RFP+325-25-810-056.docx

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIVISION

600 E BOULEVARD AVE, DEPT 325

BISMARCK, ND 58505

Solicitation Number: 325-25-810-056

Solicitation Type: Request for Proposal (RFP)

RFP Title: Recovery Housing Assistance Program

Issued: August 4, 2025

Purpose of RFP: North Dakota’s Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Division, is soliciting proposals from Recovery Housing agencies to provide recovery housing for eligible individuals in early recovery from a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Procurement Officer: Lacresha Graham

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION ONE

Introduction and Instructions

1.03 RFP Schedule

1.04 Assistance to Individual with a Disability

1.05 Secretary of State Registration Requirements

1.06 Bidders List Registration

1.07 Notice Provided

1.08 Pre-Proposal Conference or Site Inspection

1.09 Deadline for Submission of Questions and Objections

1.010 Amendments to the RFP

1.011 Proposal Submission Instructions

1.012 Proposal Receipt Deadline – Late Proposals Rejected

1.013 Proposal Opening

1.014 News Releases

1.015 Attempt to Influence Prohibited

1.016 Collusion Prohibited

1.017 Specifications Prepared by Non-State Personnel

1.018 Supplier Registration (Payee)

SECTION TWO

Scope of Work

2.01 Background Information

2.02 Budget

2.03 Scope of Work

2.04 Prior Experience

2.05 Location of Work

2.06 Federal and State Requirements

SECTION THREE

General Contract Information

3.06 Supplemental Terms and Conditions

3.07 Contract Approval

3.08 Contract Changes – Unanticipated Amendments

3.09 Taxes and Taxpayer Identification Number

3.010 Proposed Payment Procedures

3.011 Contract Personnel

3.012 Right to Inspect Place of Business

3.013 Inspection & Modification – Reimbursement for Unacceptable Services

SECTION FOUR

Proposal Format and Content

4.01 Proposal Format and Content

4.02 Introduction

4.03 Understanding the Driving Principles

4.04 Program Design and Service Delivery

4.05 Staff and Training

4.06 Operational Capacity

4.07 Administrative Capacity

4.08 Policies and Procedures

4.09 Experience and Qualifications

4.010 Required Enclosures

SECTION FIVE

Award and Proposal Evaluation

5.01 Award

5.02 Responsiveness

5.03 Proposal Evaluation

5.04 Understanding the Driving Principles

5.05 Program Design and Service Delivery

5.06 Staff and Training

5.07 Operational Capacity

5.08 Administrative Capacity

5.09 Policies and Procedures

5.010 Experience and Qualifications

SECTION SIX

Standard Proposal Information

6.01 STATE Not Responsible for Preparation Costs

6.02 Conflict of Interest

6.03 Offer Held Firm

6.04 Amendments to Proposals and Withdrawal of Proposals

6.05 Alternate Proposals

6.06 Subcontractors

6.07 Joint Ventures

6.08 Disclosure of Proposal Contents and Compliance with North Dakota Open Records Laws

6.09 Right of Rejection

6.010 Clarification of Proposals - Discussions

6.011 Best and Final Offers

6.012 Preference Laws

6.013 Negotiations

6.014 Notice of Intent to Award – Offeror Notification of Selection

6.015 Protest and Appeal

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Dynamics Provider Portal Overview Attachment B – Eligibility Requirements Attachment C – Sample Purchase of Service Agreement Attachment D – Evaluation Tool

SECTION ONE

INTRODUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONS

1.01 Purpose of the RFP

The state of North Dakota, acting through its North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Division (STATE) is soliciting proposals from Recovery Housing agencies to provide recovery housing for eligible individuals in early recovery from SUD.

1.02 Procurement Officer Contact Information

The procurement officer is the point of contact for this RFP. All communication regarding this RFP must be directed to the procurement officer (the preferred method of communication is e-mail). Please do not add the procurement officer to any marketing distribution lists.

Procurement Officer: Lacresha Graham E-Mail: lgraham@nd.gov Phone: 701-328-8920 TTY Users Call: 7-1-1

Engaging in unauthorized communication or seeking to obtain information about an open solicitation with any state employee or official other than the responsible procurement officer or designee is sufficient grounds for suspension or debarment. [N.D.A.C. § 4-12-05-04(7)]

1.03 RFP Schedule

This schedule of events represents STATE’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed for this RFP. If a component of this schedule, such as the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals, is delayed, the rest of the schedule will be shifted by the same number of days. The estimated RFP Schedule is as follows:

1.04 Assistance to Individual with a Disability

Contact the procurement officer, as soon as possible, if an individual with a disability needs assistance with this RFP, including any events in the RFP Schedule, so reasonable accommodations can be made.

