You are here

FAQs: treatment

  • How will Vivotril be funded?

    The cost of Vivitrol should be included in the vendor's bid.

  • Is is OK to test the urine temperature with an infra-red thermometer instead of temperature strips?

    Yes, it is fine to test the urine temperature with an infra-red thermometer.

  • For the cognitive behavioral therapy do the clinicians have to be trained in MRT prior to the RFP being submitted or can it wait until the agency is notified on whether or not they will be a contracted agency for the service?

    MRT facilitators only need to be trained prior to actually providing services. In order to submit a bid, you need only agree to have staff trained. You can wait to schedule training until after the contract is awarded.

  • The RFP indicates that a separate RFP is awarded for the urine specimen lab, does this mean that the vendor does not have to pay for the testing?

    The vendor does not have to pay for testing. The probation office pays for testing conducted at the laboratory. 

  • Who pays for the shipping costs for the urine specimens to be shipped?

    The probation office will provide the vendor with shipping labels for prepaid postage. The treatment agency is responsible for purchasing shipping envelopes/containers.  Some shipping materials can be obtained free of charge from the U.S. Postal Service. 

  • Page C-10 2 a: Where can a list of Breathalyzers that are approved by the USPO/USPSO be found? Or will you approve after the award?

    We will approve Breathalyzers after award.

  • Is there specific wording to indicate “a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which pricesare offered at the price set ...

    Full Question:  Is there specific wording to indicate “a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which pricesare offered at the price set opposite each item” on page L-5 1.2, c 2 iii or is it up to the vendor to determine the wording?
    Answer:  This is referring to number 8 of AO Form 367. You do not need to add any other statement to your offer. 

  • On page L-5 of the Sex Offender Treatment RFP, it refers to sections i-v needed to be on the first page of the offer, most of the items are on the solicitation/offer/Acceptance cover Form AO 367. To clarify, should there be a separate cover page to ...

    Full Question:  On page L-5 of the Sex Offender Treatment RFP, it refers to sections i-v needed to be on the first page of the offer, most of the items are on the solicitation/offer/Acceptance cover Form AO 367.  To clarify, should there be a separate cover page to be include the items i-v requested in addition to the AO 367 form or is this referring to the AO 367 form?
    Answer:  This is referring to the AO 367 form which should be the first page of the offer. 

  • On page L-3 of the Sex Offender Treatment RFP, it references “the offeror shall identify all required documents included in the submitted proposal through the use of labeled tabs.” Do you want the proposal in a binder with tabs for each section, or ...

    Full Question:  On page L-3 of the Sex Offender Treatment RFP, it references “the offeror shall identify all required documents included in the submitted proposal through the use of labeled tabs.”  Do you want the proposal in a binder with tabs for each section, or should it have for headings for each new page that are not in a binder or something else?
    Answer:  We prefer agencies not submit proposals in binders. You may either tab the required document for the Background Statement or make them clearly identifiable through the use of headings. 

  • Can group therapies have two staff alternating classes or does it have to be the same person every week?

    Therapists can alternate group facilitation as long as this does not disrupt the integrity of the group. 

  • What times are groups and individual therapies to occur (e.g. 8am-5pm, in the evening, weekends, etc.)?

    The treatment agency can schedule group and individual treatment times. Typically, treatment is held during the week. Often agencies offer both day time and evening time slots to accommodate work schedules. 

  • For group therapies, does one 30 minute unit = one group or is it for one person? For example, does one unit mean a 30 minute group regardless of the number of people or does it mean if 10 people are in a group for 30 minutes it would be 10 units?

    One unit of group treatment = one person receiving group treatment for a half an hour.  If 10 people are in a group, that would be 10 units per half hour. 

  • For Block 10 of solicitation/offer sheets (AO 367), have there been any amendments issued to any of the RFP’s?

    There have not been any amendments to the RFP.

  • Should the proposals be in binders with tabs?

    We prefer the proposals not be in binders. Tabs are optional.

  • Are Group therapies to be a certain length of time (e.g. 1 hour, 2 hours)?

    There is not a required length of time for group treatment. Typically, sex offender groups have been either one and one half hours (3 units) per group or two hours (4 units) per group and substance abuse groups have been one or one and a half hours per group.

  • On Attachment B, regarding monitoring reports. If we are a private, for profit agency, do we still need to check the certification box at the bottom?

    Yes, you are still required to check the certification boxes.

  • The bid for Grand Rapids (Kent Cty), the substance counseling monthly est. for groups is 34 and for individual, it’s 2. On the Lansing proposal, it says the est. groups for substance abuse is 1 and the estimated individuals are 22. Is this correct?

    Those EMQ's are correct. They were based on historical numbers. They are only an estimate and it is possible more referrals could be made to group vs individual during the next fiscal years.

