RFP - crisis residential treatment services

The County of San Diego, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, is requesting proposals for Crisis Residential Treatment Services under RFP 13332, with proposals due November 12, 2026, and a pre-proposal conference scheduled for October 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. The procurement is structured as seven independent geographic lots (Central, Downtown Central, South Central, East, North Coastal, North Inland, and South), and offerors may propose for one or multiple lots.

The scope is 24/7 crisis residential treatment programs serving adults age 18 and older with serious mental illness and potential co-occurring substance use disorders, positioned as alternatives to acute psychiatric hospitalization or step-down services from inpatient care. Facilities must obtain California Department of Social Services licensure as a Social Rehabilitation Program and California Department of Health Care Services certification within three months of contract start. The County will provide a county-owned facility at 490 North Grape Street, Escondido, for the North Inland region. Offerors must demonstrate fiscal stability with comprehensive financial documentation and maintain a 60-day operating reserve. All proposals must accept the County's standard terms and conditions, including insurance requirements, and comply with Medi-Cal certification, behavioral health services, and provider credentialing regulations. Performance measurement includes HEDIS and External Quality Review Organization metrics.

The maximum available funding ranges from $17.3 million to $26.1 million per lot over five years (one-year base period with four optional one-year renewals), varying by geographic region and including start-up funding. Start-up funding is available for new providers only, limited to the lower of 10 percent of the initial agreement amount or $150,000, subject to County approval. Pricing must be inclusive of all operational and overhead expenses with stable, predictable pricing to limit variance. The County reserves the right to award one contract per lot and intends to expend federal funds; cost and pricing negotiation is required prior to award if only one conforming proposal is received. Questions are due October 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The anticipated service start date is July 1, 2027.