Mental Health Services

SOSCSTS27001
Mental Health Services
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
Mental Health Services
SOSCSTS27001
Danae Block
3211 Edgington Avenue
Eldora, IA 50627
Phone: 641-858-5402x1117
danae.block@hhs.iowa.gov
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RFP Purpose.
Provide on-site Mental Health services to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (Agency)
at the State Training School (STS) in Eldora, Iowa.
Duration of Contract.
The Agency anticipates executing a contract that will have an initial 1-year contract term with the ability to extend
the contract for 5 additional 1-year terms. The Agency will have the sole discretion to extend the contract.
Procurement Timetable
There are no exceptions to any deadlines for the Bidder; however, the Agency reserves the right to change the dates.
Times provided are in Central Time.
Event Date
Agency Issues RFP Notice to Targeted Small Business Website (48 hours): June 17, 2026
Agency Issues RFP to Bid Opportunities Website June 19, 2026
Bidder Letter of Intent to Bid Due By July 8, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Bidder Written Questions Due By July 10, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Agency Responses to Questions Issued By July 13, 2026
Bidder Proposals and any Amendments to Proposals Due By July 20, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Agency Announces Apparent Successful Bidder/Notice of Intent to Award July 22, 2026
Contract Negotiations and Execution of the Contract Completed August 12, 2026
Anticipated Start Date for the Provision of Services August 15, 2026
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Section 1 Background and Scope of Work
1.1 Background.
The State Training School is a multifaceted, medium security 80-bed juvenile correctional facility serving male
youth between the ages of 12 and 19.6. The average census was 48 in 2025, and 54 year-to-date in 2026.
Typically 60% of the student population at the State Training School requires medication management by a
psychiatric care provider and typically 2-4 psychiatric evaluations and assessments per month are done by this
provider.
The primary purpose of the State Training School at Eldora is to provide a continuum of supervision and
rehabilitation programs, which meet the needs of males adjudicated delinquent, in a manner consistent with public
safety. These services and programs provide individualized treatment, services, and supports to adjudicated males
to meet their behavioral health and criminogenic needs. The facility provides a range of services that are geared
toward:
Providing a structured treatment setting for males between the ages of 12 to 19.6;
Providing the most appropriate setting while protecting communities;
Developing individual care plans which provide a diversity of innovative and effective programs within the
framework of professional correctional standards, legislative intent and available resources;
Providing a comprehensive education program for youth; and
Facilitating the transition of the young man back to his community.
1.2 RFP General Definitions.
When appearing as capitalized terms in this RFP, including attachments, the following quoted terms (and the
plural thereof, when appropriate) have the meanings set forth in this section.
"Agency" means the Iowa Department of Human Services.
"Bid Proposal" or "Proposal" means the Bidder's proposal submitted in response to the RFP.
"Bidder" means the entity that submits a Bid Proposal in response to this RFP.
"Contractor" means the Bidder who enters into a Contract as a result of this Solicitation.
"Deliverables" means all of the services, goods, products, work, work product, data (including data collected on
behalf of the Agency), items, materials and property to be created, developed, produced, delivered, performed, or
provided by or on behalf of, or made available through, the Contractor (or any agent, contractor or subcontractor
of the Contractor) in connection with any contract resulting from this RFP.
"Invoice" means a Contractor's claim for payment. At the Agency's discretion, claims may be submitted on an
original invoice from the Contractor or may be submitted on a claim form accepted by the Agency, such as a
General Accounting Expenditure (GAX) form.
1.3 Scope of Work.
1.3.1 Deliverables.
The Contractor shall provide the following:
The Contractor shall provide the following:
1. Services shall be provided on-site at the State Training School in Eldora, Iowa in accordance with a
schedule that is mutually agreed upon.
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2. The Contractor shall provide all staff necessary to provide these services and shall be responsible for all
salary and benefit administration of the required staff.
3. Psychiatric Assessments: Psychiatric examinations, evaluations and psychotherapy will be provided as
needed, based on referrals and consultations with facility behavioral health professionals, administrators and
medical staff.
4. Suicide Assessments: Examinations, evaluations and treatment of youth at risk for suicide and self-
harming behaviors, based on referrals and consultations with facility behavioral health professionals,
administrators and medical staff.
5. Medication Evaluation and Monitoring: The Contractor will provide psychiatric medication evaluation
and adjustment and written orders for the administration and dispensation of all prescribed medication. There
must be documentation of a plan to monitor medication for side effects and benefits, and for ordering and
monitoring laboratory testing.
6. Treatment Services: The Contractor will meet with youth individually to provide specific treatment
services.
