FY27_DSCI_Member_Assistance_Fund_RFP_Final_.docx
DOCX document 2 MB Posted
- Solicitation number
- BPM059326
- Issued by
- Maryland
About this file
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) to solicit qualified organizations to provide third-party administration services for the Maryland Member Assistance Fund Program. The contractor will be responsible for administering a financial assistance program serving eligible members in DSCI-supported programs, including application intake, eligibility review, applicant communications, fund administration, and disbursement of approved assistance. Key administrative responsibilities include operating a secure online application portal, maintaining confidential records, providing customer service, and generating required reports in accordance with DSCI-established policies and procedures. The solicitation specifies evaluation criteria based on best value to the State, though specific response deadlines, bidders' conference dates, site visits, and contract term details are not detailed in this summary document.
The RFP documentation does not provide explicit information regarding pricing terms, set-aside provisions, incumbent contractor status, specific funding amounts, or contract renewal options in the available file excerpt. Interested offerors should refer to the complete RFP document for comprehensive details on budget requirements, funding sources, technical specifications, evaluation methodology, proposal submission procedures, and all terms and conditions governing this procurement opportunity.
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| File | Type | Posted |
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| Attachment-U.-Contract-Affidavit (2) (1) (1) (6).pdf | ||
| Attachment-A.-Bid-Proposal-Affidavit (1) (1) (1) (6).pdf | ||
| Sample Agreement Consultant (1) (6).docx | DOCX document |
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MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC
INNOVATION (DSCI)
SMALL PROCUREMENT RFP - FY27 DSCI Member Assistance Administration Services Title: FY27-DSCI- Issue Date: October 15, 2026 Questions Due: October 23, 2026, 4:00 PM ET Proposal Due Date: November 6, 2026, 4:00 PM ET Pre-Proposal Meeting: October 21, 2026, 3:30–4:00 PM ET (Optional, virtual) Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/vme-wcpu-jfr Dial-in: +1 405-643-0101 PIN: 125 545 565# Procurement Officer: Seth Bova, dsci.procurement@maryland.gov
THIS SOLICITATION IS ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SMALL
PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS DESCRIBED IN COMAR 21.05.07.
1. Summary Statement
1.1. The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI), whose mission is to Mobilize Marylanders to drive community impact, build meaningful careers, and forge stronger bonds across differences through service is issuing this Request for Proposal to obtain professional services from a qualified third-party administrator to operate and administer the Maryland Member Assistance Fund.
1.2. The Maryland Member Assistance Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals serving in Maryland through the Service Year Option, Maryland Corps, AmeriCorps State and national programs administered or supported by AmeriCorps Maryland, and other DSCI supported service programs who experience financial hardship or other qualifying circumstances that may impact their ability to successfully complete their service commitments. The goal of this engagement is to provide timely, equitable, and confidential assistance while supporting member retention, success, and overall program participation.
1.3. The Selected Contractor will work closely with DSCI to administer the Member Assistance Fund, including application intake, eligibility review, applicant communications, fund administration, fund disbursement, reporting, and program support activities. DSCI will establish program parameters and eligibility requirements, while the Contractor will administer day to day operations in accordance with those requirements.
1.4. The Contractor shall provide:
Member Assistance Fund Administration
· Operate and maintain an online application portal
· Receive and review member applications based on criteria determined by DSCI
· Verify supporting documentation and eligibility
· Communicate directly with applicants regarding application status and requests for additional information
· Maintain confidential applicant records
· Make Funding determinations in accordance with DSCI approved criteria
· Enable DSCI to establish and track separate sub funds designated for particular, member populations, programs, geographic areas, age groups, funding sources, or other DSCI approved categories.
