Approve agreement with Victor Community Support Services in the amount of $3,903,281.67 for the period of August 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 for the provision of Community Based Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) outpatient mental health services for Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) children and youth. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Primary Services provide behavioral health services tailored to the specific needs of the child and family who are Medi-Cal beneficiaries aged 0-20. These services are provided in the community and sometimes in the office. Primary Services are the most common initial referrals made for a child or youth These can include therapy, targeted case management, rehabilitation, plan development and medication support. Services can also include Intensive Case Coordination and Intensive Home-Based Services, if medically necessary. Children and youth receiving Primary Services are typically seen approximately once a week, with less frequent appointments as their needs are addressed and progress is achieved. These services are mandated by federal statue and court agreements signed by the state, and also align with the County’s commitment to keep children safe and healthy, at home, in school and in their communities. Most costly public services are when children are removed from their home and placed in residential care and/or hospitalized.

HHSA request approval of this Agreement which has an initial term of August 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 for a total contract amount of $3,903,281.67. The Agreement also includes 2 optional extensions for Fiscal Years 2027-28 and 2028-29.

Performance Measures included in this Agreement are as follows:
The Performance Measures associated with this Agreement are included in Attachment A, Exhibit E.

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form.
General Services Department, Procurement Division

On January 25, 2024, the County via the General Services Department, Procurement Division (GSD) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on behalf of the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) for Child, Youth and Family Outpatient Mental Health Services. The solicitation was open for 35 days, (5 weeks). On February 2, 2024, GSD and HHSA offered potential bidders an opportunity to ask questions during a bidder’s conference. 

The County received 4 proposal(s) from this solicitation (see list below). GSD reviewed the proposal for minimum requirements and all 4 proposals were moved forward to the Review Committee, comprised of 2 HHSA staff and 1 other County staff.

The Review Committee evaluated the proposals and determined that the proposal submitted by Victor Community Support Services met all the required qualifications necessary to successfully provide these services.  On April 10, 2024, the County issued an Intent to Award letter. On April 17, 2024, the County received a protest from Turning Point Community Programs (“Turning Point”) protesting/appealing the Intent to Award. Turning Point requested that the County revise the scoring methodology set forth in the RFP to account for existing provider and conduct oral interviews prior to issuing the notice of intent of award to the successful vendors (see Att. B. Protest Letter).  In accordance with County policy, the County’s Purchasing Agent reviewed the protest, the department’s evaluation process, and coordinated with County Counsel. The protest/appeal was denied as the Purchasing Agent determined the process was conducted and proposals were scored in accordance with the RFP (see Att. C. Protest Letter Response).

Additional information regarding the Competitive RFP Process is provided below, including a summary of the solicitation evaluation criteria.

Evaluation Criteria Included in RFP

Proposals Received