FY27 ACCESS RFA Exhibit A_BPM054659.pdf

EXHIBIT A

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) - COMPETITIVE

SOLICITATION ID NUMBER – BHA25-028 / BPM054659

Issue Date: December 22, 2025

Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People who Use Drugs (ACCESS)

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 mailing address so that addenda to the RFA or other communications can be sent to the Prospective Applicant.

12/2025

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFA KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Applications: Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People who Use Drugs (ACCESS)

Solicitation Number: BHA25-028 / BPM054659

RFA Issue Date: December 22, 2025

RFA Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration

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

Grant Monitor: Michael Baier Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration 55 Wade Avenue Voc. Rehab. Building Catonsville, MD 21228

(W) 410-218-9835

(F) 410-402-8601 michael.baier@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 22, 2026 at 4:00PM Local Eastern Time

Pre-Application Conference: Monday January 5, 2026 1:00pm-2:30pm local time Video call link: meet.google.com/tzg-myrh-pbt Or dial: 1130-600-518(US) +1 PIN: 753846439 mailto:crystal.hack@maryland.gov mailto:michael.baier@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 Summary Statement

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Behavioral Health

Administration (BHA), is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) for the Advancing Cross- Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People who Use Drugs (ACCESS) grant program.

It is the State’s intention to fund services and activities, as specified in this RFA, through Agreements between selected Applicants and the State of Maryland.

1.1.2 The anticipated initial project period for awards issued pursuant to this RFA is state fiscal year (FY) 2027, i.e. July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

1.1.3 The Department may, at its discretion, execute optional extensions to the initial project period, contingent on funding availability.

1.1.4 Any optional extensions to awards executed by the Department in accordance with Section 1.1.3 shall be contingent upon a Grantee:

● Demonstrating progress toward successfully implementing the project,

● Maintaining compliance with ACCESS Conditions of Award (COA), and

● Submitting an approved non-competing continuation application for the extension period.

1.1.5 Applicants, either directly or through their subcontractor(s) or subrecipients(s), must be able to provide all services and meet all requirements specified in this RFA and successful Applicants shall remain responsible for performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work.

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

1.2 Award Type

Awards resulting from this solicitation shall be issued as grants in accordance with COMAR 21.01.02.01(46).

1.3 Contract Officer

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:

Crystal Hack

Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration Finance & Procurement Division Phone Number: 410-627-6814 Fax: 410-402-8601 E-mail: crystal.hack@maryland.gov mailto:crystal.hack@maryland.gov

The Department may change the Contract Officer at any time by written notice.

1.4 Grant Monitor

The Grant Monitor is:

Michael Baier Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration 55 Wade Avenue Voc. Rehab. Building Catonsville, MD 21228

(W) 410-218-9835

(F) 410-402-8601 michael.baier@maryland.gov

The Department may change the Grant Monitor at any time by written notice.

1.5 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

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 summary 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 an 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.

1.6 Questions

Written questions from prospective Applicants will be accepted by the Contract Officer. Questions to the Contract Officer shall be submitted via eMaryland Marketplace ONLY!

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.

1.7 Application Due (Closing) Date and Time

Applications must be received in eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace Advantage) no later than 4:00 PM Local Time on January 22, 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.

mailto:michael.baier@maryland.gov https://emma.maryland.gov/

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.

1.8 Award Basis

Grants 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 performing the activities as specified in this RFA. See RFA Section 5 for further award information.

1.9 Revisions to the RFA

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 Technical Application.

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.

1.10 Cancellation

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 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.

In the event a government entity proposes and receives the recommendation for award, the solicitation may be canceled, and the award processed in accordance with COMAR 21.01.03.01.A(4). If the services that are the subject of the RFA are currently being provided under an interagency agreement with a public institution of higher education and the State determines that the services can be provided more cost effectively by the public institution of higher education, then the RFA may be canceled in accordance with Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Art., § 3- 207(b)(2).

SECTION 2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements listed below to be eligible for consideration under this RFA. Applicants must include documentary proof of meeting these eligibility requirements with their application as detailed in Section 4.2 “Applications”. Applications that do not include required eligibility documentation may be excluded from review and further consideration for award.

2.1.1 The Applicant shall be a “social organization” as defined per Section 7-402 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, or a local or state government agency, public college, or state university.

