School-Based Mental Health Program Provider RFP

The Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is seeking qualified licensed mental health agencies to expand its network of providers capable of delivering co-located outpatient behavioral health services within schools across North Carolina. The initiative aims to enhance student well-being by establishing partnerships through a Request for Proposals (RFP), with a response deadline of July 10, 2025. The program emphasizes delivering services that are family-engaged, strength-based, and responsive to individual student needs, with services primarily occurring during the school day on campus, but also accommodating evening virtual assessments and continuity during school breaks. The selected providers will be expected to operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with initial service delivery beginning in October 2025 and continuing through August 31, 2026, with potential renewal based on performance. Key contractual provisions include strict compliance with employment posting and reporting requirements, adherence to federal, state, and local tax obligations, and prohibitions against outsourcing outside the U.S. without prior approval. Providers must conduct background checks, including sexual offender registry checks, and ensure their staff are free from listed registries, with ongoing certifications required annually. The contract emphasizes equitable and nondiscriminatory distribution of funds, transparency, and accountability, including access for audits by state agencies. Additionally, providers must accept referrals for uninsured students, accept Medicaid and private insurance, and offer some pro bono services. The evaluation process will assess proposals for completeness, quality, and capacity to deliver timely, collaborative, and sustainable mental health services, with award notifications anticipated around July 24, 2025. The overarching goal is to foster a collaborative, high-quality school-based mental health program that supports student resilience and development within the district’s operational and regulatory framework.