RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

RFP Due: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

RFP #26-907

July 16, 2026

Augusta Richmond County Public Safety

Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization

Program

For

Augusta-Richmond County (herein “Augusta”)

On behalf of the Fire Department

One Original and One Electronic Version of RFP on a USB Drive shall be submitted

Andy Penick

Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Augusta, Georgia 30901

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Request for Proposal

Sealed proposal will be received at this office until Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. RFP openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 and via Teams: Meeting ID: 240 410 042 352 127; Passcode: V2nJ9zy7 for furnishing:

RFP #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program for Augusta-Richmond County (herein “Augusta”), Fire Department

No proposals will be accepted by email. All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No proposals may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after proposals have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful vendor.

RFP documents, and all Addenda, may be viewed on the Augusta, Georgia website under the

Procurement Department ARCbid menu (https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid), Euna OpenBids

(https://network.demandstar.com) and Georgia Procurement Registry website located at

(https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index). Bidders must mark the RFP number on the outside of the submittal envelope. Addenda will also be posted on the above listed website.

An optional pre-proposal conference will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. in the

Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605; Augusta, GA 30901 and virtually via

Teams; Meeting ID: 269 762 308 763 82; Passcode: ML9gq7Hc.

All request for clarifications or interpretations must for this proposal must be submitted in writing by electronic email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the Procurement Department on or before the close of business Wednesday, August 5, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M.

Questions, request for clarifications or interpretations regarding this proposal must be submitted to the

Procurement Department:

Augusta Procurement Department

Attn: Ms. Tywanna Scott

535 Telfair Street - Room 605

Augusta, Georgia 30901

Phone: 706-821-2422

Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

Bidders are cautioned that acquisition of the proposal documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of proposal documents from unauthorized sources placed the bidder at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.

No proposals will be accepted by email; all proposal must be received by mail or hand delivered.

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle July 16th, 23rd, and 30th https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid https://network.demandstar.com/ https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

ELECTRONIC TEAMS INFORMATION

The Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department conducts Public RFP Pre-Proposal

Conferences and Openings to award quality contracts for Augusta. Proposers may participate in our Public RFP Pre-Proposal Conferences and Openings via webcast or teleconference by following the instructions outlined below:

ELECTRONIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS

RFP # 26-907 Pre-Qualification Conference

Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness &

Stabilization Program for

Augusta-Richmond County - Fire Department

Monday, August 3, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

TEAMS RFP Pre-Qualification Conference:

1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting and enter meeting ID: 269 762 308 763 82

2. Passcode: ML9gq7Hc

RFP # 26-907 Opening

Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness &

Stabilization Program for

Augusta-Richmond County - Fire Department

Bid openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901

Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

TEAMS RFP Opening:

3. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting and enter meeting ID: 240 410 042 352 127

4. Passcode: V2nJ9zy7

For Assistance: Please Contact the Issuing Officer at (706) 821-2422 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use by vendors in submitting a proposal to supply Augusta, Georgia with equipment, supplies, and or services as listed above.

All proposals are governed by the Augusta, Georgia Code.

1.2 Viewing the Augusta Code: All proposals are governed and awarded in accordance with the applicable federal and state regulations and the Augusta, Georgia Code. To view the Code visit Augusta’s website at www.augustaga.gov or http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685 Guidelines & Procedures.

1.3 Compliance with laws: The Bidder 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 Augusta, Georgia statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Bidder and Augusta, Georgia. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Bidder and Augusta, Georgia shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.4 Bids For All Or Part: Unless otherwise specified, County reserves The Right To make an award(s) for all Items, or categories, or specific line items, to one or more bidders. Bidder may restrict their bid to consideration in the aggregate by so stating but must name a unit price on each item submitted upon.

1.5 All protests shall be made in writing to:

Attn: Andy Penick, Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Augusta, GA 30901

Email:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

1.6 Augusta, Georgia License Requirement: For further information contact the License and Inspection

Department at 706 312-5050.

