First Episode Psychosis

The State of Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division, is seeking contractor(s) to expand access to First Episode Psychosis (FEP) services through a Request for Proposal (DPHHS-RFP-2023-0444R). The procurement aims to reduce and improve the impact of serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbance (SED) for youth and young adults, in compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act. Potential bidders must complete several prerequisites, including reviewing contract terms, submitting company information, and providing a Budget Excel document. The solicitation covers multiple mental health-related commodity codes, including addiction services, crisis centers, suicide prevention, mental health counseling, and services for severe disabling mental illness. The RFP was opened on 8/15/2022 and closed on 1/9/2023, with a single line item for a total funding request to be submitted as a lump sum. Evaluation criteria include the potential to earn an additional 5% of available points by complying with Executive Order No. 12-2016 on Equal Pay for Montana Women.

The procurement is funded through the Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG), which requires states to set aside at least 10% of their allocation to support evidence-based programs addressing early serious mental illness, regardless of the individual's age of onset. While specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are not explicitly detailed in the provided documentation, the reference to the Equal Pay Executive Order suggests a commitment to inclusive procurement practices. No information about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure was provided in the available materials. The total funding request is to be submitted as a lump sum, though specific budget ranges or award values were not disclosed in the document. Potential contractors should be prepared to demonstrate expertise in providing comprehensive mental health services, with a particular focus on early intervention and support for youth and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis or at risk of developing serious mental illness.