rfsq_13373_sec .pdf

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CONTINUUM SERVICES

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 13373

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT CONTINUUM SERVICES

August 28, 2026

A. KEY INFORMATION

1. The County of San Diego is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from firms interested in providing

Supported Employment Continuum Services (“Offerors”).

1.1. Offerors found to be qualified as a result of this RFSQ will be eligible for award of a contract for Supported

Employment Continuum Services. The contract term of the resulting contract is anticipated to be an initial

(base) period of six (6) months with four (4) one-year options.

1.2. The County intends to award one (1) contract from this SOQ. The remaining qualified Offerors will be placed on a list, based on ranking, for the duration of one (1) year.

2. The County has posted this solicitation on its official BuyNet website at https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/. In order to see all information related to this RFSQ, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

3. The Contracting Officer for this solicitation is Lynnette Hesselgesser, Procurement Contracting Officer

(LynnetteM.Hesselgesser@sdcounty.gov )

4. Schedule: This timeline is subject to change at any time, at the County’s sole discretion. The County will issue an addendum for changes to the Pre-SOQ Conference date, Questions due date, or SOQ due date.

Event Description Date and Time (San Diego Time)

Pre-SOQ Conference September 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Questions due September 11, 2026, prior to 5:00 p.m.

SOQ’s due October 9, 2026, prior to 3:00 p.m.

5. Pre-SOQ Conference. The County will hold a pre-SOQ conference by Video/Teleconference using the Microsoft

Teams platform on the Date and Time listed in the Schedule. To participate, click here to register and join the Teams webinar or dial in by phone +1 619-343-2539,,898242026#. The County will provide an overview of the RFSQ process and may provide a program/technical overview and other information. Attendance at the pre-SOQ conference is encouraged but not mandatory.

6. Questions:

6.1. Offerors should submit all Questions, including requests for clarification related to definition or interpretation of this RFSQ, in writing by the Date and Time specified in the Schedule. Questions should be submitted via

BuyNet, by sending a message to the Contracting Officer through the “Discussions” functionality.

6.2. Non-Offerors should direct inquiries regarding this solicitation to the Contracting Officer

7. Table of Contents:

A. Key Information

B. RFSQ Instructions and Rules

C. Evaluation Criteria

MAGGIE RAMSBERGER

INTERIM DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING

5560 OVERLAND AVENUE, SUITE 270, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1204

Phone (858) 505-6367 Fax (858) 715-6452

BRENDA G. MILLER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/ file:///C:/Users/kneal/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/893CXJXH/LynnetteM.Hesselgesser@sdcounty.gov https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8aebf82c-5fc7-4527-a6ec-e542797d12c6@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog

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D. Submittal Items

E. Required Forms

F. Statement of Work

G. Payment Schedule

H. Draft Agreement

B. RFSQ INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES

1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A SOQ

1.1. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to submit a SOQ based on the most current RFSQ, addenda thereto, responses to Questions, any other information posted on BuyNet; any diligence material made available by the County.

Offerors are advised to regularly check BuyNet for information. The County has no obligation to contact

Offerors directly with any such RFSQ-related information.

1.1.1. In order to see all information related to this RFSQ, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

1.2. Forms required to be submitted with Offerors response to this RFSQ are included in this RFSQ or posted on the County’s web site at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html.

1.2.1. Posted forms may be updated from time to time. Unless otherwise specified, offerors may submit the version of a form in place as of the date of the posting of this RFSQ or any later version.

1.3. Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to obtain all necessary documents and forms, resolve any technical difficulties obtaining or completing documents or forms, and, if necessary, obtain documents and forms by an alternate method. If you are unable to download documents or forms, you may request a hard copy or technical assistance from Purchasing and Contracting’s front desk or contact clerical support at (858)

505-6367.

1.4. Offeror must submit a complete original SOQ in accordance with the format provided in this solicitation to the County of San Diego, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, through electronic upload to BuyNet before the Date and Time listed in Schedule.

1.4.1. If Offeror is unable to submit via BuyNet for any reason, Offeror may submit by providing the

Purchasing and Contracting front desk with either (i) electronic files on CD/DVD or, (ii) a printed

SOQ. Offeror must prominently mark such submissions with the RFSQ number on the outside of the packaging. Please use this method only if unable to submit through BuyNet.

1.4.2. When submitting via BuyNet, Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to submit by an alternate method in the event of technical difficulties.

1.4.3. For SOQs submitted electronically through BuyNet, the time on the BuyNet server shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.4. For SOQs submitted at the Purchasing and Contracting front desk, the time stamp at the front desk shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.5. In the event of multiple submittals of an original SOQ by an Offeror, the County will only consider the most recent submittal submitted before the due date and time. The County will not review or consider previous submittals, whether submitted at the front desk or through BuyNet. Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit only one original SOQ and to withdraw or replace any previous submittals in the event they update their SOQ. SOQs may be found non-conforming if the County is unable to determine which SOQ is the most recent, timely submittal.

