ESBD_473233_1764706740830_Court Liaison RFP Systems Data Expert 201-001-2026.pdf

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP No. 201-001-2026

Systems Data Expert:

Court Liaison Pilot Program

Proposal Submittal Deadline: December 31, 2025

Judicial Commission on Mental Health PO Box 12248

Austin, Texas 78711

Questions may be submitted to:

Patrick Passmore, Finance Manager

Phone: 512.463.4924 E-mail: patrick.passmore@txcourts.gov mailto:patrick.passmore@txcourts.gov

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INTRODUCTION

The Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH) was established by joint order of the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to develop, implement, and coordinate policy initiatives designed to improve the courts’ interaction with—and the administration of justice for—children, adults, and families with mental health, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

PURPOSE/SCOPE

In 2021, the JCMH developed the first cohort of the Court Liaison Pilot Program (CLPP) to enhance coordination between courts and mental health providers. The Court Liaison Pilot Program was intended to connect courts with knowledge, tools, and resources to ensure that courts are not contributing to any delays and are making the best use of inpatient competency restoration services, thereby stalling the growth of the forensic waitlist. The CLPP focused on developing innovative pathways and quicker interventions that honor public safety and treatment compliance while working to prevent decompensation of individuals awaiting restoration or other interventions. Additional information about the CLPP can be found attached to this document as Attachment A.

In 2025, the JCMH was appropriated funding by the 89th Texas Legislature to expand the CLPP to five additional Texas Counties.

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health is soliciting proposals for a Systems Data Expert to collaborate with the JCMH, and participating counties, to identify and develop a set of mandatory data points that will be stated in the Request for Applications for the Texas counites who are seeking to participate in the CLPP. These data measures will be collected as part of the grant requirements for the second cohort of the CLPP to strengthen data consistency, collection, reporting, and evaluation of the success and impact of the CLPP.

DATA COLLECTION & DELIVERABLES

1. Support Program Development o Develop data-focused Court Liaison job descriptions, duties, and interview question suggestions o Review and integrate findings from prior pilot program to support current cohort

2. Define and Operationalize Data Requirements o Help define and articulate data points and integrate them in the Request for Applications that will be published for Texas counties to apply for the CLPP

3. Design and Implement Data Collection Platform o Design system or portal where CLPP counties can enter and update their data.

4. Provide Training and Technical Assistance o Develop and provide data-driven technical assistance to court liaisons on data entry, case tracking, reporting timelines, and error correction.

5. Analyze Data and Report Findings o Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify patterns, outcomes, and system gaps.

Each of the items listed above shall be separate contract deliverables. Each deliverable shall be subject to review by JCMH prior to acceptance of the deliverable.

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QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Information Systems, Public Health Informatics, Statistics, Public

Administration/Policy, Criminal Justice with data focus, or a closely related field.

• Master’s degree strongly preferred (e.g., MPH, MPA, MS in Data Science/Analytics, MIS, or Health Informatics).

Experience (typically 5–8+ years)

• Justice or Behavioral Health Data Systems Experience o Direct experience working with mental health, criminal justice, or court-related data (e.g., competency to stand trial, mental health dockets, jail diversion programs, sequential intercept model data, specialty courts, or behavioral health/judicial collaborations).

o Familiarity with Texas-specific systems strongly preferred (e.g., CMHC data systems, CARE, CMBHS, TJPC/CJAD data, eFiling systems, Odyssey, or county-level court/jail data).

• Data Standardization & Governance o Experience defining data dictionaries, standardizing data elements across multiple agencies/counties, and writing data-related language for RFAs, MOUs, policies, or grant requirements.

o Knowledge of data quality frameworks, validation rules, de-duplication, and audit trails.

• Training & Technical Assistance Delivery o Demonstrated ability to train non-technical users (court staff, clinicians, probation officers, etc.) on data entry, case tracking, and reporting.

o Experience creating user guides, video tutorials, webinars, and providing ongoing help-desk style support.

• Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis in Justice/Behavioral Health Context o Appropriate experience in applied, mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) social sciences research design and methodology or closely related field.

o Experience in mixed-methods research approach to ensure a comprehensive understanding of complex programming and related individual and community level outcomes.

o Advanced skills in cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing justice/mental health data to answer policy and outcome questions (e.g., recidivism reduction, time-to-service, competency restoration timelines).

o Experience writing clear, policy-oriented reports and presentations for judicial, legislative, or executive audiences.

Key Technical Skills SQL and relational database management Data integration across disparate systems (CSV imports, APIs, HL7 if possible) HIPAA and CJIS compliance awareness (or ability to quickly learn Texas-specific rules) Version control and documentation best practices

Essential Soft/Interpersonal Skills Excellent stakeholder facilitation: able to communicate with judges, attorneys, county information technology staff, mental health providers, and JCMH.

Strong project management skills (timelines, milestones, multi-county coordination).

