EP_CSC_RFA_Program_Proposal_Requirements.docx

Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program - Staff Enhancement and Evidence Based Practice Implementation – Master Agreement Request for Applications DMH Document Number: 2023-DMH-3045-01 April 2023

Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program - Staff Enhancement and Evidence Based Practice Implementation – Master Agreement Request for Applications DMH Document Number: 2023-DMH-3045-01 April 2023

PROGRAM PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

A separate and complete Application must be submitted for each Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program (EP CSC Program) that the Applicant agency operates or is proposing to operate.

A. Response Format The Program Proposal must be in the following format:

· type-written 12-point Times New Roman font

· 8 ½ X 11-inch paper

· fully justified (print fully abuts both margins)

· one-inch margins

· single-spaced

The Program Proposal must contain a Table of Contents (using the headers and Subsection numbers set forth in Section C (i.e., 1. Executive Summary, 2. Applicant Organization, 3. EP CSC Program, etc.).

B. RFA Response Cover Sheet The Applicant must submit a completed RFA Response Cover Sheet that is in the COMMBUYS File of this Quote.

The Cover Sheet must be signed by an individual authorized to negotiate for and execute the contract on behalf of the Applicant.

Please scan a copy of the originally signed covered sheet and submit it with your response on COMMBUYS. The original shall be made available to DMH upon request.

C. Self-Assessment Tool (no page limit). Complete and submit as an attachment the Massachusetts Early Psychosis Program Self-Assessment tool, included in the Bid’s COMMBUYS file, for the specific EP CSC Program for which the Application is being submitted. The Self-Assessment Tool and the Program Proposal should accurately and completely reflect the service components and operations that comprise or will comprise the EP CSC Program for which the Application is being submitted.

D. Program Proposal (10-page limit). The documents included on the List of Permitted Application Attachments included in the COMMBUYS File of this Quote will not be counted in determining if the page limit is exceeded.

The Program Proposal Requirements have been divided into 4 Categories. A proposal must be divided into the same Categories and the information provided in each category must be in the same order as it is asked for in these Proposal Requirements. The title of the category must be inserted in bold on a separate line before responding to any questions/request for information in that Category. Similarly, the bidder is instructed to repeat the number and the header of the question/ request for information to which they are addressing. For example

1. Executive Summary

2. Applicant Organization

a. Subsection 4.1.1.

b. Experience

c. Organization Commitment to the Program

An Applicant must respond to each question and request for information set forth below. The Proposal must demonstrate that the Bidder understands and can meet the Requirements of the RFA. An applicant shall provide a narrative that (1) demonstrates the Applicant understands the RFA; (2) is clear and specific as to how the Applicant will meet the requirements in the RFA, (3) appropriately addresses each question and request for information included below and (4) demonstrates their experience and ability to address issues of race, equity, and inclusion and how they will incorporate these values in their EP CSC Program.

E. Proposal Content.

1. Executive Summary (2-page limit). The Executive Summary is not counted in determining if the Program Proposal Page limit has been exceeded. The Executive Summary must provide a clear overview of the applicable EP CSC Program for which grant funding is being sought. This should include details on the applicable Service Model (i.e., NAVIGATE or other similar mode); current status of the EP CSC Program (i.e., existing Program or proposed Program’s expected start date) and how the Program currently aligns with or will be designed to align with Section 5 of the RFR. It should also describe the grant funding being requested and how the funds will be utilized.

2. Applicant Organization.

a. Subsection 4.1. Describe how your organization meets each of requirements set forth in Subsection 4.1. The information provided should include, but not be limited to, the following.

i. Clinic Location. Identify the specific outpatient clinic address where the EP CSC program will be located.

ii. Licenses and Certifications. Attach evidence of clinic licensure and other certifications required for operation of the identified clinic. If there are any restrictions or conditions on the license(s) or certification(s) please explain. If you are proposing a new EP CSC program, be sure to include details as to the licensing that will be required and your plan to obtaining such licensing in your responses to 6., below. Also attach relevant accreditation/certification to provide outpatient services and to optimize billing of 3rd party payers including Medicaid and Medicare. This may include a letter of attestation identifying the 3rd party payers that your organization currently bills and receives payment.

iii. Debarment. Indicate if the Bidding organization is now or has been ever subject to a state or federal debarment order. If your organization has been subject to a debarment order, specify the date and the circumstances surrounding it.

b. Experience.

i. Describe your organization’s history and work experience (include number of years) as it is relevant to providing the EP CSC services, including applicable experience implementing and maintaining Evidence Based Practices (EBPs).

ii. Identify the length of time your organization has served adolescents and young adults with serious mental illness and their families and identify the types of services provided.

iii. Describe experience, including current experience, providing services delivered in community settings “outside the walls” of the clinic.

iv. Describe your experience providing outpatient and community-based services to adolescent and young adults with early psychosis and their families including services delivered in community settings.

v. Describe current staff competencies in your organization that enables it or will enable it to support an EP CSC Program.

c. Commitment to the Program. If the applicant clinic is part of a larger organization, attach a letter of Commitment from a signatory of the larger Organization that includes:

i. A description of how the larger organization’ s Leadership is or will be involved in the administrative and clinical operations of the EP CSC Program;

ii. How supervision will be provided to the EP CSC Program Team Leader;

iii. What organizational supports exists or will exist for the EP CSC Program from the larger organization, especially in the areas of human resources; fiscal; information technology; administrative support; and quality improvement.

