RFR for Behavioral Health Workforce Consultant

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission is requesting responses from one contractor with expertise in behavioral health workforce policy, care delivery systems, and qualitative research to support the HPC's Behavioral Health Workforce Center, with responses due September 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM and anticipated award by October 5, 2026.

The scope centers on research and analysis supporting the HPC's behavioral health workforce initiatives launched in partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Key deliverables include literature reviews, legislative reviews, program reviews, qualitative analyses, workforce gap analyses, and policy documentation, with particular focus on policies and programs affecting child and youth-serving providers and workforce capacity assessment.

Minimum qualifications require demonstrated expertise in behavioral health workforce policy and capacity, relevant education and credentials for key personnel, and more than five years of qualitative research experience with evidence of producing high-quality policy deliverables. Key personnel are subject to background checks and conflict-of-interest review under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A and must complete mandatory ethics training. The contractor must maintain confidentiality protocols compliant with Executive Office for Technology, Services and Security policies, HIPAA regulations, and state law.

Compensation is structured as an hourly rate inclusive of all work, materials, expenses, travel, overhead, and ancillary costs, with a maximum contract obligation of $70,000 for the full term running through June 30, 2027, subject to possible renewal at HPC discretion. The HPC makes no guarantee regarding actual hours utilized.

Evaluation will weight overall approach quality (20 points), demonstrated expertise in behavioral health workforce and system capacity (30 points), quality of sample deliverables (20 points), pricing (20 points), and confidentiality and security protocols (10 points). Bidders must submit three business references. Written questions are due September 18, 2026, with responses posted by September 23, 2026. The estimated contract start date is October 15, 2026.