13-OSBM2331226410 - RFP final(DHHS Program Study).pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Office of State Budget & Management

Request for Proposal #: 13-OSBM2331226410

Independent Third-Party Contractor Services to Conduct Two DHHS Program Studies

Date of Issue: August 25, 2026

Proposal Opening Date: September 17, 2026

At 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP to:

Meredith Swartz

Purchasing Officer

Email: Meredith.swartz@doa.nc.gov

Phone: 984-236-0083

Ver: 11/2025

Request for Proposal #

13-OSBM2331226410

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of proposals, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your proposal.

Failure to do so may subject your proposal to rejection.

Vendor Name

Vendor eVP#

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered Vendor in good standing. You must enter the Vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal). If you do not have a Vendor number, register at https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Proposal Number: 13-OSBM2331226410 Vendor: __________________________________________

Ver: 11/2025 1

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFP to the Procurement Lead through the Message Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section 2.6 for details.

Request for Proposal #: 13-OSBM2331226410 Proposals will be publicly opened: September 17, 2026 @ 2:00PM

Using Agency: Office of State Budget Management Commodity No. and Description:

801016 Project monitoring and evaluation Requisition No.: 2331226410

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Proposals (RFP), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this proposal, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

this proposal is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54), none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this proposal, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this RFP, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned Vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this response to the RFP, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.

By executing this bid, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the Ariba Sourcing Tool.

Failure to execute/sign proposal prior to submittal may render proposal invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late proposals shall not be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

Office of State Budget & Management

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least one-hundred twenty (120) days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this RFP.

ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL

If your proposal is accepted, all provisions of this RFP, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on

The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.

(Authorized Representative of the Office of State Budget & Management)

Contents

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.4 RFP SCHEDULE

2.5 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

2.6 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

2.7 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

2.8 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

3.3 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

3.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

3.5 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

3.6 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRICING

4.2 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.3 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

4.4 VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

4.5 REFERENCES

4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.7 PERSONNEL

4.8 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

4.10 SUBCONTRACTORS

4.11 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 STUDY ON DIVISION OF STATE OPERATED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND LME/MCOs

(STUDY #1)

5.2 STUDY ON STATE ADMINISTRATION OF MANDATED SOCIAL SERVICES (STUDY #2)18\

5.3 PROJECT ORGANIZTION……………….………………………………………………………….20

5.4 TECHNICAL APPROACH

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 INVOICES

6.3 POST AWARD BUSINESS REVIEW MEETINGS

6.4 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.5 PERIODIC MONTHLY REPORTS

6.6 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.7 TRANSITION ASSISTANCE

6.8 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.9 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.10 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The Office of State Budget Management (OSBM) seeks proposals from qualified Vendors to conduct independent studies of two

(2) DHHS programs as required by the NC General Assembly.

The studies will evaluate (1) the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities (DSOFH) and local management entities/managed care organizations (LME/MCOs) as required by Session Law 2026-41, Section 9L.2 (also referred to as “Study #1”), and (2) State Administration of Mandated Social Services as required by Session Law 2026-1, Section 3F.2 (also referred to as “Study #2”).

This Request for Proposals (RFP) covers services for both studies. Vendors may submit a proposal for Study #1, Study #2 or both studies. Vendors shall clearly identify the study or studies they wish to be considered and shall satisfy all proposal requirements applicable to each study for which they submit a proposal.

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Contract.

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of one (1) year, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”) or November 19, 2026, whichever is later. The Vendor shall begin work under the Contract within five (5) business days of the Effective Date.

Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT

This RFP is comprised of the base RFP document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: This is an NC eProcurement solicitation facilitated by the Ariba Network. The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.

What is the Ariba Network?

The Ariba Network is a web-based platform that serves as a connection point for buyers and Vendors. Vendors can log in to the Ariba Network to view purchase orders, respond to electronic requests for quotes, participate in Sourcing Events, and collaborate with buyers on contract documents.