1.5. A SOQ that is untimely or otherwise not submitted in conformance with 1.4 above will not be considered for award unless: it is received before award is made; the County determines that it is in its best interest to accept the SOQ; and

1.5.1. It is determined by the County that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the County, or

1.5.2. No timely and conforming SOQ was submitted.

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html

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1.6. SOQs may not be modified after the due date, except for modifications resulting from the Contracting

Officer’s request for a revised SOQ, Best and Final Offer (BAFO), or an addendum to the SOQ.

1.7. SOQs may be withdrawn by written notice signed by a duly authorized representative of Offeror if received prior to Notice of Intent to Award. After Notice of Intent to Award, all SOQs constitute firm offers, subject to negotiation, that will remain open and cannot be revoked, withdrawn, or modified for a period of six (6) months.

1.7.1. All SOQs become the property of the County upon submission. An Offeror may request the return of its SOQ upon withdrawal, which return the County may grant or deny in its sole discretion.

1.8. By submitting a SOQ, Offeror agrees to these RFSQ Instructions and Rules and all other terms of this RFSQ.

2. QUESTIONS

2.1. Offerors shall direct requests for explanation regarding the RFSQ or related documents to the Contracting

Officer in writing as a question (“Question”). Submit Questions by sending a message to the Contracting

Officer through the “Discussions” functionality in BuyNet.

2.2. The County may choose not to respond to Questions received after the date and time stated Schedule. Offeror is responsible for ensuring that Questions are received by the County.

3. SOQ FORMAT

3.1. Submit electronic SOQs as files in .pdf format, except where specified otherwise. For pages other than signature pages, converted and searchable formats are preferred.

3.2. SOQs shall be formatted to print on 8-1/2” x 11” page size, with no less than ½” margins and eleven (11) point font and to be suitable for black and white reproduction with no loss of information.

3.3. All SOQs shall be signed with a handwritten signature by an authorized officer or employee of the Offeror.

3.3.1. Electronic or digital signatures will not be accepted.

3.3.2. Pages requiring signatures must be scanned from an original handwritten signature. If Offerors are unable to submit a .pdf with scanned signatures, Offerors may optionally submit clear pictures of signature pages containing original handwritten signatures.

4. SOQ ORGANIZATION

4.1. Your SOQ must be organized in accordance with the Submittal Items in this RFSQ.

4.1.1. Content shall be organized to correspond to the applicable exhibit and question or item within each exhibit.

4.1.2. Offerors shall separate each exhibit into one or more files, clearly named as to the exhibit and order.

4.1.3. Pages shall be consecutively numbered within each exhibit at the bottom or top margin of each page.

4.2. Confidential/Proprietary information:

4.2.1. The County is a public agency subject to the California Public Records Act, Government Code §

7920.000, et seq. Some or all of the documents submitted in response to this RFSQ may be subject to disclosure, and the County intends to publish any resulting contracts to its public website.

4.2.2. It is Offeror's responsibility to identify and separate into a "CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit and to provide a signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement for:

4.2.2.1. all confidential information that should be protected from disclosure, including PI (Personal

Information), PII (Personally Identifiable Information), or PHI (Protected Health

Information), and

4.2.2.2. any proprietary or other information Offeror determines is exempt from disclosure under the

California Public Records Act and wishes to protect from disclosure.

4.2.3. The “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit must be clearly labeled with all pages marked as

“CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY”

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4.2.4. Refence material in the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit where it is needed to respond to a Submittal Item (for example “See response 1 contained within the

“CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit” for staff Social Security numbers”).

4.2.5. If the County determines that a submission improperly designates information as confidential or proprietary, the County may, at its sole discretion: (i) deem the information releasable; (ii) declare the submission non-conforming/non-responsive; (iii) remove such information, or (iv) take any other appropriate action. (Note: pricing and terms and conditions are generally not considered confidential under the California Public Records Act).

5. SOQ EVALUATION

5.1. Evaluations shall be based on the criteria contained in the Evaluation Criteria and Submittal Items to determine the SOQs(s) that provide the best value to the County.

5.2. The County shall have the discretion, but not the obligation, to construe any submission as non-conforming and ineligible for consideration if it does not conform to the requirements of this Request for SOQs. The

County shall also have the discretion to waive any irregularities or deviations from the requirements of this

Request for SOQs in any submission.

5.3. Reserved.

5.4. Reserved.

5.5. During evaluation, County may appropriately consider the sustainability and social, human health, environmental, and economic impact of Offeror’s proposed products and approach to providing goods and services, in accordance with Board Policy B-67. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant information in their SOQs.

