CSD-RISE-RFP-2027_Final.pdf

STATE OF CONNECTICUT DMHAS-CSD-RISE-2027

STATE OF CONNECTICUT PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Issued by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)

Community Services Division- Regional Infectious Services for Enhancement

Request for Proposals

(DMHAS-CSD-RISE-2027)

October 19, 2026

The Request for Proposal is available in electronic format on the

State Contracting Portal by filtering by Organization for Connecticut The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard or from the Agency’s Official Contact:

Name: Denise Philbrick Address: 410 Capitol Avenue

Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 418-6620

E-Mail: DMHAS.FiscalContracts@ct.gov

The RFP is also available on the Department’s website at:

https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/rfps/index/rfps-and-rfqs

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN

December 10, 2026 3:00 PM EST

A BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD

November 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM

DMHAS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Agency reserves the right to reject any and all submissions or cancel this procurement at any time if deemed in the best interest of the State of

Connecticut (State).

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/rfps/index/rfps-and-rfqs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONS

A. INTRODUCTION

B. INSTRUCTIONS

II. PURPOSE OF RFP AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. AGENCY OVERVIEW

B. RISE Hub PROGRAM OVERVIEW

C. SCOPE OF SERVICE DESCRIPTION

III. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW

A. SUBMISSION FORMAT INFORMATION

B. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

IV. REQUIRED PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OUTLINE AND REQUIREMENTS

A: Cover Sheet………………….……………………………………………………………21

B: Table of Contents C: Proposer Executive Summary D: Main Proposal Submission/Questions E: Attachments F: Declaration of Confidential Information G: Conflict of Interest – Disclosure Statement H: Statement of Assurances

V. MANDATORY PROVISIONS

A. POS STANDARD CONTRACT, PARTS I AND II

B. ASSURANCES

C. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

D. RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE STATE

E. STATUTORY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

VI. APPENDIX

A. ABBREVIATIONS / ACRONYMS / DEFINITIONS

B. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES

C. REQUIRED LETTER OF INTENT

D. COVER SHEET

E. BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE

F. Acknowledgement of Contract Compliance - Notification to Bidders G. Equal Employment Opportunity (CHRO) H. Campaign Contribution Certification

INSTRUCTIONS:

I. PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

I. INTRODUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONS

A. INTRODUCTION

1. RFP Name and Number. Regional Infectious Services Enhancement (RISE) Request for Proposal (DMHAS-CSD-RISE-2026). The name and number will be used on the packaging if applicable and cover sheet of proposals submitted in response to this RFP.

2. RFP Summary. The State of Connecticut, represented by the Department of Mental

Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to establish and operate at least one and a maximum of two Regional Infectious Services Enhancement (RISE) Hub within each of Connecticut's five DMHAS service regions. The RISE initiative will strengthen regional capacity to improve access to integrated infectious disease prevention, education, screening, testing, linkage to care, care coordination, workforce development, and regional collaboration within Connecticut's behavioral health system.

3. RFP Purpose. The purpose of this procurement is to strengthen regional capacity to improve access to integrated infectious disease prevention, education, screening, testing, linkage to care, care coordination, workforce development, technical assistance, and regional collaboration across Connecticut's behavioral health system.

Problem Statement. Individuals receiving behavioral health services experience disproportionately higher rates of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, overdose, and other communicable diseases than the general population.

Although Connecticut has strong behavioral health and public health resources, regional differences in service integration, organizational capacity, partnerships, and workforce expertise contribute to inconsistent access and inequitable health outcomes.

Through this procurement, DMHAS seeks to establish RISE Hubs that strengthen regional infrastructure, improve coordination, build provider capacity, and expand equitable access to integrated infectious disease services.

The goals of the funding are:

Improve equitable access to integrated infectious disease services. Strengthen regional capacity through workforce development, technical assistance, and partnerships. Improve coordination across behavioral health, healthcare, public health, and community organizations. Promote continuous quality improvement through data-informed and evidence-informed practices. Improve health outcomes and reduce regional disparities.

4. Commodity Codes. The services that the Agency wishes to procure through this RFP are as follows:

• 85000000: Healthcare Services

• 93000000: Politics and Civic Affairs Services

• 93140000: Community and Social Services

B. INSTRUCTIONS

1. Official Contact. The Agency has designated the individual below as the Official Contact for purposes of this RFP. The Official Contact is the only authorized contact for this procurement and, as such, handles all related communications on behalf of the Agency.

Proposers, prospective proposers, and other interested parties are advised that any communication with any other Agency employee(s) (including appointed officials) or personnel under contract to the Agency about this RFP is strictly prohibited. Proposers or prospective proposers who violate this instruction may risk disqualification from further consideration.

