Request For Qualifications No. DBH 25-99 for

Children’s Residential Intensive Services (ChRIS)

Joshua Dugas Acting Director Department of Behavioral Health

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Contracts Administration 550 E. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor San Bernardino, CA 92415-0026

RFQ - DBH 25-99

ePro # DBHE26-ADMN-6420

Request for Qualifications San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Title: Children’s Residential Intensive Services RFQ DBH # 25-99/ePro Bid # DBHE26-ADMN-6420 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose B. Period of Contract C. Proposal Conference D. Questions E. Correspondence F. Admonition to Proposers G. Proposal Submission Deadline H. Assistance to Proposers with a Disability

II. PROPOSAL TIMELINE

III. PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

A. Proposer B. Authorized Signatures C. Contingencies D. Term of Offer E. Required Review F. Right of Rejection G. Best Value Evaluation Process H. Amendments/Addendums to RFQ I. Proposal Submission J. Local Preference Policy K. Incurred Costs L. Public Records Act M. Clarification of Offers N. Formal Agreement O. Independent Contractor Status P. Pre-Award On-Site Visits Q. Level of Service R. Termination of Awarded Contract S. Priority Population T. Iran Contracting Act of 2010 U. Executive Order N-6-22-Russia Sanctions V. California Consumer Privacy Act W. Final Authority X. Debarment and Suspension; CA Secretary of State Business Entity Registration

IV. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (SCOPE OF WORK)

A. Definitions B. Background C. Program Description D. Target Population E. Program Considerations

V. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. General B. Indemnification and Insurance Requirements C. Right to Monitor and Audit Performance and Records

VI. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/CIVIL RIGHTS

A. Equal Employment Opportunity Program

Title: Children’s Residential Intensive Services RFQ DBH # 25-99/ePro Bid # DBHE26-ADMN-6420 ii

B. Civil Rights Compliance C. Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

VII. EMPLOYMENT OF FORMER COUNTY OFFICIALS

VIII. IMPROPER CONSIDERATION

IX. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

X. SUBCONTRACTOR STATUS

XI. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

A. General B. Proposal Presentation C. Proposal Format

XII. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION

A. Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Negotiations and Notice of Intent to Award D. Appeal and Award E. Final Authority

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Proposal Submission Checklist and Table of Contents B. ChRIS Application C. Statements of Certification D. Reportable Conditions E. Disclosures, Exceptions, and California Public Records Act Exemptions to RFQ F. Subcontractor Information G. Financial Capability H. Indemnification and Insurance Requirements Affidavit I. Reserved J. Budget Cover Page K. References Form L. Business Associate Agreement M. Local Vendor Preference Self-Certification N. Attestation Regarding Ineligible/Excluded Persons (For Reference Only) O. Data Security Requirements (For Reference Only) P. Certification Regarding Debarment or Suspension; California Secretary of State Business Entity

Registration (For Reference Only) Q. Federal Contracting Provisions

Title: Children’s Residential Intensive Services RFQ DBH # 25-99/ePro #DBHE26-ADMN-6420

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) hereinafter referred to as the “County”, is seeking Proposals from interested and qualified organizations and agencies to provide a proposed plan for the provision of Children’s Residential Intensive Services (ChRIS) in Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP). This Request for Qualification (RFQ) is Round One (1) of an ongoing procurement process with additional solicitation Rounds to be released in ePro at future dates.

The ChRIS program is an intensive treatment program that utilizes STRTPs and the values and principles of the Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM) to provide necessary services during the period of placement and up to two (2) months after the child/youth has left the STRTP, in order to facilitate a successful transition to a lower level of care. ChRIS allows for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) to children and youth in residential settings.

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is being released to ultimately allow DBH to compile an active list of eligible service providers to be used on a case-by-case basis (i.e., when a San Bernardino County Medi-Cal beneficiary is placed at the provider’s STRTP facility). DBH makes no guarantee of minimum or maximum number of children and youth referrals and/or revenue as a result of a contractual agreement between DBH and provider.

B. Period of Contract

Specific services to be provided under this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are outlined under Section IV, Program Requirements. The Contract period will be up to a four (4) year and six (6) month contract period with the potential initial term date beginning on one of the following: January 1, 2027; date of execution; or date of youth placement. The contract period will extend through June 30, 2031. The total aggregate amount available for all awards under this RFQ is $21,200,000 annually and $95,400,000 for the total contract term. The County may award contracts to one or more Proposers and allocate funding at its sole discretion, subject to Board of Supervisors (Board) approval and funding availability.

