EP_CSC_RFA_Master_Agreement~2.docx

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

Document Title: Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program - Staff Enhancement and Evidence Based Practice Implementation – Master Agreement Request for Applications

Date: April 12, 2023

Contact Name: Jerome Collins Assistant Director of Contract Administration, Audit and Systems

Address: Department of Mental Health Central Office 25 Staniford Street Boston, MA 02114

Email: Jerome.Collins@Mass.gov

Attachments Authorized Signatory Listing Authorization for Electronic Funds Payment Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Standard Contract Form Cost Proposal Requirements DMH Budget Forms DMH Business Associate Agreement DMH Environmental Preferable Product Form DMH Staffing Titles Evaluation Tool EP Program Activity Spreadsheet EP Program Assessment Battery EP Program Attestation EP Program Letter of Commitment EP Program Sample Job Descriptions Massachusetts Early Psychosis Program Self-Assessment Tool List of Permitted Application Attachments MA Form W-9 OSD Instructions for Vendors Responding to Bids via COMMBUYS OSD – RFA Required Specifications for Commodities and Services Program Proposal Requirements RFA Cover Sheet NIMH White Paper, Components of Coordinated Specialty Care.

Standard Contract Form Instructions, Contractor Certifications and Commonwealth Terms and Conditions

Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program – Staff Enhancement and Evidence-Based Practice Implementation – Master Agreement Request for Applications April 2023

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 Issuing Entity/COMMBUYS

Issuing Entity: Department of Mental Health

RFA File Title: Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program – Staff Enhancement and Evidence Based Practice Implementation – Master Agreement Request for Applications

COMMBUYS Bid Number: BD-23-1022-DMH08-8210C-87233

DMH Document Number: 2023-DMH-3045-01

Date: April 12, 2023

Contact Name: Jerome Collins, Assistant Director of Contract Administration, Audit and Systems

Address: Department of Mental Health Central Office 25 Staniford Street Boston, MA 02114

Email: Jerome.Collins@mass.gov

This Bid has been released on COMMBUYS. COMMBUYS is the official source of information for this Bid and is publicly accessible at no charge at www.COMMBUYS.com. For more information on COMMBUYS, please see OSD RFA - Required Specifications for Commodities and Services, included in the COMMBUYS file of this Bid.

Applicants may not alter (manually or electronically) the Bid language, or any Bid component files, except as directed in this Request For Application (RFA). Modifications to the body of the Bid, specifications, terms, and conditions, or which change the intent of this Bid are prohibited and may disqualify a Response/Quote.

All attachments to this RFA that were included in the Bid’s COMMBUYS file at the time it was issued are listed at the end of the Table of Contents. The attachments are incorporated into the RFA by this reference. Applicants should review the attachments with care.

1.2 Purpose of the Procurement

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking to establish a pool of existing or planned Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Programs (EP CSC Programs) to which it can award grants to enhance staffing or assist with the implementation of Evidence Based Practices (see Subsection 1.3). This is being done to expedite the use of funding as it becomes available. DMH currently has funding to award grants and anticipates periodically getting additional funding.

Only Massachusetts outpatient clinics may file applications under this RFA for inclusion of an EP CSC Program(s) in the pool. If an outpatient clinic operates more than one EP CSC Program and/or intends to create additional EP CSC Programs, the outpatient clinic must submit a separate and complete Application that stands on its own for each EP CSC program to be considered. Only one Application may be submitted for each specific EP CSC Program.

To be eligible for inclusion in the pool, DMH must determine that the applicable EP CSC Program is either (1) qualified as a currently operating program meeting DMH EP CSC specifications as set below in Section 5 of this RFA (Fully Qualified); or (2) qualified as a proposed, new EP CSC Program that is designed to meet the requirements of Section 5 of this RFA (Provisionally Qualified); or (3) is currently operating EP CSC Program that does not yet meet all of the specifications of Section 5 of this RFA (Provisionally Qualified). Fully Qualified and Provisionally Qualified EP CSC Programs included in the pool will be considered for grant awards now and as funds become available over the duration of the procurement. Awards will be made as determined best meets DMH’s funding priorities (see Section 4.2).

This procurement is a “rolling” Request For Applications (RFA). Applications may be filed at any time during the procurement’s rolling application period, April 5, 2023, through June 30, 2032. DMH reserves the right to accept submissions until the procurement end date if such acceptance is in the best interest of the DMH and the goals of this procurement.

1.2.1 NAVIGATE Model of EP CSC. DMH has chosen to invest in the NAVIGATE approach to EP CSC, having developed a number of in-state NAVIGATE trainers and many Massachusetts EP CSC programs were early adopters of the NAVIGATE model. Currently there are 10 EP CSC programs in the Commonwealth implementing the NAVIGATE model. RFA applicants may propose an alternative EP CSC model in their response if the application demonstrates that the EP CSC program meets the minimum requirements to qualify for a Master Agreement under this RFR.

