Mental Health Services at Wilder Youth Development Center (WYDC)

12-18-25 RFQ
1. INTRODUCTION
The State of Tennessee, Central Procurement Office, hereinafter referred to as "the State,"
issues this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") to define mandatory goods or services
requirements; solicit responses; detail response requirements; and, outline the State's process for
evaluating responses.
Through this RFQ or any subsequent solicitation, the State seeks to buy the requested goods or
services and to give ALL qualified respondents the opportunity to do business with the state as
contractors or subcontractors.
1.1. Statement of Procurement Purpose
The Department of Children's Services is seeking to procure qualified mental health professionals
to provide a full spectrum of behavioral health services, including clinical supervision, direct
therapeutic interventions, and programmatic oversight at John S. Wilder Youth Development
Center (WYDC) in Somerville, Fayette County, TN. These services will address the diverse
mental health needs of the population, ensuring accessible, high-quality care across multiple
service areas.
The scope of work encompasses assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, ongoing therapeutic
support, and system-level coordination to ensure comprehensive, integrated mental health
solutions.
1.2. Notice of Intent to Respond
Before the Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline detailed in RFQ 2, Schedule of Events,
potential Respondents should submit to the Solicitation Coordinator a Notice of Intent to Respond
in the form of a simple e-mail or other written communication. Such notice should include the
following information: the business or individual's name (as appropriate), a contact person's name
and title, the contact person's mailing address, telephone number, facsimile, number, and e-mail
address. Filing a Notice of Intent to Respond is not a prerequisite for submitting a response;
however, it is necessary to ensure receipt of notices and communications relating to this RFQ.
1.3. Definitions and Abbreviations
TERM DEFINITION
WYDC John S. Wilder Youth Development Center
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2. RFQ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The following schedule represents the State's best estimates for this RFQ; however, the State
reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the schedule at any time, or cancel and reissue
a similar solicitation. Nothing in this RFQ is intended by the State to create any property rights or
expectations of a property right in any Respondent.
TIME
EVENT DATE
(central time
zone)
1. RFQ Issued APRIL 20, 2026
2. Disability Accommodation Request Deadline 2:00 p.m. APRIL 23, 2026
3. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. APRIL 24, 2026
4. Written "Questions & Comments" Deadline 2:00 p.m. MAY 1, 2026
5. State Response to Written "Questions &
MAY 8, 2026
Comments"
6. Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. MAY 22, 2026
7. State Completion of Technical Response
MAY 29, 2026
Evaluations
8. State Notice of Intent to Award Released and
. JUNE 2, 2026
RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection
9. End of Protest Period 4:30 p.m. JUNE 9, 2026
10. State sends contract to Contractor for
JUNE 11, 2026
signature
11. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m. JUNE 15, 2026
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3. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS
3.1. Response Contents: A response to this RFQ should address the following:
3.1.1. Mandatory Requirements: This section details the mandatory technical, functional, and
experience requirements that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ in order
to be passed on to Phase II of the Technical Response evaluation. A Respondent should
duplicate and use RFQ Attachment A as a guide to organize responses for the
Mandatory Requirements of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the
page location of the information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
This section is included in the State's evaluation as to whether or not a Respondent
meets mandatory qualifications (Phase I).
3.1.2. General Qualifications & Experience: This section is included in the State's evaluation of
Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details general information and
qualifications that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ. A Respondent
should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment B as a guide to organize responses for this
portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the page location of the
information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
3.1.3. Technical Qualifications, Experience & Approach: This section is also included in the
State's evaluation of Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details technical
qualifications, experience, and approach items that must be demonstrated in the
response to this RFQ. A Respondent should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment C as a
guide to organize responses for this portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent
should reference the page location of the information within the response in the indicated
column of the table.
3.2. Response Delivery Location
A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a Response to this RFQ no later than the
Response Deadline time and dates detailed in the RFQ 2, Schedule of Events. All responses
must be delivered to:
Will Harmon
Department of General Services, CPO
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
3.3. Response Format
3.3.1. A Respondent must ensure that the original response meets all form and content
requirements detailed within this RFQ.
3.3.2. A Respondent must submit their response as specified in one of the two formats below.
3.3.2.1. Technical Response:
One (1) original Technical Response in the form of one (1) digital document in "PDF"
format properly recorded on its own otherwise blank USB flash drive clearly labeled:
"RFQ #35910-15624 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL"
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and one (1) copy of the Technical Response each in the form of one (1) digital
document in "PDF" format properly recorded on its own otherwise blank, USB
flash drive labeled:
3.3.4. E-mail Submission:
3.3.4.1. Technical Response:
The Technical Response document should be in the form of one (1) digital
document in "PDF" format or other easily accessible digital format attached to an
e-mail to the Solicitation Coordinator. Both the subject and file name should be
clearly identified as follows:
"RFQ #35910-15624 TECHNICAL RESPONSE"
The customer references should be delivered by each reference in accordance
with RFQ Attachment F. Reference Questionnaire.
