6-MHRC RFP Final.docx

Ventura County Behavioral Health Lewis Road MHRC

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) RFP

ISSUED: April 6, 2026 DUE: May 7, 2026

1911 Williams Drive, Suite 200 • Oxnard, CA 93036

RFP TABLE OF CONTENT

RFP INTRODUCTION

Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) is soliciting proposals from qualified providers to deliver high-quality behavioral health services that support the County Behavioral Health Plan and meet state and federal Medi-Cal requirements. This RFP seeks contractors capable of delivering evidence-based, culturally responsive, person-centered services in alignment with VCBH’s clinical, quality, data, and equity standards Program Purpose Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a division of the County of Ventura Health Care Agency, is seeking written proposals from qualified providers with experience in providing evidence-based, recovery-oriented, mental health services and treatment in a secure, residential mental health rehabilitation setting. Qualified applicants should be prepared to partner with VCBH in the design/development, licensure/certification, and operation of the thirty-eight (38) bed, locked Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) treating conserved adults (18 years and older) with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders.

Timeline (Subject to Change)

Intent to Bid Each bidder is responsible for indicating their intent to bid through the Ventura County Bonfire system at https://ventura.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/230328. To be able to submit a proposal, your organization must indicate its intent to bid. Any RFP addenda, Questions and Answers, or updated information will be made available through the Bonfire system.

Bidder RFP Questions All questions related to this RFP may be directed to the assigned VCBH Contracts Administrator, through the Message section of the Bonfire system at https://ventura.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/230328. The VCBH Contracts Administrator facilitating this RFP is the only individual authorized to answer questions related to this RFP.

Bidder Bonfire Technical Support Any technical questions or issues related to the use of the Bonfire system may be sent to support@gobonfire.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Background and Need The Lewis Road MHRC is part of the mental health campus on Lewis Road in Camarillo which includes Hillmont House, an unlocked MHRC; Casa de Esperanza, a Social Rehabilitation Facility; Growing Works, a nonprofit native plant nursery that operates as workplace rehabilitation program; and Villa Calleguas and Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments, two supportive housing programs. The Lewis Road MHRC is the highest level of care to join the existing programs on the mental health campus and is a critical part of VCBH's continuum of care.

In 2025, Hillmont Psychiatric Center had 759 psychiatric inpatient admissions. An estimated five percent (5%) of those clients, by virtue of the serious nature of their mental illnesses, significant functional impairment, and refusal to accept their need for ongoing psychiatric treatment, were placed on conservatorship where they became a part of Public Guardian (PG) caseload of more than 275 conserved clients. Placement in a locked setting was determined to be the least restrictive environment for more than 120 of these PG clients. Given Ventura County’s current in-county capacity to treat just 16 clients at this level of care, more than 100 of these clients had to be treated in locked placements in other counties. Access to the short supply of in-county MHRC beds is competitive, which commonly causes delays in discharge from hospitals. In addition to achieving more expedient discharges, VCBH endeavors to address the needs of its clients by providing services within Ventura County, and being in Camarillo, the Lewis Road MHRC allows for closer proximity to family and significant other supports and community integration.

Nomenclatures The terms Bidder, Vendor, or Proposer may be used interchangeably in this RFP to designate an organization interested in responding to this RFP. The terms RFP, RFP Solicitation, or Solicitation refer to all proposal documents and related addenda produced by VCBH and provided to prospective Bidders. The terms Successful Proposer, Successful Contractor, and Contractor may be used interchangeably in this RFP and shall refer exclusively to the organization with whom VCBH enters into a contract because of this RFP.

Program-specific Terms

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING

Activities of daily living (ADLs) refer to core components of self-care (i.e., bathing/grooming, dressing, eating, and toileting) and instrumental activities (i.e., medication management, managing finances, shopping, housekeeping, communication, and transportation).

CARE COORDINATION

Care Coordination refers to close collaboration and management around client needs involving multiple service providers/systems to ensure continuity of care across mental health treatment, substance use treatment, medical care, housing, and social services. The goals being to reduce service fragmentation and support client stability and recovery.

CONSERVATORSHIP

Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorship provides for involuntary psychiatric treatment (both medication and placement) under the Welfare and Institutions Code 5350. Regular conservatorship is established on the grounds of “grave disability” (i.e., the inability to provide for one’s own food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, and/or necessary medical care). Murphy conservatorship arises when defendants facing serious charges are found incompetent to stand trial, are unrestorable, and pose a substantial danger to others.

CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS AND TREATMENT

Co-Occurring Disorders refers to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in a client. The treatment of co-occurring disorders should be evidenced-based and include an integrated, recovery-oriented approach that supports both conditions concurrently. It should employ harm reduction, stage-wise interventions (i.e., readiness for change), motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy when appropriate, relapse prevention, and eventual linkage to appropriate community-based treatment/support (e.g., 12 step facilitation).

CRISIS PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION/DE-ESCALATION

Crisis refers to an acute escalation in psychiatric symptoms, emotional distress, or behavioral dysregulation that significantly impairs a client’s ability to function safely and may pose a risk of harm to the client or others. Crises may rise from severe mood or psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, behavioral instability, or acute substance-related impairment. Crisis Prevention and Intervention/De-Escalation should be evidenced-based and include attention to immediate safety and security and a timely/rapid response that is person-centered and trauma-informed. It should also employ proactive strategies and interventions designed to identify early warning signs of distress, implement coping and support measures, and reduce the likelihood of escalation to emergency department use or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

DISCHARGE PLANNING

Discharge Planning is expected to be a continuous, collaborative process that begins at admission and involves identifying post-program housing, support, services, and follow-up care necessary to maintain psychiatric stability and community functioning following program completion.

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES

Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) are interventions, treatment approaches, and service models that have been empirically validated through research and demonstrated effectiveness for individuals with serious mental illness. EBPs should be implemented with fidelity while being adapted, as appropriate, to meet clients’ clinical, cultural, and functional needs.

LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) refers to a setting that ensures clients have the greatest degree of independence and access to the community in relationship to the current state of their wellness and recovery. Considerations include the nature and extent of their psychiatric and substance-related symptoms and their levels of insight and judgement.

LEGAL DUE PROCESS

Conservatorship automatically expires after one year but can be renewed if there is sufficient evidence to prove the underlying grounds persist (i.e., grave disability and danger to others). Clients also retain the right under Welfare and Institutions Code 5350 to files writs challenging both the basis of their conservatorship and their placement (ensuring they are in the least restrictive environment). The clients’ treatment provider is commonly called upon to evaluate the basis for conservatorship and provide both written evaluations and testimony.

MENTAL HEALTH REHABILITATION CENTER

A Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) is a twenty-four-hour residential program licensed by the Department of Health Care Services to provide intensive support and rehabilitation services for adults (18 years and older) on conservatorship. The clients meet the criteria for specialty mental health services and the average length of stay is anticipated to be eighteen months but can vary on a case-by-case and include long-term stays.

PEER SUPPORT SERVICES

Peer Support Services are culturally competent individual and group services that promote recovery, resiliency, engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and identification of strengths through structured activities such as group and individual coaching to set recovery goals and identify steps to reach the goals. These services are provided by a person with lived experience who has completed the necessary training and certification to become certified.

PSYCHIATRIC STABILITY AND WELLNESS AND RECOVERY

Psychiatric Stability refers to a sustained reduction in acute psychiatric symptoms and functional impairment resulting from serious mental illness. It allows clients to identify and focus on achieving their self-identified goals and serves as the foundation of wellness and recovery. Wellness and recovery go beyond psychiatric stability and encompass, among other things, physical health, personal fulfillment, social network/support, and self-esteem. Wellness and recovery are not the mere absence of illness, but rather a process of growth that are reliant upon life skills.

RECOVERY-ORIENTED SERVICES

Recovery-Oriented Services are strengths-based, person-centered approaches that emphasize hope, empowerment, self-direction, and the belief that individuals with serious mental illness can achieve meaningful life roles, stability, and community participation. Services focus on functional improvement and client-defined goals.

SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS

Serious Mental Illness (SMI) refers to a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities, including independent living, employment, social functioning, or self-care. For the purposes of this program, SMI includes individuals who require intensive support and rehabilitation services in a secure setting to achieve stability and improve community functioning.

STEP DOWN OR TRANSITION

Step-Down or Transition refers to the individualized, planned movement of a client from a more structured and/or highly supervised setting to a less restrictive level of care or housing arrangement in response to enhanced psychiatric stability and wellness and recovery.

Program Goals and Objectives

Primary Goal: The purpose of the program is to provide Ventura County Behavioral Health clients experiencing some of the most challenging symptoms and significant functional impairments with evidence-based, client-centered, and recovery-oriented treatment so they obtain the psychiatric stability and life skills necessary to live as independently as possible in the least restrictive environment.

