Veterans Mentorship Program RFP

Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a division of the County of Ventura's Health Care Agency, is seeking proposals for a Veterans Mentorship Program (VMP) through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The county aims to contract with a single qualified provider to develop and implement a comprehensive program assisting veterans and emergency first responders throughout Ventura County with mental health and ancillary services during their transition from active service to civilian life. The program requires a tiered service delivery model addressing five wellness pillars: mental health, physical wellness, relationship wellness, financial wellness, and career wellness. Bidders must demonstrate at least two years of experience serving veterans or first responders, with a proposed budget not exceeding 15% indirect costs. The evaluation criteria will weight technical approach and program design at 35%, organizational capacity at 25%, community engagement at 20%, budget and cost-effectiveness at 15%, and evaluation and quality assurance at 5%. The RFP was issued on September 18, 2025, with proposals due by October 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, to be submitted electronically through the Bonfire system. The initial contract will run from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with options for two additional one-year extensions.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Potential bidders must meet mandatory requirements, including not being on federal exclusion lists, maintaining an active business status, and having current insurance and bonding capabilities. The program aims to serve approximately 200 individuals over the contract period, with a comprehensive approach to supporting veterans' successful transitions. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the RFP includes a budget template with provisions for direct and indirect costs, suggesting flexibility in financial planning. The contract template indicates a not-to-exceed amount for the fiscal year, with monthly payments made in arrears upon submission of approved invoices. Contractors will be required to maintain comprehensive records, comply with cultural and linguistic competence requirements, and adhere to specific insurance provisions, including general liability, commercial automobile liability, workers' compensation, and professional liability coverage. The program emphasizes an independent contractor relationship with strict compliance requirements, including adherence to HIPAA regulations and non-discrimination policies.