High Fidelity Wraparound RFP DBH 25-187~2.pdf

Request For Proposals for

High Fidelity Wraparound Services

Josh Dugas, Acting Director Department of Behavioral Health

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Contracts Administration 550 East Hospitality Lane, Suite 100 San Bernardino, CA 92415-0026

RFP DBH # 25-187

ePro Document ID # DBHE26-ADMN-6310

Request for Proposals San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Title: High Fidelity Wraparound Services RFP DBH # 25-187/ePro Bid # DBHE26-ADMN-6310 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose B. Period of Contract C. Proposal Conference D. Questions E. Correspondence F. Admonition to Proposers G. Proposal Submission Deadline H. Assistance to Proposers with a Disability

II. PROPOSAL TIMELINE

III. PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

A. Proposer B. Authorized Signatures C. Contingencies D. Term of Offer E. Required Review F. Right of Rejection G. Best Value Evaluation Process H. Amendments/Addendums to RFP I. Proposal Submission J. Local Preference Policy K. Incurred Costs L. Public Records Act M. Clarification of Offers N. Formal Agreement O. Independent Contractor Status P. Pre-Award On-Site Visits Q. Level of Service R. Termination of Awarded Contract S. Priority Population T. Iran Contracting Act of 2010 U. Executive Order N-6-22-Russia Sanctions V. California Consumer Privacy Act W. Final Authority X. Debarment and Suspension; CA Sec. of State Business Entity Registration

IV. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (SCOPE OF WORK)

A. Definitions B. Background C. Program Description

V. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. General B. Indemnification and Insurance Requirements C. Right to Monitor and Audit Performance and Records

VI. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/CIVIL RIGHTS

A. Equal Employment Opportunity Program B. Civil Rights Compliance C. Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation ii

VII. EMPLOYMENT OF FORMER COUNTY OFFICIALS

VIII. IMPROPER CONSIDERATION

IX. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

X. SUBCONTRACTOR STATUS

XI. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

A. General B. Proposal Presentation C. Proposal Format

XII. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION

A. Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Negotiations and Notice of Intent to Award D. Appeal and Award E. Final Authority

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Proposal Submission Checklist B. Table of Contents C. Statements of Certification D. Reportable Conditions E. Disclosures, Exceptions, and California Public Records Act Exemptions to RFP F. Subcontractor Information G. Financial Capability – Audited Financial Statements H. Indemnification and Insurance Requirements Affidavit I. Reserved J. Budget Cover Page K. References Form L. Attestation Regarding Ineligible/Excluded Persons M. Data Security Requirements N. Local Vendor Preference Self-Certification O. Wraparound Geographic Service Options P. Outcome Evaluation Q. Certification Regarding Debarment or Suspension; California Secretary of State Business Entity

Registration

EXHIBITS:

1. Business Associate Agreement

2. Federal Contracting Provisions

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which may also be referred to as the “County”, is seeking proposals from interested and qualified organizations and agencies to provide High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) services to age appropriate Medi-Cal beneficiaries both within and outside the foster care system.

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), is standardizing the expectations of HFW. While DHCS is still clarifying aspects of the new HFW requirements, the focus is on having one HFW program to serve age appropriate Medi-Cal beneficiaries enrolled in the foster care system and those that are not enrolled. Additionally, DHCS has indicated the requirements of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), which replaces the current requirements of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) on July 1, 2026, specifies HFW as the only permissible Children’s Full Service Partnership (FSP) program. Historically, in San Bernardino County, there were two programs targeting youth in need of wraparound type services. Senate Bill (SB) 163 Wraparound and Success First/Early Wrap, both of which were FSPs under MHSA. Both of these programs will be concluding upon the awarding of HFW contracts.

HFW is a team-based, family-centered model recognized nationally for assisting youth with significant behavioral health needs. It involves creating, implementing, and monitoring an individualized, community-based, comprehensive care plan driven by the needs of the youth and family. HFW is particularly known for preventing out-of-home placements and successfully supporting youth who are returning home from an out-of-home placement. In order to ensure fidelity to the model, DHCS will be requiring HFW providers to obtain and maintain a “California High Fidelity Wraparound Provider Certificate” from the University of California at Davis.

Applicants should be either certified in HFW at the time of submitting proposal or able to show that they are engaged in the certification process with significant progress to show certification will be obtained by the start of the contract.

In addition to the core components addressed by DHCS and UC Davis’ certification process, a provider of HFW in San Bernardino will be responsible for two additional service elements. First, the provider shall provide additional Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) to children and youth enrolled in HFW. This includes the provision of Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS). Second, a HFW agency shall provide immediate (i.e., 1-3 hours) and urgent responses within the Family Urgent Response System (FURS).

