30-270063-DMH_Opiod Antagonist RFP_Issue.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Request for Proposal #: 30-270063-DMH

PURCHASE AND SHIPPING OF OPIOID ANTAGONISTS

Date Issued: September 29, 2026

Proposal Opening Date: October 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP to:

Eve Hens

Contract Specialist

Email: Eve.Hens@dhhs.nc.gov

Phone: 585-297-4954

Ver. 07/2026

Request for Proposal #

30-270063-DMH

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/Sign

Ver: 07/2026 1

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Proposal (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), that 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 Contract; 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 are not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees or agents of Vendor’s organization.

By executing this proposal, 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 cannot 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: E-MAIL:

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFP to the procurement lead through the Message Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section 2.5 Proposal Questions for details:

Eve Hens, eve.hens@dhhs.nc.gov

Request for Proposal # 30-270063-DMH

Proposals will be publicly opened: October 23, 2026 at 2:00PM ET

Using Agency: DMH/DD/SUS Commodity No. and Description: 511423 – Narcotic antagonist Requisition No.: RQ302817

Proposal Number: 30-270063-DMH Vendor: ____________________________________

Ver: 07/2026 2

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least one hundred and 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 Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services)

Ver: 07/2026 3

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 ORDER PROCESSING AND SHIPMENT MANAGEMENT

4.3 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

4.4 DELIVERY

4.5 WARRANTY

4.6 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

4.7 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

4.8 REFERENCES

4.9 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.10 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

4.11 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.12 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

4.13 SUBCONTRACTORS

4.14 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

4.15 SUSTAINIBILITY EFFORTS

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

GENERAL

SPECIFICATIONS

5.3 TASKS/DELIVERABLES

5.4 TECHNICAL APPROACH

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 INVOICES

6.3 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.4 QUARTERLY STATUS REPORTS

6.5 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

Ver: 07/2026 4

6.6 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.7 PRODUCT RECALL

6.8 PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

6.9 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.10 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT: PRICING FORM

Ver: 07/2026 5

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to obtain a Vendor(s) to partner with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS or “Division”) for the purchase and shipping of opioid antagonist medications within the State of North Carolina.

From 2000-2024, more than 44,500 North Carolinians lost their lives to a drug overdose. Each day in 2024, 8 North Carolinians died from a drug overdose. Recent year death data is not yet final, but an estimated 2,731 North Carolinians (8 per day) are suspected to have died from an overdose in 2025.

An opioid antagonist is a medication that binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks or reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone. It works quickly to restore normal breathing in someone experiencing an opioid overdose, which can prevent brain damage or death.

The General Assembly of North Carolina, Session 2025, enacted Session Law 2026-41, Senate Bill 257. Section IX-G, Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services, Use of Opioid Settlement Funds which outlines the procurement of the following directly from drug manufacturers:

a. Intranasal and intramuscular opioid antagonists for distribution to, or use by, persons or governmental entities engaged in opioid overdose prevention and response efforts within the State of North Carolina.

b. Ancillary services related to the distribution and use of intranasal and intramuscular opioid antagonists.

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”).

At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the State shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to three (3) additional one-year terms. The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than thirty (30) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition, the State reserves the right to extend a contract term after the last active term.

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

The 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 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.

Ver: 07/2026 6

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 also are responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFP.

If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component within 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 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. 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 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 during 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 9/29/2026 Submit Written Questions

Vendor 10/6/2026 by 5:00PM ET

Provide Responses to Questions

State 10/9/2026

Submit Proposals Vendor 10/23/2026 at 2:00PM ET Public bid opening:

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/218391997532996?p=Rl9BaKba346lU6M1Lr Meeting ID:

218 391 997 532 996 Passcode:

KE6Wr2qZ

Contract Award State 12/15/2027

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 # 30-270063-DMH – 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.

Ver: 07/2026 7

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 an Addendum to this RFP.

2.6 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Vendor shall bear the 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-training

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 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.

