MEMO
March 25, 2026
To: Bear River Board of Health & General Public
From: Jordan D. Mathis
Subject: Decision to Proceed with Single Source Procurement of Substance Abuse Services to Support an
Integrated Behavioral Health Service Delivery Model in Box Elder, Cache, and Rich Counties
WHEREAS, Utah Code 11-13, Interlocal Cooperation Act (the “Interlocal Act”) permits the Counties
to cooperate with each other to create interlocal entities to more efficiently provide governmental
facilities, services, and improvements to the general public;
WHEREAS, the Bear River Health Department was created by the Counties as a local health
department created, organized, and validly existing pursuant to state law;
WHEREAS, the Health Authorities Act requires a multicounty united local health department to
administer the programs and services of a local health department, mental health authority, and
substance abuse authority
WHEREAS, the Counties desire to monitor, review, and evaluate the performance of and compliance
with all contracts for funding of mental health and substance abuse services through the Bear River
Health Department;
WHEREAS, in accordance with Utah Code 17-77-202, each local substance abuse authority shall
award all public funds in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, or a
county procurement ordinance adopted under Section 17-63-506.
WHEREAS, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, and the Multicounty
United Local Health Department Interlocal Agreement, a procurement policy for the Bear River
Health Department has been developed, reviewed by legal counsel, and adopted by the Bear River
Board of Health; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the adopted procurement policy of the Bear River Health
Department, single source procurement is allowed with a minimum of: (1) a description of the
procurement item, (2) the total dollar value of the item, (3) the duration of the contract, and (4)
research completed documenting that there are no other competing sources for the procurement.
Description:
The Bear River Health Department is looking for contracted services to provide substance abuse
treatment that will support the fully integrated delivery of behavioral health services—encompassing
both substance abuse and mental health—across Box Elder, Cache, and Rich Counties. Transitioning
to this integrated model is crucial for improving care coordination and enhancing behavioral health
outcomes for our community members. Additionally, adopting this model will align our counties with
other Substance Abuse and Mental Health Authorities throughout the state.
Total Value:
The total contracted amount is estimated at $2,130,000 annually, but will be dependent on the
annual allocation letter provided by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. In addition,
any revenue from approved Medicaid services, other fees for services billed to other insurers, or
individual patients.
Duration of Contract:
The Contract terms shall begin on July 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2033.
Completed Research:
Integrated Care Model
The behavioral health services provided under the formal Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Authorities of the counties have historically been siloed between mental health treatment and
substance abuse treatment. The need for an integrated approach that simultaneously addresses
mental health and substance abuse issues is crucial, especially for individuals with dual diagnoses.
This model promotes better coordination of care, leading to improved health outcomes and a more
comprehensive treatment experience for clients. However, this integrated model must comply with
the requirements of Utah Code 17-77, Parts 2 and 3. Therefore, the contractor is preferred to have
experience working with and providing contractual behavioral health services in accordance with
Utah Code 17-77.
Expertise in Medicaid Management
Behavioral health services offered to eligible Medicaid enrollees in the counties have also been
siloed. For decades, mental health services have been provided under a capitated model managed
by a Medicaid Prepaid Mental Health Plan (PMHP), while substance abuse services have been
delivered on a fee-for-service basis by any willing provider. As we move toward integrated behavioral
health services in our area, it makes sense to adopt a unified model for Medicaid enrollees. This
would involve shifting substance abuse treatment to a capitated model managed by a PMHP.
Therefore, the selected contracted provider must have expertise as a PMHP, enabling them to
effectively oversee Medicaid capitation for substance abuse treatment. Their experience ensures
compliance with regulatory requirements and optimizes the use of funds to support integrated care
initiatives.
Streamlined Oversight and Efficiency:
Consolidating to a single provider of behavioral health services will streamline programs and
oversight, maximizing efficiencies in funding, staffing, and resource distribution. This move will
improve government efficiency by reducing overlapping responsibilities, ultimately freeing up more
resources for those in need. Additionally, it will reduce confusion in the community and make it
easier for both the partner and the public to access the resources they or their clients need.
Support for Current Employees:
Part of the integration and streamlining efforts will involve transferring 21 employees from the Bear
River Health Department to a new provider. One key requirement for the new provider is the ability
to offer these transitioning employees the same stability in their income, benefits, and retirement as
they currently have. The new provider must be eligible to provide employees access to the Utah
Retirement System benefits. This will ensure that current employees’ retirement benefits are
preserved. This stability is vital for maintaining a skilled workforce dedicated to providing
high-quality integrated behavioral health services.
Conclusion:
In summary, pursuing procurement for substance abuse treatment services in Box Elder, Cache, and
Rich Counties is a strategic initiative to improve community health outcomes and enhance
operational efficiency. This approach demonstrates our commitment to providing integrated,
comprehensive, and effective behavioral health services for those in need.
Given the unique requirements outlined in the research section, the Bear River Health Department
intends to establish a single-source contract with Bear River Mental Health Services, Inc. They are
currently the only licensed behavioral health provider capable of meeting the Bear River Health
Department’s specific needs.
Furthermore, the current contract for mental health services and shared facilities in two counties will
facilitate a smoother transition and enhance service integration, ultimately saving taxpayers both
time and resources.
Regards,
Jordan D. Mathis
Health Officer