RFP #2027-2000-0046 SUD Trtmnt Svcs WCC.pdf

STATE OF ALASKA

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS

OFFERORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN THIS FORM.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOU RECEIVED THIS SOLICITATION FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA’S

“ONLINE PUBLIC NOTICE” WEB SITE, YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER

LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS. FAILURE

TO CONTACT THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER MAY RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER.

ISSUED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

PRIMARY CONTACT:

ALLAN OYAO

PROCUREMENT OFFICER

ALLAN.OYAO@ALASKA.GOV

(907) 269-5910

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD)

TREATMENT SERVICES

WCC, KENAI, AK

RFP 2027-2000-0046

ISSUED DATE: JULY 13, 2026

mailto:allan.oyao@alaska.gov

STATE OF ALASKA – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP 2027-2000-0046

SUD TREATMENT SERVICES (WCC)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFERORS WITH DISABILITY

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

SEC. 1.12 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.13 NEWS RELEASES

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SECTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK & CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK

SEC. 3.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

SEC. 3.03 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 3.04 DELIVERABLES

SEC. 3.05 REQUIRED CONDUCT

SEC. 3.06 DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 3.07 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 3.08 CONTRACT TYPE

SEC. 3.09 PROPOSED PAYMENT PROCEDURES

SEC. 3.10 PROMPT PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

SEC. 3.11 CONTRACT PAYMENT

SEC. 3.12 LOCATION OF WORK

SEC. 3.13 SUBCONTRACTORS

SEC. 3.14 JOINT VENTURES

SEC. 3.15 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

SEC. 3.16 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

SEC. 3.17 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

SEC. 3.18 CONTRACT CHANGES - UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

SEC. 3.19 SECURITY BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES

SEC. 3.20 INVESTIGATION AND LITIGATION

SEC. 3.21 RECORDS

SEC. 3.22 RESEARCH

SEC. 3.23 TRANSITION AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

SEC. 3.24 RIGHT TO AUDIT RECORDS

SEC. 3.25 FORMAT OF REPORTS AND DATA

SEC. 3.26 NONDISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

SEC. 3.27 INDEMNIFICATION

SEC. 3.28 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 3.29 SECURITY SPECIFICATION

SEC. 3.30 SERVICE DEFICIENCY CLAIM

SEC. 3.31 TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT

SECTION 4. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

SEC. 4.01 INTRODUCTION

SEC. 4.02 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 4.03 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

SEC. 4.04 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT

SEC. 4.05 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 4.06 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 4.07 COST PROPOSAL

SEC. 4.08 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SECTION 5. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

SEC. 5.01 SUMMARY OF EVALUATION PROCESS

SEC. 5.02 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SEC. 5.03 SCORING METHOD AND CALCULATION

SEC. 5.04 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS (10%)

SEC. 5.05 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT (20%)

SEC. 5.06 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT (10%)

SEC. 5.07 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT (10%)

SEC. 5.08 CONTRACT COST (40%)

SEC. 5.09 ALASKA OFFEROR PREFERENCE (10%)

SECTION 6. GENERAL PROCESS AND LEGAL INFORMATION

SEC. 6.01 INFORMAL DEBRIEFING

SEC. 6.02 ALASKA BUSINESS LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIRED LICENSES

SEC. 6.03 SITE INSPECTION

SEC. 6.04 CLARIFICATION OF OFFERS

SEC. 6.05 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS

SEC. 6.06 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 6.07 CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

SEC. 6.08 FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE

SEC. 6.09 OFFEROR NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION

SEC. 6.10 PROTEST

SEC. 6.11 APPLICATION OF PREFERENCES

SEC. 6.12 ALASKA BIDDER PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.13 ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.14 STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS

SEC. 6.15 QUALIFIED OFFERORS

SEC. 6.16 PROPOSAL AS PART OF THE CONTRACT

SEC. 6.17 ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SEC. 6.18 HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SEC. 6.19 RIGHT OF REJECTION

SEC. 6.20 STATES NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARATION COSTS

SEC. 6.21 DISCLOSURE OF PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 6.22 ASSIGNMENT

SEC. 6.23 DISPUTES

SEC. 6.24 SEVERABILITY

SEC. 6.25 SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SEC. 6.26 SOLICITATION ADVERTISING

SEC. 6.27 FEDERALLY IMPOSED TARIFFS

SECTION 7. ATTACHMENT

SEC. 7.01 ATTACHMENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services at Wildwood Correctional Complex in Kenai, Alaska.

The successful offeror will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working within the correctional institutions to provide substance use disorder screenings, assessments, and evidence-based treatment programs.

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, has established a firm budget for this contract. Funds are limited, and negotiations may be necessary depending upon the cost proposal submitted. Approval or continuation of a contract resulting from this RFP is contingent upon legislative appropriation and programmatic needs.

