Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission is seeking an experienced Contractor to work with Veteran Communities to enhance statewide and local level participation, voice, and empowerment through advocacy, training and education, and outreach and engagement efforts. The goal of this Request for Proposal is to increase the representation and involvement of Veteran Communities in development and implementation of statewide and local mental health programs, policies, and legislation. For purposes of this RFP, Veteran Communities will be referred to as “the Population” and includes military servicemembers of any age and branch who have been discharged (either honorably or dishonorably) and are experiencing, sought treatment for, or are at risk of developing mental health issues or diagnoses. The overwhelmingly diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds among veteran communities create a substantial impact on the systems and services targeted towards those transitioning to civilian life. The lack of data on veterans, the prevalent homelessness, and increasing rate of death by suicide are all mental health-related issues that have been identified among California’s veterans. Through a response to this RFP, the successful Proposer will demonstrate that they have the personnel, experience, and organizational capacity to effectively carry out a contract of this scope and magnitude. The successful Proposer will describe how they meet minimum and desired qualifications, including their breadth of experience working with the Population throughout the State, with special emphasis on unserved, underserved, and rural communities. All proposals must be submitted by a lead or prime contractor, hereinafter called “Proposer” or “Contractor.”
