Request for Proposals

City of Minneapolis Health Department

Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Division

Community-Centered Doula and Care

Coordination Services

RFP 2026-68 / Event #0000004264 Issue Date: August 25, 2026

Proposals Due by: September 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM, Minneapolis Time

Minneapolis Health Department 505 4th Avenue South, Room 520

Minneapolis, MN 55415

TEL 612.673.2301

www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/health

If you need this material in an alternative format, please call the Health Department at 612-673-2301 or email health@minneapolismn.gov. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons may use a relay service to call 311 agents at 612-673-3000. TTY users may call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Attention: If you have any questions regarding this material please call Minneapolis Health Department 612-673-2301. Para asistencia 612-673-2700 - Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 - Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

August 25, 2026

To prospective applicants, This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites qualified organizations to apply for funding to implement or expand community-centered doula and care coordination services that advance birth equity and birth justice for Minneapolis residents. These services play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of pregnant and postpartum individuals: connecting them to resources, providing continuous support across the prenatal, birth, and postpartum continuum, and advocating for safe, dignified, and self-determined birth experiences.

Funded through the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, this opportunity prioritizes culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches rooted in community expertise and lived experience. The Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) anticipates selecting 3–4 organizations to receive awards ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, with $230,000 in total funding available.

Please review the RFP and submit an application if your organization meets the qualifications. We are especially interested in proposals from agencies with deep community roots and a demonstrated commitment to equity. A pre-application conference call will be held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:30 p.m. CT.

Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 255 002 046 636 457 Passcode: 4hb6oJ7n Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only) +1 612-276-6670,,552513678# United States, Minneapolis Phone conference ID: 552 513 678#

This conference call is not mandatory but will be your only chance to talk directly to staff about the RFP.

The completed application is due no later than 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Heidi Ritchie

Interim Commissioner of Health https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/255002046636457?p=cd8liT2TebjNxI3slv https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting tel:+16122766670,,552513678

Table of Contents RFP General Information Page

I. Invitation:

II. Eligibility:

III. Schedule:

IV. Pre-Proposal Virtual Meeting:

V. Proposal Submission Instructions:

VI. Department Contact/Requests for Clarification:

VII. Proposal Format/Application Instructions:

VIII. Proposal Review Process:

IX. Contract:

X. Rejection of Proposals:

XI. Addendum to the RFP:

XII. Data Practices:

Attachment A: Scope of Services Attachment B: Proposal Cover Sheet Attachment C: Project Narrative Questions Attachment D: Anticipated Project Budget Attachment E: Application Scoring Criteria Attachment F: Terms & Conditions

Request For Proposals For

Community-Centered Doula and Care Coordination Services I. Invitation:

The Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) invites proposals from qualified organizations to deliver community-centered doula and care coordination services that advance birth equity and birth justice for Minneapolis residents. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued under the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, which supports evidence-informed programs and services that improve the health of mothers, infants, children, and families.

MHD is committed to addressing the structural and systemic inequities that drive persistent disparities in birth outcomes in Minneapolis, while also ensuring services are available for every resident. This funding opportunity centers community-based approaches, deep understanding of clients’ lived experiences, providers’ lived expertise, and culturally grounded care as essential to achieving birth equity.

A detailed outline of proposal expectations is below in Section VII: Proposal Format/Application Instructions, and program expectations are described in detail within Attachment A: Scope of Services.

II. Eligibility:

Qualified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, LLCs, or for-profit organizations that meet the criteria described in this RFP are eligible to apply for funding. Local, regional, or state government entities are not eligible for funding under this RFP.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a legally operating entity in the State of Minnesota serving Minneapolis residents (funded services must take place in Minneapolis)

• Demonstrate organizational experience providing doula, maternal health, community health, or related services to pregnant and postpartum individuals

• Have the administrative and fiscal capacity to manage a publicly funded contract, including maintaining required documentation, reporting, and financial records

• Not have any outstanding audit findings, corrective action plans in default, or debarment from public contracting

• Agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing the use of Title V MCH Block Grant funds

• Eligible organizations must also meet City of Minneapolis contract requirements, including meeting the City’s insurance requirements, such as worker’s compensation insurance, applicable professional liability insurance, commercial general liability insurance, and auto insurance (if applicable).