Payment for the contract is subject to funds already appropriated and identified.

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be received no later than 2:00 PM prevailing AKST on August 7, 2026, as indicated by postmark or email timestamp, and late proposals will not be considered.

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

In order for offers to be considered responsive, offerors must meet these minimum prior experience requirements:

• The offeror must be qualified to provide substance use disorder treatment services within the State of Alaska prior to contract award. To be qualified to provide substance use disorder treatment in Alaska, the offeror must possess a Department Approval Certificate from the Department of Health

- Division of Behavioral Health (DOH) as outlined in 7 AAC 70.030.

An offeror shall produce the DOH certificate within 3 business days of the department’s request. Offeror's unable to submit an approved DOH certificate within the time required will cause their proposal to be considered non-responsive, and their proposal will be rejected.

An offeror's failure to meet these minimum prior experience requirements will cause their proposal to be considered non-responsive and rejected.

Minimum Staffing Qualifications:

All staff working under this contract must hold a Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) full approval designation from the Department of Health (DOH), Division of Behavioral Health (DBH). If a staff member does not have a QAP full approval designation, they must have provisional approval as a QAP from DOH DBH and submit the SUD Training Plan to the department for approval prior to beginning any work under this contract. Regardless of QAP designation, all contract staff are subject to approval by the Chief Mental Health Officer or designee.

In addition to the QAP designation, individual roles must have the following experience and/or education:

1. Coordinator:

a. Experience: Administrative and supervisory experience, skills, and abilities. Coordinators must be experts in substance use disorders and their treatment and have demonstrated experience applying their knowledge.

2. SUD Counselor

a. Experience: Experience and knowledge of substance use disorders and their treatment.

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

Offerors should carefully review this solicitation for defects and questionable or objectionable material.

Comments concerning defects and questionable or objectionable material should be made in writing and received by the procurement officer at least ten days before the deadline for receipt of proposals. This will allow time for the issuance of any necessary amendments. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective proposal and exposure of the offeror's proposals upon which an award could not be made.

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE OF PROPOSALS

All questions must be in writing and directed to the procurement officer. The interested party must confirm telephone conversations in writing. The deadline for receipt of questions is July 27, 2026.

Two types of questions generally arise. One may be answered by directing the questioner to a specific section of the RFP. These questions may be answered over the telephone. Other questions may be more complex and may require a written amendment to the RFP. The procurement officer will make that decision.

Procurement Officer: Allan Oyao – Phone: (907) 269-5910 – Email: allan.oyao@alaska.gov

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

Do not submit through IRIS Vendor Self-Services (VSS).

If submitting a hard copy proposal, Offerors must submit one hard copy of their proposal to the procurement officer in a sealed package. The cost proposal included with the package must be sealed separately from the rest of the proposal and must be clearly identified. The sealed proposal package(s) must be addressed as follows, regardless of delivery method:

Department of Corrections Division of Administrative Services

Attention: Allan Oyao RFP Number: 2027-2000-0046

RFP Title: Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services (WCC) 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1800

Anchorage, AK 99501

If submitting a proposal via email, the technical proposal and cost proposal must be saved as separate PDF documents and emailed to allan.oyao@alaska.gov as separate, clearly labeled attachments, such as

“Vendor A – Technical Proposal.pdf” and “Vendor A – Cost Proposal.pdf” (Vendor A is the name of the offeror). The email must contain the RFP number in the subject line.

The maximum size of a single email (including all text and attachments) that can be received by the state is 20mb (megabytes). If the email containing the proposal exceeds this size, the proposal must be sent in multiple emails that are each less than 20 megabytes, and each email must comply with the requirements described above.

Please note that email transmission is not instantaneous. Similar to sending a hard copy proposal, if you are emailing your proposal, the state recommends sending it enough ahead of time to ensure the email is delivered by the deadline for receipt of proposals.

It is the offeror’s responsibility to contact the issuing agency at (907) 269-5910 or by email (preferred) to confirm that the proposal has been received. The state is not responsible for unreadable, corrupt, or missing attachments.

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFERORS WITH DISABILITY

Offerors with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of communicating this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the procurement officer no later than ten days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

Amendments to or withdrawals of proposals will only be allowed if acceptable requests are received prior to the deadline that is set for receipt of proposals. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the deadline unless they are in response to the state's request in accordance with 2 AAC 12.290.

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

If an amendment is issued before the deadline for receipt of proposals, the amendment will be posted on the State of Alaska Online Public Notice (OPN) website. The link to the posting of the amendment will be provided to all who were notified of the RFP and to those who have registered with the procurement officer after receiving the RFP from the OPN.

