STATE OF CONNECTICUT DMHAS-PREV-BRYCWP-2026 RFP

STATE OF CONNECTICUT PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Request for Proposals (RFP) For

Issued by the State of Connecticut

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

(DMHAS)

Prevention & Health Promotion Division

Building Resilient Youth and Communities with Prevention (BRYCWP)

(DMHAS-PREV- BRYCWP-2026-RFP)

Friday, January 16, 2026

The Request for Proposal is available in electronic format on the State Contracting

Portal by filtering by Organization for the Connecticut Department of Mental

Health and Addiction Services https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard or from the Agency’s Official Contact:

Name: Pamela J. Mabry Address: 410 Capitol Avenue

Hartford, CT 06134 Phone: (860) 418-6664

E-Mail: DMHAS.FiscalContracts@ct.gov

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

http://www.ct.gov/dmhas/site/default.asp

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN

Friday, March 20, 2026, 3:00 PM EST

A RECOMMENDED VIRTUAL BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD

Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:00 AM EST

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://biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/BidResults.aspx https://biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/BidResults.aspx http://www.ct.gov/dmhas/site/default.asp

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I. - GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction

B. Instructions

Section II. - PURPOSE OF RFP AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. Agency Overview

B. Program Overview

C. Scope of Services Description

D. Performance Measures

E. Contract Management/Data Reporting

Section III. - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW

A. Submission of Format Information

B. Evaluation of Proposals

Section IV. - REQUIRED PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OUTLINE AND REQUIREMENTS

A. Cover Sheet

B. Table of Contents

C. Executive Summary

D. Main Proposal

E. Attachments

F. Declaration of Confidential Information

G. Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement

H. Statement of Assurances

Section V. - MANDATORY PROVISIONS

A. PSA Standard Contract Provisions

B. Assurances

C. Terms and Conditions

D. Rights Reserved to the State

E. Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

Section VI. - APPENDIX

A. Abbreviations/Acronyms/Definitions

B. Statement of Assurances

C. Terms and Conditions

D. Cover Sheet

E. Budget and Budget Narrative

F. Acknowledgement of Contract Compliance – Notification to Bidders

G. Campaign Contribution Certification

H. Proposal Checklist

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. INTRODUCTION

1. RFP Name and Number. (DMHAS-PREV-BRYCWP-2026 RFP).

2. RFP Summary.

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to deliver community-based prevention services aimed at reducing childhood and underage drinking among youth ages 12 to 20. Proposals must demonstrate the use of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to guide planning and implementation efforts that result in measurable community-level change.

Priority Prevention Focus:

- Reduction of underage drinking / alcohol use (required)

Optional Prevention Priorities:

- Reduce prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse

- Reduce youth access to and use of tobacco and nicotine products

- Reduce cannabis use

- Reduce illicit drug use

3. RFP Purpose.

DMHAS seeks to fund up to ten (10) eligible proposers to implement evidence-based prevention strategies aimed at reducing underage drinking / alcohol use and an optional second prevention priority among youth ages 12-20 in communities. Funded organizations will be required to apply the SPF to guide their work, with a focus on reducing risk factors, strengthening protective factors, and achieving sustainable, community-level impact.

Contracts may be awarded for a term of up to five (5) years, and applicants must demonstrate the capacity to lead local prevention coalitions, implement effective strategies, and evaluate outcomes using measurable indicators.

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: Pamela J. Mabry Address: 410 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06134 Phone: (860) 418-6664 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. Proposers must register with the State of CT contracting portal at https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/Registration if not already registered.

Proposers must submit the following information pertaining to this RFP with your proposal:

• Secretary of State recognition – onlineBusinessSearch (ct.gov)

• Non-profit status, if applicable

• Notification to Bidders, Parts I-V https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/chro/cc-documents/notificationtobidderspdf.pdf

• Campaign Contribution Certification (OPM Ethics Form 1):

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

3. 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 portal. This service is provided as a courtesy to assist in monitoring activities associated with State procurements, including this RFP.

