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 PATH grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), requiring a mandatory 36% non-federal match of the requested federal subaward.

Eligible applicants are political subdivisions of Colorado, Indian tribes, private or community-based nonprofit organizations, and community-based veterans organizations. Applicants need not provide all services directly and may coordinate through qualified community partners. Newly formed nonprofits may apply through fiscal agents or fiduciary arrangements meeting capacity requirements.

The scope encompasses street outreach (minimum 50% of program hours weekly), case management, screening, diagnostic services, behavioral health and substance use treatment referrals, housing-related supportive services, habilitation and rehabilitation, and data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and PATH Data Exchange (PDX). Target population is adults aged 18 and older with serious mental illness, including co-occurring substance use disorders, who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk. Housing services may not exceed 20% of the contractor's PATH budget and are limited to security deposits, one-time rental payments to prevent eviction, and minor renovations. Food expenses are capped at $10.00 per person per day.

The maximum award is $500,000 per year for single offerors or joint partnership applications. The initial contract term runs July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028, with an option for four additional one-year renewal periods at the state's sole discretion. Contractors must register with SAM.gov, achieve Colorado Secretary of State business registration, register with CORE, participate in E-Verify, and comply with background checks for direct contact with vulnerable persons. Contractors must use a federally negotiated indirect cost rate or the 15% de minimis rate. All proposals must include documentation of organizational eligibility, at least one letter of community partnership support, staffing qualifications, data management capacity, and attestation of lawful PATH fund use under 2 CFR Part 200 and federal requirements.

Questions were due October 5, 2026, with answers posted October 12. Amendment #1 (October 12) clarified proposal format and partnership/fiscal agent submission requirements. Amendment #2 (October 13) added question #44 to the Q&A document. A pre-bid conference was held September 29, 2026. Public bid opening occurs October 29 at 2:15–2:35 p.m. Performance measures require enrolling no less than 57% of contacted individuals in PATH and ensuring no less than 64% of enrolled clients receive community mental health services.