PHILIP D. MURPHY

Governor State of New Jersey

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

DIVISION OF PURCHASE AND PROPERTY

PROCUREMENT BUREAU

33 WEST STATE STREET

P. O. BOX 230

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08625-0230

ELIZABETH MAHER MUOIO

State Treasurer

TAHESHA L. WAY

Lt. Governor

AMY F. DAVIS, ESQ.

Acting Director https://www.njstart.gov

November 7, 2025

To: All Interested Bidders

Re: Bid Solicitation # 25DPP01102 T1464 – Substance Abuse Services

Bid Amendment #5

The following constitutes Bid Amendment #5 to the above referenced Bid Solicitation:

· This Bid Amendment includes answers to questions.

· The Quote Submission Due Date has been extended to December 5, 2025 (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to be knowledgeable of all of the additions, deletions, clarifications, and modifications to the Bid Solicitation and/or the New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions relative to this Bid Solicitation as set forth in all Bid Amendments.

All other instructions, terms, and conditions of the Bid Solicitation shall remain the same.

Bid Solicitation #25DPP01102

T1464 - Substance Abuse Services Answers to Questions

Where applicable, each question references the appropriate Bid Solicitation section.

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Yes. Prior to the Quote Opening Deadline, a Bidder should review the documents comprising the submitted Quote to ensure that all of the required documents have been completed and attached. Oftentimes a Quote is deemed non-responsive because a Bidder fails to attach a required form or attaches a blank form. To review a submitted Quote, a Bidder should log into NJSTART and review each document attached to the Quote submission. Instructions on how to review a submitted Quote can be found in the Quick Reference Guide entitled How to Review a Submitted Quote, which is available on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page under Vendor Reference Guides.

Please be advised that all Quotes shall be submitted electronically through NJSTART.

As stated in Bid Solicitation Section 2.2, Exceptions to the State of NJ Standard Terms and Conditions (SSTC): "Questions regarding the State of New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions and exceptions to mandatory requirements MUST be posed during the Electronic Question and Answer period and shall contain the Bidder's suggested changes and the reason(s) for the suggested changes(s)." Moreover, as stated in Bid Solicitation Section 3.11, Bidder proposed terms or conditions that conflict with those contained in the State of New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions may render a Quote non-responsive.

If a vendor is awarded only a specific portion of the contract (for example, the psychoeducation program, which currently does not require a program director), would the vendor have the ability to assign additional oversight staff to that portion, if deemed necessary, and provide an updated price sheet?

Bidders will not be awarded only a specific portion of the Contract. Pursuant to Bid Solicitation Section 1.1, Purpose and Intent, the State intends to award one (1) Contract to a single Contractor to provide all services specified by the Bid Solicitation, including SUD Program services at the specified sites and to offer the Psycho-Educational Initiative at all DOC Facilities.

Section 4.2.1 Psycho-Educational Programs for General Population

Section 4.2.1.5 Psycho-Educational Initiative for Restorative Housing (RH)

Section 4.2.2 Statewide Implementation Reference RFP page 1, Section 1.1—Purpose and Intent, which states: "2. The Contractor shall provide a Psycho-Educational Initiative to Offenders who are not eligible for SUD Program placement and are in the General Population within all DOC Facilities. Please note that this initiative will also be offered to Participants of the SUD Program; and 3. The Contractor shall provide a Psycho-Educational Initiative to Offenders who are not eligible for SUD Program placement and are in the Restorative Housing (RH) units within all DOC Facilities."

A. Could you please clarify whether all individuals in the General Population and all individuals in the Restorative Housing units are eligible to participate in the Psycho-Educational Initiative?

B. What is the projected number of eligible participants (anticipated census) for this program at each of the nine (9) DOC facilities?

A. Offenders in general population are all eligible for psycho-educational programming. Those Offenders in restorative housing are eligible for on-site programming in the restorative housing setting. They are not permitted to program in a GP setting with GP IPs.