1.05 Secretary of State Registration Requirements

The North Dakota Secretary of State has registration requirements for individuals and businesses transacting business in North Dakota. If the successful Offeror(s) is determined to have a registration requirement with the North Dakota Secretary of State, they must be registered before the contract award and registration must remain active for the duration of the contract period (N.D.C.C. § 54-44.4-09.1).

· See the OMB Guidelines to Vendor Registry for more information.

Visit the Secretary of State's Vendor Registration webpage for information on registration requirements and fees. Visit FirstStop, the Secretary of State's business and licensing software, for online form options.

· Check the Business Records database to see if a business is registered.

· Contact Secretary of State's office by email or call 701-328-2900 (choose menu item 2, then option 1).

· If you need to register, fees apply.

· Vendors may need to obtain businesses licenses. See the list of licenses required of businesses in the State of North Dakota. The link includes information on who to contact, application fees, renewal dates, and the legal reference.

1.06 Bidders List Registration

Individuals or business entities desiring to be notified of bidding opportunities may apply to be placed on the Bidders List. (N.D.C.C. § 54-44.4-09) Bidders Lists are used to notify vendors when solicitations are issued on the State Procurement Office Online system (SPO Online). Placement on the Bidders List does not guarantee a vendor will receive notice of every solicitation (N.D.A.C. § 4-12-05-01). There are no fees to register as a bidder. The online application form requests contact information for the receipt of solicitation notices. The Bidders List application and SPO Online system use commodity codes to identify categories of goods, services, and information technology.

The commodity codes used for this solicitation are: 952 – 49, 55, 59, 78

Visit the OMB website for instructions and the online Bidders List Application: Bidders List Registration Website

For assistance with Bidders List Registration, contact State Procurement Help Desk at 701-328-1728 or infospo@nd.gov.

1.07 Notice Provided

This RFP, and any related amendments and notices, will be posted on North Dakota’s OMB’s website using SPO Online. Offerors are responsible for checking this website to obtain all information and documents related to this RFP:

https://apps.nd.gov/csd/spo/services/bidder/main.htm

Select “Recent Solicitations”. Recent Solicitations are listed by close date (see Deadline for Receipt of Proposals date in Section 1.03 RFP Schedule).

Notices related to this RFP will be sent to the Bidders List for the needed commodity or service and other known potential offerors.

Offerors not having completed the Bidders List registration may request to receive notices related to this RFP by contacting the Procurement Officer, in writing, with the following information: RFP title, business name, contact person, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

This RFP will also be posted on the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services website: Solicitation Notice | Health and Human Services North Dakota

1.08 Pre-Proposal Conference or Site Inspection

No pre-proposal conference or site inspection will be held for this RFP.

1.09 Deadline for Submission of Questions and Objections

Offerors should carefully review this RFP, including all attachments. Offerors may ask questions to obtain clarification and request additional information, or object to material in the RFP. Questions and objections must be submitted to the procurement officer, in writing, by the deadline identified in the RFP Schedule. The procurement officer may elect to respond to questions received after the deadline.

Questions and objections should include a reference to the applicable RFP section or subsection. Email is the preferred method of submission with the RFP number cited in the email subject line.

Responses to questions will be distributed as a Solicitation Amendment, unless the question can be answered by referring the offeror to a specific section of the RFP.

1.10 Amendments to the RFP

If an amendment to this RFP is issued, it will be provided to all offerors on the Bidders List for the solicitation and to those prospective offerors who have contacted the procurement officer to receive notices related to the RFP. An offeror shall include in its proposal any required acknowledgements of amendments to the RFP.

1.11 Proposal Submission Instructions

UPLOAD RESPONSE THROUGH THE STATE PROCUREMENT ONLINE SYSTEM (SPO ONLINE):

Offeror must electronically submit proposals through the State Procurement Office Online system (SPO Online) by the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE “LAST MINUTE” TO SUBMIT A RESPONSE. It is recommended that proposals be uploaded 24 hours prior to the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals.

Offeror must begin the electronic submission process well in advance of the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals to allow for transmission and resolution of any technical difficulties. Be advised that the STATE is not responsible for an offeror’s failure to timely submit a proposal due to any technical difficulties. If you experience any technical difficulties contact the Procurement Officer or the State Procurement Office at infospo@nd.gov or 701.328.2740.

If documents are in the process of being uploaded when the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals occurs, the upload process will stop. The attempted submission will not be uploaded successfully and is ineligible for consideration. The STATE takes no responsibility for electronic submissions that are captured, blocked, filtered, quarantined, or otherwise prevented from uploading by any anti-virus or other security software.

1. This solicitation is posted on SPO Online at: https://apps.nd.gov/csd/spo/services/bidder/main.htm

2. Select “Recent Solicitations” and find this solicitation. Solicitations are listed by close date.

3. Use “Upload Response” to upload a maximum of five (5), clearly labeled documents before the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals provided in the RFP Schedule.