Ability to work independently in a remote/hybrid environment while meeting deliverables.

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TIMELINE

Date JCMH Contractor December 2, 2025 JCMH RFP posted December 31, 2025 JCMH RFP closed January 9, 2025 Proposal Selected & Announced Define RFA Data Requirements February 9, 2026 RFA Data Requirements Due February 16, Court Liaison Pilot Program Applications Posted

Support Program Development, Design and Implement Data Collection Platform, Provide Training and Technical Assistance

March 15, Court Liaison Pilot Program Applications Due

Support Program Development, Design and Implement Data Collection Platform, Provide Training and Technical Assistance

April 15, Awardees Announced Support Program Development, Design and Implement Data Collection Platform, Provide Training and Technical Assistance

May, County Support: CMHLP, SIM, Focused County group

Support Program Development, Design, and Implement Data Collection Platform.

Provide Training and Technical Assistance

June, County Support: CMHLP, SIM, Focused County group

Support Program Development, Design and Implement Data Collection Platform;

Provide Training and Technical Assistance

July, County Support: CMHLP, SIM, Focused County group

Support Program Development, Design and Implement Data Collection Platform;

Provide Training and Technical Assistance

August 15, Hire Court Liaisons

September 1, 2026-

Funds Released to Counties Analyze Data and Report Findings

September 1, 2026- August 30, 2030

Data Support and Technical Assistance Analyze Data and Report Findings; Provide Technical Assistance

TERM & COMPENSATION

The contract awarded under this RFP shall begin upon the date the purchase order is executed and shall end no later than August 30, 2030

The basis for compensation shall be the JCMH’s acceptance of the deliverables. Compensation amounts and milestones will be negotiated after acceptance of the proposal.

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PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

General

• Format

Respondents shall submit one electronic copy of the Proposal. The electronic copy must be sent to JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject “RFP No. 201-001-2026” prior to the proposal submittal deadline.

Submission pages must be numbered and contain an organized, paginated table of contents corresponding to the section of the Statement of Work.

• Contents Listed below is a summary of information required to be included in a Proposal responding to this RFP. JCMH reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to waive minor technicalities and errors in the best interest of the state.

o Respondent Information. Include the following information related to the responding business entity:

formal name and all assumed names used by the business entity; structure of business entity (i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.); and name, title, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of Respondent’s primary contact.

o Project Plan for Contract Deliverables and Detailed Narrative. Provide a project plan that includes key goals and dates and a detailed narrative response for each deliverable showing how the Respondent intends to meet each deliverable requirement.

o Experience and Qualifications. Complete and provide the Respondent Questionnaire included as an Attachment B to this RFP. The questionnaire solicits information about Respondent’s contacts, references, previous contract terminations, experience, and personnel (including employees and subcontractors licenses and or certifications). In addition to the Respondent Questionnaire, Respondents must provide information about the experience and qualifications of employees and contractors who will furnish services under this Contract.

o Statement of Objectivity. No JCMH employee may have a direct interest in the proceeds of a contract resulting from this RFP or be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to anyone having a direct interest in those proceeds. Include a statement of Respondent’s objectivity and independence.

If Respondent is funded by or related to any entity or person employed by JCMH, disclose the nature and degree of the relationship. JCMH may conditionally accept an offer without this statement but may not award a contract without it.

o Execution of Proposal. The JCMH will reject proposals without an Execution of Proposal (included as Attachment C to this RFP) signed by a person with authority to bind the Respondent to a contract.

• Pricing o Respondent should include a detailed cost proposal by category to accomplish the scope of work. The proposed cost of services document should be included as a separate attachment and titled “Proposed Cost RFP No. 201-001-2026” mailto:JCMH@txcourts.gov

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PROPOSAL EVALUATION

The JCMH will award a contract to a Respondent whose Proposal is considered to provide the best value to the State of Texas, as defined by Texas Government Code Section 2155.074.

A committee will be established to evaluate the Proposals. The committee may include one or more employees of JCMH, members of the JCMH Executive Committee and any other person(s) invited by JCMH to participate. The evaluation committee will determine best value by applying the following criteria and assigned weighted values:

Categories Possible Points

1. Relevant Experience in Justice/Behavioral Health & Texas Systems

a. Experience with court, jail, LMHA, behavioral health, or competency data

b. Familiarity with Texas systems (CARE, CMBHS, Odyssey, etc.)

c. Multi-county/statewide projects

d. SIM/diversion/clinical–legal interface experience

e. Prior partnership with judicial or mental health agencies

2. Technical Skill & Data System Development Capacity

a. Experience building portals, dashboards, case-tracking systems

b. Skills with SQL, APIs, ETL, HL7 (if applicable)

c. Experience with platforms like Power Apps/BI, REDCap, Qualtrics, Tableau, Airtable

d. Understanding of HIPAA, CJIS, data security

e. Documentation and data-governance competence

3. Training, Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Facilitation

a. Experience training non-technical court and mental health stakeholders

b. Written materials (guides, manuals, workflows)

c. Ongoing support or help-desk-style approaches

d. Communication and cross-system coordination skills

4. Analytical & Reporting Ability

a. Quantitative and qualitative analysis

b. Experience with justice/behavioral health outcomes (LOS, recidivism, waitlist, etc.)

