Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) Letter of Interest

Washington County Behavioral Health Division is requesting Letters of Interest (LOIs) from qualified organizations to provide fidelity Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) services. One provider contract will be awarded through this process.

EASA provides information and support to young adults, age 12 to 30, experiencing early symptoms of psychosis.

It is a transitional program serving people for approximately two years. EASA teams include counselors, case managers, supported employment/education specialists, medical staff, and can include other services such as peer support, occupational therapy, nursing, family education, skills training, and more​.

Background

Per Washington County Rules of Procurement 10-120(4) - Competitive Process – Personal Service Contracts

Notwithstanding any other provision in these rules, for personal services contracts the County may use a Letter of Interest process which requires any prospective proposer(s) to file a letter by the given deadline that notifies the County of its intent to respond to any subsequent RFP. If the number of interested proposers who turn in a letter does not exceed the number of contracts available then the County reserves the right to negotiate a contract(s) with that responder(s) and forego the RFP process. If this LOI moves to a RFP only those that responded to this LOI will be invited to participate in the RFP.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 2026.050-LOI
• Department: HHS
• Department Head: Mjere Simantel (Interim Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-05-14T00:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• Overview and Purpose —
  1. Washington County Behavioral Health Division is requesting Letters of Intent (LOIs) from qualified organizations to provide fidelity Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) services. One provider contract will be awarded through this process.
  2. EASA provides information and support to young adults, age 12 to 30, experiencing early symptoms of psychosis.
  3. It is a transitional program serving people for approximately two years.
  4. EASA teams include counselors, case managers, supported employment/education specialists, medical staff, and can include other services such as peer support, occupational therapy, nursing, family education, skills training, and more​.
• Scope of Work and Specifications —
  1. Provider must be able to meet fidelity as determined by the current fidelity tool - https://easacommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EASA-Practice-Guidelines-and-Fidelity-Tool-2026-v1.1.pdf
  2. EASA provides:
     1. Education about causes, treatment and management of psychosis
     2. Coaching on rights regarding access to employment, school, housing and additional resources
     3. Family psycho-education and support groups
     4. Support for vocational education and independent living goals

  CREDENTIALS / QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILTY

  1. Any applicant applying to be a service provider for EASA Services must hold a valid Oregon Health Authority Certificate of Approval to provide mental health services in Washington County valid on July 1, 2026 and throughout the contract period.
  2. Any public or private organization is eligible to submit a proposal. Applicants must be able to demonstrate expertise in the provision of the proposed services. They must be in full compliance with applicable Oregon Administrative Rules and must remain in full compliance throughout the contract period.
  3. The applicant must meet the criteria for EASA fidelity at the time of contract execution. EASA fidelity is determined by the current regulatory authority at the time of contracting.
  4. All applicants must have a current office location in Washington County.
  5. All applicants must have a current contract with the local CCO that covers providing EASA services.
  6. Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in the respondent being found unresponsive. 
• Contract Terms —
  1. This letter of interest will be effective for contracts executed between the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.
  2. It is expected that approximately $408,000 will be available annually, for actual costs, to support EASA Services. Funding is utilized as a last resort, and services should be billed through the Oregon Health Plan or commercial insurance when able.
  3. The County, by written notice of default, may terminate this agreement if the Contractor fails to provide any part of the services described herein within the time specified for completion of that part or any extension thereof.
  4. There is no start-up funding available for these services.
  5. Services to uninsured and low-income adult Washington County residents are supported through State General Funds.
  6. The contract awarded through this process will begin July 1, 2026 and will be renewed annually through June 30, 2031 with contracts contingent on the availability of funds, continued need for the service relative to other community needs, and contract performance and compliance.
  7. Funds available for contracting in any given year may also change due to State Legislative action, funding priorities, or other system changes.

Submission Requirements

• Letter of Interest (required) —

  I acknowledge that submitting a response to this Letter of Interest signifies interst in performing the service(s) and submitting a proposal to an RFP if one is issued these services.

• Electronic Submittal (required) —

  By electronically submitting this response the Supplier attests and certifies that:

  1. Person completing this response represents that I am either authorized to bind the Supplier, or that I am submitting the Response on behalf of and at the direction of the Suppliers's representative authorized to contractually bind the Supplier.

  2. I represent that the Supplier or its applicable representative(s) has reviewed the information contained in this Solicitation Package and that the information submitted is accurate.

  3. Respondent agrees that the action of electronically submitting its response constitutes:

  a. an electronic signature on the responses, generally,

  b. an agreement to conduct business electronically,

  c. an electronic signature on any form or section specifically calling for a signature, and

  d. an affirmative agreement to any statement contained in the solicitation that requires a definite confirmation or acknowledgement.

• Information (required) —

  Provide individual or business name, contact: name, phone number, and email address.

• Credentials (required) —

  By submittal of this electronic form I certify that I meet the minimum qualifications for performing the service(s) as outlined in this Request for Interest.

• Oregon Health Authority Certificate of Approval (required) —

  Contractor confirms they hold a valid OHA Certificate of Approval to provide mental health services in Washington County which will be valid on July 1, 2026 and throughout the contract period. 

• EASA Fidelity Requirement (required) —

  Contractor confirms they have the ability to meet the criteria for EASA fidelity at the time of contract execution. EASA fidelity is determined by the current regulatory authority at the time of contracting. 

• Location Requirement (required) —

  Contractor confirms they have an office location within Washington County. 

• CCO Requirement (required) —

  Contractor confirms they have a current contract with the local CCO that covers providing EASA services. 

• Past Employment (required) —

  Have you or a member of your staff been employed by Washington County in the last six months?

• Tax (required) —

  The responder hereby certifies that they have complied with the tax laws of Oregon and all political subdivision of the State of Oregon, including ORS 305.620 and ORS chapters 316, 317 and 318. Responder understands that Washington County may terminate any contract if contractor fails to comply with any tax laws during the term of the contract.

• Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry (required) —

  Enter your registry number without dashes or spaces. If you are not currently registered enter N/A. If you are the successful bidder you will be required to register with the Secretary of State in order to contract with the County, per OAR 125-246-0330. 

• Solicitation Awareness (required) —

  How did you find out about this opportunity?

• Will this Letter of Interest include a Scope of Work Section? (required)