AMD #1 RFA 202603044 toDAFS.docx

This is a Solicitation Amendment #1 issued by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of MaineCare Services, modifying Request for Applications (RFA) #202603044 for Rural Regional Planning for Perinatal Care in Public Health Districts 6 and 7. The amendment revises the application submission deadline to April 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time. The underlying RFA seeks qualified organizations to establish and lead Rural Planning Groups focused on expanding access to perinatal care services in Penobscot County (excluding Southern Penobscot) and Piscataquis County (District 6), and Washington and Hancock Counties (District 7). The contract period extends for two years from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with key deliverables including a regional inventory of perinatal services within three months, identification of regional goals within eight months, completion of a SWOT analysis within twelve months, and development of a regional continuity of care model within eighteen months. Applicants must facilitate a minimum of four in-person regional planning sessions, conduct on-site visits to perinatal care facilities, submit quarterly progress reports, and present findings annually. Questions regarding the solicitation are due by April 3, 2026.

The Department anticipates awarding two grants total—one for each district—with funding not to exceed $60,000 per application, contingent upon CMS approval and fund availability. Allowable costs include Rural Planning Group participant compensation, facilitator payments, data analysis and personnel time, meeting expenses, regional lead and administrative support staffing, and support for the Family Leadership Development process. Non-allowable costs are restricted per CMS-2N2-25-001 Transforming Maternal Health Model Grant Funding Opportunity guidelines. Applicants are evaluated on a 100-point scale based on Organization Qualifications and Experience (30 points), Proposed Project (40 points), and Budget (30 points). Required qualifications include demonstrated organizational experience, healthcare and community partnership capabilities, and ability to engage persons with lived experience. The application and pricing structure must remain firm for 180 days from the bid opening date. No specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises are indicated, and no incumbent vendors or existing contractors are referenced.