RFP_2026QRTPGCTCC_QUALIFIED_RESIDENTIAL_TREATMENT_PROGRAM_SERVICES_3120003430_26OCT2026.pdf

ANDREA SANDERS

COMMISSIONER

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) Services – Mississippi Gulf

Coast Therapeutic Continuum Campus RFP No. 2026QRTPGCTCC

RFx No. 3120003430 Issue Date: October 26, 2026

CLOSING LOCATION

Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services 750 North State Street

Jackson, MS 39202

CONTACT

Natalie Segrest, Deputy Administrator of Procurement

301-359-1638 contracts@mdcps.ms.gov

CLOSING DATE & TIME

Proposals must be received no later than November 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., Central Standard Time mailto:contracts@mdcps.ms.gov

Page | ii

RFP: 2026QRTPGCTCC

Table of Contents Request for Proposals: 2026QRTPGCTCC

Section 1: Procurement Process

1.1 Agency Mission and Purpose of Solicitation

1.2 Procurement Timeline

1.3 Questions and Requests for Clarification

1.4 Required Letter of Intent

1.5 Proposal Submission Requirements

1.5.1 Proposal Submission Deadline

1.5.2 Manner or Submission

1.6 Rejection of Proposals

1.7 Expenses Incurred in Preparing Offers

1.8 Proprietary Information

1.9 Restrictions on Communication with Agency Staff

1.10 Registration with Mississippi Secretary of State

1.11 Debarment

1.12 Registration with Mississippi’s Accountability System for Governmental Information and Collaboration (MAGIC)

1.13 Discussions with Offerors

1.14 Solicitation Documentation

1.15 Acknowledgement of Amendments

1.16 Exceptions

1.17 Minor Informalities and Irregularities

1.18 Type of Contract

1.18.1 Contract Execution

1.18.2 Required Contract Terms and Conditions

1.18.3 Optional Contract Terms and Conditions

1.19 Economic Price Adjustment

1.19.1 Firm-price period

1.19.2 Annual Adjustment

1.19.3 Adjustment Formula

Page | iii

1.19.4 Measurement Period

1.19.5 Threshold and Limits

1.19.6 Discontinued Index

1.19.7 No Duplication

1.19.8 Continued Performance

1.19.9 Documentation and Record-Keeping

1.20 General References Throughout the RFP

1.21 MDCPS Rights Reserved

1.22 Term

1.23 Insurance

1.24 Termination

Section 2: Background, Vision and Overview

2.1 Background

2.2 Program Vision

2.3 Overview

2.4 Facilities

2.4.1 Seacrest Cottage

2.4.2 Bayview Cottage

2.4.3 Cypress Cottage

2.4.4 Woods Service Building

2.5 Future Expansion Opportunity

2.6 Target Population

2.7 Funding Considerations

Section 3: Scope of Services and Key Requirements

3.1 General Information

3.1.1 Offeror Responsibilities

3.1.2 MDCPS Responsibilities

3.2 Vendor Qualifications and Experience

3.2.1 Child Welfare Experience

3.2.2 Licensing Experience

3.2.3 Accreditation Experience

Page | iv

3.2.4 Startup and Implementation Experience

3.2.5 Compliance History

3.2.6 Organization Capacity

3.2.7 Financial Capacity

3.3 Management Factors [30 points]

3.3.1 Program Operations

3.3.2 Residential Services

3.3.3 Transportation Services

3.3.4 Food Service

3.3.5 Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement

3.3.6 Reporting Requirements

3.3.7 Routine Facility Maintenance

3.3.8 Mobilization and Startup

3.3.9 Campus Safety

3.3.10 Data and Outcomes

3.3.11 Continuous Quality Improvement

3.4 Technical Factors [30 points]

3.4.1 Clinical Services

3.4.2 Psychiatric Services

3.4.3 Nursing Services

3.4.4 Educational Services

3.4.5 Workforce Development and Independent Living Skills

3.4.6 Family Engagement

3.4.7 Recreation Services

3.4.8 Admission and Referral Process

3.4.9 Comprehensive Assessment

3.4.10 Individualized Treatment Planning

3.4.11 Permanency Integration

3.4.12 Transition Planning

3.4.13 Supervised Independent Living (Cypress)

3.4.14 Workforce Development

Page | v

3.4.15 Education

3.4.16 Behavioral Heath Model

3.4.17 Family Engagement Plan

3.4.18 Cultural and Community Integration

3.4.19 Campus Culture and Youth Experience

3.5 Licensure and Accreditation [5 points]

3.6 Cost [35 points]

3.6.1 Initial Startup Cost

3.6.2 Annual Operating Cost

Section 4: Minimum Qualifications

4.1. Organizational Eligibility

4.2 Organizational Experience

4.3 References

4.4 Financial Capacity

Section 5: Proposal Submission Requirements

5.1 Proposal Submission

5.2 Transmittal Letter and Minimum Qualifications

5.3 Executive Summary

5.4 Management Proposal

5.4.1 Facility Operations

5.4.2 Financing and Reimbursement

5.4.3 Workforce Development and Management

5.5 Technical Proposal

5.5.1 Program Model

5.5.2 Implementation

5.6 Licensure and Accreditation Proposal

5.7 Cost Proposal

5.8 Attachments, Certifications and Required Information

5.9 Public Copy of Complete Proposal

Section 6: Evaluation and Award

6.1 Step One: Determination of Responsive and Responsible Offers

Page | vi

6.1.1 Responsive Respondent

6.1.2 Responsible Respondent

6.2 Step Two: Evaluation Committee

6.2.1 Cost Factors – 35 Points

6.2.2 Management Factors – 30 Points

