Peer Assistance Program

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 515-25-0001 for a comprehensive Peer Assistance Program designed to identify, assist, and monitor pharmacy students and Texas-licensed pharmacists impaired by chemical abuse, dependency, or mental/physical illness. The primary contractor will be responsible for providing intervention services, establishing a network of health professionals, conducting ongoing monitoring, offering education, and maintaining strict confidentiality for program participants. The RFP requires the selected vendor to manage an average of approximately 107 active participants, with responsibilities including initial assessments, tracking, and support. Evaluation of proposals will be based on documentation, self-evaluation, policy and procedure manual, business plan, budget, and prior experience, with a total possible score of 100 points. The RFP was posted on April 7, 2025, with responses due by May 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM CT, and the initial contract term will run from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027, with potential for two optional two-year renewals at TSBP's discretion.

The contract includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting goal of 26.0%, specifically for the class/item 952-05 related to Alcohol and Drug Detoxification, Including Rehabilitation. Vendors must demonstrate good faith efforts in subcontracting with Texas-certified HUB vendors and provide detailed documentation of their subcontracting strategies. The program will be funded through peer assistance fees collected by TSBP, with a contract value not to exceed $311,784.00 per year during the initial term. Participants may be charged annual monitoring fees ranging from $300 to $600 depending on their licensure status. The state intends to award the contract to the respondent offering the best value, with strict compliance required for various state legal and ethical requirements, including provisions related to antitrust laws, child support obligations, conflicts of interest, and background checks. Additional requirements include maintaining a drug-free workplace and adhering to specific state regulations regarding vendor certifications.