hour training, and only this curriculum may be used. The department will provide training to MHCs on the approved curriculum prior to facilitation.

Training requirements include the following:

• Facilitation of up to twelve (12) in-person suicide prevention training sessions per year, per assigned institution. In extenuating circumstances, virtual facilitation may be authorized by the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee). Adherence to the virtual training protocol is essential in these circumstances.

• Use of the department-approved curriculum to meet both annual training requirements for existing staff and initial training requirements for new institutional staff.

• Coordination with the institution Superintendent (or designee) to schedule and facilitate the training.

The successful offeror shall notify the department of any changes in assigned MHC personnel and ensure that newly assigned MHCs complete department-provided training on the approved curriculum prior to facilitation.

Telehealth Services:

• The successful offeror will be expected to provide behavioral health services outlined in this RFP via a hybrid of in-person and telehealth delivery methods.

• The offeror must provide a balanced plan for the delivery of services, allowing both in-person and telehealth methods. A detailed plan must be included in the proposal. This proposal shall include at least monthly onsite visits to each of the three (3) facilities, AMCC, KCCC, and YKCC.

• Services at SCCC must be delivered in person, with MHCs onsite at a minimum, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

• All staff provided by the agency must be willing and able to deliver limited telehealth services upon request by the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee). Any challenges or barriers to providing telehealth must be promptly communicated to the Department, as telehealth is essential for servicing rural facilities that are not accessible via the road system.

SEC. 3.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

The length of the contract will be from the date of award, approximately January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027, with three (3) optional 1-year renewals up to June 30, 2030. All optional renewals are at the State’s sole discretion.

Services must be provided up to 52 weeks annually, excluding state holidays. Emergency weekend services may be required.

The successful offeror shall provide the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee) with a minimum of two-weeks advanced notice for any known staff absences. The successful offeror shall immediately notify the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee) of any unforeseen absences as they occur. The offeror shall include in the proposal a clear procedure for managing both expected and unexpected leave, including the requirement that

13 Rev. 8/24 the contractors submit leave requests through the agency so that the agency can provide timely notification to the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee). The Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee) will coordinate with the agency and facility leadership to ensure continuity of operations. When necessary, an emergency coverage plan will be developed, with sufficient notification provided to facility staff.

The Department reserves the ability to discontinue the services of any qualified professional provided under this agreement with a minimum of thirty (30) days’ notice. This action may be taken based on business need, including but not limited to circumstances such as permanent staff filling a previously vacant position or a reduction in acuity or workload that renders continued contracted services unnecessary or ineffective.

Unless otherwise provided in this RFP, the State and the successful offeror/contractor agree: (1) that any extension of the contract excluding any exercised renewal options will be considered as a month-to-month extension, and all other terms and conditions shall remain in full force and effect and (2) the procurement officer will provide notice to the contractor of the intent to cancel such month-to-month extension at least 30 days before the desired date of cancellation. A month-to-month extension may only be executed by the procurement officer via a written contract amendment.

SEC. 3.03 PROVIDER REQUEST PROCESS

After contracts are awarded, the Project Manager or designee will issue staffing requests to all contracted vendors. The department will allow ten (10) days for candidate referrals following a staffing request. Staffing assignments will be based on qualifications and experience.

SEC. 3.04 PROVIDER PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Mental health clinicians must be licensed in their respective behavioral health fields of study and have demonstrated experience providing behavioral health services in a correctional setting. It is the preference of the department that mental health clinicians must have at least two (2) years of experience performing psychotherapeutic casework in a correctional setting. Relevant psychotherapeutic casework includes:

• Assessing/screening and providing treatment to individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI);

• Assessing/screening and providing treatment to individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and safety planning;

• Assessing/screening and providing treatment to individuals diagnosed with personality disorders;

• Assessing/screening and providing treatment to individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders.

• Treatment planning, case management, and coordination with medical, psychiatric, and social service providers

• Crisis intervention and stabilization, and monitoring symptoms and treatment response.

The experience of mental health clinicians must be demonstrated through resumes included with candidate referrals. Submitted resumes should be limited to mental health clinicians referred to provide direct behavioral health services under this contract and should demonstrate the behavioral health experience described in this section.

