RFA 2026-009 Intellectual Developmental Disability Behavioral Support Services

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
("RFA")
(RFA-2026-009)
for
Intellectual Developmental Disability
Behavioral Support Services
Revised: 05/01/2026
This RFA is open-ended with no deadline for submission.
The CENTER reserves the right to cancel this RFA at any time.
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002 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
002 - TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 2
003 - BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
004 - SCOPE OF SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................. 4
005 - ASSURANCES .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
006 - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 8
007 - SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION ................................................................................................................................. 8
008 - RESTRICTIONS ON COMMUNICATION ..................................................................................................................... 9
009 - EVALUATION OF CRITERIA ...................................................................................................................................... 10
010 - AWARD OF CONTRACT AND RESERVATION OF RIGHTS .................................................................................... 10
011 - INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 11
012 - RFA ATTACHMENTS .................................................................................................................................................. 14
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003 - BACKGROUND
The Bexar County Board of Trustees for Mental Health Mental Retardation Services d/b/a The Center for Health Care
Services ("CENTER") is a multi-facility community mental health and intellectual disability center created under the
authority of Section 534.001 of the Texas Health and Safety Code by its sponsoring agencies, Bexar County and the
Bexar County Hospital District d/b/a University Health. The CENTER has been providing services to Bexar County
residents experiencing mental health, intellectual developmental disabilities and/or substance use issues for over sixty
(60) years and is the Texas Health and Human Services' designated Local Mental Health Authority for Bexar County,
Texas. The CENTER is considered a quasi-governmental entity, a political subdivision of the state of Texas, but is not a
Texas state agency. The CENTER'S administrative offices are located at 6800 Park Ten Blvd. Suite 200-S, San Antonio,
Texas 78213.
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004 - SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Center for Health Care Services ("CENTER") is seeking and accepting applications from qualified vendors
("APPLICANT," "PROVIDER," or "CONTRACTOR") capable of providing Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD)
Behavioral Support Services to CENTER-authorized consumers with an intellectual or developmental disability and an
identified need for Behavioral Support Services as documented within the individuals' Person-Directed Plan(s) (PDP),as
further defined in this Request for Applications ("RFA") document.
I. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. The Behavioral Support Services (BSS) component of an individual's PDP Person-Directed Plan and the
individual's Implementation Plan (IP) provides specialized interventions that assists an increase of adaptive
behaviors to replace or modify maladaptive or socially unacceptable behaviors that prevent or interfere with the
individual's inclusion in home and family life or community life.
B. The BSS component includes assessment and analysis of assessment findings of the targeted behavior(s) so that
an appropriate Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) may be designed. The behavioral support plan shall include:
1. Development of an individualized Behavioral Support Plan consistent with the outcomes identified in the
individual's PDP;
2. Training of and consultation with family members and other support providers and, as appropriate with
the individual, in the purpose/objectives, methods, and documentation of the implementation of the
Behavioral Support Plan or revisions of the plan;
3. Monitoring and evaluation of the success of the Behavioral Support Plan implementation; and
4. Modification, as necessary, of the behavioral support plan based on documented outcomes of the plan's
implementation.
II. SERVICE PROVISION
A. All services shall be provided in accordance with the individuals' Person-Directed Plan(s),Implementation Plans,
Individual Plans of Care (IPCs), and Appendix C of the Home and the Community-based Services (HCS) Program
waiver application approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), incorporated as
ATTACHMENT C.
B. Behavior Support Plan Requirements and Expectations. CONTRACTOR shall develop the Required Behavior
Support Plan . The following should be included in the BSP:
1. An operational definition for all targeted behavior.
2. A baseline of the frequency and severity of the behavior that adequately reflects the individual's
behavioral issues during a set time. There should be data sheets or observation notes documenting the
frequency of targeted behaviors during the baseline period of at least one (1) month, unless the behavior
frequency is extremely high, thereby permitting a shorter baseline. Severity rankings should meet the
criteria specified by the Texas Health and Human Services Inventory for Client Agency Planning (ICAP)
materials.
3. A functional assessment (analysis) of the targeted behavior to identify the history of behavioral
interventions that have been used, all attempts at less intrusive interventions, and when and under what
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conditions the behavior occurs. This assessment should describe the hypothesized function of the
behavior, which is the basis for the BSP interventions.
4. A specific objective to decrease or eliminate the targeted behavior or maintain replacement behavior must
have been implemented, including a detailed description of specific interventions for the specific behavior.