2.1.2 For social organization Applicants (not a local or state government agency, public college, or state university), the Applicant shall be a nonprofit organization, classified by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. These applications must include, as attachments to the application, documentation of tax-exempt status of the Applicant or the Applicant’s fiscal sponsor (e.g. IRS tax exempt status determination letter).

2.1.3 The Applicant shall have an active authorization issued by the MDH Overdose Response

Program (ORP) under Health-General Article, Title 13, Subtitle 3, Annotated Code of Maryland, to educate individuals on recognizing and responding to opioid overdose and dispense opioid overdose reversal drugs (“ORP authorization”).

2.2 Applicant-Specific Annual Funding Limit

2.2.1 Applications may not include a funding request that exceeds the Applicant-specific annual funding limit, as determined by MDH. Applicants may request a one-year total funding amount that is less than, or equal to, the Applicant-specific limit. Applications that include a one-year budget that exceeds the Applicant-specific limit may be excluded from further consideration for award under this RFA.

2.2.2 Applicant-specific annual funding limits are determined by MDH based on consideration of the following factors:

● Base award limit: A base annual award limit is established in accordance with historical average award amounts for the ACCESS grant program.

● Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (OADPOP) supplements: Applicants operating state-approved OADPOP1 are eligible for supplements to the base award limit based on the number of years providing OADPOP services, the number of fixed-site OADPOP locations the Applicant operates, and participation in the Rapid Analysis of Drugs (RAD) program.

1 A “state-approved OADPOP” includes an organization authorized to operate an Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program under Health-General Article, Title 24, Subtitle 9, Annotated Code of Maryland, or an organization approved to operate as a satellite site of an authorized OADPOP.

● Jurisdiction-level substance use-related vulnerability adjustment:

Supplemented annual award limits are adjusted upwards or downwards based on a substance use-related vulnerability index score for the local jurisdiction(s) where the Applicant provides, or proposes to provide, services. This vulnerability index incorporates multiple population and public health metrics related to substance use risk and protective factors, including, but not limited to, rates of overdose and infectious disease, health insurance coverage, and access to behavioral health services.

● Capped % increase for existing grantees: To allow existing ACCESS grantees to propose expanded or enhanced services while ensuring fair competition among all eligible applicants, Applicants that are existing grantees are limited to a certain percentage increase above their state FY2026 award. This maximum percentage increase is larger for current ACCESS grantees that operate a state-approved OADPOP compared to grantees who do not operate an OADPOP.

2.2.3 Applicants must use the Attachment B - ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook to determine their Applicant-specific annual funding limit.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

Marylanders who use drugs have a disproportionately high risk of premature death and adverse health outcomes driven by overdose, infectious disease, and social determinants of health such as lack of housing and health coverage, income inequality, and incarceration. Overdose deaths in Maryland quadrupled between 2010 and 2020 (MDH Vital Statistics Administration, 2019 and MDH Overdose Data Dashboard, 2025). Although overdose deaths have decreased each year since 2023 (MDH Overdose Data Dashboard, 2025 and Office of the Governor, 2025), far too many Marylanders continue to overdose, and disparities in overdose persist (MDH Overdose Data Dashboard, 2025).

Stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings contribute to the adverse health outcomes of people who use drugs. While the need for health care access is evident, negative attitudes towards people with substance use disorders, lack of access to healthcare utilization, and a lack of specialized knowledge among providers contribute to reduced engagement with health care services. These contribute to the poor health outcomes of PWUD.

Since 2020, the Maryland Department of Health’s Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People who Use Drugs (ACCESS) grant program has provided funding to local health authorities, community-based nonprofit organizations, public colleges and universities, and others to plan and deliver a comprehensive array of services designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs. Supported by workforce development, training, and technical assistance provided by MDH and its partners, ACCESS grantees form a statewide system providing essential health and social services that are not made contingent on a goal of abstinence from substance use.

ACCESS grantees plan, develop, and deliver services in accordance with the following principles and evidence-based practices:

● Accepts the reality of substance use and works to minimize its negative impacts.

● Understands substance use as a complex phenomenon mediated by personal, environmental, and historical factors that impact people’s vulnerability to, and capacity to deal with, substance use-related harms.