4. 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 Friday, January 16, 2026

Letter of Intent Due (Recommended) Friday, January 30, 2026 by 3:00 PM EST

RFP Virtual Bidder’s Conference Date (Recommended)

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST

Deadline Questions Tuesday, February 17, 2026 by 3:00 PM EST

Answers Released Tuesday, February, 24, 2026

Proposals Due Friday, March 20, 2026 by 3:00 PM EST

(*) Proposer Selection TBD

(*) Start of Contract Negotiations TBD

(*) Start of Contract 07/01/2026 mailto:DMHAS.FiscalContracts@ct.gov https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/Registration https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/chro/cc-documents/notificationtobidderspdf.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/chro/cc-documents/notificationtobidderspdf.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/RFPs/Index/RFPs-and-RFQs

5. 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: $6,250,000.00

• Number of Awards: Up to ten (10)

• Contract Cost: Up to $625,000.00 (up to $125,000.00 annually)

• Contract Term: Five (5) years*

• Funding Source: Federal Funding

*DMHAS reserves the right to amend or extend the contract term based on the availability of funding.

6. Eligibility. Eligibility includes the following criteria:

The following private, nonprofit organizations and municipalities are ineligible to respond to this RFP:

• DMHAS Prevention Infrastructure agencies, also known as DMHAS Prevention Resource Links. These agencies receive non-competitive funds to provide support and build capacity of organizations and municipalities implementing services outlined in this RFP.

• Colleges and Universities

• Organizations or municipalities currently receiving funding for the same city, town or community considered for this RFP through the federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) program or the Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) are not eligible to apply under this RFP unless they are in the final year of funding. Note: Organizations with existing DFC or SPF-PFS funding may apply if the proposed service area is not currently funded by those programs.

• State-level SPF-PFS funded communities.

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 proposers 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.

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

a. The proposer must meet eligibility requirements.

b. The proposer must have a minimum of three (3) consecutive years of experience managing an array of prevention services.

c. The Department reserves the right to reject the submission of any proposer in default of any current or prior contract with DMHAS or the State of Connecticut.

d. Register to do business in the State of CT (Office of the Secretary of the State) https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US

e. Community Presence: Must have a primary business location and operational offices physically located in Connecticut.

8. An Electronic Letter of Intent. An Electronic Letter of Intent (LOI) is Recommended to respond to 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.

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

9. 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 or attended the RFP Conference.

10. Virtual RFP Conference. A Virtual RFP Bidder’s conference will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. Attendance at the virtual conference is optional but is strongly encouraged.

Invitations will be sent to those who submit a Recommended Letter of Intent. If you have not submitted a Recommended Letter of Intent but wish to attend, please contact the Official Agency Contact for an invitation link to the Bidder’s Conference no later than Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 3:00PM EST.

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.

11. 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: Friday, March 20, 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 proposers of ineligibility.

An acceptable submission must include the following:

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

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

The electronic copy of the proposal must be emailed to official agency contact for this procurement. The subject line of the email must read: DMHAS-PREV- BRYCWP-2026 RFP. 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. Proposers should work to ensure there are no additional IT limitations from the provider side.

12. Multiple Proposals. The submission of multiple proposals is an option for this procurement. Proposers may submit more than one proposal, each focused on a different city, town or community. Each proposal must be submitted separately and will be reviewed independently. All required forms and supporting documentation must be included with each individual proposal.

Note: DMHAS reserves the right to award one (1) proposer per city, town, or community. Multiple awards for the same city, town or community will not be issued.

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 treatment and substance use treatment 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 and to provide primary prevention services across the lifespan. 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 population 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 when necessary to meet the best interests of the individual. Effective care requires 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.”

Prevention & Health Promotion Division

As the state authority for behavioral health, DMHAS, through its Prevention and Health

Promotion Division (PHP), is committed to advancing substance use prevention and mental health promotion across the lifespan. In alignment with its prevention mandate, the

Division provides leadership, funding and technical assistance to support the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies that reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and promote healthy development from early childhood through adulthood.

B. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1. Title: Building Resilient Youth and Communities with Prevention (BRYCWP) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), through its Prevention and Health Promotion Division (PHP), is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the continued reduction of underage drinking and, optionally, a second priority substance among youth ages 12 to 20 in Connecticut communities.

2. Problem Statement: Although underage drinking in Connecticut has declined since

2005 due to coordinated prevention efforts, alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among youth and continues to pose serious public health risks, especially when initiated before age 15 or used in combination with other substances. BRYCWP seeks to sustain and expand local prevention efforts by funding qualified organizations or municipalities to implement evidence-based, community-level strategies that are guided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).

“Prevention” aims to stop substance use before it starts and is guided by the SAMHSA SPF public health model. The SPF is dynamic, iterative, data-drive, and reliant on and encourages a team approach. The SPF is a comprehensive public health model consisting of five (5) core steps:

1. Assessment: Identify local prevention needs using relevant data

2. Capacity: Build local resources and readiness to address those needs

3. Planning: Select and tailor evidence-based strategies to meet local priorities

4. Implementation: Deliver prevention programs and practices with fidelity

5. Evaluation: Measure the effectiveness and impact of implemented strategies

These steps are supported by two (2) cross-cutting principles: Cultural Competency and Sustainability, which must be integrated throughout the process.

Selected proposers will be required to collaborate with Local Prevention Councils or Coalitions (LPCs) and utilize the DMHAS Prevention Resource Links to ensure the delivery of high-quality, data-informed, and sustainable prevention services align with statewide goals.

To support local implementation of the SPF, DMHAS has established a statewide prevention infrastructure known as the DMHAS Prevention Resource Links, which includes:

• Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations (RBHAOs)

• The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP)

• The Prevention Training and Technical Assistance Service Center (TTASC)

• The DMHAS Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics (CPES) at UConn

Health

• The Connecticut Clearinghouse

• The State Education Resource Center (SERC)

3. Priority Prevention Focus:

All proposals must address the required primary prevention focus and may optionally include one additional prevention priority:

a. Primary Prevention Focus (Required) o Reduction of underage drinking (ages 12-20)

b. Optional Prevention Priorities (ages 12-20):

o Reduce prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse o Reduce youth access to and use of tobacco and nicotine products o Reduce cannabis use o Reduce illicit drug use

4. Service Outcome Goals:

Funded programs will be expected to achieve measurable, community-level outcomes aligned with the goals of this RFP. The following priority outcome goals will serve as key performance indicators for the required and optional substances:

a. Reduce 30-day use among 12–20-year-olds.

b. Increase perception of risk of substance use among 12–20-year-olds.

c. Increase capacity and membership of the LPC to be reflective of the community.

d. Increase youth involvement and engagement within the LPC and the community.

5. Target Population: Youth and young adults aged 12-20 years old within the city, town, or community of focus.

6. Evidence-Based Strategies:

All funded proposers must implement at least two (2) evidence-based strategies or environmental strategies selected through the Planning phase of the SPF. Strategies must be appropriate to the local context, culturally responsive, implemented with fidelity, and targeted to underage alcohol use and optional prevention priority.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICE DESCRIPTION

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), through its Prevention and Health Promotion Division (PHP), is committed to working with eligible organizations or municipalities that demonstrate the capacity to implement the SPF and deliver high-quality, community-level substance use prevention services. Proposers must have a Connecticut-based infrastructure, a documented organizational structure, and a proven ability to manage state-funded prevention initiatives.

To be considered for funding, proposers shall meet the following requirements and submit all required documentation as part of the proposal.

1. Organizational Requirements To submit a responsive proposal, the proposer shall:

a. Provide an overview of the proposer’s organization or municipality containing the following information:

i. Confirm the proposer meets the eligibility requirements within Section I.B.6 of the RFP.

ii. Proposals must include an organizational chart and narrative that clearly outlines the structure and lines of supervision for managing contract deliverables (i.e. Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, Town Council) and where key personnel fit into the structure.

iii. Proposer must describe how the organization or municipality will supervise, support and oversee the key personnel and implementation of this program.

iv. Proposer must have completed a financial audit within the past two (2) years and include documentation or a summary of findings in the proposal.

v. Description of the mission, vision and values of the proposer organization or municipality and the management philosophy that will be used to successfully administer the goals of the program.

vi. Description of the proposer’s familiarity and experience working within prevention, the target population (ages 12-20), engaging key community partners, and implementing the SPF.

vii. Proposer must include a statement of commitment to meet program requirements in the absence of key personnel, including a plan for continuity of services.

viii. A description of the proposer’s familiarity, and where applicable, past work with the DMHAS system.