The BSP must clearly identify undesirable behavior and target its decrease or elimination. Exactly how
staff are to respond to targeted behavior must be clear and simple enough that staff can verbally describe
the procedure. Although positive reinforcement techniques are an essential component of all behavior
programs, a program that focuses simply on teaching social behaviors is not sufficient if it does not give
clear directions on what to do if the undesirable behavior occurs.
5. Progress notes must be based on data recorded about the defined behaviors and the interventions used
in the BSP. There must be data sheets or progress notes that document every occurrence of the target
behavior, unless otherwise specified by the program. The specifics regarding the incidents should be
recorded (i.e., if the planned intervention was carried out or not and why, the individual's actions and the
CONTRACTOR'S actions).
6. The Service Planning Team, including the individual or legally authorized representative (LAR) must
agree to the BSP.
7. Any behavior management techniques involving intrusive interventions or restrictions of the individual's
rights are required to be developed by a Behavioral Support Service Provider with input from the
individual, his or her LAR, the program provider and any actively involved persons.
8. All appropriate consents must be obtained for restrictive practices. Texas Administrative Code (TAC)
Restrictive practices include 1:1 supervision, as well as anything that impedes an individual from doing
something they desire to do.
9. If a level of need (LON) increase is requested for another year, there must be evidence of progress or
program modification. If the program is effective, the rate and/or severity of the behavior should decrease
over time. In cases where the intervention primarily involves preventive actions by staff, the frequency of
these preventive actions also should decrease over time. Note: the actual frequency of the behavior
needs to be re-analyzed through a functional assessment, and the BSP must be modified as indicated.
Regular evaluation of the BSP's effectiveness should occur at intervals specified in the plan. This
evaluation must be more frequent than annually and consistent with the progress of the individual as well
as problems in implementing the plan.
NOTE: Before implementing a plan designed to decrease undesirable behaviors, attempts should have been
made to determine the effectiveness of other, less restrictive, less intrusive approaches. This could include
activities such as modifying the environment, redirecting behavior, ignoring the behavior (extinction), etc. If such
approaches prove ineffective, a functional assessment should be completed. This involves careful data collection
and analysis of the conditions (time, location, during which activities, etc.) under which the targeted behavior
occurs. Such an analysis might lead to a less intrusive method for managing behavior. In addition, purely positive
reinforcement techniques might be attempted. These activities are most effective if done under professional
consultation from a psychologist or behavior analyst.
C. Fading Plan Expectations. Each restrictive practice must have a Fading Plan. A Fading Plan must be specific,
usually reflecting a step-by-step plan, which results in the individual no longer receiving the restrictive practice.
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Including a statement indicating the team will consider fading when "such and such" criteria are met" is not a
sufficient Fading Plan.
1. The CENTER'S expectations for a reasonable Fading Plan for restrictive practices includes:
a. The plan to fade 1:1, if applicable, should be a part of the BSP. The Fading Plan is specific to the
individual and based upon the life-threatening or dangerous behavior(s) for which the restrictive
practice is in place.
b. The Fading Plan should be a gradual process that gives the individual time to adjust to the
changes in supervision and enables them to experience the success they are achieving.
Alternatively, fading can be set to be attempted routinely at a specific time and/or place and then
expanded to other times/places.
c. Criteria are identified for expanding or generalizing fading to other times and/or places. Once a
Fading Plan meets initial criteria, it should be expanded to other settings or times, continuing to
fade restrictive practices.
d. Criteria for abandoning the Fading Plan or going back one step should also be specified. The
criteria for going back to a restrictive practice must also be operationally defined or identified (i.e.,
what constitutes failure on a specific fading attempt).
e. The completion of the Fading Plan from a restrictive practice to a less restrictive level can be
accomplished within the current BSP cycle.
III. PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS
PROVIDER shall be appropriately licensed or certified prior to entering into a Contract to provide services, and on an
ongoing basis, as determined by CENTER and HHSC.
A. PROVIDER shall be licensed as a:
1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) under Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Subtitle I, Chapter
505;
2. Psychologist under Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Subtitle I, Chapter 501;
3. Licensed Professional Counselor under Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Subtitle I, Chapter 503; or
4. Behavior Analyst under Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Subtitle I, Chapter 506.
B. PROVIDER may instead be certified as a:
1. HHSC-certified Psychologist in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code; or
2. Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.
C. PROVIDER shall not:
1. Be the individual's legally authorized representative (LAR);
2. Be person(s) related to the individual within the fourth degree of consanguinity or within the second
degree of affinity.