Name: Denise Philbrick Address: 410 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 418-6672 E-Mail: DMHAS.FiscalContracts@ct.gov

Please ensure that e-mail screening software (if used) recognizes and accepts e-mails from the Official Contact.

2. Registering with State Contracting Portal. Respondents must register with the State of CT contracting portal at: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/Registration if not already registered.

3. Respondents must submit the following information pertaining to this RFP with your proposal:

a. Secretary of State recognition (snip of current status) – onlineBusinessSearch (ct.gov)

b. Non-profit status, if applicable

c. Notification to Bidders, Parts I-V (attached)

d. Campaign Contribution Certification (OPM Ethics Form 1) (attached):

https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms

e. Valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) obtained through www.sam.gov

f. Organizational Chart

g. Resumes of Key Personnel

4. RFP Information. The RFP, amendments to the RFP, and other information associated with this procurement are available in electronic format from the Official Contact or from the Internet at the following locations:

• Agency’s RFP Web Page https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/RFPs/Index/RFPs-and-RFQs

• State Contracting Portal (go to CTSource bid board, filter by DMHAS https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard

It is strongly recommended that any proposer or prospective proposer interested in this procurement check the Bid Board for any solicitation changes. Interested proposers may receive additional e-mails from CTSource announcing addendums that are posted on the mailto:DMHAS.FiscalContracts@ct.gov https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/Registration https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CHRO/cc-documents/NotificationtoBidderspdf.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms http://www.sam.gov/ https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/RFPs/Index/RFPs-and-RFQs https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard portal. This service is provided as a courtesy to assist in monitoring activities associated with State procurements, including this RFP.

5. Procurement Schedule. See below. Dates after the due date for proposals (“Proposals Due”) are non-binding target dates only (*). The Agency may amend the schedule as needed. Any change to non-target dates will be made by means of an amendment to this RFP and will be posted on the State Contracting Portal and, if available, the Agency’s RFP Web Page.

RFP Released 10/19/26 Required Letter of Intent Due 10/28/26 by 3:00 pm RFP/Bidder’s Conference Date 11/5/26 at 10:00 am Deadline for Questions 11/12/26 by 3:00 pm Answers Released 11/17/26 by 3:00 pm Proposals Due 12/10/26 by 3:00 pm (*) Proposer Selection TBD (*) Start of Contract Negotiations TBD (*) Start of Contract 3/1/2027

6. Contract Awards. The award of any contract pursuant to this RFP is dependent upon the availability of funding to the Agency. The Agency anticipates the following:

• Total Funding Available:$1,000,000.00

• Number of Awards: No more than two awards per Region

• Contract Cost: Maximum award of $200,000.00 per Region

• Contract Term: Up to three (3) year term.

• Funding Source: Substance Use State and Federal funding

7. Eligibility. Pursuant to C.G.S. §17a-676, and in accordance with federal grant requirements for use of this funding, the Department may only award contracts for the services requested herein to private nonprofit organizations or Connecticut municipalities.

Eligible respondents are private provider organizations (defined as non-state entities that are 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations or partnerships with principal place of business in Connecticut) or Connecticut municipalities.

8. Minimum Qualifications of Proposers. To qualify for a contract award, a proposer must have the following minimum qualifications:

• Register to do Business in the State of CT (the office of the Secretary of the State) onlineBusinessSearch (ct.gov): provide a snip of eligibility status.

• Demonstrate organizational experience and capacity to provide behavioral health, healthcare, infectious disease, public health, recovery support, care coordination, or other comparable services that support successful implementation of the RISE Hub.

• Maintain, or obtain prior to contract execution, all required Connecticut licenses, certifications, registrations, and approvals necessary to provide the proposed services, and demonstrate the ability to comply with all federal, state, local, and contractual requirements.

• Must have an existing facility capable of accommodating RISE Hub operations and be prepared to provide required services within three (3) months of the start of contract.

https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US

• Financial Status Reports: If the three (3) most recent audits are available via the Office of Policy and Management’s EARS system, such may be noted in the proposal, and a hard copy of the audit cover letters need not be provided.

• Audited Financial Statements: Any proposer agency that does not hold a current contract with the Department must submit cover letters from their auditor for the last three (3) annual audits of their agency and a copy of their most recent financial audit, included in the proposal. If less than three (3) audits were conducted, details must be provided as to why, and any supporting documentation assuring the financial efficacy of the applicant agency should be included (i.e. an accountant prepared financial statement, a tax return, etc.).

• References: If you do not currently or have not in the past 3 years provided contracted services to the Department, at least 3 reference letters must be included in Section VI. Appendix. Letters must include agency name, contact name, mailing address, phone number and email address of the writer. Letters must also include the nature of the writer’s relationship with the proposer and the extent of the proposer’s provision of services to the writer. This is NOT a Letter of Support. The writer must be able to detail a prior relationship of services provided by the proposing agency.

