MDH - RFA MACS FY25 Edited OSA.revised ijs_4.4.24.pdf

EXHIBIT A

STANDARD GRANT AGREEMENT (SGA)

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

(COMPETITIVE)

PROCUREMENT ID NUMBER – BPM043425 / BHA24-009

Issue Date: April 4, 2024

Substance Abuse Consultation/ Behavioral Health Integration with Primary Care for Substance Abuse -Maryland Addiction Consultation

Service (MACS)

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

Minority Business Enterprises Are Encouraged to Respond to this Solicitation

10/2019

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFA KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Applications: Substance Abuse Consultation/ Behavioral Health Integration with Primary Care for Substance Abuse- Maryland Addiction Consultation Services (MACS)

Solicitation Number: BPM043425 / / BHA24-009

(1) RFA Issue Date: April 4, 2024

RFA Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration Office of Early Intervention Primary Behavioral Health/Early Intervention

Procurement Officer: Crystal Hack

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

Grant Monitor: Barrington Page Program Manager, Early Intervention

Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration 55 Wade Avenue Catonsville, Maryland 21228 Phone Number: ( 443 ) 835 - 8959 e-mail: bpage@maryland.gov

Applications are to be sent to: Applications are accepted via email only:

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 https://emaryland.buyspeed.com/bso/login.jsp, click on “Register” to begin the process, and then follow the prompts.

Closing Date and Time: April 15, 2024, No later than 2:00 PM EST Local Time mailto:bpage@maryland.gov

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Summary Statement

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), through its sub-unit, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to: provide substance use disorder specific consultation to medical providers (physicians, nurse-practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers) that are managing complex patients with substance use disorder issues, primarily related to the use of buprenorphine. This project aims to increase the number of eligible buprenorphine prescribers and support those who are already prescribing buprenorphine or any other medication for opioid use disorder. Eligible buprenorphine prescribers are any provider that has a DEA license to prescribe CDS (controlled dangerous substance). The Applicant must have the capability of starting the services immediately. The goal is to avoid any gaps in services that would be detrimental to the prescribers and practices seeking consultation and assistance with treating patients with opioid use disorder. The contractor will provide services in all 24 jurisdictions, virtually or in-person, with one central headquarters.

The applicant will promote and provide informed choices regarding the use of buprenorphine through systemic public awareness, provision of a telephone consultation service, training and education, technical assistance to, and maintenance of a system to support buprenorphine expansion services within the behavioral health care system, and data collection. It will do so by working closely with appropriate stakeholders and bringing together experts from various disciplines including behavioral health, medicine, public awareness, and others. The applicant will provide services in all 24 jurisdictions, virtually and in-person.

1.1.2 It is the State’s intention to obtain services as specified in this RFA, from an Agreement between the selected Applicant and the State. The anticipated duration of services to be provided under this Agreement is five years (three years with two additional option years beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029). The maximum award amount for this project will be $14,000,000. Please note: these dates are subject to change.

1.1.3 The Department intends to make a single award as a result of this RFA, not to exceed $2,800,000 per year.

1.1.4 Applicants, either directly or through their sub-Applicant(s), must be able to provide all services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Applicant shall remain responsible for performance regardless of sub-Applicant participation in the work.

1.2 Contract Type

The Agreement resulting from this solicitation shall be a firm fixed price.

1.3 Procurement Officer

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

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

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

1.4 Grant Monitor

The Grant Monitor is:

Barrington Page Program Manager, Early Intervention Behavioral Health Administration Maryland Department of Health.

55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone: 443-835-8959 E-mail: bpage@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 solicitation and summary of the Pre-Proposal Conference, Applicant questions and the Procurement Officer’s responses, addenda, and other solicitation-related information will be provided via eMMA.

In order to receive a contract award, a vendor must be registered on eMMA. Registration is free. Go to https://procurement.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 Procurement Officer. Questions to the Procurement Officer shall be submitted via eMaryland Marketplace ONLY! Please identify in the subject line the Solicitation Number and Title.

Questions are requested to be submitted at least 7 days prior to the Application due date. The Procurement Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an mailto:bpage@maryland.gov https://procurement.maryland.gov/ answer can be given before the Application due date. All questions and answers will be posted to eMaryland Maryland under the documents tab.

1.7 Application Due (Closing) Date and Time

Applications, in the number and form set forth in Section 4.2 “Applications” must be received by the Procurement Officer, via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMa), no later than 2:00 PM EST.