1.2.2 Early Psychosis Implementation Support. DMH provides extensive training, resources, and other supports for the dissemination and implementation of the NAVIGATE model of EP CSC and other EBPs relevant to Early Psychosis. Effective implementation of EP services for youth experiencing psychosis and their families requires on-going support and technical assistance to providers, on-going quality and outcome monitoring, and persistent sustainability efforts. DMH has established an Early Psychosis Technical Assistance Center, “MAPNET”, through a Contract awarded to the Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). MAPNET (https://www.mapnet.online/) provides the technical assistance and support necessary to translate scientific knowledge regarding First Episode Psychosis interventions into real-world implementation. MAPNET serves as a resource for youth, families, Applicants, and other interested parties in Massachusetts who seek information and support regarding Early Psychosis and EP CSC in Massachusetts.

DMH in partnership with MAPNET regularly sponsors trainings in evidence-based treatments for EP and on-going consultation and implementation support. These activities include monthly meetings for all staff in EP CSC programs, multiple day trainings in EBPs each year, and monthly consultation calls for specific EBP implementation. Collectively these activities provide an ongoing process that brings together teams from EP CSC programs to receive training in EP CSC culture of care, best practices and related EBPs, enables participants to share and learn from their collective experiences and challenges and ensures organizational give and take about critical issues related to adopting and adapting practices.

1.2.3 Determination of Qualified status. Through this RFA, DMH will determine whether or not an Applicant’s EP CSC program is Fully Qualified, Provisionally Qualified, or Not Qualified.

Responses will be reviewed on a rolling basis as set forth in Subsection 2.1. To be considered for the First Review and Grant Award Period, Responses need to be filed by the date and time specified in Subsection 2.1 for the First Review and Contract Award Period.

DMH will maintain on COMMBUYS a Master List of all EP CSC programs determined to meet the requirements of this RFA (Fully Qualified or Provisionally Qualified EP CSC Programs) and all grant awards. The list will be maintained by Applicant Name, whether the Program is Fully Qualified or Provisionally Qualified and the proposed EP CSC Program site. The determination of Qualified or Provisionally Qualified and placement on the MA List does not guarantee that DMH will make grant awards to that EP CSC Program.

1.3 Allowed Uses of Grant Funds

1.3.1 Enhanced Staffing and Support Implementation of Evidence Based Practices. DMH recognizes that behavioral health Applicants providing EP CSC programs are at various stages of learning and development. Further, Applicant organizations rely heavily on third party payments that do not currently reimburse for all the services and activities comprising an EP CSC Program. Grant Funds under this RFA are intended to support EP CSC program staff time and roles that are not third party reimbursable. This may include but is not limited to:

a. Staff roles in services not supported by third party payments including, but not limited to: care coordination, supported employment/supported education (SEE), peer support and family support/education.

b. Staff time to participate in the DMH-sponsored training and implementation support activities, including but not limited to NAVIGATE model of CSC, Individual Resiliency Treatment, MacFarlane Multi-family Groups, Supported Employment/Education Group Supervision, or Cognitive Enhancement Treatment, and with DMH-approval, other EBP trainings.

c. Staff time to participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, supervision, and other EP CSC activities necessary to maintain EBP fidelity;

d. Staff time to administer, review and use the EP Assessment Battery at baseline and 6-month intervals during a person’s enrollment in EP CSC, for the purposes of treatment planning and quality improvement.

1.3.2 Supplemental Grant Funding. An EP CSC Program that is awarded a grant may be eligible to receive additional grant funding when their prior performance results in (a) demonstrable improvement in the program’s fidelity as assessed by MAPNET, DMH, or other agent of DMH, (b) maintenance of the highest level of model fidelity as assessed by MAPNET, DMH, or other agent of DMH, or (c) other criteria consistent with the priorities set forth in Subsection 9.3 that are established by DMH at the beginning of each new state fiscal year.

The amount of Supplemental funding will be based on a percentage of the original grant. The funds may be used for purposes such as: increasing program capacity; increasing program access (e.g., evening hours, transportation vouchers); staff travel; telehealth; staff salary increases; increasing the proportion of time existing staff are committed to the EP CSC program; or hiring staff with additional expertise (e.g., substance use, language proficiency). A new SOW or SOW amendment will be negotiated with the EP CSC Program for the supplemental funds.

DMH anticipates an EP CSC Program will become eligible for supplemental funds beginning in Year Two of a grant award, following establishment of baseline model fidelity in Year One.

1.4 General Description of the Procurement

1.4.1 Applicable Procurement Law. Authorizing Legislation; Appropriation Act; 815 CMR 2.00; Federal Single Audit Act, OMB A-133; the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA).

