FY27 SDOH RFA - Solicitation Number.pdf

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Wes Moore, Governor · Aruna Miller, Lt. Governor · Meena Seshamani, M.D., Ph.D., Secretary

Exhibit A

STANDARD GRANT AGREEMENT

(SGA) REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

(RFA) (COMPETITIVE)

CONTRACT ID NUMBER – BPM055359

Issue Date: February 11, 2026

Addressing Disparities in Social Determinants of Health and Obesity in Maryland Communities

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 Grant Officer, and that wishes to assure receipt of any changes or additional materials related to this RFA, should immediately contact the Grant 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.

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STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH

RFA KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Proposals:

Solicitation Number:

RFA Issue Date:

RFA Issuing Office:

Contract Officer:

Grant Monitor:

Applications are to be sent via:

Attention:

Closing Date and Time:

SDOH and Obesity in Maryland Communities

BPM055359

February 11, 2026

Maryland Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities

Shirlene Carr Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Maryland Department of Health (MDH) 201 W. Preston Street, Room 500 Baltimore, Maryland 21201 410-767-8995 mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov

Saroje Portious, Program Administrator Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Maryland Department of Health 201 W. Preston Street, 5th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 mdh.sdohmhhd@maryland.gov

Submit via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) Shirlene Carr

March 11, 2026, 5:00 PM

Applicant may download fillable forms from the MHHD website at MHHD Grant Documents If any required forms are not found on this site, notify the Contract Officer and the Grant Monitor the email addresses above to receive the templates by email.

A Pre-Application Webinar will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 12 PM to 2 PM The purpose of the Webinar is to explain the application process and to answer any questions.

Please register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980495081101/?aff=oddtdtcreator in advance, so we can notify you of any changes to time or login that might occur. The webinar will be recorded and posted to our website.

Meeting ID:

https://meet.google.com/m pd-tzek-zsf

Phone Numbers (US)

+1 260-338-9093 PIN: 185

300 869# mailto:mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov mailto:mdh.sdohmhhd@maryland.gov https://health.maryland.gov/mhhd/Pages/MHHD-Grant-Documents.aspx https://health.maryland.gov/mhhd/Pages/MHHD-Grant-Documents.aspx https://meet.google.com/mpd-tzek-zsf https://meet.google.com/mpd-tzek-zsf

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION 4

1.1 Summary Statement 4

1.2 Contract Officer 4

1.3 Grant Monitor 4

1.4 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage 5

1.5 Questions 5

1.6 Application Due (Closing Date & Time) 5

1.7 Award Basis 5

1.8 Revisions to the RFA 6

1.9 Cancellations 6

SECTION 2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS 7

2.1 Applicant Mandatory Requirements 7

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK 8

3.1 Background & Purpose 8

3.2 Scope of Work Requirements 10

3.3 Invoicing 13

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION FORMAT 14

4.1 Two-Part Submission 14

4.2 Applications 14

4.3 Technical Proposal (Project Narrative) 15

4.4 Budget Proposal (Narrative and Spreadsheets) 18

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION: COMMITTEE, CRITERIA, AND SELECTION

PROCEDURE

SECTION 6 – RFA ATTACHMENTS 21

Exhibit B: Budget Form 22 Exhibit C: Budget Narrative 31 Attachment A: Standard Grant Agreement, Conditions of Award 32 Attachment B: RFA Document Checklist 55 Attachment C: Workplan Table Template 56 Attachment D: Workplan Gantt Chart Template 57 Attachment E: Grantee Required Performance Measures Table 58 Attachment F: Grantee Required Performance Measures Monthly Table 60

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SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Summary Statement

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to provide community-based interventions to address social determinants of health and obesity in Maryland to reduce health inequity.

1.1.2 The State intends to obtain services, as specified in this RFA, from an Agreement between the selected Applicant(s) and the State. The anticipated duration of services to be provided under this Agreement is one year

1.1.3 The Department intends to make 15 to 25 awards of $50,000 to $200,000 due to this RFA. All awards are subject to the availability of funding and successful implementation of the services specified in this

RFA.

1.1.4 Applicants, either directly or through their subcontractor(s), must provide all services and meet all the requirements requested in this solicitation. The successful Applicant shall remain responsible for performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work. Multiple awards may be provided for each Social Determinant of Health (SDOH) and obesity to maximize impact throughout Maryland's jurisdictions.