B. On average, groups would not exceed 12-15 participants. This specific housing is not at all of the 9 facilities. Restorative Housing Units are only at Northern State Prison, East Jersey State Prison, South Woods State Prison, Adult Diagnostic Treatment Center, New Jersey State Prison, and Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.

A. Will the DOC please provide the funding allocation for this proposed contract and for the last full year of the current contract?

B. Please provide the Price Sheet (including price lines 81-90 though change order #14) for the current contract.

C. Are there any financial or operational audits for the current Contractor that can be provided?

D. Are there any cost variance reporting (Actual vs Budget) or similar financial reporting for the current Contractor that can be provided?

A. The State declines to provide this information.

B. Follow the instructions outlined in Bid Solicitation Section 1.2, Background, to access the current T1464 Contract under Contract #17-PROS1-00097. The price lines 81 – 90 can be found under the “Items” tab.

C. DOC is not aware of any financial or operational audits for the current Contractor.

D. No, there are no cost variance reports or similar financial reports that can be provided.

A. For the SUD program at EMCF, what is the average monthly census for program participants in each of the past twelve months?

B. For the SUD program at EMCF, can the DOC provide the average yearly program participation census for each year of the current contract?

C. For the SUD program at EMCF, what was the lowest census during the current contract?

D. For the male SUD program, what is the average monthly census for program participants in each of the past twelve months?

E. For the male SUD program, can the DOC provide the average yearly program participation census for each year of the current contract?

F. For the male SUD program, what was the lowest census during the current contract?

G. Comparing the 2016 RFP to current there is a reduction of male SUD treatment beds from 696 to 496 and female SUD treatment beds from 65 to 40. Can the DOC explain the reason for the reduced program capacity?

H. Does the DOC foresee any circumstances where the program capacity might drop throughout this new contract term?

I. For the SUD Programs at EMCF and SWSP, can the DOC provide a minimum guarantee for participant census?

J. How many housing units encompass the SUD treatment beds at both EMCF and SWSP?

A. The average monthly census at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility is 38.

B. The average yearly program participation census for each year of the current Contract is 43.

C. The lowest census for the SUD program at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility under the current Contract is 26.

D. The average monthly census for the male SUD program participants in each of the past twelve months is 380.

E. The average yearly census for the male SUD program is as follows:

F. The lowest census for the male SUD program is 321.

G. The original capacities were adjusted to account for a decrease in census of the incarcerate population and community programs such as but not limited to Recovery Court which divert people with less complex needs away from incarceration and into community programs.

H. Potentially as capacity is dependent upon willing participants. The Contractor must provide appropriate staffing to meet the capacity.

I. No, as treatment is voluntary, there is no minimum guarantee regarding census.

J. At South Woods State Prison there are four (4) housing units, and Edna Mahan Correctional Facility has one (1) housing unit.

For the SUD program at EMCF, what is the average monthly census for program participants in each of the past twelve months?

Please see answer to Question 8A.

For the SUD program at EMCF, can the DOC provide the average yearly program participation census for each year of the current contract?

Please see answer to Question 8B.

For the SUD program at EMCF, what was the lowest census during the current contract?

Please see answer to Question 8C.

For the male SUD program, what is the average monthly census for program participants in each of the past twelve months?

Please see answer to Question 8D.

For the male SUD program, can the DOC provide the average yearly program participation census for each year of the current contract?

Please see answer to Question 8E.

Reference RFP page 1 Section 1.2.2 SUD Programs, which states: “The SUD Program will only be offered in the following two (2) Facilities: Facility Name and Location Number of Treatment Beds Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Females (EMCF) Clinton, NJ 40 Southwoods State Prison for Males (SWSP), Bridgeton, NJ 496”

For the male SUD program, what was the lowest census during the current contract?

Please see answer to Question 8F.