C. Proposal Conference

A non-mandatory Proposal conference will be held via Microsoft Teams on: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM (local time):

https://teams.microsoft.com

Meeting ID: 237 297 565 363 922

Meeting password: wc9zu7GU

Join by phone: +1 (661) 568-6806 (United States) Phone Conference ID: 114 207 260#

Attendance at the Proposal conference is strongly recommended, as important information regarding this RFQ will be discussed and questions will be addressed.

D. Questions

Questions regarding the contents of this RFQ must be submitted in writing on or before 12 noon (local time) on Thursday, September 24, 2026 and directed to the individual listed in Section I, Paragraph E, via ePro or through emails. The subject line of the email must read: RFQ DBH # 25-99. All questions submitted timely and in writing will be answered and both the questions and answers will be posted in the County’s ePro system.

E. Correspondence

All correspondence, including Proposals and questions, are to be submitted through ePro or to the RFQ contact:

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health ATTN: Contracts Administration RE: RFQ-DBH #25-99/ePro #DBHE26-ADMN-6420 550 E. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor San Bernardino, CA 92415-0026 Contact: Melynda Paredes Email: dbh-ContractsAnalysts@dbh.sbcounty.gov

Email address may be used to submit questions only. Proposals will not be accepted by e-mail.

F. Admonition to Proposers

Once the RFQ has been issued, the individual identified above is the sole contact point for any inquiries or information relating to this RFQ. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disqualification of the Proposer and rejection of the Proposal.

G. Proposal Submission Deadline

1. All Proposals or bids for Round One (1) must be received no later than 4:00 P.M. local time on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026. Late or incomplete Proposals or bids will not be accepted.

2. An electronic Proposal or bid can be submitted through ePro https://epro.sbcounty.gov/bso/.

Submittals in ePro will be opened from the system’s “encrypted lock box” after the deadline and evaluated as stated in this solicitation. If the Proposal or bid is submitted through ePro, the Proposal or bid may also be withdrawn OR retrieved, adjusted, and re-submitted by the Vendor at any time prior to the scheduled deadline for submission of the Proposal or bid. If the Proposal or bid is submitted through ePro, the Proposer/bidder acknowledges that its electronic signature is legally binding.

OR

3. Hard copies of the Proposal or bid containing original signatures will also be accepted at the location identified in this solicitation in Paragraph E above. Registration in ePro is still required even If your Agency provides only a hard copy of the Proposal. Postmarks will not be accepted in lieu of actual receipt. The Proposal or bid can be withdrawn at any time prior to the scheduled deadline for submission of the Proposal or bid.

4. Proposals must be received by the designated date and time. All Proposers must register with the ePro system prior to the date and time required to submit the Proposal or they will be disqualified. Late or incomplete Proposals will not be accepted. Electronic response must be submitted through the San Bernardino County Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) https://epro.sbcounty.gov/bso/. System-related issues in ePro shall be directed to the Purchasing Department at (909) 387-2060. For procurement questions involving ePro, please contact the RFQ Contact identified in Section I, Paragraph E - Correspondence.

H. Assistance to Proposers with a Disability

Proposers with a disability may request accommodation regarding the means of communicating this RFQ or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the RFQ Contact no later than ten (10) days prior to the Proposal Submission Deadline.

II. PROPOSAL TIMELINE FOR ROUND ONE (1)– All times in table below are local time for San Bernardino County

RFQ Release Date for Round 1 Thursday, September 10, 2026

Proposal Conference Thursday, September 17, 2026 at

10:00 am

Deadline for Submission of Questions Thursday, September 24, 2026, by 12 noon

**Questions may be submitted in writing prior to the Proposal Conference

Deadline for Submission of Proposals Thursday, October 8, 2026 by

4:00 p.m.

Start Date for Contract(s) One of the following: January 1, 2027; date of execution; or date of youth placement.

The above dates are subject to change as deemed necessary by San Bernardino County.

Additional Rounds will be released in ePro at later dates through the full Contract term of June 30, 2031.

III. PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

A. Proposer All Proposers must:

1. Be a non-profit or for-profit organization, or other legally constituted business entity.

2. Have a current Medi-Cal Certification or have the ability to become Medi-Cal Certified, if applicable.

3. Have no record of unsatisfactory performance with any government agency or County Department including DBH in the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the date of issuance of this RFQ. Proposers who are or have been seriously deficient in contract performance during this period, in the absence of circumstances properly beyond the control of the Proposer, shall be presumed to be unable to meet this requirement.

4. Register in the County’s Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) system.

5. Meet other presentation and participation requirements listed in this RFQ.

6. Have a valid Provisional Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) license from Community Care Licensing (CCL) or be licensed as an STRTP from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) prior to providing services. Include a copy of your license with your RFQ response.