4. Offeror must upload their Technical Proposal.

5. The maximum file size allowed is 50mb per file.

6. There is a 50-character file name limitation for the document being uploaded.

7. There is a 75-character limit in the TITLE field within SPO Online.

8. All SPO Online field entries must be alphanumeric. Dashes and underscores are allowed; however, the system DOES NOT accept other special characters, such as apostrophe, & symbol, quotation marks, etc..

9. DO NOT submit documents that are embedded (zip files), movies, wmp, encrypted, or mp3 files.

10. Offeror will receive an email confirmation from infospo@nd.gov that the upload response was received including the “File Description” for the uploaded files. Review this email to ensure all files were successfully uploaded. If offeror DOES NOT receive an email confirmation, the upload was NOT successful, and the files will need to be uploaded again. If offeror does not receive an email confirmation after the reattempt, contact the Procurement Officer or the State Procurement Office at infospo@nd.gov or 701.328.2740.

Visit https://www.omb.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/doing-business-with-the-state/procurement/spo-electronic-response-external-job-aid.pdf for the SPO Electronic Response Job Aid which describes how to submit an electronic response.

1.12 Proposal Receipt Deadline – Late Proposals Rejected

An offeror is responsible for ensuring its proposal is received by STATE prior to the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals identified in Section 1.03 RFP Schedule. A Solicitation Amendment will be issued if this deadline is changed. An offeror may contact the procurement officer to inquire whether its proposal has been received. Offerors assume the risk of the method of dispatch chosen. STATE assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any delivery service. Postmarking by the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals shall not substitute for actual proposal receipt by STATE. Proposals delivered late will be rejected pursuant to N.D.A.C. § 4-12-08-13.

1.13 Proposal Opening

This is a formal sealed RFP process. Proposals will be secured and held unopened until the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals. A public opening will not be held.

1.14 News Releases

An offeror shall not make any news releases related to this RFP without prior approval of the procurement officer.

1.15 Attempt to Influence Prohibited

Offerors must not give or offer to give anything to a state employee or official anything that might influence, or appear to influence, procurement decisions. Suspected attempt to influence will be handled in accordance with N.D.A.C. § 4-12-04-05.

1.16 Collusion Prohibited

Offerors must prepare proposals independently, without collusion. Suspected collusion will be handled in accordance with N.D.A.C § 4-12-04-06.

1.17 Specifications Prepared by Non-State Personnel

When a purchasing agency has specifications prepared by someone other than a state employee or official on behalf of the STATE, that person or business entity must be excluded from submitting bids or proposals in accordance with N.D.A.C. § 4-12-06-06.

1.18 Supplier Registration (Payee)

The successful offeror(s) will be required to complete Supplier Registration, if not already registered as a Supplier. Any individual or business who will be receiving payment from a state agency or higher education institution must complete a registration process to collect important financial and taxpayer information. Payments are generally made by check or automatic clearing house (ACH), and taxpayer information must be collected in compliance with IRS requirements. The State and North Dakota University System (NDUS) have separate financial systems and vendor registration processes.

SECTION TWO

SCOPE OF WORK

2.01 Background Information

In 2018, the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) conducted a North Dakota Comprehensive Behavioral Health System Analysis which identified several key recommendations, some of which were to address housing needs, alongside behavioral health needs and to promote links to community-based services following crisis, inpatient, and residential treatment. During the 66th Legislative Assembly, STATE was appropriated funding to establish the Recovery Housing Assistance Program (RHAP).

RHAP was developed to provide support to individuals in early recovery who may face financial barriers in accessing recovery housing. RHAP increases access to a supportive living environment committed to best practices in recovery housing. The goals of RHAP are to increase access to supportive recovery housing and improve health and stability outcomes for individuals.

RHAP provides no more than 12 weeks of financial assistance to cover living expenses at an approved RHAP recovery residence. Payments are made directly to the provider to ensure housing stability during a critical period of early recovery. The program launched in 2022 and has served approximately 1,453 individuals since inception.

In previous years and prior to this RFP, recovery residences could apply to be a part of RHAP through an application process and signing a Recovery Housing Assistance Program (RHAP) Provider Agreement with STATE. Due to an increase in the number of qualified providers and the current budget appropriation, a competitive process is now necessary. As a result, STATE is issuing this RFP to ensure equitable access to funding, encourage high-quality service delivery, and support the continued expansion of recovery-oriented housing and services through a fair and objective selection process.

Recovery residences offer a substance-free living environment with 24/7 access to peer support, helping individuals initiate and sustain their recovery within a safe, structured, and empowering setting. For more information, see hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/recovery-housing.

