AddQa ME ITN 12.12.23.pdf

Addendum No. 04 with Written Inquiry Responses Behavior Health Services Managing Entity

Solicitation Number: DCF ITN 2223 009 through DCF ITN 2223 014 Solicitation Title: Behavior Health Services Managing Entity Addendum Number: 4 Addendum Date: 12/12/2023 FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 120.57(3), FLORIDA STATUTES, OR FAILURE TO POST THE BOND OR OTHER SECURITY REQUIRED BY LAW WITHIN THE TIME ALLOWED FOR FILING A BOND SHALL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 120, FLORIDA STATUTES.

DCF ITN 2223 009 through DCF ITN 2223 014 is hereby amended as follows, all other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain in effect.

All additions are highlighted in yellow, and words stricken are deletions:

Additional questions (113-118)

Response to Written Inquires:

Question

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Introduction to Procurement 2.7- Written Questions and Department Answers

Northeast Region

Where will the answers to questions be posted? Will all answers to all questions be posted in the same place, regardless of which Region the questions came from?

Please refer to the following locations for all postings related to this ITN. All questions and answers will be made simultaneously available regardless of the region from which the questions came from.

Behavioral Health Services Managing Entity - Northeast Region:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/searc h/bids/detail/6605 Behavioral Health Services Managing Entity - Central Region:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/searc h/bids/detail/6606 Behavioral Health Services Managing Entity - Southern Region:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6605 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6605 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6606 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6606

Question

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/searc h/bids/detail/6608 Behavioral Health Services Managing Entity - Northwest Region -https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/searc h/bids/detail/6621 Behavioral Health Services Managing Entity - Suncoast Region -https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/searc h/bids/detail/6622 Behavioral Health Services Managing Entity - Southeast Region -https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/searc h/bids/detail/6623

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

ITN Section 3.4.1 Schedule of funds – See Standard Contract Part 2 (Appendix IX) Exhibit F1, ME Schedule of funds, for a detailed listing of current fund sources

Northeast Region

In the Standard Contract Part 2, and the Exhibit F1 is blank.

When will a current detailed listing of fund sources be available and where will it be posted?

Refer to the annual GAA funding determined by the Legislature on an annual basis. Historically this is a mix of federal and state funds.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

ITN 3.7-Supporting Documentation

Northeast Region

The link to Security of Data and Information Technology Resources - CFOP 50-2 is invalid. Will the ITN be revised to correct this link?

See Change No. 2.

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6608 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6608 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6621 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6621 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6622 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6622 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6623 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/6623

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

ITN 3.7 – Supporting Documentation

Northeast Region

The link to Standard Contract Part 2 (APPENDIX IX) Incorporated Documents Guidance Documents and Reporting Templates references the previous FY 22-23. Will the ITN be revised to correct the link to FY 23-24?

Yes, this will be updated in the subsequent awarded contracts. See Change No. 2.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

ITN 4.2.8.1 Financial (Evaluation Criteria

9) Budget Summary- The budget totals should be based on the available funding projection and specifications in the Standard Contract Part 2 (Appendix IX0- Exhibit F1, Schedule of Funds

Northeast Region

The referenced document, Exhibit F1- Schedule of Funds is left blank in the Standard Contract Part 2 and contains no available funding projection data.

When will this information be updated and provided?

Per Section 4.2.8.1 Financial (Evaluation Criteria 9) Budget Summary is a tool the Department will utilize to score the Financial components and budget submitted in the Vendor Replies, in response to the Department’s ITN. Vendors will propose to the Department what it will cost to complete the services as required in the ITN. The awarded Vendor’s resulting contract, including the Exhibit F1-will reflect the budget submitted by the awarded Vendor. This information will be input into the Standard Contract Part 1 and Part 2, following ITN award.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 1- 1.7 MyFloridaMarketPlac e transaction fee

Northeast Region

a. If the awarded Provider is a designated non-profit under the Internal Revenue Code or by the Florida Secretary of State, are they exempt from the transaction fee under this Contract as per 60A-1.032 F.A.C?

If a Vendor is a non-profit or government entity, they are generally exempt from the transaction fee. MFMP has information regarding the 1 percent transaction fee exemption process here: Transaction Fee and Reporting / MFMP Vendors / MyFloridaMarketPlace / State Purchasing / Business Operations / Florida Department of Management Services - DMS https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_vendors/transaction_fee_and_reporting https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_vendors/transaction_fee_and_reporting https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_vendors/transaction_fee_and_reporting https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_vendors/transaction_fee_and_reporting

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

b. If so, does the provider need to submit an exemption form and by what date?

