260334 RFR Residential Recovery Services.docx

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services

Address: 250 Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Contact Name: Ryan Naismith

Email: Ryan.H.Naismith@mass.gov

Request for Response (RFR)

Document Title: Residential Recovery Services

DPH RFR Document Number: BD-25-1031-BSAS0-BSA01-110996

COMMBUYS BID Number: 260334

January 2, 2025

Key RFR Information All Potential Bidder’s must read

COMMBUYS REGISTRATION

It is the responsibility of the prospective Bidder and awarded Contractor to maintain an active registration in COMMBUYS and to keep current the email address of the Bidder’s contact person and prospective contract manager, if awarded a contract, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from the Purchasing Department, including requests for clarification. The Purchasing Department and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s computer, network or internet service provider (ISP) cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Bidder/Awarded contractor and the Purchasing Department to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering. To register review the COMMBUYS Job Aide COMMBUYS Vendor Registration and/or go to www.COMMBUYS.com.

QUOTE SUBMISSION

This BID requires the submission of electronic quotes. All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission of their quotes by considering potential online impediments like Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. DPH is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for a Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission. Bids submitted via COMMBUYS are time stamped by the COMMBUYS system clock which is considered the official time of record.

If you plan to submit a quote to this RFR “No Bid” should not be checked anywhere in your quote in COMMBUYS. This includes on the General Screen and the Items tab. Checking No Bid sends your quote to a different location in COMMBUYS than the rest of the quotes for that Bid and you run the risk of the Department not receiving your response. The department will not guarantee that a bid received with a “No Bid” checked will be reviewed.

Section A: Procurement Overview

A1: Procurement Description or purpose

The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) seeks proposals from applicants across the state to provide Residential Rehabilitation Services (RRS) for adult individuals with substance use disorders. Eligible applicants must indicate in the RFR application that they either have a license with BSAS for this service or have the ability to achieve licensure, including site control, by the beginning of the contracting period. Priority will be given to 1) current licensed and funded programs that meet the licensure requirements specified below, 2) current licensed and nonfunded programs, and 3) vendors proposing new programs that may include start-up costs with a timeline for implementation.

The overarching goal of Residential Rehabilitation Services is to provide a recovery oriented, safe, and therapeutic environment that supports each resident’s independence, resilience, and recovery from substance use. Programs will use structure, individualized treatment planning, case management, and individual and group counseling in a residential milieu that supports self-reflection, skill building for independence and supports for transition back to the community.

Residential Rehabilitation Services, also known as Co-Occurring Capable services, provide an essential level of care (ASAM 3.1) for individuals requiring a 24-hour, structured environment utilizing evidenced-based treatment practices. COC programs provide treatment and supports for people who have an SUD, and many may also have a mental health diagnosis that can be treated and supported within this service setting through guidance, engagement in community-based MH counseling, medications, and peer recovery services.

These services differ from Co-Occurring Enhanced Residential Rehabilitation Services (COE RRS) with regards to programming, staffing, and space requirements that are appropriate for the treatment of individuals with a moderate to severe substance use and mental health disorder. Please respond to the COE RRS RFR if submitting a proposal for a BSAS contract to provide these services.

Returning Vendors must apply by March 7th at 4pm in order to prevent break in service.

A2: Program Background Information The Commonwealth continues to experience impacts of addiction, including the misuse of alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other substances. In Massachusetts, over 230,000 people have co-occurring disorders, but only 34% receive treatment for both Co-occurring Disorder Care in MA. Treatment for co-occurring disorders, helps people achieve and maintain long-term recovery. Access to treatment resources is a critical part of any effective response to address the epidemic of addiction in Massachusetts. BSAS strives to address the disproportionate overdose rates in underserved communities, including individuals with co-occurring conditions, BIPOC, women, pregnant and post-partum people, LGBTQIA+, and other specialized populations.

Section B: Procurement Information B1: Applicable Procurement Law

Executive Branch Goods and Services

B2: Whether Single or Multiple Contractors Are Required For Contract(s)

Check One (“X”):

B3: Calendar Rule Type

B4: Acquisition Method: Fee for Service:

B5: Use of a Procurement by a Single or Multiple Departments

· Identify additional Eligible Entities by name or type.

The Purchasing Department reserves the right to add or remove additional authorized users during the contract term.