After receipt of proposals, if there is a need for any substantial clarification or material change in the RFP, an amendment will be issued. The amendment will incorporate the clarification or change, and a new date and time will be established for new or amended proposals. Evaluations may be adjusted as a result of receiving new or amended proposals.

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

The RFP schedule set out herein represents the state’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed.

If a component of this schedule, such as the deadline for receipt of proposals, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted accordingly. All times are Alaska Standard Time.

ACTIVITY TIME DATE

Issue Date / RFP Released 7/13/2026 Deadline for Receipt of Questions 7/27/2026 Deadline for Receipt of Proposals 2:00 PM AKST 8/7/2026 Proposal Evaluations Complete 8/10/2026 Notice of Intent to Award 8/13/2026 Contract Start Date 9/1/2026

This RFP does not, by itself, obligate the state. The state's obligation will commence when the contract is approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or the Commissioner's designee. Upon written notice to the contractor, the state may set a different starting date for the contract. The state will not be responsible for any work done by the contractor, even work done in good faith, if it occurs prior to the contract start date set by the state.

SEC. 1.12 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Offerors may only submit one proposal for evaluation. In accordance with 2 AAC 12.830, alternate proposals (proposals that offer something different than what is asked for) will be rejected.

SEC. 1.13 NEWS RELEASES

News releases related to this RFP will not be made without prior approval of the project director.

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Alaska Department of Corrections offers evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, intended to reduce recidivism by equipping justice-involved individuals with the tools necessary for successful rehabilitation. These services reflect the department’s mission to offer meaningful reformative opportunities to all individuals in its care and custody. Through targeted programs and support, the department aims to prepare participants to reenter society with the skills to maintain a crime-free, pro-social lifestyle and effectively manage their substance use disorder.

SUDs are widespread among the incarcerated population, with issues often co-occurring with other mental health disorders, creating a complex web of comorbidity that complicates treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Factors contributing to the high prevalence of SUDs among justice-involved individuals include a history of trauma, mental health disorders, socioeconomic factors, and the correctional environment itself, which can be stressful and conducive to substance misuse.

In an effort to address the needs of the incarcerated population and reduce recidivism, the department has services and programs in place, including screenings, assessments, Psychoeducational (Psych-ed) programming, Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment (IOPSAT), Co-occurring Disorder (COD) IOPSAT, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT), and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). Additionally, referrals are provided to the appropriate levels of care within the community to better serve the SUD population and promote continuity of care upon release.

The services listed in this RFP are for the Wildwood Correctional Complex. Wildwood Correctional Complex (WCC), located at 10 Chugach Ave, Kenai, AK 99611, consists of a long-term sentenced facility, a pretrial facility, and a transitional program facility, and has the capacity to house approximately 475 individuals.

SECTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK & CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services (department), is soliciting a request for proposals for evidence-based substance use disorder treatment services at Wildwood Correctional Complex (WCC) in Kenai, Alaska. All services are to be provided as specified in this RFP.

These services will include screenings, assessments, referrals to treatment, release planning, the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program, and the Psycho-Educational program.

The offeror will work directly with the Institutional Probation Officers (IPOs), onsite medical and mental health department staff, and the substance use disorder (SUD) Project Manager (Anchorage Central Office) or designee. The department retains overall responsibility for establishing and monitoring contract funding and program priorities. Services will be provided in person.

The successful offeror will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will be expected to be an expert on substance use disorder treatment and make recommendations.

Offerors must propose to provide services that meet the minimum requirements in this RFP. Services in excess of those established by the department (or in excess of those approved under the finalized contract) must be approved in writing and in advance by the department.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

1. All contract staff will be required to provide screenings using the ASAM Co-Triage for all referred justice-involved individuals within the institution.

o Any individual placed on withdrawal protocols will be considered a referred individual.

2. These screenings will be performed within a group setting or on an individual basis, depending on the setting. The contractor must be present to answer questions and collect the Co-Triage once the individual has completed the form. Once completed, the contractor shall enter the results of the Co- Triage into the department’s Electronic Healthcare Record.

3. Once all referral forms are completed, the contractor shall retain a copy for the individual’s file. If the individual has completed the appropriate release form, the contractor will distribute a hardcopy to the institution contact in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

4. Based on the results of the screening, if necessary, the contractor will use motivational interviewing strategies, typically four (4) individual sessions, to focus on raising an individual’s awareness of their substance use, the potential harmful effects of that use, and encouraging positive change.

5. Brief intervention services may include, but are not limited to, feedback, goal setting, coping strategies, and identification of risk factors.

6. If the screening reveals that the recipient meets any of the circumstances identified below, the contractor will refer the recipient for an assessment while incarcerated:

a. is releasing to the community;

b. is at risk of substance use problems;

c. is substance dependent; or

d. has already received brief interventions or treatment and was non-responsive.

