RFP IBEH 2027000057 Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH).docx

Request for Proposals Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)

RFP IBEH 2027000057

September 23, 2026 Basic Information and Timeline

Tuesday, September 29 · 12:00 – 1:00pm Time zone: America/Denver Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wcc-aepu-qqd Or dial:

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/wcc-aepu-qqd?pin=9766478496152

Thursday, October 29 · 2:15 – 2:35pm Time zone: America/Denver Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tat-czfv-yux Or dial:

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/tat-czfv-yux?pin=5483691800078

All dates and times are subject to change and are in Mountain Time.

Colorado Department of Human Services Solicitation Number: 2027000057 Division of Contracts and Procurement (v. 03/26) Page 1 of 2

A. Quick Resources

1. For questions about this solicitation, contact the Single Point of Contact identified above.

2. For help with Vendor Self Service (ColoradoVSS), contact the Vendor Self Service Help Desk vsshelp@state.co.us or 303-866-6464.

3. For information about doing business with the state of Colorado generally, go to: https://osc.colorado.gov/spco/accesscolorado.

4. The Department is always interested in improving. Please take this survey at any time: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIgv9lgrT3x5AGzcvT1xkvpucrRhhN5QJ23vLcbyfvc2smaw/viewform.

(We do actually read the responses)

B. Introduction and Background The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is committed to improving the health, resilience, and well-being of Coloradans through accessible, person-centered behavioral health services. BHA administers programs that support individuals experiencing serious mental illness (SMI), co-occurring substance use disorders (COD), and housing instability through coordinated, community-based services that promote recovery and improve access to care.

BHA is seeking qualified organizations to implement the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Program in accordance with applicable federal requirements, SAMHSA requirements, and the Statement of Work (Exhibit A). Through this solicitation, BHA intends to award contracts to organizations demonstrating the experience, capacity, and community partnerships necessary to provide outreach, engagement, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, or who are at imminent risk of homelessness, and who have serious mental illness, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders.

The PATH Program was established under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-645), subsequently reauthorized by Section 9004 of the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255), and most recently reauthorized by Section 1218 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328). PATH is authorized under Sections 521 through 535 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 290cc-21 through 290cc-35) and is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). The program provides funding to support community-based services for individuals, ages 18 years or older, with serious mental illness (SMI), including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD), who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness.

The purpose of Colorado’s PATH Program is to support outreach, engagement, and access to services that reduce or eliminate homelessness among eligible individuals by connecting participants to behavioral health services, housing-related supports, and other community resources.

The awarded Contractor(s) shall provide and/or coordinate PATH-allowable services, including outreach, engagement, screening, diagnostic services, case management, habilitation and rehabilitation services, behavioral health services, referrals, staff training, and other services identified in Exhibit A, Statement of Work.

In accordance with SAMHSA PATH Program requirements, the Colorado PATH Program shall support the following goals:

· Enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of homelessness, who have serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders; and

· Improve coordination among behavioral health providers, housing organizations, healthcare providers, and other community partners serving individuals experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of homelessness.

The awarded Contractor(s) shall establish and maintain partnerships with relevant community organizations to support coordinated service delivery, participant engagement, and connections to appropriate services.

PATH services are intended to provide outreach and supportive services to individuals who may not otherwise access traditional behavioral health services due to the challenges associated with homelessness and serious mental illness. The awarded contractor(s) shall perform all services in accordance with applicable federal PATH requirements, State policies, reporting requirements, and Exhibit A, Statement of Work, this RFP, the Contract Terms & Conditions, and all exhibits contained with the final contract.

Eligible Organizations Offerors shall be eligible entities authorized to receive PATH funding in accordance with Section 522(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 290cc-22(a)) (https://www.congress.gov/101/statute/STATUTE-104/STATUTE-104-Pg4673.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Eligible Offerors include:

1. Political subdivisions of the State, including local governments and local governmental agencies such as

a. counties

b. municipalities

c. cities

d. towns

e. local governmental agencies

f. local public behavioral health authorities

g. county health departments

2. An Indian Tribe;

3. Private nonprofit organizations;

4. Community-based nonprofit organizations; or

5. Community-based veterans organizations.

The selected Contractor(s) shall provide PATH services in accordance with applicable federal PATH program requirements, SAMHSA guidance (https://www.samhsa.gov/communities/homelessness-programs-resources/grants/path?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and the requirements identified in Exhibit A, Statement of Work.

