Mental Health Services

The Arkansas Department of Education is seeking a comprehensive K-12 mental health and substance use referral and care coordination program through Request for Proposal (RFP) S000000394. The procurement aims to establish a HIPAA and FERPA-compliant online referral platform accessible via phone, web, mobile, and tablet devices for approximately 115 school districts and an estimated 1,000 students. The successful contractor must develop a multilingual provider network capable of facilitating referrals for various treatment pathways including outpatient services, substance use treatment, psychiatry, residential care, and crisis intervention. Proposals must be submitted through ARBuy by February 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM Central Time, with services scheduled to begin May 1, 2025. The contract term is initially one year with six potential one-year renewals, for a maximum aggregate term of seven years. The evaluation will use a 1,000-point system, with 700 points allocated to technical criteria (25% experience, 30% solution, 20% risk, and 25% interview) and 300 points for cost. Contractors must have documented experience providing mental health referral services to minors and maintain a referral platform operational in at least one other state for two or more years.

The RFP includes provisions supporting minority and women-owned businesses and requires contractors to meet Arkansas Medicaid and private insurance provider requirements. Indirect costs are capped at 5% of total contract value, and all payments will be processed through ACH direct deposit. There is no requirement for an Arkansas-based office, so out-of-state organizations may submit proposals, but they must develop a plan for engaging local provider resources. Contractors must certify they are not a Scrutinized Company and will not boycott Israel, employ illegal immigrants, or engage in boycotts against specific industries. The solicitation emphasizes the need for a contractor that can navigate challenges such as high deductibles for privately insured students and limited availability of licensed practitioners. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the pricing sheets indicate that unit costs will be calculated per student/referral for both referral services and care coordination. Prospective vendors must complete a comprehensive Contract and Grant Disclosure Form detailing any relationships with state officials, employees, or their family members.