B. Period of Contract

Specific services to be provided under this Request for Proposals (RFP) are outlined under Section IV, Program Requirements. The Contract period will be for a five (5) year period beginning on January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2031. Currently, the projected allocation for this service is approximately $108,302,281 annually or $541,511,405 for the five (5) year period.

C. Proposal Conference

1. A proposal conference will be held via Microsoft Teams on: Tuesday, September 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PST) at:

https://teams.microsoft.com

Meeting ID: 293 856 077 372 623

Meeting password: ms68L5UL

Join by phone: +1-661-568-6806 United States Phone Conference ID: 877 592 285#

2. Attendance at the proposal conference is strongly recommended, as important information regarding this RFP will be discussed and questions will be addressed.

D. Questions

Questions regarding the contents of this RFP must be submitted in writing on or before 12:00 PM (PST) on Thursday, October 1, 2026 and directed to the individual listed in Section I, Paragraph E, via ePro or through facsimile or e-mail. The subject line of the facsimile (fax) or e-mail must read: RFP DBH # 25-187 High Fidelity Wraparound Services. All questions submitted timely and in writing will be answered and both the questions and answers will be posted in the County’s ePro system.

E. Correspondence

All correspondence, including proposals and questions, are to be submitted through ePro or to the RFP contact:

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health ATTN: Contracts Administration

RE: RFP DBH # 25-187

550 Hospitality Lane, Suite 100 San Bernardino, CA 92415-0026 Contact Person: Amanda Figueroa Phone: (909) 388-0859 E-mail: DBH-ContractsAnalysts@dbh.sbcounty.gov Fax: (909) 890-0470

Fax number and e-mail address may be used to submit questions only. Proposals will not be accepted by fax or e-mail.

F. Admonition to Proposers

Once the RFP has been issued, the individual identified above is the sole contact point for any inquiries or information relating to this RFP. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disqualification of the Proposer and rejection of proposal.

G. Proposal Submission Deadline

1. All proposals or bids must be received no later than 4:00 PM (PST) on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Late or incomplete proposals or bids will not be accepted.

2. An electronic proposal or bid can be submitted through ePro https://epro.sbcounty.gov/bso/. Submittals in ePro will be opened from the system’s

“encrypted lock box” after the deadline and evaluated as stated in this solicitation. If the proposal or bid is submitted through ePro, the proposal or bid may also be withdrawn OR retrieved, adjusted, and re-submitted by the Vendor at any time prior to the scheduled deadline for submission of the proposal or bid. If the proposal or bid is submitted through ePro, the proposer/bidder acknowledges that its electronic signature is legally binding. OR

3. Hard copies of the proposal or bid containing original signatures will also be accepted at the location identified in this solicitation in Paragraph E above. Postmarks will not be accepted in lieu of actual receipt. The proposal or bid can be withdrawn at any time prior to the scheduled deadline for submission of the proposal or bid.

Proposals must be received by the designated date and time. All Proposers must register with the ePro system prior to the date and time to receive the proposal or they will be disqualified. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Electronic response must be submitted through the San Bernardino County Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) https://epro.sbcounty.gov/bso/. System-related issues in ePro shall be directed to the Purchasing Department at (909) 387-2060. For procurement questions involving ePro, please contact the RFP Contact identified in Section I, Paragraph E - Correspondence.

H. Assistance to Proposers with a Disability

Proposers with a disability may request accommodation regarding the means of communicating this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the RFP Contact no later than ten (10) days prior to the Deadline for Proposal.

II. PROPOSAL TIMELINE

RFP Release Date Thursday, September 17, 2026

Proposal Conference Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 1:00 PM (PST)

Deadline for Submission of Questions Thursday, October 1, 2026 by 12:00 PM (PST)

**Questions may be submitted in writing prior to the Proposal Conference**

Deadline for Submission of Proposals Thursday, October 15, 2026 by 4:00 PM (PST)

Tentative Start Date for Contract(s) Friday, January 1, 2027

The above dates are subject to change as deemed necessary by San Bernardino County.

III. PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

A. All Proposers must:

1. Be a non-profit, for-profit organization or other legally constituted business entity.

2. Have a current Medi-Cal Certification or have the ability to become Medi-Cal Certified, if applicable.

3. Have a current California High Fidelity Wraparound Provider Certificate from UC Davis, or show that they are in the process of obtaining the Certificate and that certification will be obtained by the start of the contract.

4. Have no record of unsatisfactory performance with any government agency or County Department including DBH in the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the date of issuance of this RFP. Proposers who are or have been seriously deficient in contract performance during this period, in the absence of circumstances properly beyond the control of the Proposer, shall be presumed to be unable to meet this requirement.