● Takes a non-judgmental, non-coercive, and person-centered approach to service development and provision.

● Ensures that people who use drugs have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them, including by employing people with lived experience of substance use in leadership and service delivery roles.

● Ensures services are low-barrier and available to people regardless of current drug use.

● Incorporates practical education about strategies for reducing substance use-related risks, infectious disease prevention, and overdose prevention while also addressing people’s health and social needs beyond those directly related to substance use.

● Prioritizes highly-impacted populations for services.

● Prioritizes addressing racial and gender disparities in service access.

● Tailors strategies to the geographic area.

https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Documents/Overdose/REV_Annual_2019_Drug_Intox_Report.pdf https://health.maryland.gov/dataoffice/Pages/mdh-dashboards.aspx https://health.maryland.gov/dataoffice/Pages/mdh-dashboards.aspx https://health.maryland.gov/dataoffice/Pages/mdh-dashboards.aspx https://health.maryland.gov/dataoffice/Pages/mdh-dashboards.aspx https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-announces-dramatic-decrease-in-fatal-overdoses-in-maryland-in-2024.aspx https://health.maryland.gov/dataoffice/Pages/mdh-dashboards.aspx

● Fits into a continuum of services for people who use drugs.

● Responds to emerging needs.

● Addresses social determinants of health.

● Delivers services in a culturally competent manner.

3.2 Scope of Work - Requirements

General Requirements

3.2.1 All direct services and other activities supported by the ACCESS grant shall be for the purpose of reducing morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs.

3.2.2 Access to direct services supported by the ACCESS grant shall not be made contingent on abstinence from substance use.

Required Activities

3.2.3 Grantees must provide the services of a state-authorized Overdose Response Program (ORP), including, at a minimum:

● Providing education on recognizing the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and compassionate overdose response strategies that emphasize restoring breathing while avoiding withdrawal,

● Prescribing and dispensing naloxone, and the necessary supplies for its administration, to program participants,2

● Providing drug testing strips, as required by MDH, to program participants,3 and

● Prioritizing ORP services for people who are most likely to witness an overdose, including people who use drugs and their friends and family.

Core Activities

3.2.4 In addition to the ORP services required under subsection 3.2.3, grantees must conduct at least three (3) of the Core Activities listed below.

● As a state-approved OADPOP, distribute sterile injection equipment and other supplies for the prevention of overdose and infectious disease.

● As a state-approved OADPOP, participate in the Rapid Analysis of Drugs (RAD) program.

● Provide peer support services.

2 ACCESS grantees may not use grant funds to purchase naloxone, as MDH administers a statewide, centralized naloxone purchasing and delivery system to supply authorized ORPs.

3 ACCESS grantees may not use grant funds to purchase test strips that MDH makes available to authorized ORPs through its statewide, centralized purchasing and delivery system.

● Provide education on overdose and infectious disease prevention.

● Provide rapid HIV/HCV testing

● Provide mobile or community-based drug checking utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) or other MDH-approved drug testing equipment.

● Provide drug-related wound care education, services, and supplies.

● Provide low-barrier access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including methadone and/or buprenorphine.

● Expand options for the collection and safe disposal of used injection equipment.

● Provide linkages to somatic and behavioral health care, care coordination, housing and employment services.

● Conduct direct outreach and engagement with overdose survivors (i.e. individuals who have recently experienced a non-fatal overdose). These activities must utilize trained outreach workers operating under documented outreach protocols that include referral to an OADPOP, when available, as part of the outreach protocol.

● Systematically collect and incorporate input from people who use drugs about service quality and delivery.

● Conduct a needs assessment to identify populations that are not accessing services and inform new service delivery strategies.

● Develop and support Community Advisory Boards.

● Employ navigators to connect people to services. Navigators can include peer navigators, certified peer recovery specialists, peer support specialists, case managers, patient navigators, community health workers, people with lived experience, and other individuals who link PWUD to care and resources.

Other Allowable Activities

3.2.5 The activities listed below supplement Core Activities and are allowable though not required.

● Provide hepatitis A and B vaccinations

● Provide reproductive health education, supplies, and services

● Implement pharmacy-based naloxone voucher programs

● Provide wellness and somatic health services

● Provide temporary housing support

● Provide transportation for clients to access services (with priority on navigator or peer led transportation)

● Implement telehealth initiatives to improve service offerings in resource-limited areas

● Implement public health vending machines and/or community naloxone boxes.