5.6. During evaluation, the County may appropriately evaluate the cultural competency of Offeror and Offeror’s proposed approach to providing goods and services. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant information in their SOQs.

5.7. Reserved.

5.8. In evaluating an Offeror’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFSQ and any resulting contract, the

County may also consider any parent, subsidiary, or related legal entity of Offeror, including, without limitation, a legal entity that Offeror acquired or merged with or will use as a guarantor in providing services to the County.

5.9. When evaluating Offeror’s SOQ, County will appropriately consider the proposed purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.322.

Offeror should include information relevant under section 200.322 in its SOQ in order to be considered for such preference during evaluation.

6. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.1. SOQs received, including any additions, revisions, and clarifications, will be evaluated by a Qualifications

Evaluation Committee (QEC) appointed by a Source Selection Authority(s) (SSA). The County may evaluate information known to the County, in addition to the information provided in response to the RFSQ.

6.2. The County reserves the right to request clarification and/or additional information (“Clarification”) from

Offerors. The Contracting Officer will determine the appropriate means of requesting and obtaining

Clarification, which may include telephonic communication, email, letter, presentation, oral interview, or an addendum or revision to the SOQ. The County may invite Offerors to make presentations to, or participate in interviews with, the County at a date, time, and location determined by the County. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County is not obligated to seek Clarification, therefore Offerors are advised to submit complete and accurate information in their SOQs.

6.3. At any point in the evaluation process, the County may determine that a SOQ is unacceptable in any area or that a SOQ is no longer in the competitive range, and no longer consider it for award. In such cases, the

Contracting Officer will attempt to notify the Offeror.

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6.4. At any point in the evaluation process, the County may hold discussions with one or more Offerors in the competitive range. Discussions may include requests for revised SOQs, Best and Final Offers (BAFOs), or addenda to the SOQ that may contain additional selection factors.

6.5. The QEC may recommend to the SSA that award be made to one or more Offerors. After receipt and approval of the SSA’s decision, the Contracting Officer will post a Notice of Intent to Award (NOI).

6.6. Upon posting of the NOI, the County will enter into contract finalization negotiations with the selected

Offeror(s) and, upon successful completion, award a contract(s).

6.7. The County may rescind or modify the NOI at any time due to unsuccessful negotiations or if the County otherwise determines that it is in its best interest to do so.

6.8. The actual timing and sequence of events resulting from this RFSQ shall ultimately be determined by the

County, in its sole discretion. The County may, at any time cancel this RFSQ, reject all SOQs, restart evaluations, modify or replace the membership of the SSC, or correct any deficiencies in the procurement process or evaluation.

7. DEBRIEF AND REVIEW OF CONTRACT FILES

7.1. After an Offeror has been notified by the Contracting Officer that that Offeror’s SOQ is no longer being considered for award, the Offeror may request a debriefing from the Contracting Officer. For debriefings held prior to contract execution, the Offeror will be limited to a review of the information pertaining to the

County’s evaluation of their own SOQ, in accordance with Section 9.4 of these RFSQ Instructions and Rules.

After contract execution, debriefings may include review of other SOQs, the Source Selection Committee

Report, and other releasable documents.

8. PROTEST PROCEDURE

8.1. Board Policy A-97 sets forth the procedures for the filing and resolution of protests related to this RFSQ.

Board Policy A-97 is available from the Clerk of the Board, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101, or on the County’s website at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/ocd.html .

8.2. All protests must be filed in accordance with Board Policy A-97, which requires, among other things, that a protest must be filed timely, be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer identified in the solicitation package, and be based on a protestable action and established grounds for protest.

8.3. For Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) provider selections, an Offeror that has exhausted the County’s protest procedure may be entitled to an additional review by the State of California

– Health and Human Services Agency – Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), in accordance with

MHSUDS Information Notice No. 19-018, which is located at:

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSUDS_Info rmation_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC-ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf.

9. COUNTY COMMITMENT

9.1. This RFSQ does not commit the County to award a contract, nor does it commit the County to pay any of

Offeror’s costs incurred in the preparation or submission of the SOQ. Further, no reimbursable cost may be incurred in anticipation of a contract award.

9.2. Neither Offeror nor any of its representatives shall have any claims whatsoever against the County or any of its respective officials, agents, or employees arising out of or relating to this RFSQ or these procedures (other than those arising under a definitive contract with Offeror in accordance with the terms thereof).

9.3. The County reserves the right to separately procure the same or similar goods or services.

9.4. The County may withhold all information regarding this procurement until after negotiations are complete, including, but not limited to: the number of SOQs received; the identity of Offeror(s); the content of SOQs;

the County’s evaluation and results thereof; and, the identity of the members of the SSC. Information releasable after the conclusion of negotiations is subject to the disclosure requirements and withholding exemptions of the California Public Records Act.

