FY27;Federal;RFP MH PATH

The Colorado Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration is requesting proposals for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) services statewide under RFP IBEH 2027000057, with proposals due October 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time. This is a federal grant program administered by SAMHSA with mandatory compliance requirements and strict funding restrictions.

Eligible applicants include political subdivisions, Indian tribes, private nonprofit organizations, community-based nonprofit organizations, and community-based veterans organizations. Newly formed nonprofits may apply through established fiscal sponsors. The scope encompasses outreach (minimum 50% of program hours), case management, behavioral health services, housing-related supportive services, and referrals for adults 18 and older experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk thereof who have serious mental illness, including co-occurring substance use disorders. Contractors must enter participant data into HMIS and PATH Data Exchange (PDX), submit quarterly progress reports by the 30th day following each quarter end, and annual PATH reports by November 1st.

The maximum award is $500,000 per year per offeror or partnership. A non-federal match of 36 percent of the requested federal subaward amount is required, comprised of cash or in-kind contributions and spent concurrently with federal funds. Medicaid reimbursement cannot serve as match. PATH funds are subject to strict restrictions: no more than 20 percent may support housing services (limited to security deposits, one-time eviction prevention payments, planning, and technical assistance); food expenses are capped at $10 per person per day; administrative expenses cannot exceed 4 percent of total payments; salaries are limited to Executive Level II ($228,000 annually); and funds may not support emergency shelter operations, inpatient treatment, hospital-based detoxification, direct cash payments to participants, or harm reduction activities prohibited by federal regulation.

The initial contract term runs July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028, with four optional one-year renewal periods at the State's sole discretion. The pre-bid conference was held September 29, 2026; questions were due October 5, 2026 with responses published October 12, 2026. Amendment #1 (October 12, 2026) clarified proposal submission and organizational structure requirements. A HIPAA Business Associate Agreement and supplemental federal compliance provisions, including Uniform Guidance and Transparency Act reporting, are required.