Reporting & Program Management
· Track applications, approvals, denials, and disbursements
· Provide regular reports regarding fund utilization and program activity while maintaining the anonymity of the Members
· Identify trends and emerging members needs
· Provide recommendations for program improvements and future fund administration Program Accessibility & Member Support
· Ensure the application process is accessible and user friendly
· Provide responsive customer service to applicants
· Maintain processes designed to issue approved assistance as quickly as practicable following receipt of a complete application, with a target of two (2) to five (5) business days for electronic payments and seven (7) to fourteen (14) business days for mailed physical checks, unless delayed by incomplete documentation, applicant responsiveness, banking or postal processing, fraud review, or circumstances outside the Contractor’s reasonable control.
· Support DSCI’s goal of reducing the time from receipt of a complete application to assistance disbursement and promptly notify DSCI of recurring delays or barriers affecting timely delivery.
1.5. This engagement is intended to provide independent, fair, and efficient administration of the Maryland Member Assistance Fund. The Contractor shall administer the program in accordance with DSCI established policies while maintaining applicant confidentiality and promoting equitable access to assistance.
1.6. The Department intends for the Maryland Member Assistance Fund to support members serving in Maryland who experience financial hardship or other qualifying circumstances.
2. RFP Key Information
2.1. RFP Method: Competitive Sealed Proposal (COMAR 21.05.03)
2.2. Procurement Type: Small Procurement
2.3. Submission: Two-Part Submission
2.3.1. Part I - Technical Proposal (No pricing included)
2.3.2. Part II - Price Proposal
2.4. Advertising: eMMA
2.5. Estimated Contract Value: Not to Exceed $100,000 (Small Procurement Category III). Inclusive of all administrative fees and other Contractor charges. Assistance funds disbursed to members will be separately identified and shall not be treated as Contractor revenue.
2.6. Contract Type: Fixed Price for administration services, with pass through reimbursement of approved assistance payments and any separately identified transaction or disbursement fees.
2.7. Anticipated Contract Term: One (1) year from the Notice to Proceed, with any renewal or extension subject to available funding, satisfactory performance, and all required approvals.
2.8. Planning Assumptions and Program Information
2.8.1. DSCI anticipates approximately two hundred (200) applications during the initial one-year Contract term. Actual volume may vary based on program participation and member need.
2.8.2. DSCI anticipates approximately $60,000 in Member Assistance Fund assistance during the initial one-year Contract term. The anticipated typical award is approximately $700 for general support and up to $1,500 for housing or medical support. Actual awards will depend on DSCI-established eligibility requirements, funding parameters, available funding, and individual circumstances.
2.8.3. DSCI anticipates providing assistance funds to the Contractor in advance for authorized disbursements. The Contractor will invoice DSCI for the designated amount of assistance funding, maintain and administer those funds for eligible disbursements, track the spend down of available funds, and maintain appropriate financial controls and records sufficient to separately account for assistance funds received and disbursed.
2.8.4. DSCI utilized six (6) funding categories under the previous program structure and anticipates a similar structure at the start of the Contract. Additional funding categories may be established during the Contract term as program needs evolve.
2.8.5. DSCI has not established a predetermined program go-live date. Offerors shall propose a realistic implementation and onboarding schedule. Following award and Notice to Proceed, DSCI and the selected Contractor will mutually establish the implementation schedule and go-live date based on the proposed solution, transition requirements, necessary approvals, and operational readiness.
2.8.6. DSCI does not anticipate requiring integration with existing DSCI systems, databases, reporting platforms, identity-verification tools, or other third-party applications. The Contractor is responsible for providing and maintaining the system or platform necessary to administer the program and shall provide DSCI appropriate access for oversight, monitoring, and reporting.
2.8.7. A current SOC 2 report is not a minimum qualification. The Contractor shall provide applicable SOC 2 reports or equivalent security documentation when available and remains responsible for compliance with all confidentiality, security, and Data Use Agreement requirements.
3. Minimum Qualifications
3.1. Offerors must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:
3.2. Required Experience
3.2.1. Minimum three (3) years of experience administering financial assistance programs, emergency assistance programs, scholarship programs, hardship funds, grant programs, benefit programs, or similar assistance programs.