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the bid, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the bid. 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 bid with its bid submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

Ver: 07/2026 8

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.

Vendors shall upload the following items and attachments in the Sourcing Tool:

a) Cover Letter, which must include the following: (i) a statement that confirms that the Vendor has read the RFP in its entirety, including all links, and Addenda released in conjunction with the RFP; (ii) a statement that Vendor agrees to perform in 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.

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

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

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

e) Vendor’s Proposal addressing all Specifications of this RFP.

f) Completed version of ATTACHMENT: PRICING

g) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

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

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

j) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EO50 PRICE-MATCHING, if applicable

2.8 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Unless provided otherwise in this RFP, Vendor may submit alternate proposals for comparable Goods, 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 Goods and 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 referenced in the Sourcing Tool which are incorporated herein by this reference.

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

Acronym/Definition Meaning

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

FOB Free On Board

IM Intramuscular

NCDHHS North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Opioid Antagonist Medication approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration that is indicated for the reversal of opioid overdose

Ver: 07/2026 9

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) to multiple Vendors, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items 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.

If a Vendor selected for award is determined by the State to be a non-resident of North Carolina, all responsive proposals will be reviewed to determine if any of them were submitted by a North Carolina resident Vendor who requested an opportunity to match the price of the winning proposal, pursuant to Executive Order #50 and G.S. 143-59 (for more information, please refer to ATTACHMENT: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE ORDER #50 PRICE MATCHING. If such proposals(s) are identified, the State will then determine whether any such proposal falls within the price-match range, and, if so, make a Contract award in accordance with the process that implements G.S. 143-59 and Executive Order #50.

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 29 of the Instructions To Vendors entitled COMMUNICATIONS BY VENDORS.

Each Vendor submitting a bid to this IFB, 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.

Ver: 07/2026 10

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 is 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.

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

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 5.4 TECHNICAL APPROACH) to include the following:

a. Availability of intranasal or intramuscular opioid antagonist products that meet applicable federal and State quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

b. Availability of distribution data, educational resources, and training materials to support program implementation.

c. Ability to efficiently process, fulfill, and document orders in a manner that supports program administration, inventory management, and applicable reporting requirements.

Ver: 07/2026 11

2. Vendor Qualifications (Section 4.10 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS)

3. Vendor Experience (Section 4.7 VENDOR EXPERIENCE and Section 4.8 REFERENCES) to include the following:

a. Demonstrated history of reliable supply and product quality for intranasal or intramuscular opioid antagonist products.

4. Pricing (Attachment: PRICING FORM)

3.5 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT: 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 in a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better proposal, the Vendor is encouraged 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: PRICING FORM and upload in the Sourcing Tool. The pricing provided in ATTACHMENT, or resulting from any negotiations, is incorporated herein and shall become part of any resulting Contract.

INVOICES MAY NOT BE PAID UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS OCCURRED AND THE GOODS OR SERVICES ACCEPTED.

4.2 ORDER PROCESSING AND SHIPMENT MANAGEMENT

The Vendor shall coordinate with a third-party contractor, retained by the State, to support the order-to-delivery lifecycle, including:

Ver: 07/2026 12

a. Receiving and processing purchase orders;

b. Tracking and reporting on order fulfillment activities; and

c. Managing logistics associated with shipment, delivery, and acceptance of ordered items by authorized recipients.

4.3 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to any requested location within the State of North Carolina with all transportation costs and fees included in the total proposal price.

This contract will be used for multiple orders and shipped to multiple locations over the course of the contract. Locations may include any valid shipping address located within North Carolina. Vendor must not limit the number of shipping addresses.

When an order is placed using a purchase order, the purchase order number shall be shown on all packages and shipping manifests to ensure proper identification and payment of invoices. A complete packing list shall accompany each shipment.

Vendors shall not ship any products until they have received an order.

4.4 DELIVERY

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to any valid shipping address in North Carolina. The State’s third-party contractor will provide shipping information upon placement of each order.

