Sobering_Center_Services_(Addendum_#2_Revision).pdf

County of San Mateo

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Sobering Center Services

Health - BHRS

RFP No. BHRS RFP No. 2027-001

RFP Contact: Alicia Fraumeni afraumeni@smcgov.org

1. Introduction and Schedule

The County of San Mateo (the “County” or “SMC”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 mi and is home to nearly 800,000 residents and 20 incorporated cities. The County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education and transportation. The

County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare and natural resources of the community.

1.1. Summary

San Mateo County Health, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is seeking proposals from qualified firms (hereinafter referred to as “Proposers”) to provide Sobering Center Services. Proposers must meet the minimum qualifications and requirements as set forth within this Request for Proposal (RFP) and be capable of providing the services identified in the Scope of Work herein. SMC/BHRS expects the successful Proposer(s) to provide the services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Sample Contract.

1.2. Background

BHRS provides a continuum of services for children, youth, families, adults and older adults for the prevention, early intervention and treatment of serious mental illness and/or substance use conditions. We are committed to supporting treatment of the whole person to achieve wellness and recovery, and promoting the physical and behavioral health of individuals, families, and communities we serve.

San Mateo County launched its Sobering Center Services in 1992 with StarVista through StarVista’s First Chance Sobering Station program. The 24/7 program provided sobering center services as an alternative to jail or emergency services for individuals transferring from the emergency department, voluntary admissions, and those arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), public intoxication, or drug-related intoxication and offered - substance use assessment, - case management services. StarVista’s Sobering Station also offered linkage to appropriate support and ancillary services including housing shelter services, Alcohol Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alanon, family counseling, residential and outpatient treatment and mental health counseling.

Since the unexpected closure of StarVista on May 21, 2025, San Mateo County’s sobering center program has been shut down. Because of this, San Mateo County needs to provide a sober center program that is designed and staffed to provide a safe, voluntary, low-barrier, trauma-informed, harm-reduction-oriented, less-than-24-hour setting where adults experiencing acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication can recover safely, be monitored for emergent medical or behavioral health needs, and be connected to substance use, mental health, medical, housing, and other stabilizing services.

1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

Clara Boyden BHRS Deputy Director, AOD Services Email: cboyden@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 995-3880

Procurement Contact:

Alicia Fraumeni Contract Administrator II mailto:cboyden@smcgov.org tel:(650)995-3880

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Email: afraumeni@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 573-2289

Department:

Health - BHRS

Department Head:

Jei Africa Director of Behavioral Health

1.4. Timeline

RFP Released July 13, 2026

Deadline for Questions and Comments July 20, 2026, 4:00pm

Question Response Deadline July 24, 2026, 4:00pm

Proposal Due Date and Time August 7, 2026, 2:00pm

Interviews, if conducted (tentative) - Week of:

August 24, 2026

Anticipated Contract Award Date December 1, 2026

2. Scope of Work

2.1. General Information

BHRS is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide and operate a 14-bed sobering center to serve adults throughout San Mateo County. The Sobering Center will provide a safe, voluntary, low-barrier, trauma-informed, harm-reduction-oriented, less-than-24-hour setting where adults experiencing acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication can recover safely, be monitored for emergent medical or behavioral health needs, and be connected to substance use, mental health, medical, housing, and other stabilizing services.

The Proposer must be capable of launching core sobering services quickly at a County-owned facility. Once core services are open, the Proposer to will build a state-of-the-art sobering model aligned with national best practices, by obtaining accreditation for emergency medical services (EMS) as an alternate-destination and pursuing Medi-Cal certification and contracts to delivery California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Community Supports requirements with local Managed Care Plans.

The selected Proposer will be expected to operate the County-owned facility, employ and supervise staff, establish and maintain referral pathways, develop partnerships with law enforcement, emergency departments (ED), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), outreach teams, shelters, County programs, and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP(s)), and independently pursue and maintain third-party funding mailto:afraumeni@smcgov.org tel:(650)573-2289

Page 4 of 31 Release date of July 13, 2026 agreements, including agreements with local law enforcement jurisdictions and Medi-Cal managed care plan(s).

The selected Proposer is expected to require braided funding for the full operation of the Sobering Center.

County BHRS funding may support a portion of start-up and operations, but the selected contractor shall be responsible for independently pursuing additional funds, including direct contracts or agreements with local law enforcement jurisdictions and MCP(s), and may pursue grants, hospital/community benefit support, philanthropy, opioid settlement-related funds where approved, or other allowable sources in order to fully fund the Sobering Center operations.

