Emergency COVID-19: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Expansion

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is seeking professional services through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Emergency COVID-19 Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Expansion. The contract, numbered HSS-22-032A, aims to provide crisis intervention services, mental health treatment, and recovery supports for children and adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Target populations include individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), co-occurring disorders, and healthcare professionals requiring mental health support. Bidders must propose implementation approaches for expanding existing outpatient services, with a focus on delivering direct services to underserved populations. The RFP's evaluation criteria include Population of Focus and Statement of Need (10 points), Proposed Implementation Approach (40 points), Data Collection and Performance Measurement (25 points), and Staff and Organizational Experience (25 points). Key procurement dates include a pre-bid meeting on October 3, 2022, questions due by October 3, 2022, responses posted by October 14, 2022, and proposals due by November 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM EST. The contract term runs through May 31, 2023 or until grant funds are exhausted.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must have at least two years of experience providing relevant services and comply with all applicable licensing requirements. Organizations must demonstrate financial stability by submitting recent independent audits, organizational charts, and board of directors rosters. Bidders are required to utilize third-party reimbursements and other revenue sources before accessing DSAMH grant funds, which can only supplement services for individuals not covered by public or commercial insurance. Allowable costs include direct salaries, wages, benefits, overtime related to service expansion, materials, supplies, telehealth services, travel, and up to $30 non-cash incentives for data collection activities. Administrative costs are limited to 12% of total costs. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the funding is contingent on the quality of applications received and the demonstrated needs of the Department. The contract may be extended for up to five years pending satisfactory performance, available funds, and continued need.