7. Consultation and Coordination: The Contractor will provide consultation, coordination, and collaboration
to facility administrators and clinical staff to develop and improve treatment plans and to enhance staff skills and
competencies in behavior management and treatment.
8. Off-site Consultation: The Contractor will be available for off-site consultation (e.g. telehealth, telephone,
email, text) with STS nurses as needed as well as in the event of a psychiatric emergency, including any
psychiatric hospitalizations and civil commitment orders.
9. Documentation of all patient contacts in a professional and timely manner in accordance with standards
established by the STS Health Authority or designee.
10. The Contractor will provide an Iowa licensed mental health professional (e.g. psychologist, mental health
counselor, clinical social worker) to provide 8-16 hours of therapeutic services per week unless other
arrangements have been agreed upon with the contract manager. Services to include but not limited to performing
psychosocial evaluations, individual/family/group counseling, treatment team meetings, mental health department
meetings, and clinical consultation/supervision as needed. Contractor agrees to provide STS with a licensed
psychologist, LMHC, or individual with similar credentials approved by the STS. If provider needs to be gone
during regularly scheduled day, contractor will ensure another licensed professional is present for the 8-16 hours
that week, or that another day is substituted by the regular provider for the week.
11. Maximum service hours and distribution of service hours are as follows:
Psychiatrist: Maximum of 1040 hours of psychiatric service. Hours of service shall be distributed on a weekly
basis, over the course of fifty-two (52) weeks per year according to a mutually agreed upon schedule;
- AND/OR -
PMH ARNP: Maximum of 1040 hours of psychiatric service. Hours of service shall be distributed on a weekly
basis, over the course of fifty-two (52) weeks per year according to a mutually agreed upon schedule.
12. All service providers shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and
requirements regarding the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
1.3.2 Performance Measures.
1. Contractors shall provide proof of licensure and insurance during the term of this contract.
2. Maintain comprehensive clinical notes.
3. Meet required caseload and clinical deadlines.
1.3.3 Contract Payment Methodology.
Payment will be contingent on the Contractor performing the mandatory services, meeting performance measures,
and submitting a detailed monthly invoice. The invoice shall be accompanied with appropriate documentation
necessary to support the charges included on the invoice.
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Section 2 Basic Information About the RFP Process
2.1 Issuing Officer.
The Issuing Officer is the sole point of contact regarding the RFP from the date of issuance until selection of the
successful Bidder. The Issuing Officer for this RFP is:
Danae Block
3211 Edgington Avenue
Eldora, IA 50627
Phone: 641-858-5402x1117
danae.block@hhs.iowa.gov
2.2 Restriction on Bidder Communication.
From the issue date of this RFP until announcement of the successful Bidder, the Issuing Officer is the point of
contact regarding the RFP. There may be no communication regarding this RFP with any State employee other
than the Issuing Officer, except at the direction of the Issuing Officer or as otherwise noted in the RFP. This
section shall not be construed as restricting communications related to the administration of any contract currently
in effect between a Contractor and the Agency.
The Issuing Officer will respond only to questions regarding the procurement process. Questions pertaining to the
interpretation of this RFP may be submitted in accordance with the Questions, Requests for Clarification, and
Suggested Changes section of this RFP.
2.3 Downloading the RFP from the Internet.
The RFP and any related documents such as amendments or attachments (collectively the "RFP"), and responses
to questions will be posted at the State of Iowa's website for bid opportunities: http://bidopportunities.iowa.gov/.
Check this website periodically for any amendments to this RFP. The posted version of the RFP is the official
version. The Agency will only be bound by the official version of the RFP document(s). Bidders should ensure
that any downloaded documents are in fact the most up to date and are unchanged from the official version.
2.4 Reserved. (Online Resources)
2.5 Intent to Bid.
The Agency requests that Bidders provide their intent to bid by email to the Issuing Officer by the date and time
in the Procurement Timetable. The Bidder may wish to request confirmation of receipt of the email from the
Issuing Officer to ensure delivery. Do not submit letters of intent by mail, shipping service, or hand delivery. The
intent to bid should include the Bidder's name, contact person, mailing address, email address, telephone number,
and a statement of intent to submit a bid in response to this RFP. Though it is not mandatory that the Agency
receive an intent to bid, the Agency will only respond to questions about the RFP that have been submitted by
Bidders who have expressed their intent to bid. The Agency may cancel an RFP for lack of interest based on the
number of letters of intent to bid received.
