ESBD_522516_1780523164919_RFP - Clinical Academyv2.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

for

The Gulf Coast Center Clinical Academy Planning and Implementation

THE GULF COAST CENTER

4444 W. Main

League City, TX 77573

Issue Date: June 3, 2026

Due Date: June,24 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

The Gulf Coast Center Clinical Academy Planning and Implementation

Table of Contents

Section Title Page

Description of Gulf Coast Center ……………………………………………………...3

Description of Services…………………………………………………………….4

General Information

Conditions

Selection of Successful Proposer

Performance Standards and Compliance

Proposal Instructions and Guidelines

Attachments

Attachment A – N/A

Attachment B – Assurances Document

Attachment C – Key Persons List

DESCRIPTION OF GULF COAST CENTER

The Gulf Coast Center (GCC) is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic as well as an agency of the State of Texas established to plan, coordinate, develop policy, develop and allocate resources, supervise, and ensure the provision of community based mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services for the residents of Galveston and Brazoria Counties, Texas. The Center is a community center under Chapter 534 of the

Texas Health and Safety Code, and is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a

501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

GCC, like other state and local governments, uses fund accounting to ensure and demonstrate compliance with finance-related legal requirements. The Center is a unit of government, under the sponsorship of the Galveston and Brazoria County Commissioners Courts.

Our mission is to provide accessible, efficient and quality services to support the independent and healthy living of those we serve.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Gulf Coast Center (“GCC”) is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms or organizations with demonstrated expertise in behavioral health workforce development, organizational strategy, clinical training systems, leadership development, curriculum design, and implementation planning to design, implement, and sustain a comprehensive

GCC Clinical Academy.

The selected contractor will partner collaboratively with GCC leadership, operational stakeholders, and designated workforce representatives to create a scalable, sustainable, and operationally aligned Clinical Academy that advances clinical excellence, workforce readiness, leadership development, employee wellness, and consumer-centered behavioral health care across the organization.

The Clinical Academy is envisioned as a flagship workforce development initiative that will serve as a centralized platform for onboarding, clinical competency development, leadership cultivation, interdisciplinary collaboration, workforce retention, and continuous quality improvement.

The contractor shall provide strategic consultation, assessment, planning, implementation support, curriculum development, and sustainability recommendations necessary to establish the GCC Clinical Academy as an integrated organizational infrastructure supporting both current and future workforce needs.

Scope of Services

The contractor shall provide services including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Organizational Discovery and Strategic Assessment

The contractor shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of GCC’s existing workforce development systems, clinical onboarding processes, training structures, operational workflows, and workforce readiness strategies.

Services shall include:

• Executive leadership consultations

• Stakeholder engagement sessions

• Workforce development and onboarding review

• Clinical workflow and operational analysis

• Workforce readiness and training gap assessment

• Workforce wellness and retention assessment

• Review of existing leadership development practices

• Evaluation of interdisciplinary collaboration structures

• Exploration of organizational readiness for technology and AI-supported workforce solutions

Deliverables shall include:

• Organizational Discovery Summary

• Workforce Development Assessment Findings

• Workforce Readiness and Gap Analysis

• Strategic Recommendations Report

2. Clinical Academy Framework Design and Sustainable Curriculum

Development

The contractor shall develop a high-level framework and operational model for the GCC

Clinical Academy, including the creation of a sustainable, evidence-informed curriculum structure designed to support long-term workforce development and organizational growth.

The contractor must demonstrate the capacity to design and facilitate a scalable and sustainable curriculum model that supports clinical excellence, leadership development, workforce readiness, and continuous professional growth across GCC service lines.

As part of the proposed services, the contractor shall provide access to, or partnership with, a qualified professor, academic professional, or subject matter expert with demonstrated expertise in behavioral health workforce development, adult learning methodologies, clinical education, curriculum design, and organizational training systems.

The designated academic or curriculum expert shall play an active role throughout the project lifecycle and shall:

• Facilitate curriculum planning and development sessions

• Provide strategic guidance regarding instructional design and learning pathways

• Assist in aligning curriculum content with GCC organizational goals and workforce competencies

• Support the development of measurable learning outcomes and training standards

• Contribute expertise regarding emerging trends in behavioral health education and workforce development

• Assist with sustainability planning and long-term curriculum integration

Services shall include:

• Facilitation of strategic visioning sessions

• Development of Clinical Academy mission, vision, and guiding principles

• Design of workforce development structures and learning pathways

• Development of governance and oversight recommendations

• Leadership integration planning

• Curriculum pathway recommendations

• Development of mentorship and reflective supervision models

• Recommendations for interdisciplinary learning structures

• Integration planning for workforce wellness initiatives

• Alignment with GCC operational and clinical priorities

• Development of competency-based learning frameworks

• Recommendations for curriculum evaluation and continuous quality improvement processes

• Planning for long-term internal ownership and sustainability of training systems