Reference RFP page 1 Section 1.2.2 SUD Programs, which states: “The SUD Program will only be offered in the following two (2) Facilities: Facility Name and Location Number of Treatment Beds Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Females (EMCF) Clinton, NJ 40 Southwoods State Prison for Males (SWSP), Bridgeton, NJ 496”

A. Comparing the 2016 RFP to current there is a reduction of male SUD treatment beds from 696 to 496 and female SUD treatment beds from 65 to 40. Can the DOC explain the reason for the reduced program capacity?

B. Does the DOC foresee any circumstances where the program capacity might drop throughout this new contract term?

A. The original capacities were adjusted to account for a decrease in census of the incarcerate population and community programs such as but not limited to Recovery Court which divert people with less complex needs away from incarceration and into community programs.

B. No, outside of emergent circumstances.

Reference RFP page 1 Section 1.2.2 SUD Programs, which states: “The SUD Program will only be offered in the following two (2) Facilities: Facility Name and Location Number of Treatment Beds Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Females (EMCF) Clinton, NJ 40 Southwoods State Prison for Males (SWSP), Bridgeton, NJ 496”

For the SUD Programs at EMCF and SWSP, can the DOC provide a minimum guarantee for participant census?

Please see answer to Question 8I.

SUD Programs

Reference RFP page 1 Section 1.2.2 SUD Programs, which states: “The SUD Program will only be offered in the following two (2) Facilities: Facility Name and Location Number of Treatment Beds Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Females (EMCF) Clinton, NJ 40 Southwoods State Prison for Males (SWSP), Bridgeton, NJ 496”

How many housing units encompass the SUD treatment beds at both EMCF and SWSP?

Please see answer to Question 8J.

Electronic Question and Answer Period Section 2.3 Bid Amendments

Reference RFP page 5, Section 2.1—Electronic Questions and Answer Period, which states: “The Division will electronically accept questions and inquiries from all potential Bidders via the “Q&A” Tab of the Bid Solicitation in NJSTART. Questions should be directly tied to a Bid Solicitation Section, the State-Supplied Price Sheet, Form or Attachment; and should reference the specific Bid Solicitation Section or document to which it relates. The cut-off date for electronic questions and inquiries relating to this Bid Solicitation is indicated on the Bid Solicitation cover page. In the event that questions are posed by Bidders, answers to such questions will be issued by Bid Amendment.”

A. What is the anticipated timeframe for answers to questions?

B. If the answers are posted within 10 business days of the submission, would the DOC extend the deadline for submission?

A. Answers to questions received during the electronic question and answer period will be issued by this Bid Amendment. Bid Amendments will be posted as a file attachment on the "Summary" page and the "Attachments" tab of the Bid Solicitation. They will become part of the Bid Solicitation and part of any Contract(s) awarded as a result of the Bid Solicitation. Pursuant to Bid Solicitation Section 2.3, Bid Amendments, there are no designated dates for release of Bid Amendments.

B. Bid Amendments, including the posting of answers to submitted questions, must be advertised a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to the scheduled Quote opening in accordance with N.J.A.C. 17:12-2.1 (b).

Section 3.13.8.1 Small Business Subcontracting Set-Aside Contract

Reference RFP section 3.13.8.1 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING SET-ASIDE CONTRACT: "This is a Contract with set-aside subcontracting for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If the Bidder intends to subcontract, it must submit a Subcontractor Utilization Plan and shall take the following actions to make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises: A. The Bidder shall attempt to locate qualified potential New Jersey Small Business Enterprises Subcontractors; B. The Bidder shall request a listing of New Jersey Small Business Enterprises from the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services Unit through SAVI (https://www20.state.nj.us/TYTR_SAVI/vendorSearch.jsp), if none are known to the Bidder; C. The Bidder shall keep a record of its efforts, including the names of businesses contacted and the means and results of such contacts; D. The Bidder shall provide all potential Subcontractors with detailed information regarding the specifications; and E. The Bidder shall attempt, wherever possible, to negotiate prices with potential Subcontractors submitting higher than acceptable price quotes."

