A new RFP is now open seeking a survey research organization to work closely with the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) to design and conduct a Needs Survey of King County residents.
The BHRD Needs Survey is a population-based survey intended to better understand and assess the behavioral health needs of King County residents to ensure the mental health and substance use services the county administers is responsive to community need.
BHRD is responsible for managing and funding a wide range of behavioral health services and programs for King County residents enrolled in Medicaid and other people with low incomes, as well as all residents in need of behavioral health crisis services. This includes a diverse array of behavioral health services for mental health and substance use needs ranging from: outreach and prevention; crisis services; services for those encountering the criminal-legal system; hospital services; residential services; intensive treatment services; and outpatient, medication assisted treatment, or clinic-based treatment services. Collectively, this continuum of behavioral health services administered by BHRD served over 70,000 King County residents in 2024.1
The objectives of the BHRD Needs Survey are to assess key behavioral health-related measures, such as:
- Estimate the prevalence of mental health and substance use related distress, and/or prevalence of people who may benefit from behavioral health services.
- Identify barriers and facilitators associated with accessing publicly funded behavioral health services.
- Characterize the experience of residents who have used publicly funded behavioral health services, such as perceptions of inclusivity, respectfulness, and ease of navigating services.
- Assess perceptions and attitudes related to behavioral health needs and perceived acceptability of seeking care.
- Assess awareness of publicly funded behavioral health services available.
What the Survey Research Organization will do:
The survey research organization will prepare, collect, and process data from the survey, including:
- Develop a final survey instrument.
- Develop a probability sampling methodology and sampling frame, including power calculations.
- Field the survey.
- Deliver a clean and analysis-ready dataset.
- Deliver a comprehensive survey report.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations who have:
- Demonstrated experience designing and fielding population-representative surveys.
- Expertise in developing sampling frames and conducting power analyses.
- Demonstrated experience implementing surveys using various modes and selecting mode combinations that maximize reach, accessibility, and response rates.
- Established procedures for informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality.
- Proven ability to reach and engage priority and hard‑to‑reach groups using trauma‑informed and culturally responsive methods.
- Capacity to deliver surveys in plain language and in multiple languages.
- Robust data governance, secure data handling, and familiarity with data‑sharing expectations in public contracts.
- Strong track record delivering on time and within budget for publicly funded contracts.
Key Details
- Instructions to Apply: Solicitation Abstracts (see Solicitation KC001693)
- Deadline to Apply: August 14, 2026
- Funding: Up to $460,000 over the contract
- Contract period: Starts Q1 2027, runs 24 months, with possible renewal
1Measuring DCHS’ Impact [LINK]