B6: Expected Duration of Contract

B7: Anticipated Expenditures, Funding Or Compensation For Expected Duration

Dollar Amount

Estimated annualized procurement amount $50,000,000.00

Check One (“X”):

Notice concerning rates of payment – implementation of Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008: An Act Relative to Rates for Human and Social Service programs, provides that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the sole responsibility for established rates of payment for social service programs purchased by governmental units of the Executive Office. Contracted vendors will be reimbursed based on rates established by EOHHS regulation 101 CMR 346 and other applicable rate regulations as may be amended from time to time during the duration of the Contract. As a result of Chapter 257, during the life of the Contract, rates of payment and reimbursement structures may change.

Will Federal Funds be used to fund any part of Contract(s)?

*Additional information for contracts with Federal Dollars:

Sub-Recipient: Providers receiving federal grant funds will be considered sub-recipients for federal grant purposes and will be required to comply with applicable federal requirements, including but not limited to sub-recipient audit requirements under OMB Circular A-133.

Unique Entity Identifier: On April 4, 2022, the unique entity identifier used across the federal government changed from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID also known as UEI or SAMS number. Any entity that wants to apply for federal contracts or wants to receive federal funds must register with SAM. Entities that use SAM include for profit businesses, nonprofits, government contractors or subcontractors, as well as state and local governments.

Registering with SAM.gov is free and is required for your organization to receive federal funds. Your organization can submit an application to this RFR without being registered on SAM, however if awarded your organization will need to have an active SAM account prior to contract execution.

Unspent Funds: Any funds from Capital, Trust and/or Federal Accounts designated in the budget that are unspent in any fiscal year will not be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.

Start Up and Capital Budget

Any start-up or capital costs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the needs of the Bureau. Any costs deemed necessary will be negotiated between the purchasing Agency and the provider. Payment rates for start-up costs will be governed by 114.5 CMR 4.00 Rates for Certain Social, Rehabilitation, and Health Care Services or any successor regulation, and 808 CMR 1.00 Compliance, Reporting and Auditing for Human and Social Services. Any capital requests deemed necessary will be negotiated between the purchasing Agency and the provider and will be governed by 114.5 CMR 4.00 and any successor regulation, 808 CMR 1.00 and the Operational Services Division Purchase of Service (POS) Capital Items Procurement Policy. Start-up costs: DPH may authorize a Capital Budget if deemed necessary by DPH for contract start-up purposes. Any start-up costs associated with this procurement contract must be negotiated to the satisfaction of DPH. Priority will be given to programs that can demonstrate readiness to offer services to members within three (3) months.

Section C: Performance and Contract Specifications

C1: Eligibility

This RFR is for direct services under Office of the Comptroller’s object code classification MM3 or M03. To be considered eligible to apply for this RFR a bidder must be considered an organization. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Bidders will be required to have a current Residential Rehabilitation Services license in good standing with the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services; exceptions to this include start-up contracts for new RRS programs. Bidders should have an in-depth understanding of substance use disorders and have demonstrated experience providing comparable services.

Licensing/EHS Siting Approval:

A licensee with outstanding deficiency correction orders (DCOs) may be considered in good standing if there is no history of repeat unresolved DCOs and/or the deficiencies are not a threat to the health and safety of residents.

To receive and maintain an RRS license, programs must be in compliance with the following DPH Regulations found in 105 CMR 164.000 (Licensure of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs):

· Part 1 – 105 CMR 164.001 – 164.087 Applicable to All Licensees

· Part 2 – 105 CMR 164.400 – 164.424 Applicable to Residential Rehabilitation Licensees

· Special Populations – Providers intending to serve special populations as outlined in the DPH Regulations (pregnant women, persons with co-occurring disorders, elders, or persons with disabilities) must be in compliance with 105 CMR 164.082 Special Populations.

· Link to DPH/BSAS online: www.mass.gov/dph/bsas Link to a PDF file of Licensing information: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/regs/105cmr164.pdf Specialized RRS for Pregnant and Post-partum Women and Their Infants: Providers submitting proposals aimed at serving pregnant and post-partum women must be in compliance with 105 CMR 164.059 Child Safety, and 105 CMR 460 Lead Poisoning and Prevention Control Regulations.

C1a: Provider Qualification Requirements

To be considered eligible and prior to entering into a contract with DPH a bidder must demonstrate that it meets minimum administrative and fiscal standards established through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) provider qualification policy. Your provider qualification status will be considered in making award decisions.

Provider qualification is the process used to evaluate a provider’s administrative and financial condition. The main objectives of the provider qualification process are to determine whether the provider has (a) the capabilities to comply with the numerous federal and state administrative requirements that surround the expenditures of public funds and (b) sufficient fiscal and administrative capacity to fulfill its contractual obligations.