6.2.3 Technical Factors – 30 Points

6.2.4 Licensure and Accreditation Factors – 5 points

6.3 Step Three: Negotiation

6.3.1 Negotiating with Next-Ranked Vendor

6.4 Award

6.4.1 Notice of Intent to Award

6.4.2 Notice of Contract Award

Exhibit A: Renovation Plans

ATTACHMENT A: Offeror Information Sheet - Certifications and Assurances

ATTACHMENT B: Debarment Verification Form

ATTACHMENT C: Proprietary Information Form

ATTACHMENT D: Proposal Exception Summary Form

ATTACHMENT E: References

ATTACHMENT F: Reference Score Sheet

ATTACHMENT G: Sample Contract

ATTACHMENT H: Acknowledgement of Amendments

ATTACHMENT I: Required Letter of Intent

ATTACHMENT J: Pre-Offeror’s Statement of Acknowledgement

ATTACHMENT K: Olivia Y Settlement Agreement

ATTACHMENT L: Offeror’s Organizational Affiliations

ATTACHMENT M: Release of Proposal Acknowledgement

ATTACHMENT N: Cost Summary Worksheet

Page | 1

Request for Proposals: 2026QRTPTCC

Section 1: Procurement Process

1.1 Agency Mission and Purpose of Solicitation

Serving as Mississippi’s child welfare agency, the mission of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) is to lead the state’s efforts in keeping children and youth safe and thriving by:

• strengthening families;

• preventing child abuse, neglect and exploitation; and,

• promoting child and family well-being and permanent family connections.

The purpose of this Request for Proposal ("RFP") is to solicit competitive sealed proposals from qualified organizations capable of implementing and operating an integrated therapeutic continuum for youth in MDCPS custody consisting of Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) services, Therapeutic Group Home services, and Supervised Independent Living and Transition Services (SIL) services in a phased implementation model utilizing state-owned facilities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Therapeutic Continuum Campus.

The vendor must be willing to commit to their roles, engage in evidence-based practices, and collaborate with MDCPS to establish, manage, and oversee program implementation as described in Section 2 of this RFP.

1.2 Procurement Timeline

RFP Issued and First Advertisement October 26, 2026

Second Advertisement November 2, 2026

Deadline to Submit Questions or Requests for Clarification November 9, 2026

Deadline to Submit Required Letter of Intent November 9, 2026

Anticipated Posting of Answers to Questions and Requests for Clarification November 12, 2026

Deadline to Submit Proposals November 24, 2026

Offeror Presentations December 1-4, 2026

Anticipated Notice of Intent to Award December 18, 2026

Anticipated Initial Contract Term March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2034

Page | 2

Note: MDCPS reserves the right to adjust this schedule as it deems necessary. MDCPS may change presentation dates, post Answers to Questions, or issue the Notice of Intent to Award on dates other than those stated above without amendment to this RFP. The initial contract term is determined by MDCPS, but MDCPS may change the dates of the initial contract term without amendment to this RFP if the date changes are necessary because of the procurement schedule.

No other dates shall be changed unless a written amendment is issued. MDCPS also has the right to reject any and all proposals during any step of the procurement or awarding process (even after negotiations have begun).

1.3 Questions and Requests for Clarification

Questions relating to the RFP requirements, or the services described, shall be submitted via email to the RFP Coordinator listed on the cover page of this RFP at contracts@mdcps.ms.gov no later than November 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m., CST. Subject line of submission must read “Questions:

RFP 2026QRTPGCTCC.” Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary information or classified information. Questions submitted after deadline will not be answered. When submitting questions and requests for clarification, include reference to the applicable RFP section and be submitted in the format shown below:

No. RFP Section, Page No. Question/Request for Clarification

MDCPS will not be bound by any verbal or written information that is not contained within this RFP unless formally noticed and issued by MDCPS. Offerors are cautioned that any statements made by any person at the agency shall not be relied upon where it contradicts any portion of this RFP, unless it is subsequently ratified by a formal written amendment to the RFP. At no time shall any Offeror or its personnel contract, or attempt to contact, any MDCPS staff regarding this RFP except in writing to the email address identified above and in the manner prescribed in this section. All questions and answers will be published on the MDCPS website and the Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website in a manner that all Offerors will be able to view.

