ASAM 3-1 Low-Intensity Residential

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Southeast Behavioral Health Clinic, is seeking a contractor to establish and operate a 15-bed ASAM 3.1 low-intensity residential treatment unit for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders in Fargo, Cass County. The procurement is structured as a Request for Proposal (RFP Number 325-25-950-086) with proposals due February 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM CT. The selected vendor will provide comprehensive 24-hour residential services including room and board, therapeutic programming, medication management, crisis intervention, and care coordination for individuals aged 18 and older, with anticipated client stays between 7 and 30 days. The evaluation criteria include four weighted categories: Understanding of Scope of Work (30 points), Management Plan (20 points), Experience and Qualifications (30 points), and Cost Proposal (20 points). Cost evaluation specifically focuses on the per-client-per-bed-day projection (15 points) and hourly rate for Registered Nurse coverage (5 points). Key requirements include maintaining a minimum 1:8 awake staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring at least two staff are present at all times, and providing 24/7/365 language interpreter services.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though North Dakota preference laws do provide a resident preference statute that could advantage North Dakota-based bidders in case of identical pricing or evaluation scores. The contract will be structured as a firm fixed price agreement, with an initial term from March 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and potential extension options of up to 12 months beyond expiration and three additional 24-month renewal periods. The successful vendor must secure their own facility location, subject to state approval, and will be responsible for building construction or renovation, zoning changes, and ensuring ADA accessibility. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the compensation will be calculated on a per-client-per-bed-day basis with additional considerations for Registered Nurse hourly rates. The contractor must also comply with comprehensive requirements including maintaining multiple insurance coverages, adhering to HIPAA regulations through a Business Associate Agreement, and following North Dakota state licensure requirements under NDAC 75-09.1.