c. Ability to write judicial- and policy-facing reports

d. Evaluation experience

5. Cost

a. Overall cost competitiveness

b. Budget clarity and justification

c. Reasonableness relative to scope and market norms

d. Demonstrated cost efficiency without sacrificing quality

In evaluating Proposals to determine the best value for the State, JCMH may consider information related to past contract performance of a Proposal, including, but not limited to, the Comptroller of Public Account’s Vendor Performance Tracking System.

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RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The JCMH reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or to re-solicit or cancel this RFP, if such action is deemed in the best interests of the State of Texas and the JCMH.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

o OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE. A proposal submitted in response to this RFP is an offer to contract based upon the terms, conditions, and specifications contained herein. The offer is accepted by JCMH and becomes a contract when a purchase order is executed. The selected Respondent shall be referred to as the Contractor.

o CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. The contract documents will consist of the following:

1. The executed purchase order;

2. Any written Addenda or Amendments;

3. The RFP, including the General Terms and Conditions;

4. Any Best and Final Offer (BAFO) submitted by the Contractor; and

5. The Proposal, (including the General Terms and Conditions, attachments, appendices, and exhibits).

The contract documents are incorporated in the Contract for all purposes and contain the entire agreement between the Contractor and JCMH. In the event of a conflict between the documents listed in this paragraph, the documents will control in the order of precedence listed above beginning with (a), then (b), then (c), then (d), then (e). In the event and to the extent any provisions in multiple documents address the same or substantially the same subject matter but do not actually conflict, the more recent provisions shall be deemed to have superseded the earlier provisions. Any modification, alteration, or waiver of any term, covenant, or condition of the Contract and any attachments shall be in writing and executed by JCMH and the Contractor.

o STANDARDS OF SERVICES. Contractor shall provide all of the above services and all reasonably related services in accordance with applicable professional standards. Contractor represents and warrants that it has the requisite qualifications, experience, personnel and other resources to perform in the manner required by this Contract.

o PROJECT MANAGER. JCMH will designate a Project Manager to serve as the point of contact between the JCMH and Contractor. JCMH’s Project Manager shall supervise JCMH’s review of Contractor’s work, deliverables, draft reports, schedules, and similar matters. The Project Manager has no express or implied authority to vary the terms of the Contract, amend the Contract in any way or waive strict performance of the terms or conditions of the Contract.

o PERSONNEL. Contractor shall assign only qualified personnel to this Contract, including subcontractors. No subcontract shall relieve Contractor of responsibility for ensuring the requested services are provided, and Contractor shall be the sole contact for JCMH.

o TERM AND TERMINATION. The Contract shall become effective on the later of February 2, 2015 or the purchase order execution date, and shall expire no later than May 1, 2015, unless otherwise sooner terminated as provided in this RFP. Provisions herein regarding confidentiality, indemnification, transition, records, right to audit and independent audit, property rights, dispute resolution, invoice and fees verification, and default shall survive the termination or expiration dates of the Contract. By providing thirty

(30) days’ written notice to Contractor by certified mail, return receipt requested or by facsimile, JCMH may terminate the contract within JCMH’s sole discretion.

- 8 -o PAYMENT. Payment shall be made upon acceptance by JCMH of each contract deliverable described in Section II above.

o PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS. Although JCMH is not subject to the Texas Public Information Act, all RFP and contract documents and information, and any report, analysis or data generated as a result of the contract services may be subject to public disclosure under Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration.

JCMH will notify Contractor of any request received by JCMH for records that Contractor has identified as confidential in its response to this RFP.

o CONFIDENTIALITY. Contractor agrees to maintain and shall execute a confidentiality agreement safeguarding the confidentiality of information received from the State of Texas during the performance of this Contract.

o INSURANCE AND OTHER SECURITY. Within five (5) business days of executing this agreement, Contractor shall provide JCMH with current certificates of insurance or other proof acceptable to JCMH of Standard Workers Compensation Insurance and Commercial General Liability Insurance. All such coverage shall be with companies licensed in the state of Texas.

o INDEMNIFICATION. Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the State of Texas and its officers and employees, and JCMH and its officers, employees and contractors from and against all claims, actions, suits, demands, proceedings, costs, damages, and liabilities, arising out of, connected with, or resulting from any acts or omissions of Contractor or any agent, employee, subcontractor, or supplier of Contractor in the execution or performance of the Contract. Contractor shall coordinate its defense with the Texas Attorney General’s office as requested by JCMH. This paragraph is not intended to and shall not be construed to require contractor to indemnify or hold harmless the State or JCMH for any claims or liability resulting from the negligent acts or omissions of JCMH or its employees.

o DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The dispute resolution process provided for in Texas Government Code Chapter 2260 shall be used by JCMH and Contractor to attempt to resolve any dispute arising under the Contract.

o AMENDMENTS. The Contract may be amended only upon written agreement between JCMH and Contractor; however, any amendment of this Contract that conflicts with the laws of the State of Texas shall be void ab initio.

o APPLICABLE LAW; VENUE. This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. The venue of any suit arising under this Contract is fixed in any court of competent jurisdiction of Travis County, Texas.

o STRICT COMPLIANCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of the Contract. Contractor shall strictly comply with all of the contract deadlines, requirements, and performance standards.

o ASSIGNMENTS. Without the prior written consent of JCMH, Contractor may not assign this Contract, in whole or in part, and may not assign any right or duty required under it.

o PARTIALLY COMPLETED WORK. Within one calendar day after termination of this Contract, or at JCMH’s request, Contractor shall deliver to JCMH all completed, or partially completed, work and any and all documentation or other products and results of these services. Failure to timely deliver such work or any and all documentation or other products and results of the services shall be considered a material breach of the Contract.

o FEDERAL, STATE, AND LJCMHL REQUIREMENTS. Contractor shall demonstrate on-site compliance with the Federal Tax Reform Act of 1986, Section 1706, amending Section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978, dealing with issuance of Form W-2’s to common-law employees. Contractor is responsible for both federal and

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State unemployment insurance coverage and standard worker’s compensation insurance coverage.

Contractor shall comply with all federal and State tax laws and withholding requirements. The State of Texas shall not be liable to Contractor or its employees for any unemployment or workers’ compensation coverage, or federal or State withholding requirements. Contractor shall indemnify the State of Texas and shall pay all costs, penalties, or losses resulting from Contractor’s omission or breach of this Section.

o SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. In the event that any provision of the Contract is later determined to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, then its remaining terms, provisions, covenants, and conditions shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated.

o APPLICABLE LAW AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. Contractor must comply with all current and amended laws, regulations, requirements and guidelines applicable to a Contractor providing services to the State of Texas throughout the term of the Contract. JCMH reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to unilaterally amend the Contract throughout its term to incorporate any modifications necessary for JCMH’s or Contractor’s compliance with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations.

o NO WAIVER. Nothing in the Contract shall be construed as a waiver of the state’s sovereign immunity. The

Contract shall not constitute or be construed as a waiver of any of the privileges, rights, defenses, remedies, or immunities available to the State of Texas. The failure to enforce, or any delay in the enforcement, of any privileges, rights, defenses, remedies, or immunities available to the State of Texas under the Contract or under applicable law shall not constitute a waiver of such privileges, rights, defenses, remedies, or immunities or be considered as a basis for estoppel. JCMH does not waive any privileges, rights, defenses, or immunities available to JCMH by entering into the Contract or by its conduct prior to or subsequent to entering into the Contract.

o NO LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If the Contract is terminated for any reason, JCMH and the State of

Texas shall not be liable to Contractor for any damages, claims, losses, or any other amounts arising from or related to any such termination. However, Contractor may be entitled to the remedies provided in Government Code Chapter 2260.

o INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Contractor or Contractor’s employees, representatives, agents and any subcontractors shall serve as an independent contractor in providing services under this Contract.

Contractor or Contractor’s employees, representatives, agents and any subcontractors shall not be employees or agents of the State of Texas and shall not be entitled to benefits of state employment such as retirement or leave benefits. Should Contractor subcontract any of the services required in this Contract, JCMH is in no manner liable to any subcontractor(s) of Contractor.

o LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY. Contractor shall have no authority to act for or on behalf of JCMH or the State of Texas except as expressly provided for in this Contract; no other authority, power or use is granted or implied. Contractor may not incur any debts, obligations, expenses, or liabilities of any kind on behalf of the State of Texas or JCMH.

o INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLAIMS. Contractor shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the State of Texas and JCMH from and against claims of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights, violations or infringements arising from the State’s, JCMH’s, or Contractor’s use of any services, software, or other items provided to the State of Texas or JCMH by Contractor or otherwise to which the State of Texas or JCMH has access as a result of Contractor’s performance under this Contract, provided that JCMH shall notify Contractor of any such claim within a reasonable time of receiving notice of any such claim. If Contractor is notified of any claim subject to this section, Contract shall notify JCMH of such claim within five (5) business days of such notice. No settlement of any such claim shall be made by Contractor without JCMH’s prior written approval. Contractor shall reimburse the State of Texas and JCMH for any claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses, judgments or any other amounts, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and court costs, arriving from any such claim. Contract shall pay all reasonable costs of the State’s and

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JCMH’s counsel and shall also pay costs of multiple counsel, if required to avoid conflicts of interest.

