RFQ Bridgwater State Hospital Implementation Plan

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) has issued solicitation BD-27-1022-DMH08-8210C-134282 to secure a consultant for the comprehensive investigation and development of an implementation plan to transfer the oversight and management of Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) from the Department of Correction to the DMH. The selected vendor will provide project management, research, analysis, and technical expertise to ensure a secure transition by December 31, 2028. Key deliverables include a detailed implementation plan and roadmap to be submitted to various legislative committees by June 30, 2027. The scope of work requires assessments of workforce and environment of care according to DPH and Joint Commission standards, as well as evaluations of custody operations, perimeter security, and emergency response protocols. Responses are due by November 4, 2026, via the COMMBUYS portal and must include a cover sheet, a 10-page narrative, and four specific appendices covering staffing, the proposed project plan, DMH responsibilities, and a detailed budget. Evaluation will be based on the vendor's understanding of services, prior forensic mental health experience, expertise in transferring services between organizations, supplier diversity commitments, and the reasonableness of cost and effort. The project is structured in phases, with a critical legislative submission deadline of June 10, 2027. Primary contact for this open market solicitation is Purchaser Kelsey Santos.