Local Time on April 15, 2024, in order to be considered.

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. Questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted to eMMa only.

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

1.8 Award Basis

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

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 Procurement Officer to have obtained this RFA. Addenda made after the due date for Applications will be sent only to those Applicants that submitted a timely Application and that remain under award consideration as of the issuance date of the addenda.

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

1.10 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, to waive or permit the cure of minor irregularities, and to conduct discussions with all qualified or potentially qualified Applicants in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the State. The State also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award a Grant based upon the written Applications received without discussions or negotiations.

SECTION 2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

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 The Applicant shall have five years of experience providing the services as listed in the Scope of Work requirements. As proof of meeting this requirement, the Applicant shall provide with its Application three (3) references from the past five years able to attest to the Applicant’s experience in providing the services listed in the Scope of Work.

2.1.3 The Applicant shall be certified by an Insurance Liability Company. As proof of meeting this requirement, the Applicant shall provide with its Application a current certificate of Insurance Liability evidencing the Applicant’s certificate.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

Background

Maryland, like many other states in the United States, have been grappling with the opioid epidemic.

Buprenorphine is a medication that is commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), as it can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The need for Buprenorphine prescribers in Maryland, as in other states, is driven by the growing demand for effective treatments for opioid use disorder. The Maryland Department of Health - Behavioral Health Administration has provided funding since 2017 for the Maryland Addictions Consultation Service (MACS) to encourage, train and increase the use of buprenorphine. Through a substance use warmline, the program provides substance use disorder specific consultation to medical providers (physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) that are managing complex patients with opioid use disorders. Access to this type of consultation provides support to providers who are eligible to prescribe buprenorphine, and to treat patients per the guidelines in the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) and Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Acts. These bills were passed to expand access to buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder and normalize and enhance substance use care across healthcare settings.

Since October of 2017, over 3,000 prescribers across Maryland have enrolled in the consultation service.

The current contract also includes outreach and training to current or potential eligible providers, a monthly newsletter, and other activities related to treatment of opioid use disorders and buprenorphine expansion in Maryland.

Purpose

In response to the opioid epidemic, there is a need for increased training, education and resource assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder. There is a shortage of medical providers across the state of Maryland who are eligible to prescribe Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, and limited treatment access for patients suffering from the disorder. This consultation service will help support and expand the number of primary care providers as well as other medical specialty providers to obtain their training requirements, and/or increase the number of patients they are willing to treat if they are eligible. This consultation service will provide outreach and training to medical providers and warm line consultation for those treating opioid use disorder in an office-based setting, with the ultimate goal of increasing access to treatment across the state. This project is aimed at supporting primary care, specialty buprenorphine prescribers and pain management practitioners through phone consultation and training.

This can include consultation to providers who have accepted patients from pain management practices that have closed. These patients can present with complex issues and medications and require specialized guidance from a physician who has specialized experience in pain management. The project also includes establishing partnerships with pharmacies to improve access to buprenorphine, and ensuring that pharmacies are knowledgeable about the medication and can support patients. Services should include providing consultation and training on wound care associated with drug related wounds.

This project is a feasible and scalable solution to increase and enhance access to and quality of substance use treatment and care across Maryland. Buprenorphine has been recognized as an effective tool in combating opioid addiction, and efforts have been made to expand its availability to address the opioid epidemic. Expansion initiatives generally focus on increasing access to buprenorphine through various means such as expanding buprenorphine access by raising awareness about its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction and dispelling myths or misconceptions, providing education campaigns that target both healthcare providers and the general public. Integrating buprenorphine treatment into primary care settings helps reduce stigma associated with seeking addiction treatment. This approach also makes it more convenient for individuals struggling with opioid addiction to access the necessary care.

In addition, this project will aim to address disparities in prescribing buprenorphine which is crucial for promoting equitable access to effective care. Disparities may arise due to various factors, including stigma, lack of education, and systemic issues. Disparities may be addressed by increasing utilization of telemedicine to expand access to buprenorphine treatment, especially in underserved areas where there may be a shortage of healthcare providers. Other activities can include targeting underserved areas with outreach to healthcare providers to encourage, train, and provide technical assistance to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorders to patients in their practice.