III. Schedule:

The following is a list of key proposal and project milestones and duration:

RFP Release August 25, 2026 Pre-Proposal Conference 10:30 a.m. CT on September 3, 2026 Questions on RFP due by 4 p.m. CT on September 10, 2026 https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/titlev https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/titlev

Estimated Responses to Questions posted by

September 14, 2026

Proposals due by 2 p.m. CT on September 21, 2026 Estimated Agency Selection October 2, 2026 Estimated services start date November 1, 2026 Estimated services end date September 30, 2027

IV. Pre-Proposal Virtual Meeting:

A pre-application virtual information session (via Microsoft Teams) will be held on Thursday, September 3 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CT. To join the meeting on your phone or computer, please use the link or dial in information listed below.

Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 255 002 046 636 457 Passcode: 4hb6oJ7n Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only) +1 612-276-6670,,552513678# United States, Minneapolis Phone conference ID: 552 513 678#

We encourage you to call in a few minutes early to ensure you are connected on time. While participation in the meeting is not required, it is encouraged for all organizations considering a response to this RFP.

It will be the only opportunity to ask staff questions about the RFP directly. A summary of the questions and answers from the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the RFP in the E-supplier Portal:

Access eSupplier Portal

V. Proposal Submission Instructions:

All proposals must be submitted electronically through the City’s eSupplier Portal. Please submit all documents as one PDF when uploading to the eSupplier system. Paper and mailed applications will not be accepted; please do not mail or drop them off to the City of Minneapolis Health Department.

Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

1. To access the eSupplier Portal, visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing business-with-the-city/get-started/

2. If you are not already a city supplier, you will need to first register as a bidder. You can do this by following the “Use the Portal” link described above and then clicking on the “Bidder/Payee Registration” tile to register:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/255002046636457?p=cd8liT2TebjNxI3slv https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting tel:+16122766670,,552513678 https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/login-details/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/bids-rfps/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/bids-rfps/

3. Click Register Now

4. If you are already a City Supplier, you should have received an email containing your eSupplier User ID and Password. If you do not remember your password, click on the “Forgot Password” tile to enter your User ID and a new password will be emailed to you.

5. If you need help with registering to use the eSupplier portal, you can find written instructions in the eSupplier Bidder and Payee Registration Guide at: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/

If you need further assistance with eSupplier;

• Email (subject line: eSupplier help) - eProcurement@minneapolismn.gov

• Phone: 612-673-2311

VI. Department Contact/Requests for Clarification:

Prospective responders shall direct inquiries/questions in writing only to:

Health Department: health.contracts@minneapolismn.gov

Subject Line: RFP for Community-Centered Doula and Care Coordination Services

All questions are due no later than 4:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026. The estimated date responses to the questions will be posted on is Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, as an addendum to the RFP package on the eSupplier portal at: Access eSupplier Portal

VII. Proposal Format/Application Instructions:

Proposals should contain the following sections and appendices and be arranged in consecutive order to allow for easier comparison of proposals during evaluation.

Cover Sheet

Complete the proposal cover sheet (Attachment B), including contact information and Unique Entity ID (UEI) number. If you do not have a UEI number, you will need to obtain one from SAM.GOV (https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration).

Project Narrative

The project narrative should be no more than ten (10) pages in 12-point font, single spaced, with one-inch margins. The proposal cover sheet, budget, and budget narrative should be attached to the narrative, but will not be counted toward the page limit.

The project narrative questions that should be answered in your project narrative are included as Attachment C: Project Narrative Questions, found at the end of the RFP.

Budget Template and Narrative

A budget template is included as Attachment D: Anticipated Project Budget. Use of the provided budget template is optional. If you choose to use your own format, please ensure it includes https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/ mailto:eProcurement@minneapolismn.gov mailto:health.contracts@minneapolismn.gov https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/login-details/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration sufficient detail, including individual line items for each type of expense, calculations for requested amounts, and separate line items for each personnel cost.

You should include a budget narrative to ensure that your budget includes the necessary amount of detail. A budget narrative template is included in Attachment D.

Company Financial Information

Proof of financial responsibility, any bankruptcy filings by the consultant, its principals and officers during the previous seven years is required. More information on Company Financial Information requirements can be found in Attachment C: Project Narrative Questions.

VIII. Proposal Review Process:

Proposals will be reviewed and scored by a panel of City of Minneapolis staff and external reviewers using the criteria and point values below (Attachment E). Applications will be ranked based on their total scores. No criteria beyond those listed below will be used to evaluate proposals.

• Organizational Overview (10 points) — Applicant's organizational history, relevant experience, fiscal responsibility, and partnerships; workforce alignment with the cultural backgrounds and lived experience of the communities served.