General Contractors License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-41, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

Utility Contractor License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-14, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

1.7 Terms of Contract: (Check where applicable)

[ ] (A) Annual Contract

[ ] (B) One time Purchase

[X] (C) Other file://///augunity01/ProcurementCommon/2026%20Bid%20Information/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/2015%20Bid%20Information/15-172A%20Temporary%20Staffing%20Services/www.augustaga.gov http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

NOTICE TO ALL VENDORS

ADHERE TO THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS AND DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FORMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Exhibit A is a consolidated document consisting of:

1. Business License Number Requirement (must be provided)

2. Acknowledgement of Addenda (must be acknowledged, if any)

3. Statement of Non-Discrimination

4. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder/Offeror

5. Conflict of Interest

6. Contractor Affidavit and Agreement (E-Verify User ID Number must be provided)

Exhibit A Must be Notarized & Two (2) Pages Must be returned with your submittal .

Business License Requirement: Bidder must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. Your company’s business license number must be provided. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, your company will be required to obtain an

Augusta-Richmond County business license if awarded a contract. For further information contact the

License and Inspection Department at 706 312-5050.

Acknowledgement of Addenda: You Must acknowledge all Addenda. See Page 1 of Exhibit A.

E-Verify * User Identification Number (Company I.D.): Vendor must provide the E-Verify affidavit with their bid.

The city, each contractor, and each subcontractor have different roles and responsibilities in the E-Verify process. The city collects E-Verify affidavits from the contractor. The contractor collects E-Verify affidavits from its subcontractors. The subcontractors collect E-Verify affidavits from its sub-subcontractors. Independent contractors (those with no employees) do not need to supply E-Verify information. Instead, they will provide a driver’s license or state identification card from states on the “compliant” list created by the Georgia Attorney General. Those contractors and subcontractors that fill out the affidavits are responsible for the accuracy of the information. The city does not need to confirm that the

E-Verify information is correct. The liability for incorrect information is on the contractor or subcontractor. NOTE: The authorization date can be found within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta Benefit Application (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements

Program) (Must Be Returned With Your Submittal)

The successful vendor will submit the following forms to the Procurement Department no later than five (5) days after receiving the “Letter of Recommendation” (Vendor’s letter will denote the date forms are to be received)

1. Georgia Security and Immigration Subcontractor Affidavit

2. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Sub-Contractor

3. E-Verify MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Exhibit A

Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department

ATTN: Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Name of Bidder: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________

Where/How did you hear about this solicitation? __________________________________________________________________

Attach a copy of your Business License, W-9, and your General Contractor License.

If applicable, provide a copy of the following:

Utility Contractors License - MUST BE LISTED ON FRONT OF ENVELOPE

Acknowledgement of Addenda: (#1) ____: (#2) ____: (#3) ____: (#4) ____: (#5) ____: (#6) ____: (#7) ____: (#8) ____:

NOTE: CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX (ES) - ADD ADDITIONAL NUMBERS AS APPLICABLE

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The undersigned understands that it is the policy of Augusta, Georgia to promote full and equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned covenants that we have not discriminated, on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, or ethnicity, with regard to prime contracting, subcontracting, or partnering opportunities.

The undersigned covenants and agrees to make good faith efforts to ensure maximum practicable participation of local small businesses on the proposal or contract awarded by Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned further covenants that we have completed truthfully and fully the required forms regarding good faith efforts and local small business subcontractor/supplier utilization.

The undersigned further covenants and agrees not to engage in discriminatory conduct of any type against local small businesses, in conformity with Augusta, Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program. Set forth below is the signature of an officer of the proposer/contracting entity with the authority to bind the entity.

The undersigned acknowledge and warrant that this Company has been made aware of understands and agrees to take affirmative action to provide such companies with the maximum practicable opportunities to do business with this Company;

That this promise of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect without interruption;

That the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be and are hereby deemed to be made as part of and incorporated by reference into any contract or portion thereof which this Company may hereafter obtain and;

That the failure of this Company to satisfactorily discharge any of the promises of nondiscrimination as made and set forth herein shall constitute a material breach of contract entitling Augusta, Georgia to declare the contract in default and to exercise any and all applicable rights remedies including but not limited to cancellation of the contract, termination of the contract, suspension and debarment from future contracting opportunities, and withholding and or forfeiture of compensation due and owing on a contract.