1.4.2 The Massachusetts Standard Contract Form and the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions. DMH will enter into a Master Agreement Contract (MA) with all outpatient clinics with fully qualified or provisionally qualified EP CSC Programs, using the Massachusetts Standard Contract Form. This form is included in the Bid’s COMMBUYS File. The Commonwealth Terms and Conditions (TC) will be applicable to a Contract. See the Standard Contract Form Instructions, Contractor Certification and Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, in the Bid’s COMMBUYS file, for more information about the applicable Terms and Conditions. Also, a link to the TC can be found in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Standard Contract Form.

As part of the MA, outpatient clinics will need to complete, sign, and submit the following forms to DMH upon request:

· Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing; note both pages are required, with the second page notarized)

· Completed Authorization for Electronic Funds Payment

· Massachusetts Form W-9

· Executed Standard Contract Form (with the Commonwealth Terms and Condition, being checked as being applicable).

A MA will be issued to an outpatient clinic when the clinic first has an EP CSC Program(s) added to the pool of qualified EP CSC Programs. A MA will cover all EP CSC Programs included in the pool. If an outpatient clinic is then awarded a grant for one of its EP CSC Programs in the pool, a Statement of Work (SOW) will be entered into between DMH and the outpatient clinic that establishes the terms of the grant, including its duration. The SOW will become part of the Outpatient Clinic’s MA, by reference.

All grants executed under this RFA are subject to appropriations and the performance of the Contractors on an on-going basis.

1.4.3 Number of Awards. DMH expects to enter multiple MAs and to award multiple grants under this RFA.

1.4.4 Use of Procurement by a Single or Multiple Departments.

X Limited User Contract – Restricted to Use by the following Defined Entities Only: The Master Agreement resulting contracts from this Bid, if any, will be open for use by DMH and the Executive Office of Health and Human Service Agencies.

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

1.4.5 Acquisition Method(s). The acquisition method for procurement is Cost Reimbursement. All grants will be subject to a Maximum Obligation Amount. For more information see Section 6.

DMH reserves the right at any time to change the reimbursement method for the Contract(s) resulting from this procurement during the duration of the RFA. Methods could include payment of fixed amounts upon the completion of deliverables as set forth in the Contract terms and Conditions pricing options such as, but not limited to accommodation rate, unit rate, payment based on deliverables, risk sharing or capitated rate.

1.4.6 Expected Contract/ Grant Duration. An MA will be awarded for the duration of the procurement, June 30, 2033. The duration of an MA will vary depending on the actual award date.

The duration of grants awarded under this RFA will vary depending on the purpose of grant. It is anticipated that the average grant will be for two years, with the possibility of renewals. Each grant award will specify the applicable duration period. All grants will terminate at end of the procurement, or if earlier, the termination of the applicable outpatient clinic’s MA.

1.4.7 Ownership of Submitted Responses. All materials submitted by Applicants become the property of the Commonwealth and will not be returned to Applicants. The Commonwealth reserves the right to use any ideas, concepts, or configurations that are presented in any Response, whether the Applicant is determined to be qualified and awarded a contract under this RFA.

Responses stored on COMMBUYS in the encrypted lockbox are the file of record. Applicants retain access to a read-only copy of this submission via COMMBUYS, if they maintain an active account. Applicants should also retain a copy for their own files.

SECTION 2 PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE

2.1 Procurement Timetable

Time: 12:30 to 1:30 For log-in information see Subsection 2.2 below.

Date: May 3, 2023 Time: 12:30 p.m.

Otherwise, questions may be submitted at any time up to:

Date: June 30, 2032 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Subsequent Reviews and Contract Awards: After the First Review and Contract Award Period, answers to questions will be posted at least once every state fiscal quarter, if necessary.

Date: May 25, 2023 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Otherwise, Responses may be filed up to:

Date: June 30, 2032 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Applications filed after the First Review period will be reviewed, at a minimum, within ninety (90) days of the Applications being posted on COMMBUYS. MAs will be awarded at that time as is appropriate. *

Subsequent Grant Awards will be made as additional funding becomes available. DMH will post on COMMBUYS when additional funding becomes available.

*Programs determined to be Qualified will be added to the pool of Qualified EP CSC Programs (Master List of Qualified Programs) as they are identified in the review process. (See Subsections 1.2 and 9.1)

Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as displayed on the COMMBUYS system clock displayed to Applicants after logging in. If there is a conflict between the dates in this Procurement Calendar and dates in the Bid’s Header on COMMBUYS, the dates in the Bid’s Header on COMMBUYS shall prevail. Applicants are responsible for checking the Bid record, including Bid Q&A, on COMMBUYS for Procurement Calendar updates.