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/ocd.html https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSUDS_Information_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC-ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSUDS_Information_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC-ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf

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9.5. Pursuant to County Charter §§ 703.10 and 916, award of a contract resulting from this RFSQ may be subject to the County’s requirement to determine that the services can be provided more economically and efficiently by an independent contractor than by persons employed in the Classified Service.

9.6. In the event that an Offeror is involved in a merger, acquisition, or other change in control, the County reserves the right to award a contract to a resulting entity.

10. DILIGENCE AND DUTY TO INQUIRE

10.1. Should an Offeror find discrepancies in or omissions from, or be in doubt as to the meaning of, the RFSQ or related documents, Offeror shall have a duty to submit a Question to the County.

10.2. Offerors are expected to perform reasonable due diligence with regard to this RFSQ and the work required, including, but not limited to, information that is publicly or otherwise reasonably available and, if applicable, information that can be obtained during a site visit (including verification of measurements, conditions, and other attributes). Neither the selected Offeror(s), nor any Offerors, shall be entitled to any price adjustment or other relief based upon information that was discovered or should have been discovered through due diligence.

10.3. The County makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any diligence material or other information provided by the County or any of its agents, representatives, contractors or consultants. Such information may reflect good faith assumptions, estimates, or projections, which may or may not prove to be correct.

10.4. Offeror should not rely upon oral statements made or explanations given by the County, including any oral responses to Questions or other inquiries. No prior, current, or post award communication(s) with any officer, agent, or employee of the County shall affect or modify any terms or requirements of this RFSQ, except as explicitly provided for in this RFSQ.

11. OFFEROR COMMUNICATIONS

11.1. All communications from the Offeror (including its employees, agents, and representatives) to the County or its officers and employees (including consultants working on or assisting with this procurement), related to this RFSQ or the Offeror’s SOQ, must be directed in writing exclusively to the Contracting Officer, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. Offerors shall not communicate with or attempt to contact any other County personnel about this solicitation, except as otherwise allowed for in this RFSQ or by law. Any improper contact may, at the County’s sole discretion, cause the Offeror to be removed from consideration for contract award.

11.2. If Offeror issues any public announcement, or otherwise engages in communication that, in the County’s sole determination, compromises the integrity of this RFSQ process or attempts to restrain competition, Offeror may be removed from consideration for award.

11.3. Audio and/or video recording of pre-SOQ conferences, presentations, discussions, negotiations, debriefings, or other communications with the County regarding this RFSQ are prohibited, unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

12. SOLICITING EMPLOYEES

12.1. Until contract award, Offerors shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any employee of the County to leave the County’s employ in order to accept employment with the Offeror, its affiliates, actual or prospective contractors, or any person acting in concert with the Offeror without prior written approval of the County’s

Contracting Officer. This paragraph does not prevent the employment by an Offeror of a County employee who has initiated contact with the Offeror.

13. PROHIBITED CONTRACTS AND SUBCONTRACTS

13.1. In accordance with Section 67 of the San Diego County Administrative Code, the County shall not contract with, and shall reject any bid or proposal submitted by the person or entities specified below, unless the Board of Supervisors finds that special circumstances exist which justify the approval of such contract:

13.1.1. Persons employed by the County or of public agencies for which the Board of Supervisors is the governing body;

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13.1.2. Profit making firms or businesses in which employees described in subsection 13.1.1 serve as officers, principals, partners or major shareholders;

13.1.3. Persons who, within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months, came within the provisions of subsection 13.1.1, and who (1) were employed in positions of substantial responsibility in the area of service to be performed by the contract, or (2) participated in any way in developing the contract or its service specifications; and

13.1.4. Profit making firms or businesses in which the former employees described in subsection 13.1.3 serve as officers, principals, partners or major shareholders.

13.2. Per Board Policy A-79, a successful Offeror that is a non-profit corporation shall not subcontract any work under the agreement with a related for-profit subcontractor where an interlocking directorate, management, or ownership relationship exists, unless specifically authorized by the Board of Supervisors.

13.3. Offeror certifies that if awarded a contract under this RFSQ, such contract will be in compliance with Sections

13.1 and 13.2 above. Offeror shall promptly notify the County of any change in circumstance affecting these provisions.

14. CALIFORNIA REVENUE & TAXATION CODE § 18662

14.1. In compliance with California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18662, if Offeror is a non-resident of California

(out-of-state invoices) that receives California source income and has not completed Franchise Tax Board

Form 590, there may be a backup withholding on all payments. Fifteen (15) business days prior to the first payment from the County, new suppliers, or suppliers with expired forms or forms with incorrect information, must submit new forms to the County (forms are available from the Franchise Tax Board website listed below).