9. An Electronic Letter of Intent (attached). The Letter of Intent (LOI) is required by this RFP. The LOI is non-binding and does not obligate the sender to submit a proposal.

The LOI must be submitted to the Official Contact by e-mail by the deadline established in the Procurement Schedule. The LOI must clearly identify the sender, including name, postal address, telephone number, and e-mail address. It is the sender’s responsibility to confirm the Agency’s receipt of the LOI. Failure to submit the required LOI in accordance with the requirements set forth herein shall result in disqualification from further consideration.

10. Inquiry Procedures. All questions regarding this RFP or the Agency’s procurement process must be directed, in writing, electronically, (e-mail) to the Official Contact before the deadline specified in the Procurement Schedule. The early submission of questions is encouraged. Questions will not be accepted or answered verbally – neither in person nor over the telephone. All questions received before the deadline(s) will be answered.

However, the Agency will not answer questions when the source is unknown (i.e., nuisance or anonymous questions). Questions deemed unrelated to the RFP or the procurement process will not be answered. At its discretion, the Agency may or may not respond to questions received after the deadline. If this RFP requires a Letter of Intent, the Agency reserves the right to answer questions only from those who have submitted such a letter. The Agency may combine similar questions and give only one answer. All questions and answers will be compiled into a written amendment to this RFP. If any answer to any question constitutes a material change to the RFP, the question and answer will be placed at the beginning of the amendment and duly noted as such.

The agency will release the answers to questions on the date(s) established in the Procurement Schedule. The Agency will publish any and all amendments to this RFP on the State Contracting Portal and, if available, on the Agency’s RFP Web Page.

At its discretion, the Agency may distribute any amendments to this RFP to prospective proposers who submitted a Letter of Intent and attended the RFP Conference.

11. Virtual RFP Conference. A virtual RFP Bidder’s conference will be held on November 5, 2026 at 10:00 am to answer questions from prospective proposers.

Attendance at the virtual conference is required. Invitations will be forwarded to prospective proposers who sent in the Letter of Intent.

Prospective proposers will be provided an opportunity to submit questions via email to DMHAS.FiscalContracts@ct.gov. All questions submitted will be answered in a written Addendum to this RFP, which will serve as the Department’s official response. If any answer to any question constitutes a material change to the RFP, the question and answer will be placed at the beginning of the Addendum and duly noted as such. The agency will release the Addendum on the date established in the Procurement Schedule. The Department will publish any and all Addenda.

12. Electronic Proposal due Date and Time. The Official Contact is the only authorized recipient of proposals submitted in response to this RFP. Proposals must be received by the Official Contact on or before the due date and time:

• Due Date: December 10, 2026

• Time: 3:00 PM EST

Proposals received after the due date and time will be ineligible and will not be evaluated. The Agency will send an official letter alerting late respondents of ineligibility.

An acceptable submission must include the following:

a. One (1) conforming electronic copy of the original proposal.

b. The proposal must be complete, properly formatted and outlined, and ready for evaluation by the Screening Committee.

c. The electronic copy of the proposal must be emailed to the Official Agency Contact for this procurement. The subject line of the email must contain: DMHAS-CSD- RISE-2026. Required forms and appendices may be scanned and submitted as PDFs at the end of the main proposal document. Please ensure the entire email submission is less than 25MB as this reflects The Agency’s server limitations.

Respondents should work to ensure there are not additional IT limitations from the provider side.

13. Multiple Proposals. A proposer may submit separate proposals for multiple regions.

Organizations may apply for no more than two (2) DMHAS regions.

Proposers submitting proposals for multiple regions must submit a complete, stand-alone proposal for each region. Each proposal will be evaluated independently and should demonstrate a region-specific assessment of needs, disparities, partnerships, implementation strategies, and anticipated outcomes. Identical or substantially similar proposals submitted for multiple regions may receive lower technical scores if they do not adequately address the unique characteristics and needs of the proposed service region.

II. PURPOSE OF RFP AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. AGENCY OVERVIEW

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and administers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health services and substance use services throughout Connecticut.

While the Department's services serve all Connecticut citizens, its mandate is to serve adults (over 18 years of age) with psychiatric or substance use disorders, or both, who lack the financial means to obtain such services on their own. DMHAS also provides collaborative programs for individuals with special needs, such as persons with HIV/AIDS infection, people in the criminal justice system, those with problem gambling disorders, pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders, persons with traumatic brain injury or hearing impairment, those with co-occurring substance use and mental illness, and special populations transitioning out of the Department of Children and Families.