3.2 Scope of Work - Requirements

The Applicant shall provide:

1. Telephone consultation to:

a. Existing or potential buprenorphine prescribers provided by physicians who are Board Certified in Addiction Medicine;

b. Pain Management practices and others managing patients on chronic pain medications, provided by physicians who are Board Certified in Pain Management.

c. Community providers working with people who use drugs on wound care. This includes consultations with nurses and paraprofessionals in syringe services and community-based providers of harm reduction services.

2. Resource/ Referral Database and Website Development;

3. Outreach and Training;

4. Technology Transfer and Technical Assistance;

5. Project Echo; and

6. Evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement.

3.2.1 General Requirements

3.2.1.1 Telephone Consultation Center - To develop a mechanism and standard operating procedures for providers’ telephone consultation requests related to substance use concerns, including but not limited to prescribing buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Telephone consultation will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM. Calls will be answered by a licensed behavioral health clinician who will collect pertinent patient information and the nature of the request. The behavioral health clinician can assist immediately with resource and referral questions, as well as general behavioral health questions (i.e., screening, brief intervention, psychosocial interventions). A physician who is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine will then return calls to providers that need guidance related to medication or medical treatment within 24 hours (i.e., initiation and maintenance of buprenorphine, tapering benzodiazepines, medications for alcohol use disorder). A summary of the consultation will be sent to the caller within 24 hours of the consultation, including all recommendations, referral information, and other resources for the patient. The team will also need to provide consultations to pain management practices and others managing patients on chronic pain medications. This is to be addressed by a physician who is Board Certified in Pain Management. This should include the availability to provide telephone consultation for caring for drug related wounds, primarily to syringe services programs and community-based organizations providing harm reduction services.

Deliverables:

1. Monthly clinical team meetings to discuss clinical cases and outreach efforts.

a. Meeting minutes shall be provided to BHA with the monthly report no later than the first week of the month.

2. Monthly meetings to be scheduled by Applicant with BHA to discuss program progress (virtual or in-person).

a. Meeting minutes shall be provided to BHA with the monthly report.

3. Provide a telephone consultation line operated by a licensed behavioral health clinician from 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

a. Calls requiring physician response will be responded to within 24 hours.

b. Collect, enter and evaluate all call data into a secure data collection system.

c. Delivery of call summaries, including all recommendations, referrals information, and other addiction and behavioral health resources by the physician consultant to the prescriber within 24 hours of the consultation.

d. Provide consultation to a minimum of 75 calls quarterly.

e. Quarterly Reports on call volume, type and outcome due no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter.

3.2.1.2 Resource/Referral Database Development and Website Development – A statewide resource and referral database will be developed, updated and maintained by applicant and utilized as a support to medical providers calling the warmline. The database will include medical providers that are currently prescribing buprenorphine and accepting patients, wait time, insurances accepted, location, services provided and specialty areas such as those that are specific to treating patients with acute and chronic pain. A website will be developed that will include official guidelines and protocols for buprenorphine prescribing from organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and other relevant medical associations. The website will provide resources on cultural competence, continuing education opportunities, and other educational materials.

Deliverables:

1. Develop and maintain a current list of local treatment centers and providers that offer buprenorphine treatment within 90 days of contract award. This would be an internal database and not public facing.

2. Verify referral database providers at least twice a year and report quarterly on progress.

3. Collaborate with local healthcare systems, public health agencies, and community organizations to ensure the resource database aligns with regional needs.

4. Develop a public facing website that would include educational materials on OUD, addiction science, and the pharmacology of buprenorphine within 90 days of contract award.

5. Post information on any continuing education courses related to opioid addiction treatment on the website and include it in the quarterly report.

6. Post resources on the website for providers interested in implementing telemedicine for buprenorphine treatment and guidelines on telemedicine best practices within 180 days of award.

7. Post resources to enhance cultural competence when working with diverse populations within 180 days of award.

3.2.1.3 Outreach and Training –The applicant will meet with medical providers in office-based settings or virtually to provide information on the services provided by MACS and determine if prescribers in the practice have or are interested in obtaining a DEA license to prescribe controlled dangerous substances such as buprenorphine. The Applicant will provide education and CME training events, in person or virtually, quarterly. The applicant will compile and distribute a monthly e-newsletter and keep social media accounts current with postings. Provide outreach on expanded MACS services to prescribers and practices across the state, building on existing connections in the community as well as expanding efforts to form new collaborations. Offer comprehensive education and training programs for healthcare providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. This should cover the benefits of buprenorphine, its appropriate use, and the importance of treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) as a medical condition rather than a moral failing. Integrate cultural competence training to help healthcare providers understand and address the unique needs of diverse patient populations. Utilize conferences, webinars, and other channels to increase awareness of Opioid Use Disorder and treatment options. Provide training to community-based organizations on caring for wounds associated with drug use.