The ideal Proposer must clearly demonstrate that the Proposer has:

A. The ability to provide the identified sobering center resources and services by the start date of the contract term in County of San Mateo’s provided facility.

B. Experience operating low-barrier sobering, crisis, SUD, behavioral health, or public safety diversion services for adults with acute intoxication and complex behavioral health, medical, housing, and justice-system needs.

C. The ability to safely operate a 24/7, less-than-24-hour sobering center, including intake, monitoring, de-escalation, discharge planning, emergency transfer protocols, incident reporting, and client rights protections.

D. Capacity to implement evidence-informed sobering center best practices, including harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational engagement, culturally responsive services, peer support, and warm handoffs to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, withdrawal management, medication assisted treatment (MAT), mental health care, housing, and other supports.

E. Skill in building and managing cross-system referral partnerships, including law enforcement, EMS, ED’s, hospitals, outreach teams, shelters, County BHRS, and Medi-Cal Managed Care

Plan(s).

F. Administrative and fiscal capacity to launch quickly and sustain operations, including staffing, training, data collection, quality improvement, accreditation/certification readiness, braided funding, and pursuit of law enforcement and Managed Care Plan funding agreements.

San Mateo County anticipates awarding an agreement to a firm for a three-year term with the option of two one (1) year term extensions, if it is in the best interest of the County. County expects the successful Proposer to provide the services outlined in the Scope of Work and in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in Sample Agreement.

2.2. Target Population

The target population for sobering center services is adults who are under the influence of substances. Admission is based on individuals who meet the following criteria:

A. Adults age 18 or older.

B. Intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol and/or other substances, including the following, but not limited to:

A. those arrested for a 647 (f) PL (Public Intoxication);

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B. those arrested for a CVC 23152 (DUI) and 23152F;

C. those arrested for 11550 of the Health and Safety Code (under the influence of a controlled substance);

D. intoxicated but not arrested only cited with an 849B;

E. intoxicated and medically cleared participants referred by San Mateo Medical Center Emergency Department (SMMC ED);

F. intoxicated not arrested who volunteer to go to sobering services instead of going to jail

G. those intoxicated individuals involved in domestic disputes in need of a “cooling off” place and free of legal consequences; and

H. those participants who are victims of human sex trafficking.

C. Conscious and able to be safely monitored in the sobering environment.

D. Cooperative with admission to a voluntary setting and not actively violent.

E. Free from apparent medical distress or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

F. Appropriate for diversion from jail, ED, or other higher-intensity response, or appropriate for referral from a community partner.

G. Able to ambulate and perform basic activities of daily living, unless the Proposer proposes a staffing/facility model approved by the County and applicable authorities to safely serve non-ambulatory clients.

H. Arrive at the center and are dropped off in a vehicle.

I. Are referred by BHRS contractors, San Mateo Medical Center or other hospitals, local law enforcement, managed care health plans, and self-referrals.

J. Possess necessary medications for withdrawal symptoms and prescriptions already filled, in hand upon arrival to facility

2.3. County Priorities

The County is prioritizing both urgency and quality. Proposer may propose a phased implementation plan that allows the Sobering Center to open initially as a core low-barrier sobering service while the selected Proposer develops additional funding, policies, staffing, accreditation readiness, MCP contracting, and EMS alternate-destination capabilities. The County will evaluate proposals based on readiness to launch, program quality, safety, regulatory understanding, fiscal sustainability, equity, partnership capacity, and ability to operate a sobering center consistent with best practice standards.

Priority County Expectation

Rapid launch Open initial sobering services as soon as safe and operationally feasible after contract execution and facility readiness.

Safety and quality Implement written eligibility, exclusion, monitoring, escalation, incident, grievance, and ED-transfer protocols before accepting clients.

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Low-barrier access Use simple referral pathways, minimal paperwork, welcoming intake, and no unnecessary barriers based on payer, housing status, relapse history, or justice involvement.

Countywide access Serve eligible adults referred from across San Mateo County, including law enforcement, hospitals, EMS as permitted, outreach teams, shelters, County programs, and self-referrals as feasible.

Funding sustainability Independently develop and maintain funding arrangements with local law enforcement jurisdictions and MCP(s), in addition to any County BHRS contract funding.

Accreditation and EMS readiness

Develop a clear path toward Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)/recognized sobering-center accreditation and, if pursued, local EMS alternate-destination authorization.

2.4. Services to be Provided

The sobering center services shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

The selected Proposer will provide welcoming, safe, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive sobering services for individuals who are intoxicated or otherwise in need of short-term stabilization.