Contract represents that it has determined what licenses, patents and permits are required under this Contract and has acquired all such licenses, patents and permits. In the event that Contractor loses the right to allow the state to use any technology under this indemnification, then Contractor shall repay the State all monies paid under this Contract.

o SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. Contractor shall maintain and retain supporting fiscal and any other documents relevant to payments and expenditures under the Contract. Contractor shall maintain all such documents and other records relating to this Contract and the State’s property for a period of four (4) years after the termination date of the Contract or the resolution of all billing questions, whichever is later. Contractor and any Subcontractors shall provide the State Auditor with any information that the State Auditor deems relevant to any investigation or audit. Contractor must retain all work and supporting documents pertaining to the Contract for a period of four (4) years after its end date for purposes of inspecting, monitoring, auditing, or evaluation of JCMH and any authorized agency of the State of Texas, including an investigation by the State Auditor.

o ACCESS TO RECORDS. Contractor shall cooperate with any authorized agents of the State of Texas and shall provide them with prompt access to all of such State’s work as requested. Contractor’s failure to comply with this Section shall constitute a material breach of the Contract and shall authorize JCMH and the State of Texas to immediately assess appropriate damages for such failure. The acceptance of funds by Contractor any other entity or person directly under the Contract, or indirectly through a subcontract under the Contract, shall constitute acceptance of the authority of the State Auditor, Comptroller or other agency of the State of Texas to conduct an audit or investigation in connection with those funds. Contractor shall ensure that this paragraph concerning the State’s authority to audit funds received indirectly by subcontractors through Contractor and the requirement to cooperate is included in any subcontract it awards. Furthermore, under the direction of the legislative audit committee, an entity that is the subject of an audit or investigation by the State Auditor must provide the State Auditor with access to any information the State Auditor considers relevant to the investigation or audit.

o FELONY CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS. Contractor shall fully advise JCMH as to the facts and circumstances surrounding conviction of a felony criminal offense of Contractor or any of its employees that are assigned to or associated with this project.

o NOTICES. Any written notices required under this Contract will be by either hand delivery or by U.S. Mail, certified, return receipt requested, and is effective on receipt by the affected party. The address for Contractor will be the address on the Offer. The address for JCMH will be that specified in Section III of this RFP. Either party may change its designated notice address by written notification to the other party.

o DEBTS OR DELINQUENCIES TO STATE. The Comptroller is prohibited from issuing any payment to a person or entity reported to have an indebtedness or delinquency to the State. To the extent that Contractor owes any debt or delinquent taxes to the State of Texas, any payments or other amounts Contractor is otherwise owed under this Contract shall be applied toward the debt or delinquent taxes until the debt or delinquent taxes is paid in full. Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable laws regarding satisfaction of debts or delinquencies to the State of Texas.

o CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES. In accordance with Government Code Section 2155.4441, the Contractor shall purchase products and materials produced in the State of Texas, when available at a price and time comparable to products and materials produced outside the State.

o WORK MADE FOR HIRE. “Work” is defined as all examination materials, reports, statistical analyses, work papers, work products, materials, approaches, designs, specifications, systems, documentation, methodologies, concepts, research materials, intellectual property or other property developed, produced, or generated in connection with the Contract. All work performed pursuant to the Contract is made the

- 11 -exclusive property of JCMH. All rights, title and interest in and to said property shall vest in JCMH upon creation and shall be deemed to be a work for hire and made in the course of the services rendered pursuant to the Contract. To the extent that title to any such work may not, by operation of law, vest in JCMH, or such work may not be considered a work made for hire, then all rights, title and interest therein are hereby irrevocably assigned to JCMH. JCMH shall have the right to obtain and to hold in its name any and all patents, copyrights, registrations or such other protection as may be appropriate to the subject matter, and any extensions and renewals thereof. Contractor must give JCMH and the State of Texas, and their designees, all assistance required to perfect the rights defined herein without any charge or expense beyond those amounts payable to Contractor for services rendered under the Contract.

o TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CLAUSE. In the event that Contractor’s Work includes the provision of an automated information system as defined by Government Code Sections 2157.001(1) and 2157.005, then state funds may not be expended in connection with the purchase of an automated information system unless that system meets certain statutory requirements relating to accessibility by persons with visual impairments.