7. Have applied for, or currently be, nationally accredited by one of the California Code of Regulations approved accrediting agencies: Council of Accreditation (COA), the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), or The Joint Commission (TJC). Include a copy of your application submission reply or Accreditation letter with your RFQ response.

B. Authorized Signatures

All Proposals must be signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the Proposer to the provisions of the

RFQ.

C. Contingencies

Funding for this program is contingent on funding from the appropriate office of the State of California and is subject to reimbursement under Federal and State laws. This RFQ does not commit the County to award a Contract. Cost, while not necessarily the primary factor used in the selection process, is an important factor.

The County will award a Contract based on the Proposal(s) that best meets the needs of the County.

Note: Funding advancement for the purposes of hiring staff, purchasing furniture, computers, and other such items is not available for this procurement.

D. Term of Offer

Proposals shall remain open, valid, and subject to acceptance for a period of nine (9) months after the Proposal opening.

E. Required Review

Proposers should carefully review this RFQ for defects and questionable or objectionable material.

Comments from Proposers concerning defects and objectionable material in this RFQ must be made in writing and received by the RFQ contact prior to the deadline for submission of questions identified in Section II or at least ten (10) calendar days before the Deadline for Proposals (whichever occurs last).

This will allow issuance of any necessary amendments or addenda to the RFQ. This will also help prevent opening a defective Proposal and avoid exposing Proposals that cannot be awarded. Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of this RFQ may be disallowed if not submitted in writing to the attention of the RFQ Contact, prior to the deadline for submission of questions identified in Section II or at least ten (10) calendar days before the Deadline for Proposals (whichever occurs last).

F. Right of Rejection

Proposals must comply with all of the terms of the RFQ, and all applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, and regulations. County may reject as non-responsive any Proposal that does not comply with all of the material and substantial terms, conditions, and performance requirements of the RFQ. Further, the County may reject a Proposal from any entity that is a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary, or that is under common ownership, control, or management with any other entity submitting a Proposal in response to this RFQ.

Proposer may not qualify the Proposal nor restrict the rights of the County. If Proposer does so, the Proposal may be determined to be a non-responsive counter-offer and the Proposal may be rejected.

No Proposal shall be rejected solely on minor irregularities. However, if it contains a minor irregularity, defect or variation and if the irregularity, defect or variation is considered by the County to be immaterial or inconsequential, the County may choose to accept the Proposal.

Minor informalities may be waived by the County when they:

Do not affect responsiveness

Are merely a matter of form or format

Do not change the relative standing or otherwise prejudice other offers

Do not change the meaning or scope of the RFQ

Are trivial, negligible, or immaterial in nature

Do not reflect a material change in the work

Do not constitute a substantial reservation against a requirement or provision

In such cases the Proposer will be notified of the deficiency in the Proposal and given an opportunity to correct the irregularity, defect or variation or the County may elect to waive the deficiency and accept the Proposal.

The decision to provide a waiver shall in no way modify or compromise the overall purpose of the submittal, nor excuse the Proposer from compliance with all requirements if awarded a Contract.

This RFQ does not commit the County to award a contract. County reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if it is in the best interest of the County to do so. County also reserves the right to terminate this RFQ process at any time.

G. Best Value Evaluation Process

As established in this RFQ, the County realizes that criteria other than price are important and will award contract(s) based on the Proposal(s) that best meets the needs of the County. The County seeks the optimal combination of quality, price, and various qualitative elements of the required Services that will provide the County the greatest overall value for its money.

H. Amendments/Addenda to RFQ

The County reserves the right to issue addenda or amendments to this RFQ if the County considers that changes are necessary or additional information is needed. Only those proposers registered in ePro will receive addenda or amendments issued after the Conference.

Changes to a Proposal or withdrawal of a Proposal will only be allowed if a request is received prior to the Deadline for Proposals. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the Deadline for Proposals.

I. Proposal Submission

To be considered, all Proposals must be submitted in the manner set forth in this RFQ. Submission of a Proposal indicates that the Proposer has read and understands the entire RFQ, including all appendices, attachments, exhibits, schedules, and addenda (as applicable) and that all concerns regarding the RFQ have been resolved. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to ensure that its Proposal arrives on or before the specified deadline. All Proposals and materials submitted become the property of the County.

J. Local Preference Policy

The San Bernardino County has adopted a Local Preference Policy. A local preference of five percent (5%) shall be applied in the cost evaluation of proposals or bids for goods, services, equipment, or a minor public work project, unless an exemption applies. In a price-based bid, five percent (5%) will be deducted from the local vendor’s proposed cost for the purpose of comparison when the local vendor’s proposed cost is not the lowest. If the local vendor’s bid is equal to or lower than the price of an otherwise successful non-local vendor after the 5% preference is applied, the local vendor will be given the opportunity to match the lowest quoted price. In a best value evaluation, five percent (5%) of the awardable points for cost will be added to the local vendor’s score. If the local vendor’s overall score is equal to or lower than that of an otherwise successful nonlocal vendor, the local vendor will be recommended for award.

