Mental Health Supported Employment (MHSE)

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Procurement and Contract Services Unit, is soliciting proposals under RFP #2027000058 for Mental Health Supported Employment (MHSE) services, with responses due November 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. local time via Bidnet Direct, as revised by Amendment #1. The opportunity is tagged to Denver County and Denver City, and the RFP is issued in cooperation with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).

Amendment #1 encourages participation by minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), but it designates no set-asides. Awarded offerors must meet provider qualification standards, including CARF accreditation in Community Employment Services or staff with relevant degrees and work experience in supported employment. Respondents must register with the Colorado Secretary of State before contract execution and maintain criminal background checks for all employees and subcontractors.

Services cover career exploration, job development and preparation, job placement, personal adjustment training, job coaching, and extended services for individuals with significant mental illness. The sample contract requires a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (Exhibit D) for handling Protected Health Information, and respondents must comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements and Colorado public records disclosure laws.

Compensation is fee-for-service, paid through monthly and flat-fee payments that vary by individual status and service delivery phase, ranging from $300 to $1,250 per individual depending on service type and geography (urban/suburban or rural). Program data indicates an annual average payment of approximately $1,525 per individual in urban/suburban areas and $1,825 in rural areas. The term is one year with four renewal options. The state is not liable for costs incurred before contract execution, and proposals must remain firm for 365 calendar days after the submission deadline. The sample contract makes payment due within 45 days of invoice receipt, contingent on appropriation.

Award goes to the respondent whose proposal is most advantageous to CDLE and the State. Oral presentations and site visits, if applicable, are scheduled for November 2026, at the respondent's expense. A Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated in December 2026, with contract signing via DocuSign also expected in December 2026. The question-and-answer period closed October 15, 2026.