1.2 Contract Officer

The primary point of contact in the State for purposes of this solicitation before the award of any Agreement is the Contract Officer at the address listed below:

Shirlene Carr Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Maryland Department of Health (MDH) 201 W. Preston Street, Room 500 Baltimore, Maryland 410-767-8995 mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov

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

1.3 Grant Monitor

Saroje Portious Program Administrator Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Maryland Department of Health 201 W. Preston Street, 5th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 mdh.sdohmhhd@maryland.gov

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

mailto:mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov mailto:mdh.sdohmhhd@maryland.gov

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1.4 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

Each Applicant is required 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 solicitation and summary of the Pre-Proposal Conference, the addenda, and other solicitation-related information will be provided via eMMA. All responses provided by the Grant Officer will be sent from the mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov email address to all respondents to the RFA.

In order to receive a contract award, a vendor must be registered on eMMA. Registration is free.

Go to https://procurement.maryland.gov/, click on “eMMA” at the top right, then click on "New Vendor? Register Now" to begin the process and then follow the prompts.

1.5 Questions

Written questions from prospective Applicants will be accepted by the Contract Officer and Grant Monitor. Questions shall be submitted via e-mail to the following e-mail addresses:

mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov and mdh.sdohmhhd@maryland.gov

Please include in the subject line the Solicitation Number, SDOH FY2027 and the applicant organization name.

Questions are requested to be submitted at least seven (7) days prior to the Application due date.

The Contract Officer will determine if a response can be provided prior to the deadline based on the time available for research and communication in regards to the Application due date.

1.6 Application Due (Closing) Date and Time

Applications, in the number and form set forth in Section 4.2 “Applications” must be received in eMMA no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 5:00 pm Local Time.

Requests for an 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.

After initial submission in eMMA, applications may be modified or withdrawn by email notice received by the Grant Officer before the time and date set forth in this section for receipt of Application. Multiple and/or alternate Applications for the same Service Area will not be accepted.

1.7 Award Basis

Grants shall be awarded to responsible Applicants submitting Applications that have been determined to be acceptable to the State, considering proposed budget and evaluation criteria as set forth in this RFA.

The Department expects to make 15 to 25 awards of $50,000 to $200,000 each based on this RFA.

Proposal budgets should not exceed $200,000.

mailto:mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov https://procurement.maryland.gov/ https://procurement.maryland.gov/ mailto:mdh.healthdisparitiesRFAapplications@maryland.gov mailto:mdh.sdohmhhd@maryland.gov

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1.8 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 who are otherwise known by the Grant 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 due date shall be included in the Transmittal Letter accompanying the 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.

1.9 Cancellations

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 Applicants 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 on the written Applications received without discussion or negotiations.

Upon receiving an award, should the Grantee fail to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the Scope of Work and/or the documented Narrative submitted in response to this RFA and/or the terms of its contract for this award, the State retains the authority to terminate the contract. The Grantee shall receive a minimum of ninety(90) days' advance notice before termination. Should the vendor wish to terminate the contract, a minimum of sixty (60) days written advance notice is required.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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SECTION 2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Applicant Mandatory Requirements

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

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, state government agency, public college or state university.

2.1.2 For social organization Applicants (not local, state government agency, public college, or state university), the Applicant must be a nonprofit organization, classified by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must include attachments of the following documentation from the applicant:

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

2.1.3 Applicants must have a certificate of good standing issued by the Maryland State Government.

Eligibility Information:

Non-profit organizations as described above within Maryland jurisdictions (including Baltimore City) are eligible to apply for this grant for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Awards will range from 15 to 25 awards with a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum award amount of $200,000.

All program proposals should target minority populations in the jurisdiction where the organization maintains an office. If your organization serves minorities in more than one jurisdiction, you are required to submit an application for the one jurisdiction where your organization intends to offer a program, since the applications and awards are jurisdiction specific. Only one application may be submitted per organization.

a. Applicants must identify and maintain an operational office within the jurisdiction proposed. All official records must be maintained at this location and accessible for site visits and audits.

b. Letters of COMMITMENT (not just “support”) must be obtained from partnering organizations in each jurisdiction where services are being proposed. Please see Section D for more information on letters of commitment.

c. Applicants must provide a copy of (a) IRS nonprofit determination for your organization, (b) IRS form 990,

(c) financial statement and (d) most recent audit report if your organization received public funds over $100,000 annually in the last three years.

d. Applicants must include a letter of good standing with the Maryland State Government in their proposal. A letter of good standing can be obtained by submitting a written request to the Maryland Comptroller, General Accounting Division, Post Office Box 746, Annapolis, Maryland 21404. For guidance on receiving your letter of good standing, call 410-260-7813.

Applicants must be located and maintain an operational office within Maryland. All official records must be maintained at this location and accessible for site visits and audits.

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Applicants must be registered on eMMA (see https://procurement.maryland.gov/ for more information). Applicants must have access to relevant data sources, the capacity to deliver planned services, the ability to track performance, and be prepared to submit progress reports on time.