Dynamics Provider Portal

STATE utilizes the established web-based Dynamics Provider Portal (Portal) for individual applications, process and outcome measures, invoices and payments, and assistance utilization.

The RHAP Portal provides participating providers with access to all information related to their accounts (business name and contacts, locations, and associated houses), as well as participant application case files (including the Application, Outcomes, and Invoice forms). An overview of the Portal can be found in the Dynamics Provider Portal Overview, attached as Attachment A, and made part of this RFP.

2.02 Budget

The budget for October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, is not to exceed $1,304,588 for all awards.

Payments will be made to providers for eligible individuals based on the following Human Service regions:

Weekly payment rates per eligible individual, listed by region:

Region 1 – $270.33 Region 2 – $176.57 Region 3 – $173.50 Region 4 – $185.50

Region 5 – $166.00 Region 6 – $175.67 Region 7 – $181.50 Region 8 – $192.50

Bed Allocation

STATE intends to enter into contracts with no more than 24 providers. It is STATE’s intent to enter into a contract with no more than three providers for each of Region I, Region II, Region III, Region IV, Region V, Region VI Region VII, and Region VIII. See North Dakota Human Service Center regional map listed above.

Maximum bed allocations are determined based on the population size of each region and will be distributed according to the following regional breakdown:

· Region 1: 6 beds

· Region 2: 10 beds

· Region 3: 4 beds

· Region 4: 9 beds

· Region 5: 24 beds

· Region 6: 5 beds

· Region 7: 17 beds

· Region 8: 5 beds

Only proposals receiving a technical score of 60 points or higher will be eligible for an award. STATE reserves the right to issue partial awards. Allocated beds in each region will be distributed based on the following:

· Rank 1: No more than 60% of the total beds allocated for the region

· Rank 2: No more than 25% of the total beds allocated for the region

· Rank 3: No more than 15% of the total beds allocated for the region

These percentages are subject to adjustment based on the number of qualifying proposals received within each region.

STATE’s expectation is that all proposals will be priced at the weekly payment rates listed above with the maximum bed allocation for the region an offeror is submitting a proposal for and, therefore, cost will not be a component of the evaluation criteria.

2.03 Scope of Work

The goal of this RFP is to secure 80 Recovery Housing beds statewide to support individuals recovering from SUDs by providing safe, stable, and supportive environments that promote long-term recovery and reintegration into the community.

Offeror shall identify the region(s) it is submitting a proposal(s) for, including the physical address(es) of each service location within the specified region(s), along with the total number of beds being requested across all locations within the specified region(s). Offeror must submit a separate proposal for each individual region if an offeror chooses to submit a proposal for more than one region. An offeror’s proposal will be scored against proposals for that region only and will not be scored against proposals submitted for other regions. Each region will be awarded a separate contract(s). An offeror submitting a proposal for more than one region may or may not receive multiple awards.

The providers(s) shall ensure all service delivery under this program aligns with the following principles and requirements:

Driving Principles

· Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. The four major dimensions that support a life in recovery include health, home, purpose, and community.

· Individuals in early recovery often find themselves needing to make changes in their living environments, social activities, employment, and sometimes family connections, and may not have financial means to make these changes. Recovery housing helps individuals find a safe place, compassionate people, and a life full of purpose that doesn’t involve substances.

· The foundation of effective working relationships is through honest and trust-based communication. By their communications and actions, providers should demonstrate that the individual being served is valued and respected. Judgmental and authoritative approaches shall be avoided.

· Positive outcomes are achieved when all aspects of services utilize a recovery-oriented approach prioritizing person-centered, individualized, trauma-informed, and strength-based care.

· Effective care seeks to recognize and respond to trauma experienced by those being served. Trauma is often a common precursor to mental health and substance use conditions.

· Recovery Houses emphasize quality, integrity, and participant safety, focusing on peer support, housing stability, financial self-sufficiency, and long-term wellness.

· Addiction is a chronic condition, and a person’s recovery may include an acute exacerbation of addiction. Policies requiring immediate discharge based on an acute return to use are not recovery-oriented.

· Recovery services shall prioritize the use of peer support specialists or staff with lived experience to build trust, foster engagement, and model recovery and resilience.

· Certified Peer Support Specialists deliver high-quality, recovery-oriented support that reflects best practices and aligns with the values of dignity and respect.

· Participants who are actively involved in decision-making and are encouraged to take ownership of their recovery tend to have higher success rates. This is especially true in supportive, inclusive, and structured environments that promote accountability and personal growth.

Program Design and Service Delivery

The provider(s) shall recognize that a brief return to use may be a part of an individual’s recovery process. Discharge from the program shall not be based solely on a single episode of substance use. Policies and procedures must support a recovery-oriented approach prioritizing continued engagement, support, and re-engagement following a brief return to use, when appropriate.

