RFP 137 Statewide Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and Social Emotional Supports Framework

Department of Mental Health
166 Horseshoe Drive | Waterbury VT 05671-20110
802-241-0090 phone |802-241-0100 fax
SEALED BID
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
RFP 137 Statewide Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and Social Emotional
Supports Framework
ISSUE DATE March 10, 2026
QUESTIONS DUE April 7, 2026 - 4:00 PM (ET)
All questions are to be submitted electronically via VT Buys
RFP RESPONSES DUE BY April 21, 2026 - 4:00 PM (ET)
All proposals are to be submitted via VT Buys
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL NOTIFICATIONS, RELEASES, AND ADDENDUMS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS RFP WILL BE POSTED AT:
Public Solicitations: Vermont Buys
STATE CONTACT: Jennifer Rowell
E-MAIL : AHS.DMHSubmissions@vermont.gov
THE STATE WILL MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO CONTACT INTERESTED PARTIES WITH UPDATED
INFORMATION. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH BIDDER TO PERIODICALLY CHECK VT
BUYS FOR ANY AND ALL NOTIFICATIONS, RELEASES AND ADDENDUMS ASSOCIATED WITH
THIS RFP.
If you speak a language not listed on the website below or require additional help, we offer free language
assistance services. The State of Vermont contracts with several Translation Services organizations, and
you can visit this page for more information Language Access | Department of Mental Health.
If you require assistance with technology, access, or have other issues with being able to complete your
proposal, reach out to the single point of contact.
1

1. OVERVIEW:
1.1.1. SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Through this Request for Proposal (RFP) the
Department of Mental Health (DMH, hereinafter the "State") seeks to establish a
contract with a qualified entity to support the development and implementation of a
coordinated, statewide framework for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
and Social Emotional Supports. This framework aims to improve capacity and
access, strengthen early learning environments and equip educators with the
knowledge, tools, and guidance necessary to promote children's positive
development, well-being, mental health, and early relational health.
1.1.2. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The Vermont Agency of Human Services
(AHS) strives to improve the conditions and well-being of Vermonters by ensuring all
Vermonters have the opportunity to thrive in inclusive, equitable, and resilient
communities. The scope of AHS is profound. Through its six departments, twelve
district offices, and a network of community partners and providers, it is responsible
for the implementation and delivery of all human service programs within the state.
Each department has a distinct area of focus and responsibility and contributes to
the creation and sustenance of an entire system of human service supports.
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) resides under AHS and has the same
critical mission in mind. DMH promotes mental health as a vital part of overall well-
being by advancing prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care. Our
vision is that mental health serves as a cornerstone of health in Vermont, where
inclusive communities respond with compassion and respect, enabling all
Vermonters to thrive and participate fully in their lives. This work is guided by our
core values of compassion, equity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability.
DMH works in partnership with the Department for Children and Families, Child
Development Division (CDD) and Vermont Head Start Collaboration Office (VHSCO)
and the Agency of Education (AOE) to implement and oversee Mental Health and
Social Emotional Developmental supports and services to young children, families
and early childhood education settings through a mixed delivery system. DMH will
work in partnership with CDD and AOE for the contract arising from this RFP.
1.2. CONTRACT PERIOD: Contracts arising from this RFP will be for a period of
approximately six months. The State anticipates the start date for such contract(s) will
begin in June 2026 and must be completed no later than 12/30/2026.
1.3. SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT: All communications concerning this RFP are to be
submitted through VT Buys. In the event that a bidder is experiencing system issues
with submitting a question through VT Buys, communications should be addressed in
writing to the State Contact listed on the front page of this RFP. Actual or attempted
contact with any other individual from the State concerning this RFP is strictly prohibited
and may result in disqualification.
1.4. QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD: Any bidder requiring clarification of any section of
this RFP or wishing to comment on any requirement of the RFP must submit specific
questions in VT Buys no later than the deadline for question indicated on the first page
of this RFP. As noted in 1.3, questions should be e-mailed to the single point of contact
on the front page of this RFP if a bidder is experiencing system issues with VT Buys.
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 2 of 14

