Court-Based Behavioral Health Navigation Services

Background

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Court, through the Executive Office of the Trial Court (EOTC), is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund court-based Behavioral Health Navigation Services (BHNS) in seven locations across the Commonwealth. This initiative aims to support court-involved individuals experiencing substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions by providing engagement, system navigation, treatment and recovery referrals, short-term care coordination, and transportation assistance. The program is part of Project NORTH, launched in 2021 with a federal grant from the Department of Justice to improve access to behavioral health treatment for court users.

Work Details

The awarded Grantee will provide targeted engagement, behavioral health system navigation, treatment and recovery support referrals, short-term care coordination, transportation assistance, data collection, and collaboration with court and community partners. Specifically, one high-volume location (Boston) will be funded for two full-time Navigators, while six other locations will each have one full-time Navigator. The total number of Navigators funded will be eight statewide. The anticipated maximum annual grant award amount is up to $80,000 for single-Navigator locations and up to $160,000 for two Navigators in Boston.

Period of Performance

The initial duration of the agreement is 12 months with four options to renew for up to one year each, potentially extending the maximum term length to five years. The maximum end date for the contract is June 30, 2031.

Place of Performance

Services will be provided in seven designated locations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Bidder Requirements

Eligible Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity to administer Project NORTH services within designated locations. They may include licensed treatment providers and community-based organizations. Applicants must show they can support at least one full-time Navigator and provide required clinical supervision through a licensed master’s-level clinician. Additionally, applicants must disclose any criminal litigation or regulatory actions within the last five years related to this RFP.