The curriculum design process must incorporate:

• Evidence-based instructional design methodologies

• Adult learning and competency-based training principles

• Behavioral health best practices and clinical standards

• Workforce readiness and professional development pathways

• Leadership and supervisory development components

• Measurable learning outcomes and evaluation standards

• Sustainable training infrastructure recommendations

Areas of curriculum exploration may include:

• Clinical onboarding and readiness

• Motivational Interviewing

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Crisis Intervention

• Documentation Excellence

• Ethics and Professional Boundaries

• Leadership Development

• Reflective Supervision

• Workforce Wellness and Resilience

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• LCSW and QMHP mentorship pathways

• Consumer-centered care practices

• Workforce retention and engagement strategies

• AI-enhanced workforce support and learning tools

Deliverables shall include:

• GCC Clinical Academy Framework

• Governance and Leadership Structure Recommendations

• Workforce Development Model

• Sustainable Curriculum Framework

• Curriculum Pathway Recommendations

• Leadership Development Recommendations

• Mentorship and Reflective Supervision Recommendations

• Learning Outcomes and Competency Recommendations

• Curriculum Sustainability Recommendations

3. Clinical Excellence Task Force Development

The contractor shall support the development and facilitation of a GCC Clinical

Excellence Task Force that will guide the implementation and long-term sustainability of the Clinical Academy.

Services shall include recommendations regarding:

• Task Force structure and governance

• Leadership and stakeholder participation

• Workforce engagement strategies

• Communication and collaboration structures

• Sustainability planning

• Operational integration strategies

Recommended representation may include:

• Executive Leadership

• Clinical Leadership

• Human Resources

• Staff Development and Training

• Quality and Compliance

• Crisis Services

• Outpatient Services

• Substance Use Services

• Supervisors and Managers

• Frontline Staff

• IT/Data Services

• Workforce Wellness Representatives

Deliverables shall include:

• Clinical Excellence Task Force Charter

• Governance Recommendations

• Sustainability and Engagement Recommendations

4. AI and Workforce Innovation Exploration

The contractor shall provide strategic guidance regarding responsible, ethical, and human-centered opportunities for AI-supported workforce development and operational efficiency.

Areas of exploration may include:

• Documentation support systems

• Administrative efficiency tools

• Workforce wellness technologies

• Learning reinforcement and micro-training tools

• Training analytics and workforce insights

• AI-assisted workforce development strategies

All recommendations must prioritize:

• Ethical safeguards

• Clinical oversight

• Human-centered behavioral health care

• Workforce empowerment

• Compliance with applicable privacy and regulatory requirements

Deliverables shall include:

• AI and Workforce Innovation Recommendations Report

• Ethical and Operational Considerations Summary

5. Implementation Planning and Sustainability Strategy

The contractor shall develop a phased implementation and sustainability roadmap for the

Clinical Academy.

Services shall include:

• Project planning sessions

• Scope refinement

• Identification of implementation priorities

• Pilot program recommendations

• Sustainability planning

• Workforce integration planning

• Recommendations for future operationalization and scaling

Deliverables shall include:

• Draft Implementation Roadmap

• Phased Implementation Plan

• Sustainability Strategy

• Future Scope of Work Recommendations

• Draft Operationalization Plan

Proposal Requirements

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall include, at a minimum, the following:

Organizational Qualifications

• Description of the organization and relevant experience

• Demonstrated expertise in behavioral health workforce development

• Experience designing or implementing clinical academies, workforce institutes, or similar initiatives

• Experience with organizational change management and strategic planning

• Demonstrated experience in sustainable curriculum design and instructional development

• Experience working with higher education institutions, professors, or academic subject matter experts

• Relevant project examples and references

Academic and Curriculum Expertise Requirement

Proposers must identify the qualified professor, academic consultant, or curriculum specialist who will support the project and provide:

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• Relevant qualifications and certifications

• Experience designing behavioral health, healthcare, or clinical workforce curricula

• Experience in adult learning methodologies and instructional design

• Examples of prior curriculum development or academic leadership projects

• Proposed role and level of engagement throughout the project lifecycle

Project Approach and Methodology

Proposers shall provide a detailed narrative describing their proposed methodology, including:

• Assessment approach

• Stakeholder engagement strategy

• Facilitation methods

• Workforce development philosophy

• Curriculum design methodology

• Sustainability approach

• Project management structure

• Communication protocols

Proposed Work Plan and Schedule

Proposers shall submit a proposed timeline outlining all major project phases, milestones, deliverables, and estimated completion dates.

The anticipated duration for the initial planning and framework development phase is approximately sixty (60) days; however, proposers may recommend alternative timelines based on project approach and organizational needs.

