720-5160 RFA for School-Based Mental Health Services Grants

Background
The School-Based Mental Health Telehealth Services grant program, issued by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, aims to provide competitive grants for school divisions to partner with mental telehealth providers.

The goal is to offer mental health services to students, family members, caregivers, and staff within the school division. This initiative supports both in-school and after-school sessions to address mental health and substance use disorders. Funding for this program was appropriated by the General Assembly for fiscal year 2026 as part of Governor Youngkin’s Right Help, Right Now plan, which seeks to expand school-based mental health services in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work Details
The grant funds can be utilized to initiate or support existing telehealth services that provide mental health support. The services are aimed at addressing needs related to mental health and substance use disorders through a flexible model that accommodates both in-school and after-school sessions.

Eligible applicants must be school divisions seeking to partner with a qualified mental telehealth provider.

Period of Performance
The initial period of performance for the contract is from October 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with four optional one-year renewal periods available.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within the geographic boundaries of the participating school divisions in Virginia.

Bidder Requirements
Applicants must be a school division. They are required to register in the eVA Internet electronic procurement solution and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, contractors must maintain appropriate insurance coverage during the contract term.