Questions or comments not submitted on or before the last day of the question period
are thereafter waived. At the close of the question period a copy of all questions or
comments and the State's responses will be posted to this solicitation in VTBuys and on
the DMH website under the Careers and Opportunities tab
https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/RFP).
Every effort will be made to post this information as soon as possible after the question
period ends, contingent on the number and complexity of the questions. All information
provided by vendors during this process will be public and bidders shall not provide
confidential information, except as described in 4.1 below.
1.5. CHANGES TO THIS RFP: Any modifications to this RFP will be made in VT Buys by
the State through the issuance of an Addendum to this RFP as well as posted on the
DMH website and the Vermont Business Registry. Modifications from any other source
are not to be considered.
1.6. SOURCE OF FUNDS: The Department anticipates using Federal funds for the resulting
contract(s). The Department may choose to modify the source of funding contingent
upon the availability of funds at the time of award. Any selected Vendor will be subject
to the requirements in the Assistance Listing Number (ALN) #93.434, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families
Please note that when procurements are supported by federal funds, SOV business
users must take affirmative steps that include at least the following Socioeconomic
affirmative steps per 2 C.F.R. 200.321:
1. Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises
on solicitation lists;
2. Assuring that small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises are
solicited whenever they are potential sources;
3. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or
quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses, and
women's business enterprises;
4. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage
participation by small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises;
5. Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the
Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of
the Department of Commerce; and
6. Requiring the prime/general contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the
same affirmative steps as listed in numbers 1 through 5.
This project is being funded in whole or in part using federal monies. If a bidder requires
assistance in preparing their proposal or needs guidance on socioeconomic certifications,
the bidder may contact the VT APEX Accelerator. The APEX Accelerator specializes in
helping small businesses navigate the documentation associated with State and Federal
procurement. Their website is: http://apex.vermont.gov.
2. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS/DESIRED OUTCOMES:
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 3 of 14

2.1. The State of Vermont is interested in obtaining bids to meet the following business
need(s): assist Vermont in building a coordinated, statewide framework that
strengthens early learning environments through a consultation and training system
that equips educators with the knowledge and guidance they need to promote
children's positive development, well-being, mental health, and early relational health.
2.2. The State of Vermont seeks to achieve the following Business Values:
2.2.1. Customer Service Improvement: The new solution will provide new or improved
customer service or services.
2.3 Scope of Work & Expected Activities
Respondents will address each of the following:
2.3.1 SOW 1: Project Planning and Governance
2.3.1.1 Engage with DMH in the development of a project work plan, timeline,
and communication plan in collaboration with DMH, CDD, VHSCO,
and AOE.
2.3.1.2 Establish a clear governance and decision-making structure that
supports cross-agency coordination and communication with
stakeholders.
2.3.2 SOW 2: Stakeholder Engagement
2.3.2.1 Design, review with the state team, and implement a stakeholder
engagement strategy.
2.3.2.2 Engage providers across the mixed-delivery system, including Head
Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs, family childcare, center-
based providers and mental health partners. Describe your proposed
approach for gathering input from consumers and families, including
whether participation would occur anonymously.
2.3.2.3 Document how stakeholder input informs analysis and framework
design.
2.3.3 SOW 3: Landscape Analysis of Existing Systems and Supports
2.3.3.1 Leverage existing state-commissioned analyses, reports, and data,
and conduct targeted additional data collection as needed, to complete
a comprehensive assessment of Vermont's Infant, Early Childhood
and Family Mental Health (ECFMH) and Social Emotional Support
systems, with a primary focus on access to ECFMH Consultation and
Training across ECE settings.
2.3.3.2 Analysis will include at a minimum:
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 4 of 14