“Due to the evaluation of qualitative elements along with cost in a best value evaluation, application of local preference for cost proposals may not result in award to a local vendor with the lowest cost after applying local preference.”

Local Vendor - A local vendor is any vendor, contractor or consultant (hereafter “vendor”) that meets all of the following requirements:

1. Vendor’s main office (headquarters) or a major regional office is located within the County;

2. Vendor employs a minimum of 25% of the vendor’s full-time management employees and 25% of its full-time regular employees working from the San Bernardino County location(s);

3. Vendor employs one full-time or two part-time employees with primary residence in the County;

4. Vendor’s “point of sale” for purposes of reporting sales tax to the State Board of Equalization is within the boundaries of the County. The payment of any local share of sales tax must go to the County or a city within the County. If the local business has more than one sales office in the State of California, the office located in the County shall be the point of sale for sales tax calculation;

5. Vendor is not delinquent in any taxes or other payments to the County;

6. Vendor possesses a valid and verifiable business license (if required);

7. Vendor has been open and established for at least six months prior to the issuance of the solicitation;

8. Vendor can demonstrate on-going business activity in the field of endeavor on which they are proposing from that office during the preceding six months;

9. Vendor has not within five years prior to the solicitation admitted guilt or been found guilty by any court or state or federal regulatory enforcement agency of violation of any criminal law or any law or regulation regarding fraud;

10. Vendor is not federally debarred; and

11. Vendor is not suspended or debarred from participation in doing business with the County, in the scope of work that is the subject of the solicitation.

12. Local Vendor Self-certification – Documentation provided

Local Vendor self-certification form is required for any bid or proposal when a local preference is claimed affirming that it meets each of the above stated criteria and signed by a vendor representative with the authority to obligate the company under penalty of perjury. (See Attachment M).

K. Incurred Costs

The County is not obligated to pay any costs incurred by Proposer in the preparation of a Proposal in response to this RFQ. Proposer agrees that all costs incurred in developing its Proposal are the Proposer’s responsibility.

L. Public Records Act

All Proposals and other material submitted become the property of the County and are subject to release according to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 7920). All Proposal information, including cost information, will be held in confidence during the evaluation and negotiation process. Thereafter, Proposals are subject to becoming a non-exempt public record.

If a Proposer believes that any portion of its Proposal is exempt from public disclosure, it must indicate the specific portions believed to be confidential and not subject to disclosure on Attachment E. The Proposer also must include a brief description that sets out the reasons for exemption from disclosure. Each stated exemption must include a citation to supporting legal authority, including statutory authority or case law, to support exemption from the Public Records Act. Requested exemptions that do not meet the requirements of this section will not be considered.

The County will use reasonable means to ensure that such information is safeguarded, but will not be held liable for inadvertent disclosure of the information. Proposals marked “Confidential” in their entirety will not be honored, and the County may be unable to prevent public disclosure of any portion of Proposals so marked.

By submitting a Proposal with portions identified in Attachment E as “Confidential,” Proposer represents that it has a good faith belief that such portions are exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Proposer may be requested to obtain legal protection from disclosure should a Public Records Act request be received. In the event the County does not disclose the information marked “Confidential,” Proposer agrees to reimburse the County for, and to indemnify, defend (with counsel approved by County) and hold harmless the County, its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, suits, judgments, fines, penalties, costs and expenses, including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, expenses and court costs of any nature arising from or relating to the County’s non-disclosure of any such designated portions of a Proposal.

M. Clarification of Offers

1. The County may require the potential Proposer(s)/Contractor(s) selected to provide additional information or clarifications on any area contained in this RFQ or which might be used to evaluate vendors. This may include cost, technical, or other clarifications needed to make a decision.

2. In order to determine if a Proposal is reasonably susceptible for award, communications by the Facilitator for the evaluation panel are permitted with a Proposer to clarify uncertainties or eliminate confusion concerning the contents of a Proposal. Clarifications may not result in a material or substantive change to the Proposal. The evaluation by the panel may be adjusted as a result of a clarification under this section.

N. Formal Agreement

Proposer will be required to enter into a formal Contract with the County. This RFQ sets forth some of the general provisions which will be included in the final contract. In submitting a response to this RFQ, Proposer will be deemed to have agreed to each clause unless the Proposal identifies an objection and County agrees to a change of language in writing. All objections to any provisions of the final contract should be listed on Attachment E – Disclosures, Exceptions, and Public Records Act Exemptions to RFQ, or any exception thereto shall be waived.