DMHAS operates on the belief that people with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders can and should be treated in community settings, and that inpatient treatment should be used only when absolutely necessary to meet the best interests of the individual.

Effective care requires that services such as residential, supportive, rehabilitative and crisis intervention programs are available within their local communities. DMHAS is responsible for providing a wide range of services to adults in each of the five human service Regions in Connecticut.

Department Mission

“To promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.”

B. RISE Hub PROGRAM OVERVIEW

• Program Title: Regional Infectious Services Enhancement (RISE)

• Problem Statement: Individuals receiving behavioral health services experience disproportionately higher rates of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, overdose, and other communicable diseases. DMHAS seeks to strengthen regional infrastructure, improve coordination of infectious disease services, and expand equitable access to integrated, evidence-informed care.

Program Policies/Guidelines and Outcome Goals: The Regional Infectious Services Enhancement (RISE) initiative seeks to strengthen Connecticut's behavioral health system by improving regional capacity, collaboration, and access to integrated infectious disease services. The successful contractor(s) will work toward the following outcomes:

1. Improve Access: Increase equitable access to infectious disease prevention, education, screening, testing, linkage to care, and care coordination for individuals receiving behavioral health services.

2. Strengthen Regional Capacity: Enhance the ability of behavioral health providers and community partners to implement evidence-informed infectious disease practices through technical assistance, workforce development, and regional collaboration.

3. Improve Quality and Coordination: Promote consistent, high-quality infectious disease services through standardized practices, integrated care coordination, and continuous quality improvement.

4. Improve Health Outcomes: Reduce disparities and improve measurable infectious disease outcomes through data-informed decision-making, performance monitoring, and strong partnerships across behavioral health, healthcare, and public health systems.

• Target Population: The target population includes adults and adolescents 18 years and older, as appropriate, with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders who are at increased risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), and other communicable diseases. Proposers shall demonstrate the ability to provide equitable, culturally and linguistically responsive services that address the unique needs of diverse populations and reduce disparities in access to care across the geographical region.

• Evidence-Based Programming: Proposers shall implement evidence-based, evidence-informed, and promising practices that improve infectious disease prevention, education, screening, testing, linkage to care, treatment, care coordination, and health outcomes for individuals receiving behavioral health services. Proposed programs shall be guided by current clinical and public health recommendations and incorporate continuous quality improvement to evaluate performance and improve service delivery throughout the contract period.

• Preferred Practices: DMHAS encourages proposers to incorporate practices that strengthen integrated, equitable, and person-centered infectious disease services within behavioral health settings. Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate:

o Integrated behavioral health and infectious disease service delivery.

o Person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed care.

o Health equity and culturally and linguistically responsive services.

o Regional collaboration with healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations.

o Data-informed quality improvement and performance management.

o Innovative approaches that strengthen regional capacity and improve health outcomes.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICE DESCRIPTION (Scored Section)

Overview

DMHAS is seeking qualified organizations to establish and operate one or more Regional Infectious Services Enhancement (RISE) Hubs that strengthens regional capacity to improve infectious disease prevention, education, screening, testing, linkage to care, care coordination, workforce development, technical assistance, quality improvement, and regional collaboration within Connecticut's behavioral health system.

Proposers shall describe how they will implement a comprehensive regional service model that meets the expectations described below.

1. Organizational Requirements

a. Describe the organizational infrastructure, resources, leadership support, and organizational capabilities will be leveraged to implement RISE by the required contract date.

b. Describe relevant experience that demonstrates the ability to implement integrated behavioral health, infectious diseases/public health, healthcare, community-based, or comparable cross-system services.

c. Describe experience serving the proposed DMHAS region and knowledge of its populations, resources, service systems, and infectious needs.

d. Describe the organization's demonstrated experience developing and sustaining partnerships across behavioral health, healthcare, recovery, and community systems.

e. Describe how collaborative relationships will improve access, coordination, referral pathways, service delivery, and outcomes.

f. Describe how organizational system controls will support fiscal, regulatory, confidentiality, contractual, and operational compliance. Identify significant organizational or operational risks to implementation and how they will be addressed.