● Provide trauma and grief or other support resources for staff to prevent burnout

● Provide (or provide connections to) education and training for local organizations to improve their competency in serving people who use drugs.

● Outreach to local organizations and businesses that may interact with people who use drugs to recruit organizations as naloxone distribution sites.

● Participate in Maryland Department of Health’s Academic Detailing program to provide education to clinicians.

● Implement or expand an EMS naloxone leave-behind program.

● Create and disseminate educational and promotional materials, including translation or other language adjustments to materials to address literacy levels.

● Provide training, education, and professional development for staff through BHA-approved trainings, symposia, conferences, and other resources.

● Other activities that meet the goals and requirements of the ACCESS grant program, as approved by MDH.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

3.2.6 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.

3.3 Invoicing & Expenditure Reporting

General

3.3.1 All Grantees are required to submit periodic invoices or expenditure reports to MDH for costs incurred under an award.

3.3.2 Invoicing and expenditure reporting processes are detailed in Attachment F - Conditions of Award. MDH may alter these Conditions of Award before or after issuance of an award under this RFA.

Invoices

3.3.3 Awards executed as a Standard Grant Agreement (SGA), Interagency Agreement (IA), or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) shall require Grantees to submit invoices to MDH to receive reimbursement for costs incurred under the award.

Expenditure Reports

3.3.4 Awards to local health departments through the Local Health Department Funding System

(LHDFS) require submission of quarterly expenditure reports.

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION FORMAT

4.1 Two Part Submission

Applicants shall submit Applications in separate volumes:

▪ Volume I – Technical Application (See Section 4.3)

▪ Volume II – Budget Narrative (See Section 4.4)

4.2 Applications

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.

4.2.2 The Application shall state the RFA Title and number and either Project Narrative or Budget Narrative. All Applications must be submitted via eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace Advantage).

4.2.3 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 an applicant 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.

4.3 Volume I – Technical Application

Note: No pricing information is to be included in the Technical Application (Volume 1). Pricing information is to be included only in the Budget Narrative (Volume II).

The Technical Application shall include the following documents and information in the order specified as follows:

4.3.1 Transmittal Letter, which shall include:

● Applicant name.

● Solicitation Title and Solicitation ID Number that the Application is in response to,

● Signature, typed name, and title of an individual authorized to commit the Applicant to its Application (“Authorized Official”),

● Applicant’s 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) – please contact eMMA at 410-767-1492 if you don’t know your number, and

● Acknowledge that Applicant will meet the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act Statement as referenced in Section 3.2.

4.3.2 Project Narrative (Attachment D): The Project Narrative shall encompass proposed activities and services during the initial one-year project period covering state FY2027 (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027). The Applicant shall complete the Key Information Chart and 6 Scope of Work prompts within the Project Narrative, abiding by set word limits. The Applicant shall address each Scope of Work requirement (Section 3.2) in the Project Narrative and describe how its proposed services, including the services of any proposed subcontractor(s) or subrecipient(s), will meet or exceed the requirements. If the State is seeking Applicant agreement to any requirement(s), the Applicant shall state its agreement or disagreement. Any paragraph in the Project Narrative that responds to a Scope of Work (Section 3.2) requirement shall include an explanation of how the work will be done. Any exception to a requirement, term, or condition may result in having the Application classified as not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award or the Applicant deemed non-responsive.

4.3.3 Performance Measures & Benchmarks (Attachment E): The Applicant shall complete the

Performance Measures & Benchmarks worksheet. For the quantitative performance measures, insert a numeric target for the project period in the “Benchmark for Project Period” column. Enter N/A for any performance measures that are not applicable to your project. For narrative progress reports, enter at least one performance measure for each Core Activity and Other Allowable Activity outlined in your Project Narrative. Grantees will be required to provide narrative updates on progress toward implementation of these activities in addition to any applicable quantitative

PM.