If a potential New Jersey Small Business Enterprise (NJSBE) subcontractor submits a price quote that is determined to be higher than acceptable or unreasonably exceeds market rates, would the contractor be permitted to engage national service providers or utilize existing national service contracts offering lower pricing, in order to fulfill contractual requirements?

Pursuant to Bid Solicitation 3.13.8.1, the Bidder must make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. The Bidder shall attempt, wherever possible, to negotiate prices with potential Subcontractors submitting higher than acceptable price quotes.

If the Bidder cannot locate qualified potential New Jersey Small Business Enterprise subcontractors, the Bidder shall keep a record of its efforts, including the names of businesses contacted and the means and results of such contacts. A Bidder’s failure to satisfy New Jersey Small Business Enterprise set-aside subcontracting or to provide sufficient documentation of its good faith efforts within seven (7) business days of a request may preclude award of a Contract to the Bidder. Please refer to Section 3.13.8.1 for more information.

Section 9.2 Definitions Reference RFP section 3.13.8.1 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING SET-ASIDE CONTRACT: "This is a Contract with set-aside subcontracting for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If the Bidder intends to subcontract, it must submit a Subcontractor Utilization Plan and shall take the following actions to make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises"

Could the DOC please clarify what specific activities, services, or relationships constitute a “subcontract” for the purposes of compliance with the New Jersey Small Business Enterprises set-aside subcontracting requirement? Specifically, does this definition include purchase of materials, equipment leasing, consultant engagements, or only direct performance of the contract’s scope of work?

Please refer to the defined Subcontractor term in Bid Solicitation Section 9.2, Definitions, to understand the role of the Subcontractor. A Subcontractor is an entity having an arrangement with a Contractor, whereby the Contractor uses the products and/or services of that entity to fulfill some of its obligations under its State Contract, while retaining full responsibility for the performance of all Contractor's obligations under the Contract, including payment to the Subcontractor. The Subcontractor has no legal relationship with the State, only with the Contractor.

Reference RFP section 3.13.8.1 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING SET-ASIDE CONTRACT: "This is a Contract with set-aside subcontracting for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If the Bidder intends to subcontract, it must submit a Subcontractor Utilization Plan and shall take the following actions to make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises"

Does the agency provide any template or required format for the good faith efforts documentation?

No, there is no mandated template format to provide the required documentation of the Bidder’s good faith efforts to satisfy the New Jersey Small Business Enterprises set-aside for subcontracting.

Section 3.13.8.1 Small Business Subcontracting Set-Aside Contract

Reference RFP section 3.13.8.1 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING SET-ASIDE CONTRACT: "This is a Contract with set-aside subcontracting for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If the Bidder intends to subcontract, it must submit a Subcontractor Utilization Plan and shall take the following actions to make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises"

If no qualified NJSBE subcontractors are found, what alternate steps or notifications must be provided by the Contractor?

According to Bid Solicitation Section 3.13.8.1, Small Business Sub-contracting Set-Aside Contract, the Bidder is required to keep record of its good faith efforts to locate eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If after all documented good faith efforts to secure an eligible Subcontractor do not give any results, then the Contractor is permitted to look for other Subcontractors who meet or exceed the capability to perform the requirements of the Bid Solicitation.

Reference RFP section 3.13.8.1 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING SET-ASIDE CONTRACT: "This is a Contract with set-aside subcontracting for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If the Bidder intends to subcontract, it must submit a Subcontractor Utilization Plan and shall take the following actions to make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises: A. The Bidder shall attempt to locate qualified potential New Jersey Small Business Enterprises Subcontractors; B. The Bidder shall request a listing of New Jersey Small Business Enterprises from the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services Unit through SAVI (https://www20.state.nj.us/TYTR_SAVI/vendorSearch.jsp), if none are known to the Bidder; C. The Bidder shall keep a record of its efforts, including the names of businesses contacted and the means and results of such contacts; D. The Bidder shall provide all potential Subcontractors with detailed information regarding the specifications; and E. The Bidder shall attempt, wherever possible, to negotiate prices with potential Subcontractors submitting higher than acceptable price quotes."

