Crisis Drop-In and Stabilization Unit

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Northeast Behavioral Health Clinic in Grand Forks County, is seeking a qualified entity to establish and operate a 15-bed sub-acute Crisis Drop-In Stabilization Unit for individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The solicitation, RFP Number 325-25-940-059, was issued on August 14, 2025, with proposals due by September 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM Central Time. The initial contract term will run from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with potential renewal options for up to three additional 24-month periods. The selected vendor must provide comprehensive crisis services, including 24/7/365 residential care, meals, nursing coverage, and adherence to state and federal regulations. The evaluation criteria will be based on a 100-point scoring system, with 30 points for understanding the scope of work, 30 points for experience and qualifications, 20 points for management plan, and 20 points for cost proposal. The state prioritizes proposals demonstrating substantial experience in mobile crisis services, with a minimum requirement of five years serving adults, children, and families in crisis.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. However, the state does note a preference for resident North Dakota vendors in cases of identical pricing or evaluation scores. The contract will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price agreement, with monthly reimbursement based on regional staffing patterns and specific nursing service rates. While a precise budget range is not specified, the state reserves the right to negotiate with top-scoring offerors and will determine the total payment amount within the contract. The successful vendor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability, business automobile liability, workers' compensation, and employer's liability, with specific minimum coverage amounts. The program emphasizes a person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach to crisis intervention, with the goal of providing short-term, intensive residential and non-residential services typically lasting 2-5 days before transitioning individuals to less intensive community-based behavioral health programs.