DVMF-HQ-SEC27-RECRUITMENT.pdf

DVMF-HQ-SEC26-RECRUITMENT

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES

SMALL PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION

KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Invitation for Bids: Department of Veterans & Military Families 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor Annapolis, MD 21401 Director Search

Solicitation Number: DVMF-HQ-SEC27-RECRUITMENT

Solicitation Issue Date: July 14, 2026

Issuing Office: Department of Veterans & Military Families 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: (410) 260-3838

Procurement Officer: Tom Johnson Department of Veterans & Military Families 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: (410) 260-3835 E-mail: tom.johnson@maryland.gov

Contract Monitor: John (Mike) Kerley, Deputy Chief of Staff Department of Veterans & Military Families 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor Annapolis, MD 21401 E-mail: john.kerley1@maryland.gov

Virtual Pre-Bid: N/A Site Visit: N/A

Questions Due Date/time: July 17, 2026, no later than 12:00 noon, EDT Local Time

Closing Date and Time: July 27, 2026, no later than 12:00 noon, EDT Local Time

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS

SOLICITATION.

I. SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families (DVMF) is soliciting proposals from qualified executive search and recruitment firms to provide comprehensive executive recruitment services for the position of Director, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

(CHVH).

The selected Contractor shall conduct a nationwide executive search to identify, recruit, screen, evaluate, and present highly qualified candidates for consideration by DVMF.

II. PROCUREMENT METHOD/ CONTRACT TYPE / BASIS FOR AWARD

This solicitation shall be conducted in accordance with COMAR 21.05.07 – Small Procurement Regulations ($100,000 or less).

The Contract resulting from this solicitation shall be a firm fixed price contract with fixed unit prices as defined in COMAR 21.06.03.02(A)(1) and (2).

This Contract shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the State, considering both technical merit and price.

III. BIDDER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered reasonably susceptible to being selected for the award, the Bidder must document in its Bid that it satisfies the following Minimum Qualifications:

3.1.1 The bidder shall have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in providing executive search and recruitment services, under the Bidder’s current business name, and all necessary licensing and insurance to satisfactorily provide services as specified in the Scope of Work.

3.1.2 The Offerors shall demonstrate:

• Successful placement of executive-level healthcare leaders.

• Experience conducting nationwide executive searches.

• Experience recruiting executives for government agencies, hospitals, healthcare systems, skilled nursing facilities, veteran’s homes, or long-term care organizations.

• Ability to complete comprehensive background investigations.

• Ability to comply with all applicable federal and State employment laws.

3.1.3 Required Documentation: As proof of meeting this requirement, the Bidder shall provide with its Bid:

1. Copies of all State of Maryland licenses and current insurance certificate required to perform the specified services.

2. Three (3) or more references, under the Bidder’s current business name, from the past three (3) years that collectively attest to the Bidder’s required years of experience providing satisfactory services including those services required in this Solicitation.

The Department reserves the right to request additional references or utilize references not provided by a Bidder. The Department reserves the right to review other publicly available sources to inform evaluation of Bidder meeting minimum qualifications.

IV. BIDDER RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1.1 Bidders must be able to provide all goods and services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Bidder shall be responsible for Contract performance including any subcontractor participation.

4.1.2 If the Bidder is the subsidiary of another entity, all information submitted by the Bidder, including but not limited to references, financial reports, or experience and documentation (e.g., insurance policies, bonds, letters of credit) used to meet minimum qualifications, if any, shall pertain exclusively to the Bidder, unless the parent organization will guarantee the performance of the subsidiary. If applicable, the Bidder’s Bid shall contain an explicit statement, signed by an authorized representative of the parent organization, stating that the parent organization will guarantee the performance of the subsidiary.

4.1.3 A parental guarantee of the performance of the Bidder under this Section will not automatically result in crediting the Bidder with the experience or qualifications of the parent under any evaluation criteria pertaining to the actual Bidder’s experience and qualifications. Instead, the Bidder’s responsibility will be assessed to the extent to which the State determines that the experience and qualifications of the parent are applicable to and shared with the Bidder, any stated intent by the parent to be directly involved in the performance of the Contract, and the value of the parent’s participation as determined by the State.