· New Providers of Purchased Human and Social Services to Clients Bidders who do not have current contracts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide human and social services for clients must submit completed provider qualification application materials as part of the response to this RFR. The Contracting Qualification Forms and instructions can be found in the Provider Qualification Folder (QUALIFICATION) in the attachments section of COMMBUYS for this RFR.

· Current Providers of Purchased Human and Social Services to Clients Bidders with current human and social services contracts (MM3/M03 contracts) must have filed their Uniform Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report (UFR) with the Operational Services Division via the internet using the UFR eFiling application for the most recently completed fiscal year before a contract can be executed and services may begin unless considered exempt from filing. Other contractor qualification/risk management reporting requirements and non-filing consequences promulgated by Secretariats or Departments pursuant to 808 CMR 1.04(3) may also apply. If you have questions about your UFR contact the UFR Help Desk at ufrefilehelp@mass.gov.

C2: Scope of Services

Residential Rehabilitation Models: The Therapeutic Community, Recovery Home, and Social Model Home are three models of Residential Rehabilitation Services (RRS) that are each subject to the BSAS licensing and Standards of Care. They are different philosophies of treatment with the same objective of helping the resident move from addiction to recovery and then back to the community. The services described in this RFR apply to the following models, as defined in the BSAS regulations:

· Therapeutic Community

· Recovery Home

· Social Model Recovery Home In choosing and operating as one of the three identified models, providers agree to adhere to the regulatory and contractual standards set forth by BSAS and other payers. RRS providers will select a model but may apply an eclectic approach that utilizes a multi-model strategy. RRS providers may specify serving men or women, however all programs will provide capacity and competency to serve individuals who identify as transgender and gender expansive.

Specialized Services within RRS:

Specialized RRS for Pregnant and Postpartum People and their Infants: BSAS continues to build capacity within the RRS system for individuals who are pregnant, postpartum and parenting to address concerns related to the increase in maternal mortality rates due to overdose in the general population and especially in the BIPOC communities. In Massachusetts, pregnant and postpartum individuals are priority populations that are required to receive immediate access to treatment services as soon as a bed becomes available.

Pregnancy is a time of opportunity for many birthing people. Providing these services includes support for medical, parenting, and community linkage needs. Staff are trained to support the pregnant person and the parent/infant dyad through parenting supports and implementation of the Family Care Plan, a required plan for any infant born with prenatal substance exposure. Providers will work with DCF when families are involved. They will work closely with the BSAS statewide vendor for efficient treatment access for women and families. Vendors approved to provide this specialized service will be authorized to bill enhanced payment rates for both pregnant persons and postpartum persons. Applicants must specify that they are applying to serve pregnant people only, or both pregnant and postpartum parent and infant. All applicants seeking to provide this specialized service must complete the general application for RRS, as well as respond to additional requirements outlined for this specialized residential service.

Other Specialty Populations: Although providers are expected to have the capacity to serve a range of priority populations, vendors may propose to serve a specific population in a more targeted way. Examples include people who have experienced intimate partner violence, people who have used violence in relationships, people who have interfaced with the legal system, people who are exiting trafficking or sex work, or persons who identify as LGBTQIA+. If vendors choose to provide gender-based services, they must ensure that those who identify as genderfluid, including non-binary and transgender individuals, are welcomed and provided appropriate services.

RRS Linkages to Continuum of Care: All RRS programs are closely connected with a range of community-based providers that support residents in meeting their individualized treatment needs. Many of these supports can help the resident transition from RRS to the community. As appropriate, each program will connect residents with community-based services that enhance recovery and goals for independence. These may include:

· Primary health care;

· Mental health counseling and prescriber services;

· Housing, employment, and budgeting resources;

· Healthy lifestyle activities, such as exercise, meditation, and spiritual activities;

· Recovery coaching, local recovery support centers, and other peer-based recovery services;

· Harm reduction services;

· Sexual health and family planning services;

· Sexual and domestic violence resources;

· Outpatient individual, group, or family counseling as needed;

· Parenting and family resources.

Persons Utilizing Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT): BSAS strives to reduce barriers for individuals treating this substance use disorders with medication, including opioid, stimulant, and alcohol use disorders. COC RRS providers must serve residents receiving MAT, which includes establishing collaborative agreements that include 42 CFR Part 2 compliant protocols for information sharing, dosing, medical management, and counseling services with MAT providers/programs to integrate care for residents. BSAS licensure requires programs to have current Qualified Service Organization Agreements with an MAT provider, including but not limited to an Opioid Treatment Program, Office Based Addiction Treatment, Office Based Opioid Treatment, and/or a primary care site. Refer to regulations for further details.

