External Evaluation Service

The City of Boston, Massachusetts, is seeking an external evaluator to design and implement a comprehensive evaluation of its community-led mental health crisis response pilot. The agency is trying to establish an alternative to traditional first responder emergency responses for individuals experiencing mental health crises. This evaluation serves as a core learning and accountability mechanism to assess implementation, outcomes, equity impacts, and fidelity to the pilot's core values. The scope of work requires the selected partner to develop a comprehensive evaluation plan within sixty days of contract execution, including indicators, a stakeholder engagement strategy, and a detailed workplan. The project covers data collection and analysis, fidelity and values assessments, and continuous quality improvement support. The agency intends for this evaluation to act as a developmental tool that fuels real-time adaptation while generating credible evidence for long-term policy, funding, accountability, oversight, and sustainability decisions. Eligibility is restricted to onshore organizations based solely in the United States. The agency allows the performance of the work to occur either onsite or offsite. The agency has not disclosed a specific budget and is looking for proposals to define the financial parameters. Interested parties must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than July 10, 2026.