7. If the individual reports verbally or on the screening tool that they have had health problems related to stopping alcohol or other drugs when may include feeling sick, nausea, tremors, convulsions, delirium tremens (DT’s), or other symptoms the contractor shall report this information immediately to the nearest institutional contact such as medical staff, a correctional officer, or a probation officer.

The contractor will follow up this report with a written referral to medical as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours.

Substance Use Disorder Assessments

1. All contract staff will be required to provide assessments using the ASAM Comprehensive Assessments for all referred individuals with the purpose of determining the level of substance use disorder treatment needs based on the ASAM criteria.

2. The contractor must maintain a list of all individuals referred for an assessment and prioritize the list by release date, coordination requirements for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and legal requirements.

3. The contractor will conduct assessments on all referrals using the ASAM CONTINUUM computer-guided software. The department will provide access to this program at no cost to the contractor

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT)

The male institutional RSAT Program (program) is an ASAM Level 3.5 program. When successfully completed, this program qualifies as an approved legal system substance use disorder treatment program.

Individuals in the program are required to participate for 26 weeks, with early program completions or program extensions possible as detailed in SEC 3.06 DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The first two weeks will be spent in orientation, followed by the core treatment phase.

1. Program Length – Individuals in the program will participate for 26 weeks.

a. Week 1-2: Orientation

i. Three (3) groups per week. Each group is two (2) hours in duration

ii. One (1) individual session per individual during the course of orientation

b. Week 3-26: Core Treatment Phase

i. Ten (10) clinical groups per week. Each group is one and a half (1.5) hours in duration

ii. Five (5) supplemental groups per week. Each group is one (1) hour in duration

iii. Five (5) hours per week of milieu-specific groups

iv. Nine (9) individual counseling sessions per individual during the course of the core treatment phase.

2. Target Population - Individuals who have a SUD along with related criminal histories are appropriate for this program. The priority population will be individuals who have been screened as needing this level of substance use disorder treatment, are sentenced felons, who have a classification level of medium or higher, and who would not be successful in another program due to mental health complications. Individuals will be prioritized based on legal requirements and release date. Individuals will be eligible for the program if members of the priority population are not available.

3. Curriculum - The program curriculum will be premised upon the A New Direction and Helping Men Recover workbooks. Many groups (both in orientation and core treatment phase) will focus on a workbook and a specific exercise, or exercises, within that workbook. Supplemental evidence-based curriculum may be used with written approval from the department. The contractor shall follow the facilitator guidelines set forth in the curriculum:

a. Orientation

i. A New Direction, Module 1

b. Core Treatment Phase

i. A New Direction, Modules 2-7

ii. Helping Men Recover, Modules A-D

iii. Living in Balance, Sessions 1-33

4. Group Elements – Each of the following elements shall be incorporated into a group on a daily basis. More than once a day is not expected.

a. Daily announcements: As they relate to the functioning of the community.

b. Daily Inspiration: Using the following books: Each Day a New Beginning and Free at Last;

c. Assignments: This is a short section of the group wherein the Coordinator/Counselor outlines the expectations for the next group.

d. Community issues: This section is used to read out loud and discuss, written behavioral concerns – positive or negative.

5. Group Size – It is possible for some of these groups to break into small groups (or larger), depending on the material and exercises being covered; however, the clinical oversight and time obligations remain the contractor’s responsibility.

6. Individual Counseling Sessions – Individual counseling sessions shall focus on the individual’s workbook assignments. It is also an opportunity to address the individual’s level of progress, engagement in the program, and updates to their SUD treatment plan.

7. Peer mentors – The contractor will be responsible for the training and implementation of peer mentors within the program that will be used to assist with clients’ recovery during their treatment process. Peer support workers engage in a wide range of activities, including advocacy, linkage to resources, sharing of experience, community and relationship building, assisting with group facilitation, skill building, mentoring, goal setting, and more. Ratios of one (1) peer mentor for every 12 participants actively enrolled in SUD programming should be utilized unless approved in writing by the department. The following principles will be followed for peer mentoring:

a. Recovery-Oriented: Peer mentors help program participants identify and build strengths, and empower them to choose for themselves, recognizing that there are multiple pathways to recovery.

b. Person-Centered: Peer recovery support is personalized to align with the specific hopes, goals, and preferences of the individual served and to respond to specific needs the individual has identified.

c. Voluntary: Peer mentors do not dictate the types of services provided or the elements of recovery plans that will guide their work with peers. Participation in peer recovery support services is always contingent on peer choice.

d. Relationship-Focused: The relationship between the peer mentor and the peer is respectful, trusting, empathetic, collaborative, and mutual.

e. Trauma-Informed: Peer recovery support utilizes a strengths-based framework that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety and creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.