1.4 Required Letter of Intent

Offerors should notify MDCPS of their intention to submit a proposal package. The letter of intent (Attachment I) shall be submitted via email to contracts@mdcps.ms.gov by November 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m. CST. The letter of intent shall include the title and RFx number on the cover page of this RFP, the Offeror’s organizational name and address, one (1) to two (2) sentences stating that the Offeror’s organization intends to submit a proposal for this service and the contact person’s name, title, phone number, fax number, Tax I.D. number, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number as assigned in SAM.gov, address, and email address. MDCPS will acknowledge receipt of the letter of intent via return email from contracts@mdcps.ms.gov mailto:contracts@mdcps.ms.gov

Page | 3

1.5 Proposal Submission Requirements

The time and date of receipt shall be indicated on the envelope or package by MDCPS staff. Each page of the proposal shall be numbered and include the name of the Offeror. Modifications or additions to any portion of the procurement document may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

MDCPS reserves the right to decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether to reject a proposal with modifications or additions as non-responsive. As a precondition to proposal acceptance, MDCPS may request the respondent to withdraw or modify those portions of the proposal deemed non-responsive that do not affect quality, quantity, price, or delivery of the service.

1.5.1 Proposal Submission Deadline

All proposals submitted in response to this RFP must be received by the RFP Coordinator listed on the cover page of this RFP no later than November 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., Central Standard Time.

Timely submission is the responsibility of the respondent. Proposals received after the specified Proposal Submission Deadline described herein shall be rejected and maintained unopened as part of the procurement file. Any proposal received later than 12:00 P.M. CT on November 24, 2026, will be declared non-responsive and not eligible for consideration for possible award. MDCPS will not entertain any exceptions to this hard deadline. All Offerors are urged to take the possibility of delay into account when submitting a proposal package. The agency will not be responsible for mail delays, lost mail, or any other delivery failure. All risk of late arrival due to unanticipated delay – whether delivered by hand, U.S.

Postal Service, courier or other delivery service or method – is entirely on the Offeror. A proposal is considered delivered to the Agency when it is received by the RFP coordinator.

The time and date of receipt shall be indicated on the envelope or package by the RFP Coordinator. The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt is the time and date stamp of the RFP Coordinator on the proposal or other documentary evidence of receipt used by the RFP Coordinator. Offerors may request the RFP Coordinator provide them with documentation of receipt of their proposals.

1.5.2 Manner or Submission

Respondents shall submit one (1) original, signed proposal, and one (1) electronic copy on USB flash drive in a sealed envelope or package. The outside of the envelope or package should be marked:

ATTN: MDCPS Contracts and Procurement c/o Natalie Segrest

Request for Proposals for Qualified Residential Treatment Program Services MS Gulf Coast Therapeutic Continuum Campus

Opening Date: November 24, 2026 RFP No. 2026QRTPGCTCC

Page | 4

RFx No. 3120003430 750 North State Street

Jackson, MS 39202

SEALED PROPOSAL PACKAGE

***DO NOT OPEN***

Proposals submitted via facsimile (fax) machine, e-mail, or other electronic submission methods will not be accepted

1.6 Rejection of Proposals

Proposals which do not conform to the requirements set forth in this RFP may be rejected by MDCPS. Proposals may be rejected for reasons which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The proposal contains unauthorized amendments to the requirements of the RFP.

• The proposal fails to include provisions as designated in the RFP.

• The proposal is conditional.

• The proposal is incomplete or contains irregularities which make the proposal indefinite or ambiguous.

• The proposal is received late. Late proposals will be maintained unopened in the procurement file.

• The proposal is not signed by an authorized representative of the party.

• The proposal contains false or misleading statements or references.

• The proposal does not offer to provide all services required by the RFP.

• The proposal fails to follow the required submittal format.

• Any other reason MDCPS determines to be in the best interest of the State.

MDCPS reserves the right to reject any and all proposals during any step of the procurement process, even after negotiations have begun. MDCPS reserves the right to reject any and all proposals where the Offeror takes exception to the terms and conditions of the RFP and/or fails to meet the terms and conditions and/or in any way attempts to limit the rights of MDCPS and/or the State of Mississippi, including but not limited to, the required contractual terms and provisions set forth in this RFP.

1.7 Expenses Incurred in Preparing Offers

All parties participating in the procurement process with regard to this solicitation shall bear their own costs of participation, pursuant to Section 1.4.4 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations.

1.8 Proprietary Information

The Offeror should identify any part of the proposal package considered to be proprietary information which may remain confidential in accordance with Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 25- 61-9 and 79-23-1 (1972, as amended), as a “Trade Secret.” The Offeror shall submit a separate

Page | 5 redacted PDF copy of the proposal, in its’ entirety, on the USB flash drive. The copy shall be clearly labeled as “REDACTED COPY”. The redacted copy will be subject to review by the general public after award of the contract. The Offeror shall submit a completed and signed Release of Proposal Acknowledgement form (Attachment M).

If an Offeror does include a redacted copy of the proposal, the redacted copy will be considered public record and will be released by MDCPS upon receipt of a Public Records Request. If the respondent does not include a redacted copy of the proposal, the entire proposal (including attachments, etc.) will be considered public record and subject to review by the general public.

Requests to review confidential and/or proprietary information will be handled in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Failure to clearly redact any proprietary information, trade secrets, or other confidential commercial/financial information may result in that information being released in a public records request.

The Offeror shall submit a completed Proprietary Information Form, attached to this RFP as Attachment C. Additional submission requirements regarding any part of the proposal marked as a “Trade Secret” are contained in Section 5.9 of this RFP.

