Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Early Intervention Behavioral Health Services and Supports: Adults and Older Adults

Solano County Behavioral Health is requesting proposals for Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Early Intervention services targeting adults ages 26–59 and older adults ages 60 and over, with proposals due July 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., under an RFP released June 17, 2026. The county obtained an exigent circumstance exemption under Assembly Bill 339 to waive the standard 45-day union notification and meet-and-confer waiting period, citing urgency of filling critical service gaps created by BHSA funding reductions that would otherwise leave vulnerable community members without services by end of June 2026.

The scope encompasses proactive behavioral health interventions—outreach, access and linkage to care, and brief treatment services—for priority populations including those experiencing early signs of mental health or substance use disorders, isolation, functional decline, homelessness, or housing instability. Proposers may submit for one or more EI service components and must demonstrate cultural and linguistic responsiveness, capacity to collaborate with county behavioral health services, Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. Organizations serving high-need geographic areas (Vallejo, Dixon, Rio Vista) and those employing certified peer support specialists with lived experience receive priority consideration.

The estimated funding available is not to exceed $980,000 annually. The contract term begins November 1, 2026, runs through June 30, 2027, and is renewable annually for up to two additional one-year terms at the county's sole discretion, potentially extending through June 30, 2029. Contractor must maintain Errors and Omissions and Professional Malpractice insurance at $1 million combined single limit per claim and in the aggregate on an occurrence form, with coverage extending three years following completion of work.

Evaluation weights: technical approach and program design (30 points), organizational capacity and experience (20 points), community engagement and partnerships (15 points), budget and cost effectiveness (15 points), Medi-Cal billing transition and implementation plan (5 points), and evaluation and quality assurance (15 points). All proposers must align services with a three-year transition toward Medi-Cal claims-based billing and demonstrate operational readiness for Medi-Cal reimbursement. Interviews are scheduled for the week of August 10, 2026, with contractor selection August 14, 2026. The county reserves the right to award one or more contracts based on proposal quality, service capacity, geographic coverage, and available funding. Funding is contingent upon state budget approval, federal and state appropriations, and County Board of Supervisors approval for each fiscal year.