D. PROVIDER of Behavioral Support Services must complete any applicable training prescribed by HHSC.
IV. CAPACITY SERVED
A. Number of consumers served will vary based on Program Enrollment.
B. Amount of service hours will vary based on individuals' Person-Directed Plans.
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005 - ASSURANCES
The APPLICANT assures the following (original signature required):
1. That all addenda and attachments to the RFA as distributed by CENTER have been received.
2. No attempt will be made by the APPLICANT to induce any person or firm to submit or not submit an application, unless so
described in the RFA document.
3. The APPLICANT does not discriminate in its services or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or age.
4. That no employee of CENTER or Health and Human Services Commission ("HHSC") and no member of CENTER'S Board of
Trustees will directly or indirectly receive any pecuniary interest from an award of the proposed contract. If the APPLICANT is
unable to make the affirmation, then the application must disclose any knowledge of such interests.
5. APPLICANT accepts the terms, conditions, criteria, and requirements set forth in the RFA.
6. APPLICANT accepts CENTER'S right to cancel the RFA at any time prior to contract award.
7. APPLICANT accepts CENTER'S right to alter the timetables for procurement as set forth in the RFA.
8. The application submitted by the APPLICANT has been arrived at independently without consultation, communication, or
agreement with another party for the purpose of restricting competition.
9. Unless otherwise required by law, the information in the application submitted by the APPLICANT has not been knowingly
disclosed by the APPLICANT to any other APPLICANT prior to the notice of intent to award.
10. No claim will be made to CENTER for payment to cover costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of the application
or any other associated costs.
11. CENTER has the right to complete background checks and to verify information submitted by an APPLICANT.
12. The individual signing this document and the contract is authorized to legally bind the APPLICANT.
13. The address submitted by the APPLICANT to be used for all notices sent by CENTER is current and correct.
14. All cost and pricing information is reflected in the application documents or attachments.
15. That the APPLICANT is not currently held in abeyance or barred from the award of a federal or state contract.
16. That the APPLICANT is not currently delinquent in its payments of any franchise tax or state tax owed to the state of Texas,
pursuant to Texas Tax Code, Title 2, Subchapter F, Chapter 171, and Title 34 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part 1
Chapter 3, Subchapters A, F, O, U and V.
17. APPLICANT shall disclose whether any of the directors or personnel of APPLICANT has either been an employee or a trustee
of CENTER within the past two (2) years preceding the date of submission of the application. This requirement applies to all
personnel, whether or not they are identified as key personnel. If such employment has existed, or term of office served as
trustee, the APPLICANT shall state in an attached writing the nature and time of the affiliations as defined.
18. APPLICANT shall identify in an attached writing any trustee or employee of CENTER who has a financial interest in
APPLICANT or who is related within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity to a person having such financial interest.
Such disclosure shall include a complete statement of the nature of such financial interest and the relationship, if applicable.
Moreover, APPLICANT shall state in an attached writing whether any of its directors or personnel knowingly has had a
personal relationship with employees or officers of CENTER within the past two (2) years that may interfere with fair
competition.
19. No current or former employee or officer of a federal, state, or local governmental agency, and/or the CENTER directly or
indirectly aided or attempted to aid in the procurement of APPLICANT'S services.
20. APPLICANT shall disclose in an attached writing the name of every CENTER key person with whom APPLICANT is doing
business or has done business during the 365 day period immediately prior to the date on which the application is due; failure
to include such a disclosure will be a binding representation by APPLICANT that the natural person executing the application
has no knowledge of any CENTER key persons with whom APPLICANT is doing business or has done business during the
365 day period prior to the immediate date on which the application is due.
21. Under Section 231.006 of the Texas Family Code, the vendor or APPLICANT certifies that the individual or business entity
named in this application is not ineligible to receive the specified grant, loan, or payment and acknowledges that this contract
may be terminated and payment may be withheld if this certification is inaccurate.
22. APPLICANT has no conflict of interest and meets the standards of conduct requirements pursuant to Title 26 Texas
Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 301, Subchapter A, 301.7.
23. That all information provided in the application is true and correct.
Company Name: _________________________________________________
Contact Person: _________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
Telephone: _________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________
________________________________ _______________
Printed Name of Signing Authority Date
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006 - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
APPLICANT'S application shall include the following items in the following sequence, noted with the appropriate heading
as indicated below. Submitted applications should include information in sufficient detail to address the APPLICANT'S
ability to perform the services being requested and provide the CENTER with enough information to properly evaluate
applications.
APPLICANTS must submit one (1) original hard copy, signed in ink, five (5) copies, and one USB containing a copy of the
entire application in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Any information deemed to be confidential by an APPLICANT
should be clearly noted on the page(s) where the confidential information is contained.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The summary shall include a statement of the work to be accomplished, how APPLICANT
proposes to accomplish and perform each specific service and unique problems perceived by APPLICANT and their
solutions.