For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site:

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFP and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFP.

If Vendors have questions, issues, regarding any component of this RFP, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the PROPOSAL QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an RFP addendum. The State may also elect to leave https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/PDF/2025-2026/SL2026-41.pdf https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/PDF/2025-2026/SL2026-1.pdf http://eprocurement.nc.gov/ open the possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract award.

Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s proposal or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s proposal that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the proposal non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s proposal shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The State may exercise in its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this RFP Response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon through negotiations and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s proposal as nonresponsive.

2.4 RFP SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFP. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

Event Responsibility Date and Time Issue RFP State August 25, 2026 Submit Written Questions Vendor September 1, 2026 Provide Response to Questions State September 3, 2026 Submit Proposals Vendor September 17, 2026, 2PM ET Contract Award State November 13, 2026 Contract Effective Date Agency CM/Vendor November 19, 2026

The Department of Administration will be conducting live bid openings over Microsoft Teams conference call. Below is the call-in information for this procurement’s bid opening scheduled for 09/17/2026 at 2PM EDT.

[insert teams link and call in number and conference ID here]

2.5 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

Upon review of the RFP documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the RFP in order to submit the best proposal possible. To accommodate the Proposal Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the RFP SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Questions related to the content of the solicitation, or the procurement process should be directed to the person on the title page of this document via the Sourcing Tool's message board by the date and time specified in the RFP SCHEDULE Section of this RFP.

Vendors will enter “RFP # 13-OSBM2331226410 – Questions” as the subject of the message. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable RFP section. This is the only manner in which questions will be received.

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888- 211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM ET to 5:00 PM ET.

Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the State’s response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by the State will be posted in the Sourcing Tool in the form of an addendum and shall become an Addendum to this RFP. No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFP, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in the RFP and an addendum to this RFP.

2.6 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late bids, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole risk of late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its proposal has been received as described in this RFP by the specified time and date of opening. Failure to submit a proposal in strict accordance with instructions provided shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s proposal(s). Solicitation responses are subject to Sealed Bidding requirements.

Vendor’s proposals for this procurement must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-trainingQuestions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

Tips for Using the Sourcing Tool

1. Vendors should review available training and confirm that they are able to access the Sourcing Event, enter responses, and upload files well in advance of the date and time response are due to allow sufficient time to seek assistance from the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk.

2. Vendors may submit their responses early to make sure there are no issues and then submit a revised response any time prior to the response due date and time. The State will only review the most recent response.

3. Vendors should respond to all relevant sections of the Sourcing Event. Certain questions or items are required in order to submit a response and are denoted with an asterisk. The Sourcing Tool will not allow a response to be submitted unless all required items are completed. The Sourcing Tool will provide error messages to help identify any required information that is missing when response is submitted.

4. Simply saving your response in the Sourcing Tool is not the same as submitting your response to the State. Vendors should make sure they complete the submission process and receive a message that their response was successfully submitted.

5. Only Proposals submitted through the Content Section of the Ariba Sourcing Event will be considered. Proposals submitted through the Message Board will not be accepted or considered for award.

Vendors may bid on services for one or both studies; Vendors should clearly indicate if they wish to be considered for one or both studies and must complete all requirements for the study or studies for which they would like to be considered

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the proposal, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the proposal.

Such information may include trade secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-152 and other information exempted from the Public Records Act pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §132- 1.2. Vendor may designate information, Products, Services or appropriate portions of its response as confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the statutes and rules set forth above. By so redacting any page, or portion of a page, the Vendor warrants that it has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisors, that the portions determined to be confidential and proprietary and redacted as such, meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. However, under no circumstances shall price information be designated as confidential.

If the Vendor does not provide a redacted version of the proposal with its proposal submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

2.7 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Vendors shall provide responses to all questions and complete all attachments for this RFP that require the Vendor to provide information and upload them to the Sourcing Event in the Sourcing Tool. Vendor may not be able to submit its response in the Sourcing Tool unless all required items are addressed. Vendors shall provide authorized signatures where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor’s proposal, in the State’s sole discretion.