Program Objectives:

1. Psychiatric Stability and Wellness and Recovery Clients will sustain or improve psychiatric stability through consistent engagement in recovery-oriented services, including (but not limited to) medication adherence, symptom monitoring, coping skill enhancement, recovery planning, and coordination with outpatient mental health providers.

SMART Goal: Change in psychiatric stability will be assessed using standardized tools, including both staff and client-self-reports (e.g., Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Recovery Assessment Scale, etc.), at a minimum of every 90 days. Additionally, within 90 days of admission, the client will take prescribed psychiatric medications as ordered on at least 90% of days, as verified by medication logs and staff observation/documentation, to support symptom stability and reduce relapse.

2. Social Interaction and Communication Skills Clients will engage in treatment and services as evidenced their participation with the assessment, treatment plan, therapy, and psychosocial rehabilitation.

SMART Goal: Within 90 days of admission, the client will participate appropriately in at least two structured group activities per week as verified by staff documentation in progress notes.

3. Effective Programming for Restoration of Competence Clients who are on Murphy conservatorship will have their legal competency restored and be eligible for adjudication.

SMART Goal: Within eighteen months of admission at least 50% of the clients admitted to the facility on Murphy conservatorship will be deemed legally competent and be eligible for adjudication.

4. Independent Living Skill Development Clients will demonstrate improvement in activities of daily living (ADLs) including both the core components of self-care (e.g., bathing/grooming, dressing, eating, and toileting) and instrumental activities (e.g., medication management, managing finances, housekeeping, communication, and transportation).

SMART Goal: Within 4 months of admission, the client will independently complete at least 4 out of 5 targeted ADLs (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing appropriately, basic, room organization) on 5 out of 7 days per week, as documented by staff.

5. Discharge Planning and Continuity of Care Planning Discharge planning to a lower level of care and the least restrictive environment will include the clients’ participation (and their collaterals, when appropriate), reflect a consideration for their expressed preferences, and ensure an adequate amount of time for them to process.

SMART Goal: Upon discharge, at least 90% of clients will receive a copy of their documented discharge plan. It will indicate at least one month of awareness and discussion of their pending placement/living arrangement, its location, and the subsequent treatment provider.

6. Reduced Placement in Higher Levels of Care Clients will reduce the need for placement at higher levels of care (e.g., locked mental health rehabilitation center) by effectively addressing clinical needs and social determinants of health through integrated supports, skill development, and linkage to community resources.

SMART Goal: Upon discharge, at least 90% of clients will step down to a lower level of care as verified by discharge summaries indicating transition to Board and Care, independent living, etc.

Bidder Eligibility Suspension and Debarment and Exclusion To be eligible to submit a proposal, a bidder must not be listed as an ineligible person on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities from federal programs. The Office of Inspector General defines an ineligible person as any individual or entity that is currently excluded, suspended, debarred or otherwise ineligible to participate in the federal health care programs. They are also defined as any individual or entity that has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the provision of health care items/services and who has not been reinstated in the federal health care programs after a period of exclusion, suspension, debarment, or ineligibility. VCBH will not review a proposal submitted by an individual or entity on either list.

VCBH plans to use the following link to identify individuals and entities that are not eligible to contract with VCBH: http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/. Each bidder should verify that it is not on the list prior to submitting a proposal by using the link above or the bidders sanction check provider. If a bidder is erroneously listed on the sanction list, they will be responsible for correcting the error prior to the submittal of their proposal.

VCBH requires that all potential contract entities self-disclose any pending charges or convictions against them or any individual with their organization for violations of criminal law, any sanctions, and any disciplinary actions by any federal or state law enforcement agency, regulatory agency, or licensing agency (including exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs).

If a contractor and/or individual within the contractor’s organization become an ineligible person after VCBH has executed a contract with the entity/individual, the contractor/individual shall be removed from any responsibility and involvement with the VCBH contracted obligations that are related to federal or state health care programs/funding.

Ventura County plans to use the following links to identify individuals and entities that are not eligible to contract with VCBH: http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/ and https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf. Each bidder should verify that it is not on either list prior to submitting a proposal by using the links above or the bidders sanction check provider. If a bidder is erroneously listed on either sanction list, they will be responsible for correcting the error prior to the submittal of their proposal.