O. Independent Contractor Status

Any Proposer that is awarded a Contract will be considered an independent Contractor(s), wholly responsible for the manner in which it performs, and will assume full responsibility for the acts of its employees who will not be entitled to any rights and privileges of County employees nor be considered in any manner to be County employees.

P. Pre-Award On-Site Visits

Site visits may be conducted to verify information submitted in the RFQ and to determine if the proposed facilities are appropriate for the proposed services to be provided.

Q. Level of Service

For any Contract awarded as a result of this RFQ, no minimum or maximum number of referrals or enrollments can be guaranteed by the County.

R. Termination of Awarded Contract

The Contract between the County and selected Proposer(s) will contain specific language which addresses the option of both the selected Proposer(s) or County to terminate the Contract without cause, termination for the convenience of the County, and termination for cause.

S. Priority Population

The target population includes children and youth who are San Bernardino County Medi-Cal beneficiaries who require residential placement within an STRTP, meet the criteria for seriously emotionally disturbed (SED), and need specialty mental health services. This target population will be comprised of Dependents placed into an STRTP by San Bernardino County Department of Child and Family Services (CFS), Wards placed into an STRTP by San Bernardino County Probation Department, and either Wards or Dependents placed into an STRTP located within San Bernardino County by another county placing agency with the appropriate agreements. Included youth will meet Medical Necessity Criteria for payment for EPSDT Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (Title 9, California Code of Regulations, Ch. 11, Sec.

1830.210).

T. Iran Contracting Act of 2010

In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 2204(a), the Proposer certifies that at the time the Proposal is submitted, the Proposer signing the Proposal is not identified on a list created pursuant to subdivision (b) of Public Contract Code Section 2203 (https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page- Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/List-of-Ineligible-Businesses) as a person [as defined in Public Contract Code Section 2202(e)] engaging in investment activities in Iran described in subdivision (a) of Public Contract Code Section 2202.5, or as a person described in subdivision (b) of Public Contract Code Section 2202.5, as applicable.

Proposers are cautioned that making a false certification may subject the Proposer to civil penalties, termination of existing contract, and ineligibility to bid on a contract for a period of three (3) years in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 2205. Proposer agrees that signing the Proposal shall constitute signature of this Certification.

U. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/ukraine-russia-related-sanctions), as well as any sanctions imposed under state law (https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Ukraine-Russia). By submitting a bid or Proposal, Proposer represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should it be determined Proposer is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Proposer’s bid/Proposal any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the County.

V. California Consumer Privacy Act

To the extent applicable, if Contractor is a business that collects the personal information of a consumer(s) in performing Services pursuant to this Contract, Contractor must comply with the provisions of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). (Cal. Civil Code §§1798.100, et seq.). For purposes of this provision, “business,” “consumer,” and “personal information” shall have the same meanings as set forth at Civil Code section 1798.140. Contractor must contact the County immediately upon receipt of any request by a consumer submitted pursuant to the CCPA that requires any action on the part of the County, including but not limited to, providing a list of disclosures or deleting personal information. Contractor must not sell, market or otherwise disclose personal information of a consumer provided by the County unless specifically authorized pursuant to terms of this Contract. Contractor must immediately provide to the County any notice provided by a consumer to Contractor pursuant to Civil Code section 1798.150(b) alleging a violation of the CCPA, that involves personal information received or maintained pursuant to this Contract. Contractor must immediately notify the County if it receives a notice of violation from the California Attorney General pursuant to Civil Code section 1798.155(b).

W. Final Authority

The final authority to award a Contract as a result of this RFQ rests solely with San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, or as delegated by the Board of Supervisors.

X. Debarment and Suspension; California Secretary of State Business Entity Registration.

Proposer certifies in Attachment D that neither it nor its principals or subcontractors are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal department or agency. (See Attachment P and the following United States General Services Administration’s System for Award Management website https://www.sam.gov). Proposer also certifies in Attachment D that if it or any of the subcontractors listed in the Proposal are business entities that must be registered with the California Secretary of State, they are registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State.

IV. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (SCOPE OF WORK)

A. DEFINITIONS

1. Assembly Bill 403 (AB403) – A bill passed by the State of California Assembly on October 11, 2015, that redesigned the foster care system to ensure that children and youth in foster care have their day-to-day physical, mental , and emotional needs met. This legislation also created the licensure category of Short- Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs).

2. Assembly Bill 1051 Medi-Cal (AB1051) – A bill passed by the State of California Assembly in 2022 that in most circumstances, prohibits presumptive transfer of a consumer for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) when placed outside of the county of original jurisdiction. Placing agencies have the authority to still waive this prohibition when appropriate.

