Peer Counseling Services

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is requesting proposals for peer counseling services to DPS employees in law enforcement environments under RFP 2000018563, with proposals due September 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CDT and questions due September 16, 2026. Veteran-owned small businesses certified by the Office of Equity in Procurement or the U.S. Small Business Administration may claim up to a 12% preference, and preference points of up to 120 are available for certified targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or veteran-owned businesses.

Respondents must hold current Minnesota licensure as a licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or licensed marriage and family therapist, and demonstrate at least two years of experience providing critical incident stress management or critical incident trauma counseling to state, county, municipal, or other law enforcement agencies. Three references from law enforcement agencies other than the State of Minnesota and its agencies for services provided within the past thirty-six months are required. No subcontracting is permitted. The RFP may result in multiple-award contracts to a limited number of qualified practitioners; incumbent contractors currently under contract are not required to respond.

Scope includes post-critical incident workability assessments, individual and group training sessions on stress management and resilience, review and recommendations for peer counseling programs, delivery of 40-hour initial and refresher peer counseling courses, and advisory support following critical incidents. Services must be performed within the Twin Cities metropolitan area or within five miles of the DPS employee's primary work location and authorized through individual Work Order Contracts issued under a Master Contract.

The Master Contract runs from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with an option to extend up to an additional two years. Total contract obligation does not exceed $100,000, structured on a per-service basis with hourly rates and per-session pricing; all rates must be inclusive of travel and subsistence. Evaluation occurs in three phases: responsiveness and pass/fail requirements, statement of understanding (100 points), qualifications and experience (400 points), references (200 points), and cost detail (300 points). Selection is anticipated by October 16, 2026.