California Secretary of State Business Entities Search Business entities registered with the California Secretary of State as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership must have an active status designation on the California Secretary of State Business Entities Search website. VCBH will not review a proposal submitted from an entity that has any other status designation. The following link to verify a business entity’s status: https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/. Each bidder should verify their status designation prior to submitting a proposal. If a bidder’s status requires correction, this correction must be made prior to the submittal of their proposal.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS/RULES GOVERNING COMPETITION

Submittal Deadline Completed proposals should be submitted online through the Bonfire system (https://ventura.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/230328) no later than 5:00 p.m., May 7, 2026.

Bidders are allowed to submit more than one proposal with different methods of meeting the RFP requirements. If a bidder submits more than one proposal, one proposal must be marked “Base Proposal” and the others shall be marked “Alternate Proposal 1”, “Alternate Proposal 2”, etc.

The receiving time in the Bonfire system will be the governing time for acceptability of proposals – no late submittals will be allowed.

Proposal Response Bidders must submit their proposals and all required information and forms by the submittal deadline. Proposals failing to provide complete information may be deemed non-responsive. Bidders should keep copies of their submittals for future reference.

Modification of Proposals If a Bidder wishes to make modifications to a proposal that has already been submitted to VCBH online through the Bonfire System, they must withdraw the proposal to make the modifications. All modifications must be made in ink, properly initiated/executed by the Bidder’s authorized representative, and submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that modified proposals are resubmitted through the Bonfire System before the submittal deadline. Proposals cannot be changed or modified after the submittal deadline.

Bidders may withdraw their proposals any time before the submittal deadline by submitting a notification of withdrawal that is signed by the Bidder’s authorized agent.

Opening of Proposals Proposals will not be opened publicly. However, a list of the names of the organizations that submitted a proposal will be available within a reasonable time after the submittal deadline. Proposals will be made public and may be inspected at the time of award.

Examination of the Request for Proposal Bidders should carefully examine the entire RFP, any addenda thereto, and all related materials and data referenced herein or otherwise available to the Bidder.

Bidders shall be presumed to be familiar with all specifications and requirements of this RFP. Failure or omission to examine any form, instrument or document shall in no way relieve bidders from any obligation with respect to this RFP.

Proposal Validity Proposals submitted hereunder shall be firm for 90 calendar days from the due date and through the initial 36-month period of operation.

Proposal Content/Format To be considered responsive, proposals should address all items identified in this RFP. Proposals should be prepared in such a way as to provide a straightforward and concise discussion of the Bidder’s ability to provide the services described in this RFP and meet the needs of VCBH.

Please note that some RFP questions require that the Bidder provide a detailed response and/or attachments. Failure to provide a complete response may be grounds for the rejection of a proposal. Emphasis should be concentrated on conformance to the RFP instructions, responsiveness to the RFP requirements, and on completeness/clarity of content.

In order to facilitate the evaluation and comparison of all submitted proposals, Bidder proposals should be submitted in the format described in this RFP. Specifically, Bidders should present their proposals in the order described in Section 5 of this RFP (each section and all attachments should be clearly labeled). Format instructions must be adhered to; all RFP requirements and requests for information in the proposal must be responded to; all requested data must be supplied. Failure to comply with this requirement may cause rejection.

Please respond to this RFP solicitation on 8 1/2" X 11" paper using either Times New Roman or Arial font and no smaller than 12-point font size. Margins should be one inch all around. All pages must be numbered. Single or double spacing is acceptable.

Costs Incurred in Responding VCBH will not pay any costs incurred in proposal preparation, presentation, demonstration, or negotiation. Nor does VCBH commit to procure or contract for any services. All costs of proposal preparation shall be borne by the bidder. It is understood that all proposals, inquiries, and correspondence relating to this RFP and all reports, charts, displays, schedules, exhibits, and other documentation will become the property of VCBH when submitted to VCBH and may be considered public information under applicable law. VCBH assumes no liability for any costs incurred by bidders throughout the entire selection process.

Addenda VCBH will issue written addenda in order to make changes, additions, or deletions to this RFP. Oral communications regarding this RFP will not be valid or binding, nor excuse the successful bidder of any obligations hereunder, unless set forth in writing by VCBH. Addenda will be sent to all known Bidders that complete an intent to bid within the Bonfire System and said addenda will be made available through the Message Section (see Public Notices subsection) of the online Bonfire Systems at https://ventura.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/230328. It is the responsibility of each Bidder to ensure that VCBH has their correct business name, address, and contact information on file in the online Bonfire System. Any prospective Bidder who obtains a copy of the RFP documents from any other source other than online Bonfire System is responsible for advising VCBH that they have said documents and that they wish to receive subsequent Addenda.

