EXHIBIT A

STANDARD GRANT AGREEMENT (SGA)

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

(COMPETITIVE)

CONTRACT ID NUMBER – BHA25-027 / BPM054527

Issue Date: December 15, 2025

SFY 2027 SHEILA E. HIXSON BEHAVIORAL

HEALTH SERVICES MATCHING GRANT

PROGRAM

NOTICE

A Prospective Applicant that has received this document from the Maryland Department of Health, or that has received this document from a source other than the Contract Officer, and that wishes to assure receipt of any changes or additional materials related to this RFA, should immediately contact the Contract Officer and provide the Prospective Applicant’s name and email address so that addenda to the RFA or other communications can be sent to the Prospective Applicant.

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFA KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Applications: SFY 2027 SHEILA E. HIXSON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

SERVICES MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM

Solicitation Number: BHA25-027 / BPM054527

RFA Issue Date December 15, 2025

RFA Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans

Contract Officer: Crystal Hack

Behavioral Health Administration Finance & Procurement Division 55 Wade Avenue Voc. Rehab. Building Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone: 410-627-6814 Email: crystal.hack@maryland.gov

Grant Monitor: Jacqui Vok Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans 55 Wade Avenue, Room G-2 Voc. Rehab. Building Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone: 443-931-0449 jacquelyn.vok1@maryland.gov

Applications are to be sent to: eMaryland Marketplace Only (See section 1.5) eMMA is an electronic commerce system administered by the Maryland Department of General Services. In order to receive a contract award, a Contractor must be registered on eMMA.

Registration is free. Go to Login: Login: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), click on “Register” to begin the process, then follow the prompts.

Closing Date and Time: January 14, 2026 , 12:00PM Local Eastern Time

Pre-Application Conference: Friday December 19, 2025 1:00pm-2:00pm local time

Video call link: meet.google.com/qrd-bcjt-geq Or dial: 1950-499-70(US) +1 4 PIN: 256006157 mailto:crystal.hack@maryland.gov mailto:jacquelyn.vok1@maryland.gov https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fpage.aspx%2Fen%2Fbuy%2Fhomepage https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fpage.aspx%2Fen%2Fbuy%2Fhomepage https://meet.google.com/vdz-jejp-kpw?hs=224

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans, is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to provide the opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to establish and expand community behavioral health programs that serve the behavioral health needs of eligible service members, veterans, and their family members. These programs should serve the Maryland military-connected population and connect those eligible individuals to appropriate community-based care in a timely manner on discharge from the community behavioral health program.

1.1.2 It is the State’s intention to obtain mental health and substance use treatment, and serve the behavioral health needs of eligible individuals, as specified in this RFA, from an Agreement between the selected Applicant and the State. The anticipated duration of services to be provided under this Agreement is for a one year award period during SFY 27: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.

1.1.3 The Department intends to provide awards totaling $2,432,821 as a result of this RFA. The maximum award allowed under this RFA is $225,000. The award is contingent upon available funding.

1.1.4 All awards are subject to the availability of funding and successful implementation of the services specified in this RFA. MDH may adjust or cancel your award(s) at any time during the year based on available funding. In the event of a reduction of funding amount, all awards will be reduced by the same amount. In the event of a cancellation, MDH will provide at least 60 days notice of the change in funding availability.

1.1.5 Applicants, either directly or through their subcontractor(s), must be able to provide at least one of the services outlined in 3.2.2.D and meet all of the requirements requested in this Application. The successful Applicant shall remain responsible for performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work.

1.1.6 Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, classified by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

1.1.7 Unless expressly provided by law, the Department’s awards decisions may not be appealed.

The Agreement resulting from this Application shall be a firm fixed price. Applicants should be aware that if awarded, they must submit invoices for costs as they are incurred and will be reimbursed for those costs after MDH reviews and approves the invoices. All costs submitted to MDH for reimbursement must fall under the Applicant’s scope of work and must be included in the Applicant’s budget. MDH will not reimburse any expenses not included in the budget and detailed in the budget justification. All invoices must be submitted with appropriate and approved backup documentation to support the expenses being submitted, validating the charges submitted for reimbursement.

The sole point of contact in the State for purposes of this Application prior to the award of any Agreement is the Contract Officer at the address listed below:

1.1 Summary Statement

1.2 Contract Type

1.3 Contract Officer

Crystal Hack Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration Finance & Procurement Division 55 Wade Avenue Voc. Rehab. Building Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone: 410-627-6814 e-mail: crystal.hack@maryland.gov

The Department may change the Contract Officer at any time by written notice so please make sure all communications go through eMMA.