2.2 Virtual Bidders’ Conference

DMH will offer one virtual Bidders’ Conference for the purpose of informing prospective Bidders about general Bid information and answering questions from prospective Bidders. Attendees must enter their names in the “Chat” to establish a record of their attendance. Attendance is optional.

Following the conference, the presentation will be made available on the Bid’s COMMBUYS page.

To log in to the conference, please use this link:

https://zoom.us/j/97893586963?pwd=MlUrcTZjYW9vYXNYV0VRS1poTjlIQT09

Please refer to COMMBUYS for any updated information.

2.3 Written Questions Via the Bid Q&A on COMMBUYS

The “Bid Q&A” provides the opportunity for Applicants to ask written questions and receive written answers from the DMH regarding this Bid. All Applicants’ questions must be submitted through the Bid Q&A found on COMMBUYS (see below for instructions). Questions may be asked only prior to the Deadline for Submission of Questions stated in the Procurement Calendar. DMH reserves the right not to respond to any questions asked, and/or submitted after this date. It is an Applicant’s responsibility to verify receipt of its questions.

Any questions submitted to DMH using any other medium (including those that are sent by mail, fax, email, or voicemail) may not be answered. To reduce the number of redundant or duplicate questions, Applicants are asked to review all questions previously submitted to determine whether their question has already been posted.

Applicants are responsible for entering content suitable for public viewing since all the questions are accessible to the public. Applicants must not include any information that could be considered personal, security sensitive, inflammatory, incorrect, collusory, or otherwise objectionable, including information about the Applicant or other Applicants. DMH reserves the right to edit or delete any submitted questions that raise any of these issues or that are not in the best interest of the Commonwealth or this Bid.

All answers are final when posted. Any subsequent revisions to previously provided answers will be dated.

Also, it is the responsibility of prospective Applicants/Contractors to maintain active registrations in COMMBUYS; keep current the email addresses of their contact persons and prospective contract managers; and monitor that email inbox for communications from DMH including requests for clarification. DMH and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Applicant/Contractor’s designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Applicant/Contractor’s computer, network, or internet service provider (ISP), cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Applicant/Contractor and DMH to be lost or rejected by any means, including email or spam filtering.

Locating Bid Q&A: To locate the Bid Q&A, log into COMMBUYS, locate the Bid, acknowledge receipt of the Bid, and scroll down to the bottom of the Bid Header page. The “Bid Q&A” button allows Applicants access to the Bid Q&A page.

Generally, any other communications with DMH about the Bid are prohibited. See OSD RFA - Required Specifications For Commodities and Services, “Bidder Communication,” for more information. This document is included in the COMMBUYS file for this Bid.

2.4 RFA Amendment or Cancellation, No Award, Applicants’ Costs

DMH reserves the right to make amendments to the Bid after initial publication; including, but not limited to, closing the period for accepting Responses. It is an Applicant’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for any amendments, addenda or modifications to this Bid, and any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid. DMH and the Commonwealth accepts no responsibility and will provide no accommodation to Applicants who submit a Quote based on an out-of-date Bid or on information received from a source other than COMMBUYS.

DMH reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Responses received, to negotiate with any or all qualified Applicants and to cancel in part or in its entirety the RFA if it is in the best interest of DMH to do so.

This RFA does not commit DMH to award a Contract, to make referrals, or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of an Applicant’s Response or in negotiating a Contract.

SECTION 3 DMH VISION, MISSION STATEMENT, COMMITMENT TO RACE, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the mission, values, and equity principles of DMH are adhered to in all Contract activities and by all staff members. DMH’s mission, vision and mission statements and equity principles are as follows:

Vision

Mental health is an essential part of health care. The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, promotes mental health through early intervention, treatment, education, policy, and regulation so that all residents of the Commonwealth may live full and productive lives.

Mission Statement

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work, and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The DMH sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, Applicants, and communities.

Commitment to Race, Equity, and Inclusion

DMH is committed to being an anti-racist and socially just organization where all people are treated fairly, receive resources equitably, and feel valued and safe. This requires continuous effort to create meaningful and long-lasting change. This includes examination of policies, practices, and our contributions on an individual level to inequity. Accomplishing this goal is necessary to achieve DMH’s mission of assuring access and provision of services and supports to meet the mental health needs of all individuals.

Services are expected to share, demonstrate, and ensure this commitment to race, equity, and inclusion is being met in both the delivery of services and internal business practices. Since both have an impact on youth, families, and communities – directly or indirectly – both are expected to be given equal priority.

A commitment to ensuring race, equity, and inclusion includes, but is not limited to:

· addressing both the results and root causes of historical and systemic disparities

· providing physical and linguistic accessibility

· community outreach and engagement

· physically and emotionally welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces

· fair representation, proactive consideration, and empowerment of historically marginalized communities

· continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress towards these goals

· transparent, accessible, and ongoing communication with stakeholders

· swift and appropriate responses to harm caused by discriminatory and/or inequitable treatment.