2.6 Reserved. (Bidders' Conference)
2.7 Questions, Requests for Clarification, and Suggested Changes.
Bidders who have provided their intent to bid on the RFP are invited to submit written questions, requests for
clarifications, and/or suggestions for changes to the specifications of this RFP (hereafter "Questions") by the due
date and time provided in the Procurement Timetable. Bidders are not permitted to include assumptions in their
Bid Proposals. Instead, Bidders shall address any perceived ambiguity regarding this RFP through the question-
and-answer process. If the Questions pertain to a specific section of the RFP, the page and section number(s) must
be referenced. Bidders shall submit questions to the Issuing Officer by email. The Bidder may wish to request
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confirmation of receipt from the Issuing Officer to ensure delivery. Do not submit questions by mail, shipping
service, or hand delivery.
Written responses to questions will be posted at http://bidopportunities.iowa.gov/ by the date provided in
the Procurement Timetable.
The Agency assumes no responsibility for verbal representations made by its officers or employees unless
such representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFP. In addition, the Agency's
written responses to Questions will not be considered part of the RFP. If the Agency decides to change
the RFP, the Agency will issue an amendment.
2.8 Submission of Bid Proposal.
Each Bidder is responsible for ensuring that the Issuing Officer receives the Bid Proposal by the time and date
specified in the Procurement Timetable at the address provided in the RFP for the Issuing Officer. The Agency
will not waive this mandatory requirement. Any Bid Proposal received after this deadline will be rejected and will
not be evaluated.
2.9 Amendment to the RFP and Bid Proposal.
Each Bidder is responsible for ensuring that the Issuing Officer receives the Bid Proposal and any permitted
amendments by the established deadlines at the address provided in the RFP for the Issuing Officer. Amendments
must be received utilizing the same delivery method as set forth in the RFP for the submission of the original Bid
Proposal.
Bidders may amend a previously submitted Bid Proposal at any time before the bid submission date and time.
Any such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Bidder. The Bidder shall provide the same number of
copies of the amended Bid Proposal as is required for the original Bid Proposal, for both hardcopy and electronic
copies, in accordance with the Bid Proposal Formatting Section.
The Agency reserves the right to amend or provide clarifications to the RFP at any time. RFP amendments will
be posted to the State's website at http://bidopportunities.iowa.gov/. If an RFP amendment occurs after the
closing date for receipt of Bid Proposals, the Agency may, in its sole discretion, allow Bidders to amend their Bid
Proposals.
2.10 Withdrawal of Bid Proposal.
The Bidder may withdraw its Bid Proposal prior to the closing date for receipt of Bid Proposals by submitting a
written request to withdraw signed by the Bidder, scanned, then emailed to the Issuing Officer. The Bidder should
request confirmation of receipt of the email from the Issuing Officer to ensure delivery.
2.11 Costs of Preparing the Bid Proposal.
The costs of preparation and delivery of the Bid Proposal are solely the responsibility of the Bidder.
2.12 Rejection of Bid Proposals.
The Agency reserves the right to reject any or all Bid Proposals, in whole and in part, and to cancel this RFP at
any time prior to the execution of a written contract. Issuance of this RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by
the Agency to award or enter into a contract.
2.13 Review of Bid Proposals.
Only Bidders that meet the mandatory requirements and are not subject to disqualification will be considered for
award of a contract.
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2.13.1 Mandatory Requirements.
Bidders must meet these mandatory requirements or will be disqualified and not considered for award of a
contract:
* The Issuing Officer must receive the Bid Proposal, and any amendments thereof, prior to or on the due
date and time (See RFP Sections 2.8 and 2.9).
* The Bidder is not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or
voluntarily excluded from receiving federal funding by any federal department or agency (See RFP
Additional Certifications Attachment).
2.13.2 Reasons Proposals May be Disqualified.
Bidders are expected to follow the specifications set forth in this RFP. However, it is not the Agency's intent to
disqualify Bid Proposals that suffer from correctible flaws. At the same time, it is important to maintain fairness
to all Bidders in the procurement process. Therefore, the Agency reserves the discretion to permit cure of
variances, waive variances, or disqualify Bid Proposals for reasons that include, but may not be limited to, the
following:
* Bidder initiates unauthorized contact regarding this RFP with employees other than the Issuing Officer
(See RFP Section 2.2);
* Bidder fails to comply with the RFP's formatting specifications so that the Bid Proposal cannot be fairly
compared to other bids (See RFP Section 3.1);
* Bidder fails, in the Agency's opinion, to include the content required for the RFP;
* Bidder fails to be fully responsive in the Bidder's Approach to Meeting Deliverables Section, states an
element of the Scope of Work cannot or will not be met, or does not include information necessary to
substantiate that it will be able to meet the Scope of Work specifications (See RFP Section 3.2.3);
* Bidder's response materially changes Scope of Work specifications;
* Bidder fails to submit the RFP attachments containing all signatures (See RFP Section 3.2.6);
* Bidder marks entire Bid Proposal confidential, makes excessive claims for confidential treatment, or
identifies pricing information in the Cost Proposal as confidential (See RFP Section 3.1);
* Bidder includes assumptions in its Bid Proposal (See RFP Section 2.7); or
* Bidder fails to respond to the Agency's request for clarifications, information, documents, or references
that the Agency may make at any point in the RFP process.