Confidential and Proprietary Data All materials received relative to this RFP will be kept confidential, until such time an award is made, or the RFP is canceled, at which time all materials received will be made available to the public. All received proposals will be subject to the California Public Records Act, Government Code §6250. Under the California Public Records Act, VCBH may be obligated to provide a copy of any and all responses to this RFP, if such requests are made after the contract is awarded.

One exception to this required disclosure is information which fits within the definition of a confidential trade secret (Government Code section 6254(k)) or contains other technical, financial, or other data whose public disclosure could cause injury to the bidder’s competitive position. If any bidder believes that information contained in its response to this RFP should be protected from disclosure, the bidder must specifically mark the pages of the response that contain the information. The County will not honor any attempt by the bidder to designate its entire proposal as proprietary.

Commitments, Warranty, and Representations

The proposal submitted in response to this RFP will be included as part of the final contract. Bidders are cautioned that if a contract is awarded as a result of this procurement process, any written commitment by a bidder within the scope of this procurement shall be binding upon the bidder whether or not incorporated into a contract document. Failure of the bidder to fulfill any such commitment shall render the bidder liable for liquidated or other damages due to VCBH under the terms of the contract. For the purpose of this procurement, a commitment by a bidder includes:

· Any modification, affirmation, or representation as to the above, which is made by a bidder in or during the course of negotiation.

· Any representation by a bidder in a proposal, supporting document, or negotiations about the services to be performed (regardless of the fact that the duration of such commitment may exceed the duration of the contract).

Proposal Validation/Evaluation/Awardc.:Proposal Review and Evaluation;

Proposals will be checked for the information required to conform with this RFP. The absence of required information may be cause for rejection.

The successful bidder shall be chosen in accordance with, but not limited to, the following criteria:

1. Proven Performance The bidder’s background, experience, and organizational stability will be assessed. The evaluation will focus on the bidder’s record of successful service and support to accounts of comparable size and environment. The ability of the bidder will be evaluated in terms of technical resources, staffing, and staff experience.

Bidder organizational references will be contacted, and their responses will become a part of the award/review process.

2. Compliance with Contract Terms and Conditions

The ability of the bidder to meet and abide by the contract terms and conditions set forth in the attached agreement without requiring modification to the agreement.

3. Support Emphasis will be placed on the bidder’s ability to service and support the needs of VCBH and the clients/families we serve. The Bidder’s organizational structure, staffing plan, and method for meeting the requirements of this RFP, in the most efficient manner possible, will be an important consideration.

3. Requirements/Specifications (plan and approach) Proposals will be evaluated on the following: general quality and responsiveness to the terms, conditions, and time of performance, completeness and thoroughness, grasp of the work to be performed, approach to be used, and ability to meet the requirements/specifications outlined in this RFP.

4. Cost The proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the bidder’s reasonableness of cost.

Award

The contract will be awarded to the Bidder offering the most advantageous proposal after consideration of all evaluation criteria set forth herein. The criteria are not listed in any order of preference. VCBH will establish an Evaluation Committee that will be responsible for evaluating all proposals received in accordance with the evaluation criteria. The Evaluation Committee may also:

· Contact and evaluate the Bidder’s and any subcontractor’s references

· Contact any Bidder to clarify any response

· Contact any current users of a Bidder’s services

· Solicit information from any available source concerning any aspect of a proposal

· Seek and review any other information deemed pertinent to the evaluation process.

VCBH reserves the right to establish weight factors that will be applied to the criteria depending upon order of importance. Weight factors and summary of evaluation scores will not be released until after award of the contract. VCBH will not be obligated to accept the lowest priced proposal, but will make an award in the best interests of VCBH after all factors have been evaluated. While VCBH intends to enter into a contract for these services, it will not be bound to do so. VCBH reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

VCBH shall be the sole judge of the successful offers hereunder. VCBH reserves the right to award the contract to a Bidder that might not have submitted the lowest total price and negotiate with any or all Bidders. Bidders are advised that it is possible that an award may be made without discussion or any contact concerning the received proposals. Accordingly, proposals should contain the most favorable terms from a price and technical standpoint. DO NOT ASSUME that you will be contacted or afforded an opportunity to clarify, discuss, or revise your proposal.