2. Service Requirements: To submit a responsive proposal, the proposer shall:

a. Provide an overview of the organization’s experience providing similar prevention services outlined in this RFP.

b. Proposers shall identify the required primary prevention focus on underage drinking / alcohol use among youth ages 12–20. Proposers may also select one (1) optional prevention priority (see Section II.B.3) and must provide a justification for its inclusion based on local data that demonstrates its relevance.

c. Proposers shall clearly define the service area where prevention services will be implemented. Service area may include an entire municipality or sub-municipal area (e.g. neighborhoods, school districts, census tracks). Proposers must provide rationale for selecting the proposed service area and include a detailed description of its geographic boundaries, population demographics, and relevance to the goals of the BRYCWP program. Successful responses will include geographic boundaries, key socio-demographic characteristics, substance use prevention needs (including risk and protective factors), resources and assets, community support or resistance to prevention within the service area.

d. Proposers must identify a LPC to collaborate with to implement the BRYCWP program.

For the purposes of this RFP, the LPC must have been established prior to January 1, 2026 (6-months prior to award term) and must include representation from multiple community sectors working toward a shared prevention mission. Proposers must provide a detailed description of the LPC, including:

i. Provide the mission and vision.

ii. Describe the LPC’s demonstrated knowledge of prevention across the lifespan.

iii. Provide a brief history of the LPC’s service to the proposed service area.

iv. Describe major projects successfully implemented.

v. Describe any prior collaborations or relationships between the LPC and the proposer.

e. Proposers must identify which of the twelve (12) SAMHSA recognized community sectors are currently actively engaged on the LPC. For any sectors not currently engaged, proposers must describe specific strategies for outreach and engagement.

(Community Sectors include Youth, Parents, Law Enforcement, Schools, Businesses, Media, Youth Serving Organizations, Religious of Fraternal Organizations, Civic or Volunteer Groups, Healthcare Professionals, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, and Other Organizations.)

f. Proposers must include a statement of commitment to actively collaborate with DMHAS project management team and designated state partners in the implementation of this RFP to implement the BRYCWP program. This includes (1) participating in ALL required program meetings and trainings, (2) submitting reports and data as requested, and

(3) full participation in at least one (1) DMHAS Site Visit during the contract term.

g. Proposers must commit to hire and maintain key personnel outlined in the Staffing Requirements (Section II.C.3).

h. Proposers must provide a statement of commitment to actively collaborate with all identified DMHAS Prevention Resource Links to support the implementation of BRYCWP as follows:

i. Prevention Training and Technical Assistance Service Center (TTASC): Training and Technical Assistance resource to help ensure progress through the SPF process, identify successes and challenges, and provide training through required Learning Community trainings. TTASC will attend LPC meetings and meet with key personnel related to the project.

ii. DMHAS Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics at UConn Health (CPES): Overall state-level program evaluation coordination, analysis and reporting. CPES will provide technical assistance around hiring an independent local evaluator, and for the required Needs Assessment, Evaluation Plan, Evaluation Summary and Final Report.

iii. The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP): Coordination and facilitation of the Youth Advisory Board. Key personnel (Youth Peer Advocates) are required to attend monthly meetings and participate on one (1) Youth Advisory Board sub-committee, which meets monthly. Prevention Coordinators may also attend but are not required to (if a YPA is in attendance). Prevention Coordinators must attend in the absence of the YPA.

iv. Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations: Ensure the LPC is in contact with their RBHAO for the purposes of regional connectedness, regional resources, and support navigating local capacity building and partnerships among key community stakeholders.

i. Proposers must provide a clear statement of commitment to implementing the SPF within the selected service area in accordance with the timeline and guidance provided by DMHAS. The statement must affirm the proposer’s understanding of the SPF process, express support for its value in guiding effective prevention efforts, attend required trainings and confirm participation in all five (5) steps of the framework.

j. Proposers must provide Letters of Support demonstrating planned coordination and collaboration with existing LPCs, community-based organizations, and the local municipality. These letters should reflect a shared commitment to the goals of the initiative and outline the roles, contributions, or resources each partner will provide to support successful implementation.