4.3.4 Mandatory Requirements Documentation: The applicant shall submit documentation required to establish eligibility to receive an award under this RFA (see Section 2), including:

● Proof of IRS federal tax-exempt status and/or letter of affirmation. The applicant organization’s name and EIN on all documents must match that shown on the IRS letter;

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

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

● Federal Indirect Cost (IDC) Rate Agreement with the Applicant’s relevant federal cognizant agency (if applicable).

4.4 Volume II – Budget Narrative

4.4.1 All budget documents submitted as part of Volume II – Budget Narrative shall be for the initial one-year award period covering state FY2027 (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027).

4.4.2 The total amount of funding requested in the Budget Narrative shall not exceed the Applicant-specific annual funding limit, as determined by MDH (see Section 2.2).

4.4.3 Applicants shall ensure that the Budget Narrative does not include any costs that are unallowable under the ACCESS grant program (see Attachment G - ACCESS Grant Program Allowable & Unallowable Costs).

4.4.4 Applicants must complete the Budget Narrative using one of the two format options listed below:

● ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook (Attachment B): MDH strongly recommends that Applicants use the ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook to complete their Budget Narrative. This Microsoft Excel workbook includes automatic calculation functions designed to facilitate budget development while reducing the risk of calculation errors that may be detrimental to Application scoring.

● Budget Narrative Template (Attachment C): Applicants may submit a Budget Narrative as a text document. (Microsoft Word preferred). Attachment C - Budget Narrative includes a budget template that is suitable for this purpose. Applicants that elect to submit a text document should take care to ensure all information captured in the ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook is included in the document and that there are no calculation errors or inconsistencies in the various tables. Note that Applicants will still need to use the ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook to obtain the Applicant-specific annual funding limit that applies to their organization.

4.4.5 In completing the Budget Narrative, Applicants must use the budget categories listed below and adhere to the following guidance:

● Salary: For each position, include the position title, name of the person in the position (if applicable), annual salary, annual % effort, and total salary cost.

● Fringe: For each position, include the cost for fringe benefits including health insurance, retirement, etc. Fringe costs may be calculated as a percentage of salary or itemized.

Regardless of which method is used, total fringe cost for a position cannot exceed 37.81% of the position’s total salary cost.

● Travel: Include costs for in-state and out-of-state travel for employees or volunteers, including estimated mileage, airfare, lodging, etc.

● Equipment: Include costs for all durable goods with a useful life of one year or more and a unit cost of $5,000 or more.

● Supplies: Include costs for supplies and other non-equipment materials necessary to implement the project or deliver services. Supply costs should be calculated based on a standard cost per unit of goods to be purchased.

● Contractual: Include total costs for all subcontractors or subrecipients with a narrative description of the services they will provide to the Applicant.

● Other: Include any other allowable costs that do not follow into the preceding categories.

● Indirect costs (IDC): Identify the Applicant’s IDC rate used to calculate indirect costs as a percentage of total direct costs.

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION COMMITTEE, EVALUATION CRITERIA, AND

SELECTION PROCEDURE

5.1 Evaluation Committee

Evaluation of Applications will be performed by an Evaluation Committee established for that purpose and based on the evaluation criteria set forth below. The Evaluation Committee will review and evaluate Applications in accordance with the Technical Application and Budget Narrative evaluation criteria established in Sections 5.2 and 5.3, below. The Department reserves the right to utilize the services of individuals outside of the established Evaluation Committee for advice and assistance, as deemed appropriate.

5.2 Technical Application Evaluation Criteria

The criteria to be used to evaluate each Technical Application listed below in descending order of importance. (See Section 3.2)

5.2.1 The Applicant meets the Mandatory Requirements as detailed in Section 2 of the RFA, including the minimum eligibility requirements detailed in Section 2.1, and the Technical Application includes all required documentation listed in Section 4.3.4. Applications that do not meet these requirements may be excluded from further review and consideration for award.

5.2.2 The Applicant proposes to implement the Required Activities listed in Section 3.2.3 and at least three of the Core Activities listed in Section 3.2.4. Applications that do not meet these requirements may be excluded from further review and consideration for award.

5.2.3 The Applicant’s proposed project aligns with the principles and evidence-based practices for

ACCESS grantees listed in Section 3.1 and the core purposes of the ACCESS grant program, including:

● Reducing morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs, and

● Services are not made contingent on a goal of abstinence from substance use.

