Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy – Statewide Organization

The Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (Commission) has issued RFP I-R-004 to select one statewide organization to lead an advocacy initiative focused on the behavioral health needs of immigrant and refugee populations in California. The selected contractor will operate in partnership with seven identified local organizations and collaborate directly with state-level policymakers to improve access, reduce disparities, and elevate the behavioral health priorities of these populations. The contract was authorized at the Commission's meeting on November 21, 2024, and is part of an annual $1.34 million allocation from the State Legislature earmarked for immigrant and refugee advocacy. This initiative seeks a contractor with demonstrated statewide advocacy experience, cultural competence in engaging immigrant and refugee communities, and a history of managing multi-partner coalitions. The purpose of this funding is to strengthen policy and advocacy infrastructure that can amplify the voices of these populations, particularly in the context of California’s Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), and provide direct technical assistance to local partners. The successful proposer will serve as the centralized advocate, coordinating with seven specified local organizations throughout the state, ranging from San Jose and Sacramento to San Diego and Los Angeles. The total funding available under this RFP is $502,500. This is a deliverables-based contract with payments made quarterly upon submission and approval of reports. The contract term begins upon execution and runs through December 31, 2028. Funding may support advocacy events, data analysis, policy brief development, convenings, outreach, training, and reporting activities. Allowable costs must be detailed in the Cost Sheet and a separate Budget and Narrative workbook, which must align in totals and timelines. Matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in California, have at least two years of statewide advocacy experience at the state, regional, and local levels, and have a proven track record serving immigrant and refugee populations. The contractor must also be able to provide references from both served communities and partner organizations. Required application components include a proposal cover sheet, background information, workplan, cost breakdown, and several attachments related to legal and fiscal compliance. Applications must be submitted electronically to procurements@bhsoac.ca.gov by 12:00 PM (Pacific Time) on September 5, 2025. Questions must be submitted in writing by August 6, 2025, using the template provided in the RFP, with responses posted online by August 13, 2025. A Notice of Intent to Award is expected on October 23, 2025. Proposals must be signed by an authorized representative and comply with all documentation requirements, including certifications and compliance with the Darfur Contracting Act and generative AI disclosure. The Commission will evaluate proposals based on clarity, completeness, alignment with past experience, and budget justification. The scoring process includes both administrative and technical reviews, with a total possible score of 16,200 points. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for a well-established advocacy organization to influence state behavioral health policy while empowering local partners and immigrant and refugee communities across California.

Applicants are advised to carefully follow the required structure, respond to every question—even if N/A—and use only the official templates provided. All documents must be legible, signed, and submitted electronically before the deadline. Late or incomplete proposals will be rejected without review.