Peer_Support_Services.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

424013-BJV

PEER SUPPORT SERVICES

Dane County Department of Human Services

1202 Northport Dr.

Madison, WI 53704

RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2023

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: April 28, 2023

RESPONSE DEADLINE: June 9, 2023, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

Dane County Department of Human Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Peer Support Services

I. Introduction II. RFP Overview

III. Project Overview/Scope of Services IV. Evaluation V. RFP Reponses Requirements

VI. Vendor Questionnaire VII. General Guidelines

VIII. Standard Terms and Conditions

Attachments:

A - Vendor Info Form

B - 424013 - ABC COMPANY Cost Proposal

Request For Proposal #424013-BJV Title: Peer Support Services

1. INTRODUCTION

Please scroll down for RFP timeline.

1.1. Summary

Dane County is requesting proposals for the purchase of community-based peer support services in the form of Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) and/or Peer Recovery Coaches (RC). Recovery Coaches and Certified Peer Specialists (collectively known as peer support providers, or PSPs) will provide an evidence-based model of support, which utilizes their personal lived experience, in combination with their training and education, to provide support to peers experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.

1.2. Contact Information

Katie O'Brien

Grants Manager

Email: obrien.katie@countyofdane.com

Phone: (608) 381-5593

Department:

Human Services

1.3. Timeline

Release Project Date April 14, 2023

Question Submission Deadline April 28, 2023, 5:00pm

Responses Posted via Addendum May 12, 2023, 5:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline June 9, 2023, 2:00pm mailto:obrien.katie@countyofdane.com tel:(608)381-5593

2. RFP OVERVIEW

2.1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to provide interested parties with information to enable them to prepare and submit a proposal according to the specifications set forth within this document.

The County intends to use the results of this process to award a contract or issue of purchase order for the product(s) and or services(s) stated: Dane County is requesting proposals for the purchase of community-based peer support services in the form of Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) and/or

Peer Recovery Coaches (RC). Recovery Coaches and Certified Peer Specialists (collectively known as peer support providers, or PSPs) will provide an evidence-based model of support, which utilizes their personal lived experience, in combination with their training and education, to provide support to peers experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.

The contact listed in this RFP is the sole point of contact for questions and issues that may arise during the RFP process.

2.2. CLARIFICATION OF THE SPECIFICATIONS

All inquiries concerning this RFP must be submitted via the County's eProcurement Portal.

Any questions concerning this RFP must be submitted before 5:00 pm on Friday, April 28, 2023.

Proposers are expected to raise any questions, exceptions, or additions they have concerning the RFP document at this point in the RFP process. If a proposer discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this RFP, the proposer should immediately notify the contact person of such error and request modification or clarification of the RFP document.

Proposers are prohibited from communicating directly with any employee of Dane County, except as described herein. No County employee or representative other than those individuals listed as County contacts in this RFP is authorized to provide any information or respond to any question or inquiry concerning this RFP.

One or more organizations may collaborate to submit a single proposal. The application shall include clearly delineated channels of communication, duties, and memorandums of understanding where applicable.

2.3. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Specific and estimated dates and times of actions related to this RFP are listed in the timeline in the

Introduction section above. The actions with specific dates must be completed as indicated unless otherwise changed by the County. In the event that the County finds it necessary to change any of the specific dates and times in the calendar of events listed below, it will do so by issuing an addendum to this RFP and posting such addendum on the Dane County eProcurement Portal. There may or may not be a formal notification issued for changes in the estimated dates and times.

2.4. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Dane County reserves the right to accept any part of this bid deemed to be in the best interest of the

County. The County also retains the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

Proposals must be submitted via the County's eProcurement Portal before 2:00 pm on Friday, June 9, 2023. Late, faxed, mailed, hand-delivered, or incomplete proposals will be rejected unless otherwise specified. Dane County is not liable for any cost incurred by proposers in replying to this RFP.

To Submit a Proposal:

1. Register at the County's eProcurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

2. Once registered, click on the "draft" button to draft your proposal.

3. Provide company information

4. Answer Vendor Questionnaire

5. Where indicated upload the required documents.

6. The file upload status can be seen for each document uploaded.

7. Confirm all files have been uploaded

8. Review your work and click on "submit" proposal

9. Acknowledge any addenda

3. PROJECT OVERVIEW/SCOPE OF SERVICES

3.1. DEFINITIONS & LINKS

The following definitions and links are used throughout the RFP.

• County: Dane County

• Department: Dane County Department of Human Services

• Dane County Department of Human Services' Website:https://dcdhs.com/

• Dane County Procurement Portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

• Fair Labor Practices websites: www.nlrb.govand http://werc.wi.gov

• Proposer/Vendor/Firm/Contractor: a company submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.