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SEC. 3.05 DELIVERABLES

Direct Clinical Services

Contractors are required to deliver mental health services tailored to the incoming and existing incarcerated population:

• Screening, Evaluation, and Assessment o Intake screening and risk assessment for all individuals in custody, including new remands, follow-ups, and referrals.

o Identification of severe mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring substance use disorders.

o Use of evidence-based assessment tools for diagnostics and functional status.

o Coordination with psychiatric provider to ensure diagnostic accuracy and documentation in the clinical record.

o Timely routine evaluations for mental health caseload and assessments for emergent needs

• Treatment Planning and Therapeutic Interventions o Routine mental health sick call completion o Development, implementation, and regular updates of individualized treatment plans aligned with the individual’s care level.

o Provision of individual therapeutic interventions (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy), delivered with consideration for the correctional environment and the fast-paced nature of the work, requiring the ability to adapt to a brief-intervention model.

o Provision of structured therapeutic and psychoeducational groups utilizing approved evidence-based curriculum and best practices.

o Crisis intervention as needed for acute psychiatric episodes.

o Conduct regular segregation rounds in restrictive housing units, providing appropriate clinical interventions, and complete required documentation in the EHR. In addition, a 30-day segregation brief assessment shall be conducted and documented in accordance with the Department documentation standards.

o Referrals to medical for assessment as needed

• Medication Management o Coordination with psychiatrists or nurse practitioners when pharmacologic interventions are indicated. This coordination requires general familiarity with the technology necessary to support telehealth visits.

o Monitoring adherence and response to treatment.

15 Rev. 8/24 o Communication with prescribing provider regarding medication adherence and medication concerns.

• Case Management & Care Coordination o Collaborate with facility staff, reentry services, medical staff, and external providers to ensure continuity of care.

o Participate in multidisciplinary teams (e.g., Care Coordination, Complex Care Teams, and Reentry Teams) to support individualized transition and discharge planning. The qualified professional should expect to initiate the need for multidisciplinary coordination as needed, including communicating essential updates and recommendations to the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee).

o Coordinate inmate referrals to community programs, Residential Reentry Centers, or home confinement.

• Documentation & Data Management o Maintain accurate patient records in the correctional Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

o Record Progress Notes after each encounter on the day of the encounter. If late entries are required, they shall be documented as late entries.

o Provide reports for audits, performance reviews, and quality assurance in accordance with NCCHC or ACA standards.

o Ensure timely documentation consistent with professional standards and department policies.

Documentation is expected the day of the encounter, unless there is an emergency or unusual circumstances that prevent same-day documentation.

• Compliance & Professional Standards o Adhere to state and federal regulations, including:

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) reporting requirements.

HIPAA and local inmate confidentiality rules.

Facility policies regarding inmate interactions and security constraints.

o Maintain licensure credentials and qualifications for clinical staff:

Minimum: Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related clinical field.

Licensed mental health professionals are preferred. At minimum, staff must be eligible to pursue clinical licensure. The department will not provide clinical supervision toward licensure. Verification of background checks and ongoing competency requirements.

• Staffing, Scheduling, and Oversight

16 Rev. 8/24 o Provide qualified mental health professionals.

o Candidates referred shall have clinical experience with diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning, and implementation of clinical services o Ensure the availability of personnel according to contract terms:

Full-time onsite hours (standardly 37.5 – 40 hours/week of direct service)

In cases of emergencies, MHCs may have to stay past their regular scheduled hours. This is a rare situation and shall be reported immediately to the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee). The report must include why the MHC stayed late and who was notified at the time of the decision to stay late.

Locum tenens staff as needed with rapid deployment procedures o Submit resumes, transcripts, licensure verification, and background clearance for all deployed clinicians per contract requirements.

o Work in coordination with the Chief Mental Health Officer (or designee) to resolve any staff issues in a timely, professional manner.

o Maintain processes to ensure staff performance issues are managed in a manner that does not impact client care or business needs.

o If contracted staff have a pattern of performance issues or refuse to correct performance issues identified, they will be given 30 days' notice of termination of their agreements.

o If contracted staff cause significant disruption to client care or pose a safety or security threat, their agreements may be terminated immediately.

• Reporting and Quality Assurance o Submit invoices with detailed service breakdowns to ensure accurate reimbursement.

o Participate in performance measurement:

Track outcomes such as stabilization, recidivism reduction, and treatment engagement

Periodic review of services by correctional behavioral health management or external auditors

Participate in quality assurance reviews utilizing department-approved tools o Report unusual behavior, incidents, and progress according to policy and procedure.

o Complete and submit Special Incident Reports as required by policy and procedure and facility guidelines

• Optional or Special Deliverables (Based on Facility Needs) o Staff training in mental health, cognitive disabilities, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, or other department-approved trainings.