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2 – C.1.2.2.10 Federally Qualified Health Center

Northeast Region

For services listed below that the ME does not fund directly, i.e FQHC, is an MOU addressing access sufficient to meet this requirement?

The Vendor’s Reply, Section 4.2.6.2, Administration Function, should address innovative ways to coordinate care with individuals that are referred for primary health care or urgent care and to ensure referral mechanisms are in place to both receive referrals for individuals with behavioral health needs and to send referrals for individuals with primary health care or urgent care needs.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2 - C.1.1.6.6, C.1.1.6.6.1, C.1.1.6.6.2 – Time and distance Standards for outpatient services

Northeast Region

Does availability of telehealth services meet these requirements?

The Vendor’s Reply, Section 4.2.5.2, Experience, should address how individuals are given a choice regarding service delivery. For those that prefer in-person services, time and distance standards will apply. Services provided through the use of telehealth will not be included in the methodology to calculate time and distance standards.

Telehealth should not be the only option available to individuals seeking care.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- C.1.2.4 – Accepting all willing providers

Northeast Region

a. Is there a definition for “standard credentialing requirements?

b. With finite resources, if all resources are committed, what is the expectation for funding “any willing provider”?

a. The Vendor’s Reply, Section 4.2.4.3, Accreditation, may speak to their current credentialing process considering any requirements under Florida Statutes, Federal and Administrative Codes, industry standards, and best practices.

b. The expectation is to allow willing providers to apply for consideration using existing or

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

c. If the ME has had a negative experience with a willing provider, i.e., failure to meet contract requirements resulting in multiple corrective actions, failure to cooperate with monitoring requirements, threats of legal action, is there a process to exclude these providers from consideration?

proposed standard credentialling requirements.

c. The Vendor’s Reply submitted in response to the Department’s ITN should address the process for oversight/management and selection of Providers and process regarding corrective action.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- C.1.2.13 The Managing Entity shall increase capacity in the system of care and ensure that uninsured and underinsured individuals with medical issues that exceed the capability of a standalone crisis stabilize unit to manage have access to crisis stabilization services in a hospital that can meet their needs through

Northeast Region

Does this mean the ME must purchase beds in hospitals when hospitals already receive LIP funding for uninsured and underinsured individuals? With finite funding, are we to reduce other community-based services like outpatient services to fund this expectation?

The Managing Entity is responsible for providing behavioral health inpatient services to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

Per Section 4.2.6.1.10.he Vendor’s Reply submitted in response to the Department’s ITN should explore how this can be achieved to ensure individuals have access to care (through a unique solution with hospitals, single case agreements or other funding arrangement).

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response purchasing bed space within hospitals that are a designated receiving facility.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2 – C.1.2.19.2- Contracts with Community-Based Care Lead Agencies

Northeast Region

a. Currently MOU’s are in place with Community- Based Care Lead Agencies. Are these sufficient to meet this requirement?

b. Must contracts with CBC lead agencies require funding? Can they be $0 contracts?

a. A contract with Community Based Care Lead Agencies is required.

b. No funding amount is specified.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- C.1.2.19.2- Increase coordination between Network Service Providers and the child welfare system, law enforcement agencies, the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, the Medicaid program, offices of the public defender, offices of

Northeast Region

How will increased coordination be measured? What is the source of data?

The Vendor may utilize its own data collection to demonstrate improvement in this area. The Vendor can obtain copies of agreements between providers and identified entities and review care coordination practices.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response criminal conflict and offices of the civil regional counsel within the geographic area.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- C.1.2.2.21.1- CORE subcontract execution no later than 30 days following contract execution

Northeast Region

Is this for existing CORE projects or expansion counties?

For expansion counties, 30 days is not sufficient to get through the contract negotiation and approval process especially for EMS partners that require County legal review and BOCC approval, subject to County timelines for getting reviewed and approved documents on the BOCC agenda.

