RFSQ 13378 Packet.pdf

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 13378

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

September 18, 2026

A. KEY INFORMATION

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

Substance Use Residential Program (“Offerors”).

1.1. The County intends to award one contract from this SOQ. The remaining qualified Offerors will be placed on a list, based on ranking, for the duration of one (1) year. If the County determines it has a need for additional Adolescent Substance Use Residential Program services during this timeframe, it will award contract(s) to the next Offerors on the list.

1.2. The contract term is anticipated to be an initial (base) period of six (6) months with four (4) one-year options.

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 Tiana Cruz, Procurement Contracting Officer (tiana.cruz@sdcounty.ca.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’s Conference September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

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

SOQ’s due October 26, 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, join the virtual conference at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/eb6100a6-c14e-4b3a-9100-862089dbf36e@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog. 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 D. Submittal Items E. Required Forms

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/ mailto:tiana.cruz@sdcounty.ca.gov https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/eb6100a6-c14e-4b3a-9100-862089dbf36e@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/eb6100a6-c14e-4b3a-9100-862089dbf36e@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ 13378)

ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

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.

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.

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

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”

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.

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.

6.9. The County reserves the right to update the standing list of qualified firms by issuing a new RFSQ or qualifying additional SOQ submittals during the term of the established list, should it be in the best interest of the County to do so.

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_I nformation_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.

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

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.

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;

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.

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

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)

C. EVALUATION CRITERIA

SOQ 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 written and oral 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 Requirements • Pass/Fail

Program Approach • Offeror’s proposed approach demonstrates the feasibility of beginning services within 90 calendar days of contract execution, operational efficiency of the implementation plan, and the ability to deliver integrated, co-occurring care while meeting all required certifications, licenses, and sustainability standards.

• Offeror’s proposed approach and methodology assess plans for safe gender-based separation and monitoring of adolescents, use of harm-reduction, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices, and the adequacy of coordinated care for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

• Offeror’s proposed approach demonstrates how the populations with disabilities, cognitive impairments, limited English proficiency, and justice involvement; evaluates cultural competency practices; and confirms submission of an HHSA Cultural & Linguistic Diversity Plan that meets the needs of the target population.

Organizational Capability, Experience and Qualifications

• Offeror’s proposal demonstrates relevant experience and knowledge providing the same or similar services with success as outlined in the SOW.

• Offeror’s organizational framework, including the Offeror’s management, proposed staffing, resources, training and experience with relevant data systems, that support the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives, and any value added.

• Offeror’s proposal demonstrates experience collaborating with small and local businesses and community partners in San Diego county, if applicable, and how these collaborations promote equity and inclusion in the communities served.

• Subcontracting, if proposed, offers substantial and meaningful impact or added value to the proposed approach.

• Offeror’s fiscal stability and any risk to the County.

Acceptance of County’s Terms and Conditions and 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.

• Offeror’s contract compliance, litigation, record of quality performance, and any 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.

Although the Submittal Requirements below may be organized by Evaluation Criteria, the headings are only for purposes of organization and clarity. The County may evaluate the information provided under any section of the Submittal Requirements for each Evaluation Criterion (e.g., when evaluating the offeror’s Technical Approach, the County is not limited to reviewing the information submitted in response to the Technical Approach section and may, for example, also rely on information submitted in response to the Offeror's Experience, Qualifications, Capacity, Competency, etc.).

Offeror’s response to these Submittal Items shall be no more than forty (40) pages, excluding disclosures, financials, sample reports, etc.

EXHIBIT 1 - REQUIRED FORMS

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

• 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

1.4 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 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

2 EXHIBIT 2 - PROGRAM/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT

2A – MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

2.1. 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. Medical Director. The County of San Diego is required by the State to select only DMC-ODS providers that have a Medical Director who has, prior to the delivery of services: 1) enrolled with Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) under applicable state regulations, 2) been screened in accordance with 42 CFR 455.450(a) as a “limited” categorical risk (through National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) check, etc.) within a year prior to serving as a Medical Director, and 3) signed a Medicaid Provider Agreement with DHCS as required by 42 CFR 431.107.

2.2.1. Confirm (YES/NO) that Offeror has read, understands, and acknowledges the requirement for staffing a Medical Director prior to the delivery of services that meets the criteria identified above.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.2.2. Confirm (Yes/NO) that Offeror can provide the following information in the proposal submission regarding the proposed Medical Director:

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.2.3. Provide a copy of the Medicaid Provider Agreement application submitted to DHCS for the proposed

Medical Director

2.2.4. Evidence that the proposed Medical Director has been screened by the Offeror for limited risk

(through NPPES, LEIE check, etc.) within a year prior to serving as the program’s Medical Director.