Allowable Use of PATH Funds This solicitation is funded through the federal Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Program administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The awarded contractor(s) shall comply with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, grant requirements, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1), and the resulting Contract.

Housing Services Funding Limitation: No more than twenty percent (20%) of federal PATH funds allocated to the State may be expended for eligible housing services. The Contractor(s) shall track and maintain documentation of housing-related expenditures sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this limitation.

Food Expenses: Food may be an allowable necessary expense for individuals receiving SAMHSA-funded mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment services when the expense is directly related to the PATH program, reasonably necessary to accomplish program outcomes, and otherwise allowable under applicable federal requirements. Such expenses shall not exceed $10.00 per person per day and shall comply with all applicable federal award requirements.

Allowable uses of PATH funds include, but are not limited to:

· Outreach and engagement;

· Screening and diagnostic services;

· Case management and service coordination;

· Referrals and linkage to behavioral health, housing, benefits, healthcare, employment, and other community services;

· Housing-related assistance and supportive services, as permitted under the PATH program;

· Transportation to access eligible services; and

· Data collection, reporting, and other required program administration activities.

PATH funds shall not be used for:

· Costs that are already reimbursed or otherwise funded by another source for the same service, activity, or expense (supplanting or duplicate funding);

· “Supplanting” is defined as replacing funding of a recipient's existing program with funds from a state, federal, or local funding. PATH funding may not replace funding that was already supporting an existing activity/program.

· “Duplicate funding”: Two funding sources are paying for the same project/activity/cost. For example, if a project/activity/cost is reimbursable by Medicaid, it may not also be reimbursed by funding received under this grant.

· Inpatient psychiatric treatment or inpatient substance use disorder treatment;

· Emergency shelter operations;

· Direct cash payment to PATH participants;

· Purchase of property or construction activities, except as expressly authorized by the applicable federal award;

· Construction or capital improvements, unless expressly authorized;

· Lease of space beyond the approved contract period or use of leased space for activities unrelated to the PATH program, unless otherwise authorized;

· Entertainment, alcoholic beverages, lobbying, charitable contributions, or other unallowable costs under federal regulations;

· Services provided to individuals who do not meet PATH eligibility requirements;

· Prohibited harm reduction activities identified in applicable SAMHSA requirements or guidance, including the SAMHSA Dear Colleague Letter (https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dear-colleague-letter-executive-order-ending-crime-disorder-americas-streets-07302025.pdf) applicable to the PATH Program;

· Supporting “Housing First” policies that fail to ensure accountability and fail to promote treatment, recovery, and self-sufficiency; or

· Any other costs or activities prohibited by applicable federal law, the applicable Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO); (NOFO release is anticipated in early 2027), SAMHSA requirements, or the resulting Contract.

Federal Funding Requirements PATH-funded expenditures shall comply with applicable federal and state requirements. The selected Contractor(s) shall maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable PATH requirements, 2 CFR Part 200, and the Contract. The Contractor(s) shall ensure PATH funds supplement and do not supplant other available funding sources and are not used to duplicate payment or reimbursement for the same service, activity, or cost. The Contractor(s) shall maintain required fiscal and programmatic documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable federal requirements.

PATH-Specific Funding Limitations: No more than twenty percent (20%) of federal PATH funds allocated to the State may be expended for eligible housing services. The Contractor(s) shall track and maintain documentation sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this limitation.

Federal Executive Orders and Policy Requirements: All activities funded under the Contract shall comply with applicable federal statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, SAMHSA requirements, and other federal award conditions identified in the applicable NOFO. The Contractor(s) shall ensure that proposed and funded activities remain consistent with applicable federal requirements throughout the Contract period.

The number and value of awards are subject to the availability of funds and will be determined based on the quality of proposals and BHA's determination of best value.

BHA reserves the right to determine whether proposed costs are reasonable, necessary, allocable, allowable, and adequately supported in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200, applicable PATH requirements, and the resulting Contract.

Required Matching Funds Pursuant to federal PATH program requirements (42 U.S.C. 290cc-23), the PATH grant requires a non-federal match of at least $1 for every $3 of federal funds awarded (a 33.33% match of federal funds).