• Project Plan (25 points) — Target population and community, the problem or need being addressed, proposed activities, and rationale for the approach.

• Program-Specific Narrative (35 points) — Doula service model, care coordination model, intake and enrollment procedures, and approach to birth equity and anti-racism in direct service delivery.

• Evaluation (20 points) — Program objectives tied to birth equity outcomes, measurable outcomes, anticipated outputs, and evaluation methodology.

• Project Budget and Justification (10 points) — Budget alignment with proposed scope of services and reasonableness of costs; administrative costs capped at 10% of direct costs.

At any time during the process, MHD may elect to contact applicant agencies with requests for clarification, an interview with agency personnel, or a presentation on the proposed project to aid in the selection process, other items, or information.

IX. Contract:

The contracting parties will be the City of Minneapolis and the agencies selected to provide the services as described herein. The selected proposals, along with the RFP and any counter proposals, will be incorporated into formal agreements after negotiations. The City intends to award contracts for a term ending November 30, 2027.

The contract for services with the agencies selected under this RFP may be extended for up to two (2) years following the initial performance period. Any extension of the contract will be contingent upon the availability of funding and on agency performance during the initial year. Contract extension is at the sole option of the City. The City may also choose to explore partnering with the contracted agency to seek outside funding sources for sustainability beyond the initial contract period.

X. Rejection of Proposals:

The City does not promise to accept the lowest cost proposal and specifically reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any formal proposal requirements, to investigate the qualifications and experience of any Contractor, to reject any provisions in any proposal, to reject all proposals and resolicit for new proposals, to negotiate the requested services and contract terms with any Contractor, or to proceed to do the work otherwise. Incomplete proposals and proposals not sufficiently detailed or not in acceptable form may be rejected by the City.

XI. Addendum to the RFP:

If any addendum is issued for the RFP, it will be posted as an attachment to the RFP package in the eSupplier portal. The City reserves the right to cancel or amend the RFP at any time.

XII. Data Practices:

Data you provide in response to this RFP will be subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and may be available to the public. Minn. Stat. 13.591 classifies Business Data and subdivision 3 specifically addresses data submitted in response to an RFP. If you are submitting specific data which you believe meets the definition of trade secret data as defined in Minn. Stat.

13.37, please indicate this on the documents containing the data. The City may ask you to establish that the data meets all of the conditions set forth in Minn. Stat. 13.37, subdivision l(b).

Attachment A: Scope of Services Background:

Minneapolis mirrors national patterns of profound disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. These disparities include significantly high rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal morbidity, and infant mortality amongst historically underserved populations.

Birth justice, the recognition that all people have the human right to a safe, dignified, and self-determined birth experience, must anchor public health approaches to reducing disparities caused by a complex mix of social, economic, environmental and structural factors, including, but not limited to, structural racism, historical exclusion from quality healthcare, chronic stress from discrimination, and inequitable access to social determinants of health including housing, income, and community support. Achieving birth equity requires intentional investment in community-based, culturally aligned support services that meet birthing people where they are across the full continuum of prenatal, birth, and postpartum care.

This RFP is funded through the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and allocated to the Minneapolis Health Department for local programming. Title V funds support services for low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children, with priority on reaching populations experiencing health disparities.

Purpose of this RFP:

The Role of Doulas in Birth Equity

Community-based doulas are a proven intervention for improving birth outcomes and reducing disparities by providing culturally competent care. Research demonstrates that doula support is associated with:

• Reduced rates of preterm birth and low birth weight

• Lower rates of cesarean delivery

• Improved breastfeeding initiation and duration

• Reduced need for pain medication during labor

• Improved maternal mental health outcomes in the postpartum period

• Higher satisfaction with the birth experience

Despite this evidence, doula services remain inaccessible to many people due to cost, lack of insurance coverage, and structural barriers to care. Publicly funded doula programs can close this gap and ensure that community members most affected by birth inequities have access to comprehensive, relationship-based support.

Care Coordination as a Continuum-of-Care Strategy

MHD recognizes that doulas can and should function as care coordinators, trusted community navigators, who connect birthing people to a broad range of services and supports throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods. Funded programs under this RFP are expected to provide doula services within a care coordination framework, linking clients to:

• Prenatal medical care and specialist referrals

• Mental health and substance use support

• Basic needs resources (housing, food, transportation, utility assistance)

• Home visiting programs

• Parenting and infant care education

• Postpartum health services

• Legal and advocacy resources where applicable

This continuum-of-care approach positions doulas as central members of each client's support network, working in partnership with healthcare providers, home visitors, and community organizations.