14.2. Under certain circumstances, Offerors may be eligible for reduced or waived nonresident withholding. If

Offeror has already received a waiver or a reduced withholding response from the State of California and the response remains valid, Offeror should submit the response to the County in lieu of the forms. Failure to submit the required forms will result in withholding of payments. Offerors should access the Franchise Tax

Board websites, listed below, for tax forms and relevant information regarding non-resident withholding, including waivers or reductions. The County will not give Offerors any tax advice. It is recommended that

Offerors speak with their tax advisers and/or the State of California for guidance.

Franchise Tax Board Websites:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/search/

14.3. If selected for award, the Offeror must submit applicable forms to the Auditor & Controller via fax, at (858)

694-2060, or mail originals to: County of San Diego, 5530 Overland Avenue, Suite 410, San Diego, CA

92123. The P.O. Number or Contract Number (if available) and “California Revenue and Taxation Code §

18662” must appear on fax cover sheet and/or the outside of the mailing envelope.

15. W-9 FORM

15.1. If selected for award, the Offeror must complete and submit a W-9 form if a current form is not on file with the County.

(Remainder of this page left blank) https://www.ftb.ca.gov/ https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/search/

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C. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria listed below are in descending order of importance by paragraph, not subparagraph, and will be considered in the evaluation of the Offeror’s SOQs accordingly. SOQs should give clear, concise information in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation based on these criteria.

Mandatory minimum requirements for eligibility are included in the evaluation criteria. Failure to satisfy these mandatory minimum requirements will be considered disqualifying, and the SOQ will not be considered for award.

Criteria Key factors include extent to which:

Mandatory Minimum

Requirement

• Pass/Fail

Program Approach • Offeror’s acceptance of the proposed Statement of Work (SOW).

• Offeror’s SOQ demonstrates understanding of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model, outlines a program approach implementation of the IPS Model to ensure fidelity as an evidence-based practice, including approach for meeting required client contacts, Employment Specialist time spent in the field, implementing systematic job development, and ensuring the Zero Exclusion principle is upheld.

• Offeror’s proposed program approach ensures services are provided effectively and efficiently to the identified target population as noted in SOW and reflects strong equity and inclusion efforts.

• Offeror’s SOQ demonstrates an internal and external network of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) providers and other community partners, plans to utilize those networks for referrals, linkages, and to support recovery, including assisting those on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and plans to integrate care.

• Offeror’s proposed location(s), facility(ies), including timeline for securing and opening the facility, and hours of operation support the program objectives, is operationally efficient and demonstrate sustainability efforts.

• Offeror’s submitted HHSA Linguistic & Cultural Diversity Plan meets the cultural and linguistic needs of the focus population.

Organizational

Capability, Experience

& Qualifications

• Offeror’s SOQ demonstrates relevant experience and knowledge providing the same, or similar, services with success as outlined in the SOW, including countywide services and the development of regional teams.

• Offeror’s proposed program staffing and plan for alignment with IPS fidelity standards, DHCS EBP Policy Guide, and County of San Diego BHSA Integrated Plan supports the program goals and objectives

• Offeror’s proposed Human Resource Plan supports program goals and objectives including how Contractor shall recruit, hire, and retain bilingual and culturally diverse staff, and determine bilingual proficiency of staff, at a minimum in the threshold languages for the

County as described in the SUDPOH and/or OPOH..

• Offer’s SOQ demonstrates how all five components of executive team support, as outlined in the IPS Fidelity Scale, will be implemented successfully.

• Offeror’s SOQ demonstrates organizational capacity and experience with Drug Medi-Cal eligibility and billing requirements including the use of an electronic database record system and/or electronic health record (EHR) or plan to gain knowledge and understanding on the use and implement these regulations.

• Offeror submitted a Small-Local Business Utilization Plan, in accordance with Board Policy

B-53, demonstrating meaningful impact through subcontractors and either 3% participation by small, local businesses, a good-faith effort to meet this goal, or a valid exemption.

Organizational Stability

& Risk

• Offeror’s fiscal stability, contract compliance, litigation, and any risk to the County.

https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/bhsa-integrated-plan

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Acceptance of

County’s Terms &

Conditions & Insurance

• The acceptance or non-acceptance of the terms and conditions, including insurance, and the extent to which any exceptions increase risk to the County.

D. SUBMITTAL ITEMS

SOQs should give clear, concise information in sufficient detail and in the order presented below to allow for a comprehensive evaluation. The County shall have the discretion, but not the obligation, to construe any submission as non-conforming and ineligible for consideration if it does not conform to the Submittal Requirements described by these

Submittal Items. The County shall also have the discretion to waive any irregularities or variances from these Submittal

Items in any submission and/or seek Clarification.

Offeror’s response to these Submittal Items shall be no more than twenty (20) pages, excluding required forms, table of contents, disclosures, financials, sample reports, etc.

