Community-based behavioral health evaluations for multiple regions

The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is requesting bids to procure behavioral health evaluation contractors serving three geographic regions (Eastern, Capital South, and Western) across the state, with bids due April 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via eMMA and a virtual pre-bid conference on March 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The Department intends to make up to three awards, one per region; bidders must cover all counties within their selected region. A 5% Minority Business Enterprise subcontracting participation goal has been established, to be met through certified MBE subcontractors; MBE-certified prime contractors may self-perform 2.5% with the remaining 2.5% fulfilled by subcontractors.

Scope encompasses psychological evaluations, psychiatric evaluations, Certificate of Need (CON) evaluations, psychosexual evaluations, consultations, and court appearances for adjudicated and pre-adjudicated delinquent youth ages 12–20 referred through court order. Services will be delivered at contractor offices, youth homes, or local DJS offices with approval. Estimated annual volumes across all regions include 150 psychological evaluations, 20–50 updated evaluations by region, 15 psychological and psychiatric consultations each, 5 court appearances, 5 CON psychiatric evaluations, 3 updated CON evaluations, 50 psychosexual evaluations, and 100 missed appointments. Virtual evaluations will be billed at a 20% reduction from the set fee; in-person evaluations at full rate. Referrals are ongoing with most evaluations due within three weeks, though court deadlines may be shorter.

Staff must hold current Maryland licenses: psychologists require at least two years post-doctoral experience evaluating adolescents; psychiatrists require at least two years post-fellowship experience. Bidders must demonstrate two years of experience within the past five years providing community-based mental health evaluations to court-involved youth, supported by three reference letters. Standardized evaluation report templates (psychological, psychiatric, psychosexual, and transfer-of-jurisdiction formats) are provided as contract deliverables. Contractor personnel must complete CJIS criminal background checks prior to assignment; individuals with convictions for crimes against property, theft, fraud, crimes against public administration, or violence are prohibited. All staff must comply with Child Protective Services clearances and Prison Rape Elimination Act requirements.

Contract term is five years from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2031, with no renewal options and fixed-price bidding. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate), Professional Liability ($1 million per claim / $3 million aggregate), Cyber Security/Data Breach ($5 million per occurrence), and Workers' Compensation. No federal funding is involved. Travel is not reimbursed. Written questions are due March 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.