3.2.2. Demonstrated experience reviewing applications, determining eligibility, and administering financial assistance on behalf of a public agency, nonprofit organization, educational institution, foundation, or similar organization.
3.2.3. Experience managing confidential applicant information and supporting documentation through secure processes and systems
3.2.4. Experience providing direct customer service and applicant support related to program eligibility, application review and funding determinations.
3.2.5. Experience processing, administering or disbursing financial assistance, grants, scholarships, stipends, or similar payments.
3.3. Organizational Capacity
3.3.1. Ability to maintain an online application and case management system capable of receiving applications and supporting documentation.
3.3.2. Ability to administer funds and maintain appropriate financial controls, records, and reporting mechanisms.
3.3.3. Ability to provide regular program reporting, including application activity, funding decisions, disbursements, and program utilization.
3.4. Administrative Requirements
3.4.1. Registered and in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
3.4.2. Able to perform services throughout the contract period
3.4.3. The Offeror must be registered in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov), maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier, and not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal awards.
3.4.4. Able to enter into a contract with the State of Maryland and comply with all applicable State requirements.
4. Background
4.1. DSCI was established by the Serving Every Region Through Vocational Exploration (“SERVE”) Act of 2023, with the purpose of promoting service and volunteerism across the State of Maryland. The SERVE Act also launched two new service pathways for eligible youth and adults. The Service Year Option and Maryland Corps (collectively, “the Program”). For more information about the Program, visit https://dsci.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
4.2. AmeriCorps Maryland, housed within DSCI, supports AmeriCorps State and National programs and members serving communities throughout Maryland. Because the Member Assistance Fund may support eligible members across DSCI service pathways and AmeriCorps Maryland programs, the Contractor must be capable of administering assistance consistently across multiple program structures and funding sources in accordance with DSCI approved criteria.
4.3. Program Members are placed in organizations throughout the State (“Host Site Partners”) for a minimum of nine (9) months. Members earn at least $15 per hour, work a minimum of 30 hours per week, and participate in required professional development activities coordinated by DSCI. In addition to providing on the job training, Host Site Partners must assign each Member a mentor to guide their professional growth.
4.4. The SERVE Act also directs DSCI to facilitate wraparound services for Members including mentoring, professional development, job training, and financial literacy skills to help participants gain long term success in career, education, and civic engagement.
4.5. DSCI seeks an experienced third-party administrator to manage the Maryland Member Assistance Fund on the Departments behalf. The selected Contractor will be responsible for operating the application process, reviewing applications, communicating with applicants, administering assistance funds, disbursing approved assistance, maintaining appropriate records, and providing program reporting.
5. Scope of Work
5.1. The Contractor shall provide third party administration services for the Maryland Member Assistance Fund on behalf of DSCI.
5.2. Program Administration
5.2.1. Configure and maintain separate program or funding sub funds so that DSCI may restrict, allocate, track, and report assistance by service program, member population, geographic area, age group, funding source, or other DSCI approved category.
5.2.2. Operate and administer the Maryland Member Assistance Fund in accordance with policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, and funding parameters established by DSCI.
5.2.3. Provide all personnel, systems, processes, and administrative support necessary to successfully administer the program.
5.2.4. Participate in periodic meetings with DSCI staff regarding program operations, reporting, and program improvements.
5.3. Application Portal & Intake
5.3.1. Provide a cloud based, mobile friendly portal that allows applicants to create profiles, complete applications, securely upload multiple supporting documents, and save or return to an incomplete application.
5.3.2. Provide real time or near real time status visibility for applicants, including at minimum: Submitted, Under Review, Additional Information Requested, Approved, and Denied.
5.3.3. Support secure documentation management sufficient to verify identity, service status, financial hardship, and other DSCI established eligibility factors.