How should the contractor document the “good faith effort” and what documentation is required to be submitted with the bid, would we need to provide all emails sent, or just a log?

According to Bid Solicitation Section 3.13.8.1, Small Business Subcontracting Set-Aside Contract, the Bidder must keep a record of its efforts to locate qualified potential New Jersey Small Business Enterprises Subcontractors, which includes the names of the businesses contacted and the methods for contacting those businesses and the results of reaching out to those business contacts. Good faith efforts documentation that confirms all of the above listed actions is required to be submitted within seven (7) Business Days of request.

Section 9.2 Definitions Reference RFP section 3.13.8.1 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING SET-ASIDE CONTRACT: "This is a Contract with set-aside subcontracting for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. If the Bidder intends to subcontract, it must submit a Subcontractor Utilization Plan and shall take the following actions to make a good faith effort to solicit and hire eligible New Jersey Small Business Enterprises: A. The Bidder shall attempt to locate qualified potential New Jersey Small Business Enterprises Subcontractors; B. The Bidder shall request a listing of New Jersey Small Business Enterprises from the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services Unit through SAVI (https://www20.state.nj.us/TYTR_SAVI/vendorSearch.jsp), if none are known to the Bidder; C. The Bidder shall keep a record of its efforts, including the names of businesses contacted and the means and results of such contacts; D. The Bidder shall provide all potential Subcontractors with detailed information regarding the specifications; and E. The Bidder shall attempt, wherever possible, to negotiate prices with potential Subcontractors submitting higher than acceptable price quotes."

Does the NJSBE subcontracting requirement apply only to core scope of work activities, or does it also cover incidental purchases and services such as supplies, equipment rentals, or unrelated consulting?

Please refer to the defined Subcontractor term in Bid Solicitation Section 9.2, Definitions, to understand the role of the Subcontractor. A Subcontractor is an entity having an arrangement with a Contractor, whereby the Contractor uses the products and/or services of that entity to fulfill some of its obligations under its State Contract, while retaining full responsibility for the performance of all Contractor's obligations under the Contract, including payment to the Subcontractor. The Subcontractor has no legal relationship with the State, only with the Contractor.

Section 4.3.1 - Program Participant Records and Record Systems Will the DOC provide all technology equipment (computers, fax, printers, telephones) for the counseling staff who will provide groups at the nine prisons?

According to Bid Solicitation Section 3.18, Mobilization Plan, the Bidder should include in its mobilization plan, for a period of 90 Calendar Days, a detailed timetable for the personnel and Equipment it needs to begin work on the Contract and be up and operational from the date of notification of award. The NJDOC will provide the equipment on-site.

A. What is the anticipated contract start date?

B. Will the DOC reimburse for a Contractor's start-up costs (e.g. training) upon execution of a contract but prior to the commencement of services?

A. It is currently the State's intent to award the Contract(s) as a result of this Bid Solicitation #25DPP01102 in early 2026. If delays prevent the State from meeting this timeline, the Contract Effective Date will be pushed back.

B. No, all costs including set-up and or training must be included in the all-inclusive pricing provided on the State Supplied Price Sheet.

Section 4.3.1 Program Participant Records and Records Systems Reference RFP page 13 Section 3.20 Location, which states: “The award Contractor will be required to provide clinical and support services at the Facilities in office space provided by the DOC. The Bidder should include the address of where responsibility for managing the Contract will otherwise take place. The Bidder should include the telephone number and name of the individual to contact.”

A. Could you please specify what furniture and equipment will be provided in the offices and classrooms? Additionally, will the vendor be responsible for supplying any supplementary furnishings or equipment, such as televisions, projectors, smart boards, or bulletin boards?

B. Will printers and copiers be made available at the Facilities for contractor use, or is it the vendor’s responsibility to supply and maintain these items, including supporting routine printing of program materials?