A. Services at the facility shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. 24/7 Access and Admissions: Provide sufficient staffing to accept referrals and complete admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

2. Triage, Screening, and Intake: Screen each individual to determine whether they can be safely served in the facility, including review of referral source, presenting condition, apparent substance involvement, immediate safety needs, medical and behavioral health red flags, demographics, and relevant medical history.

3. Observation and Monitoring: Monitor signs and symptoms of intoxication and overall safety at defined intervals, including vital signs or other clinical checks consistent with the approved staffing model and County-approved medical protocols, and assist those who are taking withdrawal medications while staying at facility.

4. Short-Term Stabilization and Support: Provide a safe place to rest, with an anticipated length of stay generally between 6 and 8 hours, depending on individual need, safety, and discharge readiness.

5. Basic Comfort and Hygiene Supports: Provide light snacks, hydration, temporary clean clothing, toiletries, clean linens, showers, laundry access as feasible, and safe storage of belongings.

6. Brief Engagement and Harm Reduction: Use motivational interviewing, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices to support client engagement, reduce risk, and encourage connection to ongoing services.

7. Overdose Prevention and Response: Provide overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution or linkage as allowed, and maintain overdose response protocols consistent with County requirements.

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8. Referral and Linkage to Care: Screen for and refer individuals to appropriate aftercare services, including substance use disorder treatment, withdrawal management, medications for addiction treatment, mental health services, crisis services, primary care, housing or shelter, benefits, support groups, and other social supports.

9. Discharge Planning and Warm Handoffs: Develop and follow discharge protocols that include transportation planning, warm handoffs when appropriate, referral documentation, and practical next steps for the individual after leaving the facility.

10. Transportation Support: Provide or arrange transportation following discharge, when needed and appropriate, to support safe return to the community or connection to aftercare services.

11. Care Coordination and Follow-Up: Provide on-site case management to help participants overcome barriers to sobriety and to encourage positive and effective coping strategies as they encounter or consider recovery services. Provide follow-up contact or care coordination for high-utilizing clients or individuals with complex needs, when appropriate and funded.

12. Client Rights and Access Requirements: Maintain clear processes for client rights, grievances, interpreter and language access, disability-related reasonable accommodations, and other accessibility needs.

2.5. Facility, Operation, and Requirements

A. Facility: Sobering Center services shall be provided at the County-owned facility. The location of the County-owned facility will be disclosed to the highest-ranked firm during negotiations. The County recently purchased the facility. Refer to the attached Sobering Center Floor Plan & Map for general information regarding the facility. The final square footage, rental rate, occupancy terms, lease or use agreement, maintenance responsibilities, utilities, security, furnishings, technology, insurance, repairs, and improvement responsibilities will be negotiated with the selected Proposer and incorporated into the final agreement.

B. Operation: The facility will initially operate as a 14-bed Sobering Center. In the future, the County may co-locate other behavioral health services at the site. Proposer shall include proposed start-up and operating costs related to the facility and identify any facility conditions, modifications, equipment, staffing, technology, or supports needed to open and operate safely.

C. Facility Requirements: At a minimum, the facility and operations plan shall address the following:

A. Capacity and Client Flow: The facility shall support fourteen (14) sobering beds or resting spaces, with safe observation, reasonable privacy, and appropriate separation of client, staff, intake, administrative, and operational areas.

B. Required Program Spaces: The facility shall include or support functional spaces for triage, intake, screening, observation, client rest, staff work areas, hygiene, bathrooms, showers, laundry, food and hydration storage, belongings storage, medication storage, biohazard or sharps storage, and administrative functions.

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C. Law Enforcement Drop-Off Area: The facility shall include a designated booking, intake, or drop-off area for use by local law enforcement and other approved referral partners. The drop-off process shall be safe, orderly, trauma-informed, and designed to protect client dignity, confidentiality, staff safety, and neighborhood operations.

D. Safe and Welcoming Environment: The facility shall be designed and operated in a manner that is, therapeutic, safe, welcoming and trauma-informed, ligature-aware, low-barrier, and appropriate for a voluntary sobering environment.

E. Accessibility and Accommodation: The facility shall meet applicable accessibility requirements and include processes for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or other access needs.

F. Health, Safety, and Infection Prevention: Provide protocols for infection prevention, cleaning, linen and laundry management, pest control, food safety, sharps and biohazard disposal, hazardous materials handling, belongings storage, and general environmental safety.