1.9 Restrictions on Communication with Agency Staff

At no time shall any Offeror or its personnel contact, or attempt to contact, any MDCPS staff regarding this RFP except the RFP Coordinator listed on the cover page of this RFP in the manner prescribed in Section 1.3. Unauthorized contact regarding the RFP with other employees of the agency may result in the potential Offeror being disqualified, and the potential Offeror may also be suspended or disbarred from the State.

1.10 Registration with Mississippi Secretary of State

By submitting a proposal, the Offeror certifies that it is registered to do business in the State of Mississippi as prescribed by Mississippi law and the Mississippi Secretary of State or, if not already registered, that it will do so within five (5) business days of being notified by the agency that it has been selected for contract award. Sole proprietors are not required to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State.

1.11 Debarment

By submitting a proposal, the Offeror certifies that it is not currently debarred from submitting proposals for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Mississippi or federal government and that it is not an agent of a person or entity that is currently debarred from submitting proposals for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Mississippi or federal government. The Offeror shall submit a completed MDCPS Debarment Verification Form, attached to this RFP as Attachment B as part of the proposal submittal package.

The MDCPS reserves the right to deem any proposal not containing an executed MDCPS Debarment Verification Form as non-responsive to the RFP.

Page | 6

1.12 Registration with Mississippi’s Accountability System for Governmental Information and Collaboration (MAGIC)

If the Offeror is not already registered as a supplier in MAGIC, the Offeror should register as a supplier with the State of Mississippi. Registering as a supplier with the State of Mississippi allows businesses to register for upcoming opportunity notifications by the products they supply, search the system for upcoming solicitations, respond to solicitations electronically, and receive purchase orders via e-mail. The registration can be completed at the following link: Vendors | Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration. Any questions regarding registration in MAGIC should be directed to the Mississippi Management and Reporting System (MMRS) staff by emailing mash@dfa.ms.gov or calling 601-359-1343.

1.13 Discussions with Offerors

Discussions may be conducted with Offerors who submit proposals determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award; however, proposals or qualifications may be accepted without such discussions. Likewise, MDCPS also reserves the right to accept any proposal as submitted for contract award, without substantive negotiation of proposed terms, services or prices. For these reasons, all parties are advised to propose their most favorable terms initially.

Offerors submitting proposals in response to this RFP are required to make an oral presentation of their proposals. These presentations will be recorded. These presentations are intended to provide Offeror’s vision for program implementation in the event the proposal is selected for award. This will be an opportunity to clarify any questions MDCPS may have regarding proposed services and costs to assist MDCPS in reaching a final selection. Toward this end, respondents shall have employees selected from key management positions available to participate during the initial presentation and follow-up question and answer period where members of the evaluation committee will be allowed to ask questions. Oral presentations should be no longer than 45 minutes. Once presentation is completed, there will be 20 minutes allotted for follow up questions from the evaluation committee. MDCPS will schedule the time and location of these presentations.

Presentations may be delivered virtually but must be done in a manner where the evaluation committee can clearly see both the presenter and the presentation slides. Oral presentations are for clarification only and are not scored; they do not affect point awards. These oral presentations are solely at the option of MDCPS.

1.14 Solicitation Documentation

The RFP is comprised of the base RFP document, any attachments, any amendments issued prior to the submission deadline, and any other documents released before contract award. The attachments to this RFP are made a part of this RFP as if copied herein in words and figures.

https://www.dfa.ms.gov/vendors https://www.dfa.ms.gov/vendors mailto:mash@dfa.ms.gov

Page | 7

1.15 Acknowledgement of Amendments

MDCPS reserves the right to amend the contents of this RFP as it deems necessary. This RFP, all questions, requests for clarification, and answers, and any other amendments will be published on the Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal and the MDCPS website in a manner that all Offerors will be able to view. It is the sole responsibility of the Offeror to monitor the MDCPS website and the procurement portal for amendments to the RFP to ensure their proposal complies with any such amendments

Should an amendment to the RFP be issued, it will be posted on the Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the MDCPS website in a manner that all Offerors will be able to view. Further, Offerors must acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the solicitation by signing and returning the amendment (Attachment H) with the proposal package, by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on the amendment, or by letter. The acknowledgment should be received by the MDCPS by the time and at the place specified for receipt of proposals as reflected in Section 1.5.2. It is the Offeror’s sole responsibility to monitor the websites for any updates or amendments to the RFP.

1.16 Exceptions

Offerors taking exception to any part or section of the solicitation shall indicate such exceptions on the RFP Exception(s) form, Attachment D. Failure to indicate any exception will be interpreted as the Offeror’s intent to comply fully with the requirements as written. Conditional or qualified proposals, unless specifically allowed, shall be subject to rejection in whole or in part. The proposal must contain a high degree of acceptance of contract terms and conditions listed in Attachment G of this RFP.

1.17 Minor Informalities and Irregularities

MDCPS has the right to waive minor defects or variations of a proposal from the exact requirements of the specifications that do not affect the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance time of the services being procured. If insufficient information is submitted by an Offeror for MDCPS to properly evaluate the offer, MDCPS has the right to require such additional information as it may deem necessary after the submission deadline, provided that the information requested does not change the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance time of the services being procured and such request does not create an unfair advantage for any offeror.