This language originally referred to CORE counties existing at the time of new ME contract execution. However, CORE timelines for both onboarding existing counties and expanding into new counties must be executed no later than six months.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2-C.1.3.4 –

Internal capacity of Managing Entity shall be adequate to perform high quality monitoring and care coordination functions, in comparison to leadership roles within the organizational

Northeast Region

a. What does the phrase “in comparison to leadership roles within the organizational structure” mean?

b. How will participation in local and regional review team and other multidisciplinary staffing be measured. What is the source of data?

Per Section 4.2.5.3, the Vendor’s Reply must address how they will ensure adequate staff in supporting roles compared to those in leadership positions.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response structure. The Managing Entity shall participate in a minimum of 80% of local and regional review team, and other multidisciplinary staffing.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- E.1.2.1- The Managing Entity actively seeks to expand its provider network, per C.1.1.1, and the provider network is increased by 5% over its baseline in the first year and then 2% per year thereafter.

Northeast Region

How will this be measured and what is the data source?

The Vendor may utilize existing data or propose a methodology to use to measure this requirement. The baseline is the Vendor’s current provider network or proposed provider network required to meet established access standards.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- E.1.2.2 Per C.1.1.3.2, the Managing Entity shall increase capacity of and access to acute

Northeast Region

a. How will this be measured and what is the data source? How is increase of access defined and measured?

a. The Vendor may utilize existing data or propose a methodology to use to measure this requirement.

b. Increased access can mean reducing waitlists or time to services. The Vendor’s Reply

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response care services each quarter.

b. What is the expectation to increase capacity if there are no additional resources? Is the expectation that community-based services like outpatient will be reduced to shift funding to increase acute care capacity?

may include innovative and best practices shown to reduce the instances of crisis and the need for acute care. See also response to Question #38.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- E.1.2.3 Per C.1.1.3.2, the Managing Entity shall demonstrate a reduction in utilization of hospital emergency department for uninsured or underinsured individuals in behavioral health crisis after they are medically cleared.

Northeast Region

a. What is the source of data for this metric?

b. How will it be collected and measured?

See response to Question #16(a).

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Standard Contract Part 2- E.1.3.1 Per C.1.2.4, the Managing Entity shall accept 100% of

Northeast Region

What is the source of data for this and how will it be collected and measured?

See response to question #15.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Health Systems willing providers that meet standard credentialling requirements.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- E.1.3.2 Per C.1.2.10, the Managing Entity shall respond to 95% of same-day referral requests received during business hours.

E.1.3.3 Per C.1.2.10, the Managing Entity shall respond to 95% of after-hours referral requests on the following business day.

Northeast Region

What is the source of data for this and how will it be collected and measured?

Per Section 4.2.6.4, the Department requests the Provider’s Replies include their proposed solution of collected and measurable data sources. These details are also an area that may be a topic of negotiation, should the Vendor’s Reply be selected for negotiations.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- Table 3 E.1.11- Implementation of Specific Appropriations

Northeast Region

The measure is for the ME to execute contracts with Network Service Providers no later than 30 days after the initial Schedule of Funds amendment.

Financial penalties begin for contracts not executed by September 30. Will the penalties be imposed if the ME does not have the schedule of

See Change No. 8.

If selected for negotiations, the Vendor may negotiate alterations to terms and conditions of the contract.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response funds that includes all specific appropriations by September 1, to allow for the 30 day timeframe?

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- Marketing

C.4.4 The Managing Entity shall submit all co-branded marketing materials to the Department for approval. The Managing Entity is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and compliance of all marketing materials that it or its subcontractors distribute that includes the Department’s logo.

Northwest Region

a. What specific co-branded marketing materials require DCF approval?

b. Can blanket approval be given for materials that use the approved DCF language and logo, for use on marketing materials for programming funded by DCF/SAMH via the ME contract?

c. Sometimes marketing campaigns are time sensitive. What timeframes are in place for the approval of materials once submitted?

a. Per Section C.4.4, all co-branded materials are to be submitted to the Department for approval.

b. A blanket approval would not be given.

c. Approval times will vary based on the request.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- E.1.4.1 The Managing Entity shall demonstrate progress by reducing

Northeast Region

The waitlist is fluid and individuals are added and moved off monthly, how will this be measured? What services are included in this measure?

The Vendor may propose a methodology to measure waitlist to demonstrate improvement over the course of a fiscal year or other appropriate time range.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response the number of individuals served on the Wait List. This measure is not met if the number on the wait list remainsthe same or increases.