3. Assessment – A service activity for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment that is designed to evaluate the current status of a child’s emotional or behavioral health. Assessment includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: mental status determination, analysis of the child’s clinical history, analysis of relevant cultural issues and history, diagnosis, and the use of testing procedures.

4. Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) – California’s modernized behavioral health law, enacted in March 2024 via Proposition 1, replacing the Mental Health Services Act of 2004. It expands funding to address both serious mental health and substance use disorders, prioritizes individuals with the most significant behavioral health needs (including homelessness, justice involvement, and institutional transitions), and supports housing interventions, workforce development, prevention, early intervention and innovative pilot programs. BHSA emphasizes outcomes, equity, transparency, and integrated county-level planning, and it includes performance contracts and annual reporting requirements to ensure accountability.

5. California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) – A statewide Medi-Cal transformation initiative focused on whole-person care, social drivers of health, and delivery system reform. The current program is in its final year, and Proposers should be aware that there may be amendments to the executed contracts based on the new 2027-31 CalAIM waiver to include any additional requirements [https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/calaim-transforming-medi-cal/]

6. Case Management – Services through EPSDT Medi-Cal that assist a beneficiary to access medical, educational, social, prevocational, vocational, rehabilitative, or other community services. The service activities may include, but are not limited to: communication, coordination, and referral; monitoring service delivery to ensure beneficiary access to service and the service delivery system; monitoring of the beneficiary’s progress; and plan development. Targeted Case Management may be either face-to-face or by telephone with the child/youth or significant support persons and may be provided anywhere in the community.

7. Centralized Child Intensive Case Management Services (CCICMS) – The DBH unit that provides contract monitoring and assistance to specialty children’s programs and contractors.

8. Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) – A multi-purpose tool developed for children’s services to support decision making, including level of care and service planning, to facilitate quality improvement initiatives, and to allow for the monitoring of outcomes of services. The CANS – San Bernardino (CANS-SB) is a slight modification of CANS-Comprehensive Multisystem Assessment.

Vendors are required to utilize the CANS-SB and participate in ongoing review of the implementation and analysis.

9. Child and Family Team (CFT) – A group comprised of ideally a minimum of fifty percent (50%) family members or family representatives, that forms to meet the needs of an eligible child to ensure family voice, choice, and ownership of the Individualized Service Plan. The team includes the child welfare worker, the youth and family, service providers and any other members as necessary and appropriate.

No single individual, agency, or service provider works independently, but rather as part of the team for decision making. See DHCS manual, Medi-Cal Manual for Intensive Care Coordination (ICC), Intensive Home Based Services (IHBS) & Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) for Katie A. Subclass Members for additional information (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/mental-health-services-division-default/manuals-and-information-notices/). IHBS must be approved by the CFT of the youth.

10. Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) – The formal meeting of the CFT and the primary communication method for the team.

11. Children and Family Services (CFS) – A County department that provides family centered programs and services designed to ensure safe, permanent, nurturing families for San Bernardino County’s children while strengthening and attempting to preserve the family unit. CFS assists in preventing further harm to, and protecting children from, intentional physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, or neglect by a person responsible for a child’s health or welfare. CFS provides support for families and strives towards goals of reducing risks to children, improving parenting skills, and strengthening social support networks for families.

12. Children and Youth Collaborative Services (CYCS) – A program through which the Department of Behavioral Health Collaborates with other County agencies and community-based providers to meet the mental health needs of children connected to these agencies. CYCS is comprised of four (4) distinct coordinating service branches: Children’s Administration, CCICMS, Juvenile Court Behavioral Health Services and the Healthy Homes Program.

13. Children’s Crisis Residential Program (CCRP) – Immediate, short-term, 24/7 therapeutic residential setting designed to divert children from psychiatric hospitalization by providing intensive mental health stabilization for up to 10 days, under standards set by DHCS.

14. Client - The terms beneficiary, client, customer, participant, or patient are used interchangeably throughout this document and refers to the individual(s) receiving services.

15. Clinical Trainee – An unlicensed individual who is enrolled in a post-secondary educational degree program in the State of California that is required for the individual to obtain licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Professional or Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts; is participating in a practicum, clerkship, or internship approved by the individual’s program; and meets all relevant requirements of the program and/or applicable licensing board to participate in the practicum, clerkship, or internship and provides rehabilitative mental health services or substance use disorder treatment services, including but not limited to, all coursework and supervised practice requirements.

16. Commercial Sex Act – Any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person. Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection act of 2000 [United States of America]. Public Law 106-386 [H.R. 3244]. 28 October 2000. Section 103(3).

17. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) – A program administered by the California Department of Social Services that provides information to support awareness, identification, and prevention education of commercial sexual exploitation of children occurring when individuals buy, trade, or sell sexual acts with a child. Refer to https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/vp/commsexexploitationchild.asp and https://cn.sbcounty.gov/programs/case/ for more information.

18. Contract – The legal agreement between the County and the Proposer resulting from the award issued pursuant to this RFQ to the successful Proposers.

19. Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) – A large scale reform of services available to Wards and Dependents initiated by AB 403. Its primary goal is to ensure that children who cannot live with their biological parents are placed in stable, permanent, and nurturing family environments, prioritizing relative or foster family homes over congregate or institutional care.

20. Crisis Intervention – A quick emergency response service through EPSDT enabling the individual, his or her family, support system, and/or involved others to cope with a crisis, while maintaining the child’s status as a functioning family and/or “immediate community” member to the greatest extent possible, and in the least restrictive care as applicable. Crisis Intervention services are limited to stabilization of the presenting emergency. A crisis is an unplanned event that results in the individual’s need for immediate service intervention and is limited to stabilization of the presenting emergency. This service does not include Crisis Stabilization, which is provided in a 24-hour health care facility or hospital outpatient program.

Service activities include but are not limited to assessment, evaluation, collateral, and therapy.

21. Cultural Competency – The acceptance and understanding of cultural mores and their possible influence on the participant’s issues and/or behavior (i.e. using the understanding of the differences between the prevailing social culture and that of the participant’s family to aid in developing individualized supports and services). This includes the ability to work competently and in an affirming manner with the LGBTQ+ population.

22. Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) – The County Department that under state law provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment and prevention services to County residents. In order to maintain a continuum of care, DBH operates, or contracts for the provision of, prevention, early intervention, 24-hour care, day treatment, outpatient services, case management, and crisis and referral services. Community services are provided in all major County metropolitan areas and are readily accessible to most County residents.

23. Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) – The California State Department that provides oversight of statewide public mental health services through the Mental Health Services Division. Responsibilities include: providing leadership for local county mental health departments; evaluation and monitoring of public mental health programs; administration of federal funds for mental health programs and services;

care and treatment of people with mental illness; and oversight of Mental Health Services Act service implementation.

24. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) – A federally mandated Medicaid option that requires states to provide screening, diagnostic, and treatment services to persons under the age of 21 who have unrestricted Medi-Cal and also meet necessary medical criteria by having a qualifying mental health diagnosis and functional impairment that is not responsive to treatment by a healthcare based provider. In addition, services are generally acceptable for the purpose of correcting or ameliorating the mental disorder. For the purposes of this RFQ, EPSDT Specialty Mental Health Service (SMHS) activities may include: Assessment, Plan Development, Crisis Intervention, Medication Support Services, Case Management, ICC, IHBS, TBS, Rehabilitation, and Therapy. EPSDT services may not be billed while the child is in an acute hospital setting.

25. Facility Manager – A person on the STRTP premises with the authority and responsibility necessary to manage and control the day-to-day operation of the STRTP and supervise the clients. Must be CPR/First Aid Certified. A Facility Manager should always be present at the facility when one or more clients are present.

26. Family Search and Engagement (FSE) – A set of practices designed to locate, engage, connect, and reconnect youth with family or persons the youth has identified as being significantly important to them at one point in their life. This is a structured model to build permanent, caring, sustainable relationships for youth. This set of practices uses information obtained from the child, family, and case files combined with internet search technology and other sources to aid in locating identified persons. There is collaboration between the County worker (Social Worker, DBH Clinician, Probation Officer) and the provider during the entire process.

27. Family Partner – Parents hired as staff who have personal experience with a special needs youth and can provide support during the pain and isolation client families may feel. A Family Partner’s role is to “be there” for the client’s family, to stand side-by-side with the client’s family, offer tools to strengthen, coach, educate, and provide connections to, and navigation of, services.

28. Fee for Service – A contract to pay a specified price for the delivery of specific supplies or services.

29. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) – The percentage of time a staff member works represented as a decimal. A full-time person is 1.00, a half-time person is .5 and a quarter-time person is .25.

30. Head of Service (HOS) - Licensed – Under general direction, this individual supervises the operation and staff of a clinic. A HOS must be licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or a psychologist. The HOS will oversee and implement the overall mental health treatment program. Responsibilities include supervision of Clinical Therapists and support staff, coordinating clinic and billing operations, completing clinic reports, and providing comprehensive psychotherapeutic treatment services for higher needs clients. The HOS also ensures treatment adheres to the ChRIS program contract, monitors documentation, prepares for audits, oversees data collection, and other outcomes.