* Bidder is a "scrutinized company" included on a "scrutinized company list" created by a public
fund pursuant to Iowa Code 12J. This list is maintained by the Iowa Public Employees'
Retirement System. The list is currently found here: https://ipers.org/investments/restrictions.
The determination of whether or not to disqualify a proposal and not consider it for award of a contract for any of
these reasons, or to waive or permit cure of variances in Bid Proposals, is at the sole discretion of the Agency. No
Bidder shall obtain any right by virtue of the Agency's election to not exercise that discretion. In the event the
Agency waives or permits cure of variances, such waiver or cure will not modify the RFP specifications or excuse
the Bidder from full compliance with RFP specifications or other contract requirements if the Bidder enters into a
contract.
2.14 Bid Proposal Clarification Process.
The Agency may request clarifications from Bidders for the purpose of resolving ambiguities or questioning
information presented in the Bid Proposals. Clarifications may occur throughout the Bid Proposal evaluation
process. Clarification responses shall be in writing and shall address only the information requested. Responses
shall be submitted to the Agency within the time stipulated at the occasion of the request.
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2.15 Verification of Bid Proposal Contents.
The contents of a Bid Proposal submitted by a Bidder are subject to verification.
2.16 Reference Checks.
The Agency reserves the right to contact any reference to assist in the evaluation of the Bid Proposal, to verify
information contained in the Bid Proposal, to discuss the Bidder's qualifications, and/or to discuss the
qualifications of any subcontractor identified in the Bid Proposal.
2.17 Information from Other Sources.
The Agency reserves the right to obtain and consider information from other sources concerning a Bidder, such as
the Bidder's capability and performance under other contracts, and the Bidder's authority and ability to conduct
business in the State of Iowa. Such other sources may include subject matter experts.
2.18 Criminal History and Background Investigation.
The Agency reserves the right to conduct criminal history and other background investigations of the Bidder, its
officers, directors, shareholders, or partners and managerial and supervisory personnel retained by the Bidder for
the performance of the resulting contract. The Agency reserves the right to conduct criminal history and other
background investigations of the Bidder's staff and subcontractors providing services under the resulting contract.
2.19 Disposition of Bid Proposals.
Opened Bid Proposals become the property of the Agency and will not be returned to the Bidder. Upon issuance
of the Notice of Intent to Award, the contents of all Bid Proposals will be in the public domain and be open to
inspection by interested parties subject to exceptions provided in Iowa Code chapter 22 or other applicable law.
2.20 Public Records and Request for Confidential Treatment.
Original information submitted by a Bidder may be treated as public information by the Agency following the
conclusion of the selection process unless the Bidder properly requests that information be treated as confidential
at the time of submitting the Bid Proposal. See the Bid Proposal Formatting Section for the proper method for
making such requests. The Agency's release of information is governed by Iowa Code chapter 22. Bidders are
encouraged to familiarize themselves with Chapter 22 before submitting a Bid Proposal. The Agency will copy
public records as required to comply with public records laws.
The Agency will treat the information marked confidential as confidential information to the extent such
information is determined confidential under Iowa Code chapter 22 or other applicable law by a court of
competent jurisdiction. However, the Bidder shall certify by signing and returning RFP Attachment B its
understanding that any Agency references to Bid Proposal information marked confidential made during the
evaluation process may become part of the public domain
In the event the Agency receives a request for information marked confidential, written notice shall be given to
the Bidder seventy-two (72) hours prior to the release of the information to allow the Bidder to seek injunctive
relief pursuant to Iowa Code 22.5 or 22.8.
The Bidder's failure to request confidential treatment of material pursuant to this section and the relevant law will
be deemed, by the Agency and State personnel, as a waiver of any right to confidentiality that the Bidder may
have had.
2.21 Copyrights.
By submitting a Bid Proposal, the Bidder agrees that the Agency may copy the Bid Proposal for purposes of
facilitating the evaluation of the Bid Proposal or to respond to requests for public records. By submitting a Bid
Proposal, the Bidder acknowledges that additional copies may be produced and distributed, and represents and
warrants that such copying does not violate the rights of any third party. The Agency shall have the right to use
ideas or adaptations of ideas that are presented in the Bid Proposals.