Vendor shall include the following items and attachments in the Sourcing Tool:

1) Cover Letter, which must contain the following: (i)a statement that confirms that the proposer has read the RFP in its entirety, including all links, and all Addenda released in conjunction with the RFP; (ii) a statement that the Vendor agrees to perform in https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training accordance with the scope of work, requirements, and specifications contained herein; and (iii) Vendor’s agreement to comply with all instructions, terms and conditions, and attachments.

2) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Proposal Number.

3) Completed and signed version of all EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the RFP.

4) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this RFP, if required to be returned.

5) Vendor’s Proposal Response to sections 4.3 VENDOR EXPERIENCE, 4.4 VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS, 5.3 TECHNICAL APPROACH

a) Proposals for section 5.1 And 5.2 have a maximum page limit of 35 pages each.

b) The paragraph settings must be no less than single spacing, and the font must not be smaller than 10pt.

6) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

7) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT D: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

8) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT E: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

9) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

2.8 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Unless provided otherwise in this RFP, Vendor may submit alternate proposals for various methods or levels of Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate proposals must specifically identify the RFP requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate proposal. Each proposal must be for a specific set of Services and must include specific pricing. Each proposal must be complete and independent of other proposals offered. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, Vendor shall follow the specific instructions for uploading Alternate Proposals in the Sourcing Tool.

2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this RFP are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found in the Sourcing Tool, which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this RFP:

a) CFAC: Consumer and Family Advisory Committee

b) CPS: Child Protective Services

c) DHHS: the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

d) DSS: the county Departments of Social Services

e) DHB: Division of Health Benefits

f) DMH/DD/SUS: Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services

g) DOA: the North Carolina Department of Administration – Administrative Procurement Office

h) DSOHF: Division of State-Operated Healthcare Facilities of DHHS

i) I/DD: Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

j) LME/MCOs: Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations

k) NC DSS: North Carolina Division of Social Services

l) NCFAST: North Carolina Families Accessing Services and Technology

m) NCID: North Carolina Identity Management

n) OSBM: North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management

o) SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

p) STUDY #1: Study on Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities and Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations

q) STUDY #2: Study to Centralize all Services Administered by the Division of Social Services

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the State’s best interest. All qualified proposals will be evaluated, and awards will be made to the Vendor(s) meeting the specific RFP Specifications and achieving the highest and best final evaluation, based on the criteria described below.

While the intent of this RFP is to award a Contract(s) based on the best value for the State; the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for each study, to make one award for both studies, to not award a contract one or more studies or to cancel this RFP in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in proposals received.

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this RFP is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph VI., item 28. of the Instructions to Vendors entitled COMMUNICATIONS BY VENDORS.

Each Vendor submitting a proposal to this RFP, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s proposal or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s proposal, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of proposals, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this RFP or inquiries directed to the procurement lead named in this RFP regarding requirements of the RFP (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

Only responsive submissions will be evaluated.

The State will conduct a One-Step evaluation of Proposals:

Proposals will be received according to the method stated in the Proposal Submittal Section above.

All proposals must be received by the issuing agency not later than the date and time specified in the RFP SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum. Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for offers, not an offer or request to contract, and the State reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the State.

At the date and time provided in the RFP SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum, the proposal from each responding Vendor will be opened publicly and all offers (except those that have been previously withdrawn, or voided bids) will be tabulated. The tabulation shall be made public at the time it is created. When negotiations after receipt of bids are authorized pursuant to G.S. 143-49 and 01 NCAC 05B.0503, only the names of offerors and the Goods and Services offered shall be tabulated at the time of opening. If negotiation is anticipated, cost and price shall become available for public inspection at the time of the award. Interested parties are cautioned that these costs and their components are subject to further evaluation for completeness and correctness and therefore may not be an exact indicator of a Vendor’s pricing position.