V. PRE-BID SITE VISIT/ VENDOR QUESTIONS

A Pre-Bid or Site Visit will be provided at the date and time specified on the Key Information Summary Sheet. Interested Contractors are encouraged to attend. If a Pre- Bid or Site Visit is offered, email the Procurement officer@ tom.johnson@maryland.gov to request a link to the Virtual pre-bid conference or to register your intent to attend the Site Visit NLT 2:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled event.

By submitting a bid, the Contractor acknowledges that he/she has investigated and satisfied him/herself as to the conditions affecting the work, including but not restricted to those bearing upon transportation, disposal, handling, and storage of materials, availability of labor, water, and electric power. Any failure by the contractor to acquaint him/herself with available information will not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for estimating properly the cost of successfully performing the work. The Department of Veterans & Military Families shall not be responsible for any conclusions or interpretations made by the contractor.

5.1 Vendor Questions:

All questions pertaining to this solicitation shall be submitted on eMaryland Marketplace (eMMA) under the Q & A tab no later than the date and time specified in the Key Information Summary Sheet. The Procurement Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an answer can be given before the Bid due date. Answers to all questions that are not specific only to the requestor will be distributed via amendments and posted on eMMA.

mailto:tom.johnson@maryland.gov

The statements and interpretations contained in responses to any questions, whether responded to verbally or in writing, are not binding on the Agency unless it issues an amendment in writing.

VI. BID CONTENT/ RESPONSE SUBMISSION PROCEDURE / DUE DATE AND

TIME

6.1.1 Bids must be submitted via EMMA and received by the Procurement Officer no later than the Bid due date and time indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet in order to be considered. Login: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).

6.1.2 Vendor shall submit a bid based on the description of the products or services requested in the specifications. Vendor shall state bid price on Attachment One and shall complete, sign, and submit the bid form (including references), along with applicable licenses, current insurance certificate (do not update the COI at this time), and Acknowledgements of Receipts of Addendum or Amendments to the Solicitation, if issued.

6.1.3 Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their bids are delivered via EMMA by the deadline for receipt of bids. Bids received by facsimile or email shall not be accepted.

Bids received after the time and date set for receipt of bids are late. Late bids shall not be considered.

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

6.1.5 The Bidder may not substitute, modify, or provide any other document in lieu of the documents provided with this bid. Only those forms and documents provided with this solicitation and by the Procurement Officer will be considered acceptable as bid submission. Please DO NOT send the entire Solicitation document as part of the bid response. Only submit what has been requested.

6.1.6 Offerors shall submit one complete proposal consisting of two separately labeled volumes in PDF format:

Volume I – Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal shall include:

1. Transmittal Letter

2. Executive Summary

3. Firm Qualifications

4. Understanding of the Project

5. Recruitment Methodology

6. Project Schedule

7. Key Personnel

8. Relevant Experience

9. References

10. Required Certifications and Forms

No pricing information shall be included in the Technical Proposal.

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

Volume II – Financial Proposal

1. The Financial Proposal shall include:

2. Fixed fee

3. Detailed fee schedule

4. Hourly rates, if applicable

5. Travel costs

6. Advertising costs

7. Background investigation costs

8. Optional services

9. Any reimbursable expenses

Late proposals will not be accepted.

Note: Before a business entity can do business in the State, it must be registered with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). For registration information, visit https://www.egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress. It is strongly recommended that potential Bidders complete registration prior to the Bid due date and time. The Bidder’s failure to complete registration with SDAT may disqualify an otherwise successful Bidder from final consideration and recommendation for Contract award.

VII. BIDS – OPENING

Bids will be opened as soon as practicable after the deadline for receipt of bids. The bid tabulation is available in eMMA after the bid is opened.

