School Based Health Centers (SBHC), Behavioral Health Therapist

The Madison Metropolitan School District is soliciting proposals to expand its School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) Behavioral Health program to two additional comprehensive high schools—Madison East High School and Vel Phillips Memorial High School—by placing a full-time, licensed behavioral health therapist at each location. These therapists will deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based individual and occasional group mental health services directly on campus, focusing on students who face barriers to accessing community-based care. Approximately 80% of each therapist’s time will be dedicated to reimbursable clinical services, with the remainder devoted to care coordination, collaboration with school staff such as SBHC coordinators and Student Services teams, and facilitating referrals to community-based and intensive mental health resources. The program is designed to integrate behavioral health into the school environment, supporting student well-being and contributing to a school culture that prepares all students for college, career, and community readiness. Therapists are expected to work closely with the school community, enhancing staff understanding of mental health needs and connecting students and families with natural supports and culturally relevant resources. Proposals must demonstrate organizational expertise in delivering school-based behavioral health services, including a proven track record with large-scale mental health programming, an established billing infrastructure, and licensed therapists on staff. Evaluation will prioritize the organization’s ability to meet service requirements (35%), qualifications and experience (30%), cost competitiveness (25%), diverse business ownership status (5%), and quality of references (5%), with non-price factors carrying significant weight in award decisions. Vendors must submit a complete proposal package comprising seven hard copies and one electronic copy, including required attachments such as certifications, vendor information, references, confidentiality designation, cost summary, data reporting plans, and debarment certification. Contractors must maintain $1 million in general liability insurance and $1 million in automobile liability coverage, and are subject to liquidated damages of up to 50% of the contract value for late performance. Payment will be made on a milestone basis with possible 5–10% retainage, and no prepayments are allowed. Vendors with 16 or more employees and contracts valued at $25,000 or more must comply with affirmative action reporting requirements. Proposals are due by August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST, and must be delivered to the District’s Purchasing Services office with electronic submissions accepted via email. The contract may be terminated with 60 days’ notice if funds are no longer available,