Joint RFA: Frequently Asked Questions
Featured Questions and How to Use the FAQ
Questions and answers are grouped by funding opportunity. When viewing search results, please be sure to note whether they apply to BHCIP Launch Ready, CCE Capital Expansion, or both. All responses are labeled either “BHCIP,” “CCE,” or “Joint RFA.” You can download or view a PDF compilation of the FAQ questions here. This compilation is updated periodically.
BHCIP: What if our organization is unable to get a letter of support indicating we have a Medi-Cal contract with the county in time for the application submission?
Applicants who are unable to obtain a letter of support before the deadline are encouraged to complete the application process. In the application section requesting an upload of the letter of support, please upload instead a written explanation of the reasons why you are not able to obtain a letter of support, from whom you requested the letter of support, and whether you are an existing Medi-Cal contractor.
Joint RFA: If I apply for the Launch Ready grant or the CCE Capital Expansion grant, can I also apply for the other?
BHCIP Launch Ready Questions
Will there be a BHCIP Round 3: Launch Ready Part 2?
DHCS received a total of 148 applications requesting more than $2 billion in Round 3: Launch Ready funding before the Part 1 deadline and will share award announcements in June. DHCS has closed the application portal for Round 3 due to the response received in Part 1....
Will AHP be providing feedback to applicants on their BHCIP Round 3 part 1 applications? If so, what is the timeline for providing feedback?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide individual feedback on applications.
Are facilities that provide Short-Doyle mental health services eligible for BHCIP funding? Our facility serves individuals who may not be able to be on Medi-Cal because of immigration status, for example.
Please ensure your facility is on the list of eligible facilities listed in the RFA. Eligible facilities must also provide behavioral health Medi-Cal services and have a contract with their county. Counties and providers currently utilize the Short-Doyle data system...
Does the pre-application consultation determine whether we are “launch ready ”?
In preparation for the pre-application consultation, you will be asked to complete a survey that will allow your designated implementation specialist to help determine whether your project is launch ready.
Which application portal should I use to submit a BHCIP Launch Ready Part One application?
A number of BHCIP governmental applicants have raised concerns about the need to share personally identifiable information (PII) for individual employees and have requested an alternative. In response to those concerns, the Department of Health Care Services, in...
How do I know whether the facility type is eligible for this funding opportunity, given the prospective population served and services provided?
The RFA (section 3.1) explains that BHCIP Launch Ready projects need to expand community capacity for serving the behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder [SUD]) population. All eligible entities will be required to demonstrate that they have a...
What if our organization is unable to get a letter of support indicating we have a Medi-Cal contract with the county in time for the application submission?
Applicants who are unable to obtain a letter of support before the deadline are encouraged to complete the application process. In the application section requesting an upload of the letter of support, please upload instead a written explanation of the reasons why you...
I’d like to do some repairs to get my facility up to licensing standards. Can I apply for rehabilitation funding now?
No. There are no BHCIP or CCE funds available for facility repairs.
We received a Round 2 Planning grant. Are we allowed to use funds from that to pay for contracted services to work on the application for this or other BHCIP rounds or the CCE Capital Expansion grant?
Yes. Funds from a BHCIP Planning grant may be used to pay contract writers to respond to this and other BHCIP infrastructure grants, and to the CCE Capital Expansion grant.
My facility is interested in funds to purchase vehicles. Would that be covered under BHCIP?
No. This round of funding is focused on infrastructure, meaning buildings and related facilities. Although new vehicles may be part of a facility’s capital improvement, in this context they are not included.
Are private (not nonprofit or nongovernmental) organizations eligible to apply for BHCIP Launch Ready grants?
Yes. For-profit organizations and other private organizations—including private real estate developers—whose projects reflect the state priorities are eligible to apply for these funds. For more details on eligibility criteria for these entities, please see page 11 of...
What kinds of projects are private organizations invited to apply for?
