Texas Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline and Educational Services

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for comprehensive mental health services targeting agricultural workers through the establishment and operation of a toll-free crisis hotline. The primary deliverables include a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week crisis helpline staffed by behavioral health specialists with expertise in agriculture-related mental health issues, delivery of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training to community groups, and FarmResponse training to healthcare professionals. The contractor must obtain accreditations from the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) to ensure service quality and credibility. TDA will evaluate proposals using a best-value standard with weighted criteria: 30% for respondent qualifications and past performance, 40% for the proposed service delivery plan, and 30% for cost reasonableness. Key deadlines include a pre-proposal vendor conference on April 9, 2026, written questions due by April 13, 2026, and sealed proposals due electronically by 3:00 PM CT on May 4, 2026, with award estimated for May 22, 2026. The initial contract term runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with renewal options for up to three additional one-year periods at TDA's sole discretion. Respondents must submit sealed responses to bidroom@texasagriculture.gov and acknowledge receipt of all addenda.

Respondents must demonstrate significant qualifications, including a Texas Identification Number, financial stability documentation, appropriate insurance coverage, and three professional references from the past three years. The contractor must complete quarterly reporting on hotline performance metrics including call volume, wait times, referrals, and outcomes, and submit Progress Assessment Reports with each invoice documenting subcontractor utilization for VetHUB compliance. TDA reserves the right to award to single or multiple respondents based on best value determination, request best and final offers, and require oral presentations as part of the evaluation process. No exclusivity is granted under this contract, and TDA retains the right to re-solicit services at any time. All costs associated with proposal development are the responsibility of respondents, and contract payment follows the Texas Prompt Payment Act with payment typically issued within 30 days of invoice receipt. The specific budget range or contract value has not been disclosed in the available solicitation documents.