School Based Mental Health Program Partnership

Agency:	State Government of North Carolina
State:	North Carolina
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 611710 - Educational Support Services 621330 - Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)
Posted Date:	Jan 9, 2026
Due Date:	Feb 23, 2026
Solicitation No:	200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR
Original Source:	Please Login to View Page
Contact information:	Please Login to View Page
Bid Documents:	Please Login to View Page

Solicitation Number:	200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR
Project Title:	School Based Mental Health Program Partnership
Description:	Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is committed to fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all students. Since 2020, JCPS has developed and implemented a School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Program to address the growing mental health needs among its student population.
Opening Date:	2/23/2026 10:00 AM
Posted Date:	1/9/2026
Status:	Open
Department:	JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION


Solicitation Number * 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR	Department JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION	Status Reason Open
Opening Date 2026-02-23T10:00:00.0000000	Posted Date * 2026-01-09T14:05:20.0000000Z	Commodity Code Comprehensive health services
Mandatory Conference/Site Visit 2026-01-20T05:00:00.0000000Z	Special Instructions Optional Pre-Bid	Solicitation Type * Select RFP IFB RFI
Owner Cynthia Rivera
Description Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is committed to fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all students. Since 2020, JCPS has developed and implemented a School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Program to address the growing mental health needs among its student population.

Attachments 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR.pdf (476.92 KB)

Attachment Preview

Page: 1

BID No. 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

BIDDER:

Johnston County Public Schools

Student Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO.

200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

School Based Mental Health Program Partnership

Award Notice will be given via email

Contract Type: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Refer ALL Inquiries to:

Michelle Bizzell

Telephone No: 919-934-6032 Ext. 2117

Commodity:

Co-Located Outpatient Mental Health and Behavioral Health

Services

E-Mail:

Using Agency Name:

michellebizzell@johnston.k12.nc.us

Johnston County Public Schools

(Bids must be sent by email to <michellebizzell@johnston.k12.nc.us>.)

BACKGROUND

Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is committed to fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all

students. Since 2020, JCPS has developed and implemented a School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Program to address

the growing mental health needs among its student population. Recognizing that mental health is essential to student

success, JCPS is currently partnered with 7 external providers to deliver school-based mental health services directly on

campus.

As the district continues to grow and the demand for accessible, responsive mental health support increases, JCPS seeks

to expand its network of highly qualified providers through this Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP solicits

applications from licensed mental health agencies and providers capable of offering co-located outpatient behavioral

health services within JCPS schools. Successful providers will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) with JCPS and must demonstrate the capacity to initiate planning with the district by March 2026, with full service

implementation beginning March 2026.

JCPS is a rapidly growing public school district in North Carolina, currently serving more than 37,000 students. At the

start of the 2026-2027 school year, the district will include 24 elementary schools, 1 K–8 school, 12 middle schools, 1

6–12 school, 8 traditional high schools, 1 virtual K–12 school, 1 6–12 alternative school, and 2 small specialty high

schools. The SBMH Program is currently active in 41 schools. Through this RFP, JCPS seeks to expand services to

include 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 2 specialty high schools.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

All proposals must be submitted via email and received by Johnston County Public Schools, Student Services, no later

than Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. (EST). Proposals should be emailed to Michelle Bizzell at

MichelleBizzell@johnston.k12.nc.us with the subject line: PROPOSALS RFP No. 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

Proposals must be submitted in PDF format. Submissions via facsimile (fax), mail, telephone, or verbal delivery will not

be accepted.

*Historically Underutilized Businesses are encouraged to bid. Proposals are also welcomed from small private therapy

practices and locally based mental health organizations that meet the minimum requirements for partnership.

Page: 2

BID No. 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

BIDDER:

ANTICIPATED TIMETABLE

Event

Post RFP

Pre-Bid Meeting

Responsibility

JCPS

Submit Written Questions to Michelle

Bizzell via email:

MichelleBizzell@johnston.k12.nc.us

Vendor

Responses to Questions at this LINK JCPS

Submit Bids

Vendor

Award Notice

JCPS

Date & Time (Location if Applicable)/Deadline

January 9, 2026

January 20, 2026 2:30 PM EST

JCPS West Campus Conference Center

211 E Rose Street, Smithfield, NC 27577

January 5, 2026 - January 27, 2026

Deadline January 27, 2026 by 4:00 PM EST

January 27, 2026 by 5:00 PM EST

February 23, 2026 by 10:00 AM EST

March 6, 2026

PRE-BID MEETING

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on January 20, 2026 at 2:30 PM EST at the West Campus Conference

Center, located at 211 E Rose Street, Smithfield, NC 27577. The purpose of this meeting is to provide a brief overview of

the JCPS SBMH Program to prospective vendors. This in-person meeting will last approximately 45–60 minutes. Please

note, there will not be a virtual option to participate.