SECTION 4 APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

To submit an application under this RFA for and EP CSC Program, an Applicant must

· complete the Massachusetts EP Program Self-Assessment Tool included in the bid’s COMMBUYS file for each EP CSC program they operate or are proposing to operate

· meet the organizational requirements set forth in Subsection 4.1.

4.1 Applicant Organization Eligibility Requirements

The Applicant must meet the following requirements:

a. Outpatient Clinic. Operate an outpatient clinic in Massachusetts, that has the:

· Appropriate licensure and is in good standing with the licensing authority.

· Relevant accreditation/certification to provide outpatient services and to optimize billing of 3rd party payers including Medicaid and Medicare.

b. Debarment. Applicants/Contractor must not be subject to a federal or Massachusetts debarment order. DMH cannot award a contract to an Applicant that is currently subject to a Massachusetts or Federal debarment order.

SECTION 5 SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS (Scope of Service)

This Section sets forth the service specifications required for an Applicant’s EP CSC to be Qualified under this MA RFA.

5.1 Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Services (EP CSC) Core Service Principles

5.1.1 Purpose: The purpose of EP CSC services is to provide early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with psychotic illness, with the aim of better life-long outcomes for young people and their families. EP CSC programs are designed to treat individuals and their families, usually within the first three years of onset of psychosis. EP CSC programs deliver specialty treatment which aims to a) provide early and evidence-based care, b) individualize treatment in a phase-specific and relationship-based manner, c) provide integrated care across medical and psychosocial domains, d) ensure continuity of care across inpatient, ambulatory and crisis settings to address the treatment and rehabilitative needs of young people and their families coping with psychosis, and e) provide education and support to enhance family wellbeing. An EP CSC program is dedicated to engaging and supporting adolescents, and young adults experiencing early psychosis and their families to get back on track in their developmentally appropriate social and role functions by comprehensively treating their psychotic illness.

5.1.2 Culture of Care. The culture of care in an EP CSC Program is Person-Centered, Recovery focused, Strength-Based, Trauma-Informed, Linguistically and Culturally responsive, Family Focused and Developmentally Appropriate. EP CSC program staff members are thoroughly knowledgeable about the philosophy, standards, and tools employed to provide an effective EP CSC Program, including the concepts of Recovery, Trauma-Informed care, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Care, Shared Decision Making, and Person-Centered and Family-Focused engagement strategies. In addition to embracing the EP CSC culture of care, EP CSC staff are competent in core Evidence-Based or Evidence-Supported Practices in the treatment of young adults with psychosis, which together comprise the methodology by which EP CSC services are delivered. Services are delivered through a responsive clinical and rehabilitative program in an attractive setting suitable for engaging young adults, as well as where clients are most comfortable, including community-based and at-home settings.

5.1.3 Equity. EP CSC services are offered and delivered equitably in accordance with national CLAS Standards (https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas). Outreach and services are culturally and linguistically informed, and directed to historically marginalized and underserved communities, including those for whom English is not their first or primary language, LGBTQ+, and racial and ethnic minorities. EP CSC programs regularly consider and evaluate client demographics in their delivery of services and program outcomes, and act quickly and deliberately to correct disparities once identified. Staff are diverse, reflecting the communities they serve, and receive training and support from their parent organization to provide services in a culturally informed way.

5.2 EP CSC Core Required Staff and Roles

EP CSC programs have staff with competencies that are sufficiently broad to meet the full range of needs of adolescents and young adults and their families, including but not limited to uniquely passionate in their work with adolescents and young adults and Individual’s with psychosis; staff with lived experience; culturally and linguistically responsive staff; and staff reflective of the communities served. Team members share a commitment to meeting people where they are comfortable, which includes community-based and at-home settings.

5.2.1 Contractor Support and Executive Sponsorship. Contractor leadership must be involved in the administrative and clinical operations of the EP CSC program, such that the program has access to Agency Lead(s)/Leadership Sponsor(s) suitably empowered to provide the contracting entity’s resources and guidance in addressing issues and concerns impacting the delivery of evidence-based EP CSC services.

5.2.2 EP CSC Team. The EP CSC team must consist of a minimum of four (4) team members who provide the following six (6) core functional roles:

· Team Leader (Key Role)

· Prescriber

· Individual clinician

· Family clinician

· Employment/education specialist

· Peer specialist

Other team members and/or roles may include a care coordinator, nurse and/or a substance abuse specialist. All team members must participate on the EP CSC Team for a minimum of 7.5 hours per week (i.e., 0.2 FTE). Team members serving in multiple roles must have their roles clearly delineated, such that time dedicated to each role can be documented.