G. Fire, Life Safety, and Emergency Preparedness: Maintain a valid fire clearance, fire and life safety procedures, emergency preparedness plans, evacuation protocols, power outage procedures, disaster response plans, and continuity of operations plans.

H. Transportation, Drop-Off, and Pick-Up Procedures: The facility shall support safe and orderly drop-off and pick-up procedures for law enforcement, outreach teams, hospitals, community partners, and, if approved, EMS or ambulance partners. Provide protocol on how transportation flow will support safety, confidentiality, timely admissions, and safe discharge.

I. Smoke-Free Facility: The facility shall be smoke-free. Smoking may only be permitted outside in a designated area approved by the County and consistent with applicable laws, lease or occupancy requirements, and site safety protocols.

J. Security and Site Safety: The facility will maintain a safe environment for clients, staff, referral partners, and the surrounding community. Any security model shall be trauma-informed, least-restrictive, non-carceral, and subject to County approval.

K. Technology and Communication: Identify technology, telephone, internet, data, documentation, and communication needs required for safe operations, County reporting, referral coordination, and real-time communication with referral partners.

L. Real-Time Capacity Communication: Maintain a process for communicating real-time bed availability, temporary service limitations, and admission status to approved referral partners.

M. Opening Readiness: Identify all facility-related start-up needs, including furnishings, supplies, equipment, technology, signage, policies, inspections, training, and any other conditions necessary to begin safe operations.

2.6. Licensing and Certification

Demonstrate understanding of the regulatory pathways applicable to sobering centers and must clearly identify which pathway(s) their proposal will implement at launch and over time. The selected Proposer shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, certifications, accreditations, permits, approvals, fire/life safety clearances, and payer approvals required for the services it provides during the term of the Agreement.

Pathway RFP Expectation

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Core sobering center Operate consistent with National Sobering Collaborative standards, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-aligned sobering definitions, Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Community Supports requirements where applicable, and County-approved policies.

MCP Community Supports

If billing or contracting with MCP(s), meet MCP and DHCS requirements, including eligibility, less-than-24-hour duration, provider approval, encounter/billing, expedited authorization, quality monitoring, and data requirements.

CARF/recognized accreditation

Submit a timeline and workplan to pursue CARF sobering center accreditation or other recognized sobering-center accreditation/certification pathway that supports quality validation and EMS alternate-destination readiness.

EMS alternate destination

If direct EMS/ambulance drop-off is pursued, meet California Health and Safety Code, Title 22, local EMS Agency, medical oversight, registered nurse (RN) staffing, data, transfer, and designation requirements before accepting EMS alternate-destination transports.

2.7. Hours of Operation

The sobering center facility will be staffed to admit individuals twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, including holidays.

2.8. Staffing Requirements

A. Proposer shall meet the following staffing requirements:

1. Staffing Model: Provide a detailed staffing model sufficient to operate the sobering program

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. The staffing plan shall describe the proposed positions, qualifications, credentials, supervision structure, staffing ratios, shift schedules, relief coverage, vacancy coverage, clinical consultation, safety staffing, language access, and training plan for both launch and full implementation. The

County may require staffing modifications before contract award or during implementation to ensure program safety, quality, and operational readiness.

2. Organizational Experience and Staffing Capacity: Demonstrate at least two years of experience within the past five years in the substance use disorder field, or otherwise demonstrate sufficient knowledge and capacity to provide safe, low-barrier sobering services.

3. 24/7 On-Site Coverage: Provide sufficient staffing to ensure safe admissions, monitoring, engagement, and discharge planning at all times. At least three trained staff shall be on duty

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays, while clients are present.

Proposer shall justify proposed staffing ratios for the anticipated bed capacity, peak referral times, client acuity, safety needs, and any planned phased implementation.

4. Program Leadership: Identify a Program Director, Program Manager, or equivalent leadership position responsible for day-to-day operations, staffing, partner coordination, data collection, quality assurance, incident response, and County reporting.

5. Medical and Clinical Oversight: Describe the medical and/or clinical oversight model, which may include a Medical Director, RN consultant, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, Page 10 of 31 Release date of July 13, 2026 physician, licensed behavioral health clinician, or other qualified professional arrangement appropriate to the proposed service model. Medical staff or consultants shall establish and maintain protocols for the safe provision of services, including intoxication monitoring, medical or behavioral health red flags, emergency response, and referral to higher levels of care. If the program seeks EMS alternate-destination designation, the staffing model shall meet all applicable clinical staffing requirements, including RN coverage if required.