* Current classroom-based guidance and consultation models being
used across the Vermont system, including existing HS/EHS
Mental Health Consultation Structures, training, coaching,
reflective supervision, and other workforce supports available.
* Clinical and sub-clinical resources supporting children and
families.
* Funding structures that support current services and supports.
2.3.3.3 Regional variation in access, service coordination, and workforce
capacity. Final analysis report will identify at a minimum the overall
strengths, gaps, redundancies, opportunities and barriers impacting
consistent access to supports statewide.
2.3.4 SOW 4: Review of Evidence-Based and Promising Practices
2.3.4.1 Review evidence-based and promising practices from other states and
national initiatives relevant to early childhood mental health
consultation and social emotional supports, including best practices
from HS/EHS mental health consultation models nationally, and other
relevant state and federal entities.
2.3.4.2 Identify approaches that align with Vermont priorities, relevant
performance standards, and inclusive early learning practices and
funding capacity/structures.
2.3.4.3 Assess the feasibility of a statewide training and consultation structure
grounded in the principle of unconditional childcare.
2.3.4.4 Assess applicability and scalability of identified practices within
Vermont's mixed-delivery system.
2.3.4.5 Prepare written report and presentation with Vermont state team on
findings and recommendations.
2.3.5 SOW 5: Design of a Coordinated Statewide Framework
2.3.5.1 In partnership with the State team, develop a written coordinated,
statewide framework for an early childhood mental health consultation
and training system that:
* Promotes children's social-emotional development, well-being,
and early relational health and supports responsive early learning
environments.
* Ensures consistent access to supports across program types,
regions, and funding streams.
* Ensures alignment with federal Head Start Program Performance
Standards related to mental health consultation, social-emotional
development, and comprehensive services.
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 5 of 14

2.3.5.2 Recommend strategies to:
* Build workforce knowledge, confidence, and skills.
* Provide predictable, ongoing training and in-classroom
consultation.
* Support programs in maintaining children's enrollment and
participation.
2.3.5.3 Identify workforce roles, competencies, and infrastructure necessary
for implementation, including how HS/EHS-required mental health
consultants and Disabilities Coordinators fit within and inform the
broader statewide framework.
2.3.5.4 The proposed framework must be financially feasible and sustainable
within existing and reasonably anticipated state, federal, and local
funding resources. Assess potential sustainable funding mechanisms,
including braided and blended funding strategies, to support long-term
implementation, and assess how layered funding strategies can
leverage existing federal Head Start mental health and comprehensive
services funding to strengthen statewide capacity without duplication
2.3.5.5 Articulate a clear statewide vision, guiding principles, and core
components aligned with Vermont's Early Childhood Strategic Plan.
2.3.6 SOW 6: Deliverables, Reporting, and Final Recommendations
2.3.6.1 Provide interim deliverables and facilitate structured feedback sessions
with state partners and stakeholders.
2.3.6.2 Submit and present a final written report that includes:
* Findings from the landscape analysis, stakeholder engagement
and national review.
* The proposed coordinated statewide framework.
* Explicit recommendations for aligning state consultation structures
with federally required HS/EHS consultation models.
* Implementation considerations, governance recommendations,
and sustainability options.
* Virtual presentation on the final report findings and
recommendations to State partners and stakeholders.
2.4 Proposal Requirements
All bids for this RFP will be completed in VTBuys via the Questionnaire. Responses
must define:
2.4.1 Company overview
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 6 of 14