All shipping, freight, handling, fuel surcharges, and other delivery-related costs shall be included in the Contract unit price. No additional shipping, freight, handling, or delivery charges may be added to an order or invoice.

Vendor shall complete delivery within twenty-one (21) consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order.

For completion by Vendor: Delivery will be made from __________________________________________ (city, state) within _____ consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order. Promptness of delivery may be used as a factor in the award criteria.

4.5 WARRANTY

Manufacturer’s standard warranty shall apply. Vendors shall include a copy of the manufacturer’s standard warranty with the proposal response.

4.6 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE/CERTIFICATION

Each proposal shall be accompanied by complete descriptive literature, specifications, certifications, and all other pertinent data necessary for thorough evaluation of the item(s) offered and sufficient to determine compliance of the item(s) with the specifications. Failure to include such information shall be a sufficient basis for rejection of the proposal, at the discretion of the State.

4.7 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 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.

Describe the Vendor’s demonstrated history of reliable supply and product quality for intranasal and/or intramuscular opioid antagonist products.

4.8 REFERENCES

Vendor shall upload to the Sourcing Tool at least 1 reference, using ATTACHMENT: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Goods and/or Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. References shall not be from the same company or from the soliciting State entity. In addition, Vendor shall provide references for and identify other state government contracts it has received, for which your company has supplied the same or similar goods offered. The State may contact these

Ver: 07/2026 13 users to determine whether the Goods 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.

4.9 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s proposal results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter 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 of 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.

4.10 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Vendor shall be disqualified if the Vendor has ever been a party to a settlement, consent decree, consent judgment, or other legally binding resolution concerning allegations of misleading, deceptive, or false marketing, promotion, or advertising of opioid antagonist products.

Vendor certifies that they have not ever been party to any settlements resulting from a ruling of misleading marketing of opioid antagonist products as defined above.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Vendor certifies that they have at least two years of experience in both of the following:

a. Manufacturing and assembling within the United States intranasal or intramuscular opioid antagonist products.

b. Direct shipping, distributing, and tracking a high volume of intranasal or intramuscular opioid antagonist to multiple state governments within the United States.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Vendor certifies that they have a history of consistently maintaining and making publicly accessible its financial, governance, and operational information, including with independent verification when required by law.

☐ YES ☐ NO

4.11 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 the ATTACHMENT: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION.

The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential performance issues from Contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. This Certification shall be deemed continuing, and 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.

4.12 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

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

Ver: 07/2026 14

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

4.13 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State. In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and 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.

4.14 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.

4.15 SUSTAINIBILITY EFFORTS

According to G.S. 143-58.2, it is the policy of this State to encourage and promote the purchase of products with recycled content and to purchase items that are reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic to the extent that the purchase or use is practicable and cost effective. The bid must describe how environmental requirements which relate to clear labeling of the environmental/sustainability attributes (e.g. environmental certifications, total and post-consumer recycled content, etc.) of products in the proposed product catalogs, demonstrating the ability to run usage reports that include information about each product’s environmental/sustainability attributes, packaging and recycling of spent products.

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

GENERAL

From 2000-2024, more than 44,500 North Carolinians lost their lives to a drug overdose. Each day in 2024, 8 North Carolinians died from a drug overdose. Recent year death data is not yet final, but an estimated 2,731 North Carolinians (8 per day) are suspected to have died from an overdose in 2025.

An opioid antagonist is a medication that binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks or reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone. It works quickly to restore normal breathing in someone experiencing an opioid overdose, which can prevent brain damage or death.

Vendor(s) will provide intranasal and/or intramuscular opioid antagonists for distribution to, or use by, persons or governmental entities engaged in opioid overdose prevention and response efforts within the State of North Carolina. Services include distribution and shipping of opioid antagonists, as well as ancillary services related to the distribution and use of intranasal and/or intramuscular opioid antagonists which include technical assistance around best practices for distribution at the local level.