• RC means Peer Recovery Coach

• CPSS means Certified Peer Support Specialist

• PSP means peer support provider and refers to both Peer Recovery Coaches and Certified Peer

Support Specialists

• Recovery as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

(SAMHSA) means, “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

3.2. CONTRACT TERM AND FUNDING

The contract shall be effective on the date indicated on the contract execution date and shall run for one year from that date, with an option by mutual agreement of the County and contractor, to renew for four (4) additional one-year periods.

At the time of contracting with the Department of Human Services, agencies must be registered entities in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

Contracts with the Department of Human Services limit administrative costs/expenses to a 15% ceiling.

3.3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Within behavioral health systems, acute care treatment strategies without other recovery supports have often proven insufficient in helping individuals maintain recovery. Oftentimes people trying to access behavioral health services, as well as those connected with services, feel shamed and judged by the systems they interface with, even by the systems and agencies meant to support them directly. In addition, aspects of historical oppression, violence, stigma, discrimination, trauma, and lack of understanding toward people with behavioral health struggles present significant distrust, stigma, and other barriers to recovery for many people. This is particularly true for Black, Indigenous, and People of https://dcdhs.com/ https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane http://www.nlrb.gov/ http://werc.wi.gov/ https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery

Color (BIPOC) communities, where accumulating evidence suggests that systemic racism is directly linked to behavioral healthcare disparities and inequality. In the face of these barriers, waitlists for services, and confusing access and eligibility rules, people facing behavioral health challenges can feel alone, overwhelmed, helpless, and despairing.

To address this need and to provide support to people seeking services and working toward recovery from behavioral health problems and concerns, Dane County is requesting proposals for the purchase of community-based peer support services in the form of Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) and/or

Peer Recovery Coaches (RC). Recovery Coaches and Certified Peer Specialists (collectively known as peer support providers, or PSPs) will provide an evidence-based model of support, which utilizes their personal lived experience, in combination with their training and education, to provide support to peers experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. PSPs hold out hope to those they work with, partnering with them to envision and achieve a meaningful and purposeful life. PSPs help peers identify and build on strengths and empower them to choose for themselves, recognizing that there are multiple pathways to recovery.

The role of a PSP complements, but does not duplicate or replace, the roles of therapists, case managers, and other members of a treatment team. PSPs will bring their own personal knowledge of what it is like to live and thrive with mental health and/or substance use challenges. They support people’s progress towards recovery and self-determined lives by sharing vital experiential information and real examples of the power of recovery.

Dane County is intending to contract for 13,927 staff-hours of direct peer support service annually across both primary substance use related concerns and primary mental health related concerns.

• Approximately 10,378 staff-hours of direct peer support service focused on supporting people facing primary substance use related concerns.

• Approximately 3,549 staff-hours of direct peer support service focused on supporting people facing primary mental health related concerns.

In addition to these direct service hours, agencies providing peer support services will ensure PSPs receive qualified, adequate and appropriate supervision and support from a supervisor thoroughly knowledgeable of the role of PSPs. Agencies will provide PSPs with both administrative and clinical supervision.

Applicants may submit a proposal that includes either one or both of these primary focus area programs.

Peer support providers will assist adults (18+) with articulating their goals for recovery, support engagement with treatment and other services, explore effective coping techniques and self-help strategies using the specialist's own recovery experience, and support the participant in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services.

Peer support services will be provided at specific points on the individual’s path to recovery—often at critical life junctures or when a person is at a crossroads and seeking help and a recovery path forward.

Peer support services will accept individuals as they are, whether during a moment of hope, or a feeling of despair that nothing can change. Services may be provided by multiple persons within the same agency to provide staff coverage routinely and emergently when requests for service are received both during and outside of standard business hours.

Peer support services purchased through this RFP will partner with the Dane County Behavioral Health

Resource Center (BHRC) to facilitate and improve access to services. The BHRC is a free, voluntary person- and family-centered resource designed to help all Dane County residents access behavioral health services in Dane County. The BHRC will make referrals to peer-delivered services that provide rapid access, support, and assistance to consumers in developing a recovery plan and connecting and engaging with services. These peer-delivered services will be relatively shorter term services, working with individuals over a period of 3 to 4 months as they create a support system, connect with desired services, work toward their goals, and develop a path of recovery that works best for them.

Peer support services purchased through this RFP will advance DCDHS’ mission to: “Provide access to effective, innovative, and evidence-based services and resources that support wellbeing, opportunities to thrive, safety, and justice to persons of all backgrounds.” The proposed services will support several specific DCDHS’ Strategic Priorities:

• Advance Racial Justice—The long history of discrimination in behavioral health treatment and the traditional medical model of care delivery makes it difficult for some people in BIPOC communities to form trusting relationships with healthcare providers. Peer support services challenge the medical model and acknowledge that people are not their symptoms and that each individual has a unique set of strengths and abilities that can foster recovery, health, and wellness. Peer support services engage in a mutual give-and-take without judgement or hierarchy, and in a process wherein peers opinions, voices, and experiences are not just taken into account, but are centered, valued, and respected.