5. Register in the County’s Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) system.

6. Meet other presentation and participation requirements listed in this RFP.

B. Authorized Signatures

All proposals must be signed by an individual authorized to bind the Proposer to the provisions of the RFP.

C. Contingencies

Funding for this program is contingent on funding from the appropriate office of the State of California and is subject to reimbursement under Federal and State laws. This RFP does not commit the County to award a Contract. Cost, while not necessarily the primary factor used in the selection process, is an important factor. The County will award a Contract based on the proposal that best meets the needs of the County.

D. Term of Offer

Proposals shall remain open, valid, and subject to acceptance anytime within nine (9) months after the proposal opening.

E. Required Review

Proposers should carefully review this RFP for defects and questionable or objectionable material.

Comments from Proposers concerning defects and objectionable material in this RFP must be made in writing and received by the RFP contact prior to the deadline for submission of questions identified in Section II or at least ten (10) calendar days before the Deadline for Proposals (whichever occurs last). This will allow issuance of any necessary amendments or addendums to the RFP. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective Proposal and exposure of Proposals upon which an award could not be made. Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of this RFP, may be disallowed if not submitted in writing to the attention of the RFP Contact, prior to the deadline for submission of questions identified in Section II or at least ten

(10) calendar days before the Deadline for Proposals (whichever occurs last).

F. Right of Rejection

Proposals must comply with all of the terms of the RFP, and all applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, and regulations. County may reject as non-responsive any proposal that does not comply with all of the material and substantial terms, conditions, and performance requirements of the RFP. Further, the County may reject a proposal from any entity that is a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary, or that is under common ownership, control, or management with any other entity submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP.

Proposer may not qualify the proposal nor restrict the rights of the County. If Proposer does so, the proposal may be determined to be a non-responsive counter-offer and the proposal may be rejected.

No proposal shall be rejected, however, if it contains a minor irregularity, defect or variation and if the irregularity, defect or variation is considered by the County to be immaterial or inconsequential, the County may choose to accept the proposal.

Minor informalities may be waived by the County when they:

Do not affect responsiveness;

Are merely a matter of form or format;

Do not change the relative standing or otherwise prejudice other offers;

Do not change the meaning or scope of the RFP;

Are trivial, negligible, or immaterial in nature;

Do not reflect a material change in the work; or

Do not constitute a substantial reservation against a requirement or provision;

In such cases the Proposer will be notified of the deficiency in the proposal and given an opportunity to correct the irregularity, defect or variation or the County may elect to waive the deficiency and accept the proposal. The decision to provide a waiver shall in no way modify or compromise the overall purpose of the submittal, nor excuse the Proposer from compliance with all requirements if awarded a Contract.

This RFP does not commit the County to award a contract. County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals if it is in the best interest of the County to do so. County also reserves the right to terminate this RFP process at any time.

G. Best Value Evaluation Process

As established in this RFP, the County realizes that criteria other than price are important and will award contract(s) based on the proposal that best meets the needs of the County. The County seeks the optimal combination of quality, price, and various qualitative elements of the required Services that will provide the County the greatest or best value for its money.

H. Amendments/Addendums to RFP

The County reserves the right to issue addenda or amendments to this RFP if the County considers that changes are necessary or additional information is needed. Only those proposers registered in ePro will receive addenda or amendments issued after the Conference.

Changes to a Proposal or withdrawal of a Proposal will only be allowed if a request is received prior to the Deadline for Proposals. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the Deadline for Proposals.

I. Proposal Submission

To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in the manner set forth in this RFP. Submission of a Proposal indicates that the Proposer has read and understands the entire RFP, including all appendixes, attachments, exhibits, schedules, and addenda (as applicable) and that all concerns regarding the RFP have been resolved. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to ensure that its proposal arrives on or before the specified deadline. All proposals and materials submitted become the property of the County.

J. Local Preference Policy

The San Bernardino County has adopted a preference for Vendors whose principal place of business is located within the boundaries of the County. A five percent (5%) preference may be applied prior to approval of any purchase or acquisition of services, equipment, goods, or supplies. In a best value evaluation, five percent (5%) of the awardable points for cost will be added to the local vendor’s score. If the local vendor’s overall score is equal to or lower than that of an otherwise successful non-local vendor, the local vendor will be recommended for award.

Due to the evaluation of qualitative elements in a best value evaluation, application of local preference for cost proposals may not result in award to a local vendor with the lowest cost after applying local preference.