Non-Collusion of Prime Bidder

By submission of a proposal, the vendor certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the proposal have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the proposal have not been knowingly disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or to any competitor.

(c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership, or corporation to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. Collusions and fraud in proposal preparation shall be reported to the State of Georgia Attorney General and the United States Justice Department.

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Conflict of Interest

1. By submission of a bid, the responding firm certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief1. No circumstances exist which cause a Conflict of Interest in performing the services required by this BID, and

2. That no employee of the County, nor any member thereof, not any public agency or official affected by this BID, has any pecuniary interest in the business of the responding firm or his sub-consultant(s) has any interest that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance related to this BID. By submission of a bid, the vendor certifies under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the bid have arrived independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the bid have not knowingly been disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or competitor.

c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership, or cooperation to submit or not to submit a bid for the purpose of restricting competition. For any breach or violation of this provision, the County shall have the right to terminate any related contract or agreement without liability and at its discretion to deduct from the price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, gift, payment, or consideration.

Contractor Affidavit and Agreement: Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b) (l)

Georgia E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

The undersigned contractor ("Contractor") executes this Affidavit to comply with O.C.G.A § 13-10-91 related to any contract to which Contractor is a party that is subject to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 and hereby verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-

10-91, attesting as follows:

a) The Contractor has registered with, is authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program;

b) The Contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period, including any renewal or extension thereof;

c) The Contractor will notify the public employer in the event the Contractor ceases to utilize the federal work authorization program during the contract period, including renewals or extensions thereof;

d) The Contractor understands that ceasing to utilize the federal work authorization program constitutes a material breach of Contract;

e) The Contractor will contract for the performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the Contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(a), (b), and (c);

f) The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that this Affidavit shall be incorporated into any contract(s) subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 13-10- 91 for the project listed below to which Contractor is a party after the date hereof without further action or consent by Contractor; and

g) Contractor acknowledges its responsibility to submit copies of any affidavits, drivers' licenses, and identification cards required pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 to the public employer within five business days of receipt.

Georgia Law requires your company to have an E-Verify*User Identification Number (Company I.D.) on or after July 1, 2009.

For additional information or to enroll your company, visit the State of Georgia website:

https://www.e-verify.gov/employers/enrolling-in-e-verify

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number: E-VERIFY REQUIRED FOR ALL CONTRACTS OVER $2,499.00

** (E-Verify Number) _______________________________________________

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on _____________________________, 20________ in ___________________ (City), ______________ (State).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

NOTARY COMMISSIONING

Subscribed and sworn before me on this _______ day of ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public My Commission Expires: NOTARY SEAL

The undersigned further agrees to submit a notarized copy of Exhibit A, and any required documentation noted as part of the Augusta, Georgia Board of Commissions specifications which govern this process. In addition, the undersigned agrees to submit all required forms for any subcontractor(s) as requested and or required. I further understand that my submittal will be deemed non-compliant if any part of this process is violated. You Must Complete and Return the two (2) pages of Exhibit A with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

http://gma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMjUwOTU1JnA9MSZ1PTUxODY3MTg3MiZsaT0yMTQ3NjI3Nw/index.html https://www.e-verify.gov/employers/enrolling-in-e-verify

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta, Georgia Benefit Application By executing this affidavit under oath, as an applicant for an Augusta, Georgia Business License or Occupation

Tax Certificate, Alcohol License, Taxi Permit, Contract or other public benefit as reference in

O.C.G.A. Section 50-36-1, I am stating the following with respect to my proposal for an Augusta, Georgia contract for

[RFP Project Number and Project Name]

[Print/Type: Name of natural person applying on behalf of individual, business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

[Print/Type: Name of business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

1.) _______ I am a citizen of the United States.

2.) _______ I am a legal permanent resident 18 years of age or older.

3.) _______ I am an otherwise qualified alien (8 § USC 1641) or nonimmigrant under the Federal

Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1101 et seq.) 18 years of age or older and lawfully present in the United States.*

In making the above representation under oath, I understand that any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit shall be guilty of a violation of Code Section 16-10-20 of the Official Code of Georgia.