2.2.5. OR, if a Medical Director has not been identified at time of proposal submission:

2.2.6. An attestation indicating that, no later than 15 days prior to the contract implementation date, the

Offeror shall:

2.2.6.1. Identify a Medical Director who meets the requirements in the SUDPOH, and

2.2.6.2. Provide the County with a copy of the Medical Director’s Medicaid Provider Agreement application submitted to DHCS, and

2.2.6.3. Provide the County with evidence of the Medical Director’s screening for limited risk

(through NPPES, LEIE check, etc.) within a year prior to serving as a Medical Director.

2B – PROGRAM APPROACH

2.3. Offeror has read, understands, and accepts the Exhibit A – Statement of Work (SOW), in its entirety, as applicable to the lots awarded).

YES ☐ NO ☐

Note: If Offeror does not accept all portions of the SOW, then provide a marked up redline version of the SOW that provides applicable alternative language along with supporting 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.

2.4. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror’s proposed location and facility have all required State and County certifications and licenses to operate a Substance Use Residential program.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.4.1. If YES, provide a copy of the certifications and licenses. If NO, provide a timeline of when certifications and licenses will be obtained.

2.5. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror will get the program fully operational within 90 calendar days of contract execution. Programs demonstrating the ability to become fully operational within this timeframe will be evaluated more favorably.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.5.1. If NO, propose the time frame for implementation.

2.6. Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror understands that the proposed facility must be located within seventy-five (75) miles of the San Diego County line limits.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.6.1. If Offeror is located outside of the San Diego County lines, include a transportation plan.

2.7. Describe Offeror's plan to develop and implement a Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) certified Substance Use Treatment Program including Offeror’s strategy, methodology, and framework for performing the requirements and operationalizing the services as described in Section 5, General Requirements for Deliverables/Specifications/Service Delivery to achieve the goals and outcomes as described in Section 3, Goals and Deliverables/Outcomes of Exhibit A. Description should include the following:

2.7.1. The total number of Substance Use (SU) Residential Beds proposed.

2.7.2. How Offeror will meet timely access requirements.

2.7.3. How Offeror’s clients will achieve self-sufficiency including an Employment Plan.

2.7.4. How Offeror will meet the Adolescent Practice Guidelines.

2.7.5. Any Add-On Services proposed by Offeror, including but not limited to Peer Services, Care

Coordination, Recovery Services, Clinical Consultation, MAT Services, etc. Add-On Services may be evaluated as value add.

2.8. If Offeror is proposing to include ASAM LOC 3.2 Withdrawal Management provide the total number of Substance Use Residential 3.2 beds are being offered. Descriptions should include:

2.8.1. Contractor’s Program Name

2.8.2. HHSA Region

2.8.3. Primary Service Address

2.8.4. Service Hours (includes intake and admissions)

2.8.5. DMC Licensed to Serve (number of beds and gender)

2.9. Describe the Offeror’s plan for ensuring appropriate and safe separation of adolescent client populations by gender within the proposed facility. The description must include:

2.9.1. A detailed explanation of how living, sleeping, bathing, and restroom areas will be physically separated by gender;

2.9.2. How supervision protocols will ensure continual monitoring and protection of adolescents in accordance with trauma‑informed and developmentally appropriate practices;

2.9.3. Policies and procedures governing gender‑specific placement, movement within the facility, and access to program activities; and

2.9.4. Staffing patterns that support safe, gender‑responsive care, including considerations for privacy and the unique needs of adolescents.

2.10. Describe how the Offeror’s location and facility support the program objectives as described in Section 4, Population and Geographic Area, and Section 5, Facilities and Hours of Operation of Exhibit A. Description should include:

2.10.1. An explanation of how program will meet the needs of underserved and unserved population.

2.10.2. How the following populations will be served: persons with disabilities, inclusive of cognitive impairments; persons with limited English proficiency; persons who are justice-involved.

2.10.3. Any specialized population(s) Offeror can provide services to such as individuals with arson convictions or tier offenders, primary Spanish speaking, LGBTQ+, or others as identified by respondent.

2.10.4. Populations that are unable to be served.

2.10.5. Proposed program name and service address.

2.10.6. If the proposed service site is currently under Offeror’s operational control, indicate its current use(s), licenses/certifications, conditional use permit, and floor plan with labeled living facilities, e.g., bathrooms, bedrooms, beds per room, laundry, meeting areas.

2.10.7. If proposed site is not known, indicate a timeline and plan for facility selection, preparation (inclusive of Tenant Improvements and licensing) and date of opening.

2.10.8. Any sustainability efforts your organization takes in facility and program operations.

2.11. Co-Occurring Capability & Integrated Care

2.11.1. Describe how Offeror’s program identifies and treats clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

2.11.2. Explain how clients are connected to or coordinated with mental health and primary care providers during and after residential treatment.

2.12. Harm Reduction & Recovery Orientation

2.12.1. Describe Offeror’s agency’s philosophy and implementation of harm reduction practices in residential treatment.

2.12.2. Explain how Offeror’s program supports client engagement and safety through recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approaches.

2.13. Cultural Competency

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

2.13.2. Offeror shall identify a 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.

2.13.3. Offeror shall describe their organization’s approach of methods to achieve culturally responsive, diverse, and community -based behavioral health and primary care services in performing the SOW.

