Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. The Department of Mental Health (DMH) requires 988 Suicide Prevention Text and Chat Services in the State of Missouri in an effort to improve access to vital crises services, improve the efficacy of suicide prevention. DeafLEAD is the only chat/text member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) network from Missouri therefore DeafLEAD is the only organization authorized to answer chats/texts for the NSPL in the state. In 2021, DeafLEAD was provided a stipend from the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the purposes of planning for 988 implementation. New funds were issued to DMH from Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrators of the NSPL, to cover costs involved in the continued rollout for 988. These funds will assist in 988 tasks such as hiring additional personnel to answer 988 chats/texts statewide and provide training opportunities. Due to these relationships, DeafLEAD is sole source to provide the services required for the 988 Suicide Prevention Text and Chat Services Program. According to RSMo 34.044, a single feasible source can be utilized when the service requirement is proprietary and only available from a single provider. As a result, this represents a proprietary requirement that meets the criteria as a single feasible source under RSMo 34.044 and the State is pursuing this acquisition as a Single Feasible Source.