3.3.5. A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a response no later than the
Response Deadline time and date detailed in the RFQ Section 2, Schedule of Events at
the following address:
Will Harmon
Department of General Services, CPO
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
3.4. Response Prohibitions: A response to this RFQ shall not:
3.4.1. Restrict the rights of the State or otherwise qualify the response to this RFQ;
3.4.2. Include, for consideration in this procurement process or subsequent contract
negotiations, incorrect information that the Respondent knew or should have known was
materially incorrect;
3.4.3. Include more than one response, per Respondent, to this RFQ;
3.4.4. Include any information concerning costs (in specific dollars or numbers) associated with
the Technical Response;
3.4.5. Include the respondent's own contract terms and conditions (unless specifically
requested by the RFQ); or
3.4.6. Include the respondent as a prime contractor while also permitting one or more other
respondents to offer the respondent as a subcontractor in their own responses.
3.5. Response Errors & Revisions
A Respondent is responsible for any and all errors or omissions in its response to this RFQ. A
Respondent will not be allowed to alter or revise its response after the Response Deadline time
and dates as detailed in RFQ 2, Schedule of Events, unless such is formally requested in
writing by the State (e.g., through a request for clarification, etc.).
3.6. Response Withdrawal
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A Respondent may withdraw a response at any time before the Response Deadline time and
date as detailed in RFQ 2, Schedule of Events, by submitting a written signed request by an
authorized representative of the Respondent. After withdrawing a response, a Respondent may
submit another Response at any time before the Response Deadline time and date as detailed in
RFQ 2, Schedule of Events.
3.7. Response Preparation Costs
The State will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, or presentation of any
response. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the costs it incurs in responding to this
RFQ.
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4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Communications
4.1.1. Respondents shall reference RFQ 35910-15624 in all communications relating to this
solicitation, and direct any such communications to the following person designated as
the Solicitation Coordinator:
Will Harmon
Department of General Services, CPO
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 3rd Floor Tennessee Tower
Nashville TN 37243-1102
will.harmon@tn.gov
The State will convey all official responses and communications related to this RFQ to
the potential respondents from whom the State has received a Notice of Intent to
Respond (refer to RFQ Section 1.3.).
4.1.2. Potential respondents with a handicap or disability may receive accommodation relating
to the communication of this RFQ and participating in the RFQ process. Potential
respondents may contact the RFQ Coordinator to request such reasonable
accommodation no later than the Disability Accommodation Request Deadline detailed in
RFQ 2, Schedule of Events.
4.1.3. Unauthorized contact about this RFQ with other employees or officials of the State
of Tennessee may result in disqualification from contract award consideration.
4.1.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential Respondents may also contact the following as
appropriate:
The following individual designated by the State to coordinate compliance with the
nondiscrimination requirements of the State of Tennessee, Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and associated federal
regulations:
Donovan Haynes | Equal Employment Opportunity Manager
Office of Access and Engagement
Internal Affairs Division
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
7th Floor UBS Building
315 Deaderick St.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-8422
Donovan.haynes@tn.gov
4.2. Nondiscrimination
No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise
subjected to discrimination in the performance of a contract pursuant to this solicitation or in the
employment practices of the Contractor on the grounds of handicap or disability, age, race, creed,
color, religion (subject to Tenn. Code Ann. 4-21-401 and 405), sex, national origin, or any
other classification protected by federal, Tennessee state constitutional, or statutory law. The
Contractor pursuant to this solicitation shall post in conspicuous places, available to all
employees and applicants, notices of nondiscrimination.
4.3. Conflict of Interest
4.3.1. The State may not consider a proposal from an individual who is, or within the past six (6)
months has been, a State employee. For these purposes,
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4.3.1.1. An individual shall be deemed a State employee until such time as all compensation for
salary, termination pay, and annual leave has been paid;
4.3.1.2. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other contracting entity
in which a controlling interest is held by any State employee shall be considered to be a
contract with or proposal from the employee; and
4.3.1.3. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other contracting entity
that employs an individual who is, or within the past six months has been, a State
employee shall not be considered a contract with or a proposal from the employee and
shall not constitute a prohibited conflict of interest.
4.3.2. This RFQ is also subject to Tenn. Code Ann. 12-4-101-105.
4.4. Respondent Required Review & Waiver of Objections
4.4.1. Each potential respondent must carefully review this RFQ, including but not limited to,
attachments, the RFQ Attachment G, pro forma Contract, and any amendments for
questions, comments, defects, objections, or any other matter requiring clarification or
correction (collectively called "questions and comments").
4.4.2. Any potential respondent having questions and comments concerning this RFQ must
provide such in writing to the State no later than the written "Questions & Comments
Deadline" detailed in RFQ 2, Schedule of Events.