1.18 Type of Contract

The resultant contract from this solicitation will be a multi-term contract. The initial contract term will be seven (7) years with the option for three (3) one (1) year optional renewals. Compensation for services under a contract resulting from this RFP will be in the form of a firm-fixed-price contract with price adjustments made by MDCPS as provided in Section 1.19 of the RFP. Compensation will be based on a per person per diem rate once facility is fully operational. Any costs associated with

Page | 8 startup expenses should be included in the per person per diem rate presented. These costs can be amortized across the rates presented for the full term of the contract.

1.18.1 Contract Execution

Any work performed by the awarded Offeror prior to start date of a valid, executed contract is done at Offeror’s sole risk. The State is under no obligation to pay for work performed prior to contract start date.

1.18.2 Required Contract Terms and Conditions

Any contract entered into between MDCPS and an Offeror pursuant to this RFP shall include the required clauses found in Attachment G and those required by the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations as updated and replaced by PPRB.

1.18.3 Optional Contract Terms and Conditions

Any contract entered into between MDCPS and an Offeror pursuant to this RFP may have at the discretion of the MDCPS, the optional clauses found in Appendix E of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations.

1.19 Economic Price Adjustment

The methodology defined below will be used to determine annual price adjustments for services provided as a result of any contract awarded from this solicitation. Adjustments are limited to cost categories that are not separately reimbursed, funded through another source, or addressed in a change-order. Price adjustment will be calculated using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Cost Index – Civilian Workers (ECI-001) and the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers – U.S. city average (CPI-U).

1.19.1 Firm-price period

All rates shall remain firm throughout the first 12 months following the Service Commencement Date based on the best and final offer submitted with this RFP.

1.19.2 Annual Adjustment

Beginning on the first anniversary of the Service Commencement Date, and no more than once in each succeeding 12-month period, the Agency shall allow adjustments to eligible rates using the formula below. The adjustment may be positive or negative.

1.19.3 Adjustment Formula

The annual percentage adjustment shall equal 75% of the 12-month percentage change in ECI-001 plus 25% of the 12-month percentage change in CPI-U. The Agency may adjust the weighting (e.g., shift to a 60/40 split) if, during the contract term, a demonstrable shift in the

Page | 9 cost composition occurs and notice is given to the contractor at least 60 days prior to the next adjustment date.

Example Calculation for upward adjustment:

Adj. Ratet+1 = Ratet x [1+0.75 (∆ECI12m) + 0.25 (∆CPI-U12m)] where ΔECI12𝑚𝑚and ΔCPI-U12𝑚𝑚are the 12-month percentage changes in the respective indices.

1.19.4 Measurement Period

The percentage changes shall compare the index values for the month of September immediately preceding the adjustment date with the corresponding values 12 months earlier. The Agency shall use the values first published and available as of 60 days before the adjustment date. Later revisions shall not result in a retroactive adjustment.

1.19.5 Threshold and Limits

No adjustment shall be made when the calculated change is between -1.0% and 1.0%. A normal annual upward adjustment shall not exceed 5.0% of the affected rate, and a normal annual downward adjustment shall not exceed 3.0% of the affected rate. Any calculated amount outside these limits shall be subject to the Extraordinary Cost Adjustment provision (1.19.8.2) and shall not be effective unless incorporated through a written contract amendment.

1.19.6 Discontinued Index

If an index is discontinued or materially changed, the Agency shall select the most comparable successor index published by the same governmental source. If no successor exists, the Agency shall select another objective index that most closely measures the affected cost category. Any substitution will be documented in writing and provided to the contractor as part of the adjustment notice.

1.19.7 No Duplication

The contractor shall not receive an adjustment under this provision for a cost that is separately reimbursed, included in a change order, funded through another government source, or recovered through a change-in-law adjustment. Such costs are excluded from the adjustment calculation.

1.19.8 Continued Performance

A request for adjustment, or a dispute concerning an adjustment, shall not relieve the contractor of its obligation to continue timely performance.

Page | 10

1.19.8.1 Change in Law

If a change in federal, state, or local law or binding regulation taking effect after the proposal due date materially increases or decreases the offeror's direct cost of performing the required services, either party may request an equitable adjustment.

The requesting party must provide notice within 30 days after it knew or reasonably should have known of the impact and must submit sufficient documentation to establish causation, amount, offsets, and reasonable mitigation. Any adjustment shall be limited to the verified net impact attributable to the resulting contract and shall require a written contract amendment.

1.19.8.2 Extraordinary Cost Adjustment

A party may request an extraordinary adjustment when a documented event outside its reasonable control causes the annualized cost of contract performance to increase or decrease by more than 3% of the affected annual contract value and the event is not reflected adequately in the economic price adjustment formula.

Ordinary inflation, changes in utilization within disclosed assumptions, labor turnover, failure to recruit or retain staff, ineligible cost changes, inaccurate estimates, fines, penalties, cost recovery through other governmental sources and costs resulting from contractor noncompliance shall not qualify.