6. Direct Service Staff: Direct service staff may include peer support or recovery staff, SUD counselors, emergency medical technicians (EMT’s), medical assistants, health technicians, case managers, behavioral health staff, or other qualified personnel suited to low-barrier sobering care. Staff shall be trained and supervised to provide services within their scope of practice and role.

7. Supervision and Quality Assurance: Maintain a supervisory and administrative structure that ensures staff provide safe, consistent, high-quality services during all hours of operation, including evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. County review or approval of proposed personnel does not replace the applicant’s ongoing responsibility to supervise, monitor, train, and evaluate its workforce.

8. Safety Staffing and De-Escalation: Describe how staffing will support a safe, welcoming, trauma-informed, least-restrictive, and non-carceral environment. Staff shall be trained in de-escalation, crisis response, overdose response, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and protocols for when law enforcement, EMS, mobile crisis, or other emergency response is needed. Any proposed security model must be approved by the County.

9. Language Access and Cultural Responsiveness: Demonstrate capacity to provide multilingual and multicultural services responsive to the needs of the County’s threshold languages and community demographics. The staffing plan shall include timely access to interpretation services and culturally responsive practices.

10. Training Requirements: Ensure all employees are trained in their assigned duties before providing services independently. Training shall include, at a minimum, sobering program protocols, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, homelessness and outreach engagement strategies, crisis intervention, overdose prevention and response, client rights, grievance procedures, confidentiality and protected health information, data documentation, and referrals to SUD, mental health, medical, housing, benefits, and social support services.

11. Case Management and Care Coordination Expertise: Staff providing case management, discharge planning, or care coordination shall have experience or receive training and supervision in intensive case management, engagement strategies, behavioral health systems, homelessness and housing resources, benefits navigation, warm handoffs, and coordination with community providers.

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12. Coverage and Continuity Plan: Describe a coverage plan for staff absences, vacancies, turnover, illness, overtime, emergencies, and referral surges to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operations and continued compliance with approved staffing levels.

13. Continuing Education and Documentation: Document staff training, continuing education, certifications, credentials, and supervision. The selected Proposer shall maintain records of the number of continuing education hours completed annually by direct care staff and make such records available to the County upon request.

2.9. Data, Documentation, and Reporting

A. Proposer shall meet the following data, documentation, and reporting requirements:

1. Collect accurate and timely data for operations, quality, utilization, safety, equity, billing, and funding accountability. Proposer must describe data systems, staffing, privacy/security controls, and capacity to produce monthly and ad hoc reports. The selected Proposer shall comply with County data requirements and any applicable MCP, EMS, DHCS, or accreditation reporting requirements. Demonstrate the capability to maintain an electronic health record (EHR) system including the capability to utilize BHRS’s Avatar system (future EPIC system) to enter appropriate data.

2.10. Critical Incident and Sentinel Event Reporting

A. Proposer shall meet the following critical incident and sentinel event reporting requirements:

1. The Contractor shall immediately report critical incidents and sentinel events in accordance with County policy and contract requirements. At minimum, the Contractor shall notify the County within 24 hours of becoming aware of any event that jeopardizes the health or safety of a client, staff member, or community member, followed by written documentation within the timeframe required by the County. Reportable events include but are not limited to death, serious injury, overdose, naloxone administration, assault, missing person, law enforcement involvement, 911 activation, ED transfer, suspected abuse/neglect, confidentiality breach, medication/security incident, fire/life safety event, or any event likely to generate media or public concern.

2.11. Referral Sources and Access Pathways

A. Proposer shall meet the following referral sources and access pathways requirements:

1. Design simple referral processes with minimal paperwork and clear eligibility criteria. The program shall be capable of receiving referrals from multiple sources, subject to County-approved protocols and capacity, including the following:

o Local law enforcement jurisdictions throughout San Mateo County.

o San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, probation, collaborative court, or other justice partners, as applicable.

o San Mateo Medical Center emergency department and other local hospitals/emergency departments.

o EMS or ambulance providers, only under County-approved protocols and, for direct EMS alternate-destination transport, only after applicable local EMS Agency and state requirements are met.

Page 12 of 31 Release date of July 13, 2026 o County outreach teams, mobile crisis/field-based teams, homeless outreach, shelters, and community-based organizations.

o MCP care management, Enhanced Care Management, Community Supports providers, primary care, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Integrated

Medication Assisted Treatment (IMAT) team, and other behavioral health providers, included contracted BHRS providers o Self-referrals and walk-ins, if proposed by the Contractor and approved by the County based on staffing, facility design, and safety protocols.