5.2.4 The Applicant operates, or proposes to implement, a state-approved OADPOP.

5.2.5 For Applicants that are current and former ACCESS grantees, the Applicant has demonstrated a history of meeting goals and objectives and complying with conditions of award.

5.2.6 The Applicant demonstrates strong prior work in outreach and engagement with people who use drugs, and specifically individuals at high-risk for overdose, and indicates a willingness to build capacity and competency.

5.2.7 The organization and staff information in the Applicant’s Project Narrative demonstrates sufficient capacity to perform the proposed activities.

5.2.8 The Applicant’s population of focus is appropriate given the project activities.

5.2.9 The Applicant acknowledged agreement to meet the American with Disabilities Act Statement in Section 3.2 and will meet all requirements.

5.3 Budget Narrative Evaluation Criteria

The Budget Narrative will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

5.3.1 Alignment with the Applicant-specific annual funding limit.

5.3.2 Reasonableness and appropriateness of the costs given the time and effort described in the Project Narrative.

5.3.3 Alignment with allowable costs under the ACCESS grant program (see Attachment G).

5.3.4 Alignment of proposed costs with MDH fund source availability.

5.4 Selection Procedures

5.4.1 Unless otherwise determined by MDH, grants will be awarded in accordance with the Standard Grant Agreement method outlined in this RFA.

5.4.2 The State may determine an Applicant to be non-responsive and/or an Applicant’s Application to be not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award at any time after the initial closing date of this RFA. If the State finds an Applicant to be not responsive and/or an Applicant’s Project Narrative to be not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award, that Applicant’s Budget Narrative will be returned if the Budget Narrative is unopened at the time of the determination.

Determination of Awards

5.4.3 Upon completion of the evaluation of the Technical Application and Budget Narrative of each Application, the Evaluation Committee will determine the overall score and ranking for each Applicant and report the results to the Contract Officer.

5.4.4 The Contract Officer will recommend awards to responsible Applicants that submitted Applications determined to be the most advantageous to the State.

RFA ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A – RFA Document Checklist Use this checklist to ensure that the required documents for the Application are completed.

ATTACHMENT B - ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook This Microsoft Excel file is incorporated as a separate attachment.

ATTACHMENT C – Budget Narrative Template This template is available for Applicants that elect to submit the Budget Narrative as a text document rather than use the ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook. This Microsoft Word file (locked form) is incorporated as a separate attachment.

ATTACHMENT D – Project Narrative This Microsoft Word file (locked form) is incorporated as a separate attachment.

ATTACHMENT E – Performance Measures & Benchmarks This Microsoft Word file (locked form) is incorporated as a separate attachment.

ATTACHMENT F – ACCESS Grant Program Conditions of Award

ATTACHMENT G - ACCESS Grant Program Allowable & Unallowable Costs

ATTACHMENT H - Summary of Certain Federal Fund Requirements and Restrictions

ATTACHMENT I - Debarment Affirmation

ATTACHMENT J - Certification Regarding Tobacco Smoke

ATTACHMENT K - Certification Regarding Lobby

ATTACHMENT A – RFA Document Checklist

Project Narrative Checklist:

□ Transmittal Letter (See Section 4.3.1)

□ Project Narrative including Key Information Chart and Scope of Work Prompts (See

Sections 4.3.2 and 3.2, Attachment D)

□ Performance Measures & Benchmark (See Section 4.3.3, Attachment E)

□ Mandatory Documents (See Section 4.3.4) o Tax- Exempt Letter o Current W-9 o 2025 Form 990 o Federal Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable

Budget Narrative Checklist:

□ ACCESS Budget Narrative Workbook (Preferred, See Attachment B)

OR

□ Budget Narrative (Template) (See Attachment C)

ATTACHMENT F – ACCESS Grant Program Conditions of Award

The following Conditions of Award (COA) are representative of ACCESS grant program COA and are provided for informational purposes only. MDH may add to or amend COA before or after issuing new ACCESS awards.

General

All activities will be conducted in accordance with Maryland and federal law.

The Award Recipient and any relevant subcontractor(s)/subrecipient(s) must comply with all relevant Conditions of Award, including conditions specific to federal, state, or other funding supporting the award.