Staffing Plan

Proposers shall identify key personnel assigned to the project, including:

• Roles and responsibilities

• Relevant qualifications

• Licensure and certifications, where applicable

• Experience with comparable projects

Cost Proposal

Proposers shall provide a detailed cost proposal that includes:

• Total proposed project cost

• Itemized fees by phase or deliverable

• Hourly rates, if applicable

• Travel or administrative expenses

• Curriculum development and facilitation costs

• Academic consultant or professor engagement costs

• Optional services or implementation support costs

• Any assumptions impacting pricing

Deliverables Summary

At minimum, the selected contractor shall provide:

• Organizational Discovery Summary

• Workforce Development Assessment

• GCC Clinical Academy Framework

• Governance Recommendations

• Sustainable Curriculum Framework

• Curriculum and Workforce Development Recommendations

• Leadership Development Recommendations

• AI Workforce Innovation Recommendations

• Draft Implementation Roadmap

• Sustainability Plan

• Future Phase Scope Recommendations

• Expected Outcomes

The GCC Clinical Academy initiative is expected to:

• Strengthen workforce readiness and retention

• Standardize clinical training and onboarding

• Enhance leadership development capacity

• Improve interdisciplinary collaboration

• Promote workforce wellness and resilience

• Support operational consistency and quality improvement

• Advance consumer-centered behavioral health practices

• Establish a sustainable internal training and curriculum infrastructure

• Position GCC as a regional leader in clinical workforce excellence and innovation

The selected contractor shall demonstrate the ability to develop a practical, scalable, academically grounded, and sustainable model that aligns with GCC’s operational environment, strategic priorities, and long-term workforce vision.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Gulf Coast Center anticipates awarding one (1) contract for the Services commencing on approximately August 15, 2026 (the “Contract”). Any Contract awarded as a result of this

RFP will be prepared by Gulf Coast Center, and any Proposer (as defined below) selected for a Contract award may be referred to herein as a “Successful Proposer”.

All Proposals must be received by the Proposal Submission Deadline. All Proposals must

Proposals shall be delivered via electronic mail attachment to:

Gulf Coast Center

Dr. Devon Stanley, PMP bidsubmission@gulfcoastcenter.org by any agent or representative designated by the person or entity submitting the Proposal

(“Proposer”). Gulf Coast Center will determine the official time of receipt of each Proposal using the time/date of receipt of the Proposal shown by Gulf Coast Center’s email server;

upon request, a receipt shall be sent via electronic mail to the deliverer of the Proposal, which indicates the date and time it was received. Proposals must be provided in a single

.PDF format file. Proposals sent via any other method other than electronic mail as described above will not be accepted. Proposals received after the Proposal Submission

Deadline will not be considered.

Any questions concerning the RFP specifications or process shall be directed to Dr. Devon

Stanley, PMP at bidsubmission@gulfcoastcenter.org, no later than June 18, 2026 at 5:00

PM CST (“Question Submission Deadline”). All questions with respect to either the RFP specifications or process that are received by the Question Submission Deadline will be responded to in writing to all those known to have requested a copy of the RFP.

CONDITIONS

ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION OF PROPOSALS: Gulf Coast Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all Proposals, to waive informalities or defects in Proposals, or to accept such Proposal(s) as it shall deem to be of the best value to Gulf Coast Center.

NEGOTIATION: Gulf Coast Center further reserves the right to negotiate with Proposers determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected. All such Proposers shall be afforded fair and equal treatment with respect to such negotiations, and no such Proposer shall be given information that would give that Proposer a competitive advantage over any other Proposer.

Proposals shall be submitted no later than

June 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST (“Proposal Submission Deadline”).

mailto:bidsubmission@gulfcoastcenter.org

CANCELLATION: Gulf Coast Center may also choose to cancel the RFP without award.

VALIDATION: Gulf Coast Center may validate any information in a Proposal by using outside sources or materials. If validation discloses that information provided by a

Proposer is deliberately false, the Proposal will be ineligible for consideration.

ADDENDA: Gulf Coast Center reserves the right to modify, interpret and correct the RFP, and any modifications, interpretations or corrections to the RFP and specifications shall be made by written addenda. Gulf Coast Center’s General Counsel shall have sole authority to issue addenda to this RFP. Addenda shall be provided to all who are known to have received a copy of the RFP. All such addenda become, upon issuance, an inseparable part of the specifications, which a Proposal must meet to be considered.

ALTERING PROPOSALS: Any corrections, deletions, or additions to Proposals must be made in writing and delivered by email to Dr. Devon Stanley, PMP at bidsubmission@gulfcoastcenter.org prior to the Proposal Submission Deadline. The

Proposer shall submit substitute pages with an email documenting the changes and to which is attached the specific pages for substitution. The person who submits the email must have authority at least equal to that of the submitter of the Proposal.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS: A Proposal shall not be withdrawn or cancelled by the Proposer unless the Proposer submits an email to that effect prior to the Proposal

Submission Deadline. The submitter of the withdrawal email must have authority at least equal in authority to the submitter of the Proposal.