Signature of Applicant

Printed Name

*Alien Registration Number for Non-Citizens

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _____________________________ NOTARY SEAL

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, NOTARIZED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

TRADE SECRET STATUS AFFIDAVIT

Augusta, Georgia

All documents, data, letters and generated information received by Augusta, Georgia constitutes a

“public record” and is subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act ("GORA"). O.C.G.A. §

50-18-70 et seq. However, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(34), "[an] entity submitting records containing trade secrets that wishes to keep such records confidential under this paragraph shall submit and attach to the records an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information in the records constitute trade secrets pursuant to Article 27 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 [O.C.G.A. § 10-1-760 et seq.].”

O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4) defines “Trade secret" as “…information, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information:

A. Derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

B. Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.”

Therefore, the records listed below and attached hereto, that were submitted with

_______________________response to Augusta, Georgia Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, or Request for Qualified Contractor ______________are marked confidential pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4):

• (List specific information that the supplier wishes to withhold and how that information constitutes a trade secret)

• Additional trade secret information requested to be withheld

• Your company is requested to send a redacted copy of your submittal.

Under penalty of perjury, acknowledging that O.C.G.A. §16-10-71 provides a penalty of a fine of up to

$1,000 and potential imprisonment of one to five years, I attest that the specific information in the records listed above constitutes trade secrets pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4), and request that Augusta, Georgia not disclose this protected information under the Georgia Open Records Act ("GORA").

Signature:

[Signatory Name in Print] [Signatory’s Title] [Company Name]

_______________________________ Date: ______________________________________

[Signatory’s Title]

NOTARY COMMISSIONING

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ___________________________________ NOTARY SEAL

RETURN FORM ONLY IF APPLICABLE.

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program Ordinance Requirements

Notice To All Bidders (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

The following shall apply to All Bids regardless of the dollar amount

In accordance with the Commission Action on 7/25/24 and the adoption of Ordinance No. 7945 Chapter 10C of the AUGUSTA, GA, CODE, Contractors agree to collect and maintain all records necessary to Augusta, Georgia to evaluate the effectiveness of its Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program and to make such records available to Augusta, Georgia upon request. The requirements of the Minority and Women Owned

Business Enterprise Program can be found at www.augustaga.gov. In accordance with AUGUSTA, GA. CODE, Contractors shall report to Augusta, Georgia the total dollars paid to each subcontractor, vendor, or other business on each contract, and shall provide such payment affidavits, regarding payment to subcontractors, if any as required by Augusta, Georgia. Such utilization reports shall be in the format specified by the Director of

Compliance and shall be submitted at such times as required by Augusta, Georgia. Required forms can be found at www.augustaga.gov. If you need assistance completing a form or filing information, please contact the M/WBE Program office at (706) 821-2406. Failure to provide such reports withing the time period specified by

Augusta, Georgia shall entitle Augusta, Georgia to exercise any of the remedies set forth, including, but not limited to, withholding payment from the Contractor and/or collecting liquidated damages.

SHALL APPLY TO PROJECTS IN EXCESS OF $300,000

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program (Continued)

Sec. 1-10-138. Race and Gender-Conscious Efforts

Contract-by-Contract Subcontractor Goals The City, through the Goal Setting Committee (GSC), will set specific, separate percentage-based MBE and WBE subcontracting goals on a contract-by contract basis for Prime contracts in Construction, Architecture & Engineering, Professional Services, and Other Services valued in excess of $300,000. The City shall establish such goals based upon the type of contract, the type of subcontracting work that will be required, and the availability of M/WBE firms to perform the work for that specific contract.

The GSC shall not establish subcontracting goals on contracts where (a) there are no subcontracting opportunities identified for the contract; or (b) there are not at least three (3) MBE and/or WBE firms that are available and capable to perform a CUF for the overall subcontracting opportunities on the contract.

Good Faith Efforts (GFE) Requirements and Guidance

1. Achievement of subcontracting goals or documentation of Good Faith Efforts applies to every Contract for which such goals are established. The Bidder shall submit a compliance plan detailing its achievement of the goals or its Good Faith Efforts to meet the goals. The compliance plan shall be due at the time set out in the solicitation documents.

