RFP 2023-02 Behavioral and Mental Health Services

The Paramus Board of Education solicited comprehensive behavioral and mental‑health services for its K‑12 schools for the 2022‑2023 academic year. The scope includes placement of full‑time and part‑time licensed clinicians, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, educator training, summer counseling, community outreach, and a suite of professional‑development workshops for staff and parents. Funding is primarily from ESSER (≈ 65 %) with the remainder from the general fund. Evaluation was based on technical merit (40 %), cost (40 %), and management capability (20 %). The contract was awarded to two vendors: Care Plus NJ for the primary block of services and Sage Thrive (d/b/a Thrive Alliance) for the high‑school clinicians. The agreement runs from September 1 2022 to June 30 2023, is non‑renewable, and carries extensive compliance requirements (insurance, background checks, ADA, anti‑bullying, debarment, etc.).