2. Service Requirements. The Department has established the following minimum service expectations for the RISE Hub.

All RISE services shall be evidence-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, status-neutral, culturally and linguistically responsive, and designed to promote equitable access and reduce disparities. Organizations shall demonstrate an accessible, coordinated, responsive regional service model capable of delivering RISE services throughout the proposed DMHAS region.

a. Describe how RISE services will be organized and delivered throughout the proposed

DMHAS region. Explain how direct, onsite, community-based, virtual, partner-based, and other service approaches will be used to provide appropriate regional coverage.

b. Describe how individuals will access and engage with RISE services, including populations experiencing barriers to traditional service delivery. Explain how the service model will address geographic, transportation, technology, stigma, and other barriers affecting access and engagement.

c. Describe how partnerships with behavioral health, healthcare, public health, recovery, and community organizations will support regional delivery of RISE services. Explain how existing and proposed partnerships, referral pathways, and formal agreements will expand access, address service gaps, leverage available resources, and reduce unnecessary duplication.

d. Describe how the RISE Hub will strengthen infectious disease knowledge, resources, and service capacity within the regional behavioral health system. Explain how consultation, technical assistance, education, information sharing, and other capacity-building activities will support DMHAS-operated and funded providers and respond to identified regional needs.

e. Describe how referrals, workload, service demand, and changing regional needs will be managed to maintain timely and responsive services. Explain how continuity will be maintained during increased demand, staffing or operational disruptions, and emerging infectious disease or public health needs.

f. Identify your plan to service the RISE Hub office for a minimum of five (5) days per week for a minimum of 40 hours weekly. Identity the proposed office location(s), service area, and hours of operation. A program schedule will be required at the time of contract. Explain how services will remain accessible throughout the assigned geographic region. Describe how urgent consultation and emerging public health needs will be addressed.

g. Indicate how you will engage individuals who are diagnosed with MH, SUD, and/or co-occurring disorders, and/or seeking infectious services, providers, and organizations that will receive services.

h. A minimum of 100 unduplicated individuals with a MH, SUD, and/or co-occurring disorder shall receive services annually. Explain how staffing, partnerships, and available resources will support projected demand.

i. Conduct a minimum of four (4) regional education, training, outreach, technical assistance, or capacity-building activities annually for DMHAS-operated/funded providers, community organizations, or regional partners

j. All proposals must describe the program’s policies/procedures and contingencies for handling overdose prevention, and other potential safety and/or security issues.

Naloxone must be available on site; all staff must be trained on the use of Naloxone and overdose/harm reduction techniques.

3. Core Components of Service

The RISE Hub shall provide or coordinate comprehensive infectious disease services responsive to individual needs. Organizations shall demonstrate how each core component will be incorporated into the proposed RISE model and result in appropriate prevention, intervention, linkage, treatment support, and follow-up.

a. Describe how comprehensive infectious disease prevention, education, health promotion, and individualized risk-reduction services will be provided. Address HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), transmission and risk factors, testing and treatment, safer practices, overdose prevention, harm reduction, HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP), and available healthcare and community resources. Explain how individuals will obtain appropriate prevention supplies and resources, including naloxone, educational materials, and other harm-reduction resources.

b. Describe how standardized screening will identify infectious disease risks, prevention needs, and the need for testing, further evaluation, or follow-up. Address screening for

HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, TB, and other relevant infectious disease and related health risks.

c. Describe how appropriate infectious disease testing will be provided or coordinated based on identified need. Explain how test results, including positive/reactive or abnormal findings, will result in timely confirmatory testing, clinical evaluation, treatment, and other appropriate follow-up.

d. Describe how individuals will obtain appropriate infectious disease prevention and clinical services based on identified need. Address PrEP/PEP, infectious disease evaluation and treatment, harm-reduction services, and other applicable interventions.

e. Describe how individuals requiring prevention, confirmatory testing, healthcare, treatment, or other services will be successfully connected to needed care. Explain how navigation, follow-up, and confirmation of linkage will support timely connection and reduce loss to follow- up.

f. Describe how RISE will coordinate services provided through external healthcare, public health, behavioral health, recovery, and community partners when needed services are not provided directly by the Hub. Explain how responsibility for referral, communication, navigation, follow-up, and confirmation of service connection will be maintained across organizations.

g. Describe how overdose prevention and harm-reduction services will be incorporated into individual RISE services. Address overdose education, naloxone access, individualized risk reduction, staff competency, and connection to appropriate behavioral health, substance use, healthcare, and community resources.

h. Describe how the full range of required RISE services will be organized and delivered throughout the proposed geographic region. Identify services provided directly and through partnerships or existing regional resources.

i. Demonstrate how the model will expand access, address service gaps, and explain how the model will improve regional access and continuity of care.

j. Describe how regulatory compliance, confidentiality and data security will be maintained throughout the contract period. Identify policies and procedures supporting

HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, public health reporting, and applicable requirements. explain how compliance activities will be monitored and continuously maintained.

4. Staffing Expectations

The Department has determined that each RISE Hub shall maintain a multidisciplinary workforce with the leadership, clinical expertise, lived experience, and administrative capacity necessary to successfully implement the required program components.