Private organizations may be involved in any of the eligible project types. Any private organization would be expected to have a collaboration agreement or contract in place with a provider. There could be scenarios where the private organization is the applicant for...
Should we submit multiple pre-application consultation requests if we have multiple projects? Should we submit multiple applications?
Yes. Applications will be accepted on a project basis and a pre-application consultation is required for each application. A separate code will be needed for each project you apply for; you will receive that code as part of the pre-application consultation.
We would like to expand our current facility to serve more people, as well as purchase property across town for a second facility. Should we submit one application or two?
Applications will be accepted on a project basis. These would be viewed as two separate projects, so two applications would be required.
Our organization applied for but did not receive Round 2 Planning grant funds. Are we still eligible to apply for a Launch Ready grant?
Yes.
We have already received funding through one of the other rounds of BHCIP grants. Are we allowed to apply for this funding as well?
Yes. Recipients of Crisis Care Mobile Units (Round 1) and County and Tribal Planning (Round 2) grants are eligible to apply for a Launch Ready (Round 3) grant.
What does it mean to be “launch ready”?
For purposes of BHCIP Round 3 funding, a project is defined as “launch ready” when some essential pre-development design, planning, site control, and budgeting details have been professionally formalized and the project meets the minimum requirements listed below, but...
My organization provides services in more than one county or region. Is it eligible forBHCIP funds?
Yes, it is. We ask that you please complete an application for each site you are considering for expansion.
We are a behavioral health (BH) facility that serves individuals in more than one county. Which region do we identify in our application?
The facility’s address determines the region for the application.
Is there a limit to the number of BHCIP grants I can apply for or be awarded?
There is no limit to the number of grants you may apply for and be awarded, as long as you qualify for the specific round of funding. The awarding of grants will depend on the funding round, state priorities, and number of applications received for each round.
CCE Capital Expansion Questions
Do you have any additional information regarding the timeline for release of CCE funds for successful applicants?
Once the standard agreement between the applicant and AHP is fully executed, an initial payment will be issued directly to the applicant to begin development activities. Subsequent funding will be released following the verified completion of project milestones and...
Does CCE require us to be launch ready or just BHCIP?
CCE Capital Expansion grants do not require applicants to demonstrate launch readiness. DSS recognizes that prospective applicants may have a concept or vision for expanding residential support programs, but may need assistance to develop a viable project. Applicants...
We rent homes and use them as RCFEs. Are we eligible for the CCE Capital Expansion funding?
It depends on the expansion project that you have in mind. If you plan to remodel an existing facility that is leased to add additional capacity, the owner of the property has to agree to the service use restrictions detailed on Sec. 3.4 page 16 of the joint RFA....
Is there a limit on the amount of COSR we can apply for?
The COSR is available for use for up to 5 years from the time operations in the new or expanded facility begin. The amount depends on the size of the grantee's operating budget, to ensure reasonableness. Grantees will be expected to ensure long-term sustainability,...
If a project is already funded and under construction, is it possible to apply for COSR only, for funding the initial deficit?
Funding for the capitalized operating subsidy reserve (COSR) must be part of the development budget for the project and cannot be included as a stand-alone project. The COSR is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of CCE-funded capital projects.
If an applicant has equity in a residential structure, are they allowed to use that equity as match?
Only property—as defined by its assessor’s parcel number (APN)—that is dedicated to the grant project can be used as match, and only that equity amount can be used for match. Any property used as match must be the actual site of the project for which the funding...
At what point in the process are matching funds required to be in place?
Match funds should be “first in and first out.” That means match funds must be made available by the awardee immediately after conditional grant award, and the first funds spent on the project. Awardee will deposit match cash into their individual development bank...
Please explain funding for new developments, in particular match. For example, suppose I’m purchasing an $8 million property to develop a behavioral health facility, a project that will cost $20 million total. If I must supply a 25 percent match, equal to $5 million, does my purchase of the land (valued at $8 million) satisfy my match requirement?
Yes. Match in the form of real property appraised value for development is acceptable as long as that real property is the actual project site property and the entire Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) of land is dedicated to the new development project. If you have...
