Sources Sought - 24/7 Telebehavioral Health Emergency Dept. Support Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Indian Health Service (IHS), Great Plains Area, has issued a Sources Sought notice for 24/7 Telebehavioral Health Emergency Department Support Services. This market research aims to identify Indian Small Businesses Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) capable of providing synchronous audio-video telebehavioral health services to support Emergency Department (ED) operations. The services are intended for IHS facilities in the Great Plains Area, specifically initial EDs in Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Eagle Butte (SD), Fort Yates, and Belcourt (ND). Capability statements are due June 2, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This notice is for informational and planning purposes only, not a solicitation. IHS is conducting market research to determine the availability of ISBEEs and the appropriate acquisition method, including potential set-asides. The objective is to provide timely behavioral health assessment and intervention for ED patients presenting with psychiatric crises, substance-related emergencies, and suicide attempts.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide qualified licensed independent behavioral health clinicians (psychologists, psychiatrists, LCSW, LPC-MH, or equivalent) to deliver real-time telebehavioral health services. Key services include:
- Suicide risk assessment (CSSRS with SAFE-T).
- Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and reassessment.
- Individualized Stanley-Brown safety planning.
- Placement coordination for higher levels of care.
- Language access coordination (interpreter services within 15 minutes).
- Culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.
- Consultation on medication stabilization for acute psychiatric crises by qualified prescribing providers. Services will be provided 24/7/365 via synchronous audio-video platforms.
Contract Details
This is a Sources Sought notice for a potential firm fixed-price, performance-based acquisition. The anticipated NAICS code is 561320 (Temporary Help Services), though other relevant NAICS codes will be considered. The anticipated period of performance is a base year plus four option years. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) indicates an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract structure, with services ordered via written task orders.
Place of Performance
Services will support EDs within the Great Plains Area, Indian Health Service. Initial facilities include:
- Pine Ridge Hospital, Pine Ridge, SD
- Rosebud Hospital, Rosebud, SD
- Eagle Butte Hospital, Eagle Butte, SD
- Fort Yates Hospital, Fort Yates, ND
- Belcourt Hospital, Belcourt, ND
Key Requirements for Capability Statements
Interested parties should submit a capability statement (not exceeding 10 single-sided pages) addressing:
- Opinions on the requirement's difficulty/feasibility and innovative ideas.
- Current capability, capacity, prior similar experience, and organizational management.
- DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and business size (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, ISBEE).
- Indication of current certified small business status, clearly marked on the first page.
- The Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form is critical for self-certification under the Buy Indian Act.
Submission Details
Capability statements must be submitted via email to Ashleigh Yazzie at ashleigh.yazzie@ihs.gov. The subject line must include "Sources Sought Number IHS1526971". Response Due: June 2, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.