Mental Health Grant RFP 26_27.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP)

School-Based Mental Health Services

Issued by: Barrow County School District

Release Date: May 18th 2026

Proposals Due: July 10th 2026 by 5:00 PM

Purpose

Barrow County School System is looking for local mental health providers and agencies to partner with in supporting student well-being. The goal is to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health supports that promote student well-being, reduce barriers to learning, and strengthen school-family-community partnerships.

Selected agencies or providers will become approved school based mental health services providers and compensated by reimbursement for services rendered.

Timeline

• RFP Released: May 18th

• Proposals Due: July 10th by 5 PM

• Decisions Announced: By July 30th

• Services Begin: Upon contract approval

How to Apply

• Please send your proposal (PDF or Word format) to:

Caron Hope, caron.hope@barrow.k12.ga.us by July 10th , 5:00 PM

• For questions, contact:

Caron Hope, Project AWARE District Manager, caron.hope@barrow.k12.ga.us

Contract Term

• We are seeking a 2-year contract ending June 30th 2028, subject to funding availability and yearly Board approval

Award

• BCSS reserves the right to make multiple selections, based on experience and qualifications, if it is deemed in the district’s best interest. BCSS reserves the right to negotiate with the highest-ranked proposer regarding proposal scope, quality, price, and any other issues it considers relevant to the awarded performance of the services.

• If awarded to multiple vendors, the contract will be utilized by distributing service needs based on vendor capacity, geographic coverage, pricing, and specific expertise. This approach ensures flexibility, maintains competitive service quality, and allows us to allocate work efficiently across offerors to best meet our mental health requirements.

• BCSS makes no guarantees as to the number or percentage of students that may utilize this service.

• Agencies or providers will be reimbursed per BCSS guidelines.

Services Requested

We are seeking providers who can:

• Offer short term, solution focused individual and group counseling to students in grades 6-12 on location, in person, at school.

• Provide crisis support and risk assessments when needed.

• Document services appropriately and follow all confidentiality laws (FERPA/HIPAA).

Eligibility Requirements

Interested providers must demonstrate:

• Licensure and credentials to provide mental health services in the State of Georgia.

• Experience delivering services to children and adolescents in school or community settings.

• Ability to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practices.

• Ability to manage a high volume of student referrals, ensuring timely initiation of services and clear communication throughout service delivery

• Adequate staffing to meet the needs of the schools.

• Insurance coverage as required by the district.

• Background checks as required by the district.

• Agency or Provider must register as a vendor with the district.

Proposal Guidelines

Please include the following in your proposal:

1. About You/Your Organization – A short description of your background and experience.

2. Services Offered – What types of counseling or supports you can provide.

3. Staffing Plan – Who will work in schools and their qualifications.

4. Capacity – How many students/schools you can realistically serve.

5. Collaboration – How you will work with school staff, families, and community partners.

6. Evaluation and Reporting – How outcomes will be measured and reported to the district

7. Cost/Budget – Clear explanation of costs, reimbursement structure, and funding needs.

Selection Criteria

We will review proposals based on:

• Experience and qualifications.

• Fit between services offered and student needs.

• Availability to serve across our schools.

• Cost effectiveness.

• Commitment to student success and well-being.