CCSM Issues Subcommittee First Draft 05-8-2024
The Issue:
In the wake of two RFP cycles that included the first round of two RFPs that were pulled, there is clearly a disconnect between what OBH wants and what is written by potential bidders. If we truly want a peer-written RFP, we need to do more for center managers and staff to build their capacity to write correctly what the State is requesting. Because of this, often centers go through intense emotions attached to whether they receive an awarded contract or not and extensions due to delays in the contract process. This negatively impacts center leadership and takes them away from providing the important work that they do.
Center umbrella agencies may not want to bid on these services going forward if they get too cumbersome for their RFP team.
Recommendations:
- Build into the pre-RFP stage an RFI (Request for Information). We suggest that OBH staff then give standardized training across peer centers that would support them in their ability to write and adhere to RFP requirements.
- Building peer leadership capacity for writing RFPs and articulating the work they are doing well. This should include prospective agencies as well.
- Simplify the RFP writing requirements and dovetail that with more on-site review of what is happening in centers. For example, pair each RFP section with prompts reflecting the associated evaluation criteria.
- There needs to be more timely releases of RFPs.
- National content experts for assists in writing/scoring RFPs.
- If an RFP is not awarded, but OBH is re-issuing said RFP then feedback should be shared with the centers to give guidance on where they could improve.
- More work needs to be done for contracts to be processed in a timely manner.
Expected Outcomes:
We want all mental health peer recovery centers to have the skills and resources needed to write successful RFP’s in the future and decrease the amount of stress when they are not awarded. This would be a win-win for both the State and peer recovery centers moving forward.
To submit feedback, ideas, or a personal story relating to this issue statement, please send to the CCSM either by mail at: 219 Capitol St. Suite 7 Augusta, ME 04330, or email at [email protected].
DEADLINE TO RESPOND: Monday June 10th.