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY: Gulf Coast Center is subject to and complies with the

Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. All

Proposals shall be open for public inspection after the RFP process is concluded, except for information contained in the Proposal that Proposer contends is covered by an exception to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act that is in red ink and clearly identified by the Proposer as such. Such information may still be subject to disclosure under the Public Information Act and other applicable law including, without limitation, opinions from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

SUBMITTED PROPOSALS: Submitted Proposals become the property of Gulf Coast

Center and will not be returned to the Proposer. Proposer agrees that Gulf Coast Center has the right to use, reproduce and distribute copies of and to disclose to Gulf Coast Center employees, agents and contractors and other governmental entities all or part of the

Proposal, as Gulf Coast Center deems appropriate to complete the procurement process or comply with state or federal laws and regulations.

SALES TAX: Gulf Coast Center is by statute exempt from payment of taxes applicable to the Services described herein; therefore, Proposals shall not include taxes.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Gulf Coast Center will not enter into any Contract that purports to in any way limit the amount of damages recoverable under the Contract.

mailto:bidsubmission@gulfcoastcenter.org

SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER MUST COMPLY with all applicable federal, state, county and local rules, codes, regulations, laws and standards. All Services must be in compliance with applicable federal, state, county and local rules, codes, regulations, laws, standards and executive orders as well as with all policies and procedures of Gulf Coast Center. A

Contract may be subject to Texas Government Code Section 2252.908, which prohibits governmental entities such as Gulf Coast Center from entering into certain contracts with a business entity unless the business entity submits a disclosure of interested parties to the governmental entity or state agency at the time the business entity submits the signed contract to the governmental entity or state agency. By submitting a Proposal, Proposer agrees to fully comply with all applicable legal requirements including, without limitation, those of Texas Government Code Section 2252.908, as applicable.

EXCEPTION/SUBSTITUTIONS: All Proposals meeting the intent and requirements of this RFP shall be considered for award. Proposers taking exception to the specifications, terms and conditions or offering substitutions, shall state these exceptions clearly as a separately identifiable part of the Proposal entitled “Proposer’s Exceptions”. The absence of such a statement shall indicate that the Proposer has not taken exceptions and Gulf Coast

Center shall hold the resultant Proposer(s), if chosen as a Successful Proposer, responsible to perform in strict accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of this RFP and Successful Proposer’s Contract. Gulf Coast Center reserves the right to accept any and/or none of the exception(s)/substitution(s) as it determines to be in the best interest of

Gulf Coast Center. Proposer agrees that all exceptions to this RFP as well as terms and conditions advanced by Proposer that differ in any manner from Gulf Coast Center’s terms and conditions are rejected unless expressly accepted by Gulf Coast Center in writing in a fully-executed Contract.

SILENCE OF SPECIFICATIONS: The apparent silence of this RFP as to any detail or the apparent omission from it of a detailed description concerning any point shall be regarded as meaning that only best practices of quality services will prevail. All interpretations of this RFP shall be made on the basis of this statement.

LIMITATIONS: Any Proposer currently held in abeyance from or barred from the award of a federal or state contract can not contract with Gulf Coast Center.

CONSIDERATION: For a Proposal to be considered, the Proposer must meet Gulf Coast

Center’s requirements, demonstrate the ability to perform successfully and responsibly under the terms of the prospective Contract, and submit the completed Proposal according to the time frames, procedures, and forms stipulated by Gulf Coast Center. Additionally, Proposers shall, at a minimum, be currently licensed/certified in the trade, where applicable, that matches the work being proposed.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No public official shall have an interest in any Contract, in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code Title 5, Subtitle C, Chapters 171 and

176.

ETHICS: Proposer shall not offer to or accept any gifts of value from, or enter into any business arrangement individually with any employee, official or agent of Gulf Coast

Center.

INDEMNIFICATION: Successful Proposer shall defend, indemnify, and save harmless

Gulf Coast Center, and all of its trustees, officers, agents, and employees from all suits, actions, or other claims of any character, name and description (including, without limitation, any judgment cost awarded against and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by

Gulf Coast Center) brought for or on account of any losses, injuries or damages either allegedly or actually received or sustained by any entity, persons, or property as either a direct or indirect result of the actions or omissions of the Successful Proposer and/or its employees, contractors and agents, or of Successful Proposer’s non-compliance with the

Contract.

ASSIGNMENT: Successful Proposer shall not subcontract, sell, assign, transfer or convey its rights and/or obligations with respect to any Contract, in whole or in part, without Gulf

Coast Center’s prior written consent.

INSURANCE: Successful Proposer shall maintain, at all times during its performance under the Contract, insurance coverage in not less than the following amounts per policy year:

General Liability: One million dollars ($1,000,000) per claim;

Three million dollars ($3,000,000) aggregate of all claims;

General Liability policy shall also include a waiver of subrogation in favor of Gulf

Coast Center.