Accordingly, Contractor shall provide JCMH technology that is capable, either by virtue of features included within the technology or because it is readily adaptable by use with other technology, of: (1) providing equivalent access for effective use by both visual and nonvisual means; (2) presenting information, including prompts used for interactive communications, in formats intended for both visual and nonvisual use; and (3) being integrated into networks for obtaining, retrieving, and disseminating information used by individuals who are not blind or visually impaired. For purposes of this Section, the phrase "equivalent access" means substantially similar ability to communicate with or make use of the technology, either directly by features incorporated within the technology or by other reasonable means such as assistive devices or services that would constitute reasonable accommodations under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state or federal laws. Examples of methods by which equivalent access may be provided include, but are not limited to, keyboard alternatives to mouse commands and other means of navigating graphical displays, and customizable display appearance.

o POLICY COMPLIANCE. Contractor’s employees and agents (including subcontractors and their employees and agents) identified by JCMH management as having sufficient presence on JCMH premises shall be required to adhere to applicable JCMH human resources, information services, and finance and operations policies and shall be required to attend one or more policy orientation sessions. Those employees and agents identified as having access to State of Texas information resources and information resources technologies may be subject to periodic criminal history record investigations.

o FORCE MAJEURE. Neither Contractor nor JCMH shall be liable to the other for any delay in, or failure of performance, of any requirement included in any PO resulting from this RFP caused by force majeure. The existence of such causes of delay or failure shall extend the period of performance until after the causes of delay of failure have been removed provided the nonperforming party exercises all reasonable due diligence to perform. Force majeure is defined as acts of God, war, fires, explosions, hurricanes, floods, failure of transportation, or other causes that are beyond the reasonable control of either party and that by exercise of due foresight such party could not reasonably have been expected to avoid, and which, by the exercise of all reasonable due diligence, such party is unable to overcome. Each party must inform the other in writing, with proof of receipt, within three (3) business days of the existence of such force majeure, or otherwise waive this right as a defense.

o DEFAULT. If Contractor is in default on the Contract, JCMH may cancel the Contract without notice and either re-solicit or award the contract to the next best responsive and responsible Respondent. The defaulting Contractor will not be considered in the re-solicitation and may not be considered in future solicitations for the same type of work, unless the specification or scope of work is significantly changed. In the event of abandonment or default, Contractor shall pay damages to JCMH including but not limited to re-procurement costs, and any consequential damages to the State of Texas or JCMH resulting from Contractor’s non-performance.

- 12 -o NO CONFLICTS. Contractor represents and warrants that Contractor has no actual or potential conflicts of interest in providing services to the State of Texas under the Contract and that Contractor’s provision of services under this Contract would not reasonably create an appearance of impropriety.

o FALSE STATEMENTS / BREACH OF REPRESENTATIONS. Any false statements by Contractor in the Contract documents or violation by Contractor of any of the representations, warranties, guarantees, certifications or affirmations included in the Contract shall constitute default by Contractor, and JCMH may terminate or void the Contract for cause and pursue other remedies available to JCMH under the Contract or applicable law

Attachment A – Court Liaison Pilot Program Information

In 2022, the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health created a four-year pilot program to fund a Court Mental Health Liaison in three counties: Grayson, Denton, and Smith. The Liaisons have focused on increasing the connection between the courts and resources, ensuring compliance with Texas mental health laws, and, ultimately, improving community safety and the courts’ response to individuals with mental illness or intellectual disability.

What problem is addressed by the Court Liaison Pilot Program?

Individuals with mental illness often languish in jail while on the forensic wait list for competency restoration services at state hospital. The forensic waitlist is increased by a lack of education about best practices and coordination of resources.

How does this program address the identified problem?

The Pilot Program increases connections to treatment, when appropriate for community safety, to reduce the use of competency restoration services, and thereby stalling the growth of the forensic waitlist. The Court Liaison Pilot Program focuses on addressing several factors that are contributing to the gridlock on inpatient state hospital services. People with MH and/or IDD are arrested and placed in county jails and on the inpatient state hospital waitlist when other options are safe, appropriate, and possible. This overuse of inpatient state hospital services is often based in a misconception that competency restoration is comprehensive treatment when it is often just stabilization and rote memorization of legal procedures that do not solve underlying mental health issues. Finally, there are inefficiencies and delays in the evaluation and restoration of individuals.

The Court Liaisons (i) promote crisis response and pre-arrest treatment programs, (ii) provide connection to quality community-based services; and establish positive relationships across stakeholders. They have day-to-day responsibilities to ensure the county’s compliance with Texas Mental Health Laws.

The Liaisons educate their county regarding the appropriate use of competency restoration—that it is not going to provide comprehensive treatment and sending individuals to restoration when it is not appropriate has unintended consequences for individuals, their family members, and communities.

When inpatient competency restoration is necessary, the Liaisons also work to eliminate inefficiencies in the processes that contribute to state hospital placement delays.

The Court Liaisons work to:

• COLLABORATE. Develop and foster collaborative relationships with and between:

o Local Mental Health Authority and/or Local Behavioral Health Authority o State Hospitals (SH) o State Supported Living Centers (SSLC) o Courts o Community providers o Probation/community supervision and corrections department o Sheriff’s office and other law enforcement o District and County attorney offices o Public defender’s offices and the local defense bar

• ASSIST. Assist the jail and defendants in jail to ensure proper in-custody treatment, medication management, and utilization of diversion programs.