2. When a Bidder cannot achieve the goals, its compliance plan shall document its GFE to achieve the goals.

The Director of Compliance will determine whether the Bidder has made such GFE.

Bid Documents

All bid documents shall require bidders or proponents to submit with their bid the following written documents, statements, or forms, which shall be made available by the Procurement Department.

• Proposed Letter of Intent MBE/WBE.

• Proposed MBE/WBE Utilization Plan.

• Documentation of Good Faith Efforts Form (in the event the bidder will not meet the MBE and WBE goals).

Failure to submit the above documentation shall result in the bid being declared non-responsive.

Sec. 1-10-154.Exceptions

In accordance with § 1-10-8, on federally funded projects or contracts, the M/WBE Program shall only be utilized when authorized by the applicable federal (and/or Georgia) laws, regulations, and conditions relating to that project or contract. To the extent that there are any conflicts between any such laws, regulations, or conditions and the provisions of the M/WBE Program, the federal (and/or Georgia) guidance shall control.

NOTE: All forms should be submitted in a separate, sealed envelope, labeled M/WBE Forms, Company’s Name &

Bud number

For questions and or additional information, please contact:

Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program

535 Telfair Street, Suite 530

Augusta, Georgia 30901

(706) 821-2406, mwbe@augustaga.gov

Website: https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise http://www.augustaga.gov/ http://www.augustaga.gov/ mailto:mwbe@augustaga.gov https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

SECTION I

INSTRUCTION TO PROPOSERS

Augusta, Georgia, is soliciting statement of proposals from qualified vendors to provide a public safety annual mental wellness & stabilization program for the Fire Department.

Your submittal should respond to and be based on the information included in this

Request for Qualification and Proposal.

Responses will be received in the office of the Director of Procurement at 535 Telfair

Street, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 until Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The

RFP must be submitted in a sealed package and labeled with firm’s name and the name of the project - RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental

Wellness & Stabilization Program for Fire Department. You are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original, one (1) electronic copy of your RFP.

RFP opening will held publicly and via TEAMS - Meeting ID: 240 410 042 352 127; Passcode:

V2nJ9zy7.

No RFP will be accepted by email; all bids must be received by mail or hand delivered.

If RFP is forwarded by mail or other second party delivery, the sealed envelope containing the submittal must be enclosed in an envelope addressed to:

Andy Penick, Procurement Director

Augusta Procurement Department

535 Telfair Street - Suite 605

All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All vendors responding are cautioned to read this RFP carefully for understanding and request clarification from Augusta, Georgia on any questions pertaining to this RFP. The

Proposer should examine all documents and requirements of the services requested to become fully informed. Failure to examine these areas will not relieve the successful

Proposer of its obligation to furnish all products and services necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract. After RFPs have been submitted, the vendor shall not assert that there was a misunderstanding concerning the quantities of work or of the nature of the work to be done.

Mandatory pre-qualification/proposal conference will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026

@ 11:00 a.m. in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605;

Augusta, GA 30901 and virtually via Teams; Meeting ID: 269 762 308 763 82; Passcode:

ML9gq7Hc.

All questions must be submitted in writing by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M. Issues and responses addressed in any other manner will not be considered valid or binding in consideration of proposals or any subsequent contract negotiations.

Augusta will respond to any Proposer's questions received in compliance with the above schedule. All relevant and significant questions that have been submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled, and answers will be posted by addendum and emailed

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program to Proposers. Failure to provide all of the requested information may cause the proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

Interested and qualified firm(s) and/or party(ies) are requested to make a response to accomplish the Scope of Services described herein. The response is to be signed by a duly authorized official of the firm and must be submitted in the time, manner, and form prescribed. For a proposal to be considered it must remain valid for at least 90 days after

RFPs have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful vendor.

If an award of contract is awarded as a result of this solicitation, the contract will be made on the basis of the response which best satisfies the intent of this RFP and other factors considered in the best interest of the Owner. Negotiations may be undertaken with the firm whose proposal shows them to be the most qualified, responsible, and capable of performing the work. In addition to cost, the Owner will consider professional qualifications and related experience to determine which proposal would be in the

Owner’s best interest if a contract were made.