The provider(s) shall ensure all program participants have access to a safe and comfortable living environment, including a reasonable amount of personal space per individual. Participants shall have unrestricted access to bathrooms, kitchens, and all shared common areas in accordance with program policies and applicable housing standards.

The provider(s) shall permit all participants to access and use medications that have been legally prescribed to them and shall not require, coerce, or encourage participants to reduce or discontinue the use of such medications. This includes any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications for SUD or mental illness.

The provider(s) shall allow individuals to access and participate in the treatment program of their choice without restriction. Recovery Houses affiliated with a treatment program shall not require participants to attend their treatment program.

The provider(s) shall ensure participants have access to overdose reversal medication. This medication shall always be maintained on site and readily accessible in a clearly designated area. Upon completion of the program, participants shall be informed of ways to independently obtain the medication.

The provider(s) shall provide participants the option to continue residency after the conclusion of their 12 weeks of RHAP participation.

The provider(s) shall ensure access to reliable and equitable transportation services to reduce barriers to participation in employment, healthcare, and recovery activities.

The provider(s) shall demonstrate a commitment to ethical service delivery by rejecting all forms of patient brokering or unethical referral arrangements. Recovery housing admissions shall be based solely on the needs and consent of the individual, without financial incentives, kickbacks, or referral fees.

The provider(s) shall provide a smoke-free environment, with the option to establish designated outdoor smoking areas in compliance with local and state laws.

The provider(s) shall provide evidence-based wrap-around support by assisting participants in obtaining mainstream benefits and accessing social services, employment programs, and community-based resources that promote long-term stability and recovery.

The provider(s) shall support participants in developing financial planning and budgeting skills to foster independence and long-term self-sufficiency.

Staff and Training

The provider(s) shall ensure all team members are trained and knowledgeable on community-based resources, including, but not limited to, SUD Voucher, Community Connect, Free Through Recovery, Medicaid 1915(i), 211, 988, and RHAP, and, as appropriate, provide referrals.

The provider(s) shall ensure that all staff members involved in program delivery receive, at a minimum, initial and ongoing training in the following areas to support high-quality, recovery-oriented care:

Recovery-Oriented Principles and Practices

· Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC)

· Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Working Definition and Principles of Recovery

· Stages of Recovery and Relapse Prevention

· Trauma-Informed Care

· Substance Use Disorders 101

· Motivational Interviewing

· Social Determinants of Health

· Person-Centered Care Approaches

Safety and Crisis Response

· Overdose Prevention and Response

· Naloxone (Narcan) Administration

· Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

· Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Techniques

· First Aid and CPR Certification

· Mental Health First Aid

· Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Ethics and Legal Compliance

· Professional and Peer Support Ethics

· Mandated Reporter Training

The provider(s) shall maintain documentation of all completed staff training and ensure that training is reviewed and updated on an annual basis to support continued staff competency and compliance.

The provider(s) shall utilize Certified Peer Support Specialists or a person with lived experience who will become a Certified Peer Support Specialist within six months of involvement with the agency as part of the program’s staffing model.

The provider(s) shall participate in training and technical assistance as requested by STATE.

Operational Capacity

The provider(s) shall not impose or collect any fees from participants at any point during their enrollment in the program. This includes, but is not limited to, application fees, service fees, or participation-related charges. The only exception to this requirement is for fees that are explicitly structured to be fully refunded to the participant upon discharge. Any such refundable fees shall be documented and returned in full upon program exit.

The provider(s) shall assist individuals in completing and submitting RHAP funding applications as outlined in the Portal Overview (see Attachment A).

The provider(s) shall inform all participants of the appeals process in the event of a denied application. This information shall be communicated clearly and made readily available to ensure participants understand their rights and the procedures for requesting a review.

The provider(s) shall notify STATE within 24 hours of any significant or newsworthy incidents, including, but not limited to, incidents related to the program, associated houses, occurrences on the properties, or involving individuals connected to the program. A significant or newsworthy event refers to any occurrence that may impact the operations, reputation, funding, service delivery, participant safety, or regulatory compliance of the provider or the program itself.

The provider(s) shall understand and adhere to the eligibility criteria established for RHAP participants as outlined in the Eligibility Requirements document, attached as Attachment B, and made part of this RFP.

The provider(s) shall be responsible for ensuring verification documentation is submitted with the application according to the instructions in the Eligibility Requirements document (see Attachment B).

The provider(s) shall not solicit or hire individuals receiving services through the program for personal purposes, nor solicit or accept volunteer labor or services for personal use from program participants.

The provider(s) shall ensure there is no duplication of funding during participant enrollment in the program.

Administrative Capacity

The provider(s) shall collect and report baseline and conclusion participant in accordance to the Portal Overview (see Attachment A).

The provider(s) shall ensure only authorized personnel have access to data systems used for submission of any information and shall implement data security protocols in accordance with federal and state regulations.