5.3.4. Maintain an online application portal that allows eligible members to apply for assistance electronically.
5.3.5. Allow applicants to upload supporting documentation necessary to verify eligibility and requested assistance.
5.3.6. Ensure the application process is accessible, user friendly, and compatible with desktop and mobile devices.
5.3.7. Provide applicant communication regarding application status, requests for additional information, and funding determinations.
5.4. Application Review & Eligibility Determination
5.4.1. Review submitted applications and supporting documentation
5.4.2. Verify eligibility in accordance with DSCI established program requirements.
5.4.3. Request additional information or documentation when necessary.
5.4.4. Make funding determinations in accordance with DSCI approved criteria.
5.4.5. Maintain documentation supporting all funding determinations.
5.4.6. Screen complete applications at least weekly, or more frequently as needed, against DSCI established evaluation criteria and funding priorities.
5.4.7. Route verified applications and a recommended determination to a secure DSCI dashboard or other DSCI approved review process. No final approval, denial, or disbursement may be made without DSCI authorization unless DSCI delegates such authority in writing.
5.4.8. Apply eligibility and review criteria consistently across the Service Year Option, Maryland Corps, AmeriCorps Maryland, and any other DSCI designated programs while maintaining any program specific or funding source restrictions.
5.5. Fund Administration & Disbursement
5.5.1. Administer assistance funds provided by DSCI for approved applicants
5.5.2. Disburse approved assistance funds directly to members, vendors, service providers, landlords, utility companies, or other approved recipients as appropriate.
5.5.3. Maintain financial records supporting all disbursements.
5.5.4. Implement appropriate financial controls to ensure proper stewardship of program funds.
5.5.5. Process authorized disbursements using secure electronic payment methods, including Direct Deposit or ACH, with a target of two (2) to five (5) business days after DSCI authorization, and mailed physical checks with a target of seven (7) to fourteen (14) business days after DSCI authorization, unless otherwise approved by DSCI or delayed by circumstances outside the Contractor’s reasonable control.
5.6. Confidentiality & Data Security
5.6.1. Maintain confidentiality of all applicant information
5.6.2. Protect personally identifiable information and supporting documentation
5.6.3. Implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect program data, including encryption of Personal Information in transit and at rest and role-based access controls limited to authorized personnel with a business need to know.
5.6.4. Comply with Attachment Y, Data Use Agreement, including all applicable privacy, security, incident reporting, data retention, return, and destruction requirements. All program data collected or created under the contract shall remain the property of DSCI.
5.6.5. Provide DSCI, upon request, information regarding system hosting, security controls, independent security assessments, and applicable compliance certifications, including SOC 2 reports or equivalent documentation when available.
5.6.6. Upon expiration or termination of the Contract, export program data to DSCI in a commonly readable format and return or securely destroy all Personal information in accordance with Attachment Y and DSCI direction.
5.6.7. Maintain processes intended to support fair, unbiased, and consistent application review.
5.6.8. Federal & State Contractual Obligations
5.6.9. Comply with Attachment H, Federal Funds Attachment, and all applicable federal award requirements, restrictions, certifications, and flow down provisions.
5.6.10. Certify that the Contractor and its principals are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from federal awards and maintain active SAM.gov registration throughout the Contract term.
5.6.11. Comply with applicable domestic preference requirements under 2 CFR 200.322 for goods, products, and materials purchased with federal funds, when applicable to performance of the Contract.
5.6.12. Maintain records sufficient to identify the source and application of federal and State funds and support monitoring, audit, and reporting requirements.
