RFP 2022-01 Mental and Behavioral Health Services

The Paramus Board of Education issued an RFP (RFP 2022‑01) for comprehensive mental and behavioral health services for K‑12 students during the 2021‑2022 school year. The contract calls for licensed therapists to provide individual, group, and crisis‑intervention counseling, as well as teacher training, IEP/Section 504 participation, and optional summer programming. Proposals were evaluated on technical merit, management capability, and cost, with the contract ultimately recommended for Sage Thrive, Inc. (Thrive Alliance Group) at a flat fee of $91,000. The agreement is funded entirely by IDEA American Rescue Plan Funds, carries a 7‑month term (Dec 1 2021‑Jun 30 2022), and includes an option for up to five one‑year renewals subject to annual funding. • Required services: full‑time NJ‑licensed therapist staffing, individual/group therapy, crisis intervention, educator training, and summer programs. • Vendor selection criteria: 40 % technical, 40 % management, 20 % cost; Sage Thrive scored the maximum on technical and management and offered the lowest cost. • Compliance: extensive certifications (affidavits, affirmative‑action, ADA, debarment, background checks) and adherence to NJ statutes on record‑keeping and anti‑discrimination.