• Strengthen Our Partnerships—Peer support services build trusting collaborative partnerships, internally and externally, to ensure participants’ needs are met in innovative and effective ways.

The services are predicated on being person-centered, holistic, and collaborative. The centrality of the consumer’s experience and voice in peer support services will help reduce stigma and distrust, and strengthen the partnerships between consumers, DCDHS and the community.

• Innovate and Build Systemic Solutions to Our Communities’ Challenges— PSPs help build resilience and protective factors, promote access to treatment and other services, and facilitate person-driven recovery plans. Peer-delivered recovery support services cost-efficiently improve access, recovery outcomes and engagement satisfaction across a variety of settings.

3.4. GOALS

The primary goal of peer support services is to support people with substance use and/or mental health conditions to become and stay engaged in the recovery process, that is, a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Progress toward this goal will be assessed through the development and implementation of peer support service performance measures as described below.

https://danebhrc.org/ https://danebhrc.org/

Standardizing peer recovery support services across various types of programs, organizations, agencies, consumers, and peers presents numerous challenges. Each consumer's experience with their condition or disorder and their biological, psychological, and social characteristics make recovery goals and the process of recovery itself highly individualized. Furthermore, the centrality of the PSP's lived experience to the provision of peer services further individualizes the content and methods of their services. These most valuable aspects of peer recovery support services are the same features that can interfere with— and create inherent variability in—how peer-facilitated recovery outcomes are defined and measured.

Peer support services promote consumer recovery as an outcome, and as such challenge more traditional medical model outcomes, which focus heavily on symptoms and functioning. Most consumer outcomes associated with peer support services involve growth in skills and abilities that facilitate consumer recovery. Recent research on outcome measurement for peer support services suggests the two most salient peer-specific recovery domains for consumers receiving peer support services are

Personal Skill Building and Community Skill Building.

Outcomes in the Personal Skill Building domain include:

1. Relapse Resiliency

2. Hope

3. Self-Awareness

4. Motivation

5. Beliefs and Values Essential to Recovery

6. Self-Management of Condition/Disorder

Outcomes in the Community Skill Building domain include:

1. Engagement in Services

2. Interpersonal Relationships

3. Perceived Community Affiliation

4. Employment

Therefore a related goal of this program is to select and/or develop peer support service performance measures and indicators that are based on some or all of the recovery outcome domains listed above, that are mutually acceptable to the selected Vendor(s) and the County, and that integrate peers throughout the measurement development/ selection process. The selected Vendor(s), in collaboration with the County, will complete selection/development of the measures/indicators and begin implementation of the tools by March 31, 2024.

Additionally, because consumer satisfaction with peers services and the quality of the peer-to-peer relationship is positively related to recovery outcomes, the selected Vendor(s), in collaboration with the

County, will complete the selection/development of a consumer satisfaction questionnaire for peer support services that is mutually acceptable to the selected Vendor(s) and the County, and that integrates peers throughout the measurement development/selection process, and begin implementation of the measure(s) by March 31, 2024.

Goal and Indicators specific to Peer Support Services for Substance Use Conditions:

• Peer support services for substance use conditions, in collaboration and coordination with other

County services, will reduce opioid and stimulant overdoses and deaths in Dane County by 5% in

2024 compared to 2023 as reported by the WI Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Dose of

Reality Opioids Data, DHS’ Suspected Opioid Overdose Report, and data collected by local law enforcement and emergency medical services.

o Because non-fatal opioid overdoses, even when treated by health care professionals, pose a high risk of subsequent fatal overdose; 90% of consumers referred to peer support services from a hospital emergency department following an overdose will be contacted by a PSP within one hour of receiving the referral, as measured by provider/consumer contact records and reports.

o Given the high risk nature of the individuals’ substance use, and the need to capitalize on the motivation of individuals seeking services, treatment, and a recovery path, 80% of all other substance use related referrals will be connected to a PSP within five (5) working days of the referral, as measured by provider contact records and reports.

o To minimize the risk of overdose by individuals with a history of opioid use who are released from jail after a period of sobriety while incarcerated, and to increase the number of incarcerated individuals who seek support and treatment immediately upon release from incarceration, 65% of consumers referred from the Dane County Jail due to substance use concerns will be connected to a PSP prior to their release, as measured by provider contact records, program registration dates, and consumer service reports.

o Peer support services can help people avoid justice system involvement by providing advocacy, support and an effective bridge between the justice system and the community for individuals with substance use disorder.