Any services carrying a waitlist, including but not limited to residential, FACT, FIT, CAT, outpatient, and psychiatric can be included.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- E.7- Table 7

Northeast Region

a. LATTERS – How is improved quality of life measured?

b. For Stable Housing goal of 95%- is this realistic, in an environment of an acknowledged housing crisis in Florida and nationally, especially when financial penalties are involved?

c. For admissions of 15% or fewer and 10% or fewer, what are the numerator and denominator for this metric?

a. The DLA assessment measures functional improvements and is used to show how parts of life that are impacted by mental illness are maintained or improved over time from initiation of services throughout the treatment process. When combined with other outcomes such as stable housing, reduced instances of crisis and/or justice involvement, these are indicators of improvements to the individual's quality of life.

b. This is a current requirement of Guidance 36 in the Managing Entity contract.

c. For the 15% outcome measure, the numerator is the total number of enrolled individuals who were admitted to a Baker Act Receiving Facility, and the denominator is the total number of individuals enrolled to receive services from the team. For the 10% outcome measure, the numerator is the total number of individuals who completed the Program and who were admitted to

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response a Baker Act Receiving Facility within three months of discharge, and the denominator is the total number of individuals who completed the Program within the past three (3) months.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

Standard Contract Part 2- F.1.2 – Funding

The contract total dollar amount shall not exceed the amount specified in Section 1.1, subject to the availability of funds, as specified in Table 8.

Northeast Region

There is no amount specified in Section 1.1, nor is there a Table 8 in the contract document.

When will the information in Section 1.1 and Table 8 be available and where will it be posted?

The Vendor’s Reply and submitted Line-Item Budget, (per Section 4.2.8 of ITN) may propose the service implementation and the associated costs.

The expectation is for the Vendor to address in their Reply, all of the required services outlined in the ITN. The Vendor’s Reply and submitted Line-Item Budget, as part of Vendor’s Reply (per Section 4.2.8 of ITN) will propose what the Vendor anticipates the total costs will be.

This amount will be determined based upon the Reply received by the Vendor. Once an award is made, the subsequent contract and associated attachments will reflect the total contract amount.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

ITN 4.2.5.2

Experience

Where any administrative functions will be subcontracted, provide a detailed description of the work to be subcontracted, including information

Northeast Region

Please clarify the definitions of subcontractor and administrative functions for purposes of for whom a Subcontractor Form (Appendix IV) is required.

This is not required for Network Service Providers, correct?

Please give examples of subcontractors for whom the

For the purposes of Section 4.2.5.2, this refers to the Administrative Functions (operations of the ME).

This is not required for Network Service Providers.

Examples would include:

Outsourced HR company, Information Technology Company/data management company.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response describing the qualifications, relevant experience of any proposed subcontractors, and submit a completed Subcontractor Form (APPENDIX IV) for each proposed subcontractor. This list does not include subcontracted Network Service Providers.

Subcontractor form would need to be completed.

Lutheran Services

Florida, Inc.

d/b/a LSF

Health Systems

ITN 4.2.7

Programmatic Supporting Documentation

Northeast Region

Are letters of support allowed?

Are letters of support encouraged as supporting documentation? Do letters of support and other programmatic supporting documentation ( plans, policies) count as part of the 175 page limit for evaluation criteria 3-8?

The 175 page limit is for the Services Approach and Solution portion of the response (Evaluation Criterias 3-8 only. Please refer to each section of the ITN which may or may not include page limits.

Section 4.2.7, Programmatic Supporting Documentation, is not part of Criteria 3-8.

Other Financial Supporting Documentation is referenced in Section 4.2.9, and not part of Criteria 3-8.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Section 4.2.4.4.6

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

As it relates to the term “subcontractors”, does this list include subcontracted Network Service Providers?

See response for Question #25.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Mind South Florida

Monroe Counties

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

Section

4.2.7

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Do the attachments, exhibits, and other supporting documents referenced in the reply counted towards the page limitation of each section?

See response to Question #26.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per

C.1.2.4

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Could you please provide more information on what the Department means by "standard credentialing requirements"?

See response to Question #9.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per

C.1.2.4

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Could you please provide a list of what the Department considers minimum standard credentialling requirement?

See response to Question #9.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

E.1.3.1

Per Southern Region:

Are there any specific organizations or accrediting bodies that we should refer to

See response to Question #9.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

C.1.2.4 Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties when assessing a provider's credentials?