Psycho-Educational (Psych-Ed) Program

The Psycho-Educational (Psych-Ed) program is an ASAM Level 0.5 early intervention program.

Individuals participating in Psych-Ed will not be held in an ADOC facility for the purpose of completing the program. There are 12 sessions that encompass the program; however, each session is standalone, and an individual may choose to do some or all 12 sessions. Maximum participation in the program is encouraged by allowing individuals to voluntarily attend whichever sessions they choose. The FTE assigned shall provide Psych-Ed groups to thirty (30) individuals at a time.

1. Program Length – 12 sessions over six (6) weeks.

a. Week 1-6

i. Four (4) clinical groups per week. Each group is one and a half (1.5) hours in duration. No more than fifteen (15) individuals per group.

ii. The program will establish and follow a set schedule preapproved by the institutional contact and Chief Mental Health Officer or designee that will cover each of the twelve (12) sessions. The course will restart every six (6) weeks.

2. Target Population - Individuals who have a SUD along with related criminal histories are appropriate for this program. The priority population will be individuals who have been assessed as needing some level of substance use disorder treatment, are sentenced felons, and who have a classification level of medium or higher. Individuals will be prioritized based on legal requirements and release date. Individuals will be eligible for the program if members of the priority population are not available.

3. Curriculum - The program curriculum will be premised upon the Living in Balance workbooks.

Groups will focus on a workbook and a specific exercise, or exercises, within that workbook.

Supplemental evidence-based curriculum may be used with written approval from the department.

The contractor shall follow the facilitator guidelines set forth in the curriculum:

a. Living in Balance, Sessions 1-12

SEC. 3.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

The initial term of the contract will be from the date of award, approximately 7/1/2026, through 6/30/2027, with one (1) optional renewal term through 6/30/2028. The optional contract renewal shall be solely at the discretion of the State. All contract renewals resulting from this RFP are dependent upon the legislative appropriation of funding and programmatic needs.

• Initial Period: 7/1/2026 – 6/30/2027

• Renewal: 7/1/2027 – 6/30/2028

Unless otherwise provided in this RFP, the State and the successful offeror/contractor agree: (1) that any extension of the contract excluding any exercised renewal options, will be considered as a month-to-month extension, and all other terms and conditions shall remain in full force and effect and (2) the procurement officer will provide notice to the contractor of the intent to cancel such month-to-month extension at least 30 days before the desired date of cancellation. A month-to-month extension may only be executed by the procurement officer via a written contract amendment.

Work Shifts:

The contract staff shall work shifts that provide appropriate treatment coverage within the context of institutional guidelines and operations. The contract staff’s hours will be established by the contractor in coordination with the project manager, Chief Mental Health Officer, or designee, and institutional management. These work shifts may include morning, afternoon, evening, and/or weekend shifts depending on the needs of the department.

Work Schedule:

The current schedule provides up to four (4) FTEs. Each FTE provides services for eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week, for 52 weeks per year.

The contractor will not be required to work during Alaska State holidays. See the link to the Alaska State Holidays calendar. If the contract staff member works on a holiday, overtime shall not be billable under the contract, see below:

http://doa.alaska.gov/calendar/

The annual hourly calculations are as follows for full-time, taking into consideration the hours not worked during state-observed holidays:

• Per Position (FTE): Full-time hours = billable calendar days X 8 hours per day (less observed holidays – 96 hours) = 1,984. The department will pro-rate years with more or less than 1,984 hours.

http://doa.alaska.gov/calendar/

The table below does not include screening and assessment responsibilities.

Program # FTE Program Capacity

Est. Length of Program Est. served/year

Coordinator 1 n/a n/a n/a

RSAT 2 24 26 weeks 48

Psych-Ed 1 30 6 weeks 260

SEC. 3.03 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Each of the individual programs described in the SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK shall include the following:

Cultural Relevance:

The program and services offered must be culturally relevant to Alaska Natives and other racial and ethnic minority groups.

Program Milieu:

Program milieu is a treatment program designed to help individuals address their SUD and criminal thinking. It has a structured schedule with treatment groups and activities led by counselors. Individuals will learn problem-solving skills and cognitive behavioral skills. The program milieu contains elements of a therapeutic community, such as right living, recovery, and role modeling. However, the emphasis is on staff providing treatment interventions to motivate behavioral change instead of using peer hierarchy.

Total separation from the general inmate population is not possible or expected, but efforts will be made by the institutional staff to house programming individuals together.

These programs are guided by the following concepts:

• Right Living: Abstinence from using alcohol and drugs, following all rules, steadily participating in treatment, meeting treatment and institutional obligations, maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene, practicing honesty, caring for others’ well-being, and showing manners, respect, and dignity toward everyone. It is about being consistent, responsible, and accountable.

• Recovery: Changes in negative patterns of behavior, thinking, and feeling to develop a responsible, substance-free life. Recovery is a process.