1. EXHIBIT 1 - REQUIRED FORMS

1.1. Submit a completed and signed Offeror’s Cover Page (PC600) form

• Required for all Offerors

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC600_dpc_Offerors_Cover_Page.pdf

1.2. Submit a completed and signed Representations and Certifications form (PC601)

• Required for all Offerors

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC601_dpc_Reps_and_Certs.pdf

1.3. Submit a completed and signed Small-Local Business Self-Certification Form (PC610)

• All Offerors are encouraged to complete this form to support County data collection.

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC610_dpc_Small_Local_Self_Cert.pdf

1.4. Submit a completed Small-Local Business Subcontractor Utilization Plan (PC611)

• In accordance with Board Policy B-53, Offeror must submit a Small-Local Business Utilization Plan demonstrating that Offeror: (i) will either meet or exceed a 3% Small-Local Business Subcontractor

Participation Requirement based on the total pricing/payment schedule of Offeror's submittal or show a good faith effort to do so, or (ii) is exempt from the Small-Local Business Subcontractor Participation

Requirements.

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC611_dpc_SLB_Sub_Utilization.pdf

1.5. Submit a completed and signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement (PC620) (if applicable).

• Required if submitting Confidential/Proprietary Information (see RFSQ Instructions and Rules section 4.2)

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.pdf

2. EXHIBIT 2 - PROGRAM/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT

2A – Mandatory Minimum Requirements

Only those entities that respond YES to the minimum mandatory requirement below will be eligible for qualification and subsequent contract award for services. Offeror understands that by marking YES for mandatory minimum requirements, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to these requirements upon award.Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror has read, understands, and accepts the Provider Rates as referenced in Exhibit C - Payment Schedule. Offeror understands that by marking YES, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to Exhibit C upon award.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.2. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror has read, understands, and accepts adhering to the Department of Health Care https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC600_dpc_Offerors_Cover_Page.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC601_dpc_Reps_and_Certs.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC610_dpc_Small_Local_Self_Cert.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC611_dpc_SLB_Sub_Utilization.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.pdf

RFSQ 13373 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Page 10 of 54

Services Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-

CONNECT) Evidence Based Practices policy guide https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/EBP-Policy-

Guide.pdf as it relates to Individual Placement and Support(IPS) services.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.3. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror can complete the training and technical assistance requirements set forth by DHCS for Drug Medi-Cal reimbursement of IPS services.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.4. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror has the ability and agrees to obtain Drug Medi-Cal Certification within timelines set forth by DHCS to maintain consistent reimbursement of IPS services.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2B – Program Approach

2.5. Confirm (YES/NO) that Offeror has read, understands, and accepts the Statement of Work (SOW) in its entirety.

YES ☐ NO ☐

Note: If Offeror has exceptions to any SOW requirements, provide a marked up redline version of the SOW that provides applicable alternative language along with explanation to support any alternative standards/language being proposed. Failure to specifically reject a proposed requirement(s) will be deemed an acceptance of such requirement. By accepting, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to Exhibit A requirements upon award.

2.6. For each item below, related to IPS fidelity, briefly describe how Offeror will ensure the following:

2.6.1. Fidelity as an evidence-based practice as noted in SOW sections 6.3-6.3.8.

2.6.2. Services are provided to the identified target population as noted in SOW sections 4.1- 4.2.

2.6.3. Staff will meet IPS Fidelity and EBP Policy Guide requirements for client contacts, Employment

Specialist time spent in the field, and implementing systematic job development.

2.6.4. IPS principle Zero Exclusion will be upheld and implemented so that all job seekers, including those with justice involvement, will obtain jobs in the field of their choice.

2.7. Briefly describe how Offeror will assist the needs of members on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) related to their employment plan.

2.8. Describe Offeror’s internal and external network of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) providers and other community partners, and how you plan to utilize those networks for referrals of new clients to the IPS program, provide linkages, and support recovery as noted in SOW section 6.3.7. Please include plans to integrate care, including attending treatment team meetings and implementing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) when necessary.

2.9. If known, provide the proposed program site address(es). Indicate if the proposed program site(s) is currently under Offeror’s operational control and current use(s). If the proposed program site(s) is not known, indicate a timeline and plan for facility selection, preparation, and opening. Include expected date of initiation of client services and any measures your organization has taken toward energy efficiency and sustainability in its operations.

2.10. Briefly describe your organization’s approach to achieve culturally responsive and diverse community-based behavioral health care services to meet the needs of diverse Drug Medi-Cal recipients, including those with cultural and linguistic differences as required in SOW section 5.13.

2.11. Submit a completed HHSA Linguistic & Cultural Diversity Plan Template, attached as a separate file on

BuyNet.

