Regional Health Authorities have provided notice of their intent to move contracting of existing crisis line services from their responsibility to the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). PHSA has advised that there will be a tendering process to be managed through BC Bid. The stated reasons for the tendering of these long standing existing services seem to relate to a substantial increase in funding, and because tendering is “best practice for procurement”. As well, it has been noted that the intention is to have one key crisis line contractor in each Health Region. This is in fact already the case with the exception of one region. In the region where there is more than one key crisis line provider, a much less disruptive approach could readily conclude in having one contract.
We are concerned that untold harm would result of tendering these essential service as there is an absence of understanding of the interconnectedness of existing crisis line services with each other across the province, at the Regional Health level (beyond the typical crisis line services - e.g part of opioid response, mental health 1.800 SUICIDE and 310 Mental Health lines, as well as other emergency response supports to identified vulnerable people e.g. extreme heat check-ins). It is unclear how this tendering will impact other services at the community level.
We are lobbying to stop the RFP tendering process before it commences and that in the event that it does proceed, that direct awards will be made to the organizations that are currently members of the Network fo Crisis Line providers.
In the event that it is necessary to tender the existing crisis line services, we will lobby that direct awards are issued for existing providers.
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- Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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Children and Families, Government Procurement, Health, Mental Health and Addictions
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