C. Will the DOC allow the Contractor to use the DOC’s phones & fax lines?

D. Will the Contractor be allowed cellphones?

A. Traditional office equipment will be provided to the Contractor, such as desk, chairs, computers, and desk phones. Bulletin boards and/or dry erase boards will be provided if requested.

B. As stated in Bid Solicitation Section 4.3.1, Program Participant Records and Records Systems, the DOC will provide sufficient PC terminals, scanners, printers and copiers in the Contractor offices with access to high speed internet, the DOC Inmate Management System (iTAG), and Microsoft Office Suite.

C. Yes, the Contractor will be allowed to use the NJDOC’s phone and fax lines.

D. Cellphones are not permitted within the secure perimeter of any NJDOC facility.

If a Bidder does not make public its annual reports but is an entity of a parent company that does, will the DOC accept publicly available financial statements of the Bidder's parent company?

Yes, the State will accept the Bidder's parent company's financial statements.

Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards, B. Admission and Assessment Requirements Reference RFP page 14 Section 3.25 State-Supplied Price Sheet Instructions, which states: “B. Price Lines 3 and 4 (Contract Years 1 through 3): The Bidder shall provide an All-Inclusive Unit Price for each Offender’s full SUD intake assessment at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility and at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. SUD assessments done at intake are fully described in section B of Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards;”

What is the expected daily volume of male assessments and what is the expected time frame the Contractor to complete each assessment?

The time that an assessment takes depends on the assessment tools that are utilized. Assessments usually vary from 1 - 3 hours and times can be affected by the Offender’s responses and collection collateral information. The expected volume is determined by the number of referrals. Only the Department can estimate the number of assessments that are anticipated at any given time.

Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards, B. Admission and Assessment Requirements Reference RFP page 14 Section 3.25 State-Supplied Price Sheet Instructions, which states: “B. Price Lines 3 and 4 (Contract Years 1 through 3): The Bidder shall provide an All-Inclusive Unit Price for each Offender’s full SUD intake assessment at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility and at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. SUD assessments done at intake are fully described in section B of Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards;”

What is the expected daily volume of female assessments and what is the expected time frame the Contractor to complete each assessment?

Please see answer to Question #29.

The State-Supplied Price Sheet is structured for Bidders to provide Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 unit pricing for each price line. Bidders are not required to submit the same unit pricing for each year of a respective price line.

Pursuant to Bid Solicitation Section 3.25, State-Supplied Price Sheet Instructions, there are a total of 10 Price Lines on the State-Supplied Price Sheet. The Bidder must provide All-Inclusive Unit Pricing for each Contract Year (Contract Years 1 through 3) for all 10 Price Lines. Failure to provide all required pricing in the format required will result in the Quote being deemed non-responsive.

Section 4.1.9.6 Staff Qualifications

Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards, D. Staff

Is DMHAS license required for the program?

The DMHAS license is not required for the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program.

Disaster Plan Reference RFP page 24 Section 4.1.13 Disaster Plan, which states: “The Contractor shall possess and maintain an off-site electronic storage and data backup system to protect all data that is collected during the term of the Contract safely and securely in the event of an emergency such as, but not limited to fire, flood, State work stoppages, labor strikes, bankruptcy, or interruption of service, and to ensure uninterrupted compliance with the requirements of the Contract should events or actions cause data loss or compromise. The frequency of the back-up of the data shall be at least weekly. The time for full restoration of data will be determined by the SCM based upon the nature and severity of the disaster.”

Please clarify the expectation to have digital backup for all program data. i. Is the vendor able to securely back up the data from the DOC provided computers inside the facilities?

B. Can we bring in Contractor owned computers?

A. Providers shall have their own electronic medical record, which can be accessed and backed up via use of the DOC provided computers with internet access. The DOCNET computers have an internal drive and/or shared drive, but no external devices are permitted (USB, Flash drives, etc.).