Attach an organizational chart depicting how the EP Program will fit in your organizational structure.

d. Environmental Purchasing Policy. Complete and attach to your proposal the DMH Environmental Preferable Product Form included in the Bid’s COMMBUYS File. DMH will require Applicants awarded a grant to commit to doing at least one item on Form and will be encouraged to do more.

e. Race, Equity & Inclusion. Describe how the Applicant’s mission and philosophy are consistent with Subsection 5.1.3. and DMH’s commitment to Race Equity and Inclusion as identified in Section 3 of the RFA. If consistent, provide details as to how this has been operationalized by the organization (e.g., implementation of a Diversity & Equity Plan, policies, procedures, protocols, recruitment and hiring practices, etc.) and how it will apply to the EP CSC Program.

3. EP CSC Program or Proposed EP CSC Program.

a. Staffing.

i. Attach for all proposed staff a job description with role and responsibilities in the EP CSC Program clearly specified. Include in the job descriptions, as appropriate, the required/preferred skills and cultural and linguistic background necessary to implement the service model within the geographic location for which the Bid is being submitted.

Also attach resumes for those positions which are currently filled or for which candidates have been selected.

Clearly indicate for each staff position if currently filled or not, and if not filled, the anticipated date it will be filled.

ii. Describe how the EP CSC program will assure that all new staff have a clear on-boarding process and timeline for obtaining training and demonstrating competence in the EP CSC model and role-specific EBP(s).

iii. Indicate how you will attempt to recruit and maintain staff for the EP CSC Program that will address the cultures, languages, and backgrounds of the communities it serves.

iv. Attach Documentation of training in selected EP Model and role specific EP EBP training and supervision, e.g., Certificates of Completion for all current and any planned staff members who have completed training and demonstrated competency.

b. Service Model. If implementing a model other than NAVIGATE, indicate what that model is, why it was selected and what training resources and implementation assistance have been identified for use, and how this model aligns with the core specifications of CSC as defined in Section 5 of the RFA.

c. Core Principles in Early Psychosis. Describe how the Applicant Agency supports the EP CSC Program’s adherence to core principles in Early Psychosis services.

d. Ongoing Growth.

i. Describe any training opportunities for future behavioral health professionals that will be made available by the Applicant organization or the EP CSC program i, and whether such opportunities will be targeted to any specific groups.

ii. Describe any partnerships the Applicant has with research organizations, the nature of the research, and how the research is expected to benefit the EP CSC program.

e. Quality Management (QM).

i. Model Fidelity. Describe the programmatic, administrative, and fiscal processes that you will use to monitor and ensure that the EP CSC Program for which you are seeking a grant consistently meets the requirements for Section 5 of the RFA.

ii. Describe how you will use information, including specifically the EP Assessment Battery and EP Program Self-Assessment, to monitor the effectiveness of your services. As applicable, describe resources or support provided through the EP CSC parent-agency to assess and improve program performance.

4. Proposed Use of Grant Funds.

a. Funding Proposal. Identify how you intend to use grant funding to meet one or more of the funding requirements identified in Subsection 1.3.1.

b. Staff Position. If proposing to fund staff positions, identify the positions that will be supported and the percentage of time of each staff position identified that will be supported. Describe why these positions were identified and how the amount of time was calculated.

c. Attestation Form. Complete and attach the EP CSC Program Attestation Form (a copy is found in the Bid’s COMMBUYS File).

d. Grant Priorities. Describe how the Applicant Agency, the EP CSC Program, and the proposed use of grant funds will address any of DMH’s Priorities for funding set forth in Subsection 9.3.

e. Start Up Plan.

i. Identify all programmatic, administrative, and fiscal actions that you must take to implement the planned use of funds as outlined.

ii. If requesting funds for Supported Employment and Education (SEE) and/or Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Staff, describe how these staff will be integrated into the CSC Team and will connect with clients and families. Include how other Team Members will be familiarized with the SEE and CSC role(s).

iii. Attach a detailed timeline indicating the expected time in which the actions identified in e.i. above are expected to occur upon being awarded a grant.