2.12. Performance Objectives

A. Proposer shall meet the following performance objectives requirements listed below. The first year will be used to establish baseline performance.

1. Improved access to low-barrier sobering care for adults experiencing acute intoxication who do not require ED, jail, withdrawal management, or psychiatric crisis stabilization services.

2. Reduced unnecessary use of ED’s and jail bookings by providing a safe alternative destination for law enforcement, ED’s, outreach teams, shelters, and, if approved, EMS.

3. Timely engagement and warm handoffs to SUD treatment, withdrawal management, residential treatment, MAT/NTP services, outpatient care, mental health services, primary care, housing, shelter, benefits, and harm-reduction supports

4. Improved coordination with system partners, including law enforcement, EMS, ED’s, hospitals, MCPs, County BHRS, shelters, outreach teams, and community-based organizations.

2.13. Performance Measures

A. Proposer shall provide the following performance measurements requirements:

1. Total visits and unduplicated clients

2. Referral source breakdown

3. Occupancy rate and turnaway/refusal rate

4. Average length of stay

5. Safe discharge rate

6. ED transfer rate and reasons

7. Estimated jail diversions

8. Estimated ED diversions

9. Warm handoff completion rate

10. Cost per visit and revenue by funding source

2.14. Reference Standards and Source Links

The following public standards and resources informed this draft RFP and should be reviewed by the County and Proposer.

Reference Link / note

National Sobering Collaborative - Sobering Care Standards https://nationalsobering.org/sobering-care-standards/ https://nationalsobering.org/sobering-care-standards/

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CARF - Sobering Center Accreditation Standards Announcement https://carf.org/blog/news-releases/carf-creates-accreditation-standards-for-sobering-centers/

CARF - Behavioral Health Program List https://carf.org/accreditation/programs/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-program-list/

DHCS - Community Supports Policy Guide, Volume 1 https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/MCQMD/DHCS- Community-Supports-Policy-Guide.pdf

DHCS - ECM and Community Supports HCPCS Coding Guidance https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/MCQMD/Coding- Options-for-ECM-and-Community-Supports.pdf

California Health and Safety Code Section 1813

- Authorized Sobering Center https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-hsc/division-2- 5/chapter-13/article-2/section-1813/

California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 100115.03 https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-

CCR-100115.03

DHCS - Facility Licensing https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/facility-licensing/

DHCS - Applications, Forms, and Fees https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/applications-forms-and-fees/

CHCF - Sobering Centers https://www.chcf.org/resource/homelessness-health-care/sobering-centers/

3. Submission Requirements

3.1. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be electronically received by 2:00 pm, on Friday, August 7, 2026 via eProcurement system.

Allow sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. Partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. The eProcurement system submission time will be the official submission time. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to slow internet connections or for any other failure of the eProcurement system.

NOTE: The County does not maintain the eProcurement system and is not liable for site failures or technical problems. To resolve technical issues, contact OpenGov Technical Support by using the real time chat located in the lower right hand corner of the screen, or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

3.2. Pre-submission Registration

Organizations or individuals interested in responding to this solicitation must register online with the

County of San Mateo at:

• https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

It is recommended that organizations complete this registration as soon as possible. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to a failure to register in the eProcurement system.

https://carf.org/blog/news-releases/carf-creates-accreditation-standards-for-sobering-centers/ https://carf.org/blog/news-releases/carf-creates-accreditation-standards-for-sobering-centers/ https://carf.org/accreditation/programs/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-program-list/ https://carf.org/accreditation/programs/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-program-list/ https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/MCQMD/DHCS-Community-Supports-Policy-Guide.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/MCQMD/DHCS-Community-Supports-Policy-Guide.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/MCQMD/Coding-Options-for-ECM-and-Community-Supports.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/MCQMD/Coding-Options-for-ECM-and-Community-Supports.pdf https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-hsc/division-2-5/chapter-13/article-2/section-1813/ https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-hsc/division-2-5/chapter-13/article-2/section-1813/ https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-100115.03 https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-100115.03 https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/facility-licensing/ https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/facility-licensing/ https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/applications-forms-and-fees/ https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/applications-forms-and-fees/ https://www.chcf.org/resource/homelessness-health-care/sobering-centers/ https://www.chcf.org/resource/homelessness-health-care/sobering-centers/ mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

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3.3. Submission via eProcurement Portal

Required Documents

Please refer to the Technical Proposal section for submittal documents and requirements.