At their option, the evaluators may request oral presentations or discussions with any or all Vendors for clarification or to amplify the materials presented in any part of the proposal. Vendors are cautioned, however, that the evaluators are not required to request presentations or other clarification—and often do not. Therefore, all proposals should be complete and reflect the most favorable terms available from the Vendor.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the State will make award(s) based on the evaluation and post the award(s) to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, under the RFP number for this solicitation. Award of a Contract to one Vendor does not mean that the other proposals lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected proposal was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the State.

The State reserves the right to negotiate with one or more Vendors, or to reject all original offers and negotiate with one or more sources of supply that may be capable of satisfying the requirement, and in either case to require Vendor to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) based on discussions and negotiations with the State.

3.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

In addition to the general criteria in G.S. 143-52 which may or may not be relevant to this RFP, all qualified proposals will be evaluated, and award made based on considering the following criteria, to result in an award most advantageous to the State:

BEST VALUE: "Best Value" procurement methods are authorized by N.C.G.S. §§143-135.9 and 143B-1350(h). The award decision is made based on multiple factors, including: total cost of ownership, meaning the cost of acquiring, operating, maintaining, and supporting a product or service over its projected lifetime; the evaluated technical merit of the Vendor's offer; the Vendor's past performance; and the evaluated probability of performing the specifications stated in the solicitation on time, with high quality, and in a manner that accomplishes the stated business objectives and maintains industry standards compliance. The intent of "Best Value" procurement is to enable Vendors to offer and the Agency to select the most appropriate solution to meet the business objectives defined in the solicitation and to keep all parties focused on the desired outcome of a procurement.

A ranking method of source selection will be utilized in this procurement using evaluation criteria listed in order of importance in the Evaluation Criteria section below to allow the State to award this RFP to the Vendor(s) providing the Best Value and recognizing that Best Value may result in award other than the lowest price or highest technically qualified offer. By using this method, the overall ranking may be adjusted up or down when considered with, or traded off against, other non-price factors.

EVALUATION METHOD: Narrative and by consensus of the evaluation committee, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal and why the recommended awardee(s) provide the best value to the State.

Evaluation will be conducted of each study proposal separately. The vendor that presents the best value proposal for a study will be selected to conduct that study. There is no preference to award to one vendor or to separate vendors. All qualified proposals will be evaluated, and award made based on considering the following criteria listed in descending order of importance, to result in an award most advantageous to the State:

1. Vendor Technical Approach (Section 5.3 TECHNICAL APPROACH)

2. Vendor Project Organization (Section 5.2 PROJECT ORGANIZATION)

3. Vendor Qualifications (Section 4.4 VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS)

4. Vendor Experience (Section 4.3 VENDOR EXPERIENCE and Section 4.5 REFERENCES)

5. Pricing (Section 4.1 PRICING) https://evp.nc.gov/

3.5 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this RFP, the State may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the State:

a) Total cost to the State

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the State’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

f) Ability to understand the State’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the State’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues

3.6 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This RFP serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the State; and (2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether proposals should be evaluated or rejected, the State will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the State’s needs as described in the RFP. Except as specifically stated in the RFP, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the State exercising its discretion to reject a proposal in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this RFP. By submitting a proposal, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this RFP. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification or believes a change to a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better proposal, the Vendor is urged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question-and-answer period in accordance with the Proposal Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Proposal price shall constitute the total cost to the State for complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and upload them to the Sourcing Tool. The pricing provided in ATTACHMENT A, or resulting from any negotiations, is incorporated herein and shall become part of any resulting Contract.

Pricing information should be provided separately for each study.

INVOICES MAY NOT BE PAID UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS OCCURRED AND THE DELIVERABLES ACCEPTED.

