Youth Mental Health and Crisis Intervention

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposal to provide comprehensive mental health and crisis intervention services to youth ages 5-17 residing in Linn County who are at risk of mental health or substance abuse commitment. The procurement seeks a contractor to deliver 24/7 crisis intervention services, including assessments, referrals, case management, and follow-up support. Key service deliverables include responding to all crisis calls within 60 minutes, conducting community-based assessments within 24 hours or reconnecting with recent providers within five business days, ensuring 100% of youth enrolled in case management complete a minimum of three successful appointments within 45 days, and documenting follow-up contact at six months post-crisis. Performance metrics require the contractor to divert at least 75% of youth from juvenile hospital committal or further law enforcement involvement while maintaining detailed documentation and monthly invoicing. The contractor must maintain general liability insurance of $2 million, automobile liability of $1 million, and professional liability of $2 million. Written questions are due by April 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., with proposals due May 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. The apparent successful bidder will be announced May 29, 2026, with contract execution by June 23, 2026 and service commencement July 1, 2026.

The contract does not contain specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though bidders must be registered to do business in Iowa and certify compliance with federal debarment restrictions, drug-free workplace requirements, and non-discrimination policies. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is specified in the procurement documents. The contract has an initial one-year term with options for two additional one-year extensions at the Agency's discretion, with a total contract budget not exceeding $224,997.00 for the entire contract term including any extension years. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the total contract amount, and bidders must submit cost proposals using the provided pricing worksheet. The contract is not exclusive and guarantees no minimum compensation or usage levels, meaning the Agency is not obligated to issue a specific volume of services or utilize the contractor at any guaranteed level.