SPECIFICATIONS

The specific items and any specifications that the Procurement Entity is seeking are listed below. Items offered by the Vendor must meet or exceed the listed Specifications to be considered for award. Vendor must describe in their proposal how they will meet each Specification below.

Table 5.2.1 Specifications

Ver: 07/2026 15

Item # Specifications

1.

Vendor has at least two (2) years of experience in both of the following:

a. Manufacturing and assembling within the United States intranasal and/or intramuscular opioid antagonist products. Manufacturing and assembling may include the manufacture, production, formulation, compounding, processing, preparation, assembly, packaging, repackaging, labeling, relabeling, or other preparation of product for sale. The terms are not limited to the physical manufacture of the active pharmaceutical ingredient or finished drug product.

b. Direct shipping, distributing, and tracking a high volume of intranasal and/or intramuscular opioid antagonist products to multiple state governments within the United States.

Describe Vendor’s experience with 1.a. and 1.b. and provide number of years of experience and examples of high-volume orders fulfilled.

2. Describe Vendor’s history of consistently maintaining and making publicly accessible its financial, governance, and operational information, including with independent verification when required by law.

3.

Describe the Vendor’s available intranasal and/or intramuscular opioid antagonist products that meet applicable Federal and State quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

a. Describe the following product availability:

i. Two-dose packages of ready-to-use intranasal opioid antagonist

ii. Opioid antagonist vials for intramuscular administration

b. Packaging must include product specific package inserts including instructions for use for over-the-counter products.

c. Dosages above 4mg for intranasal products will not be accepted

d. Generics are accepted

e. Minimum shelf life of 18 months at the time of shipment.

4. Describe the Vendor’s availability of distribution data, educational resources, and training materials to support program implementation.

5.

Describe Vendor’s technical assistance services including direct support to programs on opioid antagonist distribution best practices in the context of an evolving opioid supply and support with saturation planning at the state and local level. Not to exceed 5% of total contract amount.

6.

Describe Vendor’s ability to efficiently process, fulfill, and document orders in a manner that supports program administration, inventory management, and applicable reporting requirements. This includes the ability to track lot numbers, in the event of recalls, and expiration dates.

7.

Product description:

a. Provide brief review of literature on product effectiveness and patient preference, if available. Must include non-industry funded research and studies conducted with people who use drugs and/or have opioid use disorder.

b. Describe quality of products used in assembly to ensure durability of product.

8. Describe Vendor’s supply flexibility, including handling of shortages/potential supply disruption.

9. Provide all locations where products are manufactured and assembled.

10.

Shipping capability

a. Describe shipping capabilities including time to ship, any associated fees, shipping notifications, and ability to track delivery.

b. Describe process for ensuring opioid antagonist products are handled and transported in accordance with manufacturer storage requirements.

c. Describe contingency plans for supply chain disruptions.

d. Free On Board (FOB) destination shipping to any valid shipping address in North Carolina is required.

11. Describe ordering process to include ordering platform, order minimums/maximums, and case sizes.

Ver: 07/2026 16

12. Describe Customer Service process to report product defects, shipping concerns (including delivery exceptions), replacements, or other customer service related inquiries.

5.3 TASKS/DELIVERABLES

Table 5.3.1 Deliverables

Item # Deliverable Description Timeline

1. Deliverable #1: Delivery of intranasal opioid antagonist kits. Maximum Delivery Lead Time: 21 days

2.

Deliverable #2: Delivery of intramuscular opioid antagonist vials.

Maximum Delivery Lead Time: 21 days

3.

Deliverable #3: Technical Assistance when requested per Specification #5

Ad hoc

4.

Deliverable #4: Summary report of technical assistance per Specification #5.

Quarterly, due 15 days after end of each 3-month period

5.4 TECHNICAL APPROACH

Vendor’s proposal shall include, in narrative, outline, and/or graph form the Vendor's approach to providing the deliverables outlined in the Scope of Work section of this RFP. A description of each task and deliverable and the schedule for accomplishing each shall be included.