Individuals in substance use related court diversion programs who receive peer support services will have, compared to individuals who do not receive peer support services, as measured by Vendor and court diversion program records and reports:

▪ greater engagement in treatment;

▪ longer stays in treatment, and;

▪ higher treatment completion rates.

Goal and Indicators specific to Peer Support Services for Mental Health Conditions:

• Peer support services for primary mental health conditions will support and assist peers to develop their own goals; support and assist peers in connecting and engaging with services; and increase the peers’ sense of hope, that is, their feeling, belief, or expectation of being able to face, endure, and overcome adversity and achieve recovery goals. These three aspects of the goal will be measured primarily through the use of a peer support services specific consumer satisfaction questionnaire, to be developed as noted above.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/deaths-county.htm https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/deaths-county.htm https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02339d.pdf o Because consumers often experience waiting list for behavioral health services, and because many consumers report that waiting for services increases anxiety or depression, adversely affects quality of life, and erodes trust in the healthcare system:

▪ 80% of referrals for peer support services shall be connected with a PSP within five (5) business days of the referral.

▪ 65% consumers receiving peer support services will engage in at least one treatment/service appointment.

▪ 65% of those with a recovery plan will engage in at least one additional, non-treatment/service-related recovery-related activity.

o These indicators will be measured by provider contact records and reports and by consumer self-report.

3.5. NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS

Target Populations

• Primary Substance Use Related Concerns

Adults (18+) who:

o are pregnant and using opioids;

o are incarcerated in the Dane County Jail and/or involved with a court-based diversion program and are using opioids, stimulants, or other substances that have caused serious problems in their lives;

o are in a hospital emergency department following an opioid or stimulant overdose and are in need of peer support, harm reduction information, and support to engage with treatment;

o are referred from the BHRC; or o are otherwise in need of peer support for an opioid, stimulant, or other substance use disorder that has caused serious problems in their lives.

• Primary Mental Health Related Concerns o Adults (18+) who request support, advocacy, and/or assistance with their mental health needs from an individual who has lived the experience of mental health problems and is trained to support others in their recovery.

o The primary and first priority referral source will be the BHRC.

Program Eligibility

Participants in both primary focus area programs will be adult residents of Dane County.

Whenever possible, the Vendor(s) for both primary focus area programs will prioritize for admission, referrals received from staff of the BHRC, and work in partnership with the BHRC to support individuals in accessing treatment and other recovery services.

• Primary Substance Use Related Concerns Eligibility Requirements o Probable opioid and/or stimulant use disorder, or other substance use disorder; and o Willingness to engage in peer support services; and o In at last one of the following situations:

▪ In custody at the Dane County Jail; or

▪ Participating in an alternative sanction, court diversion, or arrest deflection program; or

▪ In a hospital emergency department following an opioid or stimulant overdose; or

▪ Referred (including self-referral) for peer support services due to substance use that has caused serious problems in their lives.

o Priority for program admission will made in the following order:

a. individuals in a hospital emergency department following opioid or stimulant overdose;

b. pregnant women who use drugs intravenously;

c. pregnant women;

d. others who use drugs intravenously;

e. women with dependent children;

f. individuals who use opioids and/or stimulants;

g. individuals who are unhoused with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders;

h. individuals with a case active to the County and/or are in a state inpatient or institutional setting;

i. other

• Primary Mental Health Related Concerns Eligibility Requirements o Experiencing mental health needs and requesting support, advocacy, and/or assistance with accessing treatment and other supportive services; and o Willing to engage in peer support service.

Referral/Application Process

The Vendor(s) for both primary focus area programs will be the authorizing agent for services provided under this contract.

Primary Substance Use Related Concerns

Referrals of consumers who are in jail or participating in court-based diversion, alternative sanctions, or arrest deflection programs are accepted primarily from Wellpath medical staff or other staff at the Dane

County Jail, Journey Mental Health Center, diversion/alternative sanctions program staff, law enforcement staff, and from staff of DCDHS. Consumers in the Dane County Jail may also self-refer.

All other referrals are accepted from the Behavioral Health Resource Center, local hospitals, behavioral health and other health care providers, Dane County Human Services, and other community agencies and self-referrals.

The Vendor will prioritize referrals from hospital emergency departments or clinics, law enforcement officers, and the BHRC.

Primary Mental Health Related Concerns

Referrals for peer support services will come from the BHRC. Individuals referred by the BHRC will be connected to a PSP within five business days of the referral.

Consumer self-referrals that meet program eligibility requirements may be accepted by the Vendor. The

Vendor will track and report to the County quarterly, which referrals came via BHRC and which referrals came via self-referral.

The Vendor will prioritize referrals originating from BHRC for acceptance into program services.