1. Applicant will enroll a minimum of 20 prescribers into MACS consultation services quarterly include in the quarterly report.

2. Participate in a minimum of 5 face to face or virtual outreach activities quarterly providing program materials to and collecting contact information from prescribers and include in quarterly report.

3. Provide a minimum of 1 training event per month (in-person or virtual) that are to be completed by a physician that is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine (Webinars, CME’s Seminars, or Waiver Trainings). Include in the quarterly report.

4. Develop and update the distribution list for those behavioral health providers and prescribers who subscribe to MACS monthly e-newsletter, include in the quarterly report.

5. Develop and send out a monthly e-newsletter to those behavioral health providers and prescribers who subscribe to MACS with a copy to BHA. Include in the monthly report.

6. Develop weekly postings to social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) and include in the monthly report.

7. Develop and maintain consultation service website and resource catalog monthly. Report on website views quarterly.

8. Provide information on addressing disparities in access to buprenorphine treatment.

9. Prepare and send monthly reports to BHA due no later than the first week of the month.

3.2.1.4 Technology Transfer and Technical Assistance - Provide statewide Technology Transfer and Technical Assistance (TT). TT can be a one-time activity or long-term assistance provided by a team of multidisciplinary consultants. Services will be tailored to address the specific technical needs of individual practices in overcoming barriers to providing evidence-based, comprehensive care for substance use disorders. To effectively respond to the diverse and unique technical needs of prescribers, The Applicant will offer a broad range of technology transfer/technical assistance approaches and levels of intensity through a blend of onsite and web-based technology, including distance-learning modalities.

The Applicant will be equipped with work within a range of practice settings as well as all levels of clinical and administrative personnel.

1. Provide in office and remote TT services to four sites starting office-based MAT and include in quarterly reporting. TT should include information on reimbursement policies, billing codes, navigating insurance coverage for patients, and tools for providers on collecting and analyzing data for continuous quality improvement.

2. Provide in office and remote TT services to expand patient capacity at six sites and include in quarterly report.

3. Bi-annual follow-up evaluation of TT efforts at each practice site and include on quarterly report.

3.2.1.5 Project ECHO - Provide Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) statewide. Project ECHO is a collaborative model of medical education that improves access to specialty care by linking expert specialist teams with prescribers through real-time, online learning sessions called teleECHO clinics. Contracted consultants will conduct remote training sessions through TeleEcho to educate healthcare providers on the benefits, appropriate use, and best practices for prescribing buprenorphine. Use case-based learning during TeleEcho sessions to discuss real-world scenarios, allowing providers to gain practical insights into buprenorphine prescribing. Provide healthcare providers with the opportunity for remote consultation with experts in buprenorphine prescribing through TeleEcho.

This allows them to seek guidance on challenging cases or receive feedback on their approach.Use TeleEcho for educational campaigns aimed at debunking myths and addressing stigma associated with buprenorphine treatment. Involve experts who can provide evidence-based information to counter misconceptions. Utilize TeleEcho to connect healthcare providers in underserved areas with specialists who have expertise in buprenorphine prescribing. This can help bridge the gap in access to specialized knowledge. Be a resource for hub-and-spoke models where specialized addiction treatment centers (hubs) connect with primary care providers (spokes) through TeleEcho to extend expertise and support.

Contracted consultants will provide didactic, case-based learning presentations with prescribers and practices in a variety of clinical settings across Maryland. Settings to include but not limited to in the following area: Substance Use Disorder, Opioid Treatment Program, Maternal Health and Peer Recovery.

By leveraging TeleEcho, healthcare providers can overcome geographical barriers, receive ongoing support, and enhance their skills in prescribing buprenorphine. This approach can be particularly beneficial in areas where there is a shortage of experienced prescribers or limited access to addiction treatment specialists.

