RIDE Tele-Behavioral Health Services in Rhode Island Schools

The State of Rhode Island, through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is seeking qualified vendors to design, implement, and support tele-behavioral health (TBH) services for K-12 students in participating public schools. Part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, this initiative aims to expand equitable access to mental and behavioral health care for underserved and rural populations. The selected vendor must provide licensed, credentialed behavioral health clinicians and a secure, HIPAA- and FERPA-compliant telehealth platform capable of supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Key deliverables include a formal implementation plan due by September 1, 2027, and the provision of short-term remote services such as individual therapy, family counseling, and non-emergency crisis support. The selection process utilizes a weighted scoring system totaling 106 possible points, evaluating the work plan, approach, vendor capability, and staff qualifications. Technical proposals must score at least 55 points to advance to the cost evaluation phase. Proposals must include a technical narrative limited to 15 pages, a five-year cost proposal, a Supplemental Bidder Attestation Form, and an ISBE Participation Plan. Vendors must adhere to Rhode Island licensing regulations and Medicaid billing requirements, while ensuring services are available in multiple languages to address the digital divide and socioeconomic disparities.