The Grant Monitor is:

Jacqui Vok Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans 55 Wade Avenue, Room G-2 Voc. Rehab. Building Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone Number: 443-931-0449 Fax Number: 410-402-8601 E-mail: jacquelyn.vok1@maryland.gov

The Department may change the Grant Monitor at any time by written notice. NOTE: Applicants must not contact the Grant Monitor directly. All inquiries and communications must be directed to the Contract Officer. Direct contact with the Grant Monitor may result in delays in receiving a response.

Each Applicant is requested to indicate its eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) vendor number in the Transmittal Letter (cover letter) submitted at the time of its Application submission to this RFA.

eMMA is an electronic commerce system administered by the Maryland Department of General Services. The RFA and associated materials, the Application and agenda of the Pre-Application Conference, Applicant questions and the Contract Officer’s responses, addenda, and other Application-related information will be provided via eMMA.

In order to receive a contract award, a vendor must be registered on eMMA. Registration is free. Go to https://emma.maryland.gov/, click on “Register” to begin the process, and then follow the prompts.

Written questions from prospective Applicants will be accepted by the Contract Officer. Questions to the Contract

1.4 Grant Monitor

1.5 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

1.6 Questions

mailto:crystal.hack@maryland.gov mailto:jacquelyn.vok1@maryland.gov https://emma.maryland.gov/ https://procurement.maryland.gov/

Officer shall be submitted via eMaryland Marketplace ONLY! Please identify in the subject line the Solicitation Number and Title.

Questions are requested to be submitted at least 7 business days prior to the Application due date. The Contract Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an answer can be given before the Application due date.

Applications must be received in eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace Advantage) no later than 12:00 PM Local Time on January, 14, 2026, in order to be considered. Submission date and time is the date and time of arrival in the Contract Officer’s eMMA inbox. Time stamps on outgoing email from Applicants shall not be accepted.

Requests for extension of this time or date will not be granted. Applications received after the due date and time listed in this section will not be considered. Questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted to eMMA only.

Applications may be modified or withdrawn by written notice received by the Contract Officer before the time and date set forth in this section for receipt of the Application. Multiple and/or alternate Applications will not be accepted.

The Grant shall be awarded to responsible Applicants submitting Applications that have been determined to be the most advantageous to the State, considering price and evaluation factors set forth in this RFA, for providing the activities as specified in this RFA. See RFA Section 5 for further award information.

If it becomes necessary to revise this RFA before the due date for Applications, the Department shall endeavor to provide addenda to all prospective Applicants that were sent this RFA or which are otherwise known by the Contract Officer to have obtained this RFA. Addenda made after the due date for Applications will be sent only to those Applicants that submitted a timely Application and that remain under award consideration as of the issuance date of the addenda.

Acknowledgment of the receipt of all addenda to this RFA issued before the Application due date shall be included in the Transmittal Letter accompanying the Applicant’s Project Narrative. Acknowledgement of the receipt of addenda to the RFA issued after the Application due date shall be in the manner specified in the addendum notice. Failure to acknowledge receipt of an addendum does not relieve the Applicant from complying with the terms, additions, deletions, or corrections set forth in the addendum.

The State reserves the right to cancel this RFA, accept or reject any and all Applications, in whole or in part, received in response to this RFA, waive or permit the cure of minor irregularities, and conduct discussions with all qualified or

1.7 Application Due (Closing) Date and Time

1.8 Award Basis

1.9 Revisions to the RFA

1.10 Cancellation

potentially qualified Offerors in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the State. The State reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award a Grant based upon the written Applications received without discussions or negotiations.

SECTION 2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

The Applicant must provide proof with its Application that the following Mandatory Requirements have been met:

2.1.1 The Applicant must be a nonprofit organization, classified by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must include attachments of the following documentation from the applicant:

● Documentation of tax-exempt status of the Applicant or the Applicant’s fiscal sponsor (i.e. IRS tax exempt status determination letter)

2.1.2 The Applicant must comply with all applicable local (city, county) and state licensing, accreditation, and certification requirements. Behavioral health treatment providers must comply with all applicable local (city, county) and state licensing, accreditation, and certification requirements.

2.1.3 The applicant will be required to obtain three letters of support, commitment, or participation from partnering agencies or organizations. Letters of support are required to be submitted on the official letterhead of the supporting organization and must be dated within one year prior to the application submission due date (e.g., for an application due on November 30, 2025, letters of support should bear a date no earlier than November 30, 2024).