Award will be by means of a written contract with the successful Bidder. A Notification of Intent to Award may be sent to any selected Bidder, but does not obligate VCBH to award the contracts until the completion of the entire RFP process. Award is contingent upon the successful negotiation of the final contract terms. Negotiations shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure to competing Bidders unless an agreement is reached. If contract negotiations cannot be concluded successfully, VCBH may negotiate with the next highest scoring Bidder or withdraw the RFP. County Board of Supervisor’s approval is required for all contracts that exceed $200,000.

The contractor shall not commence work until a meeting is held between representatives of the contractor and VCBH. The meeting will be held at VCBH, at a time and date to be established.

Presentations Bidders may be invited to make presentations to VCBH, if needed.

Site Visits VCBH reserves the right to schedule site visits to bidder’s facilities or current operational sites in order to assess the capability and ability of the bidder to fulfill their contractual obligations with VCBH.

Additional Information If during the evaluation process, VCBH is unable to determine a bidder's ability to perform, VCBH has the option of requesting any additional information that VCBH deems necessary to determine the bidder’s ability. The bidder will be notified and permitted five (5) business days to comply with any such request.

Errors/Defects in Proposals If discrepancies between sections or other errors are found in a proposal, VCBH may reject the proposal. However, VCBH may at its sole option, correct any mathematical errors in price.

VCBH may waive any immaterial deviation or defect in a proposal. VCBH’s waiver of an immaterial deviation or defect shall in no way modify the RFP documents or excuse the bidder from full compliance with the RFP requirements, if awarded a contract.

Rejection of Proposals VCBH reserves the right to reject the proposal of any bidder who:

· Previously failed to perform adequately for the County or any other governmental agency

· Submits false, incomplete, or unresponsive statements in a proposal.

· Is in default on the payment of taxes, licenses, or other monies due to County.

· Submits a proposal that contains errors or discrepancies.

RFP Cancellation VCBH reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time, prior to the submittal deadline.

Protest and Appeals Procedures For a protest to be considered, the protest must be made in writing, signed by the bidder’s authorized representative, and delivered to the VCBH Contracts Administrator at 1911 Williams Drive, Suite 200, Oxnard, CA 93036. The VCBH Contracts Administrator reserves the right to refuse to hear protestors who have not followed the procedures listed below.

The following conditions apply to proposal protest:

a. Before Proposal Submittal Deadline. Protests of specifications, terms, conditions, or any other aspects of the RFP solicitation must be made before the proposal submittal deadline.

b. After Proposal Submittal Deadline. Protests of award must be made, no later than five (5) calendar days after the aggrieved party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest.

c. Protest Content. All protests must include the following information:

1) The name, address, and telephone number of the protestor.

2) The signature of the protestor or protestor’s authorized representative.

3) The RFP solicitation or contract number.

4) A detailed statement of the legal and/or factual grounds for the protest.

5) The form of relief requested.

d. Protest Process

1) If the VCBH Contracts Administrator can resolve the issue, there is no further action required.

2) If there is no resolution, the issue will be referred to the VCBH Administrative and Financial Division Chief for review and resolution. If the issue is resolved, there is no further action required.

3) If there is no resolution, the issue will be referred to the VCBH Director who will make a determination on the issue and render a determination. This determination will be final.

SCOPE OF WORK

Required Service Components

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND READINESS

The selected provider will have the opportunity to provide input into the planning and redesign of the existing building and outdoor space (1732 South Lewis Road, Camarillo, CA 93012) that is being remodeled into the Lewis Road MHRC. The aim is to create a secure space that is nonetheless comfortable and home-like. The selected provider’s input is expected to contribute to thoughtfully designed clinical and living spaces. This includes common areas and a large dining space (capable of being divided into smaller spaces) that will be able to serve multiple functions (e.g., client council meetings, movies nights, zoom calls with family, etc.). The selected provider is expected to envision the utilization and connection to the secure outdoor space, including grassy seating areas for dining/visiting, gardens and a sports court that will help promote greater overall wellness and healthy living styles. Staff-accompanied access to the broader Lewis Road Campus is also expected to be a part of the selected provider’s planning. The facility is tentatively scheduled to become operational in May of 2028.

The Lewis Road MHRC will have a thirty-eight (38) bed capacity across the two-story building, along clinical and administrative spaces and a commercial kitchen. There will be three client “wings” (i.e., one downstairs and two upstairs). Each will address the distinct clinical needs of three subpopulations: (1) Intensive Treatment (10 beds); (2) Forensics (14 beds); and (3) Recovery (14 beds).