Automobile Liability: If a Successful Proposer-owned vehicle is used in the provision of Services, Successful Proposer must maintain automobile liability insurance coverage in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit, with hired and non-owned coverage included;

If a Successful Proposer’s employee’s personal vehicle is used in the provision of Services, Successful Proposer’s employee must maintain State of Texas required basic vehicle insurance coverage at all times;

Worker’s Compensation: Must meet statutory limits. Worker’s Compensation policies shall also include a waiver of subrogation in favor of

Gulf Coast Center;

Employer Liability: One million dollars ($1,000,000) per accident;

One million dollars ($1,000,000) per disease per employee;

One million dollars ($1,000,000) disease policy limit;

And such other insurance coverage, each to the extent required and in such amounts as may be reasonably required by Gulf Coast Center or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Successful Proposer is responsible for obtaining and maintaining any riders or other documents necessary to ensure that the coverage described above includes the

Services. A legally qualified insurance company acceptable to Gulf Coast Center must underwrite all insurance coverage listed above. Each policy evidencing such coverage shall name Gulf Coast Center as an additional insured on that policy (but specifically excluding policies of personal automobile liability), and shall contain a provision (to the extent legally permitted) that the insurance company shall give

Gulf Coast Center as a certificate holder thirty (30) days written notice in advance of (a) any cancellation or non-renewal of the policy, (b) any reduction in the policy amount, (c) any deletion of additional insureds, or (d) any other material modification of the policy. Successful Proposer will name Gulf Coast Center as additional insured on each policy within 14 days of being awarded a Contract by

Gulf Coast Center.

CRIMINAL AND BACKGROUND CHECKS: Successful Proposer must ensure that no person will provide Services if that person has been convicted of any of the offenses listed in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 250.006(a).

ELIGIBLILITY TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES: Each Successful Proposer shall ensure that each person who provides Services is eligible to work in the United States at the time he/she provides Services, and Successful Proposer shall document such eligibility using USCIS Form I-9 for all such persons and maintain such documentation for at least six (6) years after the Contract ends, and make such documentation available to Gulf Coast

Center upon request.

SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER

1) Selection of the Successful Proposer, if made, will be based upon demonstrated competence, knowledge, qualifications and reasonableness of the proposed fee, where applicable, for the Services as evidenced by Successful Proposer’s qualified

Proposal.

2) Gulf Coast Center will make a good faith effort to contract with Historically

Underutilized Businesses.

3) Issues concerning a specific Proposal(s) may be addressed by Gulf Coast Center either in writing or through an individual telephonic, electronic or in-person meeting(s) with each applicable Proposer after an initial review of all Proposals. The interviews, if necessary, will be held after the Proposal Submission Date, and no

Proposer participating in any such meeting shall be given information that would give that Proposer a competitive advantage over any other Proposer.

4) A selection(s), if made, will be based on the Proposal(s) that provides best value to

Gulf Coast Center and the GCC.

5) Gulf Coast Center reserves the right to enter into multiple Contracts with respect to the provision of the Services.

6) Proposals will be scored by the point system listed in the table below:

SCORING CRITERIA Points

1. Organizational Experience and Qualifications up to 20 points

2. Academic Curriculum Design and Professor-Led Expertise up to 25 points

3. Proposed Process, Methodology, and Implementation Approach up to 15 points

4. Knowledge of Behavioral Health Environment, Workforce

Development, and Public Sector Strategy up to 15 points

5. Proposal Completeness and Responsiveness up to 5 points

6. References and Past Performance up to 5 points

7. HUB or HUB-Qualified Vendor Status up to 5 points

8. Cost up to 10 Points

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

1) Successful Proposer’s Services will be of a standard quality and level of professionalism expected of those businesses engaged in the delivery of similar services. The methods and means employed in the delivery of the Services must be of a standard that will withstand both public and private scrutiny, and be in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances as may be amended from time to time including, but not limited to, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

2) Successful Proposer will ensure that no person, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, age, disability, or political affiliation will be excluded from participation in providing, or be denied the benefits of, the Services, or be subject to discrimination under any of the policies of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or its related agencies (collectively, “HHSC”), or GCC.

3) Gulf Coast Center reserves the right to retain all performance by any Successful

Proposer, and to recover all consideration paid to any Successful Proposer pursuant to a Contract thus permitting forfeiture of such Contract, in the event that Successful

Proposer (a) was doing business at the time of submitting the Proposal or had done business during the 365 day period immediately prior to the date on which the

Proposal was due with an undisclosed key person, (b) does business with a key person after the date on which the Proposal is due and prior to full performance of the

Contract and fails to disclose the name of any such key person in writing to Gulf

Coast Center prior to commencing business with such key person, or (c) fails to submit a completed Form CIQ (see Attachment B) if required to do so by Chapter

176 of the Texas Local Government Code. A Key Persons List is attached to this

RFP as Attachment C.