2.1.4 The applicant must secure commitments for funding or other consideration to meet the match requirement (refer to section 3.2.1.C.). Commitments must be for an amount of money or other consideration (e.g. in-kind donations, volunteer hours, etc) at least equal in value to the amount of money being requested. The minimum grant request amount is $50,000 and the maximum grant request amount is $225,000.

2.1.5 The applicant must be in good standing with the state of Maryland’s Department of Assessments and Taxation (MDAT) to obtain an award.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

2.1 Applicant Mandatory Requirements

https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1.1 About Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans

The Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans unit was established in 2008 as part of Maryland Senate Bill 210, Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health. This unit is embedded within the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration under the Prevention and Promotion Division and overseen by the Office of Community Based Access and Support. This unit was created to provide service coordination for veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts in all geographic regions of Maryland to connect them with behavioral health services.

Today, the Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans unit provides service coordination to all uniformed service members, veterans and their families regardless of era served, length of service or discharge status. In addition, this unit provides education and training opportunities for behavioral health providers, healthcare personnel and crisis intervention teams; facilitates crisis and grant funding; provides peer support; participates in numerous commissions, coalitions and collaboratives; and coordinates the initiatives for the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families Team.

3.1.2 Background

The Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program for Service Members and Veterans was established in 2021 via Senate Bill 550 as a competitive matching grant program for local nonprofit organizations to establish and expand community behavioral health programs that serve the behavioral health needs of eligible service members, veterans, and family members and connect eligible individuals to appropriate community-based care in a timely manner on discharge from the community behavioral health program. The Governor may include an annual appropriation of $2,500,000 for the program in the operating budget. Any grant made under this solicitation is contingent on the appropriation being made and any alterations to the appropriation will result in alterations to the amount of funding awarded. The minimum grant request amount is $50,000 and the maximum request amount should not exceed $225,000. Maryland's Commitment to Veterans is administering the grant program. The guidelines and standards including the application form, number of grants awarded, and standards for determining the effectiveness of the grant have been developed and reviewed by Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) staff. A Grant Evaluation Committee composed of BHA staff will review applications and make recommendations for approval. The Hixson Fund Program Administrator will make notifications to grant awardees, monitor grant awards, and provide support.

3.1.3 Purpose

The State is issuing this solicitation for the purposes stated in Health General 7.5-210 of establishing and expanding community behavioral health programs that serve the behavioral health needs of eligible service members, veterans, and family members in Maryland and connect those eligible individuals to appropriate community-based care in a timely manner on discharge from the community behavioral health program.

3.2.1 General Requirements

Eligible applicants shall:

A. Be a nonprofit organization, classified by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

3.1 Background and Purpose

3.2 Scope of Work - Requirements

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg&section=7.5-210&enactments=false https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations

B. Have a mission to provide behavioral health services or provide services to service members, veterans, or their families (SMVF) in Maryland; and

C. Secure commitments of contributions of an amount of money or other consideration at least equal in value to the amount of money being requested. Programs may demonstrate match eligibility by (1) providing documentation of a large monetary bequest, grant, or donations already raised; (2) submitting a copy of the prior year’s IRS 1099 to demonstrate the fundraising ability of the program’s ability to secure additional funding (up to the amount of the program's annual operating budget), and/or (3) submitting documentation of other consideration equal in value to the amount requested from the program such as donated operating space, committed volunteers, program income, or other in-kind contributions. All documentation related to matching funds must be dated no earlier than one year prior to the application submission date or must explicitly indicate that the funding or in-kind contributions will be provided during the grant period. All commitments must clearly specify the type and value of the contribution, including dollar amounts where applicable.

D. Request at least a minimum grant amount of $50,000, but not exceed the maximum grant request amount of $225,000.

E. Ensure their organization’s behavioral health treatment providers must have at least two (2) years of documented experience providing treatment services by the due date for grant applications.

F. Ensure their organization’s behavioral health treatment providers must comply with all applicable local (city, county) and state licensing, accreditation, and certification requirements, as of the due date of the application in the state of Maryland.

3.2.2 Required activities:

Required activities are the activities that every award recipient must implement. Each of the required activities identified must be reflected in the Program Narrative of your application.

A. Program implementation for new, non-existing service members, veterans and/or their families programming is expected to begin by the third month of the award.

B. Applicants must state the total number of unduplicated individuals that they intend to serve over the grant period.

C. Grantees will be required to collect individual client-level data according to the data elements that are established and specified by BHA.

D. Award recipients must use Hixson funds to support at least one of the following direct services to eligible individuals and indicate which of the following service(s) you intend to provide within your Project Narrative:

1. Screening for mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders.

2. Delivery of trauma-informed, culturally competent, client-centered, and evidence-based mental health and substance use disorders treatment services including complementary and alternative therapy services.