2C – Organizational Capability, Experience, and Qualifications

2.12. Confirm (YES/NO) if your organization currently assists individuals with employment and education goals.

YES ☐ NO ☐

If yes, briefly explain.

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/EBP-Policy-Guide.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/EBP-Policy-Guide.pdf

RFSQ 13373 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Page 11 of 54

2.13. Explain Offeror’s experience implementing countywide services, including the development of regional teams and offices to support the needs of both clients and staff in each region. If Offeror has not provided countywide services similarly, briefly describe how Offeror will develop regional teams and offices to support the needs of both clients and staff in each region.

2.14. In a concise manner, discuss program staffing and plan for alignment with IPS fidelity standards and DHCS

EBP Policy Guide. Include details on how proposed staffing and number of IPS teams will support IPS eligible population outlined in the County of San Diego BHSA Integrated Plan.

2.15. Provide a Human Resource Plan that includes how Contractor shall recruit, hire, and retain bilingual and culturally diverse staff, and describe how Offeror will provide an updated Human Resource Plan when any substantive changes have been made.

2.15.1. Describe the Offeror’s process to determine bilingual proficiency of staff, at a minimum in the threshold languages for the County as described in the SUDPOH and/or OPOH.

2.16. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror’s program is able to implement all five components of executive team support as outlined in the IPS Fidelity Scale.

YES ☐ NO ☐

If yes, briefly describe how.

2.17. Briefly describe Offeror’s experience with Drug Medi-Cal eligibility and billing requirements including using an electronic database record system and/or electronic health record (EHR). If Offeror does not have previous experience, please describe how these regulations will be implemented.

2D – Organizational Stability and Risk

2.18. Financial Information: Describe and provide proof of the Offeror’s ability to operate for 60 days or until the first invoice is paid.

2.19. Litigation: If applicable, provide a description of any litigation and the resolution in the past five (5) years related to the Offeror’s performance. Provide a brief explanation of the reasons for the actions, their status, how they were resolved, and if there were any penalties, fines, or other actions taken.

2.19.1. Provide a copy of a letter from the Offeror’s attorney and/or in-house legal counsel concerning the status of lawsuits and pending litigation for the most recent fiscal year.

2.19.2. List information concerning the status of any lawsuits and pending litigation for Offeror and principals thereof, and a description of any litigation active in the past five (5) years related to the Offerors past performance under agreements similar to the one proposed in this RFSQ.

2.19.3. Explain if the Offeror, or any of its officers, are presently the subject of any investigation, accusations, or charges by any federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies; or licensing/certification body as certified in Representations and Certifications form.

2.20. Non-Compliance Information:

2.20.1. Provide a summary and documentation of the agreement performance and the Offeror’s compliance for the last three (3) agreement years.

2.20.2. List all findings and/or corrective actions related to the following: In-Depth Invoice Reviews, Medical

Records Reviews (i.e., Quality Assurance Performance Reviews), Corrective Action Notices, or similarly related reviews and/or notices of Agency issued non-compliance; also list why the corrective actions were issued, their required timelines/deadlines, how they were resolved, and if they were resolved within the required timeline/deadline.

2.20.3. Provide the history of all programs on a required Corrective Action, or Contract Risk Report, or similarly related history on corrective actions or risk reports, over past three (3) years including the program name, reason for corrective action, and corrective action timeline.

2.20.4. Provide a detailed listing of any breach or noncompliance, failure, or refusals to complete an agreement; information on early termination and details of any and all liquidated damages assessed by any entity during the last three (3) years.

https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/bhsa-integrated-plan

RFSQ 13373 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Page 12 of 54

3. EXHIBIT 3 - COST/PRICE EXHIBIT

3.1. Payment Schedule does not need to be submitted with Offeror’s SOQ. Pricing will not be evaluated as part of this qualifications-based selection process. Following the evaluation and ranking of firms, the County will initiate negotiations with the highest-ranked firm(s) to establish a contract with a fee that is fair and reasonable to the public agency. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, negotiations will be terminated and initiated with the next most qualified firm, and so on, until a contract is awarded.

3.2. Ancillary Payment: If Offeror plans to request ancillary funding for use in the first 90 days of the contract, describe how Offeror would use the funding. Actual proposed costs do not need to be included and will be negotiated upon award. If Offeror does not propose ancillary funding, state as such. This information will not be evaluated as part of this qualifications-based selection process.

4. EXHIBIT 4 – ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1. Confirm acceptance “YES/NO” of the County of San Diego’s Draft Agreement (including insurance requirements):

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.1.1. If “NO,” provide a detailed list of exceptions to the Draft Agreement, the nature of its concern, and what terms the Offeror is willing to accept.

Note: The Offeror will be deemed to have accepted any terms and conditions of the Draft Agreement to which it does not take exception to in its SOQ. The County may, as part of its evaluation process, conclude that exceptions are so numerous and/or material as to make Offeror’s response to the solicitation unacceptable.