4) Successful Proposer shall furnish the Services in a prompt, efficient, and professional manner. If Successful Proposer cannot provide the Services within the Contract requirements, Gulf Coast Center reserves the right to solicit and/or procure any or all such Services outside the Contract and/or terminate the Contract.

5) Unless stated otherwise in this RFP, Successful Proposer will provide at its sole cost all necessary supplies, equipment, software, technology support and other items in order to furnish the Services properly as defined in the Contract.

6) Any Contract may be terminated without penalty for any reason or without cause by

Gulf Coast Center by submission of written notice of at least 30 days.

7) Successful Proposer must have and maintain at all times during the existence of any

Contract any and all required federal, state, and/or local licenses and permits with respect to the Services covered by the Contract.

8) Any Contract will be prepared by Gulf Coast Center and may contain provisions that are not described in this RFP.

PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES

To facilitate the evaluation of Proposals, Proposers must prepare their responses to Sections

I - IV (below) in the format and sequence specified below. Respond specifically to each question posed. Do not simply make a general reference to any other document included with the Proposal. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in the Proposal being rejected by Gulf Coast Center in its sole discretion. Proposer may attach additional materials as necessary to provide supporting information and details. Catalogs or brochures about Proposer’s products or services may be included as an addendum to the Proposal but not in place of specific responses to each item below. If the question does not apply to either Proposer or the Proposal, clearly mark “n/a”.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSER.

A. Each Proposal MUST be accompanied by a signed, original Assurances

Document and, if required, a Form CIQ (Attachment B).

B. Each Proposer MUST also respond to each of the following items completely by restating each item/question exactly as written and then providing a response.

i. Provide the name, legal status (e.g. sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.), address and contact telephone number of Proposer.

Provide the name of all persons owning a 5% or more interest in Proposer’s business. Label as Exhibit I.B.i.

ii. Provide copies of any and all of Proposer’s required federal, state, and/or local licenses and/or certifications required with respect to the Services.

Label as Exhibit I.B.ii.

iii. List all licenses, certifications or professional affiliations for Proposer and all staff identified for this Proposal, include date of original certification/licensure and current certification/licensure expiration date.

Identify if Proposer has ever been sanctioned or had any license/certification suspended by the licensing/certifying entity. Label as

Exhibit I.B.iii.

iv. Provide the names and experience information of each individual who would be assigned to provide the Services, including account executives.

Be sure to identify the individual within Proposer’s firm that will have overall responsibility for provision of the Services and the office in which each of Successful Proposer’s team members providing the Services is located as well as the physical location of the office which would be designated to serve Gulf Coast Center. Label as Exhibit I.B.iv.

v. Attach a copy of the organizational chart, including names, titles and vacant positions, clearly indicating who will be the main point of contact with respect to any Contract. Label as Exhibit I.B.v.

vi. Does Proposer meet the requirements for qualification as a Historically

Underutilized Business (“HUB”)? If so, please describe how Proposer meets those requirements. Attach a copy of any current HUB certificate to this Proposal. For purposes of this RFP, HUB has the same definition as does a “historically underutilized business” in Section 2161.001(2) of the

Texas Government Code. Label as Exhibit I.B.vi.

vii. Attach a copy of Proposer’s Articles of Incorporation and 501(c) (3) certificate, or other bylaws/governing documents as applicable. Label as

Exhibit I.B.vii.

viii. Describe Proposer’s experience in providing services to individuals from a diversity of cultures, race, ethnicity, and language. Label as Exhibit I.B.viii.

II. FINANCIAL.

A. Attach copies of the Proposer’s audited financial reports for the last three years.

Label as Exhibit II.A.

B. Attach copies of the Proposer’s Federal Income Tax returns for the last three years. Label as Exhibit II.B.

C. If the Proposer is a corporation that is required to report to the Securities and

Exchange Commission, it must submit its two most recent SEC Forms 10K, Annual Reports. If any change in ownership of Proposer is anticipated during the twelve (12) months following the Proposal Submission Deadline, the

Proposer must describe the circumstances of such change and indicate when the change is likely to occur. Label as Exhibit II.C.

D. Describe prior arrangements or any potential plans to subcontract part or all of these Services. All subcontracts must be approved by Gulf Coast Center, at its sole discretion. Name all proposed subcontractors and provide the information on their staff credentials, licenses and certifications as provide for Proposer’s staff. Label as Exhibit II.D.

III. RISK PROFILE.

A. Is Proposer currently or has Proposer, within the last five (5) years, been under investigation, or had a license or accreditation revoked by any state/federal/local authority or licensure agency? If yes, describe in detail.

B. State whether Proposer is currently or has ever been a defendant or party to a lawsuit. If “yes”, provide the cause number, names of parties, name of the court in which the lawsuit was filed, pertinent dates and a detailed explanation of the nature of the lawsuit and the ultimate disposition of the lawsuit.