VIII. DURATION OF BID OFFER

Prices submitted in response to this solicitation are irrevocable for one hundred and twenty

(120) days following the due date. Once a bid is accepted, all prices, terms, and conditions shall remain unchanged throughout the contract period.

IX. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. Termination for Non-appropriation. If funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation in any fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year, this Contract shall be terminated automatically as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which funds are not available. The Contractor may not recover anticipatory profits or costs incurred after termination.

C. Maryland Law Prevails. The law of Maryland shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Contract.

D. Disputes. Disputes arising under this Contract shall be governed by State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 15, Subtitle 2, Part III, Annotated Code of Maryland, and by COMAR 21.10 Administrative and Civil Remedies. Pending resolution of a dispute, the Contractor shall continue to perform this Contract, as directed by the Procurement Officer.

E. Changes. This contract may be amended only with the written consent of both parties.

Amendments may not significantly change the scope of the Contract (including the Contract price).

F. Termination for Default. If the Contractor does not fulfill obligations under this Contract or violates any provision of this Contract, the State may terminate the Contract by giving the Contractor written notice of termination. Termination under this paragraph does not relieve the Contractor from liability for any damages caused to the State. Termination hereunder, including the determination of the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.11B.

G. Nondiscrimination. The Contractor shall comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of federal and Maryland law.

H. Anti-Bribery. The Contractor certifies that, to the Contractor's best knowledge, neither the Contractor; nor (if the Contractor is a corporation or partnership) any of its officers, Superintendents, or partners; nor any employee of the Contractor who is directly involved in obtaining contracts with the State or with any county, city, or other subdivision of the State, has been convicted of bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe under the laws of any state of the United States.

I. Termination for Convenience. The State may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, without showing cause upon prior written notice to the Contractor specifying the extent and the effective date of the termination. The State shall pay all reasonable costs associated with this Contract that the Contractor has incurred up to the date of termination and all reasonable costs associated with the termination of the Contract. However, the Contractor may not be reimbursed for any anticipatory profits which have not been earned up to the date of termination. Termination hereunder, including the determination of the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.12A(2).

9.1 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

By submitting a Bid in response to this Solicitation, the Bidder, if selected for the contract award, shall be deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions of this Solicitation and the Contract, attached hereto. Any exceptions to this Solicitation or the Contract must be raised prior to Bid submission. Changes to the solicitation, including the Bid Form or Contract, made by the Bidder may result in Bid rejection.

X. SCOPE OF WORK

Background

The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families (DVMF) seeks an accomplished executive to serve as the Director of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home (CHVH). This is a premier executive leadership position focused on governance, strategic oversight, and stewardship of Maryland's flagship veterans long-term care facility.

Unlike a traditional nursing home administrator role, this position is not responsible for the day-to-day clinical operation of the facility. Daily healthcare operations are performed under a comprehensive management agreement by a contracted healthcare management organization.

The Director serves as the Department's on-site executive representative and exercises oversight of the management contractor to ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, State and federal regulations, performance standards, and the Department's strategic objectives.

The Director is the primary liaison between the State, the contractor, residents, families, veterans' organizations, regulatory agencies, and elected officials, ensuring accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in services provided to Maryland veterans.

Recruitment Objective

The Contractor shall identify and recruit candidates whose experience demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the executive governance responsibilities of this position.

The Department seeks candidates who understand that this position emphasizes executive oversight and strategic governance rather than direct management of daily healthcare operations. While experience as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA), hospital executive, healthcare executive, military leader, or senior government executive is desirable, the successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to oversee complex contractual relationships, drive organizational performance through accountability, and contribute to the strategic growth of Maryland's Veterans Home Program.

Offerors shall describe in their proposals how they will identify, recruit, evaluate, and present candidates possessing these executive leadership competencies and shall identify the professional organizations, executive networks, healthcare associations, and recruitment strategies they will employ to attract highly qualified candidates.

Scope of Services

The following summarizes the scope of services required for the Director recruitment process:

• Have a kickoff meeting with the selected DVMF executive staff to discuss their recruitment process, recruitment strategy, develop a candidate profile, and answer questions.

