ESBD_397686_1740584719151_SIGNED Amendment DEI Statement YES.pdf

This is a signed amendment to the Request for Application (RFA) #0824 for Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Services issued by the Denton County MHMR Center in Texas, confirming the organization's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles in the procurement process. The amendment affirms that Denton County MHMR Center has adopted and will implement DEI statement requirements as part of the application process for qualified providers seeking to deliver specialized therapeutic and support services within Denton County. The RFA solicitation, originally posted on February 20, 2025, maintains its final submission deadline of August 26, 2026, providing potential providers with an extended timeline to prepare comprehensive applications. The services encompass specialized therapies (animal-assisted, art, music, nutritional, and recreational), respite care, community living support, adaptive aids, minor home modifications, family supports, paraprofessional services, and non-medical transport.

The amendment's execution and signature validate that all applicants must address diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations within their proposals, establishing these principles as substantive evaluation criteria alongside technical qualifications and service delivery capabilities. Providers must maintain required Texas licenses and certifications, carry professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate, and operate primarily within Denton County. The payment structure remains entirely fee-for-service with established rates including non-medical transport at $0.55 per mile, community living support at $25.02 per 15 minutes, specialized therapy services at $19.36 per 15 minutes, and respite care ranging between $5.22-$9.84 per unit. The document does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but the incorporation of DEI statement requirements reflects Denton County MHMR Center's commitment to promoting equitable access and inclusive service delivery throughout the contracting process.