BHA does not allocate state-level funds for match, subrecipients are required to satisfy the full non-federal match requirement across the total state grant allocation. As a result, each applicant must commit to providing a non-federal match equal to 36% of their requested federal subaward amount.

· Match Types: Match may consist of local public or non-federal cash, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both.

· Concurrent Expenditure: Matching funds must be spent and reported concurrently with federal funds throughout the project period.

· Allowability: All matching contributions (cash or in-kind) must support allowable PATH activities and serve PATH-eligible participants.

Example Calculation:

· Federal PATH Subaward Requested: $100,000

· Required Subrecipient Match: $36,000

· Total Subrecipient Program Budget: $136,000

C. How to Submit a Proposal

1. In General. Email the proposal, Signature Page, and any other required documents in one zip file as an attachment to this email address: RFP_IBE.rdgpxe7um6izop0n@u.box.com. Please be aware of email server file size limitations. The maximum file size the Department can accept is 15 GB.

2. Only Attachments. Only the zip file goes through. The Department cannot see any text or messages sent to the email address identified above. Written questions may be emailed to the Single Point of Contact.

3. File Names. The zip file name should start with the solicitation type, solicitation number, and vendor name (e.g., “RFP, 2027000XXX, Vendor Name…”). Vendors may include additional information in the zip file name.

4. Timing. The zip file typically uploads within five minutes; however, vendors should submit zip files at least thirty minutes prior to any deadline to ensure the file is received.

5. Confirmation. Vendors will receive an email confirmation from box.com that the zip file was uploaded correctly. If not, please contact the Single Point of Contact.

6. No Encryption. Do not encrypt emails sent to the submission email as it may prevent full submission.

7. Pre-bid Conference. There will be an optional pre-bid conference. Recording of the pre-bid conference will be posted alongside the Q&A document.

8. Questions. Vendors may submit questions by email to the Single Point of Contact prior to the Questions Due Date identified in the Basic Information and Timeline above. The Department may answer some, all, or none of the questions asked by posting them publicly.

9. Late Proposals will not be accepted unless specifically allowed by rule and at the Department’s sole discretion.

D. Proposal Format

1. Maximum Length and Font Size. Proposals should not exceed fifteen (15) pages, using either Trebuchet or Arial in 12 point font. The Department may evaluate proposals negatively if this page/font limits are not followed.

2. Please structure your response by listing each Demonstration title as a heading above your corresponding answer. Responses should clearly address all requested information identified under each Demonstration and provide sufficient detail for the Evaluation Committee to assess the Offeror's qualifications and proposed approach.

3. Complete and return Section K. Signature Page.

E. Proposal Content The information provided in this section will be used to determine the Offeror's eligibility, qualifications, experience and ability to successfully perform the services described in Exhibit A – Statement of Work (SOW).

Offerors should respond to each requirement below.

1. Proposal Response

a. Mandatory Criteria (Pass/Fail). Offerors shall demonstrate that they meet all mandatory eligibility requirements identified in this section. Failure to demonstrate compliance with any mandatory requirement may result in the proposal being determined non-responsive and ineligible for further evaluation.

I. Demonstration 1 - Eligible PATH Provider Organization - The Offeror shall demonstrate that it is eligible to receive PATH funding as a public organization, Indian Tribe, or nonprofit private entity in accordance with Section 522(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 290cc-22(a)) (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%28title%3A42+section%3A290cc-22+edition%3Aprelim%29&utm_source=chatgpt.com). The Offeror shall demonstrate organizational eligibility under at least one of the following categories:

i. A political subdivision of the State, including local governments and local governmental agencies;

ii. An Indian Tribe; or

iii. A nonprofit private entity, including:

a. Private nonprofit organizations;

b. Community-based nonprofit organizations; or

c. Community-based veterans organizations that are organized as nonprofit entities.

iv. Documentation: The Offeror shall provide documentation demonstrating eligibility under the applicable category. Documentation types may include official government documentation, tribal documentation, IRS determination letter, state nonprofit registration records or other official organizational registration documentation establishing the Offeror’s legal status or eligibility under the applicable category.