• Develop and administer a national search for the appropriate candidates by using a position announcement and applicable job posting resources. Incorporate recruitment methods that will recruit a talented candidate pool with a diverse background and executive leadership skills.

• Answer questions from candidates and collect application materials.

• Review all application materials received, comparing them to the candidate profile and perform screening interviews, and personal, professional, and criminal background checks as necessary.

• Select the most qualified candidates based on the candidate profile developed and set up interviews for candidates with the DVMF; provide a written report summarizing the overall candidate pool and the qualifications of those to be interviewed.

• Include steps in the selection and hiring process that evaluates a candidate’s standard of integrity, experience, professionalism, and their ability to lead employees and operations with fiscal proficiency, accountability, and transparency. Also included must be an assessment of each candidate’s ability to effectively engage with CHVH residents’ family members and community groups, along with their proficiency at implementing best practices and innovative solutions to meet the varying needs of CHVH residents.

• Conduct complete background check on finalist candidates and advise the DVMF of the results.

Candidate Deliverables

The Contractor shall provide the Department with a sufficient number of qualified candidates to ensure a competitive selection process.

At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide:

A. Recruitment Summary

A written report that includes:

• Total number of candidates contacted

• Total number of applicants

• Recruitment sources utilized

• Diversity outreach efforts

• Summary of candidate pool

• Assessment of market conditions and recruitment challenges

B. Semi-Finalist Candidates

The Contractor shall submit no fewer than five (5) and no more than seven (7) highly qualified semi-finalist candidates for review by the Department.

For each semi-finalist, the Contractor shall provide:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Executive summary of qualifications

• Leadership assessment

• Summary of interview results

• Preliminary reference verification

• Compensation expectations

• Availability

C. Finalist Candidates

Following consultation with the Department, the Contractor shall present no fewer than three (3) and no more than five (5) finalist candidates for formal interviews.

Each finalist shall have successfully completed:

• Structured interview

• Employment verification

• Education verification

• Professional reference checks

• Criminal background investigation

• Professional license verification (if applicable)

• Public records review

• Media and internet review

• Other due diligence deemed appropriate by the Contractor

The Contractor shall provide a written assessment of each finalist's strengths, potential development areas, and overall suitability for the position.

D. Replacement Search

If no finalist is selected, or if all finalists are determined to be unsuitable, the Contractor shall continue recruitment activities and provide additional qualified candidates at no additional professional fee, unless the Department materially changes the position requirements or scope of work.

E. Search Guarantee

If the selected candidate voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause within twelve (12) months of the date of hire, the Contractor shall conduct one replacement executive search for the position at no additional professional fee.

10.1 Position Description:

The Opportunity: Executive Oversight & Strategic Stewardship

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (MDVMF) invites an accomplished executive to serve as the Director of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home (CHVH). This is a premier stewardship role that goes beyond daily operations. As the on-site State representative, you will function as the key governance authority, providing rigorous oversight of the private health care contractor responsible for daily facility operations.

You will be the vital link between State policy and service delivery, ensuring that the contractor’s performance aligns with the highest standards of care and federal/state mandates.

Our Strategic Vision: Shaping the Future of Maryland Veterans’ Care

This position is central to the MDVMF Secretary’s vision for the future of the Veterans Home Program in Maryland. Beyond current site management, the Director acts as a strategic advisor to MDVMF leadership. You will contribute directly to the planning and development of a robust, statewide network of veterans’ homes, helping to define the standards and infrastructure for the future of veteran care in our State.

Key Executive Responsibilities

● Executive Contract Governance: Exercise strict, data-driven oversight of the comprehensive management contract. Monitor and enforce performance against the State’s Requirements, ensuring the health management contractor meets or exceeds USDVA, CMS, and Maryland licensing standards.

● Strategic Compliance & Advocacy: Serve as the State’s primary advocate and regulatory interface. Ensure the facility’s compliance with all State administrative, fiscal, and operational policies, while maintaining the State’s posture as a leader in veteran services.