5.2.3 EP CSC Program Team Leader. The EP CSC Program Team Leader reports directly to the Agency Lead(s)/Leadership Sponsor(s) or a designee who is comparably empowered to resolve issues and concerns impacting the delivery of evidence-based EP CSC services. The EP CSC Program Team Leader is responsible for coordinating the Contractor’s EP CSC program’s Multi-disciplinary Team, e.g., team members’ participation in DMH-approved trainings and ensuring that the Contract requirements are met. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Serving as the primary programmatic liaison to DMH and MAPNET.

· Participating in monthly Team Leader meeting with DMH.

· Assuring the collection of assessment and program evaluation data as DMH requests.

· Submitting required data, reports and other assignments / required by DMH in a timely manner.

· Ensuring that data, monthly reports, and lessons learned are shared with team members and Applicant agency staff.

· Attending all DMH-sponsored EP EBP training and DMH implementation support sessions specified by DMH and DMH.

· Informing the Executive Sponsor of EP CSC program challenges as they arise so that they may be promptly addressed.

· Ensuring EP CSC Team Members have the supervision, training and support necessary to perform their roles in accordance with EP CSC fidelity standards.

· Ensuring supervisors understand the specific supervision needs of Peer Specialist and the Employment/Education Specialist roles

· Ensuring vacancies on the EP CSC Team are quickly addressed.

5.3 EP CSC Core Service Components

While there are several EP CSC treatment models that have been developed nationally and internationally, all share several core service components (see SAMHSA White Paper in the Bid’s COMMBUYS file). In light of this, an EP CSC program must provide the seven (7) core service components listed below:

· Comprehensive assessment and diagnostic consultation

· Individual therapy

· Family Psychoeducation and Therapy

· Psychopharmacology

· Supported Employment and Education

· Peer Support

· Care Coordination

5.3.1. Additional services. EP CSC Programs may offer services above and beyond the core service components including but not limited to group based services and community-integration support.

5.4 EP CSC Staff EBP Training

All team members complete training and demonstrate competence in the EP CSC model, e.g., NAVIGATE model and role(s) specific EBPs. With the NAVIGATE model, EBPs include early psychosis psychopharmacology and shared decision making; Individual Resilience Treatment; family psychoeducation; Supported Employment and Education. DMH utilizes the On-Track NY EP Peer Support training. Training typically involves a multi-day training in addition to on-going supervision and consultation calls for at least 12 months. Each EBP may require specific activities to demonstrate competence. For example, NAVIGATE requires IRT and Family Clinicians to each record four (4) sessions to submit for review by MAPNET or MAPNET Consultants; Prescribers maintain a log documenting, but not limited to, medications prescribed for clients, and submit the log for review by MAPNET or MAPNET Consultants at 3 months and 9 months post-training; and Teams will coordinate two (2) team meetings per year to be attended by MAPNET or MAPNET Consultant at 3 months and 9 months post-training.

5.4.1 EBP Training for new staff. The EP CSC program must assure that all new staff have a clear on-boarding process and timeline for obtaining training in EP CSC model and role-specific EBP.

5.4.2 On-going training in additional EP EBPs. EP CSC staff are expected to maintain competence with current and emerging EP EBPs and promising practice. EP CSC staff participate regularly in DMH sponsored EP continuing education opportunities and other EP-relevant EBP trainings.

5.5 EP CSC Individuals Served

5.5.1 Referral Network. EP CSC programs conduct targeted outreach to ensure they operate at maximum capacity, as well as working closely with potential referral sources such as Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), acute inpatient units, and the Massachusetts Psychosis Access and Triage Hub (M-PATH), to provide ready access to EP CSC services, reduce duration of untreated psychosis, and foster access for diverse communities.

5.5.2 Population Served. An EP CSC Program is designed to serve Individuals who have recently developed a psychotic illness, typically within three to five years of onset of the illness. An EP CSC program provides ‘critical time intervention’ for adolescents and young adults with recent onset of psychosis and their families rather than be a source of services for people well along in their recovery. The primary diagnosis of psychosis may include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, psychosis not otherwise specified, depression with psychotic features and bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Individuals served reflect the demographics of the geographic communities served

5.5.3 Census. EP CSC programs are expected to regularly admit new individuals to their service (approximately two-to-four new people per month), such that programs will serve a minimum of twenty-five (25) people experiencing early psychosis if having operated for two or more years.

5.5.4 Duration of Services. Adolescents and young adults and their families typically participate for several months to two years, but some stay up to five years or more. Young Adults and their families may continue to receive treatment by CSC until their symptoms are well controlled, they have developed better understanding of their illness and age-appropriate life skills and coping strategies and they are able to successfully transition to less intensive service. In some circumstance, services may be transitioned when person would benefit from other community-based services. Central to this planning is the person’s vision for themselves.

