2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 71.24.320: Regional support networks — Procurement process — Request for qualifications — Request for proposals.

(1) The secretary shall initiate a procurement process for regional support networks in 2005. In the first step of the procurement process, existing regional support networks may respond to a request for qualifications developed by the department. The secretary shall issue the request for qualifications not later than October 1, 2005. The request for qualifications shall be based on cost-effectiveness, adequate residential and service capabilities, effective collaboration with criminal justice agencies and the chemical dependency treatment system, and the ability to provide the full array of services as stated in the mental health state plan, and shall meet all applicable federal and state regulations and standards. An existing regional support network shall be awarded the contract with the department if it substantially meets the requirements of the request for qualifications developed by the department.

     (2)(a) If an existing regional support network chooses not to respond to the request for qualifications, or is unable to substantially meet the requirements of the request for qualifications, the department shall utilize a procurement process in which other entities recognized by the secretary may bid to serve as the regional support network in that region. The procurement process shall begin with a request for proposals issued March 1, 2006.

     (i) The request for proposal shall include a scoring factor for proposals that include additional financial resources beyond that provided by state appropriation or allocation.

     (ii) Regional support networks that substantially met the requirements of the request for qualifications may bid to serve as the regional support network for other regions of the state that are subject to the request for proposal process. The proposal shall be evaluated on whether the bid meets the threshold requirement for the new region and shall not subject the regional support networks' original region to the request for proposal.

     (b) Prior to final evaluation and scoring of the proposals all respondents will be provided with an opportunity for a detailed briefing by the department regarding the deficiencies in the proposal and shall be provided an opportunity to clarify information previously submitted.

[2006 c 333 § 202; 2005 c 503 § 4.]

Finding -- Purpose -- Intent -- Severability -- Part headings not law -- Effective dates -- 2006 c 333: See notes following RCW 71.24.016.      Effective date -- 2005 c 503 § 4: "Section 4 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 17, 2005]." [2005 c 503 § 19.]      Correction of references--Savings--Severability--2005 c 503: See notes following RCW 71.24.015.