BIDDER QUESTIONS

All questions concerning this RFP or any request for additional data or information must be submitted in writing via email

to Michelle Bizzell by emailing <MichelleBizzell@johnton.k12.nc.us>, subject line must reference QUESTIONS RFP No.

200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR, by January 27, 2026 by 4:00 PM EST.

Responses to these questions will be provided no later than January 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST via this LINK. JCPS will

make every effort to provide answers to questions within 24 hours of receiving the question via the link provided.

Questions received after the timeframe provided to submit questions are not guaranteed to be answered. JCPS will make

every effort to answer any and all questions submitted.

Page: 3

BID No. 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

BIDDER:

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Invitation for Bids, and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned offers and agrees to

furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified

herein. By executing this bid, I certify that this bid is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54), that

none of our officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of

Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2),

and that we are not an ineligible vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1. False certification is a Class I felony.

This submission is an attestation that the entity providing this response is in compliance with state and federal conflicts of

interest laws, including N.C.G.S. 14-234. Specifically, the entity attests that it is not owned by a Johnston County Board of

Education member or the spouse of a JCBOE Board member with more than a 10% ownership interest or other interest in

the entity such that, if selected, the entity would be a party to the contract, derive any income or commission directly from

the contract, or acquire property under the contract.

Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submission shall render bid invalid. Late bids are not acceptable.

BIDDER:

FEDERAL ID OR SOCIAL SECURITY NO.

STREET ADDRESS:

P.O. BOX:

ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE

TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO

(800)

HAS YOUR COMPANY BEEN DEBARRED, SUSPENDED EXCLUDED OR INELIGIBLE FROM DOING BUSINESS WITH EITHER THE STATE OR

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? YES________

NO_________

TYPE OR PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING:

FAX NUMBER:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

DATE:

E-MAIL:

Page: 4

BID No. 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

BIDDER:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for a partnership with JCPS through the SBMH Program, applicants must meet specific baseline criteria

to ensure legal, ethical, and operational readiness. These qualifications ensure that all participating providers are

appropriately licensed, financially and administratively sound, and capable of delivering high-quality mental health

services in compliance with state, federal, and district standards. To be considered for this RFP, applicant organizations

must meet the following minimum qualifications:

● Insurance Eligibility: Applicants must be in-network or able to demonstrate a clear, timely plan to become

in-network with all NC Managed Care Plans operating in Johnston County, including Medicaid, Alliance Health,

AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina, Healthy Blue of North Carolina, UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina,

WellCare of North Carolina, and Carolina Complete Health. Applicants should also participate with major private

insurance providers.

● Self-Pay Rate Structure: Applicants must offer self-pay or sliding scale rates that are fair, transparent, and

comparable to the prevailing rates for outpatient mental health services in Johnston County.

● Compliance and Good Standing: All applicants must be in good standing with all relevant federal, state, and

local oversight entities. This includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements:

○ Full compliance with all applicable regulations and licensing standards.

○ No outstanding tax liabilities or unresolved penalties with the IRS, NC Department of Revenue, NC

Department of Labor, or NC Secretary of State.

○ Active, current registration status (if organized as a corporate entity).

○ No history of contract termination, suspension, payment freezes, or unresolved overpayments with any

LME/MCO, NC DHHS division (including NC Medicaid/NC Division of Health Benefits, DMH/DD/SAS, or

DHSR).

○ No unresolved or active sanctions from licensing boards, accrediting bodies, or other regulatory agencies.

● Service Delivery Format: Applicants must be able to align with the district's preferred service delivery model. At

this time, in-person services are strongly preferred.

● Disclosure Requirements: Applicants must disclose any pending or past sanctions, lawsuits, disciplinary

actions, or insurance claims within the past five years. This includes actions related to Medicare, Medicaid,

licensure boards, or regulatory agencies. In addition, no owner or managing employee of the applicant may have

previously owned or managed a provider involuntarily terminated from participation in Medicare or any state’s

Medicaid program or have unresolved overpayments to LME/MCOs or DHHS.

● Final Determinations and Appeals: JCPS considers any regulatory action by DHHS or an LME/MCO final upon

notification unless under active appeal. JCPS may choose to pend decisions for up to 90 days to await final

resolution. If no decision is rendered within that period, the applicant will be deemed not in good standing.

SCOPE OF PROPOSAL:

This section outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and service delivery standards for mental health providers

partnering with JCPS through the SBMH Program. It is intended to guide applicants in understanding the operational

requirements of delivering services within the school setting, in alignment with JCPS policies, procedures, and

commitment to student well-being.

Mental and behavioral health services provided to JCPS students under this RFP must adhere to the following principles

and guidelines:

● Services must be delivered by licensed professionals (LCSW or LCMHC) who are supervised and have access to

consult with other licensed professionals as needed.

