RFA 720-5296 - School Based Mental Health Grant

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is requesting applications for school-based mental health grants under RFA 720-5296, with applications due September 17, 2026 and questions due by close of business September 11, 2026. A pre-application conference was held September 2, 2026; Addendum 1 and Addendum 2 were issued September 3, 2026 and modify proposal submission requirements.

The scope encompasses partnerships between school divisions and licensed or qualified mental health providers to deliver in-person and telemental health services to students, families, caregivers, and staff. Services include prevention, early intervention, and treatment aligned with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support frameworks. Providers must hold Commercial General Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate. Contractual agreements between school divisions and providers must address school locations, service types, privacy and medical records security, parental consent procedures, evidence-based practices, technology support for telemental health, indemnification, payment arrangements, and referral processes. Up to 10 percent of total budget may support third-party billing processing personnel.

Historically, DBHDS has awarded grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000, subject to fund availability and contract negotiation. The budget period runs approximately October 15, 2026 through June 30, 2027, renewable for up to four successive one-year periods. No local match is required; no supplanting of current funding is permitted. Addendum 2 modifies budget submission to require detailed justification of proposed fund use. DBHDS prioritizes funding for new telehealth services over expansions to existing contracts. School divisions currently receiving telehealth funding from DBHDS are not required to reapply.

Evaluation uses an adjectival rating scale (Exceptional, Acceptable, Marginal, Unacceptable) and assesses demonstrated understanding of school-based mental health delivery and organizational capacity to operate within DBHDS certification standards. Notice of Award is anticipated October 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically via eVA. Offerors who submitted prior to Addendum 1 must resubmit; signed addendum acknowledgment must be received before the due date or attached to the submission.