The Applicant will implement services to clients as close as possible to the Grant Agreement start date Applications with workplans that begin to deliver client services closer to the grant agreement start date (in other words, with less startup delay for staff hiring and training) will score higher in the proposal evaluation.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/

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SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

The State is issuing this solicitation for the purpose of reducing health inequity among Maryland's racial and ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged populations by providing community-based interventions to address social determinants of health (SDOH) to reduce health inequity. Examples of SDOH to be addressed are as follows:

• Safe housing, transportation, and neighborhoods

• Racism, discrimination, and violence

• Education, job opportunities, and income

• Access to nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities

• Access to primary care

• Health Language and Literacy skills

The SDOH are organized into five place-based domains:

• Economic stability,

• Education access,

• Health care access and quality,

• Neighborhood and built environment, and

• Social and community context.

SDOH content is also interwoven throughout other programs funded by MHHD. SDOH objectives highlight the significance of upstream factors, that are typically outside of healthcare delivery, that are necessary to reduce health disparities and maintain healthy communities and populations.

SDOH objectives are aligned with several state strategies and priorities to improve value-based health care delivery and health outcomes.

Awardees should address social determinants of health along one or more of the themes below:

AWARENESS: Awareness should focus on identifying the social risks of specific underserved and priority populations throughout Maryland and providing education services in communities, as needed.

Consumers engaged in programming with Awardees, or their partnering healthcare organizations should participate in social risk screening and answer questions in the context of their social needs, healthcare and care planning. Screening can be incentivized as part of the program.

ADJUSTMENT and ALIGNMENT: Awardees can pursue a strategy that focuses on adjusting and aligning programmatic services to address social determinants of health identified in the awareness step.

ASSISTANCE: Awardees are to focus on developing or pursuing strategies to connect consumers with social needs to government and community resources.

These assistance activities vary in intensity, from lighter touch (one-time provision of resources, information, or referrals) to longer and more intensive interventions that attempt to assess and address consumer-prioritized social needs more comprehensively. Intensive interventions include relationship building, comprehensive biopsychosocial needs assessments, care planning, motivational interviewing, and the development of long-term community-based supports.

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ADVOCACY: Awardees can form alliances with community leaders, stakeholders, and social care organizations to train foot soldiers on community engagement strategies, increase health literacy and deploy those foot soldiers with the tools to promote self-advocacy skills within their communities. For example, community members holding town halls can call for policy changes to overhaul transportation services in a community, work with CBOs to develop violence reduction programs in a community, etc.

Examples of programs/services that may be appropriate for this grant, include, but are not limited to:

Housing Workforce/Readiness/Retention Housing navigation and placement assistance Job placement and employer matching

Eviction prevention and case management GED Programs/ ESL classes Emergency rental and utility assistance Workplace readiness support Housing stabilization services(in post placement services)

Resume writing and Certification support (CHW’s)

Tenant rights education and referrals Internships/ Mentorships (college students) Financial Literacy Classes

Food & Nutrition Violence Reduction Community meals with linkage and education to resource navigation

After-School Program

Food access coordination (pantry/SNAP& WIC enrollment)

Behavioral Health Services/ Teen mentoring

Medically tailored meals or diet specific food access

Community violence deterrence and outreach

Nutrition Education Community Policing & Community relationships Health Cooking Classes Recreational activities for the youth

Access To Primary Care Recreation Programs Care coordination for those in need Social connection programs to reduce isolation Health system navigation and appointment coordination

Movement based wellness programs (fitness, walking groups, )

Insurance enrollment and recertification assistance

Community healing spaces

Transportation to and from medical appointments Digital health literacy and telehealth setup

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3.2 Scope of Work Requirements

All Applicants are required to provide enrollment, client needs assessment regarding SDOH, referral to SDOH services, and follow-up assessments (referral completion and results) for the SDOH factors that an applicant organization addresses related to its mission.

The applicant has the option of additionally proposing to provide a solution service (not just a referral) in one or more of the following social determinants of health (SDOH): housing instability, food and nutrition deficiencies, transportation, access to primary care services, job opportunities, violence reduction; or direct services in obesity.

Each proposal must include the description of the program for the required elements listed above, and if applicable the solution service provision in the one or more chosen focal service areas. The proposal must identify the funding allocation between the required components and the focal service area as applicable.

The Applicant shall complete the following activities and requirements.

3.2.1 General Requirements

3.2.1.0 The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (https:www.ada.gov/) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on 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 people 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.