Deliverables to be reported on in quarterly report:

1. ECHO recruitment and outreach.

2. Provide TeleECHO clinics monthly.

3. Engage a minimum of 15 prescribers in teleECHO clinics.

4. Provide CMEs and CEUs for teleECHO clinics.

5. Follow-up evaluation of each teleECHO clinic.

3.2.1.6 Process Evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) – In order to ensure all clinical activities are closely monitored and adjusted to maximize high quality patient care and responsiveness to primary care providers’ needs, the Applicant will utilize consultation call data for internal continuous quality improvement purposes. A secure data collection system will be developed, modified as required and implemented to ensure reliable and valid collection of consultation call data.

Consultation call data will be internally reviewed by the Applicant, consultation, administrative, and evaluation team on a weekly basis to ensure consultation calls are responded to in a consistent manner and recommendations are of high quality consistent with current evidence-based practice. Additional inquiries of participating primary care providers’ satisfaction with the service will be implemented based on what is feasible, practical, and impactful (e.g., continuation of some needs assessment methods to ensure continuous quality improvement). Establish mechanisms for continuous quality improvement, with regular reviews of prescribing practices and outcomes.

Deliverables:

1. Data collection and review of consultation call data are conducted on a weekly basis and reported on in monthly report.

2. All consultations are reviewed in bi-monthly team meetings to ensure quality service and reported on in the monthly report.

3. Monthly reports including updates on CQI to BHA due no later than the first week of the following month.

3.2.1.7 Addressing disparities in opioid use treatment provision.

Research has shown that buprenorphine is less prescribed to those of minority populations. Applicant will utilize data to evaluate and make recommendations on reducing disparities in prescribing practices.

Applicant will develop a plan to increase availability and prescribing of buprenorphine in minority populations. Conduct ongoing research and data collection to monitor and address prescribing disparities.

This information can help identify specific areas that require targeted interventions and policy changes.

Deliverables:

1. Using available data, develop a plan to increase availability and prescribing of buprenorphine in minority and underserved populations within 180 days of award.

2. Upon completion and approval of plan by BHA, engage in activities to achieve increased availability and prescribing of buprenorphine and report on progress in quarterly reports.

3. Recommend additional targeted interventions and policy changes as needed, include in quarterly reports.

3.2.2 Staffing

(2) 3.2.2.1 Minimum staffing required via direct staff or subcontractors to be available upon award as per section 1.1.4, will consist of:

(3) Program Director/Project Investigator, Faculty: Requires a Medical Doctor (M.D.) that is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry with relevant experience.

● Program Manager: Requires a Master’s degree: LCSW-C or LCPC with three years of substance use disorder experience.

○ Medical Doctor (3):

(2) Substance Abuse Specialists, requires M.D. that is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry with relevant experience.

(4) Pain Management Specialist, requires M.D. that is Board Certified in Pain Management or Addiction Medicine with relevant experience

● Sufficient Research staff with master’s degree in a Social Science field or epidemiology, to accomplish designated research SOW requirements.

● Sufficient staff or subcontractors with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related discipline to ensure SOW requirements related to Public Awareness, Training, & Outreach.

● Sufficient staff with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a financial field for fiscal oversight and management.

● Peer staff sufficient to meet SOW requirements designated in section (3.2.1.5) Peer Recovery TeleEHCO. Peer staff are required to have lived experience with an appropriate behavioral health challenge and are preferred to have certification as a Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist but not required.

Sufficient staff to facilitate and perform any other SOW or administrative responsibilities.

Please Note: The positions listed above are not required to be 100% FTE. Please specify anticipated FTE in the proposal for all staff.

3.2.2.2 Preferred Offeror Qualifications

1. An Academic Medical Center, School of Medicine who has three or more years of experience providing a statewide medical clinical consultation warmline for substance use disorder and chronic pain management.

3.2.3 Reporting

3.2.3.1 The Contractor will submit a quarterly report on all items in the Scope of Work as outlined above and be submitted to BHA according to the schedule below:

A. Quarter 1 Reports Due: October 31st of each year B. Quarter 2 Reports Due: January 31st of each year C. Quarter 3 Reports Due: April 30th of each year D. Quarter 4 Reports Due: July 31st of year year

3.2.3.2 Monthly reports on call volume, type and outcome to BHA due no later than the first week of the following month as outlined in 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.3 and 3.2.1.6.

3.2.3.3 Annual reports due no later than August 31st of each year

3.3 Invoicing

3.3.1 General

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

● Grantee name;

● Remittance address;

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

● Invoice period;

● Invoice date;

● Invoice number

● State assigned Contract number;

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

● Goods or services provided; and

● Amount due.