The provider(s) shall understand that failure to provide complete and accurate data may result in delayed or denied reimbursement for services rendered.

The provider(s) shall update STATE on any program changes that may impact the provider’s participation in the RHAP.

The provider(s) shall disclose immediately any investigations, audits, or legal actions involving their organization or if their organization status becomes not in good standing within five business days.

The provider(s) shall notify STATE within five business days of any change in program contact information.

The provider(s) shall permit STATE to conduct audits and inspections, including access to the premises, review of provider, personnel, and participant records, observation of program operations, interviews with staff and participants, and shall submit any requested documents by STATE.

Policies and Procedures

The provider(s) shall maintain and implement robust safety policies and procedures for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking, ensuring these are grounded in trauma-informed practices.

The provider(s) shall have a clearly defined operational framework that includes: a mission and philosophy aligned with recovery-oriented principles, structured integration with community-based services, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers. This framework shall ensure a safe, supportive, and recovery-focused living environment.

The provider(s) shall maintain a written policy that outlines participants' rights to request and receive reasonable accommodation. The policy shall ensure equal access to housing and services for individuals with disabilities and shall include clear procedures for reviewing, responding to, and implementing accommodation requests in a timely and nondiscriminatory manner.

The provider(s) shall maintain comprehensive written policies and procedures that address key operational areas, including, but not limited to:

· House rules and resident rights;

· Physical and emotional safety;

Cconfidentiality;

· Compliance with local, state, and federal housing codes and safety standards;

· Admissions and discharges;

· Drug testing protocols (if applicable);

· grievance and appeals processes;

· Emergency procedures, including actions following incidents such as overdose (fatal or non-fatal) and suicide;

· Fee structures;

· Participant feedback mechanisms; and

· Data collection practices.

The provider(s) shall maintain documentation that policies are reviewed and updated on an annual basis to support continued staff competency and compliance. While the provider is required to develop, implement, and share these policies upon request, STATE does not review or formally approve internal policies and procedures.

The provider(s) is solely responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of its internal policies, service delivery, and associated documentation. STATE neither approves nor endorses any agency policy or practice. The collection of these documents by STATE is solely for the limited purpose of verifying that such policies have been implemented and reviewed by relevant staff within your agency. Submission of these documents shall not be construed as acceptance, approval, or assumption of any oversight responsibility by STATE. The provider retains full accountability for adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

The provider(s) shall establish and maintain documented procedures for the storage, access, and use of naloxone in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.

2.04 Prior Experience

Offerors shall currently operate an established recovery house. For this RFP, an "established recovery house" is defined as a home that:

· Is fully compliant with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations; and

· Actively provides recovery support services to individuals at the time of proposal submission.

Offerors who do not meet this requirement may be deemed non-responsive and may not be considered for the award.

2.05 Location of Work

STATE will not provide workspace for the successful offeror(s).

The successful offeror(s) shall provide office space, supplies, telecommunication equipment, computer, and any necessary software or other supplies to carry out the scope of work.

2.06 Federal and State Requirements

An offeror shall identify all known federal and state requirements that apply to the proposal, the evaluation, or the contract(s) to be entered as a result of this RFP.

SECTION THREE

GENERAL CONTRACT INFORMATION

3.01 Contract Term, Extension, and Renewal Options

STATE intends to enter a contract effective October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

STATE may extend the contract period for an additional period of time, not to exceed 12 months, beyond the normal expiration date of the contract, upon mutual written agreement by both parties.

The contract(s) resulting from this RFP may be renewed upon satisfactory completion of the initial contract term. STATE reserves the right to renew the contract(s) for up to two additional periods, each period of renewal being for up to 24 months, upon written agreement by both parties. The contract(s) will not automatically renew. STATE will provide written notice to the successful offeror(s) of its intent to renew this contract at least 30 days before the contract’s expiration date. The estimated dollar amount for renewal options is dependent upon legislative appropriation. STATE and successful offeror(s) may revise the weekly payment rates for each renewal option.

3.02 Contract Type

A contract(s) resulting from this RFP is a Firm Fixed Price. Successful offeror(s) will be required to hold the price firm for the contract period, except as otherwise provided in the contract(s).

3.03 Standard Contract Provisions

The successful offeror(s) will be sent a contract to sign and return to STATE. The successful offeror(s) shall comply with the contract provisions set out in the “Sample Purchase of Service Agreement” document, attached as Attachment C, and made a part of this RFP. An offeror may state any objections or propose changes or additions to the Sample Purchase of Service Agreement. Describe the changes to the contract being proposed or provide a red-line of STATE’s Sample Purchase of Service Agreement. Offerors are not to submit their own contract or standard terms and conditions with their proposals. Offerors should address the specific language in the attached Sample Purchase of Service Agreement and submit any proposed changes with an offeror’s proposal.