3.2.1.1 The applicant shall provide the required screening, referral and follow-up assessment services described above. Additionally, the Applicant may provide direct services focusing on one or more of the following social determinants of health (SDOH): housing instability, food and nutrition deficiencies, transportation, access to primary care services, job opportunities, education, obesity, or violence reduction.

A. The services will reduce inequities in SDOH and reduce health inequities among racial and/or ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged populations in Maryland.

B. "Specific population" will be identified by the Applicant as specific racial or ethnic groups or other disadvantaged populations within Maryland.

http://www.ada.gov/)

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C. The “Geographic area" will be identified by the Applicant as a specific jurisdiction, zip code, census tract within Maryland.

D. "Service" is defined as practice, clinical service, social services, education, training, care management, referrals, community program, or other work appropriate to the goal of reducing SDOH disparities.

3.2.1.2 The Applicant will submit a finalized work plan prior to the date of contract execution. Applications with workplans that begin to deliver client services closer to the grant agreement start date (with less startup delay for staff hiring and training) will score higher in the proposal evaluation.

3.2.1.3 The Applicant shall not make or enact any changes in the work plan, budget, or performance measures without written approval from the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD).

3.2.1.4 The Applicant shall submit any publications (best practices, program toolkits, pamphlets, posters, flyers, media messages, or other public-facing materials developed under this contract) to MHHD for review and comment before publication to ensure consistency with MHHD objectives. All such materials must acknowledge funding from the Maryland Department of Health and include the applicable contract number. This acknowledgement is for identification and compliance purposes only and does not imply endorsement by MHHD.

3.2.1.5 The Applicant will take corrective action if detailed performance specifications are not met.

3.2.1.6 MHHD staff will conduct at least one (1) site visit. Grantee program staff will be expected to be present on site to answer questions, demonstrate program workflow, and review procedures and program materials with the MHHD representatives.

MHHD staff may require additional site visits to provide technical assistance and/or conduct additional assessment.

3.2.2 Services

3.2.2.1 The Applicant will implement services to racial or ethnic minority populations and/or other disadvantaged populations in a specific geographic area within Maryland.

Applicants are required to provide enrollment, client needs assessment regarding SDOH, referral to SDOH services, and follow-up assessments referral completion and results) for all the listed SDOH.

The Applicant has the option to additionally implement direct services (not just referral) to address one or more of the following SDOH: housing instability, food/nutrition issues, transportation, access to primary care, job opportunities, education, violence reduction; or direct services in obesity. The proposal must identify the funding allocation between the required screening and referral components and the focal service area as applicable.

3.2.2.2 The Applicant will implement a service to a targeted number of individuals, as proposed in the Application.

3.2.2.3 The Applicant may implement an evidence-based practice, a service the Applicant has experience in providing, or a new service.

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A. An evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as a practice, program, or service designated as an EBP by a national EBP clearinghouse, have clearly defined program requirements (i.e., curriculum, service delivery model, staff qualification), fidelity measures, and performance measures.

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B. For implementing an EBP, the Applicant will have the approval of the EBP purveyor.

C. If the Applicant implements an EBP, all requirements of the evidence-based program must be met, including but not limited to qualifications of staff, service delivery, and target population.

D. If the Applicant implements an EBP, fidelity and performance measures established by the purveyor of the EBP will be included in the Applicant's performance measures.

3.2.2.4 The Applicant will implement services to clients as close as possible to the Grant Agreement start date. Applications with workplans that begin to deliver client services closer to the grant agreement start date (with less startup delay for staff hiring and training) will score higher in the proposal evaluation

3.2.3.1 Staffing. The Applicant will maintain sufficient staffing levels to successfully provide the service.

A. Employees must have the experience, education, certification, and/or license needed to fulfill their job responsibilities.

B. The Applicant will conduct criminal background checks on all employees; no individual who has been convicted of a felony or other crime will carry out any responsibilities for the services.

3.2.4 Reports

3.2.4.1 Monthly reports will be submitted by the grantee to MHHD including data required through this RFA and evaluation requirements. Reports are due on the 10th of the month following completion (e.g., report for October 2026 is due November 10, 2026). The Applicant will use a template provided by MHHD.

3.2.4.2 The Applicant will provide a narrative progress report, including implementation activities, challenges/barriers, plans to address challenges/barriers, and other elements to be determined by MHHD.

3.2.4.3 The Applicant will report the following data to MHHD as applicable to their program design:

A. Process measures include numbers of individuals served, number of service interactions (i.e., number of education training sessions, number of attendees at an event, etc.), and completion of specific activities.

B. Health outcomes that address health changes in health behavior, health risk, and health status (i.e., change in BMI, change in consumption of fruits and vegetables).

C. SDOH outcomes address changes in access or use of community resources (e.g. transportation, jobs, health care, housing), and quality of community resources.

