The opioid overdose epidemic is a major public health crisis that has impacted nearly every region and demographic group in the US. Lawsuits ensued alleging drug manufacturers and distributors improperly marketed and distributed opioids across the US, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Beginning in 2021, these lawsuits were settled for large amounts, with funding settlements allocated to county and city governments for the abatement of the opioid epidemic. In early 2023, the County received settlement funding from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) through the Janssen and Distributors Opioid Settlement Disbursement Fund. DHCS, as the funding administrator, stipulated that opioid settlement funds must be spent on opioid remediation activities and outlined that allowable services include activities tied to the ending, reduction or lessening the effects of the opioid epidemic in communities and include prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. The County, through its Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) Behavioral Health Division, is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified providers (referred to as “Respondent” herein) to receive grants funded through the Janssen and Distributors Opioid Settlement Fund totaling up to $4.8M, dedicated to addressing the opioid epidemic in County communities. This settlement, announced on July 21, 2021, by California Attorney General Rob Bonta provides significant resources for opioid remediation in California. The Opioid Remediation grant funds are designated for activities that reduce or mitigate the harmful effects of opioid misuse, including prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. As a result of this RFQ, successful Respondent(s) will oversee and deliver these efforts for the planned period of July 1, 2026, with the potential to start services earlier pursuant to the awarded contract(s) final execution date(s), through June 30, 2029, which may be extended based on funding availability. Successful Respondent(s) shall be expected to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions outlined in the County awarded Opioid Remediation contract(s) and all other relevant regulations at the federal, state, and County levels. The purpose of this RFQ is to establish a qualified list (hereinafter referred to as “QL”) of Respondents qualified to provide opioid remediation services, within the range of services identified in this RFQ. This resulting QL list will be published by County following award to remain active for three (3) years thereafter. The County makes no specific guarantee of a minimum or maximum amount of services which shall be requested of any Respondents named to the resulting QL. This RFQ includes a description of the scope of work, submittal requirements, and instructions for submitting a SOQ.