BSAS Standards of Care: BSAS will require compliance with all BSAS Standards of Care and will pay particular attention to compliance with the following:

· Engaging and Serving Persons with Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders;

· Trauma-Informed Services;

· Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction practices;

· Access and Referral to Infectious Disease Testing;

· Medication for Addiction Treatment; and

· Medication Monitoring.

Service Elements for RRS Programs Throughout all service elements, providers must ensure that consent for disclosure is properly executed following 42CFR requirements to allow for communication, coordination, and collaboration. Providers must honor requests for communication when appropriate consents are signed and delivered to the program.

A. Admissions: Admission to RRS programs for all residents will be based on absence of acute withdrawal symptoms, behavioral appropriateness for the program, and in accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria B. Assessment: Vendors must utilize evidence-based assessment tools for assessing substance use disorders (SUD) and for ASAM level of care, which must be approved by BSAS. Vendors must perform their own assessment and must not require completion of another service setting before admission, unless an individualized assessment indicates the need. Additionally, vendors must comply with all regulatory requirements for appropriate assessment.

C. Individualized Treatment/Service Plan: Co-Occurring Capable programs are expected to serve individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in accordance with ASAM. Providers of Recovery Homes and Therapeutic Communities must complete an individualized recovery treatment plan in collaboration with the resident. Providers of Social Model Recovery Homes must ensure that residents and case managers work collaboratively to develop and implement individualized recovery service plans. Additionally, vendors must comply with all regulatory requirements for appropriate individualized treatment planning.

D. Case Management Services: Providers must demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively with multiple systems, including substance use disorder treatment providers, primary health care including access to infectious disease testing, community-based support services, housing search services, supportive housing service providers, sexual and domestic violence services, harm reduction services, mental health service providers, other relevant human services, Department of Children and Families, and various aspects of the criminal justice system, as appropriate.

E. Daily Programming: Providers will establish program activities for seven days a week, which are designed to facilitate resident participation in community interaction and to promote resident recovery, and ensure clinical services are accessible as indicated. Providers will develop daily and weekly schedules that ensure opportunities for residents to participate in groups which include accommodating disabilities and scheduling for working residents. Providers will ensure that staff is able to prepare for groups, including creating curricula and post-group follow up as needed. Providers will also ensure that staff are available and will regularly communicate with residents outside of scheduled sessions to monitor status and progress.

a. Individual and Group Services

i. Programs will provide individual and group services using methods shown to be effective with the population served, and which are adapted, as needed, to accommodate individual residents. These activities must include a minimum of five hours of clinical programming, individual, and/or group treatment sessions per week offered through the program. Topics for clinical and psychoeducational groups delivered in the program can include, but are not limited to, the following: skills for maintaining recovery, return to use planning, overdose prevention, harm reduction, recovery maintenance counseling and education, MAT/MOUD, emotional health skills, family relationship building, tobacco cessation, and communicable disease prevention.

b. Developing Life Skills

i. Guidance and mentoring in the provision of healthy self-care;

ii. Provision of guidance and direction to residents in their orientation and adjustment to the house and the community;

iii. Articulated processes for conflict resolution by providing guidance in acceptable group behavior, written grievance policies, and milieu management;

iv. Practical skills, including financial management, medication management, employment, access to education, and housing search;

v. Reintegration into community and chosen family; and

vi. Wellness and recreation activities.

c. Community Integration

i. Opportunities for resident participation in a range of self-help groups on-site or appropriately coordinated in the community;

ii. Facilitating a morning meeting, a minimum of five days of the week;

iii. Convening a minimum of one communal meal per day;

iv. Building recovery community, including through the use of Peer Recovery Support Centers and recovery coaching;

v. Convening a minimum of one house meeting per week to review house functioning from staff and resident perspectives; and

vi. Opportunities for residents to access employment and/or volunteer services.

F. Return to Use Response: Programs will reassess treatment needs and create a Treatment Intervention Plan, in conjunction with the resident, should a resident return to use. Treatment Intervention Plans will maximize resources, including harm reduction strategies, enhancements to current treatment plan, higher level treatment referrals as needed to support sustained sobriety, wellness, and continuity of care. Bed retention policy may be implemented to support care.

G. Safety Plan: Programs will create a safety plan including harm reduction resources for a patient at admission and discharge that can be drawn upon by the patient if they return to use. This will include at a minimum their local Syringe Service Provider (SSP) information, access to naloxone and test strips, names, and contact information for supportive individuals, and caregiver planning if applicable. This Safety Plan should include suicide risk assessment and plan if needed.