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per

C.1.2.4

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Are there any specific types of credentials that the Department requires?

See response to Question #9.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per

C.1.2.4

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Are there any specific criteria that we should use to evaluate a provider's credentials?

See response to Question #9.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per

C.1.2.4

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Can you provide examples of acceptable forms of standard credentialing requirements?

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per

C.1.2.4

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Is requiring national accreditation for any potential network service provider considered a standard credentialling standard?

See response to Question #9.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

4.2.6.5.9

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and Monroe Counties

As it relates to the section entitled "Policy

Enhancement" in the Monitoring Section, it reads "4.2.6.5.9 Describe any necessary system or policy enhancements and a proposed timeline for implementation." Does this relate to system or policy enhancements related to findings from our monitoring policy? Or is this related to system or policy enhancements needed as part of the ITN process?

Vendors should refer to Federal Grant Financial Management Requirements (Guidance 22)

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

E.1.2.1

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

As it relates to the new performance measures "E.1.2.1 The Managing Entity actively seeks to expand its provider network, per C.1.1.1, and the provider network is increased by 5% over its baseline in the first year and then 2% per year

See response to Question #15.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Mind South Florida thereafter." How are Managing Entity supposed to increase the provider network, when funding does not increase from year to year?

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.2.2

Per

C.1.1.3.2

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

As it relates to new performance measures "E.1.2.2 Per C.1.1.3.2, the Managing Entity shall increase capacity of and access to acute care services each quarter." How can Managing Entity increase capacity and access to acute care services without increased funding? Also, how can Managing Entity increase acute care services in areas where all capacity is already purchased?

There are various ways to increase access.

The Vendor should be creative and innovative in responding; consider facts that have proven effective in the past or are best practices in the field. For example, one way to increase access to acute care is to ensure the community knows how to access services, especially services that are found to divert individuals from acute care, like 988 or MRT and routine outpatient services, CAT, FACT etc. Also any known community plans for construction or available capacity that is offline that could be utilized can be explored in the response.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.2.2

Per

C.1.1.3.2

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

As it relates to performance measures "E.1.2.3 Per C.1.1.3.2, the Managing Entity shall demonstrate a reduction in utilization of hospital emergency department for uninsured or underinsured individuals in behavioral health crisis after they are medically cleared."

How are MEs supposed to influence/affect the hospitalization of individuals at EDs?

The Vendor’s Reply should explore ideas such as building relationships, entering into various agreements, extending peers or MRT services, telehealth services or other creative strategies.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.3.1

Per C.1.2.

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

As it relates to the performance measures "E.1.3.1 Per C.1.2.4, the Managing Entity shall accept 100% of willing providers that meet standard credentialling requirements." See question above on new provider increases from year to year.

How are MEs expected to accept 100% willing providers with no additional funding?

See response to Questions #15 and #24.

If selected for negotiation, the Vendor may negotiate alterations to terms and conditions of the contract.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

E.1.4.1

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

As it relates to "E.1.4.1 The Managing Entity shall demonstrate progress by reducing the number of individuals served on the Wait List. This measure is not met if the number on the wait list remains the same or increases."

Waitlists fluctuate throughout the year regardless of measures put in place by the ME. Without increased funding to purchase additional beds, how are waitlists expected to be reduced? Especially in areas where full capacity of beds/slots are already being purchased.

Refer to response to Question #22.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

4.2.4.4.6

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

What organizations need to be listed in this section? 4.2.4.4.6 Names and addresses of all affiliated or related companies, partnerships or associations (including subcontractor, if any)

Yes.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Mind South Florida

Monroe Counties and a brief description of its relationship to the vendor. All people we have MOUs with?

(police, courts, schools, homeless trust?)

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

4.2.6.5.1

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

In Finance section, 4.2.6.5.1, the word “claims” is used. What is the Department’s definition of “Claims”?

See Change No. 5 striking “claims”.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

4.2.6.1

C.1.1.1.7

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

This section refers to 65E-30.

Could it mean 65D-30? If not, can you please provide the link or guidance to the 65E-30 section, as it’ not available in F.A.C.

See Change No. 6.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

4.2.6.1

C.1.1.1.7

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

This section refers to child welfare. Is this question directed to the vendor (ME)? Or to its NSPs?