b. Preferred Criteria. Offerors should demonstrate their organizational experience, qualifications, capacity, and proposed approach to successfully deliver PATH services. Responses will be evaluated and scored based on the criteria below:

I. Demonstration 2: Outreach and Engagement Capacity and Approach (20%). Please describe your organization's proposed approach to conducting outreach and engagement activities for individuals experiencing homelessness, or who are at imminent risk of homelessness, including individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or co-occurring substance use disorders (COD). Please address:

i. Experience conducting outreach and community-based engagement;

ii. Outreach strategies and methods used to identify and engage individuals who are not connected to traditional behavioral health services;

iii. Outreach locations and community settings where services will be provided;

iv. Strategies for engaging individuals with significant barriers to accessing services;

v. Methods for building trust, maintaining engagement, and supporting enrollment into PATH services;

vi. Coordination with outreach teams, behavioral health providers, housing providers, healthcare providers, and other community partners during outreach activities.

II. Demonstration 3: Community Need, Geographic Area, and Service Delivery Approach (5%). Please describe the geographic area your organization proposes to serve and demonstrate an understanding of the local need for PATH services. Please address:

i. The proposed service area, including whether it is rural, frontier, urban, or a combination of geographic settings;

ii. Population and community characteristics relevant to PATH service delivery;

iii. The need and demand for PATH services within the proposed service area based on the most recent Point in Time data;

iv. Barriers affecting individuals experiencing homelessness, or who are at imminent risk of homelessness;

v. How outreach, engagement, and other PATH services will be adapted to meet the needs of the proposed geographic area and population.

III. Demonstration 4: Experience Serving the PATH Target Population (15%). Please describe your organization's experience providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of homelessness, including individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or co-occurring substance use disorders (COD). Please address:

i. Description of populations served, including any experience serving veteran populations experiencing homelessness, if applicable;

ii. Geographic area served;

iii. Length of experience providing similar services;

iv. Types of services provided;

v. Approximate number of individuals contacted, enrolled in PATH, and who are literally homeless who will be served annually;

vi. Experience administering PATH or other federally, state, or locally funded community-based behavioral health or homelessness programs.

IV. Demonstration 5: Service Delivery Model and Coordination of Care (15%). Please describe your organization's proposed service delivery model for providing and/or coordinating the PATH services identified in Exhibit A, Statement of Work. Please address:

i. Which PATH services your organization will provide directly;

ii. Which PATH services will be coordinated through community partners, referral networks, or other qualified providers;

iii. Your approach to providing case management and supportive services;

iv. Your approach to coordinating behavioral health services, housing-related services, healthcare, and other community resources;

v. Referral processes and follow-up activities;

vi. How your organization will ensure continuity of care and participant access to required PATH services.

V. Demonstration 6: Community Partnerships and Collaboration (10%). Please describe your organization’s existing and/or planned partnerships that support successful PATH service delivery. The Offeror should describe all partnerships that are relevant to the proposed service delivery model, including partnerships in the following categories:

i. Behavioral health partnerships;

ii. Housing and homelessness service partnerships;

iii. Healthcare partnerships; and/or

iv. Other community resources supporting PATH participants.

The Offeror should also describe how these partnerships support coordinated service delivery, referrals, and continuity of care.

Please provide a minimum of one (1) letter of support from a community partner with whom your organization will collaborate with to provide these services. The letter of support should not be included in the page count.

VI. Demonstration 7: Organizational Capacity (10%). Please describe your organization's capacity to successfully implement the PATH program. Please address:

i. Organizational structure;

ii. Resources available to support program implementation, including existing administrative capacity, infrastructure, staffing, outreach resources, and other organizational resources currently available to support PATH or similar services, and how PATH funding will be used to support or enhance those resources;

iii. Administrative and operational capacity;

iv. Experience managing grants or contracts of similar size and scope;

v. Approach to ensuring program oversight and contract compliance.

vi. Experience managing multiple funding sources, including processes for coordinating funding requirements, allocating costs appropriately, and preventing duplication of costs or services.

vii. Internal controls or financial management practices used to ensure PATH funds are managed in accordance with applicable federal requirements, BHA requirements, and the Statement of Work.