4.2. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror has opted to be County Delegate for Credentialing, Re-credentialing, and Provider

Enrollment. An Offeror who opts to credential, re-credential, and enroll their own staff shall comply with requirements as defined in the SUDPOH. Offerors opting to be a Delegate are subject to County assessment and approval prior to delegation. (If Yes, Exhibit D - Credentialing Delegation Agreement applies).

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.3. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror certifies understanding of, and willingness to adhere to and comply with, the State

Employee Conflict of Interest requirements described in the SUDPOH, whereby organizations shall not utilize in the performance of County contracts any State officer or employee in the State civil service or other appointed

State official unless the employment, activity, or enterprise is required as a condition of the officer’s or employee’s regular State employment.

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.4. Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment certification: Confirm (YES/NO). Offeror certifies that it and its subcontractors will not and have not used federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. § 1352. List as a disclosure any lobbying with non-federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any federal award by Offeror or Offeror’s subcontractors.

YES ☐ NO ☐

E. REQUIRED FORMS

(RESERVED)

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F. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Scope of Work/Purpose:

1.1. As an organizational provider agency, Contractor shall provide administrative and direct program services to County’s

Medi-Cal clients [as defined in Title 9, Division 1, Chapter 11 of the California Code of Regulations].

1.1.1. For clients under the age of 21, the Contractor shall provide all medically necessary specialty mental health services (SMHS) required pursuant to Section 1396d(r) of Title 42 of the United States Code (Welfare & Inst.

Code 14184.402 (d)).

1.2. Contractor shall provide Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment Services. Contractor shall operate a Countywide Supported Employment program and will facilitate access to an array of job opportunities to help adults with qualifying behavioral health diagnosis obtain competitive employment utilizing a comprehensive approach that is community-based, client and family-driven, and culturally competent. The program shall use the Supported

Employment Individual Placement and Support Model (IPS) EBP to assist active job seekers with their job search and placement.

2. Background Information:

2.1. In December 2024, CMS approved SPA 24-0051 to establish IPS as a covered benefit in the Medi-Cal program. SPA 24-

0051 authorizes BHPs and DMC programs to provide IPS as a bundled service with a unique billing code and monthly bundled rate.

2.2. In March 2024, voters approved Proposition 1 which intends to modernize California’s behavioral health delivery system, improve accountability and increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities. The

Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is implementing changes resulting from Prop 1 through Behavioral Health

Transformation (BHT) which builds upon and aligns with other major behavioral health initiatives in California. Two legislative bills created the language in Prop 1, including the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA; SB 326) which reforms and replaces the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA; Prop 63) of 2004 to prioritize services for people with the most significant mental health needs while adding the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), expanding housing interventions, and increasing the behavioral health workforce. It also enhances oversight, transparency, and accountability at the state and local levels.

2.3. BHSA is comprised of 3 service components: Housing Interventions (HI), Behavioral Health Support Services (BHSS), and Full Service Partnership (FSP). During the shift from MHSA to BHSA, all sustained programs by BHS were transitioned into one of the components and are required to implement services consistent with the priorities and funding requirements of BHSA as outlined by DHCS guidance, including the BHSA Policy Manual and county-specific service needs. This program adheres to:

2.3.1. Full Service Partnership (FSP) – programs provide individualized, team-based care to individuals living with significant behavioral health needs through a “whatever it takes” approach. Participants benefit from a community-based, whole-person approach that is trauma-informed, recovery-focused, age-appropriate, and delivered in partnership with families or an individual’s natural supports.

2.3.1.1. Other Evidenced Based Practices (EBPs) – comprises other allowable EBPs including Individual

Placement and Support (IPS) and Clubhouses.

2.4. The Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) is a statewide initiative aimed at transforming the behavioral health delivery system by expanding access to high-quality, community-based services for Medi-Cal members with significant behavioral health needs. The initiative supports individuals across the lifespan by broadening the continuum of care, reducing the reliance on facility-based care, and strengthening community support to improve access and outcomes for individuals. The County of San Diego opted in to all components of the initiative in 2025 and began a phased approach to implementation, which includes the expansion of

Medi-Cal coverage for several Evidence Based Practices (EBPs), making them an entitlement for beneficiaries that meet eligibility and medical necessity criteria. This program adheres to the requirements of the following EBP as bundled Medi-

Cal services:

2.4.1. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment. The IPS model of Supported Employment is a community-based intervention that supports members living with significant behavioral health needs to find and maintain competitive employment. Participation in IPS Supported Employment supports improved employment outcomes as well as improved self-esteem, independence, sense of belonging, and overall health and well-being.

2.5. Harm Reduction: On June 8, 2021, the County of San Diego Board of…