Kansas state officials are searching for a private partner to help operate Osawatomie (Kan.) State Hospital, according to KCUR Radio.
The state department of administration posted a request for proposals on its website Monday. The contract would last for approximately five years, with the option to extend the agreement for an additional three years. The state also maintains the right to terminate the contract early.
Under the terms of the contract, interested parties would be required to maintain 206 beds for inpatient mental health treatment, but only 94 beds must remain at the hospital. The remaining overflow beds may be placed at other state institutions, according to the article.
The state will only accept proposals from contractors with at least three years of experience operating an inpatient psychiatric facility, according to the article.
Interested contractors must also meet the state's additional terms, including:
- Sending state officials monthly staffing reports for the first year and quarterly reports after the one-year mark
- Notifying state authorities of any staffing shortages and resolving those shortages within 45 days, or risk paying a penalty of $500 per day until the shortage is resolved. Key positions, including the superintendent and various heads of the administrative and medical departments, may not be vacant for more than 60 days
- Giving preference in hiring to qualified existing hospital employees
To see a full list of the state's requirements, click here.
The state will hold an informational seminar for interested bidders on Nov. 29. The bidding process will officially close at 2 p.m. on Dec. 29. Once all proposals are submitted, state officials will release the names of the interested parties.