Required Letters of Support:

i. School District / Individual Schools: Detailed description of the commitment to implement a student survey on a defined regular basis. The letter should specify the intended frequency and timeframe for survey implementation.

ii. Local Prevention Council:

(a) If the proposer is not the designated LPC for the selected service area, then the proposer must include a letter from the LPC demonstrating the willingness to participate in and commit to requirements of BRYCWP program and a detailed description of the LPCs role in this partnership.

(b) If the applicant is the designated LPC for the selected service area, this must be clearly stated in the proposal. In this case a separate Letter of Support is not required.

3. Staffing Requirements: To submit a responsive proposal, the proposer shall:

a. Demonstrate the capacity to staff and manage the program adequately and effectively.

This includes (1) submitting resumes for all filled key personnel positions; (2) provide a timeline for hiring any unfilled positions; (3) include job descriptions for all proposed staff and contractor positions.

i. All staff funded through this RFP must be approved by DMHAS prior to hiring.

Staffing must be sufficient to meet the expectations and deliverables outlined in this RFP.

ii. Staff assigned to key roles should possess experience and competencies in the following areas:

o Project management.

o Program evaluation.

o Budget management and administration / fiscal reporting.

o Program planning and implementation.

o Performance monitoring.

o Personnel management.

iii. Provide a staff training / professional development plan that will be used to consistently and continuously educate and train staff specifically to their role.

b. The following key personnel positions are required for this RFP:

i. Program Coordinator: A 1.0 FTE (minimum of 35 hours per week) Program

Coordinator is required. This must be one position, and the FTE may not be split among staff. This position must be filled within 3 months post contract execution. The Program Coordinator must have at least one (1) year of work experience in substance use prevention or similar public health planning models. The Program Coordinator is responsible for working with the LPC to implement the SPF, attending DMHAS required meetings and trainings, coordinating with DMHAS Prevention Resource Links to implement the to-be-developed Strategic Plan, and working with the sub-contracted independent local evaluator to reach outcome measures and measure successes and challenges. It is DMHAS’s preference that the Program Coordinator is a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) or will work toward obtaining the certification by the end of the contract term. In the absence of a Program Coordinator, the organization or municipality is responsible for all project deliverables and requirements.

ii. Youth Peer Advocate: At least one (1) Youth Peer Advocate (YPA), per identified city, town, or community, between the ages of 16 and 24 must be hired under the supervision of the Program Coordinator. Each YPA must be hired for a minimum of eight (8) hours per week. The YPA must attend monthly Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings, participate in one (1) YAB sub-committee, and assist with youth focused tasks for the LPC. In the absence of the YPA, the Program Coordinator must attend the monthly YAB meetings. (Additional YPA activities may include: develop collaborative partnerships with school and community groups, work directly with the LPC in all steps of the SPF, interpret and present data to community boards and groups, create a media campaign, recruit other youth to participate, attend workshops, training, or conferences related to prevention efforts.

iii. Additional staff or consultants can be funded to work on project activities, as needed. Unless there are unusual circumstances, supervisor’s time should be limited to 0.1 FTE and administrative time should be limited to

0.2 FTE. Consultants or additional staff cannot duplicate the support, training or technical assistance offered by DMHAS Prevention Resource Links.

iv. Independent Local Evaluator see Section II.C.5 labeled Subcontractor for details on this requirement.