4.2 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. From the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the State within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.3 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

In its Proposal, Vendor shall demonstrate experience with public and/or private sector clients with similar or greater size and complexity to the State. Vendor shall provide information as to past studies the Vendor has completed in the last 5 years, including topics, outlines, results and any accolades received. Vendor shall provide information as to the qualifications and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person.

4.3.1 Study #1: Efficiencies in delivery of healthcare services The vendor shall demonstrate experience analyzing and evaluating delivery of government programs, including:

a) Experience conducting complex policy analyses for state governments, with preference for experience in areas involving healthcare systems, Medicaid operations, and behavioral health governance.

b) Experience in conducting fiscal assessments, operational reviews, asset evaluations, and analysis of State investment histories, with preference for evaluating State-operated healthcare facilities.

c) Experience in examining the logistics, feasibility, and financial implications of selling or leasing property, including development of credible savings estimates and identification of regulatory constraints, with preference for experience evaluation of State-owned healthcare facilities.

d) Experience in conducting comparative research across multiple states, including the ability to assess national trends, identify best practices, and evaluate how other states manage similar programs, with preference for experience evaluating public healthcare assets and systems.

e) Experience developing cost projections, implementation cost estimates, ongoing operating cost models, and financial strategies for government transformation efforts.

f) Experience in facilitating stakeholder engagement, with preference for experience in engaging on healthcare-related topics.

4.3.2 Study #2: Social Services Organizational Expertise

The vendor shall demonstrate experience analyzing and evaluating delivery of government programs, including:

a) Experience analyzing and evaluating complex state and county systems that interface and have dependencies upon one another, with preference for those having experience with social services systems, such as county-administered DSS structures, consolidated social services agencies, or regional or multi-county service delivery models.

b) Experience conducting large-scale organizational transformation, centralization, or system redesign studies for state or local government agencies, with preference for experience in social services, Medicaid, or related fields.

c) Experience in evaluating workforce issues in complex public systems, including staffing models, workload analysis, performance variability, training needs, and organizational change impacts.

d) Experience developing cost projections, implementation cost estimates, ongoing operating cost models, and financial strategies for government transformation efforts.

e) Experience in facilitating stakeholder engagement, with preference for experience in engaging in social services related topics.

4.4 VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

Vendor shall provide information as to the qualifications and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person.

4.4.1 Study #1: Efficiencies in delivery of healthcare services

The vendor shall have the following qualifications:

a) Expertise in Medicaid financing, federal compliance requirements, and the potential impacts of State decisions on federal funding streams.

b) Understanding of Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs), including their statutory role, operational functions, administrative responsibilities, and interactions with counties, providers, and beneficiaries.

c) Capability to facilitate meaningful engagement with community organizations, Medicaid providers and other stakeholders affected by system restructuring.

d) Capability in conducting fiscal impact analyses, including modeling effects on State and county budgets, provider systems, administrative operations, and stakeholder networks.

4.4.2 Study #2: Human Services Organizational Expertise

The Vendor shall have the following qualifications:

a) Expertise in federal and state legal and administrative requirements for the operation of social services in North Carolina.

b) Expertise in social services financing, federal compliance requirements, and the potential impacts of State decisions on federal funding streams.

c) Expertise in comparative research on how other states have centralized—or otherwise restructured—social services systems, with the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations.

d) Knowledge of social services information systems, including information-sharing frameworks, system interoperability, cross-program coordination, state and federal system requirements and governance and privacy considerations.

e) Expertise to identify operational, financial, legal, and workforce risks associated with large system changes and to propose feasible mitigation strategies and phased implementation approaches.

4.5 REFERENCES

Vendor shall upload at least three (3) references to the Sourcing Tool, using ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. References shall not be from the same company or from the solicitation State entity. In addition, Vendor shall provide references for and identify other government contracts it has received, for which your company has provided services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. The State shall contact these users to determine whether the Services provided are substantially similar in scope to those proposed herein and whether Vendor’s performance has been satisfactory. The information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the Proposal.