Award Recipients must comply with all ADA requirements in their work to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are met. Award Recipients whose projects include direct patient care or service delivery through a program must provide full and equal access for people with disabilities in compliance with the ADA.

All grant-funded activities shall align with the purpose of the ACCESS grant program to reduce morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs.

Access to services supported by ACCESS grant funds shall not be made contingent on a goal of abstinence from drug use.

Award Recipient staff will notify MDH of any changes to relevant staff and project activities supported by the grant within 10 business days of the change.

Failure to comply with these Conditions of Award may result in the following consequences, including but not limited to, loss of award, future audit exceptions, dis-allowance of expenditures, award reductions, and/or delay in payment of award funds, until such time that areas of non-compliance are corrected.

Progress Reporting

All ACCESS award recipients are required to submit the following progress reports:

1. Monthly performance measure reports (quantitative)

2. Quarterly progress reports (narrative)

The monthly performance measure reports are due 10 days after the close of the reporting period. For example, performance measures for the period from July 1- July 31 will be due on August 10. Monthly performance measures must be reported via this web-based form:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/MDH3/CHRSAward RecipientMonthlyReporting.

The quarterly progress report provides information about progress toward specific goals identified in the work plan. This report is due by the 20th of the month following the end of each quarter and may include the following:

● Description of activities conducted

● Progress related to project objectives, measures, and activities/deliverables as described in the Scope of Work

● Barriers and successes

● Other information as requested by MDH

MDH reserves the right to change the reporting frequency and format and will notify the award recipient no later than 60 days before the close of the quarter for the subsequent reporting period. If reporting and invoicing deadlines are missed, MDH may place the Award Recipient on a corrective action plan.

The Award Recipient shall maintain current knowledge of data collection and reporting requirements and provide technical assistance to any subcontractors/subrecipients to ensure that all data are collected and submitted as required by the Department.

The Award Recipient and any subcontractor(s)/subrecipient(s) are prohibited from altering any of the Department-provided and required data collection and reporting forms without prior written approval from the Department. Unapproved alterations to forms may result in a loss of data and the inability to properly credit the Award Recipient with meeting performance measures related to this award.

Invoicing & Expenditure Reporting

To request reimbursement, an invoice must be submitted electronically through the Cognito form here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/mdh3/accessAward Recipientinvoicesubmission.

Invoices should be submitted quarterly at a minimum and must be submitted by the 20th of the month following the quarter end. Invoices must include a cover page showing the total amount the Award Recipient is invoicing for (the sum of all the line items), as well as the period of performance for the costs incurred, organization’s federal tax identification number (TIN), current mailing address and program point of contact information. Award Recipients agree to submit supporting documentation with line-item invoices (containing each line item included in the budget), and to fulfill any requests by MDH staff for additional documentation.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/MDH3/CHRSGranteeMonthlyReporting https://www.cognitoforms.com/mdh3/accessgranteeinvoicesubmission https://www.cognitoforms.com/mdh3/accessgranteeinvoicesubmission

The invoice form must also contain the control number (award number). Fringe costs or other reimbursed costs cannot be duplicated in indirect costs. MDH may provide additional guidance describing the type of documentation expected to accompany invoices. When invoices are submitted by an Award Recipient through the Cognito form, an automated message will be sent by Cognito to bha.fiscal.invocies@maryland.gov, and Connie Martin (connie.martin2@maryland.gov).

Award Monitoring

MDH intends to host programmatic meetings to discuss program achievements and opportunities within and across jurisdictions/organizations.

Award Recipient staff will participate in monitoring activities by MDH as requested. This may include, but is not limited to, phone check-ins, surveys, and/or site visits by MDH to verify that project activities are being conducted in the manner proposed in the application.

Award Recipient staff will participate in evaluation activities by MDH as requested. This may include but is not limited to facilitating opportunities for voluntary client participation in MDH partner/subcontractor evaluation activities, completing and/or distributing surveys, etc.

If requested by the Department, the Award Recipient shall submit all programmatic reports from subcontracts/subrecipients and discuss any concerns or discrepancies with subcontractor/subrecipient staff before sending programmatic reports to the Department’s Program Monitor.

Other monitoring forms provided to the Award Recipient by the Department must be completed and returned to the Program Monitor by the dates specified on the form for each quarter of the fiscal year.