ASSURANCES. APPLICANT must complete, sign in ink and submit the Assurances Page found in this RFA under
Section 005 - Assurances. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
GENERAL INFORMATION FORM. Use the Form found in this RFA as Attachment A, Part One.
EXPERIENCE, BACKGROUND & QUALIFICATIONS. Use the Form found in this RFA as Attachment A, Part Two.
DESCRIPTION OF PROVIDED SERVICES. Use the Form found in this RFA as Attachment A, Part Three.
PRICE SCHEDULE. Price schedule can be found in this RFA as Attachment B. APPLCIANT shall acknowledge
receipt of the Price Schedule information by initialing the item on the Application Checklist found in this RFA as
Attachment F.
PROOF OF INSURABILITY. APPLICANT shall submit a copy of their current insurance certificate.
ATTACHMENT C. Appendix C of the Application for 1915(c) Home and the Community-based Services (HCS)
Program Waiver approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is available through the provided
link.
SIGNATURE PAGE. APPLICANT must complete, sign in ink and submit the Signature Page found in this RFA as
Attachment D. The Signature Page must be signed by a person, or persons, authorized to bind the entity, or entities,
submitting the application. Applications signed by a person other than an officer of a corporate APPLICANT or partner
of partnership APPLICANT shall be accompanied by evidence of authority. COPIES OF SIGNATURE WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST STATEMENT. APPLICANT must complete, sign in ink and submit the Conflicts of Interest
Statement found in this RFA as Attachment E. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST. Complete and submit the Application Checklist found in this RFA as Attachment F.
APPLICANT is expected to examine this RFA carefully, understand the terms and conditions for providing the services
listed herein and respond completely. FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND PROVIDE ANY OF THESE APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN THE APPLICANT'S APPLICATION BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND
THEREFORE DISQUALIFIED FROM CONSIDERATION.
007 - SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION
Please complete all questions in the order that they are presented in this Request for Application ("RFA"). Include all
questions and question numbers in your responses. Any additional comments or information may be provided at the end
of your answers to all application questions. If a question does not apply to the APPLICANT, simply and clearly document
"N/A". Scoring and evaluation is based on completed questions. Unanswered questions will be considered omissions.
The Center reserves the right to review only completed applications. The Center reserves the right to hold subsequent
face-to-face or telephone interviews for clarification and/or negotiation purposes. Interviews will not be solicited for the
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purpose of completing incomplete applications. Multiple omissions and/or incomplete responses may result in
disqualification.
Instructions for Submitting Applications
APPLICANTS may submit their questions pertaining to this RFA to Adam Velez, Sr. Director, Compliance & Systems
Support Chelsey Turner, Contract Administrator, by email to AVelez@chcsbc.org CTurner@chcsbc.org. Please refrain
from contacting CENTER Staff and/or CENTER'S Board of Trustees members during the process and direct all inquiries
to the contact person listed above.
APPLICANT may submit a response by submitting one (1) original hard copy, signed in ink, five (5) copies of the
response, and one USB with the entire application in Microsoft Word or PDF format in a sealed package clearly marked
with the project name, "Intellectual Developmental Disability Behavioral Support Services, RFA 2026-009" on the
front of the package. Responses may be delivered by regular mail, special carrier, or hand delivery to the CENTER'S
Administrative office at 6800 Park Ten Blvd. Suite 200-S, San Antonio, Texas, 78213. Submission of applications by
telephone, fax or e-mail will not be accepted.
Applications may be withdrawn at any time prior to contract award. Each APPLICANT which submits a complete
application but is not awarded a contract will be notified in writing that the application is no longer being considered.
The APPLICANT must indicate if it will be subcontracting portion(s) of services contained in this RFA's Scope of Services.
If so, indicate the name of the subcontractor and the portion of the work, which will be subcontracted. Provide the
subcontractor's qualifications that meet the requirements of the Scope of Services. The CENTER reserves the right to
refuse the selection of any subcontractor(s) by CONTRACTOR for reasonable cause.
Correct Legal Name. APPLICANTS who submit applications to this RFA shall correctly state the true and correct name of
the individual, proprietorship, corporation, and/or partnership (clearly identifying the responsible general partner and all
other partners who would be associated with the contract, if any). No nicknames, abbreviations (unless part of the legal
title), shortened or short-hand, or local "handles" will be accepted in lieu of the full, true and correct legal name of the
entity. These names shall comport exactly with the corporate and franchise records of the Texas Secretary of State and
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Individuals and proprietorships, if operating under anything other than an
individual name, shall match with exact Assumed Name filings. Corporate APPLICANTS and limited liability company
APPLICANTS shall include the 11-digit Comptroller's Taxpayer Number on the General Information Form found in this
RFA as Attachment A, Part One.