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2.22 Release of Claims.
By submitting a Bid Proposal, the Bidder agrees that it shall not bring any claim or cause of action against the
Agency based on any misunderstanding concerning the information provided herein or concerning the Agency's
failure, negligent or otherwise, to provide the Bidder with pertinent information as intended by this RFP.
2.23 Reserved. (Presentations)
2.24 Notice of Intent to Award.
Notice of Intent to Award will be sent to all Bidders that submitted a Bid Proposal by the due date and time. The
Notice of Intent to Award does not constitute the formation of a contract between the Agency and the apparent
successful Bidder.
2.25 Acceptance Period.
The Agency shall make a good faith effort to negotiate and execute the contract. If the apparent successful Bidder
fails to negotiate and execute a contract, the Agency may, in its sole discretion, revoke the Notice of Intent to
Award and negotiate a contract with another Bidder or withdraw the RFP. The Agency further reserves the right
to cancel the Notice of Intent to Award at any time prior to the execution of a written contract.
2.26 Review of Notice of Disqualification or Notice of Intent to Award Decision.
Bidders may request reconsideration of either a notice of disqualification or notice of intent to award decision by
submitting a written request to the Agency:
Bureau Chief
c/o Bureau of Service Contract Support
Department of Health and Human Services
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-1002
email: reconsiderationrequest@hhs.iowa.gov
The Agency must receive the written request for reconsideration within five calendar days of the date of either a
disqualification notice or a notice of intent to award, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal state holidays. The
written request may be emailed or delivered by postal service or other shipping service. Do not deliver any requests
for reconsideration to the office in person. It is the Bidder's responsibility to ensure that the request for
reconsideration is received prior to the deadline. Postmarking or submission to a shipping service by the due date
shall not substitute for actual receipt of a request for reconsideration by the Agency.
The request for reconsideration shall clearly and fully identify all issues being contested by reference to the page
and section number of the RFP. If a Bidder submitted multiple Proposals and requests that the Agency reconsider
a notice of disqualification or notice of intent to award decision for more than one Proposal, a separate written
request shall be submitted for each. At the Agency's discretion, requests for reconsideration from the same Bidder
may be reviewed separately or combined into one response. The Agency will expeditiously address the request for
reconsideration and issue a decision. The Bidder may choose to file an appeal with the Agency within five calendar
days of the date of the decision on reconsideration, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal state holidays, and
in accordance with 441 Iowa Admin. Code Ch. 7.
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2.27 Definition of Contract.
The full execution of a written contract shall constitute the making of a contract for services and no Bidder shall
acquire any legal or equitable rights relative to the contract services until the contract has been fully executed by
the apparent successful Bidder and the Agency.
2.28 Choice of Law and Forum.
This RFP and the resulting contract are governed by the laws of the State of Iowa without giving effect to the
conflicts of law provisions thereof. Changes in applicable laws and rules may affect the negotiation and
contracting process and the resulting contract. Bidders are responsible for ascertaining pertinent legal
requirements and restrictions. Any and all litigation or actions commenced in connection with this RFP shall be
brought and maintained in the appropriate Iowa forum.
2.29 Restrictions on Gifts and Activities.
Iowa Code chapter 68B restricts gifts that may be given or received by state employees and requires certain
individuals to disclose information concerning their activities with state government. Bidders must determine the
applicability of this Chapter to their activities and comply with the requirements. In addition, pursuant to Iowa
Code 722.1, it is a felony offense to bribe or attempt to bribe a public official.
2.30 Exclusivity.
Any contract resulting from this RFP shall not be an exclusive contract.
2.31 No Minimum Guaranteed.
The Agency anticipates that the selected Bidder will provide services as requested by the Agency. The Agency
does not guarantee that any minimum compensation will be paid to the Bidder or any minimum usage of the
Bidder's services.
2.32 Use of Subcontractors.
The Agency acknowledges that the selected Bidder may contract with third parties for the performance of any of
the Contractor's obligations. The Agency reserves the right to provide prior approval for any subcontractor used
to perform services under any contract that may result from this RFP.
2.33 Bidder Continuing Disclosure Requirement.
To the extent that Bidders are required to report incidents when responding to this RFP related to damages,
penalties, disincentives, administrative or regulatory proceedings, founded child or dependent adult abuse, or
felony convictions, these matters are subject to continuing disclosure to the Agency. Incidents occurring after
submission of a Bid Proposal, and with respect to the successful Bidder after the execution of a contract, shall be
disclosed in a timely manner in a written statement to the Agency. For purposes of this subsection, timely means
within thirty (30) days from the date of conviction, regardless of appeal rights.
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