1.19.9 Documentation and Record-Keeping

The awarded contractor shall retain all records supporting its cost-adjustment request for a minimum of five (5) years after final payment and shall make them available for inspection by the Agency upon request.

The Offeror shall provide any support for the request for a price adjustment required by MDCPS.

MDCPS has the sole discretion to determine whether a price adjustment will be allowed. No price adjustment will be allowed other than as described in this paragraph. Any approval of a price adjustment shall be contained in a duly executed written amendment to the contract.

1.20 General References Throughout the RFP

Throughout this document, the various references below refer to the webpages or documents found at the specified link:

• The MDCPS website” refers to the website found at www.mdcps.ms.gov.

• “The Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal” or “the procurement portal” refers to the website found at Buying and Selling to Government in Mississippi.

• “The Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations” or “the PPRB OPSCR Rules and Regulations” refers to the rules and regulations found at OPSCR Rules and Regulations.

http://www.mdcps.ms.gov/ https://www.ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search/Home/Buy https://www.dfa.ms.gov/sites/default/files/Personal%20Service%20Contract%20Review%20Home/Rules%20and%20Regulations/PPRB%20OPSCR%20Rules%20%26%20Regs%20-%20Eff%202024-09-06.pdf

Page | 11

1.21 MDCPS Rights Reserved

By and through this RFP, MDCPS hereby reserves its rights to the following:

• Reject any and/or all proposals received in response to this RFP.

• Waive minor irregularities if MDCPS determines that waiver would be in its best interest and would not result in an unfair advantage for other Offerors and potential Offerors.

• Reject any timely and properly submitted proposal in its entirety for failing to meet any of the mandatory requirements identified herein.

• Select for contract or for negotiations, a proposal other than that with the lowest cost.

• If negotiations fail to result in a contract or agreement prior to the anticipated contract start date, MDCPS may terminate negotiations and take such other action as MDCPS deems appropriate.

1.22 Term

The anticipated term of the contract shall be for a period of seven (7) years, beginning on March 1, 2027, and ending on February 28, 2034, the contract may be renewed at the discretion of MDCPS for a period of three (3) successive one (1) year periods utilizing the cost adjustment allowances included in Section 1.19, terms, and conditions as in the original contract, and subject to approval by the PPRB. The total number of renewal years permitted shall not exceed three (3) or extend past February 28, 2037.

1.23 Insurance

The Offeror represents that it will maintain workers' compensation insurance which shall inure to the benefit of all the company’s personnel performing services under any contract resulting from this award, comprehensive general liability insurance, employee fidelity bond insurance, and automobile insurance for any vehicles that will be used to transport youth in the custody of MDCPS.

All general liability, professional liability, fidelity bond insurance, and automobile insurance will provide coverage to MDCPS as an additional insured. In addition, offeror must maintain insurance sufficient to protect any investment made in facility provisioning.

All insurance policies shall be issued by companies authorized to do business under the laws of the State of Mississippi. A certificate of insurance providing the aforesaid coverage shall be furnished to MDCPS prior to commencement of services resulting from this RFP. MDCPS reserves the right to request from carriers, certificates of insurance regarding the required coverage. Insurance carriers must be licensed or hold a Certificate of Authority from the Mississippi Department of Insurance.

The Offeror shall be prepared to provide evidence of required insurance upon request by the MDCPS at any point during the contract period and should consult with legal counsel regarding its obligations.

Offeror shall submit a certificate of insurance and/or bond which outlines the coverage and limits defined in the procurement and contract within five (5) business days of occupation of facilities

Page | 12 after contract award. There are no provisions for exceptions to this requirement. Failure to provide the certificates of insurance within five (5) business days may be cause for the proposal to be declared non-responsive or for the contract to be cancelled.

Offeror shall not commence work under any contract resulting from this solicitation until it obtains all insurance and/or bond required under this provision and furnishes a certificate or other form showing proof of current coverage to the State. After work commences, the Offeror will keep in force all required insurance and/or bond until the contract is terminated or expires.

The Offeror is responsible for ensuring that any subcontractor provides adequate insurance and/or bond coverage for the activities arising out of subcontracts.

In no event shall the requirement for insurance, bond, or other surety be waived. Any failure to comply with the reporting provisions of this clause shall constitute a material breach of contract and shall be grounds for immediate termination of any contract resulting from this solicitation.

1.24 Termination

The following terms apply to any contract that may be awarded as a result of this solicitation.

Termination for Convenience. MDCPS may, when the interests of the Agency require, terminate any contract resulting from this solicitation in whole or in part, for the convenience of the Agency. The MDCPS shall give written notice of the termination to the Contractor specifying the part of the contract terminated and when termination becomes effective. Contractor shall incur no further obligations in connection with the terminated work and on the date set in the notice of termination Contractor will stop work to the extent specified. Contractor shall complete the work not terminated by the notice of termination and may incur obligations as are necessary to do so.