3.2.4.4 If the Applicant is implementing an Evidence Based Program (EBP), the Applicant will report to MHHD fidelity and performance measures required by the EBP.

3.2.4.5 The Applicant will report additional data to MHHD, as required by MHHD, specific to the service, population, and geographic area.

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3.2.4.6 The Applicant will provide baseline data at the time of the Application.

3.2.4.7 The Applicant will provide end-of-year data in an annual report, due no later than August 31, 2026, using a template provided by MHHD.

3.2.4.8 The Applicant may submit additional information and data to MHHD.

3.3 Invoicing

3.3.1 General

No advance payments to provide start-up funding can be made with this award. All payments must be a reimbursement of invoiced expenses.

Therefore, grantees will be expected to support from their own funds the first three months (plus invoice processing time) of program activities. Quarterly invoices are due 15 days after the end of a quarter, and invoice processing will take approximately 30 days from receipt. All receipts must be categorized to align with the invoice.

COMPTROLLER OF MARYLAND GENERAL ACCOUNTING DIVISION

(p.33) states: Since the State of Maryland is exempt from all forms of taxes, except excise tax on air flights, tax items should not be included in any invoice payments.

Comptroller of Maryland Accounting Procedures Manual

All awardees are strongly encouraged to obtain ACH/Direct Deposit.

You can access the links to the General Accounting Division (GAD) for applying for ACH/Direct Deposit transactions and researching your payments using the links below.

State of Maryland ACH/Direct Deposit Authorization for Vendor Payments GAD's Online Service Center

A. All invoices for services shall be signed by the Grantee and submitted to the Contract Officer using the MDH 437 and MDH 438 forms which include the following:

Invoice Must Include Grant Name Invoice Number and Date Remittance address State assigned Purchase Order number or

Blanket Purchase Order Number

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

Invoice Period

MHHD Address Amount Due

Invoices submitted without the required information will not be processed for payment until the Grantee provides the required information.

The Department reserves the right to reduce or withhold Grant payment in the event the Grantee does not provide the Department with all required deliverables within the time frame https://interactive.marylandtaxes.gov/extranet/gad/GADLogin/login.asp

[16] specified in the Grant or if the Grantee otherwise materially breaches the terms and conditions of the Grant until such time as the Grantee brings itself into full compliance with the Grant.

3.3.2 Invoice Submission Schedule

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

Quarter Timeline Due Date Quarter 1: July thru September October 15, 2026 Quarter 2: October thru December January 15, 2027 Quarter 3: January thru March April 15, 2027 Quarter 4: April thru June July 15, 2027

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SECTION 4 – APPLICATION FORMAT

4.1 Two Part Submission

Offerors shall submit Proposals in separate volumes:

● Volume I – Technical Proposal (Project Narrative)

● Volume II – Budget Proposal (Narrative and Spreadsheets)

4.2 Applications

4.2.1.1 Applications must be submitted via eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace

Advantage) as 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 eMMA.

4.2.1.2 Two Part Submission:

A. Technical Application (See 4.3.)

B. Budget Narrative (See 4.4)

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

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

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4.3 Volume I – Technical Proposal (Project Narrative)

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

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

4.3.1.1 Transmittal Letter:

1. Applicant

2. Solicitation Title and Solicitation Number that the Proposal is in response to;

3. Signature, typed name, and title of an individual authorized to commit the

Applicant to its Proposal

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

5. Applicant's eMMA number

6. Applicant's MBE certification number (if applicable)

7. Applicant's SBR number (if applicable) – please contact eMMA at 410-767-

1492 if you don't know your number.

8. Applicant’s email address

9. Completed RFA document checklist (RFA Attachment B)

Applicants may download fillable forms from the MHHD website at MHHD Grant Documents

4.3.1.2 The Project Narrative shall include the Scope of Work, including the Work Plan. The Project Narrative will be no more than 10 pages (standard letter size). The Application will be 12 pt.

font, Times New Roman or Calibri, 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and each page numbered sequentially. Information in tables may be 11 pt. font. All following items must be included, using the outline and letter/number order below.

1. Executive Summary - The executive summary of the selected SDOH or Obesity should succinctly describe the proposed service, the need for the service in the proposed areas, target populations to be served, and how the success of the program will be determined.

2. Application Narrative: the Application Narrative should follow the outline below:

a. Problem Statement - Describe the nature and scope of the public health problem in the targeted geographic area. Specify how the proposed intervention or initiative will affect the targeted population, program partners, and other stakeholders. Provide specific data regarding expected outcomes

b. Geographic Area(s) - Identify the targeted jurisdiction(s) in which services will be provided. Identify any additional geographic boundaries, such as ZIP code or census tract. Services may only be provided in one (1) the community being served straddles the border between two adjacent jurisdictions, and (2) programs in rural areas where multi-jurisdiction focus may be necessary to increase the pool of potential clients.