The Vendor’s Reply should address how many network service providers are credentialed for these evidence based practice models or propose how the Vendor will include providers with those credentials in the network.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

Not reference d in the

ITN

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Will the reviewers consider responses in other parts of the narrative response, if the question may be answered/addressed in other areas?

Yes.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

NA

Does not appear in the ITN document

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Will there be a separate ITN or solicitation for Prevention of Substance Abuse services as currently funded in the Managing Entities with funding allocated to the FL Department of Children and Families through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPTBG) as there is no specific reference to Prevention in this solicitation?

Substance Abuse Prevention services are required, set aside of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant as referenced in A1.3. There are additional references in A1.26, B1.1.1, B1.2.2.1.1, and B.1.5.1.8.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

NA

Does not appear in the ITN document

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Prevention of substance use/misuse services is not referenced in the ITN solicitation document. What section of the ITN response should the vendor address Prevention of substance use/misuse services?

See response to Question #47.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

NA

Does not appear in the ITN document

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Suicide prevention / intervention / treatment / postvention services are not referenced in the ITN solicitation document.

What section of the ITN response should the vendor address suicide prevention of services?

Section 4.2.6, Services Approach and Solution.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

NA

Does not appear in the ITN document

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Every three years, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office conducts a competitive grant process for the substance abuse Prevention Partnership Grant (PPG), in cooperation with the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) from designated funds by the Florida legislature (Florida Statute 397.99). The funding for this cycle ends on June 30, 2024. PPG services are not referenced in the ITN solicitation document. Should the vendor address integration of the PPG services in the ITN response? If yes, in what section of the solicitation document?

Vendors are to address the areas that are referenced in the ITN; however, a Vendor is encouraged to include items that may be considered “added value services” or “added value”. The Department will score based on the Reply or Replies that provide the overall “Best Value” as defined in 287.012(4) F.S.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

4.2.6.5.4

4.2.6.5.6

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

What is the Department’s definition of “third-party billing” and “third-party payments”?

The Department does not have an official definition of these terms. Third-party billing is billing undertaken by a company other than that which provided the product or service. These companies can work on behalf of individuals or provide services for an entire organization.

Third-Party payments, on the other hand, are payments made on behalf of others, such as clients, users, or partners. Whereas first-party payments are operational or financial payments, third-party payments are referred to as product payments.

South Florida

Behavioral Health

Network, Inc. DBA Thriving

Mind South Florida

4.2.8.1

Southern Region:

Miami- Dade and

Monroe Counties

Sections states: “The budget totals should be based on the available funding projection and specifications in the Standard Contract Part 2 (Appendix IX)- Exhibit F1,Schedule of Funds” In reviewing Appendix IX, the schedule of funds is blank.

When can applicants expect the schedule of funds to be available?

See response to Question #24.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

N/A

Northwest Region

Is Version Number 2 of the ITN available online and if so, can a link be provided for ease of access?

Last Edit Date/Time:

10/02/2023, 2:37 PM. Version Number: 2.

The Vendor Information Portal counts versions each time the posting is edited, and this is not necessarily reflective of document versions.

No alterations were made to the ITN documents, and the current posting is the most up-to-date information.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Does not appear a Version Number 2 is available.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

ITN, 1.1 Northwest Region

The ITN provides that “organizations may submit replies that differ from the regional groups identified” within

it. Should an organization wish to do so, would it be best to include it as an addendum to its main proposal or as a separate proposal all together? Further, will there be any resulting disqualification or finding of non-responsiveness based on this section?

Vendors are to submit only one Reply per ITN, and this can be structured as the Vendor prefers as long as each portion of Section 4.2 is addressed for each of the proposed geographic areas to be served.

Responsiveness is not associated with the Reply aligning with regional groups/counties.

Refer to Section 2.10.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

ITN, 3.4.5 Northwest Region

In this ITN, the Department provides that it will not fund cost of living increases but requires that managing entities are required to provide cost of living increases when appropriate. Is there another method by which the Department intends cost of living increases to be provided or is this a possible misstatement within the ITN?

Please explain what is meant by this? “The Department does not fund cost-of-living increases”.

See response to Question #24.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

ITN, 4.2.6.4.5 Northwest Region

In this statement what audit report is this referring to?