5.6 EP CSC Operational Requirements

5.6.1 Multi-Disciplinary Team. The EP CSC program must utilize a multi-disciplinary team approach to providing active, ongoing, and long-term community-based services. The team meets at a regularly scheduled time at least once per week.

5.6.2 Staff Supervision. Staff members receive regularly scheduled EP-specific supervision at least once per week.

5.6.3 Massachusetts EP Assessment Battery. At intake and every six months for the duration of treatment engagement, individuals complete the standardized MA EP Assessment Battery (a copy is included in the Bid’s COMMBUYS file) to assess possible changes in social and role functioning, distress associated with psychotic symptoms, substance abuse, depression, suicidality, aggression, legal involvement, and housing status. The EP Assessment Battery information is integrated into on-going collaborative treatment planning with the youth and their families and EP CSC quality improvement and program development planning. Relevant data from the EP Assessment Battery is reported to DMH (see Subsection 7.3)

5.6.4 Treatment Planning. The multidisciplinary team collaborates with the youth and family to develop individualized plans for care, treatment, or services. Plans identify needs and goals, including vocational/educational goals, and address the increased vulnerability for developing substance use problems, heightened risk of suicide during the early years of treatment and risk for medical co-morbidities.

5.6.5 Crisis and Safety. In most instances, 24-hour telephone coverage is sufficient for managing most crisis situations and, in many instances, successfully averting the need for acute services such as emergency department visits or inpatient hospitalization. In instances where an emergency cannot be managed remotely, the on-call person facilitates rapid and effective use of crisis services available outside the CSC program.

5.6.6 Inpatient Coordination. The youth’s CSC team initiates and maintains contact with the inpatient team to coordinate discharge planning and transfer back to the CSC program for follow-up care.

5.6.7 Transitions of Care. In partnership with the person, the EP CSC program works to connect the individual to external supports and services beginning at the point of enrollment and at critical transition-points (e.g., discharge). External supports complement or reinforce CSC services, or, in the case of young adults exiting CSC services, may act as a longer-term option. With proper authorization, the CSC Team actively works with young adults, families, and external networks to ensure a “warm handoff” between the CSC program and external providers.

5.6.8 Third-Party Billing Maximized. The EP CSC program and Contractor integrates CSC activities into the agency’s billing processes and procedures, to pursue and maximize 3rd party payment options. Any revenue generated by Contract-funded positions is to be used to offset the cost of these positions.

5.6.9 Space. All EP CSC staff have access to reliable office space with technology and equipment sufficient to provide in-person and HIPAA-compliant telehealth services. The program has access to conference room and group rooms to meet the needs of families and, if relevant, offer group programming. Clinic space is youth friendly and welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds.

5.6.10 Records. The Contractor shall maintain all records for young adults in the standard medical records format of the DPH licensed outpatient clinic where the EP CSC program is located. In addition to outpatient service medical records requirements, where applicable, the file must also contain the following: DMH Notice of Privacy Practices Acknowledgement Form and all completed DMH EP Assessment Batteries.

DMH and its agents may review such records at any reasonable time for purposes including, but not limited to:

· To assure that services are being provided as specified in the Contract

· To evaluate the quality and effectiveness of those services

· For utilization management

· To ensure compliance with financial reporting, record keeping, and service delivery standards

· To collect data to plan or assess systems of service delivery

· For those purposes more generally expressed in the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions.

5.7 Ongoing Growth of EP

EP CSC programs contribute to the ongoing implementation and growth of EP CSC through activities such as providing training opportunities for future behavioral health practitioners and working with academic and research partners to integrate on-going use of data to evaluate and improve EP CSC programming and services.

5.8 DMH Regulations, Policies and Procedures and Federal Regulations

The services provided under this RFA do not constitute a ‘contracted program’ for purpose of the DMH regulation 104 CMR 28.00. Contractor must otherwise comply with all other DMH regulations, policies and procedures as are applicable. Direct Care Staff hired utilizing Contract funds, must meet EOHHS CORI Regulations.

In addition, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) Circulars including applicable requirements of the OMB Circular entitled “Uniform Administrative, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards” (the “OMB Super Circular”).

5.9 Requirements for Qualified EP CSC determination

DMH will identify EP CSC programs that meet requirements for operating an EP CSC that is adherent with the DMH Mission (Section 3) and EP CSC Service Specifications (Section 5). These Programs will be determined to be either Fully Qualified or Provisionally Qualified for the Master Agreement. Programs determined to be Fully or Provisionally Qualified will be considered for a grant award. See Section 9 for more information on this. The ‘Qualified’ status of programs awarded grants will be reviewed annually based on the annual submission of the Massachusetts EP Program Self-Assessment Tool, adherence to ongoing SOW activities and other Fidelity monitoring requirements, e.g. Site Visits.