• EVALUATE. Assist the court and attorneys in evaluating cases and defendants for most appropriate use of resources. Refer cases to the probate court, connect to community services, or connect to a bond officer as appropriate, if competency is not an issue, but mental health needs are apparent.

• MONITOR. Monitor defendant’s position for competency restoration services in the community and o Outpatient Competency Restoration (OCR) o Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) o In an inpatient facility at a state hospital or SSLC

• PLAN. Create a plan for defendant’s transition back to community, civil commitment, or jail and continued services.

• COMMUNICATE. Communicate with appropriate organizations to ensure proper coordination of:

o Transportation o Paperwork o Medication o Continuity of care o Docketing

• PREPARE. Assist, as needed, in preparation of case plan for post-adjudication services (probation plans) and assist stakeholders with transition to field probation services.

• DOCUMENT. Document systemic changes as they progress in the community and judicial systems and create a blueprint so other counties may replicate a successful pilot project program.

• EDUCATE. Engage stakeholders in education on the many diversion opportunities across the Sequential Intercept Model, including:

o Available resources and crisis program.

o Mental health and substance use treatment resources and community-based supports.

o Competency restoration processes and waitlist procedures.

o The process of transferring appropriate cases from the criminal court to probate court.

o Creating specialty courts o Complying with Texas Mental Health Laws

Specific Tasks of the Court Liaison Include:

• Identify individuals booked into county jail that may mental health concerns or intellectual or developmental disorders, helping to prevent suicides and use evidenced-based practices.

• Connect individuals with mental illness and low-level offenses to appropriate treatment and decrease length of incarceration and recidivism.

• Review Code of Criminal Procedure Section 16.22 screening forms daily.

• Assist in coordinating supports and interventions for individuals identified by 16.22.

• Review list of individuals on the waitlist for the state hospital for competency restoration, correct any errors, and improve efficiencies.

• Open writ files for unfiled cases to link defendants with an attorney and allow for a court setting in a more timely manner.

• Communicate with all agencies at all intercepts regarding any defendant with persistent and significant mental health symptoms to collaborate on interventions.

• Ensure non-violent misdemeanants released on bond have conditions that include adherence with mental health assessment and treatment.

• Provide CCP 16.22 reports to defense attorneys, prosecution, community supervision and corrections department, local mental health authority, jail medical, and jail administration.

• Seek additional resources throughout the state to better assist in the county with inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

• Seek additional funding sources, such as state and federal grant opportunities, to develop additional resources locally (transitional housing, increased public transit, income-based housing).

• Reduce recidivism through stabilization interventions such as emergency detention, outpatient, or inpatient mental health services.

New Innovations Instituted due to the Court Liaison:

• New Mental Health Dockets held monthly in the 59th District Court. This initially was to review individuals with competency concerns: individuals awaiting a competency evaluation, individuals wait-listed for State Hospital, and individuals currently receiving care at the State Hospital. It has since expanded to also include individuals who have persistent and significant mental illness, who are competent to stand trial, but whose mental health does affect the strategic planning of how to dispose of cases.

• New Misdemeanor Mental Health Dockets in the County Court at Law 1, Biweekly (non-filed

Zoom hearings held at 9:00 a.m. and In-Person hearings held at 10:30 a.m. / Monday & Friday)

• Mental Health Assessments completed during initial booking to screen for Early Identification of

Mental Illness (16.22 report submitted to attorneys, court, probation, LMHA, Jail Medical, Jail Administration)

• Grant submitted and approved to the Texas Indigent Defense Counsel for implementation of a

Managed Assigned Counsel Office to provide administrative assistance to all court appointed attorneys, streamline indigent defense, identify attorneys skilled in working with individuals with MH/IDD. MAC initiative began with exclusively looking at how to provide more comprehensive representation to individuals with special needs but expanded to include all populations requiring court appointed/indigent defense attorneys.

• Coordinated Release Process was created for individuals releasing on personal bonds with mental health conditions, individuals entering a plea to be placed on probation, individuals who time-out in county jail waiting for state hospital.

• Jail Diversion Center Committee was created after a Jail Diversion Center was identified as a priority during the Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Workshop conducted by JCMH.

• Jail Based Competency Restoration Program has been approved by HHSC, to be implemented through our local mental health authority, with an interdisciplinary team approach for referrals into program, directed by the District Court’s Mental Health Docket

• Elevation of general understanding regarding the mental health crisis amongst those incarcerated through various community education luncheons, community presentations at the Grayson County Bar Association, the SIM Workshop, newspaper articles, appearances at Commissioner’s Court and other meetings.

Attachment B – Respondent Questionnaire

NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

(RFP). RFP’S THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THIS FORM WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. (Note: This information may be submitted in a form provided by the vendor, but the content must be presented with all information in the same order as shown in this questionnaire.)

