South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (SFETC) Operations

The Florida Department of Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) is requesting proposals to operate the South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (SFETC) in Florida City, a state-owned facility providing forensic mental health services to adults and juveniles adjudicated as adults committed as Incompetent to Proceed (ITP) or not guilty by reason of insanity (NGI) under Chapter 916, Florida Statutes, with proposals due November 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. and a mandatory pre-solicitation conference on September 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. This is a single-respondent procurement—a significant competitive constraint.

The scope encompasses full facility operations at a minimum of 249 beds, including management, operations and facility maintenance, integrated security and substance abuse and mental health treatment services, all within the legislatively appropriated budget. Respondents must submit comprehensive proposals addressing programmatic services, facility management and administrative capabilities, financial management, detailed cost allocation across operational categories, and a Strategic Future Capacity Expansion Proposal outlining recommendations for increasing facility capacity if future legislative appropriations become available. Respondents must provide the most recent independent financial audit demonstrating financial solvency and maintain MFMP registration.

The anticipated contract duration is five years beginning January 1, 2027, subject to renewal in compliance with Florida Statutes Section 287.057(14). All funding is contingent upon and subject to legislative appropriation; the Department reserves the right to negotiate lower rates with the selected respondent.

Evaluation is structured on a maximum of 532 points: 432 programmatic points and 100 financial points. Criteria include executive overview, core team qualifications, service capability, facility management, financial management, and prior similar projects. Written questions are due October 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Department responses anticipated by October 16. Public opening is scheduled for November 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via video conference. The contract incorporates federal compliance requirements (2 CFR Part 200 if applicable), employment screening under Chapter 435, F.S., HIPAA protections, and information security protocols, with termination rights for the Department as little as 24 hours' notice for cause or 30 days' notice without cause.