5.7. Reporting
5.7.1. Provide regular reports regarding:
5.7.1.1. Applications received
5.7.1.2. Applications approved
5.7.1.3. Applications denied
5.7.1.4. Assistance amounts awarded
5.7.1.5. Assistance categories
5.7.1.6. Fund balances and utilization
5.7.2. Identify trends, emerging needs, and program utilization patterns.
5.7.3. Provide additional reports requested by DSCI related to program administration.
5.8. Program Improvement
5.8.1. Provide recommendations regarding program effectiveness, application experience, and administrative processes.
5.8.2. Identify opportunities to improve access to assistance and reduce barriers for eligible members.
5.8.3. Provide recommendations for future program enhancements based on program activity and applicant needs.
6. Materials to Be Provided by the Department
6.1. The Department will provide the selected Contractor with relevant documentation and information necessary to perform the services described in this RFP. Materials may include:
6.1.1. Program policies, eligibility requirements, and funding parameters governing the Maryland Member Assistance Fund.
6.1.2. Approved categories of assistance and applicable funding limitations
6.1.3. Program guidance, forms, templates, and communications materials utilized by DSCI.
6.1.4. Information regarding eligible DSCI supported programs and participating members.
6.1.5. Funding allocations and other information necessary to support fund administration activities.
6.1.6. Access to appropriate DSCI staff for coordination meetings, program administration discussions, and issue resolution.
6.2. The Department will retain responsibility for establishing program eligibility requirements, funding parameters, and overall program policies.
6.3. The Department reserves the right to modify program requirements, funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and related program guidance during the contract period as necessary to meet program objectives.
6.4. The Department reserves the right to provide additional materials, clarification, and operational guidance throughout the duration of the engagement as necessary to support successful administration of the Maryland Member Assistance Fund.
7. Deliverables
7.1. The Contractor shall produce the following deliverables according to the timeline established by the Department:
7.1.1. Implementation and Onboarding Plan – Following Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall work with DSCI to develop and finalize an Implementation and Onboarding Plan addressing portal configuration, testing, data security, staff roles, applicant communications, payment setup, DSCI review workflow, training, and readiness for program launch. The implementation schedule and anticipated go-live date shall be mutually established by DSCI and the Contractor based upon the Contractor’s proposed implementation approach, necessary transition activities, and DSCI’s operational requirements. DSCI has not established a mandatory number of days from Notice to Proceed by which full program operations must begin.
7.1.2. Application Portal & Program Administration - Provide and maintain an online application portal for the Maryland Member Assistance Fund that allows eligible members to submit applications and supporting documentation electronically.
7.1.3. Application Review & Eligibility Determination - Review submitted applications, communicate with applicants as necessary to collect documentation, verify eligibility, and make funding determinations in accordance with DSCI-approved criteria.
7.1.4. Fund Administration & Disbursement - Administer assistance funds and process approved disbursements in accordance with program requirements and applicable financial controls.
7.1.5. Applicant Support Services - Provide applicant support, including responses to questions, requests for additional information, status updates, and other communications related to the application process.
7.1.6. Monthly Activity Reports - Submit monthly reports summarizing:
7.1.6.1. Applications received
7.1.6.2. Applications approved
7.1.6.3. Applications denied
7.1.6.4. Applications pending review
7.1.6.5. Assistance amounts awarded
7.1.6.6. Fund balances and utilization
7.1.7. Program Utilization & Trend Reports - Provide periodic reports identifying:
7.1.7.1. Common categories of assistance requested
7.1.7.2. Emerging member needs and trends
7.1.7.3. Program utilization patterns
7.1.7.4. Opportunities for program improvement
7.1.8. Annual Program Summary Report - Submit an Annual Program Summary Report that includes:
7.1.8.1. Program activity summary
7.1.8.2. Application and funding metrics
7.1.8.3. Program accomplishments and challenges
7.1.8.4. Recommendations for future program enhancements
7.1.8.5. Recommendations to improve access, efficiency, and member experience
7.2. The Contractor shall maintain records supporting all applications, funding determinations, and disbursements and shall make such records available to the Department upon request, subject to applicable confidentiality requirements.
Pre-Proposal Meeting: An optional virtual pre-proposal meeting will be held on October 21, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Join using Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/vme-wcpu-jfr. Telephone dial-in: +1 405-643-0101, PIN: 125 545 565#. Additional dial-in numbers: https://tel.meet/vme-wcpu-jfr?pin=3000079375760. Questions raised during the meeting should also be submitted in writing by October 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Official written responses will be made available through eMMA.