Eligible Activities:

Doula and care coordination services funded under this RFP, while not mandated to follow a specific evidence-based model, should draw on promising practices that center the needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families across the prenatal, birth, and postpartum continuum. All services should reflect a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded approach that honors the knowledge, resilience, and self-determination of the communities served.

Programs should be designed to foster healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes, reduce disparities in maternal and infant health, promote postpartum recovery and mental health, strengthen parent-infant bonding and early relational health, connect families to economic and social support, and advance birth equity and reproductive justice.

Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant funds cannot be used to deliver or reimburse clinical medical services. Doula and care coordination services funded through this RFP are community-based in nature and must remain distinct from medical treatment or home health care. Services may be delivered by trained community doulas, community health workers, or similar community-based roles. Programs are encouraged to establish clear referral pathways to clinical care providers but are not required to be led by a licensed clinical professional.

To be eligible to receive services funded under this RFP, an individual must reside within the city of Minneapolis and be pregnant or within 12 months postpartum. Services must be targeted to individuals who are low income (at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines, or up to 200% FPL for individuals also meeting high-risk criteria) and/or high risk (having a condition that significantly increases risk of adverse health outcomes, including but not limited to prior pregnancy loss, preterm birth, limited prenatal care access, housing instability, or experience of racial discrimination in healthcare). Eligibility must be determined at enrollment and documented in each participant's program record. Individuals at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines may not be charged fees for services provided under this contract. Providers may not discriminate against eligible individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, status regarding a public assistance program, housing status, justice-impacted status, height and weight, or any combination thereof.

Eligible expenses include:

• Administrative costs

• Salaries, honorariums, and/or outreach expenses

• Space rental (proportionate to the work completed under the RFP)

• Printing and/or copies

• Outreach supplies and/or materials

• For more information, please see Attachment D: Anticipated Project Budget

Ineligible expenses include:

• Lobbying of City of Minneapolis elected officials, fundraising, electoral campaigning, inherently religious activities, or medical home visiting services.

• Activities that occur before the execution or after the expiration of the program.

• An activity that does not serve to further the goal of this RFP while positively engaging with Minneapolis residents.

• Activities that do not take place in Minneapolis or serve Minneapolis residents.

Here are a few examples of strategies or activities that could be proposed for community-centered doula and care coordination services.

• Community Doula Services o Provide trained community doulas who offer individualized, culturally responsive support to clients during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods o Conduct prenatal or postpartum client visits o Provide on-call labor and delivery support, including in-person hospital or birth center accompaniment o Prioritize the recruitment and employment of doulas with deep understanding or lived experience reflective of the clients served

• Care Coordination o Conduct comprehensive needs assessments at program enrollment and at key intervals throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods o Develop individualized care plans in partnership with each client that identify health, social, and economic goals and needed resources o Provide active referrals and warm handoffs to community resources, healthcare providers, and social services o Coordinate with family home visiting programs, where appropriate o Maintain documentation of referrals made and outcomes achieved

Note that applicants are not required to submit proposals that incorporate any of these strategies or activities. These are only provided as examples. Applicants are welcome to incorporate one or more of these approaches but are encouraged to propose projects that reflect community need and applicant expertise. Funded programs should embed birth equity and anti-racism principles throughout service delivery and meaningful community engagement efforts.

Available Funding:

MHD anticipates making 3–4 awards under this RFP totaling $230,000 for the initial contract period. Individual award amounts are anticipated to range from $50,000 to $75,000 annually.

MHD reserves the right to fund fewer or more proposals than anticipated, to negotiate award amounts, and to make no awards if proposals do not meet the standards established in this RFP.

Project Evaluation:

All funding recipients will be expected to participate in evaluation activities to monitor short-term, measurable project outcomes that will be reported on a quarterly basis. Reports will include updates on outcomes, demographics, and program details such as individuals reached, activities completed, use of funds, accomplishments, and challenges encountered. Each report will also include a narrative covering successes, barriers, and staffing updates. Recipients may be asked to provide supporting documentation such as sign-in sheets, participant rosters, and photos or videos.

Agencies also may be asked to participate in interviews, focus groups, or surveys to gather information about project impact. Final requirements will be determined by MHD for each recipient on a case-by-case basis dependent on the nature of the project.

Invoicing and Reporting:

All funding provided for projects will be given as a reimbursement for actual costs and expenses incurred in the conduct of the organization’s project. All costs must be documented and accounted for by the organization.