B. No, there shall not be Contractor owned computers inside the NJDOC facilities.

Section 4.1.5.1 Segregation

Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards, A. Levels of Care

Are the different levels of care separated within the SUD housing units (or is it possible to separate)?

It may be possible to separate the different levels of SUD based on operational need and through consultation with the SCM.

Could you please provide the current census of participants at each of the two facilities, broken down by level of care—specifically, the number and corresponding percentage of individuals enrolled in Outpatient (OP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Residential treatment?

Please refer to the table below for currently available census data:

Appendix A Core Program Standards Reference RFP page 16 Section 4.1.6.1 Program Hours, which states: “The Contractor shall offer programming between the hours of 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time weekdays and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time on weekends within institutional restrictions and in accordance with Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards. Programming that occurs on State holidays (reference link: http://www.state.nj.us/nj/about/facts/holidays/) shall follow the weekend schedule. The Contractor shall immediately notify the SCM of any temporary deviations in the prescribed Program schedule. The Contractor shall obtain prior approval from the SCM of any permanent deviation in the prescribed Program schedule."

Could you please specify whether there are any institutional restrictions or limitations that would affect the ability to offer programming during the designated weekend hours of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM?

Restrictions/limitations may occur as a result of incidents, lockdowns, or planned events that would impact the entire institutional schedule.

Attachment 3 – Appendix A Core Program Standards, B. Admission and Assessment Requirements Reference RFP page 16 Section 4.1.6.3 Progress in Treatment, which states: “The Contractor shall use the clinical assessments under Attachment 3 – Appendix A Core Program Standards. The Contractor shall maintain the documentation as part of the individual Program Participant Clinical File.”

A. Could you please clarify the average amount of time typically required to complete each clinical assessment?

B. Additionally, is it the Department’s expectation that only the TCU assessments be administered, or should the contractor plan to incorporate any supplemental assessments into the process?

A. Assessments typically take one to three hours pending collateral information.

B. The Contractor may utilize an approved ASAM criteria assessment to determine the level of care after consultation and approval of the SCM

Is the contractor permitted to implement contingency management strategies with program participants, including the provision of tangible rewards to acknowledge program achievements? If so, could you please specify what types of incentives are allowable (e.g., additional hygiene products, snacks, or similar items)?

The Department regularly permits incentives for pro-social behavior and programming. Such incentives have historically included food items/packages, special meals; books and reading material; schedule alterations; recreational activity, etc. Any planning for incentives would be a coordinated effort between the Contractor, Office of Substance Abuse Programming and Addiction Services (OSAPAS), and the institutional Administration.

Attachment 3 –Appendix A Core Program Standards Reference RFP page 19 Section 4.1.9.1 Staffing Matrix, which states: “The Contractor shall employ, at a minimum, a staffing Matrix adhering to the Core Program Standards found in Attachment 3 –Appendix A Core Program Standards.”

If actual utilization of Treatment Beds is below a certain percentage, will the Contractor be given the opportunity to adjust the staffing plan for non-ratio-based positions?

Yes, the Contractor may be given the opportunity to adjust the staffing plan for non-ratio-based positions with prior approval from the State Contract Manager (SCM) or its designee.

Attachment 3 –Appendix A Core Program Standards Reference RFP page 19 Section 4.1.9.1 Staffing Matrix, which states: “The Contractor shall employ, at a minimum, a staffing Matrix adhering to the Core Program Standards found in Attachment 3 –Appendix A Core Program Standards.”

What is the current Contractor's authorized staffing and current FTEs position?

The current Contractor’s authorized staffing is 75 with 33 current Full Time Employees.

Attachment 3 –Appendix A Core Program Standards Reference RFP page 19 Section 4.1.9.1 Staffing Matrix, which states: “The Contractor shall employ, at a minimum, a staffing Matrix adhering to the Core Program Standards found in Attachment 3 –Appendix A Core Program Standards.”

