Peer Assistance Program

The Texas Optometry Board (TOB) is seeking a vendor to establish a Peer Assistance Program contract for identifying, assisting, and monitoring licensed optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and optometry students experiencing mental health, alcohol, or drug problems that impair job or school performance. The contract will commence on September 1, 2025, or upon award, and automatically expire on August 31, 2026, with options for four additional one-year renewal periods. The program will serve a maximum of 15 participants, with proposals due by 1:30 pm Central Time on June 24, 2025. Evaluation criteria will assess program design, monitoring capabilities, compliance, reporting, experience, and past performance, totaling 135 points. Respondents must provide comprehensive documentation including program approaches, evaluation plans, referral networks, and an itemized budget. The solicitation follows Texas Government Code requirements and will be evaluated to provide the best value to the state, with TOB reserving the right to reject any or all proposals.

Funding for the program will be contingent upon peer assistance fees collected by TOB, not to exceed $47,000 per fiscal year, with funds transferred monthly to the contractor. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the solicitation emphasizes comprehensive compliance requirements, including standard state procurement forms that require vendors to disclose various certifications. Potential respondents must verify they are not boycotting energy companies or Israel, comply with immigration laws, have no felony convictions, and adhere to environmental and economic standards. The contract includes standard state government protections such as sovereign immunity clauses and provisions for dispute resolution. Vendors will be required to submit insurance certificates and comply with ongoing reporting and certification requirements throughout the potential contract term. Payment terms are typically set at 30 days, with potential for expedited payment discounts.