What counts as matching funds?
Match in the form of cash and in-kind contributions—such as equity amount in land and existing structures—to the real costs previously incurred by the project will be allowed. Cash is the strongest form of match. The state must approve all match sources. Cash match...
How do match requirements work for co-applicants?
For-profit providers who partner with tribes, counties, cities, or nonprofit providers will be eligible for the lower match requirement. If a private organization has a collaboration with a county, for example, the project qualifies for the county match amount (10%),...
Who is eligible to apply?
Counties, cities, tribal entities (including 638s and urban clinics), nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and private organizations whose projects reflect the state’s priorities are eligible to apply for this funding. These include adult and senior care...
Can I buy an existing residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) or adult residential facility (ARF) with CCE Capital Expansion funds?
Yes. CCE Capital Expansion funds are available for projects that include the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of residential care settings.
What building use restrictions must we agree to if we are funded?
Applicants will be required to commit to provision of services and building use restrictions for an entire 30-year period for new facilities, and for a 20-year period for capacity expansion for an existing facility.
What is pre-development, and how do I find out what must be completed to apply?
Prospective applicants that demonstrate viable projects via the pre-application consultation with real estate TA from the grant administrator or its CDFI partners may have the opportunity to apply for pre-development costs within the RFA using CCE funds only. The...
Will there be technical assistance for pre-development?
As part of the RFA process, AHP, the administrative entity for CCE, will provide pre-application consultations, training, and TA to individual applicants. In addition, AHP will offer ongoing general training and TA throughout the life of the project. Applicants will...
Can Regional Center/facilities that accept Regional Center funding or referrals apply?
A facility that currently has residents funded by a Regional Center or accepts either Regional Center funding support or referrals cannot use CCE funds to expand or enhance that residence/property. Regional Centers support persons with developmental disabilities, and...
Do building permits have to be approved before funding can be awarded?
Yes. AHP and its real estate partners will provide TA to applicants who need assistance with permitting and other funding requirements.
Where can I find data to demonstrate project need?
Available regional data can be used to demonstrate project need. As outlined in the RFA, this might include a local county/tribal/provider needs assessment, a facility wait list, or the number of comparable facilities in the area, for example. Applicants are also...
How much funding is allocated for capital expansion?
$570 million in CCE funds will be made available for capital expansion projects including acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of residential care settings. Grantees may also use these funds to establish a capitalized operating subsidy reserve (COSR) for...
How much funding is allocated for preservation, including capital preservation?
$195 million will be made available to preserve settings that serve the target and prioritized populations, including $55 million for a COSR for existing licensed facilities as well as capital preservation projects; these funds will be provided to counties and tribes...
Joint RFA / General Questions
For private organization applicants, what level of community support and engagement is expected beyond the applicant CEO and/or board?
Community engagement and support, particularly with people who have lived experience (behavioral health condition or homelessness experience), would be considered a best practice. Engaging community partners increases referrals, care coordination, and the individual’s...
If I have a two-acre parcel of land and want to add multiple facilities on the land (pending zoning/conditional use approvals), is that considered one project or multiple projects? Would I need to submit one development budget or multiple budgets?
Each application should be attached to a single address. One address can include several facilities. One project can contain multiple facilities. Applicants are required to submit a unique application and budget for every project.
Are there any real estate transactions the RFA will not support, even if all other RFA requirements are met?
The state retains the right of approval on any and all projects and will review on a case-by-case basis. At a bare minimum, a real estate transaction must be legal and must support the health and safety of the project's stakeholders and clientele.
The RFA use-of-funds definitions note that funding can be used to “rehabilitate” assets. Is there a specific definition of “rehabilitation,” and are any activities clearly considered in- or out-of-scope?
Remodeling an existing facility is an allowable project under BHCIP and CCE as long as it results in an expansion that will allow the facility to serve a greater number of the target population. Repairs to an existing licensed ARF or RCFE that does not result in an...