VII. Demonstration 8: Staffing Capacity and Qualifications (10%). Please describe your organization’s proposed staffing model for delivering PATH services. Please include:

i. Key staff roles and responsibilities;

ii. Staff qualifications and relevant experience;

iii. Training and professional development approach;

iv. Supervision and quality assurance structure.

v. Recruitment and retention strategies, including the organization’s approach to recruiting, retaining, and maintaining qualified staff needed to deliver PATH services.

VIII. Demonstration 9: Data Management and Quality Improvement Approach (5%). Please describe your organization’s approach to maintaining accurate participant records, reporting PATH data, and monitoring program performance. Please include:

i. HMIS experience or similar data system experience;

ii. Data quality monitoring processes;

iii. Reporting responsibilities;

iv. Approach to using data to improve service delivery.

IX. Demonstration 10: Experience with PATH or Similar Federal/State-Funded Programs (5%). Please describe your organization’s experience administering PATH or similar federally or state-funded community-based programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health needs. Please include:

i. Program name and funding source;

ii. Services provided;

iii. Population served;

iv. Reporting requirements managed

v. Organizational experience and understanding of PATH match requirements, including any experience providing and documenting eligible matching funds on other state or federally funded projects and the Offeror’s proposal on how matching funds will be provided by the applicant to support the proposed PATH-funded activities.

vi. Whether your organization currently receives funding from additional sources for the proposed project or substantially similar activities. If so, please describe:

a. How the proposed PATH-funded activities will constitute a separate project or distinct scope of services from other funded activities, and

b. How funding sources and expenditures will be separately tracked and monitored to prevent duplication or supplanting of funds.

2. Cost Proposal (5%). Offerors should submit their budget using the BHA Exhibit B – “FY27 BHA Cost Reimbursement/Match Budget.” Cost Requirements. Offerors should submit their budget using the BHA Exhibit B – “FY27 BHA Cost Reimbursement/Match Budget”. The cost proposal should clearly demonstrate how BHA funds will be used to support the implementation, administration, and evaluation of the PATH Program, as described in Exhibit A – Statement of Work (SOW).

a. Cost Proposal Instructions. Offerors should:

I. Complete all required calculations without modifying the formulas provided in BHA’s Exhibit B – “FY27 BHA Cost Reimbursement/Match Budget” II. Clearly explain how each proposed cost supports the activities and deliverables identified in Exhibit A – Statement of Work.

III. Identify the Offeror’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate or the 15% de minimis indirect cost rate, if applicable.

i. Provide the Offeror’s Federally Negotiated Rate Letter, if applicable IV. Offerors should use the BHA Exhibit B – “FY27 BHA Cost Reimbursement/Match Budget” exactly as provided and should not modify the structure or formulas.

b. Budget Narrative Requirements -Please complete the 2. External Vendor Budget tab on the BHA Exhibit B – “FY27 BHA Cost Reimbursement/Match Budget”. For each budget line item, the Offeror should provide a narrative describing how the requested funds support the activities identified in Exhibit A – Statement of Work. At a minimum, the budget narrative should address:

I. Outreach and Engagement.

II. Case Management and Supportive Services.

III. Housing Services.

IV. Program Coordination and Administration.

V. Data Collection and Reporting, including staff time and activities necessary to meet PATH Data Exchange (PDX) and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) requirements.

VI. Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement Activities.

VII. Required match contributions (36% of federal request) VIII. The budget narrative should also include:

i. How costs were calculated (e.g., staff hours × hourly rate; unit costs for materials or services) and narrative to support how the costs and activities align with the approved goals and objectives of this grant.

ii. The source(s) of funds supporting the proposed activities, including non-Federal matching cost-share funds, if applicable. In accordance with Section 523 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (Public Law 101-645: https://www.congress.gov/101/statute/STATUTE-104/STATUTE-104-Pg4673.pdf), Offerors should identify the source and amount of non-Federal contributions proposed to support PATH-funded activities. Non-Federal contributions may be provided through cash or in-kind contributions, including allowable donations of plant, equipment, or services, when fairly evaluated and documented in accordance with applicable requirements. Offerors should describe how the proposed non-Federal contributions support the activities and deliverables identified in Exhibit A – Statement of Work and demonstrate compliance with the applicable PATH matching requirements.

iii. Justification that proposed costs are reasonable, allowable, and necessary to accomplish PATH Program deliverables.

iv. Any additional cost-related information that supports the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed program implementation.

c. Funding Coordination Requirements - Offerors receiving funding from multiple sources for related activities should describe how funding sources will be coordinated to prevent duplication of costs and ensure compliance with applicable PATH requirements.