Agencies receiving funding must be able to provide the City with receipts for all purchases made with contract funds as well as evidence of staff time requested under this application if requested by MHD. Invoices must include a breakdown of salary, stating number of hours worked per invoicing period. Purchased supplies must be named in the invoice with attached receipts for documentation.

Quarterly progress reports and invoices are required throughout the grant period, though invoices may also be submitted monthly. A final invoice and project summary report and/or final presentation must be submitted by the end of the grant period. A final report may include:

• Number of clients served

• Demographic characteristics of clients served (e.g., race, ethnicity, age, zip code, insurance status, parity)

• Number of prenatal doula visits provided

• Number of labor and delivery accompaniments

• Number of postpartum visits provided

• Number of referrals made by type of service

• Birth outcomes for clients served (gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery)

• Breastfeeding initiation rates

• Postpartum depression screening rates and referral outcomes

• Client-reported satisfaction and experience with doula services

• Rate of well-child visit completion postpartum

Attachment B: Proposal Cover Sheet

Organization Information

Name of Applicant Agency:

Agency address:

Agency Telephone:

Website:

Agency UEI # (see https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei for more information and to obtain your UEI):

Contact Person Name and Title:

Contact Person Telephone:

Contact Person Email Address:

Total Amount Requested:

Proposal Checklist:

___ Completed cover sheet (Attachment B) ___ Project narrative (maximum 10 pages) (Attachment C) ___ Budget & Narrative (Attachment D) ___ Company Financial Information https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei

Attachment C: Project Narrative Questions The project narrative and budget will be scored based on 100 total possible points as noted below and must include the following:

1. Organizational Overview (10 points): What makes your organization qualified to deliver birth equity and doula services to the community? In your response, please directly answer the following:

a. Provide a brief overview of your organization's history and work relevant to the scope of services.

Include your background and related experience in doula services, maternal and infant health, or community-based care; your demonstrated history of fiscal responsibility; and any relevant partnerships or collaborations your organization could leverage for this project.

b. Detail your organization's efforts to cultivate a workforce that has deep understanding of or reflects the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of its clients. Provide an overview of staff and leadership, including, for example, the presence of bilingual staff available, and the extent to which doulas and care coordinators share lived experiences with or have deep cultural understanding of the clients served.

2. Project Plan (25 points): What would it look like for your organization to do this work, and how will you ensure project success? In your response, please directly answer the following:

a. What target population and/or communities will this project focus on? Describe the specific

Minneapolis residents you intend to serve, including relevant demographic characteristics, geographic focus if applicable, and any subpopulations within the broader priority population.

b. What specific problem or issue within your target population is this project intended to address?

Why is that issue important? Please include specific justification drawn from local or national data, community needs assessments, lived experience of community members, or other sources.

c. What do you propose to do about the problem or issue you described? In your description of proposed project activities, please include the following:

• How many individuals do you expect to enroll and serve?

• How many doulas, care coordinators, staff, and/or partners will be involved, and what will each do?

• Are the proposed activities part of an ongoing effort, an expansion of an existing effort, or a new project?

• If an ongoing effort, why are these funds necessary?

• If an expansion, what is new or different about this project?

• If a new project, how do you plan to recruit participants and establish community presence?

d. Why did you choose the specific activities you are proposing, and why do you believe they will be effective for your target population?

e. What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them?

3. Program-Specific Narrative (35 points): Based on the scope of services described in this RFP, please directly answer the following:

a. Describe your doula service model in detail, including the structure and content of prenatal visits, labor and delivery accompaniment, and postpartum visits. Explain what approaches doulas will use to support clients across the continuum of care, how caseloads will be managed, and how services will be adapted to meet the individual cultural, linguistic, and social needs of each client. If group-based programming (such as childbirth education or postpartum support groups) will be offered alongside individual doula support, describe those activities and the rationale for their inclusion.

b. Describe your care coordination model, including how you will conduct needs assessments, develop individualized care plans, make and track referrals, and follow up with clients over time.

Detail your referral network, including internal programs and existing community partnerships, and explain how staff will identify and develop new referral relationships to reach priority populations, highly mobile individuals, and those facing multiple barriers to care.

c. Detail your intake, eligibility, and enrollment procedures. Describe how clients will be screened and assessed, including tools and approaches used to assess needs related to mental health (including postpartum depression), social determinants of health, and birth preferences and history. Include examples of specific assessment tools and explain how results will be used to inform each client's care plan and monitored over time.

d. Describe your organization's approach to birth equity and anti-racism practice in direct service delivery. How do your doulas and staff recognize and respond to the cultural values, beliefs, and lived experiences that shape each client's needs and goals? How do they build trust and rapport, particularly with clients who may have experienced mistreatment or discrimination in healthcare settings? How does your organization support clients in advocating respectful, equitable care?