Do prevailing wage requirements apply to pre-development activities?
Yes, prevailing wage requirements do apply to some of the pre-development activities, such as geo-technical studies performed by civil engineers, surveys, and inspections. Applicants might want to contact prevailing wage experts such as...
If you are an RCFE licensed for six beds and you would like to expand capacity, do you need to apply for a new or different license?
You are encouraged to contact the Community Care Licensing Division within CDSS to discuss changes or updates to your license when you propose changes to your facility.
Are there specific timelines under BHCIP and CCE funding that we would need to meet for obtaining permits and for opening the site for services?
Acquisition should begin within approximately 6 months of award. Development must begin immediately after acquisition and be completed within the approved timeline. The applicant should provide a timeline from a licensed general contractor or construction manager to...
Can BHCIP or CCE funds be used to acquire the property a facility is currently operating on?
Yes, as long as the project includes bed capacity expansion and the cost of purchasing the facility is included in the overall proposed development budget for the project.
Can BHCIP or CCE funds be used to address local ordinances or state requirements for code upgrades, including seismic? Is green technology required or just recommended when upgrading an older facility to expand beds?
Seismic upgrades are only applicable to facilities that are two stories and higher. If the upgrade is part of an expansion, it can be included in the development budget. Green technology is recommended when possible, but is not required for upgrades.
If my organization applies with a tribal entity, city, county, or nonprofit organization, we’re required to provide a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Can you give an example of what would be acceptable?
Just as projects are unique, so are the relationships established in local communities. If you are unsure what would be an acceptable MOU, your implementation specialist will be happy to discuss it with you.
Our organization is applying with a partner nonprofit. How do we know what level of match we are eligible for?
During application reviews, AHP will review the source and amount of match due. In order to determine the amount of match due, AHP will review the applicant’s legal entity type and any supporting documentation of a county, nonprofit, or tribal entity collaboration....
At what point in the application process does the state approve our match?
Match is reviewed by the relevant state agency as part of the application review process and if approved by the state, will be included in the conditional award.
The application asks for a Unique Entity ID (UEI). What is a UEI and where do we get one?
The UEI takes the place of the DUNS number as of April 4, 2022. The DUNS number was a tool for the federal government to uniquely identify entities that are bidding or applying for government awards. Effective immediately, BHCIP and CCE applicants will be asked to...
What does a partnership with a county look like? Would the county be required to contribute capital to the project, or would they just need to support it?
Partnerships are highly encouraged in both the BHCIP and CCE projects to encourage innovative, comprehensive local and regional approaches. Sustainability of such partnerships for BHCIP must be ensured via an executed contract between the facility and Medi-Cal that...
Why do I need to provide my date of birth and my Social Security number to submit an application?
As the organization contracted to assist the state in processing applications for this funding, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) is contractually obligated to complete due diligence on all applications to avoid any concerns about fraud, waste, or abuse. AHP...
Are housing authorities eligible, either alone or in partnership with one of the entity types listed?
Yes. A housing authority is eligible to apply for BHCIP Launch Ready and CCE Capital expansiongrants.
Is the service use restriction different if we are in a leased building?
Under both BHCIP and CCE, facilities in leased buildings must have an existing long-term lease for the required use restriction period, with provisions to make improvements on the property.
Where can I find more information?
An informational webinar was held February 10, 2022. A copy of the PowerPoint slides from the webinar was emailed to all registrants, and both the webinar recording and the slides are available online. A separate webinar for small facility licensees was held February...
What is the maximum grant amount that a provider can apply for in each program?
There is no limit on the amount a provider can apply for. However, there are estimated targetedfunding levels by region for both the BHCIP and CCE programs, listed on page 8 of the joint RFA, and match requirements, listed on page 14 of the joint RFA. Project budgets...
Are the regional funding limits in BHCIP Parts One and Two the same?
The regional funding in Part Two will depend on the awards made in Part One, in terms of both amounts awarded and project locations.