3. Case management and care coordination services.

4. Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Services.

5. Use of telehealth and/or telemedicine services.

E. Services that are reimbursable through a participants insurance benefit are not eligible for grant funding.

F. Services being provided as part of the program can be provided at alternative locations from the organization’s facility as long as it is in Maryland.

G. Program implementation is expected to expand existing operations or develop new services available to SMVF in

Maryland.

H. Program implementation should not supplant existing services or operations.

I. Grant awards cannot be used to fund construction or renovation expenses. Applicants seeking a grant to fund construction costs should apply to the Capital Grants Program (https://dgs.maryland.gov/Pages/Grants/)

J. Eligible individuals are identified as the following Maryland residents:

1. United States Armed Forces Service Member,

2. United States Armed Forces Veteran,

3. Spouse of, child of, or stepchild of a United States Armed Forces Service Member or United States Armed

Forces Veteran.

K. Award recipients will be required to complete Star Behavioral Health Providers’ Tier 1: Introduction to Military Culture and Deployment course within three (3) months of grant award.

1. The course is free and can be taken virtually. To search for course availability and register for a class, go to:

https://starproviders.org/providers-tier-training/#search.

2. Following course completion, it is highly recommended that behavioral health providers join the free registry at: https://starproviders.org/providers-registry/#provider-section. This provider registry will provide another avenue for the military-connected community to find you for behavioral health support.

3.2.3 Reports

Applicants will be required to submit reimbursement forms for costs on a quarterly basis, as they are incurred, and will be reimbursed for those costs after Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans program staff and the BHA financial staff review and approve the invoices and supporting documentation. All costs submitted for reimbursement must be included in the applicant’s project application and budget. Supporting documentation must clearly provide evidence that funding was spent as per the grant budget justification and that these expenses have already been paid. BHA will not reimburse any expenses not included in the approved budget and detailed in the budget narrative. BHA will not reimburse requests that are received more than 30 days after the end of the grant period. (Please note this example: monies expended July 1 – Sept 30 will be part of a reimbursement request for Quarter one (1), which must be submitted to BHA by October 15.) Reimbursement may take about a month to receive, after all reports and supporting documentation are correctly provided, so expenses from early in the quarter can take about five (5) months to realize reimbursement).

Applicants will also be required to submit quarterly project reports. The deadline for quarterly project reports is 15 days after the prior quarter (i.e., October 15; January 15; April 15; July 15). Specific programmatic reporting requirements will be dependent upon the programs approved activities and scope of work. Applicants will use email to submit reporting, monitor expenditures, and make updates to performance targets.

More information regarding the reporting requirements will follow after an award is made. Applicants may also be asked to participate in a site visit.

3.2.4 The Americans with Disabilities Act

https://starproviders.org/providers-tier-training/#search https://starproviders.org/providers-registry/#provider-section

The Americans with Disabilities Act https://www.ada.gov/ protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in services, programs, and activities. Accessibility and inclusion of diverse populations are essential to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. Contractors must comply with all ADA requirements in their work to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are met. This includes, but is not limited to:

● facilities and any venues used for meetings/conferences are accessible;

● requested accommodations are provided in a timely manner; and

● written and printed materials developed in accessible formats (easy to read, large print, etc.), or providing access to alternative formats.

For contracts which include direct patient care or service delivery through a program, the ADA requires entities provide full and equal access for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to:

● reasonable modifications of policies, practices, and procedures;

● effective communication; and

● accessible facilities.

Acknowledgement of the ADA statement is required, along with a description of how your organization currently accommodates, or will accommodate, individuals who may face accessibility challenges. This should include, but is not limited to, accommodations for physical, intellectual, language, and transportation barriers. The response must also outline how reasonable accommodation requests will be addressed in a timely manner.

3.3.1 General

(a) All invoices for services shall be signed by the Grantee and submitted to the Grant Monitor. All invoices shall include the following information:

● Grantee name;

● Remittance address;

● Federal taxpayer identification number (or if sole proprietorship, the individual’s social security number);

● Invoice period;

● Invoice date;

● Invoice number;

● State assigned Contract number;

● State assigned (Blanket) Purchase Order number(s);

● Line item breakdown of how much is charged to each expense line in the approved budget;

● Goods or services provided; and

● Amount due.

Invoices submitted without the required information cannot be processed for payment until the Contractor provides the required information.

(b) The Department reserves the right to reduce or withhold Grant payment in the event the Grantee does not provide the Department with all required deliverables within the time frame specified in the Grant or in the event that the Grantee otherwise materially breaches the terms and conditions of the Grant until such time as the Grantee brings itself into full compliance with the Grant. All invoices and expenditure reports must be submitted with approved backup documentation no later than 60 days after the end of each quarter or the invoice will not be processed for payment (unless the grantee has received written approval from their program monitor).