At a minimum, the proposer shall provide the staffing positions identified below. Proposers may provide additional staffing provided the minimum requirements are met and the proposed model supports successful implementation of the RISE Hub. The RISE Hub is expected to maintain a qualified, competent, and adequately supported workforce capable of implementing all required program components and delivering high-quality infectious disease services throughout the assigned DMHAS region.

a. Program Coordinator (0.50 - 1.00 FTE)- to provide overall program leadership, contract administration, regional coordination, partnership development, supervision, quality improvement, and oversight of all RISE Hub activities.

b. Peer Recovery (0.75 - 1.00 FTE)- to provide Outreach, engagement, education, peer support, navigation, recovery support.

c. Licensed Nurse (RN preferred) (0.50 - 1.00 FTE) - to provide clinical consultation, ID education, technical assistance, care coordination support.

d. Administrative/Data Support (In-kind) provide scheduling, reporting, documentation and administrative support.

e. Proposers must provide a staffing model that supports implementation of all required program components.

f. Proposers must describe staffing levels, key positions, reporting relationships, anticipated caseload or workload distribution. Include an organizational chart in the Appendices identifying the proposed RISE Hub within the organizational structure.

g. Proposers should also describe how funding will be used to support ongoing education and training needs of the RISE Hub staff.

5. Data and Technology Expectations

The RISE Hub is expected to maintain secure information management and technology systems that support program operations, contract administration, performance monitoring, and compliance with all applicable federal and state privacy, confidentiality, security, and reporting requirements.

The proposer shall:

a. Provide the technology infrastructure necessary to support program operations.

Describe the organization's computer systems, software, internet capabilities, electronic communication methods, and other technology resources used to support service delivery and program administration.

b. Provide information management systems that support accurate and timely documentation, data collection, reporting, and contract performance monitoring.

Describe the systems used to collect, manage, analyze, and report program and performance data.

c. Provide policies, procedures, and safeguards that protect Protected Health

Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and other confidential information. Explain how the organization ensures compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR

Part 2, applicable Connecticut confidentiality requirements, and organizational cybersecurity practices.

d. Provide performance measurement and program evaluation processes that monitor contract outcomes, support continuous quality improvement, and inform organizational decision-making. Explain how performance data and stakeholder feedback, including client satisfaction, are used to evaluate and improve services.

6. Work Plan: The proposer shall provide a concise implementation work plan demonstrating how the RISE Hub will become fully operational by the required contract start date and how required services will be maintained throughout the contract period.

The workplan should address:

a. Program staffing and workforce readiness: Describe the approach and timeline for recruiting, hiring, credentialing, onboarding, the work force necessary to implement the RISE Hub, including the required Program Coordinator, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, LPN/RN, and Administrative/Data Support.

b. Hours and Regional Access: Proposals should support RISE Hub availability for a minimum of eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week. Identify the proposed days and hours of operation and describe how onsite, community-based, outreach, virtual, and partner-based services will be coordinated to meet regional needs.

c. Program Start-Up and Implementation: Describe how RISE Hub will be developed and operationalized, including facility and technology readiness, policies and procedures, data systems, staff preparation, partnerships and referral pathways, outreach, and initiation of services. Include key start-up milestones and anticipated completion dates.

d. Ongoing implementation: Explain how program activities, regional partnerships, and required services will be monitored and sustained after start-up. Identify major first year milestones and strategies for addressing implementation barriers, increased demand or service disruptions.

7. Budget and Budget Narrative

Proposers must submit a complete annal budget and budget narrative demonstrating that proposed costs are necessary, allowable and sufficient to implement the required RISE Hub services within the available funding.

a. Proposals must contain an itemized annual budget on the budget form delineated in

Section VI. Appendix, E. Budget and Budget Narrative, of this RFP.

b. Provide a detailed annual budget identifying proposed costs. All startup costs must be clearly identified as one (1) line item in the budget. Explain the basis and purpose of major expenditures and how proposed costs support the Work Plan and required services.

c. All other funding, including financial support, must be identified:

1) Complete a price schedule, budget, or cost proposal in its entirety that will enable the effective delivery of the proposed project or services.

2) Describe all direct and indirect costs associated with the service or project.

3) Describe any key cost variables for the service or project such as volume, frequency, duration or length.

4) Narrative and justification: Present a detailed, line-item cost narrative that explains the basis and rationale for the costs proposed.

8. Culturally Responsive Services

Proposers shall describe how they will provide culturally and linguistically responsive, person-centered, and trauma-informed services that promote equitable access to infectious disease services for individuals receiving behavioral health services.