Termination for Default. If the MDCPS gives the Contractor a notice that the personal or professional services are being provided in a manner that is deficient, the Contractor shall have 30 days to cure the deficiency. If the Contractor fails to cure the deficiency, MDCPS may terminate the contract for default, and the Contractor will be liable for the additional cost to MDCPS to procure the personal and professional services from another source. Termination under this paragraph could result in Contractor being excluded from future contract awards pursuant to Chapter 15 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations. Any termination wrongly labelled termination for default shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

Section 2: Background, Vision and Overview

2.1 Background

The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services ("MDCPS") is responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in its custody. Mississippi continues to experience challenges related to placement instability among youth with complex behavioral health needs, Page | 13 psychiatric boarding, disrupted foster placements, limited in-state therapeutic residential capacity, and reliance on out-of-state treatment settings. These challenges are particularly acute for youth with significant trauma histories, behavioral health disorders, and transition-age youth requiring intensive services and preparation for successful adulthood.

MDCPS is committed to developing a comprehensive continuum of care designed to provide therapeutic, educational, behavioral health, and workforce development services in an integrated setting. The Department seeks to expand in-state capacity and improve outcomes by reducing placement disruptions, strengthening family engagement, reducing reliance on out-of-state treatment providers, and increasing opportunities for youth to achieve permanency and successful transitions into adulthood.

To support these goals, MDCPS is partnering with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health ("DMH") to utilize facilities located on the South Mississippi Regional Center campus in Long Beach, Harrison County, Mississippi. Through renovations and phased implementation, MDCPS intends to establish the Mississippi Gulf Coast Therapeutic Continuum Campus to serve youth in the legal custody of MDCPS.

The Department anticipates retaining responsibility for major capital improvements and campus oversight functions while partnering with an experienced provider organization to operate residential, clinical, educational, and supportive services. For the purposes of this RFP and any resulting contract, capital improvement is defined as a significant expenditure that adds to the property’s value, prolongs its useful life, or adapts it to a new use. Unlike routine repairs or maintenance, which simply keep a property in its current condition, capital improvements are long-term upgrades that enhance the property’s functionality, market worth, or durability.

2.2 Program Vision

MDCPS intends for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Therapeutic Continuum Campus to function as a therapeutic and developmental environment that integrates residential treatment, behavioral health services, educational support, workforce development, and transition-age youth programming.

The Department seeks a Offeror capable of developing innovative and evidence-based approaches that support improved outcomes, reduce lengths of stay, reduce reliance on out-of-state placements, and enhance opportunities for permanency and successful adulthood.

The Offeror shall demonstrate a commitment to trauma-informed care, family engagement, workforce readiness, independent living preparation, and continuous quality improvement.

2.3 Overview

The selected Offeror shall provide trauma-informed residential services, behavioral health treatment, nursing services, educational coordination, workforce development programming, transition-age youth services, family engagement activities, discharge planning, aftercare services, and related support services in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.

Page | 14

The Offeror shall obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, certifications, approvals, and accreditation required to operate the proposed programs and shall provide all personnel, supervision, facility provisions, and operational support necessary to ensure safe, effective, and compliant service delivery.

MDCPS intends for the resulting contract to establish a long-term partnership with a provider capable of implementing an integrated therapeutic model that promotes permanency, educational achievement, workforce readiness, and successful transitions to adulthood.

MDCPS intends to award a contract to the Offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the State of Mississippi, taking into consideration the evaluation factors set forth in this RFP. The resulting contract shall be subject to approval by the Mississippi Public Procurement Review Board ("PPRB"), when required, and subject to the availability of funds.

As an initial phase, MDCPS is evaluating the use of three residential cottages on the campus for operation of an accredited Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) as part of a continuum of care that includes Therapeutic Group Home Services and Supervised Independent Living (SIL) and Transition Services.

MDCPS anticipates the Offeror will provide direct care staffing, clinical programming, nursing and behavioral health services, facility provisioning, facility operations and routine maintenance, program administration, accreditation support, and Medicaid/third-party billing functions as applicable.

MDCPS will retain responsibility for certain capital improvements, major infrastructure, and campus oversight functions.

MDCPS seeks offeror feedback regarding performance-based contracting approaches, occupancy assumptions, risk-sharing models, startup funding considerations, and operational responsibilities between the state and Offeror.

Offerors are encouraged to provide recommendations regarding optimal campus utilization, phased development, and long-term sustainability strategies.

2.4 Facilities

Initial operations under the resulting contract are expected to occur within the facilities located on the South Mississippi Regional Center campus. Facilities are currently under renovation. Based on the existing construction schedule, the earliest date facilities would be ready for occupancy is May 1, 2027. Architectural plans outlining facility renovations and drawings showing campus and building layouts are provided in Exhibit A. Full architectural design and renovation plans can be provided upon request by the offeror in the required letter of intent. Descriptions for the facilities are provided below:

Page | 15

2.4.1 Seacrest Cottage

Maximum capacity of twenty (20) youth. Planned capacity is 10 youth but could be adjusted/increased to meet certain needs.

Seacrest Cottage is intended for residential occupancy. It is comprised of 10 bedrooms, with 2 bedrooms utilizing 1 bathroom (Jack and Jill style). There are designated areas for dining, meeting with family or specialists, nursing, and leisure activities. There is designated office space for staff and clinical support.