Service Locations

PSPs will be mobile and provide services at a wide range of community locations in Dane County consistent with the goals and objectives of the program, including but not limited to: consumer’s residence, PSP office, partner agencies in the community, the Dane County Jail, the Dane County Court

House, various hospitals in Dane County, health care providers and clinics, and in other appropriate community settings.

Frequency of Contacts

The Vendor(s) will provide and document contact with peer consumers at the following frequencies:

• For consumers in the Dane County Jail, a minimum of one time every two weeks, or more frequently when necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives of the program.

• For consumers upon release from the Dane County Jail:

o at least once each day for the first week following release from custody or until the consumer begins treatment for substance use disorder, whichever comes first;

o at least once every other day beginning the second week following release from custody or until treatment begins, whichever comes first;

o at least two times per week beginning the third week and all subsequent weeks following release from custody or until treatment begins, whichever comes first.

o Once treatment has begun, contact will be maintained at least once every two weeks.

• For consumers participating in a court-based jail diversion, alternative sanction, or arrest deflection program, at least one time per week during the first four weeks, then at least once every two weeks for the remainder of the peer support service.

• For all other consumers, frequency of contact with participants will vary based on the needs of the consumer as jointly determined by the consumer and PSP as part of the recovery plan. More frequent contact (2-3 times per week) is anticipated initially upon admission to the program and during times of crisis or difficulty. Less frequent contact is anticipated as services progress.

Contact will be maintained at least once every two weeks.

• Exceptions to the minimum contacts listed in this section are at the request of the consumer and shall be documented in the consumer’s file. More frequent contacts may be provided if desired by the consumer and necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives of the program.

Service Hours/Days

The Vendor(s) general office hours for both primary focus areas will be approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The Vendor(s) will have PSPs available as determined by individual recovery plans and at times that are convenient for the consumer. Scheduling accommodations for a consumer’s work and family commitments, including service provision outside usual business hours and on weekends and holidays, will be provided whenever possible.

The Vendor providing peer support services for Primary Substance Use Related Concerns will also:

• have a PSP available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to meet with individuals at the hospital within one hour of a referral from a hospital emergency department. The Vendor will provide

PSP staff coverage routinely and emergently when requests for service are received both during and outside of standard business hours.

• have PSPs available to meet with individuals in the Dane County Jail or participating in a court-based jail diversion, alternative sanction, or arrest deflection program on days and at hours determined in collaboration with County staff from the court and jail facilities to promote security and meet the needs of the consumers being served.

Length of Peer Support Services

The Vendor(s) will provide peer support services at specific points on the individual’s path to recovery— often at critical life junctures or when a person is at a cross roads and seeking help and a recovery path forward. The provided peer support services will be relatively shorter term services, working with consumers over a standard target duration of three to four months. This length of service will allow most consumers to create a support system, connect with desired services, work toward their goals, and develop a path of recovery that works best for them.

The length of peer support services for consumers participating in a court-based jail diversion, alternative sanctions, or arrest deflection program will be determined by mutual agreement between the consumer, Vendor, County, and program.

For all other consumers, the length of peer support services will generally be up to four months. The

Vendor may, at its discretion, extend the length of service by up to two months for good cause, which will be documented in the consumers file. Requests for service duration greater than six months requires approval of the County.

Service Termination

Service termination for consumers participating in a court-based jail diversion or alternative sanction program will be determined by mutual agreement between the Vendor and the County.

For all other consumers, services will end:

• when a consumer is adequately engaged with treatment with a provider qualified to treat substance use disorders and has accomplished their short-term recovery goals; or

• when the consumer declines further participation in the program; or

• when the consumer does not have contact with Vendor staff for a period of more than 15 days, unless previously arranged by the consumer and PSPs; or

• when the consumer reaches the maximum duration of service eligibility.

The Vendor will notify the BHRC prior to or at termination of services if the consumer was referred to the Vendors peer support service by the BHRC.

A consumer’s relapse or not following the recovery plan will not be viewed as failure or a reason for service termination. Instead, the Vendor will use these situations as opportunities to review and revise the recovery plan with the consumer, provide harm reduction services, and focus on relapse resiliency.

Capacity/Waiting List

Specific program capacity will be negotiated on a post-award basis.

The County does not anticipate a waiting list for these services. In the event a waiting list must be established, the Vendor will notify the BHRC and the County contract manager for these services at least two (2) business days prior to establishing a waiting list. The Vendor will suspend acceptance of self-referrals for service during any period in which a waiting list exists.

Transportation

At the discretion of the Vendor, transportation may be provided to assist consumers with accessing treatment and related resources if part of the consumer’s recovery plan and consistent with the goals and objectives of the program.

Other Needs and Expectations

• Training and Certification

PSPs will complete WI DHS Certified Peer Specialist training and certification, and if providing

Peer Recovery Coaching, 30 hours Recovery Coach Academy or equivalent education.

• Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a health strategy built on set of practical tactics and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use, including overdose and overdose death, regardless of a person’s desire to stop using substances, to engage in treatment, or to enter long-term recovery.

The Vendor will provide harm reduction information and services to consumers receiving peer support services.

• Peer-Led Groups

In addition to one-to-one peer support services, the Vendor will offer peer-led support groups to individuals referred for peer support services, as well as self-referred consumers who are interested in joining.

The Vendor will provide low barrier to access to peer-led support groups, free of charge, to anyone interested in joining. “Low barrier” describes services that welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and cultures; are easily accessible, user friendly, culturally relevant, and promote equity. Low barrier means minimizing barriers such as paperwork, registrations, waiting list, and eligibility requirements whenever possible.

Peer-led support groups encourage and engage other peers. Peers in groups provide each other with a vital sense of belonging, supportive relationships, valued roles, and community. Topics will vary based on the needs and interests of the peers.

• Community Education/Outreach

The Vendor(s) will provide community-based education and outreach regarding peer support services directly with peers, and with agencies and organizations involved with individuals who may benefit from 1:1 peer support services and/or peer-led recovery groups. The Vendor(s) will offer these services in collaboration with the BHRC staff. Education and outreach efforts will typically occur one to two times per month, and during times when there is no waiting for services.

3.6. CURRENT OPERATIONS AND LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY

Peer support services are currently provided by two different contracted agencies:

https://www.wicps.org/trainings/ https://addictionrecoverytraining.org/certification/

• Safe Community Coalition of Madison and Dane County, Inc. provides Peer Recovery Coach and/or Certified Peer Support Specialist services to adults (18+) with substance use challenges in four primary sub-program areas:

o with peers in or recently released from the Dane County Jail;

o with peers participating in a court-based jail diversion, alternative sanction, or arrest deflection programs;

o with peers in a hospital emergency department following an opioid overdose; and o with peers in various community locations including local hospitals, behavioral and other health care providers, maternity services, the Dane County Jail, law enforcement agencies, upon referral from the BHRC, and other community agencies and locations.

• SOAR Case Management Services, Inc.—Recovery Dane provides Certified Peer Support

Specialist services:

o primarily with adult (18+) peers in the community with mental health related needs;

o with peers in various community locations, depending upon their needs, upon referral from the BHRC;

o with peers in group format in the office or other community location.

The units of service delivered for the past two years were:

• 2022: 10,253 (total both agencies)

• 2021: 6,524 (total both agencies)

The current staffing structure for direct service delivery is, for both programs, 10.40 FTE RC and/or CPSS.

By agency:

• SOAR: 2.65 FTE CPSS

• Safe: 7.75 FTE RC and/or CPSS

• In addition to the direct service FTE above, each PSP agency provides qualified, adequate and appropriate administrative and clinical supervision and support to PSPs.

Targeted number of delivered service units to be provided under this contract is:

• TOTAL Peer Services Units (annually): 13,927 peer staff hours of service

• Approximately 75% of the units will be primarily substance use related and 25% primarily mental health related. This division of the primary focus of service is driven in part by underlying funding requirements. The County recognizes that overlap in presenting challenges or concerns often exists.

• The staffing structure for this contract must be delineated in the application and be sufficient to generate approximately 10,378 units in substance use focused services, and 3,549 in mental health focused services, or 13,927 units of peer support service annually across both primary focus areas.

• The staffing structure must also include sufficient supervisory staff time to ensure qualified, adequate and appropriate administrative and clinical supervision and support for PSPs.

3.7. FUNDING AND SERVICE UNIT DEFINITION

Specific payment terms will be negotiated on a post-award basis. No more than 15% of the program cost proposal can be indirect administration costs. The unit of service for this purchase of service engagement equals:

A unit of service is a peer staff hour of service provided directly with a specific peer consumer, or with others on behalf of a specific peer consumer registered to the program, or provided directly with peers in a peer support group. A unit of service also includes time spent in peer specific supervision/consultation, travel time to/from peer appointments, and completing peer support record keeping.

4. EVALUATION

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Program Overview/Description Points Based 15 (14.3% of Total)

2. Program Strategies and Activities Points Based 30 (28.6% of Total)

3. Experience and Qualifications Points Based 20 (19% of Total)

4. Quality Improvement Points Based 15 (14.3% of Total)

5. Cost Points Based 20 (19% of Total)

6. Local Vendor Preference Points Based 5 (4.8% of Total)

5. RFP REPONSES REQUIREMENTS

5.1. RFP RESPONSE PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS

1. RFP Response - Proposers shall upload and submit their proposal response document(s) via Question

#1 of the Vendor Questionnaire.

• The RFP Response shall be organized to comply with the section numbers and names as shown below. Each section heading shall be clearly marked.

