Outpatient Mental Health Services Provider

Merced County is seeking proposals for an Outpatient Mental Health Services Provider under Solicitation Number 7665, with a closing date of July 27, 2026. The contract is for the provision of intensive, client-centered Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs aligned with California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requirements, serving individuals with significant behavioral health needs including mental health conditions and substance use disorders, with a priority focus on high-need populations such as those experiencing homelessness. Services must be community-based, trauma-informed, recovery-focused, and delivered through a “whatever it takes” approach. The contractor is required to document 100% of billable services in the County-approved Electronic Health Record, conduct initial assessments within 30 days, provide quarterly progress monitoring and discharge evaluations, and submit weekly and monthly service utilization reports as well as quarterly and annual program and financial reports. Compliance with Medi-Cal billing standards, BHSA housing interventions, DHCS BHOATR and ISL reporting requirements, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other state and federal regulations is mandatory. The contractor must also adhere to all applicable local, state, and federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and OSHA standards, and comply with prevailing wage requirements for public works. The bid process is conducted via an online portal with no in-person, mail, email, or fax submissions accepted. Proposals must follow a strict format including a signed signature page in blue ink, bond submissions, table of contents, executive summary, exceptions, approach, qualifications, and a cost proposal. Failure to meet format, responsiveness, or documentation requirements may result in rejection. Evaluation is based on a 100-point weighted scoring system prioritizing scope of services and service delivery model and fiscal management and cost effectiveness at 20 points each, followed by Medi-Cal compliance and documentation at 15 points, and other factors including organizational experience, step-down policies, performance outcomes, access and equity, staffing plans, and Medi-Cal FFP performance. The award will be made to the most qualified, responsive, and advantageous bidder, not necessarily the lowest cost. The contractor must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, and provide bid, performance, and payment bonds. All employees working with protected health information must complete HIPAA training with signed certifications retained for six years post-contract. The County