This clause does not refer to a particular audit, but rather the Vendor’s’s capacity to ensure data integrity for any audit.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

ITN, Appendix IV Northwest Region

What subcontracts are relevant for this request?

Appendix IV describes this form should be used for each subcontractor who will perform work under any contract resulting from this ITN.

Refer also to response to Question #42.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 1, 1.7 Northwest Region

If the awarded Provider is a designated non-profit under the Internal Revenue Code or by the Florida Secretary of State, are they exempt from the transaction fee under this Contract as per 60A-1.032 F.A.C? If so, does the provider need to submit an exemption form and by what date?

See response to Question #6.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida

Standard Part 2, C.1.1.1.7.1

Northwest Region

Will there be there additional funding for the Advanced Behavioral Analysis and Evidence Based Practice services? If no additional funding is provided, can the

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Health Network

Department provide its expectation upon how such programs are to be funded from existing revenues?

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, C.1.2.2

Northwest Region

Does the ME need to have subcontracts in place for these services or just ensure they are present in the community?

Additional funding will be necessary if subcontracts are required. Does the Department expect us to reduce funding in other services?

The Vendors response should address how the Vendor will ensure the services are present in the community. When a subcontract exists for an identified service, the Vendor must include that information in the response.

See response to Question #57.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, C.1.2.3

Northwest Region

Will additional funding will be provided to procure/develop these services? Does the Department expect us to reduce funding in other services?Mobile buprenorphine clinics

• Recovery community organization

• Department-funded team service models

• Mental health recovery and well-being supports

• Suicide prevention messaging and programming

See response to Question #60.

Over the past several years, the Department has been infused with additional funding (such as the Opioid Settlement Agreement) from federal partners and the state legislature that are subsequently provided to the ME contracts via amendments. To effectively and efficiently expend these additional dollars and avoid large annual carry over requests, potential Providers must expand capacity. One suggested mechanism to achieve this is to enlarge the provider network, ensuring increased access to traditional behavioral health services.

Additionally Vendors can explore the need to include providers of non-traditional services and supports.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

(community-wide and school based)

• Residential services for individuals on conditional release

• Urgent care

• Psychiatry and psychology

• Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

• Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC)

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, C.1.4.2

Northwest Region

Will additional funding be provided to develop and implement policies and procedures that protect and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information of Individuals Served?

The Department cannot determine or predict future funding availability.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, C.1.4.4

Northwest Region

The ITN lists two separate dates for data submissions with one falling upon the 18th and the other falling upon the 12th. Is it the intent to provide this twice or is one of these submission dates in error? 18th or 12th for

The 18th is the correct date for data submission.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response data submissions? Exhibit C3 states 18th.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, C.2.2.3.10

Northwest Region

Is this requirement only for contracted Designated Receiving Facilities?

Under 65E-5, FAC all designated receiving facilities are required to enter Baker Act data into the Departments Baker Act data portal. The Vendor’s Reply should discuss how the Vendor will ensure that all contracted Designated Receiving Facilities are doing so within the required timeframe (Section 4.6.1.1).

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, Exhibit C3

Northwest Region

Exhibit C3 contain prior year submission dates. Will this table be amended to include updated submission dates?

Yes.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, E.1.1

Northwest Region

Are the penalties bsed on the minimum acceptable network performance (Template 11) or the annual target values?

The financial consequences in Section E.1.1 refer to the financial consequences detailed in Exhibit E, Table 3.

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida

Standard Part 2, E.8 Northwest Region

Can additional details be provided as to the incentives in terms of their value, how provided, or when request thereof is appropriate?

The Department is open to a discussion on this topic with Vendor(s) selected for negotiations.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Health Network

Big Bend Community Based Care Inc., d/b/a Northwest

Florida Health

Network

Standard Part 2, Exhibit F2

Northwest Region

What is the schedule of funds amount for Northwest Region, by county?

Refer to response to Question #24.

Broward Behavioral

Health Coalition, Inc.

APPENDIX IV:

Subcontractor Form

Southeast Region

Should we submit a separate and completed Appendix IV for each subcontractor?

Yes.

Broward Behavioral

Health Coalition, Inc.

1.5 Official Notices Southeast

Region

Where can we see the changes that have been made to the different versions of the ITN?

Currently, the website states that Southeast Region is on the third version of the ITN.

See response to Question #53.

Broward Behavioral

Health Coalition, Inc.