3.3 Invoicing

https://www.ada.gov/

(c) The Grantee shall provide documentation to support each expense line submitted for reimbursement.

Documentation for expenses and items purchased must include line-item invoices and receipts of the item purchased on the company letterhead that the items were purchased from. For expenses such as payroll and fringe the grantee is required to provide copies of documentation from the payroll company used, or the internal documentation showing general ledger and payroll ledger with a breakdown of what is paid for the employees covered by the grant. This is including and not limited to showing time logs for employees with split time on the grant to verify all FTE calculations that must match the information provided in the approved budget justification.

3.3.2 Invoice Submission Schedule

The Grantee shall submit invoices in accordance with the following State Fiscal Year schedule:

Invoices are due on the 15th of the month after the quarter ends. A copy of the quarterly report must be included with the invoice and sent to the Grant Monitor.

Quarter Period of performance Invoice due date Quarter

July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026 Due October 15, 2026

Quarter

October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 Due January 15, 2027

Quarter

January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2027 Due April 15, 2027

Quarter

April 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Due July 15, 2027 th

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION FORMAT

Applicants shall submit Applications in two separate volumes (PDF format):

▪ Volume I – Project Narrative

▪ Volume II – Budget Justification/Narrative

Note: Applicants who submit a single document combining Volume I & Volume II will be immediately disqualified.

Note: Applicants who include any financial information, including the requested funding amount or funding match amount in Volume I will be immediately disqualified.

4.2.1 Applications must be submitted via eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace Advantage) listed on the Key Information Summary Sheet. The Contract Officer will not accept submission after the date and exact time stated in the Key Information Summary Sheet. The date and time of submission is determined by the date and time of arrival in the Contract Officer eMMA inbox. Time stamps on outgoing email from Applicants shall not be accepted.

4.2.1.1 The application shall state the RFA Title and number and either Project Narrative or Budget Narrative.

4.2.1.2 Two Part Submission:

A. Project Narrative (See 4.3) B. Budget Narrative (See 4.4)

4.2.1.3 Pages must be 8½” x 11” with 1” margins, and use a minimum 12 pt. font (8 pt. is acceptable for graphics only).

Clearly label each section and include them in your final application submission.

4.2.2 Applications will be shown only to State employees, members of the Evaluation Committee, or other persons deemed by the Department to have a legitimate interest in them.

*All information submitted as part of this application is subject to release under the Public Information Act (PIA). If you would like the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to consider redactions in the event that your application is subject to a PIA request, submit a proposed PIA copy including justifications for each redaction and under what statute that justification is qualified for redaction.

Under no circumstances should financial information, including the requested funding amount or funding match amount, be included in Volume I. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the immediate disqualification of the application.

4.3.1 The Volume I - Project Narrative shall include the following documents, compiled into a single PDF file, and presented in the order specified as follows:

4.1 Two Part Submission

4.2 Applications

4.3 Volume I – Project Narrative

4.3.1.1 Transmittal Letter:

● Applicant;

● Application Title and Application Number that the Application is in response to;

● Signature, typed name, and title of an individual authorized to commit the Applicant to its Application;

● Names and emails of two individuals to be contacted regarding the award status of this Application

● Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the Applicant, or if a single individual, that individual’s Social Security Number (SSN);

● Applicant’s eMMA number;

● Applicant’s MBE certification number (if applicable);

● Applicant’s SBR number (if applicable) – contact eMMA at 410-767-1492 if you don’t know your number.

● Acknowledge receipt of all addenda added after the initial posting of this RFA.

● Number of total pages being transmitted as part of the Project Narrative (Volume I)

4.3.1.2 The Project Narrative shall use and follow the section order outlined below. The narrative must not exceed 10 pages in length and all pages must be numbered to verify compliance with the page limit.

A. Project Title: The project title should be brief, precise, and should reflect what is being funded.

For example, “Baltimore County Youth Prevention Program.”

B. Jurisdiction of Proposed Project: Applicants must clearly identify the geographic area(s) of

Maryland that will be served under this specific project:

● If the project is statewide, indicate this and specify which jurisdictions (counties or regions) are expected to benefit most significantly.

● If the project is limited to specific jurisdictions, list each one and describe which will receive the greatest benefit from the proposed services.

Note: Responses must reflect the geographic scope of this proposed project only. Do not include jurisdictions where your organization has historically or traditionally operated unless those areas are part of this project.

