TN Start Resource Centers

The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging is conducting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #34401-99480) to procure contractors for TN START Resource Centers, seeking service providers to supervise and manage two four-person homes located in West and Middle Tennessee. The primary objective is to provide therapeutic support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex behavioral and/or mental health needs. Contractors must deliver comprehensive services including therapeutic exercises, outcome-focused activities, and coordination with TN START clinicians to implement effective individual strategies. Qualified respondents must provide trained staff including Direct Support Professionals and administrative personnel who will complete START model training, medication administration training, and crisis management certification. Key procurement dates include a pre-response conference on March 5, 2025, technical responses due March 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM CST, and a contractor signature deadline of May 6, 2025. The solicitation allows for multiple contract awards, potentially assigning different regional contracts to different contractors if one cannot service both West and Middle Tennessee regions.

The RFQ does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, allowing broad participation from qualified service providers. The State will provide the physical infrastructure, including two four-person homes, with contractors responsible for staffing and operational management. Funding will be provided through state sources, with a maximum reimbursement rate of $513.69 per day for occupied beds and $150.00 per day for vacant operational beds. The total annual funding limit is $750,000 per region, representing a substantial potential contract value over the 60-month contract term. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability, professional liability, and sexual abuse and molestation insurance. Additionally, strict HIPAA compliance and data security measures are required, including encryption of confidential data and annual security assessments. The contract allows for both emergency admissions (limited to 30 days) and planned admissions (limited to 5 days), with services available 24/7.