RFP - locum tenens services

The County of San Diego, Department of Behavioral Health Services, is requesting proposals for locum tenens services to staff psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and advanced practice professionals across inpatient and outpatient behavioral health operations, with proposals due August 13, 2026 and a pre-proposal conference on July 9, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. A Small-Local Business Subcontractor Utilization Plan demonstrating either 3% participation by small and local businesses or good faith effort toward that goal is required; valid exemptions are available.

The scope encompasses supplemental staffing for San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital (109 beds), Edgemoor Distinct Part Skilled Nursing Facility (192 beds), and three behavioral health clinics on a 24/7/365 basis. Proposed hourly rates must be submitted separately for inpatient adult psychiatrists, clinic/outpatient psychiatrists, night shift psychiatrists, primary care physicians, lead primary care physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, medical nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, with distinct rates for holiday and telepsychiatry services. All locum tenens professionals must hold current California licensure, board certification or eligibility, and meet facility-specific credentialing and privileging requirements prior to assignment; background checks, tuberculosis testing, and immunization compliance are mandatory. Pricing is all-inclusive of professional compensation, administrative fees, malpractice insurance, and travel. The County does not pay overtime; additional hours require Medical Director pre-approval and are billed at straight-time rates.

The anticipated maximum contract value is $22 million over five years (initial one-year term from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with four one-year renewal options through December 31, 2031). The County intends to expend federal funds. Offerors must provide three business references, audited or unaudited financial statements for the last three fiscal years, proof of 60-day operational reserves, and disclosure of any litigation within the past five years. Questions are due July 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Bidders must submit a Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Plan addressing multilingual workforce composition and documented outreach to DBE, ESB, MBE, and WBE firms over the previous three years.