North Dakota procurement statutes, rules, and policies allow some negotiation of the terms and conditions. No changes to the terms and conditions will be permitted without prior written approval from STATE.

3.04 Proposal as a Part of the Contract

Part or all of this RFP and the successful offerors’ proposal may be incorporated into any contract resulting from this RFP.

3.05 Additional Terms and Conditions

STATE reserves the right to add, delete, or modify terms and conditions during contract negotiations. These terms and conditions will be within the scope of the RFP and will not affect the proposal evaluations.

3.06 Supplemental Terms and Conditions

A proposal that includes supplemental terms and conditions may be accepted, but acceptance of the proposal does not constitute acceptance of supplemental terms and conditions that conflict with those contained in this RFP or that diminish STATE's rights under any contract resulting from the RFP. STATE reserves the right to consider these types of terms and conditions null and void. STATE is not responsible for identifying conflicting supplemental terms and conditions before issuing a contract award. After award of contract(s):

· if conflict arises between a supplemental term or condition included by the offeror in its proposal and a term or condition of the RFP, the offeror agrees that the term or condition of the RFP will prevail; and

· if the result of the application of a supplemental term or condition included in the proposal would diminish STATE's rights, the supplemental term or condition will be considered null and void.

3.07 Contract Approval

This RFP, by itself, does not obligate STATE. STATE’s obligation will commence when it signs the contract but not earlier than the contract start date. Upon written notice to the successful offeror(s), STATE may set a starting date for a contract(s) resulting from this RFP, which is different from the Contract Start Date set out in Section 1.03 RFP Schedule and Section 3.01 Contract Term, Extension, and Renewal Options. STATE is not responsible for reimbursing the successful offeror(s) for any work, even work done in good faith, if the work occurs prior to the contract start date set by STATE.

3.08 Contract Changes – Unanticipated Amendments

During the course of a contract(s) resulting from this RFP, the successful offeror(s) may be required to perform additional work due to a legitimate unforeseen circumstance. That work will be within the general scope of the initial contract. When additional work is required, STATE shall provide the successful offeror(s) a written description of the additional work and request the successful offeror(s) to submit a proposal for accomplishing the additional work. The successful offeror(s) shall not begin the additional work until STATE has approved the additional work and signed a written contract amendment.

3.09 Taxes and Taxpayer Identification Number

The successful offeror(s) shall provide STATE with a valid Vendor Taxpayer Identification Number as a provision of the contract(s) resulting from this RFP.

STATE is not responsible for and will not pay itemized local, state, or federal taxes. Purchases of tangible personal property made by a state government agency is exempt from sales tax. STATE’s sales tax exemption number is E-2001, and STATE will furnish certificates upon request. The state tax exemption number should not be used by the successful offeror(s) in the performance of the contract(s) resulting from this RFP.

STATE will determine if services provided under the contract(s) resulting from this RFP are 1099 reportable. STATE may require the successful offeror(s) to submit an IRS Form W-9.

A vendor performing any contract, including service contracts, for the United States Government, state of North Dakota, counties, cities, school districts, park board, or any other political subdivisions within North Dakota is not exempt from payment of sales or use tax on materials, tangible personal property, and supplies used or consumed in carrying out contracts. In these cases, the vendor is required to file returns and pay sales and use tax just as required for contracts with private parties. Contact the North Dakota Tax Department at 701-328-1246 or visit its website at https://www.nd.gov/tax/tax-resources/ for more information.

A vendor performing any contract, including a service contract, within North Dakota is also subject to the corporation income tax, individual income tax, and withholding tax reporting requirements, whether the contract is performed by a corporation, partnership, or other business entity, or as an employee of the vendor. In the case of employees performing the services in the state, the vendor is required to withhold state income tax from the employees' compensation and remit to the state as required by law. Contact the North Dakota Tax Department at 701-328-1248 or visit its website for more information.

3.10 Proposed Payment Procedures

STATE will issue payment within 30 days after receipt of the request for reimbursement and required reporting, except that no payment will be made until the reimbursement and reporting have been approved by STATE.

STATE will not make any advance payments before performance of services by the successful offeror(s) under a contract(s) resulting from this RFP.

3.11 Contract Personnel

STATE must approve any change of the successful offerors’ project team members named in the proposal, in advance and in writing. Personnel changes that are not approved by STATE may be grounds for STATE to terminate the contract(s).

3.12 Right to Inspect Place of Business

At reasonable times, STATE may inspect those areas of the successful offerors’ place of business which are related to the performance of a contract(s) resulting from this RFP. If STATE makes an inspection, the successful offeror(s) must provide reasonable assistance.