• Role model: Each person is expected to show the behavior, attitude, and expectations of the treatment program. Role models consistently maintain positive attitudes and values. They are aware of their own behaviors, are committed to positive change, and demonstrate right living. They reach out to help others and take on additional responsibility without being asked.

The following aspects and items must be addressed when establishing and running the program:

• Treatment tools will be established to help people change their thinking and behavior. Some tools will be based more on changing the individual’s own thinking, like thinking reports, and other tools are based on helping others change, like feedback. For tools to work effectively, they need to be delivered in a positive, helpful way, and they need to be practiced often.

• An emphasis shall be placed on maintaining a strength-based approach. More time should be spent reinforcing positive behaviors as opposed to a heavy focus on punishment and criticism.

• There will be no hierarchy within the program milieu.

Program Curriculum:

The contractor shall only use the program curriculum approved by the department. The department reserves the right to change the program curriculum during the course of the contract. At no time shall the contractor introduce curriculum that has not been preapproved by the department. The contractor shall purchase, at their own expense, the program curriculum supplies and shall always maintain sufficient quantities. Curriculum may be found at the publisher’s website. The cost of the curriculum must be considered an “indirect” cost and built into the cost proposal. The purchase of curriculum is not reimbursable and may not be billed as a separate cost by the contractor

Group Size:

Clinical groups shall not exceed the capacity of 12 active individuals. It is possible for didactic/educational groups and community activities to exceed this capacity. It is possible for some of these groups to break into smaller or larger groups depending on the material and exercises being covered; however, the clinical oversight and time obligations remain the contractor’s responsibility.

Additional Activities:

Whenever possible, and where it does not interfere with program goals and objectives, individuals will be able to participate in other classes and work assignments within the institution. In doing so, they will have the opportunity to apply newly acquired treatment knowledge and recovery skills in the larger community.

They will also have access to other necessary support services such as religious programs, education, mental health, and medical services.

Release Planning:

The contractor must address the use of specific post-discharge resources such as community-based substance use disorder continuing care services, elders, supportive family members, Office of Children’s Services, Tribal Courts, Social Services, sponsors/mentors, Talking Circles, and AA/NA. Many of the individuals who graduate from the program will transition into rural and remote villages where there is a scarcity of support services available. The contractor must make appropriate attempts to transition individuals into the support services that are available. The contractor shall work actively with community providers to facilitate individuals in accessing these services.

The contractor shall assist individuals, in conjunction with the individual’s Probation Officer and other associated department programs, in planning for continuity of care in their home communities. Release planning will depend on the needs of the individual. The contract staff must be familiar with state-approved and state-funded treatment programs that use a sliding fee scale for services. They must develop referrals for safe housing, medical assistance, education, vocational training, employment, and other needs. All attempts must be made to transition individuals into appropriate, sobriety-supporting services available in their community.

SEC. 3.04 DELIVERABLES

Contractors are required to deliver substance use disorder treatment services tailored to the incoming and existing incarcerated population:

1. Screenings, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT):

a. All referred individuals will be screened within five (5) working days

b. If a positive screening indicates that an individual requires intervention, then the SBIRT interventions are to be initiated within 24 hours or the next business day, whichever occurs first.

c. For individuals placed on a withdrawal protocol:

i. Initial visit: The contractor must meet with the individual within 48 hours or the next business day, whichever occurs first. The initial visit contact must be completed even if the individual is removed from the withdrawal protocol

ii. Follow-up visit: If the individual was non-responsive or declined services, the contractor must follow up with the individual within 72 hours of the initial visit.

2. Substance Use Disorder Assessments:

a. All referred individuals will be assessed within five (5) business days.

b. At minimum complete eight (8) assessments per week.

i. In the event there are more than eight assessment referrals in a week, the contractor must make all attempts to complete additional assessments, maintain an assessment waitlist, and submit a plan to minimize assessment wait times.

ii. In the event there are less than eight assessments or referrals in a week, the contractor must document this in the SUD Monthly Narrative and explain the reasoning.

c. Within five (5) working days of the assessment interview, the contractor will share the level of care results from the assessment with the referrer and place referrals for appropriate treatment depending on the results of the assessment.

3. Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT):

a. Provide ASAM Level 3.5 RSAT services as outlined in SEC 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK and maintain program capacity of 24 active participants total.

i. The contractor shall anticipate vacancies in the core treatment phase by starting individuals in orientation prior to a core treatment phase slot becoming vacant.

b. All program documentation is completed as outlined in SEC. 3.06 DOCUMENTATION

AND REPORTING

c. Each individual admitted to the program shall participate in 26 weeks of programming before program completion

i. Any early program completions or program extensions are documented as outlined in SEC. 3.06 DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING

4. Psycho-Educational (Psych-Ed) Program:

a. Provide psycho-educational programming as outlined in SEC 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK and maintain consistent programming. If program participation is below capacity, the FTE assigned to this program is still required to perform other SUD services to meet deliverables.

i. The contractor shall make efforts to maintain program capacity and work to encourage program participation.

b. All program documentation is completed as outlined in SEC. 3.06 DOCUMENTATION

AND REPORTING

5. Documentation & Data Management:

a. Maintain accurate patient records in the correctional Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

b. Record applicable documentation after each encounter.

c. Ensure timely documentation consistent with professional standards and department policies.

6. Monthly Deliverables:

a. At the end of each month, the contractor shall submit the ADOC SUD Monthly Census Report Form and ADOC Monthly Narrative to the Chief Mental Health Officer or designee within five (5) working days following the end of the month as outlined in SEC. 3.06

DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING

7. Compliance & Professional Standards:

a. Adhere to state and federal regulations, including:

i. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) reporting requirements.

ii. HIPAA, 42 CFR, and local inmate confidentiality rules.

iii. Facility policies regarding inmate interactions and security constraints.

8. Maintain credentials and qualifications for staff:

a. Minimum certification: Qualified Addiction Professional designation approval from DOH

DBH

b. Verification of background checks and ongoing competency requirements.

9. Staffing and Scheduling:

a. Provide qualified substance use disorder professionals.

b. Ensure the availability of personnel according to contract terms.

c. Submit SUD Contractor Hiring Request Form and all applicable documentation per contract requirements for all contract staff.

10. Reporting and Quality Assurance:

a. Submit invoices with detailed service breakdowns to ensure accurate reimbursement.

b. As needed, participate in performance measurement:

i. Track outcomes such as treatment engagement and participation

ii. Periodic review of services by correctional behavioral health management or external auditors

c. Report unusual behavior, incidents, and progress according to policy.

11. Special Deliverables (Based on Facility Needs):

a. Participation in facility-wide SUD initiatives, including peer mentor training.

b. Participate in all department-required training, including but not limited to suicide prevention training, EHR training, or other training identified by the department.

SEC. 3.05 REQUIRED CONDUCT

Staffing Coverage:

The contractor shall ensure the constant presence of sufficient staff and treatment space (where applicable) to provide the services listed at the approved site in order to ensure that there is minimal wait time for assessments and treatment services and shall monitor staff vacancies to ensure treatment services to individuals are not canceled, postponed, or rescheduled. The contractor shall notify the project manager and the institutional contact within one (1) working day of any treatment services scheduled for individuals that have been postponed, canceled, or rescheduled.

If an assigned FTE Coordinator or Counselor is not available due to vacancy, leave, or training, the use of a temporary floating counselor is encouraged and is billable under the hourly rate of the position the floating counselor is filling in. A floating counselor may be used to conduct work under the contract scope at the department’s discretion if the total number of hours and cost of the contract is not exceeded per fiscal year. Floating counselors must meet the minimum qualifications of the position they are filling, as outlined in the SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS, and be approved by the department as outlined in SEC 3.16 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

Dress Code:

All individuals working under this contract are required to adhere to DOC Policy and Procedure 202.11 Dress Code for Support Staff Assigned to an Institution.

Physical Aspect of the Program:

The programs will be conducted within a correctional institution. Contract staff offices and the space available for program use will be at the discretion of the facility Superintendent. Every attempt will be made to accommodate the program’s specific needs.

The contractor will be expected to become knowledgeable about security issues and protocols within their assigned institution. Additionally, contract staff will be required to attend an orientation presented by the institution; they will be provided guidelines regarding regulations, including program decorations and amenities.

Coordination Requirements:

1. These programs and services are a collaborative project between the contractor and the department's staff. It is vital that communication and consultation between the contract staff and department staff are ongoing.

2. Contract staff will be required to meet monthly with the project manager, probation staff, and additional department staff identified by the Chief Mental Health Officer or designee. This meeting may include program status, challenges, and problem-solving strategies. Additional meetings to address specific program needs or issues will be held as needed.

3. In the interest of security, all contract staff are prohibited from divulging any confidential security information to individuals.

4. The institutional contact is the contractor’s primary source of support and connection with, and within, the institution.

5. The contractor will work to educate the correctional staff about the substance use disorder program and services. The contractor will also encourage involvement where needed.

6. It is required that the contractor keep the project manager and institutional contact informed of any changes to the regular work schedule, such as calling in sick, vacation, appointments outside the facility, or resignation notice.

SEC. 3.06 DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall use the following department-specific documents and processes in order to meet the contract reporting requirements.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT):

• The contractor shall use the following form(s): ASAM Co-Triage

• The screening is to be filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record.