  • For the intake/assessment does it have to be a document like the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM or can it be an agency created document that includes all of the same information (we have a standard clinical assessment that we use with all of our fu

    The assessment can be an agency created document.

  • For certifications, licenses, and education do we only include clinical staff who would be doing the direct work or do we also need to include clinical supervisors and/or support (front desk, medical records, and billing) staff?

    You should include certifications for clinical staff and clinical supervisors.

  • Are case management services available to offenders in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties?

    Case management is not a service we are requesting bids for in any catchment area.

  • Is mobile drug and alcohol screening allowed to bid for testing?

    There is nothing in the Statement of Works that prohibits mobile drug and alcohol screening. If an agency were to propose using this type of service, the agency would need to outline how they will ensure compliance with the requirements listed in the Statement of Works and RFP.

  • Is there now a requirement for 2 facilitators for MRT?

    No, there is no specific requirement for MRT groups to have 2 facilitators. While we feel it is beneficial to have 2 facilitators per group when possible, we recognize this may be cost prohibitive and this was not added as a requirement for MRT.

  • I plan on subcontracting with another agency to provide services. I know that agency is also submitting a bid to provide services for the same catchment area. Is this okay?

    Yes, you may do this as long as the subcontracted agency agrees to provide services if you are awarded the contract instead of them. You will need to provide all of their certifications along with your submission.

  • With regards to substance abuse referrals, the receiving/treating therapist at our agency needs to be CAADC certified, right? (As opposed to receiving clinical supervision from someone like me who has the credential.)

    Section C of the Statement of Works indicates paraprofessionals may provide services “under the direct supervision of, and in conjunction with, a staff member who meets the requirements described in item numbers (1) and (2) above (listed below), and after obtaining the approval of the contracting officer or designee. Interns may be considered paraprofessionals.”

    For substance abuse treatment services performed for project codes 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2090 the vendor shall ensure that all personnel meet the following qualifications:

    (1) Principal counseling services practitioners shall have at least one of the following ( a or b ):
           (a) an advanced degree (masters or doctoral level) in behavioral science, preferably psychology or social work,
           (b) a BA/BS and at least two years of drug treatment training and/or experience.

    (2) Counselors shall be certified and/or have credentials to engage in substance abuse treatment intervention as established by his/her state’s regulatory board and/or accrediting agency.

    (3) Paraprofessionals are only used under the direct supervision of, and in conjunction with, a staff member who meets the requirements described in item numbers (1) and (2) above, and after obtaining the approval of the contracting officer or designee. Interns may be considered paraprofessionals.

  • I was unable to attend the Offerors’ Conference. Can I still submit a proposal?

    Yes, you may still submit a proposal.  Attendance at the Offerors’ Conference was optional and a transcript of the conference is available here. 

  • When completing Attachment C Staff Qualification and Attachment A Offeror’s Certification of Compliance Statements, are faxed copies acceptable from Subcontractors? Also, are these forms acceptable hand written or must they be typed?

    It is fine to use faxed copies of Attachment A and Attachment C, as long as there is an original signature on the first page of Section A, Solicitation/Offer/Acceptance and the solicitation is submitted in hard copy. 
     
    Handwritten copies are acceptable.

  • What Cognitive Behavior Classes are you looking for?

    We are looking specifically for Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT).

    Please refer to Local Language under Project Code 2022 for Manualized Group, Page C-16 of 16 which states the following:
     
    COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT
    * 2022
     
    The vendor shall provide Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) to the federal clients.

    The vendor shall administer the TCU Criminal Thinking Scales prior to participants starting group and shall administer the TCU Criminal Thinking Scales again after participant completes group. The vendor shall score the pre and post tests and shall forward the scores to the DATS officer(s) or the contracting assistant upon participants completing treatment. The TCS CTSFORM and Scoring Guide are attached or can be obtained free of charge online at http://ibr.tcu.edu/forms/client-drug-use-and-crime-risk/.
     

  • What drugs are you looking to test? What are you using for guidelines on this test (SAMSHA)? I see you use the Sweat Patch. Is that the only lab test you use? What are the instant drug testing (Panel Test or Stick Test)?

    The U.S. Probation Office is no longer using instant test cups/sticks.  All samples are collected and mailed in to a Regional Laboratory located at the U.S. Probation Office in the Eastern District of Missouri for screening.  We are not seeking contracted services for Sweat Patch application at this time.

  • Is a separate proposal needed for each cluster of Upper Peninsula counties listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health pieces or is one proposal for all Upper Peninsula counties acceptable?

    A separate proposal is needed for each separate catchment area. The BPA Solicitation Number is listed in the upper left hand corner of each respective BPA. If there is a different BPA number, you must submit separate bids.