2.4.2 Bayview Cottage

Maximum capacity of twenty (20) youth. Planned capacity is 10 youth but could be adjusted/increased to meet certain needs.

Bayview Cottage is intended for residential occupancy. It is comprised of 10 bedrooms, with 2 bedrooms utilizing 1 bathroom (Jack and Jill style). There are designated areas for dining, meeting with family or specialists, nursing, and leisure activities. There is designated office space for staff and clinical support.

MDCPS anticipates separate male and female residential programs at Seacrest Cottage and Bayview Cottage, with one residential cottage designated for male youth and one residential cottage designated for female youth. Both residential programs are anticipated to operate under Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) accreditation standards.

2.4.3 Cypress Cottage

Maximum capacity of twelve (12) youth, with individual rooms.

To be licensed as Supervised Independent Living and Transition Services (SIL).

Cypress Cottage is intended for residential occupancy. It is comprised of 12 bedrooms which will be single occupancy. Single capacity is maximum for Cypress Cottage due to room size. Two rooms will share one bathroom. Youth in this cottage will be receiving independent living services and will have greater autonomy.

The Supervised Independent Living and Transition Services at Cypress Cottage will be co-ed, with same gender pods.

2.4.4 Woods Service Building

Currently referred to as the Service Building, this building shall serve as a centralized hub for educational programming, clinical services, nursing services, workforce development activities, independent living instruction, family engagement activities, administrative functions, and other supportive services.

With single occupancy in all rooms, campus capacity would be thirty-two (32) youth. In Seacrest and Bayview Cottages, bedrooms will be ideally used as single occupancy. However, those cottages do meet space requirements for double occupancy. In some situations, with MDCPS

Page | 16 approval, they could be used as double occupancy. For example, same sex sibling groups could double occupy a room, if capacity is an issue and the youths documented individual needs allow.

Maximum total capacity for the campus is fifty-two (52) youth. MDCPS anticipates a phased approach to campus development and reserves the right, subject to funding availability and applicable approvals, to expand operations during the contract term.

2.5 Future Expansion Opportunity

Potential future expansion of facilities include:

• Seagull Cottage; and

• Additional support facilities located on the campus.

MDCPS reserves the right to negotiate amendments to the resulting contract for expansion services as additional facilities become available.

Nothing contained herein shall obligate MDCPS to activate additional facilities and all services and estimated costs included in Offeror proposal should be limited to information provided in Sections 2 and 3 of this RFP.

2.6 Target Population

The programs established under this RFP are intended to serve youth 12-21 in the legal custody of MDCPS who:

• Have experienced placement instability or disrupted foster placements;

• Have significant trauma histories;

• Require intensive behavioral health treatment and therapeutic interventions;

• Are at risk of psychiatric hospitalization;

• Are at risk for out-of-state placement(s);

• Require structured therapeutic environments and permanency stabilization;

• Require transition-age youth services and independent living preparation; and/or

• Require educational and workforce development supports.

The Offeror shall provide services in a manner designed to promote family engagement, permanency, placement stability, educational success and successful transition into adulthood.

The Offeror shall provide services for youth ages 12 through 21, with programming differentiated by level of care. The QRTP and Therapeutic Group Home programs are expected to primarily serve youth ages 12–17, while Supervised Independent Living services will focus on older adolescents and young adults preparing for permanency or independent living.

MDCPS is particularly interested in approaches that reduce length of stay, support family and community reintegration, improve placement stability, and reduce reliance on out-of-state treatment settings.

Page | 17

2.7 Funding Considerations

MDCPS intends to maximize all available federal, state, and other funding opportunities associated with services provided under the resulting contract. Offerors shall demonstrate familiarity with Title IV-E requirements, the Family First Prevention Services Act, Medicaid and managed care systems, and other funding mechanisms applicable to the populations served. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as guaranteeing occupancy levels, revenue, or funding availability.

Section 3: Scope of Services and Key Requirements

3.1 General Information

MDCPS is committed to providing services in the least restrictive, clinically appropriate setting that meets each youth's individual needs. The Offeror shall structure services to support individualized placement decisions, maximize opportunities for family engagement and permanency, promote successful transitions to adulthood, and maintain flexibility to meet changing service demands throughout the contract term. The Offeror must agree to adhere to operational standards that ensure the well-being and development of children in their care. This includes policies on discipline, education, health care, and emotional support.

The Offeror shall provide all personnel, supervision, facility provisioning, equipment, supplies, transportation, services, administrative support, and other resources necessary to provide the services described herein. The Offeror shall perform all services in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, licensing standards, accreditation requirements, policies, and procedures.

The Offeror shall be responsible for the operation and management of the programs established pursuant to this RFP and shall maintain sufficient staffing and resources necessary to provide safe, effective, trauma-informed services.

The Offeror shall accept all referrals from MDCPS unless one of the following applies:

1. Admission would exceed licensed capacity.

2. The referred youth requires a level of care (psychiatric or medical) that the facility is not licensed or clinically equipped to provide.

3. Admission would violate state, federal or licensing requirements.

3.1.1 Offeror Responsibilities

The Offeror is responsible for:

• Program operations

• Staffing

Page | 18

•…