• Response shall be formatted and submitted in an 8.5 x 11 format. Document margins should be one (1) inch.

• Response shall be single-spaced with twelve (12) point font, preferably Times New Roman.

Diagrams, footnotes, resumes, page headers/footers, and text in tables may be less than 12-point font.

• Cover letters, cover pages and a Table of Contents may be included but are not required.

• Graphics may be included but are not required.

All proposal documents must be saved in PDF format unless otherwise specified within the RFP document and the file name shall include the RFP# and name of business submitting proposal.

Example of how to name the files:

• 2023-RFP-025 – Vendor Name

• 2023-RFP-025 – Vendor Name - Licenses

Late, faxed, mailed, hand-delivered, or incomplete proposals will be rejected unless otherwise specified.

Dane County is not liable for any cost incurred by proposers in replying to this RFP.

5.2. COST PROPOSAL PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS

1. General Instructions and Format for Submitting Cost Proposals

The cost proposal for this Request for Proposal is a separate document that can be found as part of the posting for this RFP. The cost proposal format is provided in a Microsoft Excel based workbook which contains full instructions for cost proposal completion and submission.

• Within the cost proposal document, vendors are asked to provide a proposed breakdown of program costs, personnel, and the number of service units the vendor is proposing to render.

• Note it’s important to understand the service unit definition for this engagement (e.g., client service hours, service days, etc.) in order to provide relevant service units for vendor bidding.

This information varies by engagement and may be referenced in the “Funding and Service Unit

Definition” section of the RFP program scope.

• Pricing shall be inclusive of all labor, delivery costs and other expenses necessary to provide services in accordance with the specifications and terms and conditions of this bid document and your proposal.

• The Cost Proposal submission should be saved with the document name including the RFP #, Vendor Name, and Cost Proposal. (i.e.: R02TY21 – ABC Company – Cost Proposal). Cost Proposal may be submitted as an Excel file (.xls).

2. Final Pricing and Payment Terms

Service costs scored in the cost proposal will represent the guide for final vendor contracting. Best and final offer pricing discussions may be pursued by the County to differentiate finalists based on refined price quotes.

Final payment terms associated with billing and payment methodology, as well as service unit levels and unit prices for individual programs, will be negotiated prior to contract execution. Note that final pricing will reflect cost reasonableness and available Dane County funding.

All prospective vendors must demonstrate organizational capacity to bill for discrete units of service rendered.

5.3. PROJECT NARRATIVE SECTION 1: Program Description

Identify which primary focus area program(s) for which you are submitting a proposal (you must select one of these options). Please identify this both in the written narrative you upload with your application, as well as question one (1) in the Vendor Questionnaire.

☐ Focus on supporting people facing primary substance use related concerns

☐ Focus on supporting people facing primary mental health related concerns

☐ Both substance use and mental health primary focus programs

1. Provide a brief overview of your organization including its mission statement and agency goals.

Describe how your mission and goals relate to and align with the vision for community-based peer support services; why this program is important to your organization; and how you think your proposed peer support program will impact Dane County.

2. Provide a brief overview of the program you are proposing and how it will meet the peer support services needs and expectations for substance use and/or mental health focused service described in this RFP.

3. The concept of recovery is an essential component of peer support services. SAMHSA has published a list of 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery (hope, person-driven, many pathways, holistic, peer support, relational, culture, addresses trauma, strengths/responsibility, and respect). Provide specific examples of how your organization incorporates support for and promoting of the following three SAMHSA

Guiding Principles of Recovery:

a. hope https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-s-Working-Definition-of-Recovery/PEP12-RECDEF

b. many pathways

c. respect

4. Describe the staffing responsible for meeting the needs and expectations for the peer support services as identified in this RFP.

5. Describe your approach to selecting Certified Peer Support Specialist and/or Peer Recovery Coach staff for your program, including any important qualities or skills sought or required.

6. Provide résumés of key staff and copies of licenses, if applicable, by uploading them in the Vendor

Questionnaire section of the RFP response.

5.4. PROJECT NARRATIVE SECTION 2: Strategies and Activities

1. Describe the organization’s experience in—and strategy for—providing support and training for a peer workforce that is trauma informed and recovery oriented.

2. Describe your strategies for obtaining and maintaining consumer engagement in peer support services. Discuss the specific engagement practices your agency has found effective for initial and ongoing consumer engagement.

3. One of the most persistent health disparities is the under-utilization of behavioral health services by people of color. Neither evidence-based services with a universal focus, nor culturally adapted services with a specific group focus have been particularly successful in reducing these disparities. Describe the specific strategies and activities that you will use to try to reduce this underutilization disparity.

