South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (SFETC) Operations

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Substance Abuse and Mental Health division, is soliciting proposals through an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for the operation and provision of comprehensive forensic mental health services at the South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (SFETC), a state-owned secure forensic mental health facility located in Florida City. The target population includes adults and juveniles adjudicated as adults under Chapter 916, Florida Statutes, specifically individuals committed as Incompetent to Proceed (ITP) or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGI). The selected provider will assume full operational responsibility for the facility, encompassing clinical treatment, security integration, facility management, and maintenance. These services must be delivered within legislatively appropriated budgets while meeting rigorous standards for competency restoration, risk reduction, and forensic mental health care. The contract term is anticipated to begin on September 1, 2025, with a five-year base period and an optional five-year renewal. The procurement emphasizes adherence to statutory and regulatory compliance, including security protocols, data confidentiality, public records management, and insurance requirements such as workers’ compensation, general liability, and cyber liability coverage. The contract incorporates detailed special provisions specifying the prohibition of subcontracting for program management roles, mandatory completion of security awareness training for personnel, and strict reporting and mitigation procedures for unauthorized access to confidential information. Performance standards and deliverables are outlined in contract exhibits, requiring documented quality assurance, data reporting, and compliance with Florida statutes. Administrative oversight, including records retention, auditing, and reporting obligations, ensures contract accountability. The solicitation process demands electronic submission of proposals by February 23, 2026, with all official communications managed through Florida’s Vendor Information Portal. Offers will be evaluated primarily on comprehensive capability to manage integrated forensic mental health services at SFETC, thereby supporting the Department’s mission to provide high-quality, secure, and legally compliant treatment interventions for this specialized population.