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

(b) The Department reserves the right to reduce or withhold Grant payment in the event the Grantee does not provide the Department with all required deliverables within the time frame specified in the Grant or in the event that the Grantee otherwise materially breaches the terms and conditions of the Grant until such time as the Grantee brings itself into full compliance with the Grant.

3.3.2 Invoice Submission Schedule

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

Invoices are due quarterly, and shall be received by the 15th of the month following the quarter in which services were performed.

October 15th of each year January 15th of each year April 15th of each year July 15th of each year

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION FORMAT

4.1 Two Part Submission

Offerors shall submit Proposals in separate volumes:

▪ Volume I – Project Narrative

▪ Volume II – Budget Justification/Narrative

4.2 Proposals

4.2.1 Applications must be submitted via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). The Procurement Officer will not accept submission by any other means or 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.

4.2.1.1 Two Part Submission:

A. Technical Proposal (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.

for redaction.

*All information submitted as part of this proposal 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 proposal 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 each section redacted as to how those sections qualify for redaction pursuant to General Provisions § 4-335 or 4-336, Annotated Code of Maryland, or under other provisions of the Public Information Act.

4.3 Volume I – Project Narrative

Note: No pricing information is to be included in the Project Narrative (Volume 1). Pricing information is to be included only in the Budget Justification/Narrative (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:

● Applicant;

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

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

● 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.

4.3.1.2 The Project Narrative shall include the Scope of Work, including the Work Plan as described in Section 3.2

4.3.1.3 Mandatory Requirements Documentation

The Applicant shall submit any Minimum Qualifications documentation that may be required, as set forth in Section 2 “Applicant Minimum Qualifications.”

4.3.1.4 Applicant Technical Response to RFA Requirements and Proposed Work Plan:

a. The Applicant shall address each Scope of Work requirement (Section 3.2) in its Project Narrative and describe how its proposed services, including the services of any proposed subApplicant(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.

4.4 Volume II – Budget Narrative

4.4.1 Under separate sealed cover from the Project Narrative and clearly identified in the format identified in Section 4.2 “Applications,” the Applicant shall submit an original unbound copy of the Budget Narrative. The Budget Narrative shall contain all price information in the format specified in

Exhibit B. The Applicant shall complete the Budget Narrative Form only as provided in the Budget Narrative Form.

The allotted indirect cost for this project should be no higher than 10%. Budget Narrative should be formatted in twelve (12) point font, Times New Roman, and one (1) sided.

4.4.2 The Applicant shall attach to the Budget Form a Budget Narrative document 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.

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION COMMITTEE, EVALUATION 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 Evaluation Committee will review Applications, participate in Applicant oral presentations and discussions, and provide input to the Procurement Officer. The Department reserves the right to utilize the services of individuals outside of the established Evaluation Committee for advice and assistance, as deemed appropriate.

5.2 Project Narrative Evaluation Criteria

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

5.2.1 Applicant’s Technical Response to Requirements and Work Plan

The State prefers the Applicant’s Technical Proposal to illustrate a comprehensive understanding of work requirements and mastery of the subject matter, including an explanation of how the work will be performed. Proposals which include limited responses to work requirements such as “concur” or “will comply” will receive a lower ranking than those Proposals that demonstrate an understanding of the work requirements and include plans to meet or exceed them.

5.2.2 Experience and Qualifications of Proposed Staff

5.2.3 Applicant’s Qualifications and Capabilities, including proposed subcontractors

5.3 Budget Narrative Evaluation Criteria

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

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 Procurement 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.

RFA ATTACHMENTS

EXHIBIT B – Budget Form This must be completed and submitted with the Project Narrative separately from Technical Proposal via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) Login: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) EXHIBIT C—Budget Narrative This must be completed and submitted with the Project Narrative, along with the Budget Narrative Form eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). Login: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

This must be completed and submitted with the Project Narrative, along with the Budget Narrative Form, in a separate envelope.

REFERENCE DOCUMENT A - Standard Grant Agreement “Sample” (pages 18-36) This is the sample grant agreement used by the Department. It is provided with the RFA for informational purposes and is not required to be submitted an Application submission time. Upon notification of recommendation for award, a completed standard grant agreement will be sent to the recommended awardee for signature. The recommended awardee must return to the Procurement 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 G – RFA Document Checklist Use this checklist to ensure that the required documents for the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative are completed.

