RFA #0824 - Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Services

Denton County MHMR Center has issued a Request for Application (RFA) #0824 for Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Services, seeking qualified providers to deliver specialized therapeutic and support services within Denton County. The procurement covers a comprehensive range of services including specialized therapies (animal-assisted, art, music, nutritional, and recreational), respite care, community living support, adaptive aids, minor home modifications, family supports, paraprofessional services, and non-medical transport. Providers must maintain required Texas licenses and certifications, operate primarily within Denton County, and be prepared to deliver fee-for-service interventions according to specific reimbursement rates established by HHSC. The RFA requires providers to undergo extensive vetting, including background checks, professional credential verification, and submission of comprehensive administrative documentation. The solicitation was posted on February 20, 2025, with a final submission deadline of August 26, 2026, allowing potential providers ample time to prepare comprehensive applications demonstrating their capacity to deliver high-quality youth support services.

Providers must carry professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate, indicating a robust risk management requirement. While the document does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it establishes rigorous qualification standards that will inherently limit provider eligibility. The payment structure is entirely fee-for-service, with rates varying by service type: non-medical transport at $0.55 per mile, community living support at $25.02 per 15 minutes, specialized therapy services at $19.36 per 15 minutes, and respite care ranging between $5.22-$9.84 per unit. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive service offerings suggest a potentially significant annual investment in youth support services. The Denton County MHMR Center will maintain direct oversight of service delivery, documentation requirements, and quality management, ensuring accountability and consistent service standards across contracted providers.