Universal Screening for Mental Health and Substance Use

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, specifically the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division's Children's Mental Health Bureau, is seeking a contractor to conduct universal screenings and referrals for mental health and substance use risk in Montana's public and private non-public schools through Request for Proposal (RFP) Number DPHHS-RFP-2023-0442R. The procurement is designed to implement a comprehensive mental health screening program across the state, with primary objectives of identifying and addressing potential mental health and substance use risks among students. Key deliverables will likely include systematic screening protocols, risk assessment tools, and referral mechanisms for schools. The RFP was released on December 29, 2022, with an open date of August 9, 2022, at 5:00 PM MDT and a close date of September 12, 2022, at 2:00 PM MDT. Evaluation criteria appear to include company details, client references, budget line item justification, and compliance with Executive Order 12-2016 regarding Equal Pay for Montana Women, with companies certifying such compliance potentially receiving an additional 5% of total available evaluation points. Commodity codes associated with this procurement include addiction services, crisis centers, suicide prevention, counseling, and social services.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the Equal Pay for Montana Women order suggests a commitment to equitable procurement practices. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the available documentation. The procurement is structured as a lump sum total funding request with payment terms set at 0% 0, Net 30, indicating potential flexibility in vendor compensation. While specific award values are not detailed, the comprehensive nature of the screening program suggests a significant investment in statewide mental health services for school-aged populations. Potential bidders will need to demonstrate expertise in mental health screening, adolescent risk assessment, and comprehensive referral systems. The contract appears designed to integrate with existing school infrastructure, requiring vendors to work collaboratively with public and private educational institutions across Montana to implement the universal screening program.