C. Has Proposer had any judgments or settlements entered against it in the last ten

(10) years? If yes, describe in detail.

D. State whether Proposer is currently on or has ever been placed on vendor hold by any agency or business. If “yes”, provide pertinent dates and a detailed explanation.

E. Attach any current Certificate of Account Status from the Texas Secretary of

State which shows that it is in good standing or that it is exempt from the state franchise tax? Label as Exhibit III.E.

F. Is Proposer currently held in abeyance or barred from the award of a federal or state contract? Has this occurred in the last 5 years? If yes, describe in detail.

G. Has Proposer ever filed bankruptcy? If yes, describe in detail.

H. Has Proposer or any of its affiliates ever had contracts cancelled by state, federal or local governmental entities? If yes, describe in detail.

I. Attach Certificate(s) of Insurance showing Proposer’s current insurance coverage, with coverage to be at minimum those amounts described in the

“Insurance” portion of the “Conditions” section, above. Label as Exhibit III.I.

IV. SERVICES AND RATES

A. Describe Proposer’s plan in detail for providing direct care staffing and activities that meets the requirements described in this RFP and for providing the Services.

B. Describe any special expertise Proposer has with developing strategic plans/strategic direction for governmental, health information exchange or nonprofit organizations.

C. Describe each fee or other cost that Gulf Coast Center would be required to pay for the Services under the terms of the Proposal.

ATTACHMENT B

ASSURANCES DOCUMENT

For purposes of this Attachment B, the term “local government officer” with respect to

Gulf Coast Center means a member of Gulf Coast Center’s Board of Trustees (see

Attachment C), Gulf Coast Center’s Chief Executive Officer (see Attachment C), and/or an agent of Gulf Coast Center who exercises discretion in the planning, recommending, selecting, or contracting of the Contract (see Attachment C). The term “local public official” with respect to Gulf Coast Center means a member of Gulf Coast Center’s Board of Trustees (see Attachment C), or another agent of Gulf Coast Center who exercises responsibilities beyond those that are advisory in nature (see Attachment C).

The term “family member” means a person related to another person within the first degree by consanguinity or affinity, as described by Subchapter B, Chapter 573 of the Texas

Government Code. The term “family relationship” means a relationship between a person and another person within the third degree by consanguinity or the second degree by affinity, as those terms are defined by Subchapter B, Chapter 573, Texas Government

Code.

Proposer Assures the Following:

1. Proposer has received all addenda and attachments to the RFP as distributed by Gulf

Coast Center.

2. Proposer will not make any attempt to induce any person or firm to submit or not submit a Proposal.

3. Proposer will ensure that no person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, veteran status, disability or political affiliation, will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination with respect to any Contract, under any of the policies of HHSC or Gulf Coast Center. Proposer does not discriminate in its service or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, national origin, disability, veteran status, age or political affiliation.

4. Proposer accepts the terms, conditions, criteria, and requirements set forth in the RFP.

5. Proposer accepts Gulf Coast Center’s right to alter the timetables for procurement as set forth in the RFP.

6. The Proposal submitted by Proposer has been arrived at independently without consultation, communication, or agreement for the purpose of restricting competition.

7. Unless otherwise required by law, the information in the Proposal submitted by

Proposer has not been knowingly disclosed by Proposer to any other Proposer.

8. No claim will be made for payment to cover costs incurred in the preparation or the submission of the Proposal or any other associated costs.

9. The individual signing this Assurances Document is authorized to legally bind

Proposer.

10. Proposer agrees to follow all applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, codes, standards, and all applicable Gulf Coast Center policies and procedures if chosen as the Successful Proposer.

11. No employee, local government officer or any family member thereof has directly or indirectly received any gift(s) with an aggregate value of more than $100 in the 12-month period preceding the date the local government officer becomes aware that

Gulf Coast Center is considering entering into a Contract with Proposer, but excluding a political contribution defined by Title 15 of the Texas Election Code, or food accepted as a guest. If Proposer is unable to make this affirmation, then Proposer must disclose any knowledge of such interests by including a completed Form CIQ, a copy of which is attached to this Attachment B, with the submitted Proposal. See

Attachment C.

12. Proposer does not have a family relationship with a local government officer of Gulf

Coast Center. If such family relationship exists, Proposer must disclose any knowledge of such relationships by including a completed Form CIQ, a copy of which is attached to this Assurances Document with the submitted Proposal. See

Attachment C.

13. Proposer does not have any employment or business relationship with any corporation or other business entity with respect to which any local public official of

Gulf Coast Center or any family member thereof serves as an employee, officer or director, or holds an ownership interest and no local public official of Gulf Coast

Center or family member thereof has an employment or business relationship with

Proposer, or holds an ownership interest in Proposer. If Proposer is unable to make this affirmation, then Proposer must disclose any knowledge of such relationships in a written statement included with this signed Assurances Document.

