Barber Services

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), specifically Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare, is seeking a qualified barber services contractor for its 92-bed inpatient care facility through a Request for Proposals (RFP) covering State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. The contractor will provide comprehensive hair care services, including haircuts, mustache, and beard trimming for approximately 40-60 patients, with services scheduled 24 times during each 12-month period. All services must be coordinated through the Client Rights Program Administrator to ensure they do not interfere with patient treatment programs. The contractor is required to maintain a valid State of Ohio Barber License, provide all necessary barber supplies, and ensure a safe and sanitary work environment by following proper sterilization procedures for equipment and proper disposal of linens and hair clippings. Evaluation criteria will focus on the contractor's experience working with patients with severe and/or persistent mental illness, history of providing barber services, and proven track record of managing state and federal contracts. Proposals must be submitted through the Ohio|Buys website by March 12, 2025, with a minimum acceptable score of 125 points based on a weighted scoring system to be considered for contract award.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors are required to submit a detailed cost breakdown for male and female haircuts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with travel costs to be integrated into the overall pricing structure. While the exact contract value is not specified, the comprehensive nature of the services and the multi-year contract suggest a potentially significant opportunity for a qualified barber services provider. The contract will cover hair care services across a 24-month period, providing consistent work for the selected contractor. Successful contractors will demonstrate not only technical proficiency in barbering but also a nuanced understanding of working within a behavioral healthcare environment, with sensitivity to the unique needs of patients receiving mental health treatment. The proposal process emphasizes the importance of experience and professional competence in serving this specialized patient population.