Request for Proposals for Perinatal Mental Health Support

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposals RFP-2027-DPH-06-PERIN for comprehensive perinatal mental health support services, with proposals due by March 31, 2026. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to design and implement a statewide, evidence-based strategy to improve access to perinatal mental health services for pregnant individuals, postpartum women within 12 months of delivery, and biological, adoptive, or foster parents within 12 months of assuming custodial care. Primary deliverables include creating and maintaining a HIPAA-compliant online Perinatal Resource Hub with a comprehensive resource directory and secure referral functionality; developing a statewide Perinatal Peer Support Certification Program aligned with national and state standards; providing training and technical assistance to healthcare providers on maternal mental health screening during well-child visits; and establishing a perinatal psychiatric access teleconsultation line for provider-to-provider consultation. The contractor must provide navigation and support services with 48-hour business day response times for referrals, employ trained perinatal professionals (Licensed Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, or equivalent) available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and contract with licensed psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners for teleconsultation services. Key milestones include submission of a comprehensive Work Plan by July 31, 2026; launch of the online resource hub by July 1, 2026; completion of the peer support certification plan by October 1, 2026; maternal health screening promotion activities through June 30, 2027; and teleconsultation services from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028. Evaluation criteria require vendors to demonstrate experience in perinatal mental health delivery, clinical expertise in identification and treatment of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders, financial stability, appropriate licensure and credentials for clinical staff, capacity to serve diverse populations across New Hampshire, existing partnerships with obstetric providers, and proven experience with evidence-based perinatal mental health interventions.

The RFP contains mandatory Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) compliance requirements under Title VI, requiring all applicants to conduct an individualized organizational assessment addressing language assistance measures for limited English proficiency populations and individuals with disabilities, with selected contractors required to submit detailed language assistance plans within 10 days of contract approval. Vendors must comply with all federal civil rights laws, complete annual civil rights training, and conduct criminal background checks and name searches of the Department's Registry for all personnel prior to service delivery. No set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises are specified in the solicitation documents, though preference may be given to organizations with existing infrastructure and partnerships with obstetric providers. The contract term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with renewal options allowing the Department to extend services for up to four additional years upon satisfactory performance. Funding is anticipated at 100% Federal Maternal and Child Health Services funds (Assistance Listing Number 93.994) for State Fiscal Year 2027 and 100% General funds for State Fiscal Year 2028, with no match requirements specified; the Department has clarified this is not a low-cost award and that vendor cost proposals will be scored accordingly. The two-year budget period covers State Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028, with costs submitted in designated categories including Salary & Wages, Fringe Benefits, Consultants, Equipment, Supplies, Travel, Software, Marketing/Communications, Education and Training, and Subrecipient Contracts, with specific compliance requirements under 2 CFR 200 regulations.