I. The Offeror should:

i. Clearly explain how the requirements of each funding source will be coordinated to avoid conflicts.

ii. Affirm that compliance with BHA award requirements will be maintained and that other funding sources will not create conflicts with PATH requirements.

iii. Notify BHA in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of the Notice of Intent (NOI) if the Offeror intends to withdraw from the award due to funding conflicts and prior to award execution.

d. Maximum Award Amount I. The maximum award amount for a single Offeror under this solicitation is up to $500,000 per year and a required match of 36%.

II. For joint or partnership applications, the maximum award amount is up to $500,000 per fiscal year and a required match of 36%. Partnership budgets should clearly demonstrate how funding will be distributed among all participating entities and how each partner’s role supports implementation of PATH Program requirements.

III. Partnership Offerors should designate one entity to serve as the fiscal agent, responsible for contract management, financial oversight, invoicing, reporting, and compliance with all BHA requirements.

IV. Partnership Offerors should clearly outline their roles, responsibilities, and associated costs within the budget narrative and application materials, ensuring traceability of funds to specific program activities.

V. A joint partnership is a formal agreement between two (2) or more eligible organizations to collaboratively deliver PATH Program services. The agreement should clearly identify the fiscal agent and describe the roles and responsibilities of each participating organization.

VI. The subaward budget should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate anticipated costs, including personnel, fringe, and direct program costs. This ensures transparency and alignment with Colorado procurement standards.

e. Additional Information:

Offeror Attestations. Offerors should provide an attestation confirming that, if awarded, their organization will use PATH funds only for allowable purposes identified in Section B(2) – Introduction and Background – Allowable Uses of PATH Funds and applicable federal requirements.

F. Demographic Form

1. In an effort to best comply with Colorado Procurement Code rule R-24-103-901 re maximizing opportunities, we like to gather certain voluntary demographic information from potential vendors where possible. This is entirely voluntary and does not affect an organization’s application/proposal/quote/bid or contract whatsoever in any way. It is not taken into consideration in this procurement process or reviewed by evaluators in this process. The information gathered is submitted directly to a data gathering team at CDHS who provide general statistics on outcomes and trends to CDHS Contracts & Procurement leadership on approximately a quarterly basis so that this leadership can look for ways to generally and overall maximize opportunities as described in the Code. Please fill out the following form regarding your organization’s demographic information if and to whatever extent you are willing. This is again entirely voluntary and has no impact on your potential work for the State: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/219f6db8803b4994afb9bf70e84fa421

G. How Proposals are Evaluated

1. In General. The Department will identify the proposal(s) most advantageous to the State through an objective and competitive process. A committee will review all acceptable proposals and may request more information or clarifications from any vendor. The committee will then recommend one or more proposals for award. The Single Point of Contact will notify all vendors of the final decision.

2. Mandatory Criteria. The Department may identify mandatory criteria. However, the Department reserves the right to waive mandatory requirements pursuant to Rule 24-103-301-03.

3. Evaluation Factors. The Department may evaluate proposals based on the information requested or referenced in the proposal content section, or as noted throughout the solicitation.

4. References. The Department may contact references, whether provided or not, and also consider them as part of the evaluation.

5. Standard Contracting Terms. Vendors must submit any requested changes to the attached standard CDHS Contract/PO terms and conditions and exhibits ("State Agreement Pieces") in redline with their submission. These terms are difficult to modify and the State does not guarantee acceptance of any changes, even after a notice of intent to award. Requested modifications increase risk and cost to the State, which may negatively impact any evaluation or award. Changes also significantly delay contract execution, as approvals are required from multiple State agencies (e.g., DPA, AG, OIT, CDHS). If no exceptions are noted, the Vendor accepts the State's terms as-is. A notice of intent to award does not imply acceptance of any proposed changes.

H. Ethics and Accessibility

1. Any person involved in the purchasing process for the State, any end users of such goods and services, any vendor or contractor that does business with the state, and any other interested third parties to the procurement process shall enhance the proficiency and stature of the purchasing process by adhering to the highest standards of ethical behavior.