H. Aftercare Plan: Providers must ensure that residents and staff collaborate to identify actions to be taken and resources for the resident’s aftercare goals, including harm reduction and recovery services. The aftercare plan must be developed in conjunction with the Individualized Treatment/Service Plan and updated throughout treatment.

Aftercare plans will document all referrals, and appointments post discharge, including but not limited to:

· Individual, group, and/or family outpatient aftercare as appropriate;

· Medical appointment follow-up;

· Recovery support services, including recovery coaching and peer recovery support centers;

· Vocational and educational opportunities;

· Resources to support access to social benefit programs designed to meet specific resident needs;

· Specific strategies used to follow-up with the resident after discharge;

*Contractually, programs are not required to provide treatment services post discharge, as part of the COC RRS RFR; and

· Discharge to a safe and supportive environment, regardless of discharge reason.

Residents and staff will work collaboratively to ensure recovery maintenance strategies are in place, and referrals to services have met intended goals identified in the Individualized Treatment/Service Plan.

I. Medication Management: Programs are expected to safely store and monitor medications, as well as observe residents taking medication as prescribed. Programs will follow all regulatory requirements specific to medication management. Providers will be required to complete a Medication Management Plan and may be advised to seek additional assistance and support from external resources, if requested by the program and/or deemed necessary by BSAS. Programs will include the following in their medication management plan:

a. The provider has documented policies and procedures in place to allow for the safe and appropriate self-administration of medication(s) by residents.

b. The provider ensures that each resident has access to medications prescribed for physical and behavioral health conditions and documents this in the resident’s chart.

c. The provider ensures that the following medication management activities are completed for each member upon admission:

i. Developing a list of current medications, i.e., those the resident was prescribed prior to admission to the RRS and verifies with prescriber(s);

ii. Making clinical decisions in coordination with medication protocols and the resident's primary care clinician (PCC) or other prescribers;

iii. Coordinating with providers to ensure residents have access to medications that they are prescribed and update records when changes in medication are made;

iv. Proper disposal of medications and documentation of this process;

v. Transportation and repackaging of medications, as necessary;

vi. Overseeing medication passes; and

vii. Reviewing the list of medications with the resident and with appropriate caregivers, the resident's PCC, and other treatment providers, with appropriate consent to release information. All activities are documented in the resident's health record.

d. The provider uses medication specialist staff (MMS) to keep records of residents' medications and oversee medication management. Providers are required to have a minimum of 2 FTE medication specialists, prorating upwards for larger programs. Medication management coverage is required 24 hours daily, where additional staff will be cross trained in MMS duties and responsibilities.

Each program will have a Medication Specialist Supervisor, where an existing staff member in a supervisory role, who is trained in the duties and responsibilities of a medication specialist, is providing this service.

Service components pertaining to Specialized RRS for Pregnant and Postpartum People and Their Infants up to one year postpartum:

· BSAS recommends specialized and trained staff for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Staff will have training to support the needs of the pregnant/postpartum person in early recovery and their infant who may be affected by prenatal substance exposure. Programs that offer this specialized service will be eligible and encouraged to receive training and TA from the BSAS training vendor for Gender Responsive Services and Parenting Supports;

· Ensure assessment and referral as needed for OB-GYN prenatal and/or postpartum care;

· Ensure pediatric care is engaged for infant;

· Ensure emergency hospital backup for obstetric and gynecological services;

· Ensure primary health and mental health services for the birthing person including pregnancy prevention planning and nutritional needs;

· Ensure support for transportation to medical appointments during and after pregnancy as needed;

· Coordinate services with MAT and medical provider including regular communication regarding birth plan, and potential dose adjustments during the perinatal period;

· Support to develop and implement the Family Care Plan, formerly known as the Plan of Safe Care, and additional documentation that the birthing parent will bring to the hospital. Support for pre-birth hospital tour and other appointments prior to birth event including care coordination planning meetings with key providers. May include referrals to Moms Do Care or FIRST Steps Together programs;

· Connection to resources such as the Journey Recovery Project website. Referral for parent/child relational and developmental groups and other community-based resources;

· Support for balancing self-care and recovery needs while adjusting to new parenting role; Resident treatment plans address parenting support, , dyadic support, early intervention, child development education, and program provides care coordination around these needs;

· Ensure access to infectious disease counseling and testing;

· Assistance in accessing WIC and other nutritional programs;

· Staff supports dyadic bonding, infant feeding decisions with information about the benefits of breastfeeding and safe sleep protocol;

· An individualized resident aftercare plan which includes an assessment of family/peer supports, referrals to family transitional/permanent living opportunities, childcare services, vocational and educational rehabilitation services, primary health, and mental health services (including pediatric care and specialized pediatric care as indicated), support services for survivors of domestic violence, safety plan, and other social services as needed.