• The contractor is required to complete the screening within five (5) working days of receiving the referral. The contractor must also record the referral and results on the ADOC SUD Monthly Census Report.

• If a positive screening indicates that an individual requires intervention, then the SBIRT interventions are to be initiated within 24 hours or the next business day, whichever occurs first.

o Interventions must be documented utilizing the SUD Progress Note.

SUD Treatment Services Consent:

• The contractor shall use the following form(s): SUD Treatment Services Consent

• The consent form, once completed, is to be scanned and placed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record. A hard copy should also be maintained.

Release of Information (ROI):

• The contractor is to use the following form(s): DOC Policy & Procedure 807.06a Authorization for Release of Health Information

• The ROI, once completed, is to be scanned and placed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record. A hard copy should also be maintained.

SUD Assessment:

The contractor will receive a referral and, in partnership with the department staff, will prioritize referrals to determine which individual will be assessed next.

• The contractor shall use the following form(s): ASAM Comprehensive Assessment utilizing the ASAM CONTINUUM computer-guided software

• The contractor will be required to share the level of care results of the assessment with the referrer within five (5) working days of the interview with the individual.

• The contractor will be required to conduct assessments for individuals referred to the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program as soon as possible. The contractor is responsible for prioritizing individuals by release date and legal requirements.

• The contractor must also record the referral and results on the ADOC SUD Monthly Census Report.

• The assessment is to be filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record.

SUD Program Contract:

After the assessment and prior to the individual beginning the initial orientation group, the contractor is required to review the SUD Program Contract with the individual and have them initial and sign as indicated.

• The contractor is to use the following form(s): ADOC SUD Program Contract.

• The program contract is to be filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record.

Notice of Request/Refusal:

When a treatment space becomes available, an individual who is not court-ordered to treatment will be provided with an ADOC Notice of Request/Refusal Form for Non-Court-Ordered Individuals. If the individual is court-ordered, the individual will be provided the DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04d Prisoner Notice of Court-Ordered Treatment form. Once completed, a copy of the notice is to be given to the IPO and filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record.

SUD Progress Notes:

Each formal contact that the contractor has with the individual must be documented within the department’s EHR.

• The contractor is to use the following forms: SUD Progress Note

• Formal contact includes, but is not limited to, initial and follow-up contacts for those placed on withdrawal protocol, and individual counseling sessions.

• The documentation must be clear and concise and will focus on the individual’s progress in treatment. Additionally, any significant event should be documented using this note.

SUD Group Notes:

Each group session that the contractor holds must be documented within the department’s EHR.

• The contractor is to use the following forms: Group Note specific to the program and curriculum

• The documentation must be clear and concise and will focus on the exercises and topics addressed in the session.

SUD Treatment Plan:

Every individual who is active in a treatment program must have a treatment plan. The treatment plan should be periodically reviewed during the course of treatment to determine if progress is being made on treatment goals.

• The contractor is to use the following form(s): SUD Treatment Plan.

• All individuals must have a treatment plan completed within 14 days of admission to the program.

• The reports are to be filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record.

Warning Regarding Program Participation:

It is the responsibility of the contract staff to work with the individual to encourage and help ensure compliance. If the individual’s behavior has risen to the level that it is impeding the other individuals’ ability to receive benefits from the program, then additional steps must be taken. These steps may include a written warning as outlined in the department DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04 Removal from Rehabilitation Programs.

• The contractor is to use the following form(s): DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04a Warning Regarding Program Participation; and SUD Progress Note

• The purpose of a written warning is to make the individual aware of their behavior and how it affects their own treatment and the treatment of others. The form outlines what changes are needed in order to maintain program compliance, and it serves as a warning prior to program discharge.

• Once completed, a copy of the written warning is to be given to the individual, the IPO, and filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record attached to an accompanying SUD Progress Note.

Notice of Removal:

If an individual is having difficulty maintaining program compliance and a written warning is unsuccessful in bringing the individual into compliance, or if their behavior is too egregious to warrant the written warning step, the final option may be removal from the program. When an individual is removed from the program due to disruptive or non-compliant behavior (administrative discharge), the contractor must complete the DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04b Notice of Intent to Remove from Program form as outlined in DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04 VII Procedures: C. Removal from court-ordered treatment programs.

• The contractor is to use the following form(s): DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04b Notice of Intent to Remove from Program; if necessary, DOC Policy & Procedure 808.04c Notice of Temporary Suspension; and SUD Progress Note

• A copy of the notice is to be given to the individual, the IPO, the project manager, and filed in the individual’s electronic healthcare record, attached to an accompanying SUD Progress Note

• If an individual is administratively discharged from the program, it is possible for them to reapply after a minimum of thirty (30) days and only then if their behavior demonstrates a willingness to engage in, and comply with, the demands of the program.