Transitional Living Residential

The State of North Dakota's Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the West Central Behavioral Health Clinic, is seeking proposals for a Transitional Living Residential Services contract in Bismarck, Burleigh County. The procurement (RFP 325-25-970-082) aims to establish and operate an 8-bed residential facility serving individuals 18 years and older with mental illness, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorders. Key service requirements include 24/7 awake staffing with a one-to-eight staff-to-client ratio, room and board with three daily meals, transportation services, interpreter services, medication management, and participation in a State-designated Treatment Team. The evaluation criteria will assess proposals across four categories: Understanding of Scope of Work (30 points), Management Plan (20 points), Experience and Qualifications (30 points), and Cost Proposal (20 points). Significant procurement dates include a December 9, 2025 deadline for questions, proposal submission due by December 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM Central Time, and an anticipated Notice of Award on January 20, 2026. The initial contract term will run from February 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with potential extension options of up to 12 months and three additional 24-month renewal periods.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Successful offerors must comply with North Dakota licensing requirements under Administrative Code 75-05-03-03 and maintain a HIPAA-compliant Business Associate Agreement. The facility must be ADA-compliant and operate in a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including $2,000,000 in commercial general liability, $500,000 in business automobile liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The compensation structure is based on a firm fixed price per client per bed day, with the total payment amount to be determined through the RFP process. North Dakota preference laws will apply, potentially providing advantages to resident bidders in cases of identical pricing or evaluation scores. Prospective vendors must also demonstrate the ability to secure appropriate site location, zoning compliance, and meet all building and health code requirements for the transitional living facility.