1. Targeted Population - Describe the target population to be served. Include information on race/ethnicity, languages spoken, age, gender, and/or other relevant demographic data. Provide evidence of disparate health outcomes for the selected https://health.maryland.gov/mhhd/Pages/MHHD-Grant-Documents.aspx

[19] target population. Include current data that demonstrates disparities in the target population and provide citations for all data. Provide the expected number of individuals to be served annually, and the eligibility criteria for services.

2. Proposed program – Provide specific information on the service/program model to be used. Include information on recruitment of clients to the program, grantee staff qualifications, service delivery model (i.e., individual or group; telephone, virtual, or in-person; community development, etc.). Provide expected length of service per individual (or community), including number of sessions or contact, length of sessions/contact, etc.

Provide all information needed to fully explain the proposed service/program.

ii. If the proposed program is evidence-based, provide relevant citations and links to peer-reviewed research, evidence-based clearinghouse ratings, or other information that demonstrates this status.

e. Work plan overview – Describe objectives to be accomplished and how they address the identified health issue. Discuss barriers you may encounter and approaches to overcome these barriers. A detailed work plan table will be submitted as Attachment C (see Section 4.3.1.3 A). That table, revised for 2027, is designed to explicitly show how program staff generate a specific number and frequency of activities, and how those activities generate the reach and impact on the population served (as illustrated in the performance measures). Attachment C coordinates closely with Attachments E and F.

f. Organizational capacity – The Application should describe the Applicant's ability to deliver the program to the target population and to meet all grant requirements. This includes:

the organizational structure, financial stability, relevant partnerships, experience in working with the target population, addressing the topic being proposed, and current and past performances with similar grants. Please describe the Applicant’s ability to initiate programming prior to the disbursement of MDH funds.

g. Program management – Describe the roles and responsibilities of all program staff, such as leadership, service providers, and fiscal staff. Provide a summary of the education and experience of identified personnel. Please attach resumes. Provide an organizational chart for the project, including roles, primary persons in the roles, and the backup persons for the roles if the primary person is unavailable.

h. Partnerships – Provide the names and describe the roles of any partners whose performance is required to deliver the proposed program. Provide a letter of commitment from each of such partners. If the program can operate without partners, this is not required.

i. Performance Measures – (Refer to and include Appendices E and F) Three types of measures should be included: process measures, SDOH outcomes, and health outcomes.

1) Process measures that include numbers of individuals served, number of service interactions (i.e., number of education training sessions, number of attendees at an event, etc.), and completion of specific activities.

2) SDOH outcomes include changes in access or use of community resources (i.e., transportation, jobs, health care, housing), and quality of community resources.

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3) Health outcomes measures that address health changes in health behavior, health risk, and health status (i.e., change in BMI, change in consumption of fruits and vegetables).

4) For all measures:

i. Identify data sources, data collection and analysis methodology, and reporting frequencies.

ii. Provide baseline data.

Required performance measures are listed in Attachment E. Proposed targets for these measures as applicable to the proposed program must be provided on Attachment E and the 432-C Form. If your program is only using MHHD funds, then only complete column 2 of att E. If your program is mixing MHHD funds with other funds, then complete both column 2 with the outputs attributable to the MHHD funding, and column 3 with the total output of the program for all funds. If there is no itemized way to attribute outputs to MHHD funds, then the MHHD attributable portion is the % of the total output that matches the % of total funds coming from MHHD SDOH funds.

In addition, the proposed monthly delivery of the performance measures must be provided on Attachment F. This will clarify any seasonal variation in performance, and account for any initial startup time (hiring, training, etc.) that might delay performance measure production. Less startup delay is preferred in scoring proposals. Att F is completed with the monthly breakdown of the column 2 numbers (MHHD funds) from att E.

J. Dissemination – Describe any plans for disseminating program results, including submissions to journals, agency reports, newsletters, etc.

4.3.2 The Application Narrative will include the following attachments. Attachments should be included using the numbering order below. Each Attachment should have a title page with the Attachment Title and organization name. All attachments must be submitted as separate pdf files.

Workplan Table (Att C) - The workplan table is redesigned for FY 2027. The organizational focus of the table is now the performance measures from attachment E, (rather than goals and objectives in prior work plan tables). Staff and activities are now organized in rows that correspond to the performance measures of attachment E. This should provide a clearer picture of how program activity delivers the promised performance measure targets.