Ventura County owns the Lewis Road MHRC and is responsible for maintaining the physical plant and grounds, as well as paying for all the utilities, including internet access. VCBH will be responsible for the initial furnishings for the office and the administrative spaces. VCBH will be responsible for the initial and ongoing furnishings for the bedrooms and the common areas (i.e., kitchen appliances, medication rooms, etc.) occupied and utilized by the clients. The county will equip laundry rooms for client access/use.

The selected provider is responsible for the replacement furnishings for the office and administrative offices and supplying their own computer equipment and electronic health record software. The selected provider is responsible for providing housekeeping/janitorial services, including the laundry of linens and towels. The facility includes a commercial kitchen and the selected provider is responsible for providing kitchen tools, plates, cups, and utensils for client use, in addition to the purchase/preparation of the food for the clients.

TARGET POPULATION

The Lewis Road MHRC will serve conserved adults (ages 18 and older) with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. Psychiatric diagnoses treated will include (but will not be limited to), schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Secondary diagnoses of substance dependence, personality disorders, and/or traumatic brain injury should be anticipated and addressed in the overall planning and provision of treatment. Referrals will be received from the Ventura County’s psychiatric inpatient units and jails. The Lewis Road MHRC will be locked and is expected to provide the least restrictive environment for conserved clients who otherwise would pose an elopement risk and/or a danger to others. Even though these clients are unable to consent to (or refuse) mental health treatment on their own behalf, the selected provider is expected to employ a recovery-oriented approach to facilitating psychiatric stability and wellness. It is anticipated that most clients will be on regular LPS conservatorship (i.e., gravely disabled). Some should be expected to be on Murphy conservatorships (i.e., danger to others) with suspended criminal charges, as a result of having been found not competent to stand trial.

DIRECT CLINICAL SERVICES

The two floors within the Lewis Road MHRC (with their combined three wings) will address the distinct clinical needs of three subpopulations: (1) Intensive Treatment (10 beds); (2) Forensics (14 beds); and (3) Recovery (14 beds). The Intensive Treatment wing will specialize in the treatment of the highest acuity clients, those who evidence an observed risk of both dangerousness (self and others) and disruptive behavior. In the early stages of their recoveries, these clients will be the recipients of intensive treatment that can only be provided with an enhanced high staff to client ratio and a carefully managed milieu. The Forensic wing will address the specific needs of the justice-involved clients. In addition to providing the full array of mental health treatment and services, there will be training intended to restore legal competency. The Recovery wing will focus on the broader needs of conserved clients requiring this level of care. It is anticipated that peer supportive services will be a critical component of treatment. The Recovery wing is expected to receive direct admits from outside the Lewis Road MHRC while also serving as something of a “step-down” unit from within for those who have progressed and benefited from treatment on the Intensive Treatment and Forensic wings and are preparing for discharge to a lower level of care.

The selected provider is expected to develop clinical programming that utilizes evidenced-based practices, incorporates discharge planning from the outset, and prioritizes care coordination with VCBH and any/all other pertinent agencies. Treatment is expected to address the psychiatric symptoms and the resulting impairments from serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders by implementing and delivering to fidelity at least two of the following evidence-based practices: 1) Motivational Interviewing; 2) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; 3) Relapse Prevention; 4) Trauma-Informed Treatment; and 5) Psycho-Education. The daily services will have a rehabilitation focus and are expected to promote enhanced psychiatric stability and teach the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The types of mental health and co-occurring treatment offered will include medication management/support, individual and group therapy, rehabilitation, peer support, case management, and crisis prevention, intervention and de-escalation. Areas of focus in therapy and rehabilitation will include medication education, cognitive behavioral therapy, life skills, recovery skills, self-advocacy, job skills, healthy living skills, social and relaxation skills, money & time management, and individual/family counseling. In addition, structured clinical programming, socialization and community reintegration, family/support system identification and engagement, client advisory council will be included among the treatment and services. Areas of focus for discharge planning will include Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), life/recovery skills, healthy living skills, relaxation skills, self-advocacy, and job skills.

In addition to the programming described above, the selected provider is expected to have the expertise to address the needs of the justice-involved clients, specifically the Murphy conservatees. These services should include (but is not limited to), legal training/education with goal of restoration of competence. With both Murphy and regular LPS conservatorships, the treatment staff is expected to be able to provide evaluation and testimony for the court that ensures the clients’ legal due process. Murphy conservatee placements will occur by court order and/or VCBH Continuum of Care (COC) Committee authorization, consistent with W&I Code § 5008(h)(1)(B). The provider shall maintain staff capacity to provide timely written evaluation and court testimony in support of both initial conservatorship findings and annual renewal proceedings.