● Budgetary & Resource Stewardship: Administer the State’s operating and capital budgets for the program, ensuring fiscal discipline and maximizing the utility of State real estate, facilities, and equipment.

● Statewide Program Development: Partner with the MDVMF Secretary to scale our success at Charlotte Hall. Apply lessons learned and best practices to inform the planning, development, and strategic expansion of veterans' facilities across Maryland.

● High-Level Stakeholder Management: Navigate complex relationships with residents, family advocacy groups, elected officials, and federal partners (USDVA).

Act as the bridge between private contractor operations and public sector accountability.

The Ideal Candidate: A Governance Expert

We are seeking an executive leader who understands that oversight is a discipline. The ideal candidate will possess:

● Proven Experience in Contract Governance: A track record of overseeing complex, third-party operational contracts in healthcare, government, or facility management.

You understand how to drive performance through rigorous contract management rather than direct operational control.

● Strategic Visionary: The ability to move beyond day-to-day tactical issues to contribute to high-level strategic planning and statewide facility development.

● Regulatory Fluency: Demonstrated ability to manage compliance in highly regulated environments (e.g., healthcare, long-term care, or government agencies).

● Relationship Orchestrator: The political acumen to balance the interests of the State, the contractor, the veterans, and the community.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The Department will evaluate proposals using Best Value determination. The contract will be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the State, considering both technical merit and price.

An Evaluation Committee appointed by DVMF will independently evaluate proposals using the criteria below.

Evaluation Factor Weight Technical Approach and Recruitment Methodology 30% Executive Search Experience and Qualifications 25% Relevant Experience Recruiting Healthcare or Government Executives 20% Project Team Qualifications 10% Cost Proposal 15%

Each proposal will be evaluated based on:

• Understanding of the Department's requirements.

• Demonstrated experience conducting executive-level searches.

• Experience recruiting healthcare executives, long-term care administrators, government executives, or similarly situated leadership positions.

• Quality of the proposed recruitment methodology.

• Ability to recruit diverse, highly qualified candidates.

• Experience conducting comprehensive background investigations.

• Qualifications of the proposed project manager and recruitment team.

• References from similar engagements.

• Overall value to the State.

The Department may:

• Request written clarifications.

• Conduct discussions with one or more Offerors.

• Request Best and Final Offers (BAFOs), if determined to be in the State's best interest.

• Conduct oral presentations or interviews.

• Award without discussions if the initial proposals represent the best value to the State.

The Department reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in accordance with applicable procurement laws and regulations.

XI. OVERSIGHT AND ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES

All services under this Scope of Work shall be subject to the direction, acceptance, and approval of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mike Kerley. See Key Information Sheet for contact information.

XII. GENERAL CONDITIONS

This is a non-exclusive Contract. It does not include all work expected to be performed in the designated areas. Therefore, at times, other Contractors may be performing similar work that is not associated with this Contract.

XIII. PAYMENT

A. METHOD OF PAYMENT

1. At award and upon receipt of the fully executed Contract, DVMF shall issue a State of Maryland Purchase Order to the Contractor.

B. INVOICING

1. The Contractor shall submit a detailed invoice to the Deputy Chief of Staff, of services provided. Invoices shall be presented every two weeks (or monthly, if Contractor prefers).

Invoices shall contain the following information: Invoice number, Contract Name/Number and Purchase Order Number, Contractor’s name, mail address, email address, fax and telephone numbers, SERVICES PROVIDED, AND DATE(S) and Federal Tax Identification or Social Security number.

2. Payments to the Contractor pursuant to this Contract shall be made no later than 30 days after the State's receipt of a proper invoice from the Contractor. Charges for late payment of invoices, other than as prescribed by Title 15, Subtitle 1, of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, or by the Public Service Commission of Maryland with respect to regulated public utilities, as applicable, are prohibited.

Note: The Department of Veterans & Military Families is exempt from Maryland Sales and

Use Taxes.

XIV. LIABILITY

Following (within five (5) days of) Contract Award, Contractor (and any Subcontractors) shall secure and keep in force until the expiration of this contract insurance as listed below.

