Peer Mentoring Services

The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) is seeking proposals for Peer Mentoring Services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 042-1613494-RM, with proposals due on October 19, 2023, for a contract beginning July 1, 2024. The procurement targets qualified organizations to provide peer mentoring across three service tracks: Track One serves county behavioral health clinic clients to achieve short-term treatment goals, Track Two links discharged clients to follow-up services, and Track Three supports crisis response teams during mobile interventions. Peer Mentors must have lived experience with mental health services and be culturally representative of Orange County's diverse populations. Required qualifications include individuals with personal or familial mental health service experience who can assist clients in developing independent living skills, reducing psychiatric hospitalizations, and supporting recovery goals. The county will evaluate proposals using a 100-point scoring system covering provider experience, services, performance objectives, staffing, facility, and budget, with potential interview components. Performance outcomes include achieving 90% client satisfaction, 90% goal completion, and linking 300-550 clients annually depending on the track.

While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly detailed, the RFP suggests a preference for organizations with demonstrated experience in mental health peer support services. The contract will be funded through Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds, with monthly reimbursements for actual costs up to a not-to-exceed amount. The county plans to award multiple contracts to different providers, indicating an open competitive process. Though no specific incumbent vendors were mentioned, the sample contract included suggests potential integration with existing county behavioral health infrastructure, including Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health County clinics, County-contracted Behavioral Health outpatient clinics, and Full-Service Partnerships. While a precise budget range was not specified, the comprehensive budget forms indicate potential funding sources including Medi-Cal, Medicare, county discretionary funds, and Mental Health Services Act funding. The contract includes a 365-day proposal validity period and requires specific insurance coverage, with Peer Mentors potentially embedded with high-risk clients to facilitate community reintegration after hospitalization.