HIV/STD Testing Services for Priority Populations

The County of Orange Health Care Agency is seeking qualified organizations to provide HIV/STD Testing Services through Request for Applications (RFA) No. 042-1623426-DMA, targeting priority populations including Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Transgender, Genderqueer or Non-binary individuals, and Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWID). The primary objectives include conducting focused HIV testing, linking individuals to prevention and treatment services, and reducing HIV and STD infection rates in Orange County. Specific performance requirements mandate conducting 3,000 HIV tests and 3,000 STD test panels annually, with performance objectives to inform at least 95% of individuals with positive test results and link HIV-positive individuals to medical care within 30 days of diagnosis. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in providing services to populations facing barriers in medical testing settings, align with California Department of Public Health guidelines, and submit comprehensive documentation including organizational details, certifications, and financial information. The RFA was posted on September 12, 2023, with proposals due by October 20, 2023, and the contract period anticipated to commence on January 1, 2024.

Non-profit organizations will be prioritized, with for-profit and governmental organizations eligible only if no acceptable non-profit applications are received. Applicants must be located in Orange County, possess a current Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver, and meet specific staffing requirements including Spanish-speaking bilingual staff and certified HIV test counselors. The total estimated annual funding is $175,000, sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health, with reimbursement structured at $45.00 per HIV test for Priority Population individuals, $10.00 per HIV test for non-Priority Population individuals, $4.50 per self-collected STD test, and $4.50 per Syphilis test. Contractors must maintain comprehensive compliance programs, undergo regular audits, provide detailed cost reports, and adhere to strict confidentiality and data security requirements. Additional requirements include non-discrimination policies, minimum wage compliance, appropriate licensing, insurance, and background screening for personnel involved in service delivery. As of December 31, 2021, Orange County reported 6,772 individuals living with HIV and an estimated 950 individuals unaware of their HIV status, underscoring the critical nature of this testing initiative.