Workplan Gantt Chart (Att D) – Using the Gantt Chart template provided as a guide, summarize the timeline of your workplan over the one-year grant period. Rows should include the relevant activities of your program and be more specific than the general descriptions in the template.

Letters of Commitment - Letters of commitment from identified partners, if applicable (see

4.3.1.2 2 (h) above). Combine all letters of commitment into one (1) PDF.

References – At least two (2) references. References should come from previous/current funding organizations, or partner organizations Combine all reference letters into one (1) PDF.

Completed Attachments E and F (All performance measures shown in Attachment E should be represented in Attachment F).

Applicants may download fillable forms from the MHHD website at MHHD Grant Documents

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4.3.1.3 Mandatory Requirements Documentation

A. IRS Determination Letter of 501(c)(3) status (per RFA section 2.1.2)

B. Maryland Comptroller Certificate of Good Standing (per RFA section 2.1.3)

C. Applicant Technical Response to RFA Requirements and Proposed Work Plan:

a. 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), will meet or exceed the requirement(s). 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

b. Applicant shall acknowledge they have read the American with Disabilities Act Statement in Section 3.2 and will meet all requirements.

4.3.1.4 Signed W-9 with Contact Person Names and Phone Number

4.4 Volume II – Budget Proposal (Narrative and Spreadsheets)

4.4.1 As a separate document from the Technical Proposal (Project Narrative) and clearly identified in the format identified in Section 4.2 "Applications," the Applicant shall submit their Budget Proposal (Narrative and Spreadsheets). The Budget Narrative shall contain all price information in the format specified in Exhibit C. The Applicant shall complete the Budget Narrative Form only as provided in the Budget Narrative Form.

4.4.2 The Applicant shall include in the Budget Proposal the Exhibit B document (spreadsheet) that details the total cost of the proposed activities. The budget categories may include:

Personnel (salary and fringe), Consultants; Travel; Contractual; Supplies; Operating Costs; and Other project-related costs.

Applicant may download fillable forms from the MHHD website at MHHD Grant Documents

[22]

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION COMMITTEE, CRITERIA, AND

SELECTION PROCEDURE

5.1 Evaluation Committee

Evaluation of Applications will be performed by a committee established for that purpose and based on the evaluation criteria set forth 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 Project Narrative Evaluation Criteria

The criteria to be used to evaluate each Project Narrative are listed below in descending order of importance.

5.2.1 Program Design: 70% of score, composed of

• Proposed program 20%

• Work plan overview 15%

• Performance measures 15%

• Problem statement 10%

• Target population 10%

5.2.2 Operational details: 30% of score, composed of

• Organizational Capacity 10%

• Program Management 10%

• Geographic area 5%

• References 3%

• Dissemination plan 2%

5.2.3 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

All Qualified Applicants will be ranked from the most advantageous to the least advantageous based on the rating of the Project Narratives. The Budget Narrative (including the Budget Forms and Budget Justification Narrative) will be evaluated based on reasonable cost given the time and effort described in the Project Narrative. The budget line items must be within the stated guidelines set forth in this RFA and as submitted on Exhibit C – Budget Narrative.

5.4 Selection Procedures

5.4.1 General

The Grant will be awarded in accordance with the Standard Grant Agreement method outlined in the Announcement. 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 for receipt of Applications and prior to Grant award. 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.

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5.4.2 Award Determination

Upon completion of the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative evaluations and rankings, each Applicant will receive an overall ranking. The Contract Officer will recommend award of the Grant to the responsible Applicant that submitted the Application determined to be the most advantageous to the State. In making this most advantageous Application determination, technical factors and financial factors will be weighted equally.

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SECTION 6 - RFA ATTACHMENTS

EXHIBIT B – Budget Forms (MDH 432A-H)

This must be completed and submitted as a separate excel spreadsheet using the downloadable spreadsheet version and submitted in the Budget Proposal, separate from the Technical Proposal (Project Narrative and its attachments).

EXHIBIT C—Budget Narrative

This form must be completed and submitted in the Budget Proposal as a separate document from the Technical Proposal (Project Narrative and its attachments).

ATTACHMENT A – Standard Grant Agreement and Conditions of Award “Sample” This is the sample grant agreement and Conditions of Award used by the Department. It is provided with the RFA for informational purposes and is not required to be submitted at application submission time. Upon notification of recommendation for award, a completed standard grant agreement and conditions of award will be sent to the recommended awardees for signature. The recommended awardees must return to the Grant Officer three (3) executed copies of the Standard Grant Agreement within five (5) Business Days after receipt. Upon award, a fully executed copy will be sent to the Grantee.

ATTACHMENT B – RFA Document Checklist Use this checklist to ensure that the required documents for the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative are completed. Completed checklists are to be submitted as the last item in the transmittal letter.