4.4.3. Protests based on any objection shall be considered waived and invalid if the objection
has not been brought to the attention of the State, in writing, by the written "Questions &
Comments Deadline."
4.5. Disclosure of Response Contents
4.5.1. All materials submitted to the State in response to this solicitation become property of the
State of Tennessee. Respondents are cautioned not to provide any materials in
response to this RFQ that are trade secrets, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. 47-25-
1702 and applicable law. By submitting a response to this RFQ, the respondent
acknowledges and agrees that the State shall have no liability whatsoever for disclosure
of a trade secret under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as provided at Tenn. Code Ann.
47-25-1701-1709, or under any other applicable law. Selection for award does not affect
this right. By submitting a response, a Respondent acknowledges and accepts that the
full contents and associated documents submitted in response to this request will
become open to public inspection in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.
Refer to RFQ 2, Schedule of Events.
4.5.2. The RFQ responses will be available for public inspection only after the completion of
evaluation of the RFQ or any resulting solicitation which this RFQ becomes a part of,
whichever is later.
4.6. Notice of Professional Licensure, Insurance, and Department of Revenue Registration
Requirements
4.6.1. All persons, agencies, firms or other entities that provide legal or financial opinions, which
a Respondent provides for consideration and evaluation by the State as part of a
response to this RFQ, shall be properly licensed to render such opinions.
4.6.2. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent (and Respondent employees and subcontractors, as applicable) must hold
all necessary, appropriate business and professional licenses to provide service as
required. The State may require any Respondent to submit evidence of proper licensure.
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4.6.3. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must provide a valid, Certificate of Insurance indicating current insurance
coverage meeting minimum requirements as may be specified by the RFQ.
4.6.4. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must be registered with the Department of Revenue for the collection of
Tennessee sales and use tax. The State shall not approve a contract unless the
Respondent provides proof of such registration or provides documentation from the
Department of Revenue that the Contractor is exempt from this registration requirement.
The foregoing is a mandatory requirement of an award of a contract pursuant to this
solicitation. To register, please visit the Department of Revenue's Tennessee Taxpayer
Access Point (TNTAP) website for Online Registration and the Vendor Contract
Questionnaire. These resources are available at the following:
https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/_/#1
4.7. RFQ Amendments & Cancellation
4.7.1. The State reserves the right to amend this RFQ at any time, provided that it is amended
in writing. However, prior to any such amendment, the State will consider whether it
would negatively impact the ability of potential respondents to meet the deadlines and
revise the RFQ Schedule of Events if deemed appropriate. If a RFQ amendment is
issued, the State will convey it to potential respondents who submitted a Notice of Intent
to Respond (refer to RFQ 1.3). A response must address the final RFQ (including its
attachments) as may be amended.
4.7.2. The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or to cancel and reissue this
RFQ in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
4.8. State Right of Rejection
4.8.1. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the State reserves the right to reject, at its
sole discretion, any and all proposals.
4.8.2. The State may deem as nonresponsive and reject any proposal that does not comply
with all terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFQ. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the State reserves the right to seek clarifications or to waive, at its sole
discretion, a response's minor variances from full compliance with this RFQ. If the State
waives variances in a response, such waiver shall not modify the RFQ requirements or
excuse the Respondent from full compliance with such, and the State may hold any
resulting vendor to strict compliance with this RFQ.
4.8.3. The State will review the response evaluation record and any other available information
pertinent to whether or not each respondent is responsive and responsible. If the
Solicitation Coordinator identifies any respondent that appears not to meet the
responsive and responsible thresholds such that the team would not recommend the
respondent for potential contract award, this determination will be fully documented for
the record. ("Responsive" is defined as submitting a response that conforms in all
material respects to the RFQ. "Responsible" is defined as having the capacity in all
respects to perform fully the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which
will assure good faith performance.)
4.9. Assignment & Subcontracting
4.9.1. The vendor may not subcontract, transfer, or assign any portion of the Contract awarded
as a result of this RFQ without prior approval of the State. The State reserves the right to
refuse approval, at its sole discretion, of any subcontract, transfer, or assignment.
4.9.2. If a Respondent intends to use subcontractors, the response to this RFQ must
specifically identify the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor will perform
(refer to RFQ Attachment B, Item B.14.).
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4.9.3. Subcontractors identified within a response to this RFQ will be deemed as approved by
the State unless the State expressly disapproves one or more of the proposed
subcontractors prior to signing the Contract.
4.9.4. The Contractor resulting from this RFQ may only substitute another subcontractor for a
proposed subcontractor at the discretion of the State and with the State's prior, written
approval.
4.9.5. Notwithstanding any State approval relating to subcontracts, the Contractor resulting from
this RFQ will be the prime contractor and will be responsible for all work under the
Contract.
4.10. Next Ranked Respondent
The State reserves the right to initiate negotiations with the next ranked respondent should the
State cease doing business with any respondent selected via this RFQ process.
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