APPENDIX IV:

Subcontractor Form

(K)

Southeast Region

Are you requesting an organization chart of each subcontractor?

See response to Question #57.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Table of Contents (p.3) SunCoast

The “Appendix XII: Mandatory Requirements Checklist" document is listed in the Table of Contents, but is not listed in

See Change No. 1.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response the ITN document. Will it be provided?

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

General SunCoast Will electronic signatures be accepted?

Yes, as electronic submissions are required, electronic signatures are accepted.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

4.2.7 (p.22) SunCoast Do Supporting Documents count in page limits?

Stated page limits are 185, but this doesn't include all sections that we did not set limits.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Standard Contract Part 2, pages 94-96, Exhibit F1 SunCoast

In the Standard Contract Part 2, pages 94-96, Exhibit F1, there is nothing listed for the future years. Will these amounts be provided to prepare projected budgets?

Yes, recurring and non-recurring amounts will be provided to awardees and is subject to available funding.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Section 4.2.6 (p.15-

17) and Evaluation Criteria 3 (p. 47)

SunCoast

The ‘Evaluation Criteria 3:

Development & Planning Function’ scoring chart on page 47 does not match the Development and Planning Function’ information requested to respond to the ITN on pages 15-17. Will this be updated so that the two align?

See Changes No 3. and No. 4.

Central Florida

Behavioral

Introduction to Procurement 1.1 SunCoast

If a response includes an application for a portion of the counties in a specific region, is it

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Health Network considered a ‘qualifying bid?’ If not, please define ‘qualifying bid.’

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Introduction to Procurement 1.1 SunCoast

If an application includes a portion of another region, please provide budgetary guidance.

See response to Question #24.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

4.2.6.5.1 SunCoast Please define ‘claims.’ See response to Question #43.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

4.2.6.5.4 & 4.2.6.5.6 SunCoast How does the department define third party billing? See response to Question #51.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

4.2.8.1 SunCoast

The Exhibit F1 is blank. When will a schedule of funds be provided or are we expected to use our current SOF?

See response to Question #24.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Standard Contract E.1.2.1 Suncoast

Will additional funding be provided to increase the number of services and Network Service Providers?

See response to Question #61.

Central Florida

Behavioral

2.7 SunCoast

Where will the answers to questions be posted? Will all answers to all questions be

See response to Question #1.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Health Network posted in the same place, regardless of which Region the questions came from?

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Standard Contract Part 1- 1.7 SunCoast

MyFloridaMarketPlace transaction fee:

a. If the awarded Provider is a designated non-profit under the Internal Revenue Code or by the Florida Secretary of State, are they exempt from the transaction fee under this Contract as per 60A-1.032 F.A.C?

b. If so, does the provider need to submit an exemption form and by what date?

See response to Question #6.

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Standard Contract Part 2 – C.1.2.2.10 SunCoast

For services listed that the ME does not fund directly, specifically those provided by a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), is an MOU addressing access sufficient to meet this requirement?

See response to Question #7.

Central Florida

Behavioral

Standard Contract Part 2 - C.1.1.6.6, SunCoast Related to ‘Time and distance Standards for outpatient services,’ availability of

See response to Question #8.

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Health Network

C.1.1.6.6.1, C.1.1.6.6.2 – telehealth services meet these requirements?

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Standard Contract Part 2- C.1.2.4 – SunCoast

Specific to the section of the contract related to ‘Accepting all willing providers:’

a. Is there a definition for “standard credentialing requirements?

b. With finite resources, if all resources are committed, what is the expectation for funding “any willing provider”?

c. If the ME has had a negative experience with a willing provider, i.e., failure to meet contract requirements resulting in multiple corrective actions, failure to cooperate with monitoring requirements, threats of legal action, is there a process to exclude these providers from consideration?

Vendor Name Solicitation Section Region Question Department Response

Central Florida

Behavioral Health

Network

Standard Contract Part 2- C.1.2.13 SunCoast

Specific to the statement: ‘The Managing Entity shall increase capacity in the system of care and ensure that uninsured and underinsured individuals with medical issues that exceed the capability of a standalone crisis stabilize unit to manage have access to crisis stabilization services in a hospital that can meet their needs through purchasing bed space within hospitals that are a designated receiving facility.’

Does this mean the ME must purchase beds in hospitals when hospitals already receive LIP funding for uninsured and underinsured individuals?