Additionally, the Contractor shall add the State of Maryland, its officers, employees, and agents as an additional insured. Contractor shall provide prior (at least 30 days) written notice of cancellation, material changes, or non-renewal of coverage, issued to the Department of Veterans & Military Families.

Commercial General Liability:

Bodily Injury/Property Damage Each Occurrence Limit $ 1,000,000

Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $ 1,000,000 General Aggregate Limit $ 2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate Limit $ 2,000,000 Fire Legal Liability $ 300,000

Medical Payments to Others $ 10,000

Workmen’s Compensation and Employers Liability Coverage (WC/EL) Section A: Statutory Benefits as required by the State of Maryland;

Section B: Employers Liability - $500,000 Each Accident, $500,000 Disease Policy Limit, $500,000 Disease –

Each Employee

Umbrella: $2,000,000

XV. DURATION OF THE CONTRACT/PROJECT

The term of this Contract shall be for the period beginning at final date of Contract execution by DVMF, for twelve (12) months from the date of fully executed contract.

XVI. ATTACHMENTS

• Attachment Number One: Conflict of Interest Affidavit.

• Attachment Number Two: Contractor References

• Attachment Number Three: Department of Veterans & Military Families SAMPLE Small Procurement Contract (For Review Purposes Only-DO NOT Submit with your bid)

XVII. ATTACHMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED WITH BID RESPONSE

A) (Signed) Conflict of Interest Affidavit.

B) Contractor’s current Certificate of Insurance C) All Acknowledgements of Receipt (Signed) of Amendments/ or Addendums issued during the solicitation process.

D) Any applicable State of Maryland licenses necessary to provide the services as stated in the Solicitation.

E) Three (3) or more references of Bidding Company’s previous work providing services of a similar nature to the specifications provided, within the last three (3) years.

ATTACHMENT TWO - REFERENCES: DVMF-HQ-SEC27-RECRUITMENT

CONTRACTOR REFERENCES: Please provide three (3) or more references of your previous work (under your current business name) providing services of a similar nature to the specifications provided, within the last three (3) years.

#1. Company Name: Contact Person:

Address:

City:

State: Zip Code:

Contact Phone No.:

Contact Email Address:

Term of Contract: From: to: Contract Value: $

Please describe in detail the services that were provided:

#2. Company Name: Contact Person:

#3. Company Name: Contact Person:

ATTACHMENT THREE – SAMPLE CONTRACT

STATE OF MARYLAND

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

SMALL PROCUREMENT CONTRACT

DVMF-HQ-SEC27-RECRUITMENT

THIS CONTRACT (the “Contract”), is made as of the day of________, 2026, by and between the STATE OF MARYLAND, acting through the DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES(“Department”), whose principal office is located at 16 Francis Street, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401 and (“Contractor”) whose principal office is located at , together, hereinafter known as “the Parties.” The Parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Contract.

(a) The Contractor shall provide the following services:

The Contractor shall provide comprehensive executive recruitment services for the position of Director, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home (CHVH) and the Department of Veterans & Military Families, 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor, Annapolis, Maryland 21032. The Contractor will provide the service as specified in Exhibit A - Solicitation DVMF-HQ-SEC27-RECRUITMENT.

The Solicitation dated July 14, 2026, is attached, and incorporated by reference as Exhibit A. The Contractor’s bid or proposal dated is attached and incorporated by references as Exhibit B. If there is any conflict between this Contract and any exhibits incorporated by reference, the terms of this contract shall govern. If there is any conflict among the Exhibits, the following order of precedence shall determine the prevailing provision: Exhibit A –the Solicitation, and Exhibit B – the Contractor’s bid or proposal.

(b) Changes. This Contract may be amended only with the written consent of both parties.

Amendments may not change significantly the scope of the Contract (including the Contract price).

2. Term of Contract. The term of this Contract shall be for the period beginning at final date of Contract execution by DVMF , for twelve (12) months from the date of fully executed contract.