2. Accessibility Requirements. All work performed as a result of this solicitation must comply with all applicable provisions of §§24-85-101, et seq., C.R.S., and the Accessibility Standards for Individuals with a Disability, as established by the Office Of Information Technology pursuant to Section §24-85-103 (2.5), C.R.S. and 3) all State of Colorado technology standards related to technology accessibility and with Level AA of the most current version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), incorporated in the State of Colorado technology standards.

I. Administrative Information

1. Communication. All communication regarding this solicitation must be done through the Single Point of Contact identified above. Unauthorized contact with any Department personnel other than the Single Point of Contact regarding this solicitation is prohibited and may result in disqualification.

2. Notices. The Department may modify this solicitation by posting changes via the Colorado VSS website. All communications will be posted on the VSS, www.colorado.gov/vss , and/or through a direct email from the Single Point of Contact.

3. Modifications of Proposals. Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by the vendor prior to the established proposal due date and time.

4. Public Opening. On the date and time shown above, the Department will hold a public opening pursuant to Rule 24-103-201-13. Vendors may request an accommodation to attend the public opening from the Department.

5. Presentations or Site Visits. At the Department’s sole discretion, the Department may request presentations or site visits. Vendors should not, however, prepare the proposal with the assumption that an opportunity for oral presentations or revisions will be offered.

6. Acceptance of solicitation terms. A proposal submitted in response to this solicitation shall constitute a binding offer and acknowledgment that all terms and conditions of this solicitation are accepted. Vendors must identify any variations between its proposal and the solicitation. Failure to do so shall be deemed a waiver of any rights to subsequently modify the terms of performance.

7. Contract. Vendors must agree to the State’s contract terms, found here: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/procurement or as an exhibit to this solicitation. Please note that any referenced or attached model contract lists the State’s standard required legal provisions but may not include the specific scope of work and other specific terms or requirements for this solicitation. Vendors must review any attached contract terms and note any exceptions. If no exceptions are noted, Vendor is indicating an intent to accept the terms as-is. Modifications to the State’s contract terms constitute increased risk and costs to the State. Therefore, Vendor’s noted exceptions may be considered in any evaluation.

8. Award. The Department will notify all vendors who submitted a proposal when it issues a Notice of Intent to Award. The awarded vendor(s) must act in good faith to execute an agreement on or before the Anticipated Contract Start Date identified above. If this date is not met, through no fault of the State, the State, at its sole discretion, may cancel the Notice of Intent to Award.

9. Protests. Any actual or prospective vendor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract may protest to Lauren Ingalls (email to lauren.ingalls@state.co.us), Procurement Director, Division of Contracts and Procurement, Department of Human Services. The protest shall be submitted in writing within ten business days after such aggrieved person knows, or should have known, of the facts giving rise thereto.

10. CORE Registration. Unless otherwise noted, before the Department can award to any vendor, that vendor must be registered in CORE, which can be completed through www.colorado.gov/vss.

11. EFT. Awarded vendors are encouraged to sign up for EFT transfers.

12. Secretary of State Registration. Before Contract execution, the awarded vendor must be registered to do business in the State of Colorado. If a vendor is a foreign corporation (formed under a statute or common law in a jurisdiction other than Colorado) or other foreign entity transacting business in the State of Colorado, it shall warrant that it currently has obtained and shall maintain any applicable certificate of authority to transact business in the State of Colorado and has designated a registered agent in Colorado to accept service of process.

13. System for Award Management. Before Contract execution, the awarded vendor(s) must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