Additionally, appropriate professional registration and significant prior experience in projects of similar scope are considered minimal qualifications.

The Owner reserves the right to consider proposals or modification thereof received at any time before the award is made, if such action is in the interest of the Owner.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received as the result of this

RFP. The Owner also maintains the right to negotiate with any firm, as necessary, to serve the best interests of the Owner. The Owner will not be liable for any costs incurred by any firm prior to the execution of a contract and approval by the Board of Commissioners.

Costs incurred in responding to the request for qualifications are the Proposer's alone and the Owner does not accept liability for any such costs.

Services must be provided by experienced personnel. Any subconsultants/contractors the proponent will be using to perform any part of the requested service shall be evaluated on the same criteria.

It is the responsibility of the Proposers to examine the entire RFP, seek clarification in writing, and review their qualifications for accuracy before submitting a response. Once the deadline has passed, all submittals will be final. The Owner reserves the right to ask for additional information from all parties that have submitted qualifications.

No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after proposal have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder. Selection shall not be based solely upon the fee proposal; however, the fee and maximum overhead proposals shall be a factor in the final selection. The Owner reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any or all proposals, re-solicit proposals (including a change in the method of project delivery), or terminate the project.

The Owner is not obligated to request clarifications or additional information but may do so at its discretion. The Owner reserves the right to extend the deadline for submittals.

Upon receipt of a proposal by the Owner, the proposal shall become the property of the

Owner without compensation to the Proposer, for disposition or usage by the Owner at its discretion. The details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award. See Trade Secret Affidavit (Page 9).

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

SECTION II

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Project Overview & Philosophy

Augusta, GA (the "City") is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive Annual Mental

Wellness Program. This initiative is a clinician-led, preventative model aimed at psychological stabilization and resilience for first responders.

The City recognizes that public safety personnel are exposed to high-frequency trauma. This program is designed to identify stress injuries early, similar to a physical

"preventative maintenance" schedule, to reduce long-term disability, burnout, and crisis-level events.

Target Departments

The program serves approximately 1,500 sworn and civilian personnel within:

• Augusta Fire Department

• Richmond County Sheriff’s Office

• Richmond County Marshal’s Office

• Richmond County E911 Communications

• Coroner’s Office

• Augusta Regional Airport Fire Department

• Animal Control

• Richmond County Correctional Institution

SECTION III

SCOPE OF SERVICE:

I. Clinical Service Requirements

A. The Annual Wellness Visit

Every eligible employee is required to attend one annual check-in. For the purposes of this contract, an "Eligible Employee" is defined as any individual currently employed by the City in a full-time or permanent part-time capacity.

• Non-Exclusion: Eligibility for services is based strictly on employment status and is not contingent upon the employee’s enrollment in the City’s sponsored health insurance plan.

• Verification: The contractor shall coordinate with the City Human Resources

Department to verify employment status if necessary, ensuring that no employee is turned away due to their choice of external or spousal insurance providers.

• Flexible Duration: Sessions must be available in 60-minute or 90-minute blocks to accommodate the varying complexity of an individual’s trauma history.

• Core Competencies: Clinicians must utilize evidence-based screening tools for

PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use (e.g., PCL-5, PHQ-9).

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

• Psychoeducation: Clinicians will provide active training on stress-management techniques, sleep hygiene, and recognizing the "biochemical" impacts of the job.

B. Stabilization Pathways

• Tiered Support: Based on the annual visit, the clinician will recommend a stabilization path.

• Session Cap: The City supports up to 10 outpatient sessions per year for stabilization.

• Crisis Referral: The Contractor must maintain a 24/7 referral bridge for any employee identified as being in immediate danger to themselves or others, ensuring a seamless transition to a higher level of care (Residential or IOP).

2. FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE & BILLING:

Insurance Integration (Anthem) - To maximize the Augusta's existing healthcare investment, it is recommended that the vendor be an in-network provider with Anthem –

Blue Cross Blue Shield (“Anthem”). If a vendor is not an in-network provider, they are encouraged to contact Anthem to become an in-network provider. If your company is not an in-network provided, please provide details on how your company will integrate with Anthem.

