Bid guide
How to bid on Respite Services for the Department of Mental Health
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is looking for providers to deliver Respite services. This is an opportunity for businesses that offer these specific healthcare services to work with a state agency. DMH is currently gathering input from providers to help shape the formal Request for Response (RFR) that will be issued later this year.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
An online forum is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 3 pm to 4 pm ET. This forum is for current providers of Respite and Peer Respite services, but other interested parties are also welcome to attend. The formal Request for Response (RFR) is expected to be posted in November 2026. The final deadline for responses to the RFR is March 31, 2027, at 3:00 PM ET. At this deadline, all submitted proposals will be collected and considered by the Department of Mental Health.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for firms that specialize in providing Respite and Peer Respite services within the healthcare sector. Businesses with experience in delivering mental health support services will find this particularly relevant. The agency is specifically seeking input from current providers, indicating a need for experienced and established vendors in this category.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full details and documents for solicitation BD-27-1022-DMH08-8220A-132190, you need to visit COMMBUYS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts procurement portal. You can view the original source and download documents directly from the bid page without needing an account. To submit an electronic quote, you will need to register for a free COMMBUYS vendor account. Otherwise, follow the specific submission directions provided within the bid documents.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Since the agency is holding an online forum to gather input, attending this session on August 20, 2026, is a practical step. It allows you to understand the agency's needs directly and potentially influence the RFR's final shape. Pay close attention to any details shared during this forum. When the RFR is released in November, thoroughly review all requirements and ensure your proposal directly addresses each point. Clearly articulate your firm's experience and capacity to provide the requested Respite services. Begin preparing your response well before the March 31, 2027 deadline to allow ample time for review and refinement.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Department of Mental Health; the original posting controls.