C. Executive Summary:

1. Provide a description of the problem or need you wish to address with this funding.

2. Describe how your organization/program is uniquely positioned to address the problem you have identified.

3. Provide a brief, high-level description of the proposed project.

4. Indicate how many unduplicated, eligible individuals you plan to serve as part of this project (list of eligible individuals can be found in 3.2.2 (J)).

5. Provide a few key descriptors of your current/proposed program.

6. Provide a few key goals and objectives for your current/proposed program.

7. Provide the expected outputs and outcomes from this project.

• Outputs refer to the direct products or deliverables of project activities (e.g. number of individuals served, materials developed, trainings conducted, etc)

• Outcomes refer to the anticipated short- and long-term changes or benefits from those activities (e.g. improved access to care, increased awareness, behavioral change, etc)

D. Organizational Summary:

1. Describe your organization, its 501c3 status, history, the purpose for which it was created, year of inception, mission, organizational oversight and the population it traditionally serves.

2. Describe how this proposed project fits within your organization’s mission to provide behavioral health services and/or serve SMVF. Specifically address whether this project is expanding existing operations/services or developing a new service/project.

3. Describe how your organization will ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are effectively met throughout the duration of the proposed project. The response must address, at a minimum:

● Accessibility of facilities where services or activities will occur;

● Timely provision of reasonable accommodations upon request (e.g., sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, alternative formats); and

● Availability of written and printed materials in accessible formats (e.g., large print, Braille, electronic formats compatible with screen readers).

Required Acknowledgment: Applicants must explicitly acknowledge compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and affirm their commitment to providing equal access to services and programs for individuals with disabilities.

E. Program Description:

1. FULL PROJECT SUMMARY AND PROBLEM STATEMENT: Describe your current/proposed program in full detail and how you will address the problem or need you identified in the Executive Summary

2. REASONABLE AND DETAILED TIMELINE: Provide a detailed description of the services you propose to deliver under this project. The response must include:

● Which of the eligible services, as authorized under this funding opportunity, you intend to provide (list of authorized services can be found in section 3.2.2 (D));

● How these services will be implemented, including methods, timelines, and delivery settings (e.g., in-person, virtual, community-based);

● Identification of the staff members who will be responsible for delivering each service, including their roles, qualifications, and relevant experience; and

● Which eligible individuals or target populations will be served by each proposed service

(list of eligible individuals can be found in section 3.2.2 (J)). Responses should clearly connect each service to the staff delivering it and the population intended to benefit.

3. SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AND

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: Briefly summarize your SMART goals, objectives and performance indicators for your current/proposed program (from the Work Plan - Attachment C). Include the strategies and/or methods you will use to measure and evaluate your success.

4. DETAILED PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN: Identify ways your proposed services will be sustained following the grant period. Include prospects for ongoing funding at the end of the grant period and the approaches that your organization will undertake to secure future project funding.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTNERSHIPS: Describe collaborative approaches and partnerships with other organizations, including military or veteran service organizations that are pertinent for this project. Be sure to address the following in relation to your project:

● How you establish and maintain partnerships with relevant organizations, including any plans to develop new collaborations during the grant period.

● How referrals are made to and from these partners.

● How these partnerships contribute to coordinated service delivery for eligible individuals.

● How your approach ensures timely connection to appropriate community-based care upon discharge from the community behavioral health program, in alignment with program requirements.

Note: If your program does not include a formal discharge process, or if referrals to partner organizations occur continuously while the client is engaged in services, please explain how these referral practices and connections support the best interests of the eligible individuals and promote continuity of care.

https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/how-to-apply/forms-and-resources/developing-goals-measurable-objectives

6. PAST GRANTEE PERFORMANCE: If your organization has received funding from this Sheila E.Hixson Matching Grant program or any other organization in the past, please provide the following:

● Grant Name(s): List the name(s) of the grant(s) received, including this program if applicable.

● Achievement of Goals: Describe how your organization met the original goals and objectives of the funded program(s).

● Timeliness: Explain how your organization adhered to the proposed project timelines.

● Budget Management: Describe how your organization managed the grant budget and maintained compliance with financial requirements.

● Reporting Accuracy: Provide details on the accuracy and timeliness of submitted reports and required backup documentation.

● Challenges and Resolutions: Identify any challenges encountered during the grant period and explain how they were addressed.

● For Previous Recipients of This Grant Program: Specifically detail how you ensured compliance with all program requirements.

4.3.1.3 Mandatory Requirements Documentation

All files submitted as part of the Volume I - Project Narrative must be compiled into a single Adobe PDF file.