2.4.1.1 Form of Business Organization
Provide details concerning your form of business organization,
company size and resources
2.4.1.2 Bidder Experience Level
Describe your capabilities and particular experience relevant to
RFP requirements.
2.4.1.3 Experience working with State of Vermont
If you have experience working with the State of Vermont, identify all
current or past State projects. Provide the name of the Vermont
department or agency and the project title or a brief description of the
work. Do not include references or statements from State of Vermont
agencies or employees.
2.4.1.4 Subcontractors
Identify the names of all subcontractors you intend to use, the portions
of the work the subcontractors will perform, and address the
background and experience of the subcontractor(s), in response to the
questions described above in this section.
If you intend to use subcontractors (not 1099 independent contractor
staff) identify which portions of the work the subcontractors will
perform. If a subcontractor is already identified, include the name of
the subcontractor and address the background and relevant
experience of the subcontractor(s).
2.4.1.5 Exceptions to Contract Terms and Conditions
If a bidder wishes to propose an exception to any terms and
conditions set forth in the Standard Contract Form and its
attachments, such exceptions must be included in the cover letter to
the RFP response. Failure to note exceptions when responding to
the RFP will be deemed to be acceptance of the State contract terms
and conditions. If exceptions are not noted in the response to this
RFP but raised during contract negotiations, the State reserves the
right to cancel the negotiation if deemed to be in the best interests of
the State. Note that exceptions to contract terms may cause rejection
of the proposal, and that the State's non-rejection of a proposal on
this basis does not indicate acceptance of the exceptions. Services
to be provided and anticipated outcomes
2.4.2 Scope of Work & Expected Activities
2.4.2.1 Respondents will address each of the items identified in section 2.3 of
this RFP.
2.4.3 Proposed budget
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 7 of 14

Bidders shall upload via attachment their costs and pricing breakdown for a
time period not to exceed 12/30/2026.
Bidders shall also submit their total annual cost per year proposed via the
Quotation form.
2.4.4 Proposed Timeline
2.4.5 Reporting and Compliance Requirements
2.4.5.1 Sample Reporting
Bidders will provide a sample of any reporting documentation that may
be applicable to the Detailed Requirements of this RFP
2.4.5.2 Certificate of Compliance
This form must be completed and submitted as part of the response for
the proposal to be considered valid.
2.4.6 References
Bidders will provide the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least two
(2) companies with whom you have transacted similar business recently. You
must include contact names who can talk knowledgeably about performance.
Do not list a State of Vermont agency or employee as a reference.
3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
3.1. Prospective bidders must be registered as a supplier in Vermont's Procurement
system, VTBuys https://vtbuysprocurement.vermont.gov/suppliers-bidders.
Registration in this system is important for future steps related to the RFP such as
contracting and invoicing.
3.2. PRICING: Bidders must price the terms of this solicitation at their best pricing. Any
and all costs that Bidder wishes the State to consider must be submitted for
consideration. If applicable, all equipment pricing is to include F.O.B. delivery to the
ordering facility. No request for extra delivery cost will be honored. All equipment shall
be delivered assembled, serviced, and ready for immediate use, unless otherwise
requested by the State.
3.2.1. Prices and/or rates remain firm for the initial term of the contract. The pricing
policy submitted by Bidder must (i) be clearly structured, accountable, and
auditable and (ii) cover the full spectrum of materials and/or services required.
3.2.2. Cooperative Agreements. Bidders that have been awarded similar contracts
through a competitive bidding process with another state and/or cooperative
are welcome to submit the pricing in response to this solicitation.
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 8 of 14