3.13 Inspection & Modification – Reimbursement for Unacceptable Services

The successful offeror(s) is responsible for the completion of all work set out in a contract(s) resulting from of this RFP. All work is subject to inspection, evaluation, and approval by STATE. STATE may employ all reasonable means to ensure that the work is progressing and being performed in compliance with a contract(s) resulting from this RFP.

If STATE determines that corrections or modifications are necessary for performance of a contract(s) resulting from this RFP, STATE may direct the successful offeror(s) to make changes. The successful offeror(s) will not unreasonably withhold changes.

Substantial failure of the successful offeror(s) to perform a contract(s) resulting from this RFP may cause STATE to terminate a contract. If STATE terminates a contract(s) resulting from this RFP because the successful offeror(s) fails to perform the contract, STATE may require the successful offeror(s) to reimburse monies paid (based on the identified portion of unacceptable work received) and may seek associated damages.

SECTION FOUR

PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

4.01 Proposal Format and Content

STATE discourages overly lengthy proposals. For STATE to evaluate proposals fairly and completely, offeror shall follow the format set out in this RFP and provide all information requested. If an offeror submits more than one proposal, each proposal must be prepared in accordance with these instructions.

Each proposal will include a technical proposal prepared in accordance with these instructions. Offeror must submit a separate proposal for each individual region.

4.02 Introduction

Proposals must include the complete name and address of offeror’s firm and the name, email address, mailing address, and telephone number of the person STATE should contact regarding the proposal.

An offeror shall identify that it operates an established recovery house. For this RFP, an “established recovery house” is defined as a home that is fully compliant with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations; and actively provides recovery support services to individuals at the time of proposal submission.

Proposals must identify the region the offeror is submitting a proposal for, including the physical address of each service location within the specified region, along with the total number of beds being requested across all locations within the specified region.

Offerors are instructed to review Section 6.02 Conflict of Interest. If the firm, its employees, or subcontractors working on the contract have an apparent or actual conflict of interest, provide a statement disclosing the circumstances of the apparent or actual conflict of interest. Otherwise, provide a statement that your firm, employees, and subcontractors do not have a conflict of interest.

Offerors are instructed to review Section 6.08 Disclosure of Proposal Contents and Compliance with North Dakota Open Records Law. An offeror shall provide a statement indicating that their proposal does not contain any confidential information or make a written request to hold confidential any trade secrets and other proprietary data contained in their proposals.

Proposals must confirm that the offeror will comply with all provisions in this RFP. Proposals must be signed by an individual with authority to bind the offeror. By signing the cover letter, an offeror certifies that it complies with:

J) a condition that the offeror, or any individual to be working for the offeror on the contract resulting from this RFP, does not have an undisclosed possible conflict of interest (e.g. employed by the state of North Dakota).

If an offeror fails to comply with this paragraph, STATE reserves the right to reject the proposal. If the offeror who is awarded the contract(s) resulting from this RFP fails to comply with this paragraph, STATE also reserves the right to terminate the contract(s) or consider the successful offeror(s) in default.

4.03 Understanding the Driving Principles

An offeror shall describe how all service delivery under this program aligns with the Driving Principles outlined in Section 2.03 Scope of Work.

4.04 Program Design and Service Delivery

An offeror shall describe their plan to recognize that a brief return to use may be a part of an individual’s recovery process. Discharge from the program shall not be based solely on a single episode of substance use. Policies and procedures must support a recovery-oriented approach, prioritizing continued engagement, support, and re-engagement following a brief return to use, when appropriate.

An offeror shall demonstrate an understanding that all program participants must be provided with access to a safe and comfortable living environment. This includes ensuring each individual has a reasonable amount of personal space and unrestricted access to bathrooms, kitchens, and all shared common areas, in alignment with established program policies and applicable housing standards.

An offeror shall describe how they will permit all participants to access and use medications that have been legally prescribed to them and shall not require, coerce, or encourage participants to reduce or discontinue the use of such medications. This includes any FDA-approved medications for SUD or mental illness.

An offeror shall detail the approach they will use to ensure individuals can access and participate in the treatment program of their choice without restriction and shall not require participants to attend their treatment program.

An offeror shall identify the methods and protocols in place to ensure that overdose reversal medication (e.g., naloxone) is available for participant use. This includes maintaining the medication on-site in a designated area where it is always readily accessible in case of an emergency. The offeror shall also describe how participants are informed, upon program completion, of how to access or obtain overdose reversal medication independently.

An offeror shall affirm they will provide participants the option to continue residency after the conclusion of their 12 weeks of RHAP participation.

An offeror shall demonstrate their ability to ensure access to reliable and equitable transportation services that reduce barriers to participation in employment, healthcare, and recovery activities.

An offeror shall affirm their commitment to ethical service delivery by outlining how they will prohibit patient brokering and unethical referral arrangements.