8. Questions
8.1.1. Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted via email to dsci.procurement@maryland.gov no later than October 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Responses will be provided through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).
9. Proposal Submission Instructions
9.1.1. Due Date and Time: November 6, 2026, 4:00 PM ET. The final due date and time will be stated on the cover page and in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).
9.1.2. Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically in eMaryland Market Place Advantage (eMMA).
9.1.3. Proposals must include:
9.1.3.1. Offeror Information
9.1.3.1.1. Company Name
9.1.3.1.2. Address
9.1.3.1.3. Point of Contact Information
9.1.3.2. Demonstration of Minimum Qualifications
9.1.3.2.1. A written summary describing how the Offeror meets the required experience.
9.1.3.3. Key Personnel
9.1.3.3.1. Resume or professional biography of the individuals who will perform the work.
9.1.3.4. References
9.1.3.4.1. At least two (2) professional references from clients for whom similar services were performed. Each reference must include:
9.1.3.4.1.1. Organization name
9.1.3.4.1.2. Contact name
9.1.3.4.1.3. Email and phone number
9.1.3.4.1.4. Description of services provided
9.1.3.4.1.5. Dates of performance
9.1.3.5. Technical Proposal (2 pages maximum)
9.1.3.5.1. The Technical Proposal should include:
9.1.3.5.1.1. Proposed approach
9.1.3.5.1.2. Summary of relevant experience
9.1.3.5.1.3. Understanding of DSCI goals
9.1.3.5.1.4. Technical Solution and Portal Architecture – A narrative describing the proposed software portal, hosting environment, user interfaces, applicant workflow, DSCI review dashboard, sub fund functionality, reporting capability, and mobile accessibility.
9.1.3.5.1.5. Implementation Timeline – The Offeror shall propose a reasonable implementation and onboarding schedule based upon its proposed solution. The schedule should identify major implementation activities and milestones, including portal configuration, testing, security review, payment setup, training, DSCI workflow development, and anticipated readiness for program launch. Offerors should identify any dependencies, information, approvals, or other actions required from DSCI to support implementation. DSCI has not established a predetermined go-live date or maximum implementation period.
9.1.3.5.1.6. Security and Compliance Documentation – A description of encryption, role based access control, hosting, incident response, data export and destruction, and applicable SOC 2 or equivalent security documentation.
9.1.3.5.1.7. Federal Compliance – Evidence of active SAM.gov registration and a statement confirming the Offeror is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from federal awards.
9.1.3.6. Price Proposal
9.1.3.6.1. A detailed not to exceed price proposal that separately identifies: (1) fixed implementation or onboarding fees; (2) recurring administrative fees; (3) per case, per application, or other transaction fees; (4) electronic disbursement fees; (5) mailed check fees; (6) any portal, hosting, or reporting fees; and (7) all other charges. The Offeror shall also state any minimum volume commitments or assumptions affecting price.
9.1.3.6.2. For pricing purposes, DSCI anticipates an initial contract term of one (1) year. DSCI will provide or confirm the estimated number and aggregate value of anticipated assistance transactions in the final solicitation or by amendment. Offerors shall identify any volume tiers and pricing assumptions so proposals can be evaluated on a common basis.
9.1.3.7. Required Forms
9.1.3.7.1. Bid/Proposal Affidavit (Attachment A)
9.1.3.7.2. Contract Affidavit (Attachment U)
9.1.3.7.3. Federal Funds (Attachment H)
9.1.3.7.4. Data Use Agreement (Attachment Y)
10. Proposal Form
10.1.1. Offerors shall provide fixed prices for implementation and recurring administration services, separately identify all transaction and disbursement fees, and provide a total not to exceed amount for Contractor fees. Prices must include all labor, materials, systems, meetings, administrative costs, and other expenses necessary to complete the Scope of Work. Assistance funds distributed to approved recipients shall be separately shown as pass-through funds and shall not be marked up unless expressly authorized by DSCI.