ATTACHMENT C – Work Plan Table Template (submitted in the Technical

Prop) ATTACHMENT D – Work Plan Gantt Chart Template (submit in

Technical Prop) ATTACHMENT E – Grantee Required Performance Measures

Table ATTACHMENT F – Monthly Distribution of Annual Performance

Measures (Attachments E and F are submitted in the Technical Proposal)

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This is provided for informational purposes only. Please submit using the spreadsheet version downloadable as described below.

Applicant may download fillable forms from the MHHD website at MHHD Grant Documents

Use the Excel spreadsheet version on our website for submission.

BUDGET FORM

MDH 432A

The Budget Narrative shall contain all price information in the format specified on these pages. Complete the Budget Form only as provided in the Budget Form format. Do not amend, alter or leave blank any items on the Budget Form. Failure to adhere to any of these instructions may result in the Budget Narrative being determined non-responsive and rejected by the Department.

Submitted By:

Authorized Signature: Date:

Printed Name and Title:

Company Name:

Company Address:

Location(s) from which services will be performed (City/State):

FEIN:

eMMA #:

Telephone: ( ) -- Fax: ( ) -- E-mail:

EXHIBIT B – BUDGET FORM

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MDH 432B

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:

GRANT NUMBER:

CONTRACT PERIOD: ORGANIZATION: STREET

ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, COUNTY: PROGRAM

TITLE:

CHARGEABLE SERVICES

(Y/N)

PROGRAM BUDGET

DATE

SUBMITTED:

FISCA

L

YEAR:

PHONE #:

Z

MDH PROVIDES 50%

OR MORE OF

FUNDING (Y/N)

FOR MDH USE ONLY

OTHER DIRECT FUNDING

MDH SUPPLEMENTA

L

FED./STATE ALL TOTAL

LINE ITEMS MAY FUNDING FUNDING LOCAL & OTHER OTHER PROGRAM

NOT BE CHANGED REQUEST REDUCTION GOV'T AGENCY FUNDING BUDGET

SALARIES/SPECIAL PAYMENTS 0 0 0 0 0 0

FRINGE 0 0

CONSULTANTS 0 0

EQUIPMENT 0 0

PURCHASE OF SERVICE 0 0

RENOVATION 0 0

CONSTRUCTION 0 0

REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE 0 0

UTILITIES 0 0

RENT 0 0

FOOD 0 0

MEDICINES & DRUGS 0 0

MEDICAL SUPPLIES 0 0

OFFICE SUPPLIES 0 0

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL 0 0

HOUSEKEEPING/ 0 0

MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS 0 0

POSTAGE 0 0

PRINTING/DUPLICATION 0 0

STAFF DEVELOPMENT/ 0 0

TRAINING 0 0

CLIENT ACTIVITIES 0 0

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ADVERTISING 0 0

INSURANCE 0 0

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/AUDIT 0 0

PROFESSIONAL DUES 0 0 0 0 0 0

OTHER 0 0

(ATTACH ITEMIZATION) 0 0

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS 0 0 0 0 0 0

INDIRECT COST 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL COSTS 0 0 0 0 0 0

LESS: CLIENT FEES 0

MDH FUNDING 0 0

MDH 432B (2/19

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MDH 432C

PROGRAM BUDGET

ESTIMATED PERFORMANCE MEASURES

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:

FISCAL YEAR:

ORGANIZATION

ADDRESS:

PROGRAM TITLE:

CONTRACT PERIOD:

AWARD NUMBER:

SUBMITTED:

PHONE

NUMBER:

ZIP:

PERFORMANCE BUDGET YEAR

MEASURE FY

ESTIMATE

MDH 432C (2/19

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MDH 432D

SCHEDULE OF SALARY

COSTS

MERIT SYSTEM

JOB TITLE OR

CLASSIFICATIO

N

NAME OF PERSON

FILLING

POSITION

GRADE

AND

STEP

HOUR

S PER

WEEK

TYPE OF

SERVIC

E

SALARY

MDH

FUNDIN

G

SALARY

TOTAL

PROGRAM

BUDGET

TOTAL

/MUST

EQUAL 432B

0.00

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MDH 432E

03.01.2022

SCHEDULE OF CONSULTANT COSTS

MDH 432E

NAME OF

CONSULTAN

T

PROFESSIONAL

AREA

HIGHEST

DEGREE

HELD

HOURLY

RATE

HOURS

TOTA

L MDH

COSTS

TOTAL

PROGRAM

(MUST

EQUAL 432B)

MDH 432E (Rev. 3/19)

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MDH 432F

MDH PROGRAM

FUNDIN

G

LIST OF MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT COSTING…