5.9.1 FULLY QUALIFIED: Established Early Psychosis Program Eligibility Requirements. Applicants with an established EP CSC treatment program must demonstrate the following requirements are met to be determined Fully Qualified:

(1) Qualification as a fully operational MA EP CSC program as set forth in Section 5.

(2) All minimum staffing requirements and required roles are fully met, including that all staff have completed EP CSC model training and role-specific EBP training(s).

(3) DMH reserves the right to determine that a current EP CSC program meets requirements to be fully Qualified if the program has been fully operational for a substantial time, e.g. 2 or more years, and operations have been fully maintained despite staff vacancies, e.g. maintaining a census greater than 25; on-going admissions; minimum staffing is nearly met; key leadership roles are filled (Team Leader; Agency Lead); and there is a clear plan to address any current staffing vacancies by providing coverage for vacant positions and identifying a reasonable timeline for addressing vacancies and assuring completion of role-specific EBP training.

Fully Qualified EP CSC programs that are awarded grants must maintain their status as such. Programs unable to do this by meeting the requirements of Section 5 and/or such requirements as set forth in the SOW may be recategorized as “Provisionally Qualified” and be subject to the provisions of Subsection 5.9.2.

5.9.2 PROVISIONALLY QUALIFIED. Prospective Early Psychosis Program Eligibility Requirements.

Applicants proposing to establish and open an EP CSC program, or who are in the process of hiring and training staff in EP CSC EBPs, may meet criteria for Provisionally Qualified. Utilizing the Massachusetts EP Program Self-Assessment Tool, Applicants meeting the Provisionally Qualified designation will at minimum:

· Identify specific individuals who will fill all Key Leadership Roles (Team Leader; Agency Lead) and all minimally required roles that are 3rd party reimbursable (I.e., individual and family clinicians, prescriber) for the designated EP CSC program;

· Verify that all identified individuals will have no less than 0.2 FTE dedicated time with the EP CSC program within 3 months of receipt of funding;

· Provide an implementation plan that demonstrates a realistic understanding of tasks and challenges necessary to assure minimal staffing is achieved within 1st year of funding and that the census will reach 25 or more by the end of the second year; and

· Demonstrate readiness to enact the core activities necessary for the development of a fully operational and qualified MA EP CSC program within 2 years as set forth in Section 5.0.

A Provisionally Qualified EP CSC program that is awarded a grant must become “Fully Qualified” within the time frame set forth in the applicable grant Statement of Work. If this does not occur, the grant may be terminated and the Program removed from the Master Agreement.

DMH reserves the right to extend the period during which an EP CSC program may be Provisionally Qualified if the program has a clear explanation for the delay and a plan to address the elements necessary to achieve full qualification.

5.9.3 Not Currently Qualified. DMH may determine that an Applicant’s EP CSC Program does not fulfill minimum requirements necessary to be Qualified or Provisionally Qualified. Applicants may reapply following this determination.

5.9.4 Alternative EP CSC Models. Applicants proposing a CSC Model other than NAVIGATE must detail how they plan to receive relevant training and implementation assistance in their response. All applicants must meet all CSC Core Elements as defined in Section 5.0

5.10 Statement of Work (SOW)

All EP CSC Programs awarded a grant must meet the requirements of this Subsection 5.10.

5.10.1 The EP CSC Program must have activities aimed at maintaining adherence to Model Fidelity. Such activities may include, though are not limited to:

· Ensuring a process for all new staff to be trained and qualified in the delivery of EP CSC services.

· Participation in regular reviews of program fidelity. Reviews are conducted by a third party (e.g., MAPNET, DMH, or its agent) or the agency’s Quality Management department following appropriate training, at the discretion of DMH.

· Administration of the EP Assessment Battery (included in the bid’s COMMBUYS File) to all participants in their EP CSC program at baseline and at 6-month intervals to inform treatment planning, service utilization, continuous quality improvement, and to meet EP CSC Program Contract reporting requirements;

· Complete the Massachusetts EP Program Self-Assessment Tool on an annual basis to (1) demonstrate adherence to core EP CSC service requirements, and (2) to identify short- and long-term goals to increase or maintain model-adherence and inform the Applicant’s strategic plan for their EP CSC program. Applicants will be required to complete and submit to DMH the EP Program Self-Assessment tool at the time of application and annually thereafter. DMH and/or MAPNET may change the tool from time-to-time. The EP Program Self-Assessment Tool is included in the Bid’s COMMBUYS File.

5.10.2 All EP CSC Program team members must:

· Participate in role specific and all-team DMH sponsored EBP trainings and implementation (e.g., 4-6 day-long meetings each Federal Fiscal Year) unless a waiver to this requirement is…