4. Evaluation (20 points): How will you know if your project has worked? In your response, please directly answer the following:

a. State up to 3 program objectives. Objectives should reflect what you intend to achieve through your doula and care coordination activities in relation to birth equity outcomes.

b. Describe up to 3 measurable outcomes tied to program activities that demonstrate progress toward your objectives. Outcomes may include changes in birth outcomes, client well-being, access to services, or experience of care.

c. Describe specific anticipated program outputs, such as number of clients enrolled, number of prenatal visits completed, number of labor and delivery accompaniments, number of postpartum visits completed, and number of referrals made.

d. Describe how you will track progress and measure outcomes, including the timeframe for measurement, the tools and data sources you will use, and the staff members responsible for data collection and reporting to MHD.

e. Describe how your organization will determine and document participant eligibility under Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant requirements, including income and/or risk factor determination (see eligibility requirements in Attachment A: Scope of Services).

5. Company Financial Information (Required for the City of Minneapolis)

a. Proposers must submit any corporate bankruptcy filings from the previous seven years.

b. Proposers must provide their current ratio based on their most recent balance sheet. Please use the following formula for the current ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities = Current Ratio, or provide your latest audit or Financial Statement.

Attachment D: Anticipated Project Budget

Budget (optional template below) - Please include a draft budget for how the funding will be used to complete the scope of services. Your budget should reflect completion of items noted in the Scope of Services (Attachment A). Administrative fees cannot exceed 10%. (10 points)

Personnel Role on project Base salary, hourly rate, or annual wage

Estimated hours on project

Salary/wages charged to project

Other funding source or in-kind

Name 1 (or “to be named”)

Name 2

Name 3

Total Salary/Wages

Fringe Benefits

Total Personnel Costs

Other Expenses [categories below may be modified as needed]

Supplies

Printing

Other (specify)

Total Other Expenses

Total Direct Costs (sum of Total Personnel, Total Other Expenses, and Total Contractual)

Administrative Costs (not to exceed 10% of Total Direct Costs)

Total Project Costs (sum of Total Direct Costs and Administrative Costs)

Required detail Personnel (salary/wages) Provide for all individuals funded by the proposal. Include salary/wage, description of their role on the project, and their qualifications for their role. Justify the time allocated to the project for each individual. When requesting funds for non-direct staff time (e.g. executive director, project director, etc.), keep in mind that no more than 10% of a project’s budget can be used for administrative/overhead expenses.

Fringe benefits For the amount provided in the table, indicate whether the calculation was based on an across-the-board fringe benefits rate used by your agency (e.g., 20% of salary) or whether it was computed based on actual fringe costs for each individual.

Other expenses These are examples of some potential other expense categories. Not all of these will necessarily be applicable for your project, or you may have additional categories not listed. Please modify subheads to match subheads used in budget table).

• Mileage: describe the purpose for the travel; provide the numbers of miles and mileage rate used.

• Supplies: describe the types of supplies and their applicability to the project.

• Printing: estimate costs for printing or photocopying and explain how the amount was derived.

• Program costs/incentives: expenses associated with implementing the program or project.

• Other (specify): add an explanation for any other categories identified in the budget table.

Administrative Costs Specify the rate used and indicate what the agency costs are that are covered by the rate. No more than 10% of a project’s budget can be used for administrative/overhead expenses.

Notes

• You may use your own form instead of this template. If you choose to use your own format, please ensure it includes enough detail, including individual line items for each type of expense, calculations for requested amounts, and separate line items for each personnel cost.

• You must include the required detail listed above. You can include it within a budget table or as a separate budget narrative, but you are responsible for ensuring that your budget includes the necessary amount of detail.

• You can add or delete lines/columns as needed.

If project includes funding from another source, please identify the source of the funding and the specific line items for which it will be used.

Attachment E: Application Scoring Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed and scored by a panel of City of Minneapolis staff and external reviewers using the criteria below, based on 100 total possible points.

Organizational Overview 10 total Applicant's organizational history and relevant experience in doula services, maternal and infant health, or community-based care are clearly described, along with a demonstrated history of fiscal responsibility and any relevant partnerships or collaborations.