4. Data and Technology Requirements: To submit a responsive proposal, the proposer shall:

a. Provide a clear statement of commitment to collecting both quantitative and qualitative local-level data for state-level reporting, using the DMHAS designated data collection tool or system. A minimum of 10% of the total annual budget must be allocated to evaluation activities, including the subcontracting with an Independent Local Evaluator (see Section II.C.5 for details).

b. Proposers must have either previously implemented a school / student survey within the school district of the identified service area or must provide confirmation from the school district or school leadership that a survey will be implemented. (See Letters of Support / Collaboration in Section II.C.2.j.).

c. Demonstrate how strategies will be evaluated including any baseline data and the ability / capacity to track long- and short-term outcomes in connection with the target population. In absence of baseline data, describe the timeline and method on how the baseline will be established. Please see Section II.C.5 for information on the required Independent Local Evaluator sub-contractor.

d. Describe the organization or municipality’s technology infrastructure, and applications / systems to be applied to the BTYC-WP program (including access to email and internet on site, in the field, and from home if applicable) to demonstrate sufficient capacity and adequate technology.

e. Describe the organization or municipality’s ability and capacity to collect and manage DMHAS required program data.

f. Proposers must commit to entering monthly service data into the DMHAS prevention data collection system as well as provide quarterly performance measure data for state or federal data requests. Training for data entry will be provided by DMHAS.

5. Subcontractor

a. Proposers are required to subcontract with an Independent Local Evaluator to support all evaluation components of the BRYCWP program. A minimum of 10% of the total annual budget must be allocated specifically for evaluation activities. The Independent Local Evaluator shall assist the Program Coordinator with all five (5) steps of the SPF, including the Needs Assessment, Strategic Plan, Evaluation Plan, Sustainability Plan, Evaluation Summary and Final Report, School / Student Surveys, and other evaluation needs. The Independent Local Evaluator cannot work for the fiduciary agency and must be an independent contractor. The Independent Local Evaluator must coordinate with the DMHAS Prevention Resource Links. Resume and job description must be submitted as part of this application.

6. Work Plan

a. Proposers must submit a detailed 12-month work plan covering the period 7/1/2026

– 6/30/2027. The 12-month work plan must outline a comprehensive approach to prevent or reduce underage drinking / alcohol use and an optional second prevention priority focus among 12-20 years old. Rationale for the optional second prevention priority must be clear, data-driven and supported by local data. Strategies and activities should be specific to the required and optional selected substances and reflect the proposer’s current understanding and planning. Strategies implemented post-award, may be different pending implementation of the SPF.

i. The 12-month work plan must include:

o Goal: a broad, long-term prevention aim o Objective: a measurable, time-bound outcome that supports the goal o Strategy: overarching approach or method to achieve the objective o Activity: specific actions or tasks to implement the strategy o Responsible Party: individual(s) or role(s) accountable for implementation o Timeline: expected timeframe for completing each activity

Example Work Plan:

Goal 1:

Objective 1:

Strategy 1:

Activity Responsible Party Timeline

Goal 2:

Objective 2:

Strategy 2:

Activity Responsible Party Timeline

7. Financial Requirements (Cost Proposal Component)

a. 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 hardcopy of the audit cover letters need not be provided.

b. 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.).

8. Budget Expectations

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. All startup costs must be clearly identified as one (1) line item in the budget.

(Budget Year 1: 07/01/2026 – 06/30/2027 ($125,000).)

b. A budget narrative must be provided, explaining all costs contained in the budget. All start-up costs must be listed separately and clearly detailed in the budget narrative.

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

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

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

Indirect Expenses (budget template section 7100), Facilities (budget template section 5600), and Insurance (budget template line item 5802) are limited to

15% of the annual budget combined ($18,750 annually).