| Task | Description | Price |
| Task 1 – Program Administration & Application Portal | Operate and maintain the online application portal, application intake process, and program administration functions | $ |
| Task 2 – Application Review & Eligibility Determination | Confidentially review applications, verify eligibility, communicate with applicants, and make funding determinations in accordance with DSCI-approved criteria | $ |
| Task 3 – Fund Administration & Disbursement Services | Administer assistance funds, process approved disbursements, maintain financial records, and implement financial controls | $ |
| Task 4 – Reporting & Program Analytics | Provide monthly activity reports, utilization reporting, trend analysis, and program metrics | $ |
| Task 5 – Program Support & Recommendations | Provide customer service, program support, and recommendations for program improvements | $ |
Total Proposed Price: $
10.1.2. The Department intends to award all five (5) required Tasks described above as the base Scope of Work.
11. Evaluation of Proposals
11.1. Evaluation Factors - Technical proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:
11.1.1. Relevant Experience - Experience administering financial assistance programs, hardship funds, scholarship programs, grant programs, benefit programs, emergency assistance programs, or similar programs involving application review, eligibility determination, and fund administration.
11.1.2. Qualifications of Key Personnel - Experience and qualifications of the individual(s) proposed to perform the work, including experience with:
11.1.2.1. Financial assistance program administration
11.1.2.2. Application review and eligibility determination
11.1.2.3. Customer service and applicant support
11.1.2.4. Fund administration and financial controls
11.1.2.5. Confidential information management
11.1.3. Understanding of the Scope of Work - Demonstrated understanding of the Department’s goals and the tasks described in the Scope of Work.
11.1.4. Proposed Approach - Clarity, feasibility, and effectiveness of the Offeror’s proposed approach for administering the Maryland Member Assistance Fund, including application intake, eligibility review, fund disbursement, reporting, confidentiality, and applicant support services. Evaluation will also consider the proposed portal architecture; the reasonableness, feasibility, and completeness of the proposed implementation approach and timeline; sub fund capability; DSCI approval workflow; disbursement timing; data security controls; and federal compliance approach.
11.2. Proposals will be evaluated using a qualitative evaluation process.
11.3. Technical proposals will be reviewed first to determine whether the Offeror meets the requirements of the solicitation.
11.4. Technical proposals may be rated using the following scale:
| Rating | Description |
| Greatly Exceeds Requirements | Proposal demonstrates exceptional capability and clearly exceeds requirements |
| Exceeds Requirements | Proposal exceeds requirements in several areas |
| Meets Requirements | Proposal satisfactorily meets the requirements. |
| Does Not Meet Requirements | Proposal fails to meet one or more requirements |
11.5. Price proposals will be considered in conjunction with the technical ratings to determine which proposal provides the best overall value to the State.
11.6. The Department reserves the right to request clarifications from Offerors for the purpose of resolving minor or clerical issues contained in proposals. Clarifications may not be used to revise or materially alter a proposal.
11.7. The Department may also conduct discussions with one or more Offerors for the purpose of obtaining additional information necessary to determine which proposal provides the best value to the State.
11.8. Offerors may be requested to provide supplemental information, examples of prior work, or additional explanation of their proposed approach.
12. Award
12.1.1. The Department intends to award a contract to the Offeror whose proposal is determined to provide the best value to the State, considering both technical merit and price.
12.1.2. The Department intends to award all five (5) required Tasks described above as the base Scope of Work.
12.1.2.1. Reject any or all proposals
12.1.2.2. Request for clarifications from Offerors
12.1.2.3. Make an award without further discussions
12.1.2.4. Award fewer than all tasks listed in the solicitation Attachment A – Bid/Proposal Affidavit Attachment U - Contract Affidavit Attachment C- Sample Contract Attachment H – Federal Funds Attachment Y – Data Use Agreement
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