Applicant describes its efforts to cultivate a workforce that has deep understanding of or reflects the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of the communities served and the extent to which doulas and care coordinators share with or have deep understanding of the lived experience of clients.

Project Plan 25 total The target population and/or communities to be served are clearly described, including relevant demographics, geographic focus, and priority subpopulations.

The problem or issue the project addresses is clearly identified and justified using local or national data, community needs assessments, and/or lived experience.

Proposed activities are clearly described, including anticipated number of individuals served, staff/partners involved and their roles, and whether the project is new, ongoing, or an expansion.

Applicant explains why the proposed activities were chosen and are likely to be effective, and anticipates challenges with a reasonable plan to address them.

Program-Specific Narrative 35 total The doula service model is clearly described, including the structure of prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support; caseload management; and adaptation to clients' cultural, linguistic, and social needs.

The care coordination model is clearly described, including needs assessments, individualized care plans, referral tracking and follow-up, and the applicant's referral network and plan to build new community partnerships.

Intake, eligibility, and enrollment procedures are clearly described, including specific screening and assessment tools used and how results inform each client's care plan.

Applicant's approach to birth equity and anti-racism in direct service delivery is clearly described, including how staff build trust with clients and support them in advocating for respectful, equitable care.

Evaluation 20 total Up to three program objectives tied to birth equity outcomes are clearly stated.

Up to three measurable outcomes tied to program activities are clearly described.

Anticipated program outputs (e.g., clients enrolled, visits completed, accompaniments, referrals made) are clearly described.

Applicant describes how progress will be tracked and outcomes measured, including timeframe, tools/data sources, and staff responsible.

Applicant describes how participant eligibility (income and/or risk factors) will be determined and documented in accordance with Title V requirements.

Project Budget and Justification 10 total The proposed budget reflects the scope of services described in Attachment A, with sufficient detail and reasonable, allowable costs.

Administrative costs do not exceed 10% of total direct costs.

TOTAL SCORE 100 total

Note: Applicants must also submit Company Financial Information (corporate bankruptcy filings from the previous seven years and current ratio or most recent audit/financial statement) as required in Attachment C. This information is reviewed for completeness and financial responsibility and is not assigned separate points toward the 100-point score.

Attachment F: Terms & Conditions

City of Minneapolis Terms and Conditions for Professional Services Contracts Over $175,000 (Revised: May 6, 2026)

The General Conditions are terms and conditions that the City expects its Contractors and Consultants (“Contractor”) to meet. The Contractor agrees to be bound by these requirements unless otherwise noted in any Proposal to which these terms are attached. Some negotiation is possible to accommodate the Contractor’s suggestions.

1. General Compliance The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations governing the services performed and funds provided under the Contract.

2. Equal Opportunity Statement The Contractor agrees to comply with applicable provisions of federal, state and city regulations, statutes and ordinances pertaining to the civil rights of and non-discrimination in the application for and employment of applicants, employees, subcontractors and suppliers of the Contractor.

The federal, state and city statutes and ordinances to which the Contractor shall be subject under the terms of this Contract include, without limitation, Minnesota Statutes, Section 181.59 and Chapter 363A, Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Chapter 139, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e, et. seq.

(Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), 29 U.S.C. Sections 621-624 (the Age Discrimination in Employment Act), 42 U.S.C. Sections 12101-12213 (the Americans with Disability Act), 29 U.S.C. Section 206(d) (the Equal Pay Act), 8 U.S.C. Section 1324 (the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986), and all regulations and policies promulgated to enforce these laws. The Contractor shall have submitted and had an “affirmative action plan” approved by the City prior to entering into a Contract.

3. Anti-Discrimination Statement The Contractor agrees to comply with applicable provisions of federal, state and city regulations, statutes and ordinances pertaining to the civil rights and non-discrimination in any provision of services to the public contracted for under this Contract, such that the contracted services are provided to the public without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to a public assistance program, housing status, justice-impacted status, height and weight, or any combination thereof.

4. Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines The Contractor agrees that web content and mobile applications created pursuant to this Contract shall be compliant with the requirements and standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Version 2.1, Level AA unless a legal exception or exemption applies.

5. Insurance

Insurance secured by the Contractor shall be issued by insurance companies acceptable to the City and admitted in Minnesota. The insurance specified may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary or excess. Such insurance shall be in force on the date of execution of the Contract and shall remain continuously in force for the duration of the Contract.