Electronic Submissions

Include the proposer name and the RFP title and number in each filename. Submit proposals via the eProcurement website, allowing sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. As noted above, the eProcurement portal submission time will be the official submission time, and partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. Contact eProcurement Portal with technical questions regarding this site.

Conflicts between Certain Requirements

Prior to the submission deadlines and solely relating to a determination of the timeliness of questions, comments, and proposal submissions, information displayed on the eProcurement portal site will take precedence in the event of a discrepancy between that information and the information within the solicitation documents. For all other discrepancies, the information in the solicitation documents will take precedence.

Format

Documents should be created in the following format:

• Text should be Times New Roman (12-point minimum font size) and unjustified (i.e., with a ragged-right margin)

• Pages should have margins of at least one inch on all sides (excluding headers and footers)

• If the proposal is lengthy, a Table of Contents should be included.

• PDF format is preferred.

Errors in Proposals

The County will not be liable for any errors in proposals. Proposals may be rejected as unresponsive if they are late, incomplete, missing pages or information, or cannot be opened for any reason. The County may waive minor irregularities, but such waiver will not modify any remaining RFP requirements.

3.4. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

The County of San Mateo has adopted a Procurement Preference for Local Businesses Ordinance (County

Ord. Code Ch. 2.89.) The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote a strong local economy by giving preference to local businesses, local non-profits, local small and micro businesses, and local small and micro non-profits in County procurements, to the extent consistent with the law and interests of the public. The County’s process for applying local preferences to competitive procurements is set forth in

County Ordinance Code Section 2.89.030. The Ordinance and exemptions (e.g. the ordinance will be exempt when all bids or proposals received are from Non-Profit Organizations) can be reviewed here:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov/projects/281416/document?section=2715427

Page 15 of 31 Release date of July 13, 2026

Chapter 2.89 - PROCUREMENT PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES | Code of Ordinances |

San Mateo County, CA | Municode Library

The requirements for bidders to establish eligibility for a local preference for this solicitation are detailed below in Section III (Submission Requirements) The Ordinance does not apply if a procurement is determined to be exempt (County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.050), and the County reserves the right to waive application of the Ordinance to this procurement if determined to be in the best interests of the County

(County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.060).

4. Minimum Qualifications, Local Preference Ordinance, and Technical Proposal

4.1. Minimum Qualifications

4.1.1. Has Proposer been providing similar services for a minimum of three (3) years within the last five (5) years?*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.2. Can Proposer meet the staffing requirements stated in RFP Section 2.8?*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.3. Please confirm your firm is NOT listed on the exclusion list for current Cumulative

Sanction List of the Office of the Inspector General (U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services) or the General Services Administration’s list of parties excluded from federal programs, or the California Medi-Cal Suspended and Ineligible Provider List* https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/

☐ Yes

☐ No

4.1.4. Proposer shall certify its ability to provide the required insurance coverage and certificates as set forth in the Sample Agreement.*

☐ Yes

☐ No

4.1.5. Please confirm your firm is registered with System for Award Management (SAM)*

SAM.gov

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.6. What is the registered Business Name and Unique Entity ID (UEI) No.?*

• UEI number can be obtained by registering your business through SAM.GOV https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://sam.gov/content/home

Page 16 of 31 Release date of July 13, 2026

• Should you be in the process of obtaining your UEI number, please enter the digits ‘123’ temporarily for your response below in order to proceed with proposal. This temporary number should be replaced with the correct registration number for submission of the proposal.

*Response required

4.2. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

4.2.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Business” means any for-profit business which has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo

County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.2. Is the Proposer a Non-Profit?*

A Non-Profit is defined as a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

4.2.3. Is the Proposer a "Local Non-Profit"

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Non-Profit" means a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes, and has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.4. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Business?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

“Small Business” means any business which holds a Small Business Certification awarded by the

California Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS).

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/a16ffdc0-a0ee-44ca-b6de-1fddd010042f_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/80d29c2f-acda-4b87-837e-cb4ead1fb303_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

Page 17 of 31 Release date of July 13, 2026

“Micro Business” means any Small Business certified by the OSDS which is automatically designated by the OSDS as a Micro Business due to gross annual receipts falling below the OSDS-designated dollar amount.

If the above designations apply, please provide the OSDS provided Certification ID.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.2.5. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Non-Profit?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

“Small Non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

“Micro Non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of less than $1,000,000, according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

If the above designations apply, please provide your latest filed IRS form 990. A filing from the last two calendar years is acceptable.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.3. Technical Proposal

4.3.1. Introduction and Executive Summary *

Submit a letter of introduction and executive summary of the proposal. The letter must contain:

• Table of Contents: Provide a table of contents on the first page of the proposal and itemize the

Proposer’s submission.