• Comprehensive Direct-Billing: The Contractor is responsible for direct-billing

Anthem for all visits (Mandatory Annual Visits and Voluntary Follow-up).

• Financial Transparency: The Contractor shall provide a clear "Explanation of

Benefits" (EOB) process to Augusta to track total spend without compromising individual privacy.

• No Out-of-Pocket for Mandatory Visits: The Contractor must work with Augusta to ensure that no employee is charged a co-pay for the mandatory portion of the program.

The contractor is authorized to bill an employee’s individual or secondary health insurance provider (e.g., spousal coverage, University-sponsored plans, or private policies) for services rendered. However, the following protections must apply:

• Coordination of Benefits: The contractor shall first attempt to bill the employee's designated insurance carrier.

• Zero Out-of-Pocket Guarantee: If the employee’s outside insurance requires a co-pay, carries a deductible, or denies the claim, the contractor shall not bill the employee for the annual visit.

• Administrative Support: The contractor is responsible for verifying coverage and managing all claims. The employee shall not be required to provide anything more than their basic policy information."

3. IMPLEMENTATION & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Implementation Timeline

A. The selected Contractor must adhere to the following schedule:

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

• Day 1–30: Discovery and "Cultural Immersion" (Meeting with Department Heads and Peer Support Teams).

• Day 31–60: Scheduling system launch and initial marketing to departments.

• Day 61+: Full execution of Annual Visits.

B. Provider Availability & Location

• Accessibility: The Contractor must offer flexible scheduling, including early morning and late evening hours, to accommodate 24/7 shift rotations.

• Environment: Clinical offices must be located in a neutral, off-site location to ensure privacy and reduce the stigma of being seen "at the department" for mental health support.

4. DATA MANAGEMENT & REPORTING:

A. Monthly Utilization Reports

The Contractor shall submit de-identified reports containing:

• Total visits completed by department.

• Percentage of the workforce categorized into each "Stabilization Tier."

• Average wait time for a follow-up appointment.

B. Year-End Impact Analysis

The Contractor will provide a formal year-end review that includes:

• Utilization Trends: Analysis of which departments are utilizing follow-up care most frequently.

• Clinical Trends: Aggregate data on the primary stressors identified (e.g., "70% of participants report sleep disturbance").

• Strategic Roadmap: Recommendations for Phase II, including the feasibility of expanding the model to general City/County employees.

5. Proposer Requirements & Qualifications

Bidders must include the following in their proposal:

• Proof of Anthem Status: Documentation confirming in-network status for all primary clinicians. If your company is not an in-network provided, please provide details on how your company will integrate with Anthem.

• Cultural Competency Statement: A summary of the firm’s experience with first responder "warrior culture" and the specific nuances of E911 dispatch stress.

• Staffing Plan: A list of Georgia-licensed clinicians (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or

Psychologist) dedicated to this contract.

• Technology: Description of the HIPAA-compliant scheduling and telehealth platform to be utilized.

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

6. Scope of Services to be Provided

Requested services are to include but not limited to the following items:

a. Describe how the annual wellness visits will be delivered to approximately 1,500 eligible employees?

b. Provide approach to provide the required clinician-led preventative wellness model and first responder culture?

c. Provide your approach to the scope of services to fully address all required program elements including the following:

• Annual wellness visits

• Evidence-based assessments

• Psychoeducation

• Stabilization pathways

• Crisis referral process

• Telehealth/in-person options

• Reporting requirements

• Implementation timeline

• Insurance billing requirements

d. Provide your approach to the proposed deliverables clearly identified, measurable, and achievable to include but no limited to the following:

• Annual wellness screenings

• Stabilization sessions

• Monthly utilization reports

• Year-end impact report

• Scheduling system

• Clinical documentation

• Performance metrics

e. Provide your approach to the demonstrate an effective methodology for managing program costs while maximizing insurance reimbursement and minimizing City expenditures?

• Anthem billing process - If your company is not an in-network provided, please provide details on how your company will integrate with Anthem.