ATTACHMENT F – Work Plan Template SAMPLE 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

EXHIBIT B – BUDGET FORM- SAMPLE ONLY

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FORM

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: _________________________________________

Budget Summary (SAMPLE)

Line Item Qty Unit Cost Total Cost Salary Fringe Contractual Travel Operating Costs Supplies Other Other Other Other

TOTAL

EXHIBIT C – BUDGET NARRATIVE

BUDGET NARRATIVE TEMPLATE

Sample Line Item Justification

Personnel (Preventionist): $15,600

Justification: The Preventionist will be responsible for: conducting project-related relationship-building activities with new and existing partners; developing informational materials for community leaders and the public, including fact sheets and social media posts related to the project topic; coordinating and facilitating monthly project meetings with partners; conducting awareness-building activities within key demographic areas in the community to engage the project target audience; developing and providing professional training at targeted local governmental agencies and private businesses; attending community events relevant to the project and the project’s partners. The Project Coordinator will also attend RISEMD meetings, collect data, conduct evaluation activities, prepare reports, and act as a liaison with the MDH Grant Monitor.

$30/hr x 520 hours = $15,600

Reference Document A - Standard Grant Agreement “Sample Only” Pages 18-36

ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE STATE

STANDARD GRANT AGREEMENT

This Agreement, which is executed in compliance with Section 7-402 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, is made this <enter day> day of <month, year> , between the State of Maryland (the “State”), acting through the Maryland Department of Health, (the “Department”), located at <enter MDH Address> and the <grantee name> (the “Grantee” ), located at <grantee address> in <county / city> County, <state, zip> , a Maryland Limited Liability Company / Corporation. .

1. Effective on the date of execution of this Agreement, the State is extending to the Grantee a grant in the amount of <amount in words> Dollars ($ xx,xxx.xx) (the “Grant”), which the Grantee shall use only for the following purposes: <grant purpose>

2. Any expenditure of Grant funds that is not consistent with purposes stated in paragraph 1 may, at the sole discretion of the Department, be disallowed. Should any expenditure be disallowed or should the Grantee violate any of the terms of this Agreement, the State may require repayment to the State Treasury, an offset from any State Grant to the Grantee in the current or succeeding fiscal year, or other appropriate action. The Grantee shall repay to the State any part of the Grant that is not used for the purposes stated in paragraph 1 within 3 months after the date of this Agreement.

3. The Grantee may not sell, lease, exchange, give away, or otherwise transfer or dispose of real or personal property, or any part of or interest in real or personal property, acquired with Grant funds without the prior written consent of the Department. This includes transfer or disposition to a successor on the merger, dissolution, or other termination of the existence of the Grantee.

The Grantee shall give the Department written notice at least 30 calendar days before any proposed transfer or disposition. Any proceeds from a permitted transfer or disposition shall be applied to repay to the State a percentage of that portion of the Grant allocable to the particular real or personal property transferred or disposed of, unless the Department and the Grantee agree to other terms and conditions. The percentage shall be equal to the percentage of the unadjusted basis of the property that would remain if the property had been recovery property placed in service after December 31, 1980 and if all allowable deductions had been taken up to the time of disposition under the Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS) specified in the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 168(b)(1).

4. For any item of real or personal property that is acquired with Grant funds and has an original fair market value of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) or more, the Grantee shall, at its own expense, and for the reasonable useful life of that item or for 5 years, whichever is less, obtain and maintain insurance. The insurance shall provide full protection for the Grantee and the State against loss, damage, or destruction of or to the real or personal property. The Grantee shall, on request, provide the Department with satisfactory evidence of its compliance with this requirement. Proceeds of insurance required by this paragraph shall be applied toward replacement of the real or personal property or toward the partial or total repayment of the State of the Grant, in the sole discretion of the Department.

5. The Grantee may not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic forbidden as a basis for discrimination by applicable laws, and certifies that its Constitution or by-laws contains a non-discrimination clause consistent with the Governor’s Code of Fair practices.

6. The person executing this Agreement on behalf of the Grantee certifies, to the best of that person’s knowledge and belief, that:

A.) Neither the Grantee, nor any of its officers or directors, nor any employee of the Grantee involved in obtaining contracts with or grants from the State or any subdivision of the State, has engaged in collusion with respect to the Grantee’s application for the Grant or this Agreement or has been convicted of bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe under the laws of any state or of the United States;

B.) The Grantee has not employed or retained any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than a bona fide…