Creative Writing, Poetry, Storytelling Workshop Services IFB#25-20048-000 #

The California Department of State Hospitals Metropolitan (DSH) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 25-20048-000 for Creative Writing, Poetry, and Storytelling Workshop Services across multiple jurisdictions including Los Angeles County, San Luis Obispo County, Lake Los Angeles CDP, East Los Angeles CDP, and Los Angeles City. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide workshop services to adult patients with varying degrees of mental illnesses, with services to be performed one day per week for eight hours, either as a single eight-hour day or two four-hour days. The contractor must supply all necessary materials, supplies, tools, equipment, transportation, licenses, certifications, permits, insurance, and personnel. Minimum qualifications include providing a resume demonstrating experience in creative writing workshops with mental health populations and submitting professional references. The bid submission deadline is August 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, with a public bid opening at 2:30 PM, and an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2025. The contract will cover multiple DSH locations including Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan, Patton, Sacramento, and Napa, with a term from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027.

The solicitation includes specific provisions for small business and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) preferences, offering a 5% preference for small businesses and potential incentives for DVBE participation. Bidders must comply with various state and federal requirements, including background checks, tuberculosis screening, and confidentiality agreements. The contract has a maximum hourly rate cap of $55.00 per hour, with estimated total hours of 360 for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, 428 for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, and 64 hours for the partial 2027/2028 fiscal year. The total potential contract value would range approximately between $55,440 and $66,440 depending on the fiscal year. Specific security provisions and strict guidelines for patient interactions are included in the contract requirements, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the workshop services. Contractors must demonstrate the ability to provide creative and engaging workshop experiences while maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring patient safety and confidentiality.