3. Compensation and Method of Payment.

(a) Compensation. The total compensation for services to be rendered by the Contractor shall not exceed $LEAVE BLANK.

(b) Method of Payment. The Department shall pay the Contractor no later than thirty (30) days after the Department receives a proper invoice from the Contractor. Charges for late payment of invoices, other than as prescribed by Title 15, Subtitle 1, State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code, are prohibited.

(c) Tax Identification Number. The Contractor’s Federal Tax Identification Number is LEAVE BLANK. Contractor’s Federal Tax Identification Number shall appear on all invoices submitted by the Contractor to the Department for payment.

(d) Invoicing. The Contractor shall submit a detailed invoice to the Cemetery Superintendent of services provided. Invoices shall be presented by the tenth (10th) day following the completion of services. Invoices shall contain the following information: Invoice number, Contract Name/Number and Purchase Order Number, Contractor’s name, mail address, email address, fax and telephone numbers, SERVICES PROVIDED, AND DATE(S) and Federal Tax Identification or Social Security number.

The Cemetery Superintendent shall review (and approve if applicable) the Invoice for accuracy and acceptance of stated work as complete, and fees charged, in compliance with Contracted rates.

The Cemetery Superintendent shall send the approved invoice to |accounts-payable.dvmf@maryland.gov.

4. Procurement Officer. The Department designates Lori Pinson to serve as Procurement Officer for this Contract. All contact between the Department and the Contractor regarding all matters relative to this Contract shall be coordinated through the Procurement Officer.

5. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.

6. Disputes. Disputes arising under this Contract shall be governed by State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 15, Subtitle 2, Part III, Annotated Code of Maryland, and by COMAR

21.10 Administrative and Civil Remedies. Pending resolution of a dispute, the Contractor shall continue to perform this Contract, as directed by the Procurement Officer.

7. Termination for Convenience. The State may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, without showing cause upon prior written notification to the Contractor specifying the extent and the effective date of the termination. The State will pay all reasonable costs associated with this Contract that the Contractor has incurred up to the date of termination, and all reasonable costs associated with termination of the Contract. However, the Contractor may not be reimbursed for any anticipatory profits which have not been earned up to the date of termination.

Termination hereunder, including the determination of the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.12(A)(2).

8. Termination for Default. If the Contractor does not fulfill obligations under this Contract or violates any provision of this Contract, the Department may terminate the Contract by giving the Contractor written notice of termination. Termination under this paragraph does not relieve the Contractor from liability for any damages caused to the State. Termination hereunder, including the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.11B.

9. Termination for Non-appropriation. If funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation in any fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year, this Contract mailto:accounts-payable.dvmf@maryland.gov mailto:accounts-payable.dvmf@maryland.gov shall be terminated automatically as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which funds are not available. The Contractor may not recover anticipatory profits or costs incurred after termination.

10. Non-Discrimination in Employment. The Contractor shall comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of federal and Maryland law, including, but not limited to, the employment provisions of §13-219 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code and Code of Maryland Regulations 21.07.01.08, and the commercial nondiscrimination provisions of Title 19, Subtitle 1, State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code.

11. Maryland Law Prevails. The laws of Maryland shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Contract. The Maryland Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (Commercial Law Article, Title 22 of the Annotated Code of Maryland) does not apply to this Contract, or any software license acquired hereunder.

12. Anti-Bribery. The Contractor certifies that, to the Contractor’s best knowledge, neither the Contractor; nor (if the Contractor is a corporation or partnership) any of its officers, directors, partners, or controlling stockholders; nor any employee of the Contractor who is directly involved in the business’s contracting activities, has been convicted of bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe under the laws of any state or of the United States.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the Parties have executed this Contract as of the date herein set forth below.

CONTRACTOR STATE OF MARYLAND

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS & MILITARY

FAMILIES

DO NOT SIGN AT THIS TIME

By: By:

DO NOT SIGN AT THIS TIME

(Printed Name and Title) (Printed Name and Title)

Date Date

Evaluation and Selection Process