14. Proposer shall disclose in a written statement included with this signed Assurances

Document whether any of the directors or personnel of Proposer has either been an employee or a trustee of Gulf Coast Center within the past two (2) years preceding the date of submission of the Proposal. This requirement applies to all personnel, whether or not identified as a Key Person. If such employment has existed, or any term of office been served, include in the written statement the nature and time of the affiliations as defined.

15. Proposer does not have any employment or business relationship with any corporation or other business entity with respect to which any local government officer of Gulf Coast Center either serves as an employee, officer or director, or holds an ownership interest of one percent or more, and no local public official of Gulf

Coast Center or family member thereof has an employment or business relationship with Proposer, or holds an ownership interest in Proposer. If Proposer is unable to make this affirmation, then Proposer must disclose any knowledge of such relationships by including a completed form CIQ, a copy of which is attached to this

Attachment B, with the submitted Proposal. See Attachment C.

16. No former employee or officer of HHSC and/or Gulf Coast Center directly or indirectly aided or attempted to aid in procurement of Proposer’s service.

17. No local government officer or family member thereof is receiving or is likely to receive taxable income, other than investment income, from Proposer. If Proposer is unable to make this affirmation, then Proposer must disclose any knowledge of such relationships by including a completed form CIQ, a copy of which is attached to this

Attachment B, with the submitted Proposal. See Attachment C.

18. Under Section 231.006, Family Code, the vendor or applicant certifies that the individual or business entity named in this contract, bid, or application is not ineligible to receive the specified grant, loan, or payment and acknowledges that this contract may be terminated and payment may be withheld if this certification is inaccurate. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, “vendor or applicant” shall mean

Proposer; contract, bid or application shall mean the Proposal; and “this contract” shall mean any Contract awarded to a Successful Proposer pursuant to this RFP.

19. Proposer is not currently held in abeyance or barred from the award of a federal or state contract.

20. Proposer is currently in good standing for payment of all applicable state tax.

21. Proposer is in good standing with all state and federal funding and regulatory agencies;

is not currently debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal, state, county or city contract or grant programs; is not delinquent on any repayment agreements; has not had a required license or certification revoked; has not had a contract terminated by HHSC; and has not voluntarily surrendered an obligation issued by HHSC or any other entity within the past three (3) years.

22. Proposer agrees to provide the Services described in this RFP at the rate(s) of payment described in the Proposal.

23. Proposer is a reputable company regularly engaged in providing products and/or services necessary to meet requirements, specifications, terms and conditions of the

RFP.

24. Proposer has the necessary experience, knowledge, abilities, skills, and resources to satisfactorily perform the requirements, specifications, terms and conditions of the

RFP.

25. This Proposal shall remain in full force and effect until March 1, 2023 and may be accepted by Gulf Coast Center at any time prior to this date.

26. The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to the

Contract and Proposer agrees that the Contract can be terminated if the Proposer knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that Subchapter.

Proposer’s Full Legal Name

Signature of Proposer’s Authorized Representative

Printed Name and Title of Proposer’s Authorized Representative

Date

ATTACHMENT C

Center’s Key Persons List as of June 5, 2024

Board of Trustee Members Title County of

Residence

Jamie Travis Board Chair Brazoria

Rick Price Board Vice Chair Galveston

Sheriff Bo Stallman Board Secretary Brazoria

Vivian Renfrow Board Treasurer Galveston

Commissioner Stephen Holmes Board Member Galveston

Mary Lou Flynn-Dupart Board Member Brazoria

Jaime Castro Board Member Galveston

Caroline Rickaway Board Member Brazoria

Chris Cahill Board Member Galveston

Center Executive Leadership

Management

Title County of

Residence

Felicia Jeffery, LPC Chief Executive Officer Galveston

Dr. Devon Stanley, PMP Chief Information Officer Brazoria

Rick Elizondo, CPA Chief Financial Officer Galveston

Sarah Holt, BSN, RN Chief Nursing Officer Galveston

Linda Bell, JD, BSN, RN General Counsel Harris

M. Renee Valdez, MD, PhD, MS HCT

Chief Medical Officer Galveston

Jerry Freshour, MPA Director of Crisis and

Community Outreach

Galveston

Deanna David Director of Intellectual and

Developmental Disabilities

Services

Galveston

Amanda Groller, MS.Ed., LPC Director of Innovative and

Special Projects

Galveston

Sandy Patterson, MA, LPC-S Director of Behavioral

Health Services – Galveston

County

Brazoria

Jessica Gentry LPC-S, LMHC-

S

Director of Integrated

Healthcare

Galveston

Procurement Team Title County of

Residence

Felicia Jeffery, LPC Chief Executive Officer Galveston

Devon Stanley, PMP Chief Information Officer Brazoria

Rick Elizondo Chief Financial Officer Galveston

M. Renee Valdez, MD, PhD, MS HCT

Chief Medical Officer Galveston