● Family engagement is essential at the initiation and throughout the treatment process. Services may only be

provided to actively enrolled JCPS students with documented parental/guardian consent. Providers must follow

JCPS's referral protocols and collaborate with the district to develop and use approved consent forms and service

information materials.

● Services should be strength-based, proactive, and designed to promote resilience and positive development

among students and their families.

● Providers must demonstrate a commitment to building collaborative relationships with JCPS, including

district-level staff, the school-based mental health specialist, and school staff at assigned locations.

● Services must follow a least intrusive, least restrictive approach and be responsive to the individual needs of each

student in the school setting.

● All provider staff must comply with JCPS regulations, procedures (including background checks and screening

processes), and Board Policies when delivering services on school property or virtually under the SBMH Program.

Page: 5

BID No. 200-JCPS-SBMH-2026-CR

BIDDER:

● Providers/agencies are responsible for verifying insurance, managing billing, obtaining required signatures and

documentation, and securing signed releases of information as applicable.

● Providers must accept referrals for students who are uninsured. Preference will be given to agencies contracted

with Alliance Health and eligible to access IPRS (Integrated Payment & Reporting System) funding. Providers

should accept Medicaid, NC Standard Care Plans, and be in-network with major private insurance carriers. As a

minimum expectation, providers should offer one pro bono case for every nine paid cases.

● Services are expected to occur during the standard school day (approximately seven hours), on school

campuses. To support families, providers should also be able to offer off site or virtual assessment sessions

during evenings, if necessary.

● Providers must ensure continuity of care during school breaks, including Winter Break, Spring Break, and

Summer Break.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND FORMAT

To ensure consistency and facilitate an efficient review process, proposals should follow the structure outlined below.

Applicants should organize their responses using clearly labeled headings that correspond with each section. Proposals

that do not substantially follow this format may be considered non-responsive.

Section A: Introduction (3 pages max)

Organizational Overview and Qualifications

1. Provide a detailed overview of your organization or agency, including your business, professional, clinical,

administrative, financial, and technical qualifications. Explain why your organization is well-suited to provide the

requested services and outline any distinguishing features that set your organization apart. This is your opportunity to

highlight the strengths and capabilities of your organization that would make you a strong partner for JCPS.

Approach to School-Based Mental Health Services and Collaboration with School Staff

2. Briefly describe your approach to delivering school-based mental health services, specifically how your organization will

address the needs of JCPS students. Focus on how your proposed services will align with JCPS’s goals, ensure student

engagement, and integrate effectively with the school environment. In your response, emphasize your approach to

collaborating with school leadership, support staff, and teachers to foster a supportive and cohesive school culture.

Describe how your team will work alongside school personnel to create a unified, effective environment for student mental

health, while navigating the dynamics of school policies, school leadership structures, and adult collaboration. Include

any key strategies or best practices your organization uses to build trust, ensure coordination, and promote a shared

commitment to mental health within the school community.

Consultant Information (if applicable)

3. If your organization is working with an external consultant to assist with this RFP, please provide the name and relevant

qualifications of the consultant. If no external consultant is used, state 'Not Applicable'.

Section B: Organizational Background and Expertise (10 pages max)

This section will assess your organization’s history, expertise, and capability to provide the requested services in

compliance with relevant laws, standards, and regulations. Responses should demonstrate your organization’s

competencies in clinical services, systems oversight, staff qualifications, best practices, consumer and family satisfaction,

and infrastructure for mental health services. Please address the following:

Organization’s History and Experience

4. How long has your organization/agency provided mental health services to children and adolescents?

5. How many Johnston County youth does your agency currently serve? Please specify the timeframe for your response

(e.g. current school year, past calendar year).

6. If applicable, provide a list of previous or current MOU/MOAs or contracts with other school districts, including start and

end dates. Attach relevant documentation.

Implementation Timeline

7. Provide a detailed implementation plan, including a timeline for onboarding both your organization and school-based

therapists (anticipated March 2026 onboarding for your organization, March 2026 for school sites, and April 2026 service

delivery).

8. What are the essential steps and timelines your team needs from the district to ensure a successful onboarding?

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

* Disclaimer: This website provides information about bids, requests for proposals (RFPs), or requests for qualifications (RFQs) for convenience only and does not serve as an official public notice. Individuals who wish to respond to or inquire about bids, RFPs, or RFQs should contact the relevant government department directly.

Sign-up for a Free Trial, Government Bid Alerts

With Free Trial, you can:

You will have a full access to bids, website, and receive daily bid report via email and web.

Try One Week FREE Now

School Based Mental Health Program Partnership

Attachment Preview

Sign-up for a Free Trial, Government Bid Alerts

See Also