For purposes of the application of the Local Preference Policy (County Policy 11 – 10) a vendor is considered a local vendor when it meets the following requirements:

1. Vendor’s main office (headquarters) or a major regional office is located within the County;

2. Vendor employs a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the vendor’s full-time management employees and twenty-five percent (25%) of its full time regular employees working from San Bernardino County location(s);

3. Vendor employs one full-time or two part-time employees with primary residence in the County;

4. Vendor’s “point of sale” for purposes of reporting sales tax to the State Board of Equalization is within the boundaries of the County. The payment of any local share of sales tax must go to the County or a city within the County. If the local business has more than one sales office in the State of California, the office located in the County shall be the point of sale for sales tax calculation;

5. Vendor is not delinquent in any taxes or other payments to the County;

6. Vendor possesses a valid and verifiable business license (if required);

7. Vendor has been open and established for at least six (6) months prior to the issuance of the solicitation;

8. Vendor can demonstrate on-going business activity in the field of endeavor on which they are proposing from that office during the preceding six (6) months;

9. Vendor has not within five years prior to the solicitation admitted guilt or been found guilty by any court or state or federal regulatory enforcement agency of violation of any criminal law or any law or regulation regarding fraud;

10. Vendor is not federally debarred; and

11. Vendor is not suspended or debarred from participation in doing business with the County, in the scope of work that is the subject of the solicitation.

Any vendor requesting a local preference shall complete Attachment N certifying to DBH under penalty of perjury that they meet all of the criteria listed above. If, at any time after being certified as a local vendor, a change in status occurs rendering a vendor no longer eligible for such status, the vendor must notify DBH prior to responding to a solicitation or accepting an award. Failure to certify the above information shall result in the proposal or bid being evaluated by the County without any adjustment for a local vendor.

False certification shall be immediate grounds for rejection of any proposal or bid or if the proposal or bid is awarded, grounds for voiding the proposal or bid, terminating any agreement, and seeking damages thereto. Any vendor that falsely obtains certification shall be ineligible to transact business with the County for not less than one year and not more than three years, at the discretion of the County. This penalty shall also apply to any vendor that previously obtained proper certification and, because of a change in its status would no longer be eligible for certification, and fails to notify DBH of this information prior to responding to a solicitation or accepting an award.

The County's Local Preference Policy means for example, if two Vendors are responding to this RFP and if quality, service and ability to meet the County's needs are equal, County staff must determine if one of the Vendors is a local Vendor. If one of the Vendors is a local vendor, and its quoted price or cost for services, equipment, goods or supplies does not exceed five percent (5%) of the other Vendor's quoted price or cost, unless it is determined that an exemption applies, staff should recommend the local Vendor for the contract award.

K. Incurred Costs

The County is not obligated to pay any costs incurred by Proposer in the preparation of a proposal in response to this RFP. Proposer agrees that all costs incurred in developing this proposal are the Proposer’s responsibility.

L. Public Records Act

All proposals and other material submitted become the property of the County and are subject to release according to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250). All Proposal information, including cost information, will be held in confidence during the evaluation and negotiation process. Thereafter, Proposals are subject to becoming a non-exempt public record.

If a Proposer believes that any portion of its Proposal is exempt from public disclosure, it must indicate the specific portions believed to be confidential and not subject to disclosure on Attachment E. The Proposer also must include a brief description that sets out the reasons for exemption from disclosure. Each stated exemption must include a citation to supporting legal authority, including statutory authority or case law, to support exemption from the Public Records Act. Requested exemptions that do not meet the requirements of this section will not be considered.

The County will use reasonable means to ensure that such information is safeguarded, but will not be held liable for inadvertent disclosure of the information. Proposals marked “Confidential” in their entirety will not be honored, and the County might not deny public disclosure of any portion of Proposals so marked.

By submitting a Proposal with portions identified in Attachment E as “Confidential,” Proposer represents that it has a good faith belief that such portions are exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Proposer may be requested to obtain legal protection from disclosure should a Public Records Act request be received. In the event the County does not disclose the information marked “Confidential,” Proposer agrees to reimburse the County for, and to indemnify, defend (with counsel approved by County) and hold harmless the County, its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, suits, judgments, fines, penalties, costs and expenses, including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, expenses and court costs of any nature arising from or relating to the County’s non-disclosure of any such designated portions of a Proposal.

M. Clarification of Offers

1. The County may require the potential Proposer(s)/Contractor(s) selected to provide additional information or clarifications on any area contained in this RFP or which might be used to evaluate vendors. This may include cost, technical, or other clarifications needed to make a decision.

2. In order to determine if a Proposal is reasonably susceptible for award, communications by the Facilitator for the evaluation panel are permitted with a Proposer to clarify uncertainties or eliminate confusion concerning the contents of a Proposal. Clarifications may not result in a material or substantive change to the Proposal. The evaluation by the panel may be adjusted as a result of a clarification under this section.