14. Confidentiality. The State of Colorado is subject to the requirements of §24-72-200.1, C.R.S., et seq., Colorado Open Records Act. Anything submitted by a vendor is likely to become public information. Vendors may submit, as a part of its solicitation response, a written request for classification of certain portions of the proposal as confidential information pursuant to Colorado Procurement Code R-24-101-401-03. Material for which confidentiality has been requested shall be readily identifiable and separable from other portions of the solicitation to facilitate public inspection of the non-confidential portion of the solicitation response, if it is not, the confidentiality request will not be considered. Commingling of confidential and non-confidential information is not acceptable and any confidentiality request made in this fashion will not be considered. In no event shall an entire proposal be classified as confidential. Marking an entire proposal as confidential is a confidentiality request that will not be considered. Price information will not be considered confidential. In addition to complying with the aforementioned restrictions, in order for the confidentiality request to be considered, the vendor must include the rationale for the request to classify portions as confidential, as specified in the Colorado Procurement Code R-24-101-401-03, specifying by line which section of §24-72-204, C.R.S. is the purported authority for the requested confidentiality determination ("Confidentiality Request Justification"). The confidentiality request shall also include both a proposed redacted version and an unredacted version of the submission. The Procurement Official or his or her designee shall determine if the information identified in the Offeror’s request is exempt from disclosure in accordance with §24-72-204, C.R.S., and shall inform the Offeror in writing of his or her determination. If the Offeror does not agree with the determination, the Offeror may protest the determination in accordance with article 109 of the Colorado Procurement Code and the terms of this solicitation. Reference Procurement Rule R-24-101-401-03. A confidentiality request, even if granted, will not render any potential later mutually-negotiated contract terms confidential, as such a resulting contract would be a matter of public record.

15. Background Checks. Pursuant to C.R.S. §27-90-111 and Department policy, any vendor, and its agent(s), who has direct contact with vulnerable persons in a state-operated facility, or who provides state-funded services that involve direct contact with vulnerable persons in the vulnerable person’s home or residence, shall:

I. submit to and successfully pass a criminal background check, and II. report any arrests, charges, or summonses for any disqualifying offense as specified by C.R.S. §27-90-111 to the Department.

16. Proposal Prices. Estimated proposal prices are not acceptable. Best and final offers may be considered in determining the apparent successful vendor. Proposals shall be firm for a period of not less than 180 calendar days from the date of award.

17. Cancellation. A solicitation may be cancelled only when there are cogent and compelling reasons to believe that the cancellation of the solicitation is in the state's best interest. An award of a contract under a solicitation may be cancelled, in whole or in part, when the procurement official determines in writing that such action is in the state's best interest.

18. Costs. The Department is not liable for any cost incurred by vendors prior to any formal contract, purchase order, or other agreement. No property interest of any nature shall occur until a contract is signed by all concerned parties.

19. Proposal Rejection. The Department may reject a proposal, waive informalities, and minor irregularities, or accept any portion.

20. Tax ID. Any tax identification number provided must be that of the vendor responding to the solicitation. The vendor must be a legal entity with the legal right to contract.

21. News Releases. Vendors may not issue any news releases pertaining to this solicitation without the Department’s prior written approval.

22. Taxes. The Department is exempt from all federal excise taxes under Chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code (Registration No. 84-730123K) and from all state and local government use taxes C.R.S. §39-26-114(a). The Colorado State and Local Sales Tax Exemption Number is 98-02565. When materials are purchased in certain political subdivisions (for example - City of Denver), the vendor may be required to pay sales tax even though the ultimate product or service is provided to the State of Colorado. This sales tax will not be reimbursed by the State.

23. E-Verify. Vendors must participate in the federal E-Verify program or the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Program as required by C.R.S. §8-17.5-101.

24. Services Outside of Colorado or the United States. Vendors must disclose services performed outside of Colorado or the United States as required by C.R.S. §24-102-206.

25. Notice to NonResident Bidders. If a nonresident vendor is from a state that provides a bidding preference to vendors from that state, then a comparable percentage disadvantage will be applied to the bid of that nonresident vendor pursuant to C.R.S. §24-103-908. The vendor may obtain additional information from the department of personnel's website.

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J. Exhibit List Exhibit A - Statement of Work (SOW) (Review Only) Exhibit B – FY27 BHA Cost Reimbursement_Match Budget (Complete and Return) Exhibit C1- CDHS Original Contract Template, Terms & Conditions (Review Only) Exhibit C2 - CDHS Original Contract Template Signature and Cover (Review Only) Exhibit D - Miscellaneous Provisions (Review Only) Exhibit E - Supplemental Provisions for Federal Awards (Review Only) Exhibit F - HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAA) (Review Only) Exhibit G - PATH Grant Supplemental Provisions (Review Only)

K. Signature Page The vendor must complete and submit the Signature Page along with the bid.

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