4. Describe your approach to cross-agency collaboration and being a part of a multi-disciplinary, interagency team. Describe how your agency will facilitate and provide peer support services with these teams generally, and specifically at other team member locations and outside of standard business hours as described in this RFP.

5. Describe how peer support providers will receive qualified, adequate and appropriate supervision and support generally, and specifically regarding boundary issues with consumers.

6. Describe your agency’s plan for managing crisis situations. Be specific about staff training and agency protocols.

5.5. PROJECT NARRATIVE SECTION 3: Experience and Qualifications

1. Describe the experience and qualifications of your agency to provide peer support services with adults with substance use and/or mental health disorders.

2. Describe the education, training, experience and other qualifications of the supervisor(s); the frequency and duration of supervisory sessions; the modality(s) used in the provision of supervision.

3. Describe how your agency ensures that the peer support service you provide with individuals with substance use and/or mental health concerns are welcoming to persons of all backgrounds and cultures.

Identify and discuss any specific plans your agency is undertaking to improve in this area.

4. Describe how you will provide peer support service in Spanish and Hmong when necessary.

5. Include a staff turnover calculation for peer support services for the previous year. Please address any noteworthy retention issues, efforts to reduce staff turnover, and strategies to maintain continuity of service provision amid any vacant positions or staffing shortages.

6. Submit 2 - 3 letters of reference by uploading them in the Vendor Questionairre. References should be specific to the service offered. References should be from agencies you have done business with or those with whom you have collaborated. [Reference checks may be conducted with these agencies and others in the community.]

5.6. PROJECT NARRATIVE SECTION 4: Quality Improvement

1. Briefly describe how your agency defines “quality” as it relates to the provision of peer support services. Describe any programmatic or administrative improvements with in the last 2-3 years that have enhanced your agency’s ability to deliver peer support services.

2. Briefly describe the ongoing quality assurance policies, procedures and practices your agency has in place regarding the provision of peer support services.

3. Describe how program data is or will be used to drive quality improvement efforts, including the measurement of and performance on consumer outcomes. Describe how your program currently gathers data, what data is collected, and how outcomes are measured. Include information on both program and process evaluation, if applicable.

4. Describe how your program measures consumer satisfaction with services. Provide a summary of your most recent assessment of consumer satisfaction and how the results informed changes in service delivery.

6. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

6.1. Identify which primary focus area program(s) for which you are submitting a proposal*

☐ Focus on supporting people facing primary substance use related concerns

☐ Focus on supporting people facing primary mental health related concerns

☐ Both substance use and mental health primary focus programs

*Response required

6.2. RFP DOCUMENT UPLOADS

6.2.1. Upload your Proposal*

Please DO NOT include Cost information in this section.

*Response required

6.2.2. Upload Cost Proposal *

Pricing shall be inclusive of all labor, delivery costs and other expenses necessary to provide product in accordance with the specifications and terms and conditions of this bid document and your proposal.

*Response required

6.2.3. Letters of Reference

Submit 2 - 3 letters of reference. References should be specific to the service offered. References should be from agencies you have done business with or those with whom you have collaborated. [Reference checks may be conducted with these agencies and others in the community.]

6.2.4. Resumes and Licenses

Provide résumés of key staff and copies of licenses, if applicable.

6.2.5. Supplemental Document Upload

Upload any additional or required information documents that supplements this solicitation.

6.2.6. W9 Upload*

Upload your company's W9 form.

NOTE: The W9 is required to be signed within the past 12 months

*Response required

6.2.7. Upload Vendor Information Form

Download the vendor info form from the attachments section in this RFP. Complete the form and upload it here.

6.3. VENDOR INFORMATION

6.3.1. Local Vendor Preference *

Select a Local Vendor Preference:

Vendors located within Dane County automatically receive five points toward the evaluation score.

Vendors located within the counties adjacent to Dane County (Columbia, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk) automatically receive two points toward the evaluation score.

Vendors located outside of Dane County of the 7 counties adjacent to Dane County would choose "No

Preference".

NOTE: A post office box address does not qualify as an established place of business.

☐ No Preference

☐ Yes - Dane County

☐ Yes - Columbia County

☐ Yes - Dodge County

☐ Yes - Green County

☐ Yes - Jefferson County

☐ Yes - Iowa County

☐ Yes - Rock County

☐ Yes - Sauk County

*Response required

6.3.2. Fair Labor Practice Certification *

Has your company been found by the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") or the Wisconsin

Employment Relations Commission ("WERC") to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed?

If yesis answered, a copy of any relevant information regarding such violation is required to be uploaded with your bid submission.

Additional information about the NLRB and WERC can be found using the following links:

www.nlrb.gov and http://werc.wi.gov.

☐ Yes and any relevant information regarding such violation has been or will be uploaded with this bid submission.

☐ No http://www.nlrb.gov/

*Response required

6.3.3. Cooperative…