Any additional documents other than those required by this RFA and listed below will not be reviewed by the committee. The Volume I - Project Narrative includes the following components:

A. Transmittal Letter;

B. Project Narrative (maximum 10 pages total, with page numbers;

C. Credentials verifying approval to provide mental health and/or substance use treatment services and/or resumes if license credentials are not applicable.;

D. Completed Work Plan (Use the format provided in Exhibit C); and

E. Three letters of support, commitment, or participation from partnering agencies or organizations for the proposed project. Please address letters of support to Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans.

Letters of support are required to be submitted on the official letterhead of the supporting organization and must be dated within one year prior to the application submission date (e.g., for an application submitted on November 30, 2025, letters of support should bear a date no earlier than November 30, 2024).

4.4.1 Budget Narrative Instructions

The following content must be compiled into a single PDF and included in the Budget Narrative section, in the order listed below:

A. Budget Narrative Overview: Describe how the budget request is appropriate for the services to be delivered, the outcomes expected and the number of eligible individuals to be served.

B. Matching Funds Documentation: Identify any funding or in-kind contributions secured (refer to section 3.2.1.C.) that will support this program and are equal to or greater than the amount requested in this application. Documentation should identify the funding source, the amount, and provide a short description.

4.4 Volume II – Budget Justification/Narrative

C. Line-Item Budget Justification: Use the format in Attachment C to complete this section for each line item in the budget (Exhibit B).

D. Budget Form: Use Attachment B format to complete and submit your budget. The Budget Form should document the total your organization is requesting broken down by budget categories such as Personnel (salary and fringe), Consultants; Travel; Contractual; Supplies; Operating Costs; and Other project-related costs.

1. Indirect costs (IDC) are capped at 15%, and must still be listed by line item in the Budget Justification (Exhibit C) and may not duplicate any direct costs.

2. The purchasing of gift cards is not permitted.

3. If grant funds will be used to lease space, a copy of the current lease agreement must be included in Volume II.

4. All dollar amounts should be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

5. If grant funds will be used to support salaries, a percentage of Full-Time Equivalent

(FTE) is required to be listed separately for each employee or position (not contractors or consultants).

4.4.2 Mandatory Requirements Documentation

All files submitted as part of Volume II - Budget Justification/Narrative must be in a single Adobe PDF file format unless otherwise noted below. The application includes the following components:

A. Proof of IRS federal tax-exempt status and/or letter of affirmation (501(c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code); The organization’s name and EIN on all documents must match that shown on the IRS letter;

B. Current IRS W-9 with EIN (must be signed and dated; and include contact person name and phone number);

C. Budget Form (see Attachment B; must be submitted as an Excel Worksheet)

D. Budget Justification (Attachment C) and includes justification for all direct and indirect costs requested

E. Copy of organization’s 2025 Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax filing;

and

F. Documentation from other funding already secured for the proposal.

4.4.5 Requested Documentation

The following documents are requested and may be included in the single PDF submission for Volume II. While submission of these materials is not required if publicly available and will not disqualify your application, including them may expedite the review process and help prevent delays in the project start date.

A. Copy of organization’s 2022 and 2023 Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax Filing https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION COMMITTEE, EVALUATION CRITERIA, AND SELECTION

PROCEDURE

Evaluation of Applications will be performed by a committee established for that purpose and based on the evaluation criteria set forth below. The Evaluation Committee will review Applications and provide input to the Contract Officer. The Department reserves the right to utilize the services of individuals outside of the established Evaluation Committee for advice and assistance, as deemed appropriate.

The criteria to be used to evaluate each Project Narrative is listed below.

5.2.1 PROVIDES A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT

COMPLIANCE. The applicant demonstrates a clear commitment to accessibility and inclusion, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to ensure equitable access to services, programs, and activities for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations and includes the following information in their application:

● Acknowledges ADA compliance and demonstrates an understanding of the requirements under the ADA, including protections against discrimination in service delivery.

● Describes current practices or plans to accommodate individuals with a range of accessibility needs, including, but not limited to, those with physical, intellectual, language, and transportation barriers.

● Outlines strategies to ensure accessibility in all aspects of the project, such as:

○ Use of accessible facilities and venues for meetings, events, or service delivery.

○ Timely provision of requested accommodations.

○ Availability of written and printed materials in accessible formats (e.g., large print, plain language, alternative formats).

● Demonstrates readiness to meet ADA requirements specific to direct patient care or programmatic service delivery, including:

○ Reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures.

○ Effective communication methods for individuals with disabilities.

○ Physical accessibility of all service locations.

● Provides a clear plan for responding to reasonable accommodation requests in a timely and effective manner.