N. Formal Agreement

Proposer will be required to enter into a formal Contract with the County. This RFP sets forth some of the general provisions which will be included in the final contract. In submitting a response to this RFP, Proposer will be deemed to have agreed to each clause unless the proposal identifies an objection and County agrees to a change of language in writing. All objections to any provisions of the final contract should be listed on Attachment E – Disclosures, Exceptions, and Public Records Act Exemptions to RFP, or any exception thereto shall be waived.

O. Independent Contractor Status

Any Proposer that is awarded a Contract will be considered an independent Contractor(s), wholly responsible for the manner in which it performs, and will assume exclusively the responsibility for the acts of its employees who will not be entitled to any rights and privileges of County employees nor be considered in any manner to be County employees.

P. Pre-Award On-Site Visits

Site visits may be conducted to verify information submitted in the RFP and to determine if the proposed facilities are appropriate for the proposed services to be provided.

Q. Level of Service

For any Contract awarded as a result of the RFP, no minimum or maximum number of referrals or enrollments can be guaranteed by the County.

R. Termination of Awarded Contract

The Contract between the County and selected Proposer(s) will contain specific language which addresses the option of both the selected Proposer(s) or County to terminate the Contract without cause, termination for the convenience of the County, and termination for cause.

S. Priority Population

The priority population to be served by HFW program services are Seriously Emotionally Disturbed children and/or youth currently at risk of requiring an out of home setting [e.g., psychiatric hospital or Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)] or transitioning from such a program. This population includes, but is not limited to, those who are dependents or wards of the Juvenile Court pursuant to sections 300 and 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC). These children and youth may be unserved, underserved, and/or inappropriately served through other programs.

Additionally, a priority population for the HFW program services are children and youth who request assistance through the Family Urgent Response System (FURS).

T. Iran Contracting Act of 2010

In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 2204(a), the Proposer certifies that at the time the proposal is submitted, the Proposer signing the proposal is not identified on a list created pursuant to subdivision (b) of Public Contract Code Section 2203 (https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List- Folder/List-of-Ineligible-Businesses) as a person [as defined in Public Contract Code Section 2202(e)] engaging in investment activities in Iran described in subdivision (a) of Public Contract Code Section 2202.5, or as a person described in subdivision (b) of Public Contract Code Section 2202.5, as applicable.

Proposers are cautioned that making a false certification may subject the Proposer to civil penalties, termination of existing contract, and ineligibility to bid on a contract for a period of three

(3) years in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 2205. Proposer agrees that signing the Proposal shall constitute signature of this Certification.

U. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/ukraine-russia-related-sanctions), as well as any sanctions imposed under state law (https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Ukraine-Russia). By submitting a bid or proposal, Proposer represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should it be determined Proposer is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Proposer’s bid/proposal any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the County.

V. California Consumer Privacy Act

To the extent applicable, if Contractor is a business that collects the personal information of a consumer(s) in performing Services pursuant to this Contract, Contractor must comply with the provisions of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). (Cal. Civil Code §§1798.100, et seq.).

For purposes of this provision, “business,” “consumer,” and “personal information” shall have the same meanings as set forth at Civil Code section 1798.140. Contractor must contact the County immediately upon receipt of any request by a consumer submitted pursuant to the CCPA that requires any action on the part of the County, including but not limited to, providing a list of disclosures or deleting personal information. Contractor must not sell, market or otherwise disclose personal information of a consumer provided by the County unless specifically authorized pursuant to terms of this Contract. Contractor must immediately provide to the County any notice provided by a consumer to Contractor pursuant to Civil Code section 1798.150(b) alleging a violation of the CCPA, that involves personal information received or maintained pursuant to this Contract. Contractor must immediately notify the County if it receives a notice of violation from the California Attorney General pursuant to Civil Code section 1798.155(b).

W. Final Authority

The final authority to award a Contract as a result of this RFP rests solely with San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, or as delegated by the Board of Supervisors.

X. Debarment and Suspension; California Secretary of State Business Entity Registration.

Proposer certifies in Attachment D that neither it nor its principals or subcontractors are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal department or agency. (See the following United States General Services Administration’s System for Award Management website https://www.sam.gov).

Proposer also certifies that if it or any of the subcontractors listed in the Proposal are business entities that must be registered with the California Secretary of State, they are registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State. See Attachment Q for details.

IV. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (SCOPE OF WORK)

A. Definitions

1. The terms Proposer, Contractor, Provider, or Vendor/Applicant are used interchangeably throughout this document referring to the entity submitting a response and may subsequently become a Contractor.

2. The terms beneficiary, client, customer, participant, or patient are used interchangeably throughout this document and refers to the individual(s) receiving services.