• Coordination of Benefits

• Claims management

• No employee out-of-pocket costs

• Budget monitoring

• Financial reporting

SECTION IV

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

Responses should be submitted in the format outlined in this section. Augusta reserves the right to eliminate from further consideration any response that is deemed substantially or materially unresponsive to the requests for information contained in this section.

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Proposal Format and Contents - For ease of review and to facilitate evaluation, the

Proposals for this project should be organized and presented in the order requested as follows:

Cover Page:

Indicate the name of the firm and that the RFP is for the following:

PROPOSAL: "RFP 26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental

Wellness & Stabilization Program for the Fire Department"

Section I – Procurement Documents:

All documents required under the Augusta Procurement regulations and procedures, properly executed and notarized as required (Exhibit A and SAVE

Form). The notary seal shall be visible on the original and all copies.

Section II - Organizational Information:

Provide specific information concerning the firm in this section, including the legal name, address and telephone number of your company and the type of entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation and whether public or private). Include the name and telephone number of the person(s) in your company authorized to execute the proposed contract. If two or more firms are involved in a joint venture or association, the Proposal must clearly delineate the respective areas of authority and responsibility of each party. All parties signing the Agreement with the City must be individually liable for complying with the terms of the contract even when the areas of responsibility under the terms of the joint venture or association are limited. All proposals submitted by a joint venture must name the lead agency who will act on behalf of the collaborating businesses.

Section III – Proposer Requirement &Qualification:

Experience and approach to the Scope of Services included in Section (3) Three specifically item #5. Proposer Requirements & Qualifications and item #6 Scope of Services to be Provided. Also provide the details on the following items:

a. Detailed Scope of Services to be Provided

i. Proposed scope of services is appropriate for all phases of the work.

ii. Scope addresses all known project/service needs and appears achievable in the timeframes set forth in the project/service schedule.

b. Project Deliverables

i. Deliverables are appropriate to schedule and scope set forth in above requirements.

c. Cost Control and Budgeting Methodology

i. Proposer has a system or process for managing cost and budget.

ii. Evidence of successful budget management for a similar project/service.

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

Section IV - Financial Information:

Provide financial information in the form of audited or unaudited financial statements, income statements or balance sheets on Proponent’s current business and past business activities.

Provide financial information in the form that would allow proposal evaluators to ascertain the financial stability of the Proposer.

a. If a public company include a recap of the most recent audited financial report.

b. If a private company provide a recap of the most recent internal financial statement; and a letter on the financial institution’s letterhead, stating financial stability.

The financial requirements is part of the evaluation. Firms may mark the material confidential; however, it is required to be submitted with your proposal to receive points in the evaluation.

Section V - References:

Provide at least three (3) business references (businesses or individuals), including names, addresses, current telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Section VI - Additional Information:

Include any other information believed by Proponent to be pertinent but not required.

Section VII - Fee Proposal:

The fee proposal is to be submitted in a separately sealed envelope. Fee Proposal must be sealed and labeled on the outside of the package to clearly indicate that it is in response to RFP #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual

Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program.

RFP Item #26-907 Augusta Richmond County Public Safety Annual Mental Wellness & Stabilization Program

SECTION V

RESPONSE CONTENTS:

An official authorized to bind the offeror must sign all statements. Any document received after this time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the firm.

Firms that wish to join in a consortium must designate one firm as principal or lead firm.

Consortiums will be evaluated according to the same requirements as a single firm.

All proposals should be complete and carefully worded and must convey all information requested by Augusta. Firms shall outline the scope of work, elements and tasks therein and the means of execution.

1. You are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original, one (1) copy of fee proposal in a separately seals envelope and one (1) electronic copy on thumb drive of the RFP and fee proposal. The body of the proposal should not exceed

50 pages. The page minimum does not include Procurement Documents, cover letter, financial information, appendices and tabs. All Creative ideas may be submitted on the thumb drive but is not required.

2. Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of offeror’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFP.

3. If the proposal includes any information in addition to the specific information requested in the RFP, it should be included as an appendix to the proposal.

4. Each proposal will be evaluated utilizing the evaluation criteria listed in…