5.2.2 PROVIDES A FULL PROJECT SUMMARY AND PROBLEM STATEMENT. The project application provides a brief and clear summary of the project to be funded. Additionally, the problem statement section describes why the project is needed and identifies the most significant issues, problems, trends, or opportunities and how they will be addressed by the proposed project. Furthermore, the project summary describes the target population, adequately explains how the project will impact the target population, Applicants shall include details of how their proposed program will expand community behavioral health programs that serve the behavioral health needs of eligible SMVF and connect eligible individuals to appropriate community-based care in a timely manner on discharge from the community behavioral health program. Application should specify whether the program to be funded is an expansion on existing operations or the development of new services.

NOTE: Programs should not supplant/replace existing services or operations.

5.2.3 PROVIDES SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AND

5.1 Evaluation Committee

5.2 Project Narrative Evaluation Criteria

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS. These responses are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound, (SMART) and reflective of the mission of the Sheila E. Hixson grants program to expand community behavioral health programs that serve eligible service members, veterans and their families and connect them to appropriate community-based care in a timely manner upon discharge from the community behavioral health program. The goals, objectives, and performance measures should directly relate to the project for which funds are requested The application should specify which eligible individuals will receive the one, or more, direct service(s) selected from the five (5) services authorized under Hixson, along with the total number of unique individuals to be served during the grant period.

5.2.4 PROVIDES A REASONABLE AND DETAILED TIMELINE. The timeline contains key tasks required to successfully implement each project goal, person(s) responsible, target dates for completion, and timeframe for achieving objectives. The timeline adheres to the grant period, that all funds can be expended by June 30, 2027. This timeline will be presented in Exhibit C.

5.2.5 PROVIDES A DETAILED PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN. The applicant identifies ways their proposed services will be sustained after the funding period concludes to include prospects for ongoing funding at the end of the grant period and approaches to be undertaken to secure future project funding.

5.2.6 PROVIDES A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTNERSHIPS. The applicant describes collaborative approaches and partnerships with other organizations including military or veteran service organizations, or outline plans to establish new partnerships during the grant period. Please include how referrals are made and received between partners, how these partnerships enhance coordinated service delivery for eligible individuals, and how your approach ensures timely connection to appropriate community-based care upon discharge from the community behavioral health program, in accordance with program requirements. Additionally, the applicant provides at least three letters of support, commitment, or participation from partnering agencies or organizations that are relevant to the project being proposed

5.2.7 PAST GRANTEE PERFORMANCE.

For Previous Recipients of the Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program:

Consideration will be given for the following self-reported experience with this grant program.

● Achievement of Goals: How successfully the applicant met the original goals and objectives of the funded project(s).

● Timeliness: The applicant’s ability to adhere to proposed project timelines.

● Budget Management: How effectively the applicant managed grant funds in accordance with financial requirements.

● Reporting Accuracy: The accuracy and timeliness of submitted reports and supporting documentation.

● Challenges and Resolutions: Identification of challenges encountered and how they were addressed.

● Program Compliance: Self-reported adherence to all program requirements specific to the Sheila E. Hixson Matching

Grant.

● BHA staff will review the accuracy of the data provided for applicants who are prior BHA recipients.

For Organizations That Have Not Previously Received Hixson Grant Funding:

Consideration will be given for the following self-reported experience managing other grant-funded projects.

● Achievement of Goals: Success in meeting goals and objectives of prior funded programs.

● Timeliness: Adherence to planned project timelines.

● Budget Management: Effective management of grant funds in compliance with funder requirements.

● Reporting Accuracy: Timeliness and accuracy in submitting required reports and documentation.

● Challenges and Resolutions: The organization’s ability to identify and resolve challenges during prior grant periods.

5.3 Budget Narrative Evaluation Criteria

https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/how-to-apply/forms-and-resources/developing-goals-measurable-objectives

The Budget Narrative (including the Budget Form and Budget Narrative), will be evaluated based on reasonable cost given the time and effort described in the Project Narrative. The budget line items must be within the stated guidelines set forth in this RFA and as submitted on Attachment C – Budget Narrative. The Budget Narrative will also be evaluated on the criteria listed below.

5.3.1 BUDGET/SPEND PLAN IS REASONABLE AND WITHOUT ERROR. The application sufficiently addresses each of the following items:

● Budget line justifications are sufficient to understand how funds are intended to be used.

● Personnel positions, time commitments, and salaries are reasonable for tasks outlined in project summary.

● Services, purchases, and other expenditures are well-explained, and directly support the scope of the project.

● The majority of the requested funding is allocated to direct services…