4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

Any personnel or agent of Vendor performing Services under any Contract arising from this RFP may be required to undergo a background check at the expense of the Vendor, if so requested by the State.

4.7 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants that qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the State. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s proposal result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The State will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The State may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the State may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.8 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s Proposal results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter into any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the State under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such Service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the Contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

A. Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

☐ Small Purchases

☐ Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

☒ Contract value in excess of $1,000,000.00

4.10 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State. If the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and demonstrated experience of their proposed subcontractors. The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

4.11 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

Prior to entering into a contract with the State, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State.

Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s) must furnish evidence of filing within 10 business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) bid from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the State, which requires a certificate of authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State as provided in G.S. §55-15-01 (corporations) or §57D-7-01 (LLCs). Please go to: https://www.sosnc.gov/ to register.

Vendor registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State: Yes☐ No ☐

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 STUDY ON DIVISION OF STATE OPERATED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND LME/MCOs (STUDY #1)

5.1.1 Scope of Work

The independent third-party Contractor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of State Operated Healthcare Facilities and Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs) in North Carolina. The study will focus on efficiency, administrative structure, and financial sustainability, with the goal of identifying opportunities for cost savings, administrative consolidation, and alternative management models. The Contractor will analyze administrative overhead, personnel costs, operational expenditures, and systemic redundancies, and assess the feasibility and impact of transitioning responsibilities to private entities.

5.1.2 General Statement

The purpose of this study is to provide the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the legislature with actionable insights and recommendations regarding the current and potential future structure of State Operated Healthcare Facilities and LME/MCOs. The study aims to ensure efficient use of resources, improve care coordination, and enhance financial sustainability within the state’s healthcare delivery system. The work must be completed in time for a final report submission by April 1, 2027.

5.1.3 Tasks & Deliverables

Task 1: Engage with OSBM, DHHS, and Key Stakeholders

Collaborate regularly with OSBM and DHHS and conduct structured engagement with State Operated Healthcare Facilities, LME/MCOs and other identified partners.

Task 2: Assess State Operated Healthcare Facilities Opportunities

a) Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of current State Operated Healthcare Facilities functions, State Operated facilities, and other consumer advocates.

b) Evaluate short- and long-term opportunities to improve efficiency by selling or leasing State-operated healthcare facilities to another entity in order to achieve State savings while requiring they continue to provide the same services.

c) Examine the advantages and disadvantages of selling or leasing State-operated healthcare facilities.

d) Examine current investments in State operated healthcare facilities.

e) Examine the logistics of selling or leasing the State operated healthcare facilities, including estimates of ongoing savings.

f) Research on how other states have handled state-operated healthcare facilities by facility type e.g. hospital, skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities.

https://www.sosnc.gov/

g) Outline any known risks associated with selling or leasing State operated healthcare facilities, including the loss of any federal funding to the State or loss of federally required functions such as capacity restoration for individuals found incapable to proceed on criminal charges due to mental illness.

h) Study the operational, regulatory and structural changes required to transition to a privately managed State Operated healthcare facility approach, including projected implementation costs, resource needs, ongoing operational costs, impact on state employees, and potential financing mechanisms.

i) Create a detailed, actionable timeline identifying stages, milestones, dependencies, and critical path considerations for transitioning to a privately managed State Operated Healthcare facility approach.

j) Develop a communication plan that includes clear, concise elevator speech to help stakeholders understand the recommendations.

Task 3: Assess Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization Opportunities

a) Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of current LME/MCO functions, including state, Medicaid, and county functions, and those delineated in Chapter 122C of NC General Statutes.

b) Conduct interviews, listening sessions, and consultations with key stakeholders, including OSBM, DHHS, LME/MCOs, counties, providers, CFAC and other individuals with lived experience with LME/MCOs, and other consumer advocates.

These informational sessions may be held in group or individual…