2.13.3.1. Provide sufficient detail that demonstrates how these approaches will effectively and efficiently meet the requirements, goals, and proposed process outcomes outlined in the

SOW.

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

2C – ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILTY, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS

2.14. Offeror’s Resume: (Please note: The information requested in this section is regarding the experience of the Offeror’s organization in providing the proposed services listed in this solicitation, and NOT the experience of the proposed staff).

2.14.1. Provide a resume of the Offeror’s experience, including County or other government contracts, within the last five (5) years in developing, implementing, and managing services as described in Exhibit A – Statement of Work (SOW). If Offeror does not have experience in any of the requested services, please list requested service(s) and indicate “no previous experience.”

2.14.2. Detailed experience in collaborating with community partners in San Diego County, if applicable, and examples of how this collaboration promotes equity and inclusion in the communities served.

2.14.3. Offeror’s history of partnering with other small or local providers in the County of San Diego. Please include current practices to ensure that local, small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses are considered in service delivery or purchasing under this contract.

2.14.4. Experience providing Substance Use Residential Services

2.14.5. Experience providing services to the target population

2.14.6. Experience utilizing an electronic health record system(s). In your response, include the name of the system and years of experience.

2.15. Staffing Chart: Provide a legible staffing chart that describes the Offeror's proposed program and identifies program staff positions and reporting responsibility. Offeror may combine both the organization and identifies all program staff positions (by name and title, if known) and reporting responsibility. Include all proposed volunteer and other non-paid positions, if applicable. Clearly identify positions designated as bilingual.

2.16. Staffing Requirements: Describe how Offeror will meet the staffing requirements as described in Exhibit A.

2.17. Consultants/Subcontractor or Memorandum of Agreement Linkages: If consultants/subcontractors are to be used to meet specific requirements of the SOW under a Memorandum of agreement (including volunteer services), provide a list of those consultants/subcontractors with the following information.

Consultants/subcontractors include vendors such as nursing registries, equipment, part-time labor, physicians, psychiatrists, etc. Please do not include copies of the subcontract agreements or Memorandum of agreements.

2.17.1. A Fully identify the consultant(s)/subcontractor(s), if knows at the time of proposal submission, and describe, in accordance with the appropriate experience requirements specified above, the experience of each consultant/subcontractor. Describe the specific program requirements to be met.

2.17.2. Specify the type of contract or agreement and whether or not the consultant/subcontractor has committed to the contract or agreement.

2.17.3. If the consultant(s)/subcontractor(s) are unknown at the time of proposal submission, explain how they will be solicited and selected and provide a draft schedule for soliciting, selecting and subcontracting terms.

2.17.4. If Offeror does not propose to use consultant(s)/subcontractor(s), state as such in the response.

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.

3 EXHIBIT 3 - COST/PRICE EXHIBIT

3.1 A 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 Offeror may request ancillary funding in accordance with Exhibit C, Payment Schedule. If requesting ancillary funding, provide a description and justification of what the funds would be used for, along with the total requested amount. Refer to Exhibit C, Payment Schedule. Actual ancillary funding will be negotiated upon award in accordance with 3.1 above.

4 EXHIBIT 4 – ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4A – 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 proposal. 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 and/or OPOH. Offerors opting to be a Delegate are subject to County assessment and approval prior to delegation. (If answered 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 OPOH/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 Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror certifies understanding of, and willingness to adhere to and comply with, the

Network Adequacy requirements described in the OPOH/SUDPOH, including but not limited to providing the organization’s tax ID number to the Contract Officer Representative (COR) within 15 days from contract execution. Additionally, entities that are for-profit would provide the names of the organization’s owner(s) and their respective ownership percentage and tax ID number of each owner.

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.5 A Confirm (YES/NO) Effective no sooner than January 1, 2024, all providers furnishing applicable covered services via synchronous audio-only interaction must also offer those same services via synchronous video interaction to preserve beneficiary choice.

Will the Offeror provide Telehealth Services? YES ☐ NO ☐ If yes, review and confirm (YES/NO) to the requirements below:

Offeror certifies understanding and willingness to adhere to and comply with, the Telehealth requirements described in the OPOH/SUDPOH whereby organizations shall utilize only allowable telehealth platforms that meet minimum setup requirements including but not limited to 1) videoconferencing technology is compliant with HIPAA requirements; 2) American Telemedicine Association (ATA) minimum standards are met (i.e., a minimum bandwidth of 384 kilobits per second and a minimum live video display resolution of 640 x 360 pixels at 30 frames per second); and 3) Videoconference equipment conforms to applicable federal and state regulations. For each telehealth platform used, there must be a written agreement between the legal entity and the platform vendor that includes each party’s responsibilities for protecting PHI.

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.6 Confirm (YES/NO) Offeror is aware of, and agrees to work with the County on, the State’s implementation of BH CONNECT and of Behavioral Health Transformation whenever applicable.