17 Rev. 8/24 o Participation in facility-wide mental health initiatives, including suicide prevention and peer support programs.

o There may be periodic travel required by the department to meet the needs of facilities. If this occurs, the department will arrange and pay for travel per the travel guidelines.

SEC. 3.06 CONTRACT TYPE

This contract is a Firm Fixed-Price contract.

SEC. 3.07 PROPOSED PAYMENT PROCEDURES

The state will make payments based on a negotiated payment schedule. Each billing must consist of an invoice and progress report. No payment will be made until the progress report and invoice have been approved by the project director.

SEC. 3.08 CONTRACT PAYMENT

No payment will be made until the contract is approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or the Commissioner's designee. Under no conditions will the state be liable for the payment of any interest charges associated with the cost of the contract. The state is not responsible for and will not pay local, state, or federal taxes. All costs associated with the contract must be stated in U.S. currency.

Payment for agreements under $500,000 for the undisputed purchase of goods or services provided to a state agency will be made within 30 days of the receipt of a proper billing or the delivery of the goods or services to the location(s) specified in the agreement, whichever is later. A late payment is subject to 1.5% interest per month on the unpaid balance. Interest will not be paid if there is a dispute or if there is an agreement that establishes a lower interest rate or precludes the charging of interest.

Any single contract payment of $1 million or higher must be accepted by the contractor via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

SEC. 3.09 LOCATION OF WORK

This contract includes on-site and traveling MHCs. Please see below where the behavioral health services shall be provided:

• Behavioral health services provided on-site, in-person, at any of the department locations:

o Anvil Mountain Correctional Center (AMCC) in Nome, Alaska o Ketchikan Correctional Center (KCC) in Ketchikan, Alaska o Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center (YKCC) in Bethel, Alaska o Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC) in Seward, Alaska

The state will not provide remote workspace for the contractor. When the contractor travels to the institutions to provide on-site services, the state will provide workspace for the contractor. When the contractor is working in Anchorage, the state will provide workspace for the contractor.

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By signature on their proposal, the offeror certifies that all services provided under this contract by the contractor and all subcontractors shall be performed in the United States.

If the offeror cannot certify that all work will be performed in the United States, the offeror must contact the procurement officer in writing to request a waiver at least ten (10) days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.

The request must include a detailed description of the portion of work that will be performed outside the United States, where, by whom, and the reason the waiver is necessary.

Failure to comply with these requirements may cause the state to reject the proposal as non-responsive or cancel the contract.

SEC. 3.10 TRAVEL

The department will make all travel arrangements in accordance with the State’s travel regulation AAM 60 Travel. The traveling MHC must abide by the State of Alaska travel regulation. (See AAM 60 link:

https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/manuals/aam/resource/60t.pdf)

SEC. 3.11 SUBCONTRACTORS

Subcontractors may be used to perform work under this contract. If an offeror intends to use subcontractors, the offeror must identify in the proposal the names of the subcontractors and the portions of the work the subcontractors will perform.

Subcontractor experience shall be considered in determining whether the offeror meets the requirements set forth in the SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE.

If a proposal with subcontractors is selected, the offeror must provide the following information concerning each prospective subcontractor within five working days from the date of the state's request:

• complete name of the subcontractor;

• complete address of the subcontractor;

• type of work the subcontractor will be performing;

• percentage of work the subcontractor will be providing;

• evidence that the subcontractor holds a valid Alaska business license;

If a subcontractor on the list did not have a valid Alaska business license at the close of the RFP, the Offeror may not use the subcontractor in the performance of the contract and shall replace the subcontractor with a subcontractor who had a valid Alaska business license at the close of the RFP.

• a written statement, signed by each proposed subcontractor, that clearly verifies that the subcontractor is committed to rendering the services required by the contract.

An offeror's failure to provide this information within the time set may cause the state to consider their proposal non-responsive and reject it. The substitution of one subcontractor for another may be made only at the discretion and prior written approval of the project director.

https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/manuals/aam/resource/60t.pdf

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Note that if the subcontractor does not perform work within Alaska, they will not be required to hold an Alaska business license.

SEC. 3.12 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

At reasonable times, the state may inspect those areas of the contractor's place of business that are related to the performance of a contract. If the state makes such an inspection, the contractor must provide reasonable assistance.

SEC. 3.13 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

Any change of the project team members or subcontractors named in the proposal must be approved in advance and in writing by the project director or procurement officer. Changes that are not approved by the state may be grounds for the state to terminate the contract.