What are the current Contractor's staff vacancy rates and what positions have been difficult to hire/retain?

The current vacancy rate is 30%. This fluctuates based upon staffing pattern. The hardest positions to fill have been the licensed and/or certified clinicians to include Clinical Supervisor.

Section 4.1.9.5 Additional Staff Roles and Functions (B. 29.)

Section 4.3.10 - Offender Drug Testing Policy Reference RFP page 19, Section 4.1.9.4, Drug Testing, which states: “The Contractor’s staff may be required to submit to drug testing as determined by the DOC. Offender drug testing requirements are listed under Bid Solicitation Section 4.3.10 - Offender Drug Testing Policy” The RFP states that the Vendor's staff may be required to submit to drug testing as determined by the DOC.

Will the DOC administer and pay for such tests?

According to Bid Solicitation Section 4.1.9.5, Additional Staff Roles and Functions, the Program Directors shall cooperate with the DOC in matters of Program Participant drug testing as detailed in N.J.A.C. 10A:3-5.10 including the referral of Program Participants for cause.

Pursuant to Bid Solicitation Section 4.3.10, Offender Drug Testing Policy, DOC will pay for the drug testing kits for Program Participants.

The DOC will not pay for the drug testing of the Contractor’s staff.

Attachment 3 - Appendix A Core Program Standards, D. Staff Is an NPI number required?

No, an NPI number is not required.

Can the requirement of staffing a minimum one (1) bilingual SUD Program counseling staff member at EMCF and three (3) at SWSP be relaxed if the actual utilization of Treatment Beds is below a certain percentage?

Yes, with prior approval from the State Contract Manager (SCM) or its designee.

Section 4.2.2 Statewide Implementation

Section 4.2.4 Materials/Resources Reference RFP page 24, Section 4.2.1—Psycho-Educational Programs for General Population, which states: “The Contractor shall provide intervention using the evidence-based curriculum Living In Balance (LIB) to the General Population. The Program is designed to last approximately three (3) months, in order to deliver a full cycle of the 12 core sessions of the curriculum, but can provide an additional phase as applicable, for Program Participants with longer episodes of care, who can receive the additional supplemental modules. The Living In Balance curriculum is made available for a summary review by referring to Attachment 8 – Living In Balance.”

Could you please clarify whether the cost associated with implementing the Living In Balance (LIB) curriculum is to be incurred by the contractor, or does the DOC cover these expenses for the educational sites?

Yes, all program cost and materials are the responsibility of the Contractor, and such costs must be incorporated into the All-Inclusive Unit Pricing provided by the Bidder as part of the State-Supplied Price Sheet. Refer to Bid Solicitation Section 3.25, State-Supplied Price Sheet Instructions, for additional information.

LIB information can be found on Hazelden’s website http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/livinginbalance.page

Attachment 4 – TCU Drug Screen 5 Reference RFP page 25 Section 4.2.1.1 Pre-Curriculum Orientation Group, which states: “Prior to or during the first lesson, the Contractor shall provide an overview of the curriculum to the Program Participants which includes the goals, assessment, and diagnosis of Program Participants’ conditions, including the administration of the TCU assessments (Please refer to Attachment 4 – TCU Drug Screen 5).”

A. Could you please clarify the average amount of time typically required to complete each clinical assessment?

B. Additionally, is it the Department’s expectation that only the TCU assessments be administered, or should the contractor plan to incorporate any supplemental assessments into the process?

A. Please see answer to Question #37A

B. Please see answer to Question #37B

Pursuant to Bid Solicitation Section 4.2.1.2, Curriculum Delivery: Living in Balance (LIB), the Contractor shall ensure that clinical staff group ratios do not exceed 1:15.

On average the following participants per session are as follows:

All volunteers must complete a background check as per NJDOC policy. There are no waivers in place for any volunteers.

No, DOC will not provide any fellowship volunteers with a travel stipend.

Please clarify the expectation to have digital backup for all program data.

Please see answer to Question 33A.