The proposal should describe how the organization will deliver services that are responsive to the cultural, linguistic, and diverse needs of the populations served. Promote health equity and reduce barriers to accessing infectious disease services. Incorporate culturally responsive outreach, engagement, and communication strategies. Collaborate with community organizations that serve diverse and underserved populations. Recruit, develop, and support a workforce that reflects and effectively serves the communities within the assigned region. Explain how evidence informed, status-neutral, trauma-informed, recovery oriented, and culturally responsive practices will be integrated into daily operations.

9. Contract Management/Data Reporting

DMHAS will use active contract management and data review to monitor implementation, assess performance, identify barriers, and support continuous quality improvement throughout the contract period.

a. Proposers should describe their capacity to collect, validate, and submit required program’s service outcome and performance data.

b. Funded providers will participate in regular contract management meetings with DMHAS to review data, contract deliverables, program performance, implementation challenges, and improvement strategies.

c. Providers are expected to use performance information to support timely corrective action and incremental service improvement.

d. Providers will be responsible for accurate and timely data submission, documentation, and follow-up on identified performance concerns.

e. To receive full credit in this section, the organization must have an EHR or comparable secure electronic system capable of required recordkeeping, reporting, and priority-population data collection. The system must provide role-based access to sensitive information and comply with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 and applicable confidentiality requirements.

D. Performance Measures

DMHAS will use outcome and output measures to access RISE Hub performance, regional impact, and progress toward program goals. Performance measures will be reviewed collaboratively with funded providers and may be refined based on baseline data and regional needs.

1. Access and Linkage to Care: Increased access to infectious disease prevention, screening/testing, referral, linkage, and care coordination, including timely connection to needed services.

2. Regional Capacity Building: Infectious services, education, technical assistance, and workforce development that strengthen provider capacity to address infection diseases needs.

3. Regional Collaboration: Effective partnerships, referral pathways, and activities that improve regional access and continuity of care.

4. Quality and Health Equity: Use of program data, outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to improve service quality, address disparities, and support continuous quality improvement.

III. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW

A. SUBMISSION FORMAT INFORMATION

1. Required Outline. All proposals must follow the required outline presented in Section IV – Proposal Submission Outline and Requirements. Proposals that fail to follow the required outline will be deemed non-responsive and not evaluated.

2. Cover Sheet. The Cover Sheet is Page 1 of the proposal. Proposers must complete and use the Cover Sheet form provided by the Agency in the VI. Appendix D. Cover Sheet.

Legal Name is defined as the name of private provider organization, CT State agency, or municipality submitting the proposal. Contact Person is defined as the individual who can provide additional information about the proposal or who has immediate responsibility for the proposal. Authorized Official is defined as the individual empowered to submit a binding offer on behalf of the proposer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto.

3. Table of Contents. All proposals must include a Table of Contents that conforms with the required proposal outline.

4. Executive Summary. Proposals must include a high-level summary, not exceeding two

(2) pages. The summary must also include the organization’s eligibility and qualifications to respond to this RFP. The executive summary is not part of the main proposal and cost proposal.

5. Attachments. Attachments other than the required Appendices or Forms identified in the RFP are not permitted and will not be evaluated. Further, the required Appendices or Forms must not be altered or used to extend, enhance, or replace any component required by this RFP. Failure to abide by these instructions will result in disqualification.

All attachments should be labeled and included in Section E. Attachments of the proposal.

6. Style Requirements. This is an electronic submission.

Submitted proposals must conform to the following specifications:

Paper Size 8.5 x 11 (Standard Letter) Font Size 12 Font Type Arial Margins Normal (1 inch around) Line Spacing 1 ½ Print Style Singled-Sided Page Limit Maximum 12 pages, exclusive of Executive Summary, Appendices, Budget Forms, and Budget Narrative

7. Pagination. The proposer’s name must be displayed in the header of each page. All pages, including the required Appendices and Forms, must be numbered in the footer.

8. Packaging and Labeling Requirements. Not Applicable.

9. Declaration of Confidential Information. Proposers are advised that all materials associated with this procurement are subject to the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, and all rules, regulations and interpretations resulting from them. If a proposer deems that certain information required by this RFP is confidential, the proposer must label such information as CONFIDENTIAL prior to submission. In subsection IV.F. of the proposal submission, the proposer must reference where the information labeled CONFIDENTIAL is located in the proposal.

EXAMPLE: Section G.1.a. For each subsection so referenced, the proposer must provide a convincing explanation and rationale sufficient to justify an exemption of the information from release under the FOIA. The explanation and rationale must be stated in terms of (a) the prospective harm to the competitive position of the proposer that would result if the identified information were to be released and (b) the reasons why the information is legally exempt from release pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-210(b).

10. Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement. Proposers must include a disclosure statement concerning any current business relationships (within the last three (3) years) that pose a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85. A conflict of interest exists when a relationship exists between the proposer and a public official (including an elected official) or State employee that may interfere with fair competition or may be adverse to the interests of the State. The existence of a conflict of interest is not, in and of itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A conflict of interest may, however, become a legal matter if a proposer tries to influence, or succeeds in influencing, the outcome of an official decision for their personal or corporate benefit. The Agency will determine whether any disclosed conflict of interest poses a substantial advantage to the proposer over the competition, decreases the overall competitiveness of this procurement, or is not in the best interests of the State. In the absence of any conflict of interest, a proposer must affirm such in the disclosure statement. Example: “[name of proposer] has no current business relationship (within the last three (3) years) that poses a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85.”

B. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

1. Evaluation Process. It is the intent of the Agency to conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of proposals received in response to this RFP. When evaluating proposals, negotiating with successful proposers, and awarding contracts, the Agency will conform with its written procedures for POS and PSA procurements (pursuant to C.G.S.

§ 4-217) and the State’s Code of Ethics (pursuant to C.G.S. §§ 1-84 and 1-85). Final funding allocation decisions will be determined during contract negotiation.

2. Evaluation Review Committee. The Agency will designate a Review Committee to evaluate proposals submitted in response to this RFP. The Review Committee will be composed of individuals, Agency staff or other designees as deemed appropriate. The contents of all submitted proposals, including any confidential information, will be shared with the Review Committee. Only proposals found to be responsive (that is, complying with all instructions and requirements described herein) will be reviewed, rated, and scored. Proposals that fail to comply with all instructions will be rejected without further consideration. The Review Committee shall evaluate all proposals that meet the Minimum Submission Requirements by score and rank ordered and make recommendations for awards. The Agency Head will make the final selection. Attempts by any proposer (or representative of any proposer) to contact or influence any member of the Review Committee may result in disqualification of the proposer.

3. Minimum Submission Requirements. To be eligible for evaluation, proposals must (1) be received on or before the due date and time; (2) meet the Proposal Format requirements; (3) meet the Eligibility and Qualification requirements to respond to the procurement, (4) follow the required Proposal Outline; and (5) be complete. Proposals that fail to follow instructions or satisfy these minimum submission requirements will not be reviewed further. The Agency will reject any proposal that deviates significantly from the requirements of this RFP.

4. Evaluation Criteria (and Weights). Proposals meeting the Minimum Submission

Requirements will be evaluated according to the established criteria. The criteria are the objective standards that the Review Committee will use to evaluate the technical merits of the proposals. Only the criteria listed below will be used to evaluate proposals. The weights are disclosed below:

Each proposal will be evaluated based on the quality, completeness, and feasibility of the information submitted in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP). Reviewers will evaluate proposals using the criteria described below and assign points on a sliding scale from zero (0) to the maximum points available for each section.

The maximum possible score is 100 points.

Criteria Points

Organizational Requirements 5

Services Requirements 25

Core Components of Services* 30

Staffing Expectations 5

Data and Technology Expectations 5

Work Plan 5

Budget/Narrative 10

Culturally Responsive Services 10

Contract Management/Data Reporting 5

Total 100

*Core Components of Service (30 Points) This section is worth a maximum of 30 points. Twenty (20) points will be based on applicant’s response to the core components of services requirements. An additional 10 points will be awarded to an applicant with a Substance Use and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) certified OTP proposing to house and operate the RISE hub within its OTP(s) located in the proposed DMHAS region.

As part of its evaluation of the Staffing Plan, the Review Committee will review the proposer’s demonstrated commitment to affirmative action, as required by the Regulations of CT State Agencies § 46A-68j-30(10).

5. Proposer Selection. Upon completing its evaluation of proposals, the Review Committee will submit the rankings of all proposals to the Commissioner or Agency Head. The final selection of a successful proposer is at the discretion of the Commissioner or Agency Head. Any proposer selected will be so notified and awarded an opportunity to negotiate a contract with the Agency. Such negotiations may, but will not automatically, result in a contract. Any resulting contract will be posted on the State Contracting Portal. All unsuccessful proposers will be notified by e-mail or U.S. mail, at the Agency’s discretion, about the outcome of the evaluation and proposer selection process. The Agency reserves the right to decline to award contracts for activities in which the Commissioner or Agency Head considers there are not adequate respondents.

6. Debriefing. Within ten (10) days of receiving notification from the Agency, unsuccessful proposers may contact the Official Contact and request information about the evaluation and proposer selection process. The e-mail sent date or the postmark date on the notification envelope will be considered “day one” of the ten (10) days. If unsuccessful proposers still have questions after receiving this information, they may contact the Official Contact and request a meeting with the Agency to discuss the evaluation process and their proposals. If held, the debriefing meeting will not include any comparisons of unsuccessful proposals with other proposals.