3. Definition of May, Shall, and Should. Whenever in this document the words “may”, “shall”, and “should” are used, the following definitions shall apply: “may” is permissive; “shall” is mandatory; and “should” means desirable.

4. Access and Linkage to Treatment or Strategy – A set of related activities to connect children, transitional age youth (TAY), adults and older adults with severe mental illness, as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5600.3, as early in the onset of these conditions are practicable, to medically necessary care and treatment, including, but not limited to care provided by county mental health programs.

5. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) – ACES are difficult experiences that happen to us as children and may be traumatic. Childhood trauma can impact our health later in life. An

ACEs score can be determined by adding together how many traumas a person has experienced before their 18th birthday. The higher the ACEs score, the more likely you are to develop health impairments as an adult. Early intervention is key in reducing the harmful impact of ACEs and promoting resilience.

6. Accessibility – Ease of obtaining services, measured by addressing geographical, travel, and other barriers.

7. Assembly Bill (AB) 403 (Chapter 773, 2015) – AB 403 (2015) is designed to restructure the current foster care system and make certain that youth in foster care have their day-to-day physical, mental, and emotional needs met.

8. Assembly Bill (AB) 1299 (Ridley-Thomas, Chapter 603, AB 1299 (2016)) – Established presumptive transfer. Presumptive transfer means a prompt transfer of the responsibility for providing or arranging and paying for SMHS from the county of original jurisdiction to the county in which the foster child or youth resides. Presumptive transfer is intended to provide children and youth in foster care who are placed outside their counties of original jurisdiction timely access to SMH, consistent with their individual strengths and needs, and Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment requirements.

9. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) – A professional medical society founded in 1954 that represents physicians, clinicians, and other professionals specializing in addiction medicine. ASAM is dedicated to improving access to high-quality, evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use disorders. The organization promotes education, research, and advocacy to advance the understanding and care of addiction as a chronic, treatable medical condition.

10. ASAM Screening Tool – A standardized instrument developed by ASAM to help identify individuals who may need a comprehensive assessment for substance use disorders. It is designed as an initial, brief screening that evaluates key risk factors and indicators related to substance use, withdrawal potential, co-occurring conditions, and readiness for change. The tool supports clinicians and care systems in determining whether a full assessment using the ASAM Criteria is warranted, ensuring consistent, evidence-based decisions about treatment needs and appropriate levels of care. As a Full Service Partnership, High Fidelity Wraparound Programs must incorporate the ASAM Screening Tool.

11. Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) – Proposition 1 Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA): The BHSA, passed in 2024, replaces the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) of 2004. The MHSA imposed a 1 percent tax on personal income over $1 million to serve individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and individuals that may be at risk of developing serious mental health conditions. The BHSA reforms funding to prioritize services for people with the most significant mental health needs, while adding the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), expanding housing interventions, and increasing the behavioral health workforce. It enhances oversight, transparency, and accountability at the state and local levels.

12. Best Practice Principles – Underlying principles inherent in a “family centered model” that includes:

1. The provision of community-based services and supports.

2. Focusing on the family setting by partnering with families.

3. A dyadic approach to treatment with the parent and child.

4. Consumer-driven services that ensure access, voice, and choice for parents and children in the design, delivery, and evaluation of services.

5. Drawing attention to family and child strengths in developing individualized Child and Family Service Plans.

6. Providing individualized services and support to the unique needs of each child and family.

7. Flexibility in location, time, planning, service response, and funding.

8. Establishing community-wide collaboration in service design and system evolution, including parents, mental health, juvenile justice, education, social welfare, and cultural stakeholders in the community.

9. Measurable accountability and outcome-driven individualized service plans.

10. The provision of culturally relevant/competent services by tailoring responses to family culture, values, norms, strengths, and preferences. The Contractor will provide DBH with fiscal year reports (frequency and form to be provided by DBH on “Consumer Focus Groups” to improve accessibility to SMHS by identifying and removing barriers to treatment).

13. California Department of Social Services (CDSS) – Provides oversight of California’s statewide social services programs, including child welfare services through the Mental Health Services Division.

14. California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) – A DHCS initiative to implement a broad range of Medi-Cal program service delivery and payment reforms.

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/pages/BH-CalAIM-webpage.aspx.

15. Case Management (EPSDT Medi-Cal) – Refers to services that assist a beneficiary to access needed medical, educational, social, prevocational, vocational, rehabilitative, or other community services. The service activities may include, but are not limited to, communication, coordination, and referral; monitoring service delivery to ensure beneficiary access to service and the service delivery system; monitoring of the beneficiary’s progress;

placement services; and plan development. Targeted Case Management may be either face-to-face or by telephone with the child/youth or significant support persons and may be provided anywhere in the community.