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

Narrative and justification: Present a detailed, line-item cost narrative that explains the basis and rationale for the costs proposed including justification for proposed costs to be reasonable based on the BRYCWP program.

iv. Describe any key budgeting decisions you faced, assumptions, or calculation approaches used to develop the budget and budget narrative.

d. Unallowable costs - Funds cannot be used for:

ii. Research

iii. Clinical Care.

iv. Costs prior to receiving a fully executed contract.

v. Lobbying Activities.

vi. Budget template section 5900 “Client Subsidies”

vii. Budget template line 5402 “Vehicle Leases”

viii. Budget template line 5403 “Vehicle Maintenance”

ix. Budget template line 5501 “Food” unless related to out-of-state travel per diem rates.

x. Food-related supplies (i.e. plates, cups, utensils, etc.)

xi. Budget template line 5502 “Lab & Medical Supplies”

xii. Budget template section 5700 “Capital Expenses (>$5,000)”

xiii. Budget template line 5803 “Housekeeping”

xiv. Budget template line 5805 “Drug Testing” unless needed for initial hiring of key personnel.

e. Supplanting Existing Funds: Funds cannot replace current program, organization or municipal funds with funds through this RFP.

f. Out-of-State Travel: (budget template line 5804) DMHAS must approve all out-of-state travel. Travel requests shall include a description of the purpose, location, dates, anticipated costs, and relevance to the BRYCWP program. Please utilize federal per diem rates for budgeting: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

g. In-State Travel: (budget template line 5401) Utilize organization or municipal

Personal Use Vehicle reimbursement guidelines for rate per mile.

D. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The following performance metrics highlight key priorities that will be analyzed with providers/vendors collaboratively during the life of the contract. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather an indication of significant performance metrics of interest to The Agency. The Agency looks forward to working with providers/vendors to define additional important performance metrics.

The following performance metrics highlight key priorities that will be at minimum be collected during the life of the project.

a. 12–20-year-old 30-day underage drinking / alcohol use rates

b. 12–20-year-old perception of ease of access (alcohol)

c. 12–20-year-old perception of risk (underage drinking / alcohol)

d. Compliance check failure rate by on and off premise alcohol vendors

e. Capacity of each community to implement prevention strategies as measured by available resources.

*If an optional second priority substance is selected, the same requirements will be expected for the additional substance.

Applicants should propose additional key metrics in their submissions.

E. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT/DATA REPORTING

As part of the State’s commitment to becoming more outcomes-oriented, DMHAS seeks to actively and regularly collaborate with providers/vendors to enhance contract management, improve results, and adjust service delivery and policy based on learning what works. Reliable and relevant data is necessary to ensure compliance, inform trends to be monitored, evaluate results and performance, and drive service improvements. As such, DMHAS reserves the right to request/collect other key data and metrics from providers/vendors.

The Department recognizes and appreciates the value of data-driven reports and rely on data to understand and enhance the prevention infrastructure. As such, the resultant Contractors will need to have a robust, comprehensive, yet flexible evaluation plan and process to allow for identification of trends. It is expected that the resultant Contractor will act as a full participant throughout the entire contract term, and in the absence of key personnel.

Examples of requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Attend monthly Learning Communities.

b. Meet on a mutually agreed upon schedule with identified DMHAS Prevention

Resource Links who assist with implementation of the SPF.

c. Collect, track and submit DMHAS required data in collaboration with the hired

Independent Local Evaluator.

d. Submit required documents related to each step of the SPF within the agreed upon timeline (i.e. Needs Assessment, Strategic Plan, Implementation Plan, Evaluation Plan, Sustainability Plan, Evaluation Summary, Final Report)

The contractor shall submit reports in a timely manner with accurate data and information through the DMHAS provided prevention data system. Examples of reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

1. Monthly Reporting:

a. Service Data.

2. Quarterly Reporting:

a. Progress Report.

b. Expense Report.

3. Annual Reporting

a. Evaluation Summary.

b. Survey Data, as it applies.

c. Process and Outcome data, as it applies.

4. Final Reporting

a. Overall Program Report.

b. Project End Expense Report.

5. Ad hoc Reporting

a. Success and Challenges

b. Strategy Highlights

c. Other

III. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW

A. SUBMISSION FORMAT INFORMATION

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

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

Appendix D. Cover Sheet.

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 three (3) pages of the main proposal and cost proposal. 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 included in VI. Appendix.

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 points (tables and charts can be 10 points)

• Font Type: Times New Roman

• Margins: Normal (1 inch around)

• Line Spacing: 1 ½

• Print Style: Singled-Sided

• Page Limit: Maximum 20 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.