Staffing Requirements for Each Program

A. Positions and Staffing Pattern: All required positions and staffing pattern expectations can be found within the BSAS Regulations and COC RRS Staffing Grid. Required positions include, but not limited to:

· The program is staffed with an onsite, full-time Program Director.

· The program is staffed with an onsite, full-time Clinical Supervisor, prorating upwards for larger programs.

· The program is staffed with one onsite Counselor or Case Manager, trained in addiction and mental health treatment, for every nine licensed beds.

· The program is staffed with two onsite, full-time Medication Specialists, prorating upwards for larger programs.

A variety of RRS staffing patterns are acceptable within the following parameters:

· The staffing pattern will include at least two FTE direct care staff present on each shift, which shall be adjusted upward to address resident acuity and programmatic need. Direct care staff include the Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, Counselors/Case Managers, Medication Specialists, and Recovery Specialists.

· There will be at least one recovery specialist and at least one full-time counselor or case manager present on each day and evening shift.

· There will be at least two recovery specialists present for each overnight shift.

· Awake overnight staff are required on 3rd shift.

· Refer to BSAS Regulations for additional staffing requirements.

B. Training and Supervision: Programs are required to provide ongoing staff supervision and training. A written plan for supervision will specify the frequency and goals of supervision for all staff within the program. Refer to BSAS Regulations for supervision and documentation requirements.

Medication Specialists will receive supervision from dedicated staff, identified as being in a supervisory position, and knowledgeable in the duties and responsibilities of the Medication Specialist role.

Staff will be knowledge about the principles and practices of harm reduction including overdose prevention and safety planning.

The Licensed or Approved Provider shall have a written plan for supervision sufficient to meet the needs of staff, patients and residents which shall specify the frequency and goals of supervision for all staff, and which shall provide that all direct care staff requiring clinical supervision receive clinical supervision from appropriately licensed staff qualified to deliver supervision, and that supervision is documented. Part-time employees, including temporary staff are required to receive regular supervision.

Programs will provide, over the course of a year, monthly scheduled in-service training sessions, giving all staff the opportunity to participate. In addition, trainings will be available to increase knowledge and skills within the RRS environment, resulting in increased capacity for priority and under-served populations (e.g. trainings on cultural competence, working with persons utilizing medication for addiction treatment, working with persons having mental health and co-occurring disorders). Providers must comply with all regulatory expectations for maintaining in-service training records.

All programs will designate existing staff members to the positions of Access Coordinator, Tobacco Education Coordinator, PAC-Net (HIV/HCV/AIDS) Coordinator, and CLAS Coordinator. Coordinators may be required to attend new role orientation, regularly scheduled meetings, ongoing training opportunities, as well as complete program self-assessments, and train other direct care staff within the program in these areas. TEC and PAC-Net designees will facilitate wellness groups and provide educational resources to residents, as it pertains to their role.

C2a: DPH Racial and Health Equity Commitment

DPH is committed to improving health outcomes for all Commonwealth residents while eliminating the marginalization and health inequities that disproportionately threaten of the ability for communities of color to reach their full potential of health. Applicants will be expected to design activities through a racial equity lens incorporating the principles for Racial Equity developed by DPH. (See Principles for Promoting Racial Equity in Attachments for this RFR on COMMBUYS). Applicants will also we expected to describe how the current or planned operations of their organization support racial equity. Each prospective applicant should demonstrate how they will incorporate racial equity into their service design. The social marginalization and inequities that racism cultivates in housing, education, employment, the built and social environments, and health care are felt across generations, most acutely in communities of color. DPH reviewers will be required to consider an applicant’s ability to reflect on racial equity and how it is incorporated into the agency operations and program design as they score proposals.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) can be used as an additional tool to help achieve Health and Racial Equity. The National CLAS standards[footnoteRef:2] incorporate several principles, including but not limited to (1) collecting and analyzing data to better understand structural root causes of racial inequities; (2) building community partnerships to engage those who are most impacted in planning, implementing and evaluating programs; (3) fostering cultural competence to ensure staff understand and reflect the community served; and (4) ensuring language access services to increase quality of services to all communities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to provide culturally and linguistically competent services, including the ability to provide services to individuals whose primary language is not English, to individuals with disabilities especially the deaf and hard of hearing, to veterans, and to individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. For further guidance visit www.mass.gov/dph/healthequity including The Making CLAS Happen Manual, a user’s guide to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services in a variety of public health settings and the CLAS standards at https://www.mass.gov/lists/making-clas-happen-six-areas-for-action. [2: Adapted from National CLAS Standards and racial equity data roadmap

