Crisis Drop-In and Stabilization Unit

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the West Central Behavioral Health Clinic, is procuring an entity to establish and operate a sub-acute Crisis Drop-In Stabilization Unit in Bismarck, located within Burleigh County. The procurement seeks a provider to create a 15-bed facility serving individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, offering 24/7 residential services that include room, board, three daily meals, and comprehensive behavioral health crisis programming. Key deliverables include providing 24-hour resident supervision, implementing evidence-based practices, and collaborating with behavioral health service systems. The evaluation criteria will comprehensively score proposals across four categories: Understanding of Scope of Work (30 points), Management Plan (20 points), Experience and Qualifications (30 points), and Cost Proposal (20 points). The Request for Proposal (RFP Number 325-25-970-064) was issued on August 29, 2025, with proposals due by October 3, 2025, and an anticipated Notice of Intent to Award by November 5, 2025. 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 RFP does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. However, the state will apply preference to North Dakota-based vendors in the event of tied scores or identical pricing. Successful offerors must demonstrate compliance with federal and state laws, maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines under HIPAA regulations. The contract will be structured as a Firm Fixed Price agreement, with monthly reimbursement not to exceed an amount determined by regional staffing patterns and nursing service hourly rates. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, vendors must submit a line-item budget supporting their monthly projection, which will be evaluated for completeness and competitiveness. Vendors must provide references, organizational charts, staff qualifications, and a detailed project approach, with staff requirements including registered nurses, nurse aides, and medical assistants capable of providing clinical supervision and medication management. The ultimate goal is to stabilize individuals and connect them to ongoing community-based behavioral health resources.