SEC. 3.14 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR

UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

The contractor is responsible for the completion of all work set out in the contract. All work is subject to inspection, evaluation, and approval by the project director. The state may employ all reasonable means to ensure that the work is progressing and being performed in compliance with the contract. The project director or procurement officer may instruct the contractor to make corrections or modifications if needed in order to accomplish the contract’s intent. The contractor will not unreasonably withhold such changes.

Substantial failure of the contractor to perform the contract may cause the State to terminate the contract. In this event, the State may require the contractor to reimburse monies paid (based on the identified portion of unacceptable work received) and may seek associated damages.

SEC. 3.15 CONTINUING EDUCATION

The successful provider must assure, at no cost to the State, that their program directors and clinical supervisors working under the terms of the contract meet and maintain the legal requirements for certification.

SEC. 3.16 CONTRACT CHANGES - UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

During the course of this contract, the contractor may be required to perform additional work. That work will be within the general scope of the initial contract. When additional work is required, the project director will provide the contractor with a written description of the additional work and request that the contractor submit a firm time schedule for accomplishing the additional work and a firm price for the additional work. Cost and pricing data must be provided to justify the cost of such amendments per AS 36.30.400.

The contractor will not commence additional work until the procurement officer has secured any required state approvals necessary for the amendment and issued a written contract amendment, approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or the Commissioner's designee.

SEC. 3.17 NONDISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

The contractor agrees that all confidential information shall be used only for purposes of providing the deliverables and performing the services specified herein and shall not disseminate or allow dissemination of confidential information except as provided for in this section. The contractor shall hold as confidential and will use reasonable care (including both facility physical security and electronic security) to prevent unauthorized

20 Rev. 8/24 access, storage, disclosure, publication, dissemination to and/or use by third parties of the confidential information. “Reasonable care” means compliance by the contractor with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Social Security Act and HIPAA. The contractor must promptly notify the state in writing if it becomes aware of any storage, disclosure, loss, unauthorized access to, or use of the confidential information.

Confidential information, as used herein, means any data, files, software, information, or materials (whether prepared by the state or its agents or advisors) in oral, electronic, tangible, or intangible form and however stored, compiled, or memorialized that is classified confidential as defined by State of Alaska classification and categorization guidelines provided by the state to the contractor or a contractor agent or otherwise made available to the contractor or a contractor agent in connection with this contract, or acquired, obtained, or learned by the contractor or a contractor agent in the performance of this contract. Examples of confidential information include, but are not limited to: technology infrastructure, architecture, financial data, trade secrets, equipment specifications, user lists, passwords, research data, and technology data (infrastructure, architecture, operating systems, security tools, IP addresses, etc.).

If confidential information is requested to be disclosed by the contractor pursuant to a request received by a third party and such disclosure of the confidential information is required under applicable state or federal law, regulation, governmental or regulatory authority, the contractor may disclose the confidential information after providing the state with written notice of the requested disclosure ( to the extent such notice to the state is permitted by applicable law) and giving the state opportunity to review the request. If the contractor receives no objection from the state, it may release the confidential information within 30 days. Notice of the requested disclosure of confidential information by the contractor must be provided to the state within a reasonable time after the contractor’s receipt of notice of the requested disclosure and, upon request of the state, shall seek to obtain legal protection from the release of the confidential information.

The following information shall not be considered confidential information: information previously known to be public information when received from the other party; information freely available to the general public;

information which now is or hereafter becomes publicly known by other than a breach of confidentiality hereof;

or information which is disclosed by a party pursuant to subpoena or other legal process and which as a result becomes lawfully obtainable by the general public.

SEC. 3.18 INDEMNIFICATION

The contractor shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the contracting agency from and against any claim of, or liability for, error, omission, or negligent act of the contractor under this agreement. The contractor shall not be required to indemnify the contracting agency for a claim of, or liability for, the independent negligence of the contracting agency. If there is a claim of, or liability for, the joint negligent error or omission of the contractor and the independent negligence of the contracting agency, the indemnification and hold harmless obligation shall be apportioned on a comparative fault basis. “Contractor” and “contracting agency”, as used within this and the following article, include the employees, agents, and other contractors who are directly responsible, respectively, to each. The term “independent negligence” is negligence other than in the contracting agency’s selection, administration, monitoring, or controlling of the contractor and in approving or accepting the contractor’s work.

21 Rev. 8/24

SEC. 3.19 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Without limiting the contractor's indemnification, it is agreed that the contractor shall purchase at its own expense and maintain in force at all times during the…