C2b: Supplier Diversity Program (SDP)

Pursuant to Executive Order 599, the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) promotes business-to-business relationships between awarded Vendors, including health and human service providers, and diverse businesses and non-profit organizations (“SDP Partners”) certified or recognized by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).

All Bidders responding to this solicitation are required to make a significant annual financial commitment (“SDP Commitment”) to partnering with one or more SDO-certified or recognized diverse business enterprise(s) or non-profit organization(s). Providers that are issued a contract from this procurement (Bid) will be required to submit an annual “Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Form for Purchase of Service (POS)” with their Uniform Financial Report (UFR) through the Operational Services Division’s (OSD) eFiling site.

No contract shall be awarded to a Provider without an SDP Commitment that meets the requirements. This requirement extends to all Providers regardless of their own supplier diversity certification.

SDP Program Resources and Assistance: Additional information about the SDP policy can be found in the Attachments section of this RFR on COMMBUYS. Bidders seeking assistance in the development of their SDP Plans or identification of potential SDP Partners may visit the SDP webpage, www.mass.gov/sdp, or contact the SDP Help Desk at sdp@mass.gov.

C3: Performance Requirements and Contract Monitoring Contract Monitoring:

· Programs agree to provide BSAS with all required monthly and annual reports, admission and discharge data, billing data, and any performance measure information requested.

· Programs will participate in BSAS site visits in order to conduct program licensing, monitoring, and/or evaluation, and will be expected to effectively and timely respond to Deficiency Corrective Orders (DCO) and/or Corrective Action Plans (CAP) as required.

· Programs agree to submit annual reports as requested by BSAS.

· Programs will participate in BSAS initiatives to improve consumer satisfaction, as well as periodically conduct consumer satisfaction surveys, collect consumer satisfaction data, and describe how this information will be used for program planning and quality improvement.

· Programs will assign a staff to hold the role of PAC-NET Coordinator. PAC-NET Coordinators are responsible for attending required meetings and trainings, as well as supporting program implementation of infectious disease intervention and prevention strategies and education.

· Programs will assign a staff to hold the role of Tobacco Education Coordinator. Tobacco Education Coordinators are responsible for attending required meetings and trainings, as well as supporting implementation of nicotine and tobacco reduction strategies and education.

· Programs will assign a staff to hold the role of CLAS Coordinator. Programs are required to conduct a CLAS assessment a minimum of once a year and work with their contract managers for implementation.

· Residential programs will adhere to BSAS Standards of Care guidance documents and all additional policies and protocols as released.

· Programs will monitor their waitlist, utilizing strategies and initiatives, and agree to partner and work with BSAS for a coordinated waitlist management system.

Performance Requirements: Residential Recovery Service programs are expected to implement strategies to achieve the following results:

· Increase in MAT/MOUD induction and continuation;

· Decrease in readmission in ED and inpatient admissions (higher service setting);

· Increase in referrals and transitions to lower service settings and safe recovery environments;

· Increase in program’s capacity to admit and treat individuals with co-occurring conditions; and

· Increase in program’s capacity to adequately serve BIPOC and other priority populations.

C4: Contract Invoicing Select at least one of the following types of contracts:

· DPH billing procedures through the EIM/ESM system require that contracted providers submit an invoice, on a monthly basis, for all services provided in the previous month.

· DPH requires that this invoice be authorized in EIM-ESM no later than the 14th day of the month, following service delivery. This includes a zero invoice if no services were provided.

· The only exceptions will be when the Bureau has been previously notified of extenuating circumstances and the request has been approved by the bureau contract manager. If corrections need to be made to previously submitted invoices, supplemental invoices must be submitted for the month in which the billing was originally submitted.

· All offsets must be reported for each UFR on the Invoice.

· Refer to the Provider Billing Booklet Reimbursement Policies and Billing in EIM at for detailed invoicing requirements.

1. Providers using the EIM-ESM manual billing process are required to submit a Service Delivery Report (SDR), on a monthly basis, for all services provided in the previous month.

· DPH requires that this SDR be authorized in EIM-ESM no later than the 14th day of the month, following service delivery. This includes a zero invoice if no services were provided.