• Cover Letter: Provide a cover letter, with the name, title, contact information, and signature of person authorized to obligate firm to perform the commitment contained in the proposal.

• Include the name, title and contact information (email, phone, and address) for representative of proposer that is responsible for communication related to this RFP.

• Executive Summary: Provide a summary of the proposed approach to the Scope of Work, the strengths of the proposed project team, and why your firm should be selected.

Submission of the letter will constitute a representation by proposer that it is willing and able to perform the commitments contained in the proposal and has not violated the terms of this RFP.

*Response required

4.3.2. Company Background Information*

Include the following:

• Name, title and contact information (email, phone, and address) for representative of proposer that is responsible for communication related to this RFP.

• Name, title, contact information, and signature of person authorized to obligate firm to perform the commitment contained in the proposal.

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• Date Business established.

• Is firm incorporated? If yes, state the State of Incorporation.

• Is firm a sole proprietorship doing business under a different name? If yes, state the business name.

*Response required

4.3.3. Statement of Minimum Qualifications *

Describe how the proposer meets the minimum qualifications as set forth in Minimum Qualifications of this RFP.

Submission of the Minimum Qualifications checklist is not a substitute for providing a detailed written response.

*Response required

4.3.4. Firm’s Qualifications and Experience *

Provide an overview of the firm and a brief description of the firm's history, including the following:

• Descriptions of experience providing services related to this RFP for at least three (3) entities, preferably public sector, within the last five (5) years. Include the following:

o Program name, date, location, and budget;

o Client name and description of the scope of work;

o Describe any obstacles encountered and the outcomes;

o Describe, including experience with successfully coordinating and maintaining program budgets within contract maximums.

• If applicable, provide list of certifications and/or affiliations that may be relevant to this RFP;

• If applicable, list any previous or current contracts with the County of San Mateo/BHRS within the last five (5) years. Include the following:

o County of San Mateo Agency/Department name, address and contact person;

o Contract Number;

o Contract Start and End Dates;

o Contract Amount; and o Brief Contract Description.

*Response required

4.3.5. Reference Letters*

Proposer must demonstrate successful prior performance of comparable services stated in this RFP, preferably public sector, and provide a minimum three (3) references for which these types of services have been performed within the past five (5) years.

Proposer to provide reference letters with the following information for reference:

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• Company/Cities/Counties Name

• Company/Cities/Counties/Area Where Services are Provided

• Contact Name, Email, Telephone number

• Contract Start and End Date

• Contract Amount

• Brief Description of Services

*Response required

4.3.6. Policies and Procedures Table of Contents*

Table of contents from the organization’s policies and procedures manual covering daily operations and emergency procedures (medical, fire, etc.) listed below. If a policies and procedures manual does not exist, provide a plan and time frame for development.

• Program philosophy, low-barrier access, voluntary services, and client rights

• Eligibility, exclusion, and transfer criteria

• Referral acceptance and drop-off protocols by source

• Intake, consent, belongings, contraband, and weapons policies

• Medical screening, vital signs, observation intervals, and documentation

• Overdose response, naloxone, CPR/AED, and 911 activation

• Withdrawal risk screening and transfer to withdrawal management/ED

• Behavioral health crisis, suicide risk, violence risk, de-escalation, and law enforcement involvement

• ED transfer and emergency transport protocols

• Discharge planning, warm handoffs, and transportation

• MAT, SUD treatment, mental health, housing, benefits, and primary care referral pathways

• Confidentiality, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 as applicable, and data sharing

• Grievances, complaints, client satisfaction, and reasonable accommodations

• Language access and CLAS/cultural responsiveness

• Critical incident and sentinel event reporting

• Staff training, supervision, competency, and performance management

• Infection control, cleaning, food safety, laundry, sharps/biohazard, and universal precautions

• Emergency preparedness, fire/life safety, continuity of operations, and disaster response

• Medication handling boundaries and client self-administration, if applicable

• Security, visitor, media, community relations, and neighborhood concerns

• Billing, encounter documentation, funding source tracking, and no-duplicate-billing controls

• Quality assurance, CQI, data validation, and performance reporting

*Response required

4.3.7. Financial Statement*

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Recent financial statement prepared by an independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm.

4.3.8. Audit/Reviews/Inspection Reports*

If available, any audits, reviews, or inspection reports completed by a…