THE RFP SHALL BE VOID IF FALSE STATEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS ATTACHMENT.

A. Respondent’s Contact Person. Respondent must list the name, title, email address, mailing address, phone number and fax number of the individual who will be the contract person for the term of any Contract resulting from this RFP.

Name:

Title:

Mailing Address:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

B. References. Respondent must provide a list of at least five (5) creative projects, including project name, building type, location of state agencies, corporations, or other entities for which Respondent has provided the requested services in the RFP during the past five (5) years. Respondent must include dates when requested services were provided, names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of state agency’s or firm’s contact person. If none, check None

1. State Agency or Other Entity:

Description of Services Provided:

Date Services Provided:

Name of Contact:

Telephone number of Contact:

E-mail address of Contact:

2. State Agency or Other Entity:

Description of Services Provided:

Date Services Provided:

Name of Contact:

Telephone number of Contact:

E-mail address of Contact:

3. State Agency or Other Entity:

Description of Services Provided:

Date Services Provided:

Name of Contact:

Telephone number of Contact:

E-mail address of Contact:

4. State Agency or Other Entity:

Description of Services Provided:

Date Services Provided:

Name of Contact:

Telephone number of Contact:

E-mail address of Contact:

5. State Agency or Other Entity:

Description of Services Provided:

Date Services Provided:

Name of Contact:

Telephone number of Contact:

E-mail address of Contact:

C. Cancellations or Terminations. Respondent must list all contracts or purchase orders that Respondent executed or accepted within the last five (5) years and which were canceled or terminated prior to completion by any state agency or other entity with which Respondent contracted. For each such contract or contract, Respondent must include a detailed explanation for the cancellation or termination and final resolution of the matter. Include the names and telephone numbers of each such state agency’s or firm’s contact person. If none, check None

State Agency or Other Entity:

Explanation for Cancellation or

Termination:

Final Resolution:

Name of Agency / Other Contact:

Telephone number of Contact:

D. Profile. Respondent must include the following profile that:

(a) Describes the general nature of previous similar work performed by Respondent, particularly work in the last five (5) years:

(b) Describes the size and scope of all operations, including number of Respondent’s employees and years in business:

(c) Describes Respondent’s prior contracting experience with state agencies and similar entities:

(d) List any other information Respondent believes is pertinent to this RFP:

E. Personnel. Respondent must provide in detail the qualifications, education, training, experience and certifications of all Respondent’s employees who will or may provide the items under any Contract resulting from this RFP. Respondent must provide this information for each such employee.

1. Staff Person’s Name:

Qualifications:

Education:

Training:

Experience:

Certifications and Licenses:

2. Staff Person’s Name:

Qualifications:

Education:

Training:

Experience:

Certifications and Licenses:

3. Staff Person’s Name:

Qualifications:

Education:

Training:

Experience:

Certifications and Licenses:

4. Staff Person’s Name:

Qualifications:

Education:

Training:

Experience:

Certifications and Licenses:

4. Staff Person’s Name:

Qualifications:

Education:

Training:

Experience:

Certifications and Licenses:

ATTACHMENT C – EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL

RFP No. 201-001-2026

(It is mandatory to complete, sign, and submit this form with the proposal.)

1. RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Federal Employer ID No.: _____________ Texas Tax ID No.: _____________

Entity Name: ________________________________________________

Street Address: ________________________________________________

City/State/Zip Code: _________________________________________

Telephone No.: _________________ Facsimile No.:_________________

Website URL: ________________________________________________

EXECUTIVE REPRESENTATIVE

Name: _____________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________

Telephone No.: ________________________________________________

Email Address: ________________________________________________

POINT OF CONTACT FOR PROPOSAL

Name: _____________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________

Telephone No.: ________________________________________________

Email Address: ________________________________________________

POINT OF CONTACT FOR RECEIPT OF CONTRACT

Name: _____________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________

Telephone No.: ________________________________________________

Email Address: ________________________________________________

2. TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE § 669.003

Under the Texas Government Code § 669.003, a state agency may not enter into a contract with a Respondent that employs a former executive head of the state agency unless certain statutory conditions are met. By signing the acknowledgment below, the Respondent certifies that it is in compliance with § 669.003. If §669.003 applies, the Respondent shall complete the following information in order for its Proposal to be evaluated:

Name of Former Executive: _________________________________________

Name of State Agency: _____________________________________________

Date of Separation from State Agency: __________________________________

Date of Employment with Respondent: _________________________________

Section Exception

3. EXCEPTIONS TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

☐ No exceptions.

☐ Yes, please provide list of exceptions below

4. RESPONDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Respondent hereby acknowledges that it can meet all requirements as stated and also acknowledges the receipt, review, and acceptance of the Request for Offers identified in its proposal. Any exceptions to the statement of work, terms, requirements, and conditions have been explicitly set forth in the Respondent’s proposal.