16. Centralized Child Intensive Case Management Services (CCICMS) – A DBH unit that provides contract monitoring and assistance to specialty children’s programs and contractors.

17. Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) – San Bernardino (SB) – A multi-purpose tool developed in collaboration with John Lyons, Ph.D. and is based upon the CANS- Comprehensive Multisystem Assessment, which allows for communication and assessment of a child’s functioning in a board array of categories, support decision making, improve level of care and service planning, facilitate quality improvement initiatives, and allow for the monitoring of outcomes of services. CANS-SB is a slight modification of the CANS- Comprehensive Multisystem Assessment. Contractors are required to utilize the CANS-SB and participate in ongoing review of implementation and data analysis. NOTE: CANS-SB incorporates all items that are required for both the CANS-50 and Integrated Practice CANS

(IP-CANS).

18. Child-centered – A value of the Model of Care that demands all decisions are made in the best interest of the child.

19. Children/Youth – This term as used throughout this RFP refers to potentially eligible individuals. HFW has traditionally been available for qualifying individuals aged zero (0) to twenty-one (21) but is now expanded. BHSA indicates that HFW shall be available for qualifying individuals aged zero (0) to twenty-five (25) (i.e., eligibility ends upon 25th birthday).

For EPSDT coverage this term is used to describe beneficiaries 0 to 21 years of age.

20. Child and Family Team (CFT) – Public agency representatives and individuals with natural supportive relationships with the child or youth’s family that are engaged, through team-based processes, to identify the strengths and needs of the child or youth and their family and to assist in achieving positive outcomes for safety, permanency, and wellbeing. The youth and family are active members of the CFT and serve a key role in identifying other CFT members. In order to ensure family voice, choice, and ownership of the individualized service plan, every effort shall be made to ensure family members and family representatives constitute a minimum of 50% of the CFT. The CFT is an integral part of HFW, supporting the youth and family by guiding the HFW process and participating in HFW plan of care implementation and is intended to be inclusive of multiple formal support systems a youth may need as well as the community-based and natural supports surrounding the family.

21. Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) – The formal meeting of the CFT. The output of this meeting will be a CFTM Summary and Action Plan. This will be documented in a variety of means, including but not limited to, appropriate documentation in the youth’s medical record and on the CDSS SOC 96 form (SOC 96 (8/25) - Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) Summary and Action Plan).

22. Children and Family Service (CFS) – The County department that administers programs designed to address child abuse and neglect issues. CFS provides family centered programs and services that are designed to strengthen, preserve, and ensure children have access to safe and permanent family units. CFS provides support for families while working to reduce risk and harm to children, improving parenting skills, and developing strong social support networks for families.

23. Children and Youth Collaborative Services (CYCS) – The primary centralized children’s administration for DBH programs through which the Department of Behavioral Health collaborates with other County agencies and community-based providers to meet the mental health needs of children. CYCS is comprised of 6 distinct coordinating service branches:

CCICMS, AB 1299 Unit, Juvenile Court Behavioral Health Services (JCBHS), the Healthy

Homes Programs, the mental health staffing at the Children’s Assessment Center (CAC), and Qualified Individual (QI) Unit.

24. Children/Youth at Risk of or Experiencing Juvenile Justice Involvement – Those with signs of behavioral/emotional problems who are at risk of or have had any contact with any part of the juvenile justice system, and who cannot be appropriately served through Community Services and Supports (CSS).

25. Children/Youth at Risk for School Failure – Those at risk for school failure due to unaddressed emotional and/or behavioral problems.

26. Children/Youth in Stressed Families – Children and youth placed out of home or those in families where there is substance abuse or violence, depression or other mental illnesses, or lack of caregiving adults (e.g., as a result of a serious health condition or incarceration), rendering the children and youth at high risk of behavioral and emotional problems.

27. Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) – A public/private partnership between San Bernardino County and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital which provides forensic interviews and evidentiary medical examinations to assist in the evaluation of child abuse allegations.

Referrals from CAC are prioritized to ensure an assessment is started as soon as possible.

28. Children’s Network – An organization that concerns itself with at-risk children who are defined as minors who, because of behavior, abuse, neglect, medical needs, educational assessment, and/or detrimental daily living situations, are eligible for services from one or more of the member agencies of the Children’s Network. The overall goal of the Children’s Network is to help at-risk children by improving communications, planning, coordination, cooperation, and integration among youth-serving agencies.

29. Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program (CCCP) – Provides a framework for a highly integrated continuum of care for foster youth with high acuity needs. The CCCP builds upon a theory of change that involves a provider having the ability to direct the entire continuum of services from the highest levels of care to a family-based home and having the capacity to provide services throughout the continuum. The purpose of the CCCP is to fully integrate the system of care for foster youth enabling a seamless transition between service settings and to provide stabilization and treatment to foster youth with high acuity needs within the least restrictive setting possible.

30. Collateral (EPSDT Medi-Cal) – A contact with one or more significant support person in the life of the beneficiary, which may include consultation and training to assist in understanding of mental illness, the behaviors, and symptoms being targeted. Contacts must be with individuals identified as significant in the child/youth’s life and be directly related to the needs, goals, and interventions for the child/youth. This service can be delivered either face-to-face or by phone. NOTE: Per CalAIM payment reform there is no longer a specific code to capture collateral activities, but this activity is included within other billable service codes. An example is Intensive Care Coordination, which includes collateral actions.

31. Commercial Sex Act – Any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person [Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (United States of America). Public Law 106-386 (H.R. 3244). 28 October 2000. Section 103 (3)].

32. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) – Occurs when individuals buy, trade, or sell sexual acts with a child (Refer to http://www.missingkids.com for additional information).

33. Community-Based – The concept of children and families receiving formal services whenever possible in the community where they live. This will enable them to live, learn, and grow safely, competently and productively in their families, neighborhoods, and natural environment.

34. Community and/or Practice-Based Standard – A set of practices that communities have used and determined to yield positive results by community consensus over time, which may or may not have been measured empirically.

35. Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) – The legislative modifications to the services available to Dependents under the authority of Child Welfare which includes modifications to authorization of guardians (i.e., Resource Family Authorization), expansion of required core services from Foster Family Agencies (FFAs), and transition from a Rate Classification Level (RCL) Group Home facilities to Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRPs).

36. Coordination of Care – To deliver care to and coordinate services for all clients by doing the following [42 C.F.R. § 438.208 (b)]:

1. Ensure that each beneficiary has an ongoing source of care appropriate to his or her needs and a person or entity formally designated as primarily responsible for coordinating the services accessed by the beneficiary. The beneficiary shall be provided with information on how to contact their designated person or entity [42 C.F.R. § 438.208 (b)(1)].

2. Coordinate the services Contractor furnishes to the beneficiary between settings of care, including appropriate discharge planning for short-term and long-term hospital and institutional stays. Coordinate the services Contractor furnishes to the beneficiary with the services the beneficiary receives from any other managed care organization, in FFS Medicaid, from community and support providers, and other human services agencies used by its beneficiaries [42 C.F.R. § 438.208 (b)(2)(i)- (iv), CCR, title 9 § 1810.415].

37. Cost Effectiveness – Achieving the desired goal with the minimum expenditure.

38. County – County as used throughout this document, including its possessive form (County’s), refers to San Bernardino County.

39. County’s billing and transactional database system – The centralized data entry system used by DBH for patient and billing information.

40. Crisis – An unplanned event that results in the individual’s need for immediate service intervention.

41. Cultural Relevance (Cultural Competency) – The acceptance and understanding of cultural mores and their possible influence on the client’s issues and/or behavior, i.e., using the understanding of the differences between the prevailing social culture and that of the client’s family to aid in developing individualized supports and services.

42. Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) – Under state law, DBH provides mental health and/or SUD treatment and prevention services to County residents. To maintain a continuum of care, DBH operates or contracts for the provision of prevention and early intervention services, 24-hour residential treatment, day treatment, outpatient treatment services, case management, recovery centers and crisis and referral services. Community services are provided in all major County metropolitan areas and are readily accessible to County residents.

43. Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) – Provides oversight of statewide public mental health services through the Mental Health Services Division. Its responsibilities include providing leadership for local county mental health departments; evaluation and monitoring of public mental health programs; administration of federal funds for mental health programs and services; care and treatment of people with mental illness; and oversight of Behavioral Health Services Act service implementation.

44. Dependents – A general term to refer to children who have an open child welfare case. This population was historically, but less accurately, referred to as foster children.

45. Discharge – A term used to signify that a child is no longer enrolled in HFW. Possible reasons for discharge are 1) Child moved out of the County, 2) Child’s court case closed, 3) Child aged out of the County system, 4) Caregiver decision, 5) Case manager decision, 6) Child ran away, 7) Child arrested/incarcerated, 8) Graduation. NOTE: Children/Youth discharged from HFW may continue to participate in EPSDT Medi-Cal services from the vendor in order to meet their needs and facilitate a transition. Notice of discharges from HFW will be reviewed in ASC to ensure that ICPM guidelines are being followed related to teaming and transitioning to additional services.

46. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment program (EPSDT) Medi-Cal – A federally mandated Medicaid option that requires states to…