DOCUMENTATION

As a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, in terms of documentation, the Lewis Road MHRC is expected to comply with all elements of the California Code of Regulations Title 9, including § 784.26 and § 786.15. Documentation practices shall also conform to the requirements of BHIN 23-068 (DHCS Documentation Reform Requirements), which modifies certain clinical record standards applicable to MHRCs Key documentation requirements include (but are not limited to):

· Medical assessment including physical exam, TB testing, and infectious disease screening.

· Documentation of client's special needs, restrictions, and medications.

· Treatment/Individual Service Plan

· Daily progress notes documenting the client's progress toward goals.

· Documentation of any restraints or secure containment used.

· A discharge plan and summary

· A record of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

PROGRAM DESIGN

As a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, in terms of general program design, the Lewis Road MHRC is expected to comply with all elements of the California Code of Regulations Title 9, Division 1, Chapter 3.5. Additionally, the selected provider is expected to configure the three wings of the Lewis Road facility to address the distinct clinical needs of three subpopulations: (1) Intensive Treatment (10 beds); (2) Forensics (14 beds); and (3) Recovery (14 beds). The Intensive Treatment wing will specialize in the treatment of the highest acuity clients, those who evidence an observed risk of both dangerousness (self and others) and disruptive behavior. The Forensic wing will address the specific needs of the justice-involved clients. In addition to providing the full array of mental health treatment and services, there will be training intended to restore legal competency. The Recovery wing will focus on the broader needs of conserved clients while also serving as something of a “step-down” unit for those who have progress and benefited from treatment on the Intensive Treatment and Forensic wings.

In keeping with the level of care, the selected provider for the Lewis Road MHRC will be expected to embrace the challenge and excel in the successful treatment and management of clients with the most complex and difficult psychiatric presentations, including “high-risk” individuals. However, given its proximity to Casa Pacifica, registered sex offenders will not be eligible for admission to the Lewis Road MHRC.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Once contracted, the selected provider, will initiate the process of obtaining licensure from the California Department of Health Care Services. Specifically, the selected provider shall submit a complete DHCS MHRC licensure application (Form DHCS 1813), along with a Plan of Operation conforming to the requirements of CCR Title 9 § 783.13, within ninety (90) days of contract execution. The selected provider shall provide VCBH with written confirmation of application submission and shall notify VCBH promptly of any requests for additional information from DHCS or anticipated delays in the licensure timeline.

REFERRAL AND INTAKE PROCESS

The contractor is expected to develop and implement a referral and intake process that complies with the parameters specified herein. Upon receipt of every VCBH referral, must respond within one (1) business day (“business days” means weekdays) of receipt of packet with either a denial or with a scheduled face-to-face interview date and time for the applicant. Applicants should be interviewed no later than three (3) business days (“business days” means weekdays) from the selected provider’s receipt of packet. The selected provider must notify VCBH of acceptance or denial of applicants within twenty-four (24) hours of the interview with an expected move in date no later than seven days from the receipt of initial referral packet. Upon mutually agreed acceptance of a client (agreed upon by VCBH, the selected provider, and client), referring agency will arrange for transportation and placement of client. VCBH will provide the selected provider with referrals for admission through the weekly VCBH Continuum of Care Committee (COC) Meeting, or through VCBH faxing a referral packet to the selected provider for review. Referrals may be made outside of the meeting by faxing a copy of the packet to a VCBH identified liaison and must receive approval by designated members of the COC. Referrals provided to the selected providers will have been previously assessed by VCBH for appropriateness. VCBH will ensure that the referral packet will include the following: a. Community Care Licensing Form LIC 601: IDENTIFICATION AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION. b. Community Care Licensing form LIC 602: PHYSICIAN'S REPORT FOR COMMUNITY CARE FACILITIES. c. Community Care Licensing Form LIC 603: PREPLACEMENT APPRAISAL INFORMATION. d. Community Care Licensing Form LIC 625: APPRAISAL/NEEDS AND SERVICES PLAN. e. Community Care Licensing Form LIC 9172: FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

DISCHARGE CRITERIA AND PROCESS

Discharge planning is expected to be a continuous, collaborative process that begins at admission and involves identifying post-program housing, supports, services, and follow-up care necessary to maintain psychiatric stability and community functioning following program completion.