Acceptance of the insurance by the City shall not relieve, limit or decrease the liability of the Contractor. Any policy deductibles or retention shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

The City does not represent that the insurance requirements are sufficient to protect the Contractor’s interests or provide adequate coverage. Evidence of coverage is to be provided on a current ACORD Form, Insurance Declaration. A thirty (30) day written notice is required if the policy is canceled, not renewed or materially changed. The Contractor shall require any of its sub-contractors, if sub-contracting is allowable under this Contract, to comply with these provisions.

The Contractor and its subcontractors shall secure and maintain the following insurance:

a) Workers Compensation insurance that meets the statutory obligations with Coverage

B- Employers Liability limits of at least $100,000 each accident, $500,000 disease - policy limit and $100,000 disease each employee.

b) Commercial General Liability insurance with limits of at least $2,000,000 general aggregate, $2,000,000 products - completed operations $2,000,000 personal and advertising injury, $300,000 each occurrence fire damage and $5,000 medical expense any one person. The policy shall be on an “occurrence” basis, shall include contractual liability coverage and the City shall be named an additional insured. The amount of coverage will be automatically increased if the project amount is expected to exceed $2,000,000 or involves potentially high-risk activity.

c) Commercial Automobile Liability insurance covering all owned, non-owned and hired automobiles with limits of at least $1,000,000 per accident.

d) Professional Liability Insurance or Errors & Omissions Insurance providing coverage for 1) the claims that arise from the errors or omissions of the Contractor or its subcontractors and 2) the negligence or failure to render a professional service by the Contractor or its subcontractors. The insurance policy should provide coverage in the amount of $2,000,000 each claim and $2,000,000 annual aggregate. The insurance policy must provide the protection stated for two years after the expiration of the contract.

e) Cyber Liability for the duration of this agreement providing coverage for, but not limited to, Technology and Internet Errors & Omissions, Security and Privacy Liability, and Media Liability. Insurance will provide coverage against claims that arise from the disclosure of not public information from files including but not limited to: 1) Intentional, fraudulent or criminal acts of the Contractor, its agents or employees. 2) Breach of the City’s not public data, whether electronic or otherwise. The insurance policy should provide minimum coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate. If written on a Claims-Made basis, the policy must provide an extended reporting period and have a retroactive date that on or before the date of this Contract or the date Contractor commences work, whichever is earlier.

6. Indemnity and Hold Harmless The Contractor will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officers and employees from all liabilities, claims, damages, costs, judgments, lawsuits and expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees regardless of the Contractor’s insurance coverage, arising directly from any negligent act or omission of the Contractor, its employees, agents, by any sub-contractor or sub-consultant, and by any employees of the sub-contractors and sub-consultants of the Contractor, in the performance of work and delivery of services provided by or through this Contract or by reason of the failure of the Contractor to perform, in any respect, any of its obligations under this Contract. If a Contractor is a self-insured agency of the State of Minnesota, the terms and conditions of Minnesota Statutes, section 3.732 et seq.

shall apply with respect to liability bonding, insurance, and liability limits. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 466 shall apply to other political subdivisions of the State of Minnesota.

Where the Services provided by the Contractor to the City are “design professional services” as described in Minnesota Statutes, Section 604.21, then, the Contractor will not be obligated to defend the City as required above.

7. Subcontracting

The Contractor shall not sub-consult or sub-contract any services under this Contract unless authorized in writing by the City. The Contractor shall provide written notice to the City and obtain the City’s authorization to sub-contract any work or services to be provided to the City pursuant to this Contract. As required by Minnesota Statutes, Section 471.425, the Contractor shall pay all subcontractors for subcontractor’s undisputed, completed work, within ten (10) days after the Contractor has received payment from the City.

8. Assignment or Transfer of Interest

The Contractor shall not assign any interest in the Contract, and shall not transfer any interest in the same either by assignment or novation, without the prior written approval of the City which will not be withheld or delayed unreasonably.

9. Performance Monitoring The City will monitor the performance of the Contractor against goals and performance standards required herein. Substandard performance as determined by the City will constitute non-compliance with this Contract. If action to correct such substandard performance is not taken by the Contractor within a reasonable period of time to cure such substandard performance after being notified by the City, contract termination procedures will be initiated.

All work submitted by Contractor shall be subject to the approval and acceptance by the City Department Contract Manager designated herein. The City Department Contract Manager designated herein shall review each portion of the work when certified as complete and submitted by the Contractor and shall inform the Contractor of any apparent deficiencies, defects, or incomplete work, at any stage of the project.

10. Prior Uncured…