3.3. STATEMENT OF RIGHTS: The State shall have the authority to evaluate Responses
and select the Bidder(s) as may be determined to be in the best interest of the State
and consistent with the goals and performance requirements outlined in this RFP. The
State of Vermont reserves the right to obtain clarification or additional information
necessary to properly evaluate a proposal. Failure of bidder to respond to a request
for additional information or clarification could result in rejection of that bidder's
proposal. To secure a project that is deemed to be in the best interest of the State, the
State reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, in whole or in part, with or
without cause, and to waive technicalities in submissions. The State also reserves the
right to make purchases outside of the awarded contracts where it is deemed in the
best interest of the State.
3.3.1. Best and Final Offer (BAFO). At any time after submission of Responses and
prior to the final selection of Bidder(s) for Contract negotiation or execution, the
State may invite Bidder(s) to provide a BAFO. The state reserves the right to
request BAFOs from only those Bidders that meet the minimum qualification
requirements and/or have not been eliminated from consideration during the
evaluation process.
3.3.2. Presentation. An in-person or webinar presentation by the Bidder may be
required by the State if it will help the State's evaluation process. The State will
factor information presented during presentations into the evaluation. Bidders
will be responsible for all costs associated with providing the presentation.
3.4. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:
3.4.1. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCOI): An OCOI arises when a bidder as
a business entity has interests (for example, customers, partners, contracts)
that could undermine, or reasonably be perceived to undermine, its faithful and
unbiased performance of a contract with the State that may result from this
solicitation.
3.4.2. Personal Conflict of Interest (PCOI): A PCOI arises when an interest held by
an individual, agent or employee of a bidder could undermine, or reasonably be
perceived to undermine, its faithful and unbiased performance of a contract
with the State that may result from this solicitation.
3.4.3. Requirements: The State does not seek to contract with any individual or
business entity having a conflict of interest which cannot be mitigated to the
State's satisfaction. To ensure the State's awareness of actual, potential, or
reasonably perceived PCOIs and OCOIs, bidders shall:
a. Prior to submitting a proposal, conduct an internal review of its current
affiliations and activities and identify actual, potential, or reasonably
perceived PCOIs or OCOIs relative to a contract with the State that may
result from this solicitation.
b. Disclose in your proposal any actual or potential PCOI or OCOI or the
existence of any facts that may cause a reasonably prudent person to
perceive a PCOI or OCOI with respect to a contract with the State that may
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 9 of 14

result from this solicitation. Disclose, also, any actions proposed to mitigate
the PCOI or OCOI.
3.4.4. The State shall have sole discretion to determine whether a PCOI or OCOI can
be mitigated to the State's satisfaction and may discuss the conflict with the
bidder if and to the extent the State deems discussion necessary to its
determination. The State reserves the right to (a) reject from further
consideration any proposal having a PCOI or OCIO that cannot be mitigated to
the State's full satisfaction and (b) terminate a contract upon discovery that a
contractor failed to disclose facts pertaining to a PCOI or OCOI in its proposal,
or otherwise misrepresented relevant information to the State.
3.5. WORKER CLASSIFICATION COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: In accordance with
Section 32 of The Vermont Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act No. 54),
Bidders must comply with the following provisions and requirements.
3.5.1. Self Reporting: For bid amounts exceeding $250,000.00, Bidder shall
complete the appropriate section in the attached Certificate of Compliance for
purposes of self-reporting information relating to past violations, convictions,
suspensions, and any other information related to past performance relative to
coding and classification of workers. The State is requiring information on any
violations that occurred in the previous 12 months.
3.5.2. Subcontractor Reporting: For bid amounts exceeding $250,000.00, Bidders
are hereby notified that upon award of contract, and prior to contract execution,
the State shall be provided with a list of all proposed subcontractors and
subcontractors' subcontractors, together with the identity of those
subcontractors' workers compensation insurance providers, and additional
required or requested information, as applicable, in accordance with Section 32
of The Vermont Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act No. 54). This
requirement does not apply to subcontractors providing supplies only and no
labor to the overall contract or project. This list MUST be updated and provided
to the State as additional subcontractors are hired. A sample form is available
online at http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing-contracting/forms. The
subcontractor reporting form is not required to be submitted with the bid
response.
3.6. EXECUTIVE ORDER 05-16: CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS IN STATE
PROCUREMENTS:
For bid amounts exceeding $25,000.00 Bidders are requested to complete the Climate
Change Considerations in State Procurements Certification, which is included in the
Certificate of Compliance for this RFP.
After consideration of all relevant factors, a bidder that demonstrates business practices
that promote clean energy and address climate change as identified in the Certification,
shall be given favorable consideration in the competitive bidding process. Such
favorable consideration shall be consistent with and not supersede any preference given
to resident bidders of the State and/or products raised or manufactured in the State, as
Revised: February 13, 2026
Page 10 of 14