If MDH discovers project activities are not being conducted in the proposed manner, the Award Recipient will cooperate with MDH to redistribute any purchased resources and/or reimburse MDH and/or terminate the grant agreement.

The Behavioral Health Administration will provide technical assistance, quality assurance and fiscal oversight to ensure that the Award Recipient develops and monitors criteria for contract performance standards; procures services; develops budgets and monitors expenses; monitors service provision; repurposes unspent grant funds as appropriate to ensure best utilization of funding; conducts reviews for continued need of services performed.

mailto:connie.martin@maryland.gov

If a subcontractor or subrecipient provides services, the Award Recipient must have a subcontractor/subrecipient agreement that outlines expectations for the program, including service delivery, performance measures and outcomes, and reporting frequency and format. They must also have a subcontractor/subrecipient budget for each SOW.

The Award Recipient shall conduct, as needed, on-site visits using a monitoring tool to assess for compliance with the BHA Conditions of Award. If areas of non-compliance are identified, the Award Recipient shall notify the BHA Program Monitor and the subcontractor/sub-recipient of the non-compliance, require the subcontractor/sub-recipient submit to a corrective action plan (CAP), the Award Recipient shall monitor the corrective action plan progress, and the Award Recipient shall submit the completed monitoring report to the BHA Program Monitor.

Publications

The Award Recipient shall submit any publications, presentations, conference abstracts, reports, studies, manuscripts, or other materials, regardless of format, that have been developed, in whole or in part, with funding provided under this award to the Program Monitor for review no less than thirty (30) days prior to publication or public dissemination of the materials. MDH shall provide written notice to the Grantee during this review period of any patentable, privileged or confidential information contained therein. The Grantee shall refrain from publishing any such information identified by MDH for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of such written request, to enable MDH to appropriately coordinate with Grantee to file for the protection of any intellectual property interests. Grantee further agrees to delete any privileged or confidential information from any such materials. Grantee shall have no other legal obligation to delay publication of results or to protect potential intellectual property interests.

Materials developed with grant funds must be translated into Spanish at a minimum and other languages dependent upon community need.

Conferences

All conference attendance must be approved in advance by the Grant Monitor.

ATTACHMENT G

Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration

ACCESS Grant Program Allowable and Unallowable Costs

The allowable and unallowable costs listed below are based on MDH policies for prior ACCESS awards and are provided for informational purposes only. MDH may change these policies both before or after issuance of new awards.

Cost Fund Source Allowable

Prior Approval Required

Unallowable Notes

Advertising, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), or promotional activities, including geofencing, over $8,000 per year

N/A X N/A

Advertising, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), or promotional activities, including geofencing, under $8,000 per year

SOR X

Must receive prior approval from the BHA Grant Monitor and SOR Project Director. Approved publications must include the fine print below. Contact the BHA Grant Monitor for information on the correct FAIN to include.

“This project was supported [in part] by Grant # [insert Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN)] from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This project is also made possible by the Maryland Department of Health's (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration.

The contents of this [pamphlet, brochure, ad] are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of SAMHSA, MDH, HHS, or the Federal Government.”

Ancillary supplies for naloxone kits SOR X Includes gloves, rescue breathing face shield, bags for kits

Audit and Accounting Costs SOR X

A reasonably proportionate share of the costs of audits required by, and performed in accordance with, the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C.

7501–7507), as implemented by requirements of this part, are allowable. Charges must be treated as a direct cost when the audit's scope is limited to a single HHS-granted supported project or program as specified in CFR 74.26(D), or when it includes more than one project but the costs can be specifically identified with, and allocated to, each project on a proportional basis, and practice consistently by the recipient.

Source Allowable

Prior Approval Required

Unallowable Notes

This is allowed under indirect costs.

Biohazard disposal contracts SOR X

Requests must include a description of the Award Recipient’s attempt to identify and coordinate with other organizations and local medical providers who provide these services and a justification for why these are not sufficient to meet the Recipient’s needs.

Building security N/A X N/A

Building/land purchase N/A X N/A

Client incentives, excluding gift cards General* X

Client incentives are allowable but must be accompanied by a clear plan for distribution. All incentives must be tracked and distributed to clients by the end of the performance period.

Clothing for clients General* X Clothing may be allowable, typically only if being used as an…