If an entity is found to have incorrectly or incompletely stated its name or failed to fully reveal its identity on the General
Information Form, the Sr. Director of Compliance & Systems Support shall have the discretion, at any point in the
contracting process, to suspend consideration of the application.
Confidential or Proprietary Information. The entire response to this Request for Application shall be subject to disclosure
under the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. If the APPLICANT believes
information contained therein is legally excepted from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, the APPLICANT
should conspicuously (via bolding, highlighting and/or enlarged font) mark those portions of its response as confidential or
proprietary and submit such information under seal. Such information may still be subject to disclosure under the Public
Information Act depending on determinations of the Texas Attorney General's office.
Modified Applications. Applications may be modified provided such modifications are submitted with a cover letter with the
application, indicating it is a modified application and that the original application is being withdrawn.
Cost of Application. Any cost or expense incurred by the APPLICANT that is associated with the preparation of the
application or during any phase of the evaluation process, shall be borne solely by APPLICANT.
008 - RESTRICTIONS ON COMMUNICATION
APPLICANTS are prohibited from communicating with 1) CENTER Board of Trustees regarding the RFA or applications
from the time the RFA has been released until the contract is posted as an agenda item; and 2) CENTER employees from
the time the RFA has been released until the application has been approved or denied for contract award. These
restrictions extend to "thank you" letters, phone calls, emails and any contact that results in the direct or indirect
discussion of the RFA and/or application submitted by APPLICANT. Violation of this provision by APPLICANT and/or its
agent may lead to disqualification of APPLICANT'S application from consideration.
Exceptions to the Restrictions on Communication with CENTER employees include:
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APPLICANTS may submit written questions concerning this RFA to the Staff Person listed below. All questions shall
be sent by e-mail to:
Adam Velez
Sr. Director, Compliance & Systems Support
Chelsey Turner
Contract Administrator, Contracting & Procurement
The Center for Health Care Services
AVelez@chcsbc.org CTurner@chcsbc.org (Carbon Copy Contracts@chcsbc.org)
Questions submitted and the CENTER'S responses will be posted to the CENTER'S website.
CENTER reserves the right to contact any APPLICANT to negotiate if such is deemed desirable by CENTER. Such
negotiations, initiated by CENTER staff, shall not be considered a violation by APPLICANT of this section.
009 - EVALUATION OF CRITERIA
The CENTER will conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of all applications received in response to this
RFA. The CENTER may appoint an evaluation committee to perform the evaluation. Each application will be analyzed to
determine overall responsiveness and qualifications under the RFA. Criteria to be evaluated may include the items listed
below. The CENTER may also request additional information from APPLICANTS at any time prior to final approval or
denial of an application. The CENTER reserves the right to approve or deny any application based on responsiveness,
qualifications, capacity needs, or other relevant factors. Final approval of an application is subject to the action of The
Center for Health Care Services' Board of Trustees.
Evaluation criteria:
* Experience, Background, & Qualifications (including, but not limited to, evidence of compliance or ability to
comply with HHSC rules; evidence of accessibility; evidence of providing quality services; evidence of financial
solvency; and evidence of liability insurance.) (45 Points)
* Description of Provided Services (45 50 Points)
* Certified Small Business Enterprise, Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprise, Historically Underutilized
Local Business or Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Status (1 point for each designation, up to 2 5 Points)
* Local Business (5 Points)
Five (5) points will be awarded for a business with a headquarters or office located within Bexar County.
* Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) (5 Points)
Five (5) points will be awarded for a small business that is owned and operated by veterans and is certified as
a VetHUB by the Texas Comptroller.
010 - AWARD OF CONTRACT AND RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
The anticipated term for a contract awarded in response to this RFA is for a period of three (3) years. The term of the
contract may be extended for up to two (2) additional one (1) year terms thereafter by mutual agreement of the parties. All
extensions or renewals of the contract shall be in writing and signed by CENTER'S President/CEO, or their designee.
The CENTER may terminate a contract at any time if funds are restricted, withdrawn, not approved or for unsatisfactory
service.
The CENTER may award one (1), more than one (1), or no contract(s) in response to this RFA.
The CENTER may accept any application in whole or in part. If subsequent negotiations are conducted, they shall not
constitute a rejection or alternate RFA on the part of CENTER. However, final approval of an APPLICANT is subject to
CENTER'S Board of Trustees approval.
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