31. Head of Service (HOS) - Unlicensed – Under direction of a Licensed Clinical Supervisor, responsibilities include overseeing Clinical Therapists and support staff, coordinating clinic and billing operations, and completing clinic reports. The Unlicensed HOS ensures treatment adheres to the ChRIS program contract, monitors documentation, prepares for audits, oversees data collection, and other outcomes. An Unlicensed HOS must be waivered or registered and may not be a Clinical Trainee who is an unlicensed individual who is enrolled in a post-secondary education degree program. For agencies operating outside of San Bernardino County (County), the agency may be permitted to utilize the HOS arrangement as established and approved by the county of jurisdiction within which the STRTP is located. Agencies located outside of the County but only contracted with the County for SMHS shall adhere to this standard.

32. ICC Coordinator – An identified coordinator that ensures participation by the child or youth, family or caregiver and significant others so that the child/youth’s assessment and plan address the child/youth’s needs and strengths in the context of the values and philosophy of the ICPM. Refer to the DHCS manual, Medi-Cal Manual for ICC, IHBS, and TFC for Katie A. Subclass members for additional information (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/mental-health-services-division-default/manuals-and-information-notices/). Note: a staff member may fulfill this role in conjunction with other roles (e.g., facilitator, therapist, etc.).

33. Individualized Service Plan – Beginning with a comprehensive assessment, this plan is a personalized approach to healthcare and are designed to provide tailored support and services based on the specific needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual.

34. Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM) – A set of concepts, values, principles, and standards of practice that outline an integrated approach to working with children, youth, and families involved with child welfare who have or may have mental health needs. ICPM is further defined in the DHCS manual, Pathways to Mental Health Services Integrated Core Practice Model Guide (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/California-Integrated-Core-Practice-Model-for-Children-Youth-and- Families.pdf)

35. Intensive Care Coordination (ICC) – An advanced form of Targeted Case Management (TCM) under the EPSDT benefit, designed for children and youth under age twenty-one (21) who are eligible for full scope Medi-Cal and have intensive mental health needs. ICC must be delivered using a CFT to develop and guide the planning and services delivery process. ICC may be utilized by more than one mental health provider, however, there must be an identified mental health ICC coordinator that ensures participation by the child or youth, family or caregiver and significant others so that the child/youth’s assessment and plan addresses the child/youth’s needs and strengths in the context of the values and philosophy of the

ICPM.

36. Intensive Home Based Services (IHBS) – Home and community-based interventions designed to support children, adolescents, and their families who are experiencing complex behavioral or mental health challenges. Part of EPSDT, the services are intensive, individualized and strength-based, needs-driven intervention activities that support the engagement and participation of the child/youth and his/her significant support persons, and to help the child/youth develop skills and achieve the goals and objectives of the plan usually focusing on improving coping skills, family relationships, and functional abilities while keeping the child/youth in the least restrictive, most normative environment possible. IHBS are not traditional therapeutic services.

37. Interagency Placement Council (IPC) – Representatives from County and Community Based child-serving agencies who review and assist in facilitating wards and dependents access of needed care. The intent is to rapidly link youth to needed high level services, including residential and FSPs. IPC additionally screens and assesses referrals for children placed in STRTPs. The county agencies consist of DBH, CFS, Probation, County Schools, Inland Regional Center, Public Health, and Children’s Network.

Vendors are expected to attend IPC.

38. Juvenile Probation Department (Probation) – The County Department that is responsible for protecting the community through assessment, treatment, and control of juvenile offenders (WIC 602) by providing a range of effective services.

39. Katie A. – Katie A. et al. v. Bonta et al. refers to a class action lawsuit filed in Federal District Court in 2002 concerning the availability of intensive mental health services to children and youth in California who are either in foster care or at imminent risk of coming into care. The settlement agreement (2011) requires coordinated, comprehensive, community-based services for children with intensive mental health needs;

promoting CFTs to assess needs, plan services, and track progress using ICC, IHBS, and TFC when medically necessary.

40. Licensed Clinical Supervisor (LCS) – A California licensed LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Licensed Psychologist who supervises clinic operations and personnel with additional monitoring and guidance if an agency has an unlicensed HOS. Duties encompass supervising Clinical Therapists and staff, orchestrating clinical functions, advising therapists on treatment matters, evaluating treatment plans and therapeutic practices, ensuring adherence to licensure limitations, offering in-depth psychotherapeutic services to severely disturbed clients, performing diagnostic assessments, and creating and executing treatment protocols within their licensing boundaries.

41. Linkage and Consultation – The identification of eligibility through interagency and intra-agency consultation, communication, coordination, and referral which triggers the pursuit of resources necessary and appropriate to implement the service plan, treatment plan, or coordination plan.