PRTF High Acuity Beds

The Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, and Families, Division of Child Welfare, is requesting proposals to operate 10–15 licensed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) beds serving children and youth with high-acuity mental health and behavioral needs statewide under RFP 2027000022, with proposals due October 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. MT. Questions are due September 8, 2026, with responses posted by September 15, 2026. There is no pre-bid conference.

Selected vendors must hold current Health First Colorado (Medicaid) provider enrollment and meet all Colorado Department of Education facility school requirements; failure to demonstrate these capabilities may result in disqualification. Vendors must comply with standard CDHS contract terms and conditions, including background checks for personnel with direct contact with vulnerable persons, E-Verify participation, CORE registration, SAM.gov registration, and Colorado Secretary of State business registration. A HIPAA Business Associate Agreement applies, requiring annual independent security assessments, FIPS-compliant encryption for all internet or insecure transmissions of protected health information, 24/7 breach notification capabilities, and insurance covering loss of PHI data and breach notification.

The scope encompasses intensive stabilization, clinical interventions, skills training, and robust transition planning for youth with complex diagnoses, extensive trauma histories, suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, aggression, elopement risks, and sexualized behaviors. Proposals must address service models, trauma-informed treatment protocols, specialized clinical interventions, behavior management, family engagement, runaway prevention, medical and psychiatric care management, and staffing qualifications and ratios.

Funding is authorized through House Bill 24-1038. The Department reimburses through a combination of Health First Colorado Medicaid daily rates for occupied beds, Department incentive rates, and a contracted rate for vacant beds supporting operational costs during lower census periods. Vendors must submit detailed annual budgets itemizing costs by category and sample monthly invoices demonstrating payment documentation.

The anticipated contract start date is January 1, 2027, with an initial term through December 31, 2027, renewable for up to four additional years at the State's sole discretion, contingent upon appropriations and performance. Proposals should not exceed 25 pages excluding cover page, table of contents, appendices, and budget. Vendors may submit proposed changes to standard contract terms in redline format, though the State does not guarantee acceptance and such modifications may negatively impact evaluation and delay execution.