· DPH requires that all services delivered to clients and paid by a third party be reported on the SDR as fully offset.

· Providers using the HIPAA electronic billing process are required to submit an all claims for the services provided in the previous month no later than the 14th day of the month, following service delivery.

· DPH requires that all delivered services paid by a third party be reported on an 837 HIPAA “encounter”.

· Program service delivery is paid through accommodation rates that are monthly rates developed to cover core services.

· Reports may be required for generation of payment.

Payment through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is required for any contract awarded through this solicitation. If awarded a contract bidders not already enrolled will be required to sign up for EFT as a contract requirement by completing the Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer Form. Additional information will be sent at the time of contract.

Section D: RFR Evaluation

D1: Evaluation Criteria All proposals will be scored on the following criteria, with priority given in the following order:

· BSAS-licensed programs, currently contracted with BSAS

· BSAS-licensed programs, not currently contracted with BSAS

· Newly proposed COC RRS programs Areas of review for proposals will include:

· Provider Qualification Status

· Alignment of agency’s mission with the proposed program’s goals

· SDP commitment

· Demonstration of adherence to racial health equity

· Identification of an approved treatment model, with consideration for priority populations

· Acknowledgment of program type, and population served

· Commitment to community and local coalitions

· Internal and external collaboration, and established partnerships and QSOAs with other providers

· Adherence to CLAS standards

· Weekly schedule of groups and activities meet all BSAS regulatory and contractual standards

· Staffing meets all BSAS regulatory and contractual standards

· Establishing a Med Mgmt. Plan, and recruiting, training, and supervising Med Specialist staff

· Adherence to ASAM standards and EBPs

· Identified referral sources and strategies for intake/enrollment

· Identified referral sources and strategies for aftercare planning

· Demonstrated understanding of harm reduction principles and practices, and return to use strategies

· Identified strategies for the assessment and treatment of co-occurring disorders

· MAT and MOUD education and referral sources

· QI strategies and incorporating consumer feedback

D2: Review Process

Proposals will undergo multiple levels of review described below based on the evaluation criteria:

· Technical Review: The quality of the response to each question in the narrative is evaluated by a team of objective reviewers who score each question according to criteria related to that question. Reviewers are instructed to evaluate each question for content, comprehensiveness, and clarity of each answer.

· Second Level Review: During the second level of review, factors such as an applicant’s past performance, billing, license status, agency demographics, need, resources available, and other criteria are considered and scored. These criteria may vary depending upon the service being procured.

Based on all review scores, recommendations will be made to the Commissioner, who makes the final funding determination.

Section E: Estimated Procurement Calendar

RFR Release Date

Deadline for Submission of RFR Q&A.1

Ryan.H.Naismith@mass.gov

Deadline for Submission of Responses Also known as the BID Opening Date in COMMBUYS

Anticipated Contract Start Date

7/1/2025

1All Questions must be received in writing. Questions can be sent by email no later than the date and time indicated in the Procurement Calendar. All questions should be sent to the email listed in the calendar and should include the RFR title and number in the subject of the email. All Questions with answers will be posted on the COMMBUYS Attachment section for this procurement.

Section F: Instructions for Submission of Responses

F1: Bidder Response Requirements

Potential bidder’s should refer to the Application Response Form found in the Attachments to this RFR on COMMBUYS for required questions to be completed as part of this RFR.

F2: Multiple Quotes

DPH will allow a bidder to upload more than one quote in response to this RFR

Multiple Quotes will be accepted:

F3: COMMBUYS Submission Instructions

All responses are to be submitted electronically using the online submission tools available to bidders registered in COMMBUYS. There is no charge to register in COMMBUYS To Register go to www.COMMBUYS.com and click on the “Register” link on the front page. The COMMBUYS Vendor Registration Job Aide is also available.

All Quotes must be received by the Department of Public Health before the specified date, month, year and time of the Bid Opening Date displayed on COMMBUYS. Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as applicable.

All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission by considering potential online submission impediments like Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. DPH is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for a Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission. Bids submitted via COMMBUYS are time stamped by the COMMBUYS system clock which is considered the official time of record.

Bidders are encouraged to upload attachments well in advance of the Bid Opening Date. This will help to reduce disqualified submissions that can occur if upload is not fully completed or if an attachment is missing at the deadline. Prior to the Bid Opening Date listed in the Procurement Calendar above, documents can easily be deleted and revised versions can be uploaded. If you wish to revise or delete a quote after submission, you may do so prior to the bid opening date.