EXHIBIT A

STANDARD GRANT AGREEMENT (SGA)

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

(COMPETITIVE)

SOLICITATION ID NUMBER – BPM056285

Issue Date: 4/2/2026

Study of Maryland Health Care Regulatory Commissions and the Maryland Insurance Administration

NOTICE

A Prospective Applicant that has received this document from the Maryland Department of Health, or that has received this document from a source other than the Contract Officer, and that wishes to assure receipt of any changes or additional materials related to this RFA, should immediately contact the Contract Officer and provide the Prospective Applicant’s name and mailing address so that addenda to the RFA or other communications can be sent to the Prospective Applicant.

09/2023

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFA KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Applications: Study of Maryland Health Care Regulatory Commissions and the Maryland Insurance Administration

Application Number: BPM056285 / OOS - 001422026

RFA Issue Date: April 2, 2026, 5:00 PM Local Time

RFA Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health – Office of the Secretary

Contract Officer: Nakia Howell

Contract Officer Office of Contract Management and Procurement

Maryland Department of Health 201 W. Preston Street, 4th Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21201 e-mail: nakia.howell1@maryland.gov

Grant Monitor: Jordan Fisher Blotter Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination Office of the Secretary 201 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-767-0938

Jordan.fisher@maryland.gov

Applications are to be sent to: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

Login: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) Public Solicitations

For questions and/or technical assistance, please contact emma.helpdesk@maryland.gov.

Closing Date and Time: May 4, 2026, 5:00 PM Local Time mailto:nakia.howell1@maryland.gov mailto:Jordan.fisher@maryland.gov https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fpage.aspx%2Fen%2Fbuy%2Fhomepage mailto:emma.helpdesk@maryland.gov

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Summary Statement

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (“MDH” or the “Department”), Office of the Secretary, is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to provide a study and analysis of the Health Services Cost Review Commission (“HRCRC”), the Maryland Health Care Commission (“MHCC”), the Maryland Insurance Administration (“MIA”), and the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (“MCHRC”), as required under Chapters 794 and 795 of the Acts of 2024. HB887 (2024) requires the Department to contract with an independent consultant to study these entities in the context of the statutory and regulatory duties of each entity to determine whether there are ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency of each entity. The Department must report to the Governor, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on the results of the study.

1.1.2 It is the State’s intention to obtain services of a consultant(s), 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 eight (8) months. The anticipated delivery date for the draft final report is August 15, 2026.

1.1.3 The Department intends to make a single award as a result of this RFA. All future years’ awards are subject to availability of funding and successful implementation of the services specified in this RFA.

1.1.4 The Department may make an award up to a total of $250,000 as a result of this RFA. See RFA Section 1.8 Award Basis for more Contract award information.

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

1.2 Contract Type

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

1.3 Contract Officer

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

Nakia Howell Contract Officer Office of Contracts Management and Procurement Maryland Department of Health 201 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 E-mail: nakia.howell1@maryland.gov

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

1.4 Grant Monitor

The Grant Monitor is:

Jordan Fisher, Director Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination Maryland Department of Health Office of the Secretary 201 West Preston Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 Phone Number: 410-767-0938 E-mail: jordan.fisher@maryland.gov

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

1.5 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

Each Applicant is requested to indicate its eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) vendor number in the Transmittal Letter (cover letter) submitted at the time of its Application submission to this RFA.

eMMA is an electronic commerce system administered by the Maryland Department of General Services. The RFA and associated materials, the Application and summary of the Pre-Application Conference, Applicant questions and the Contract Officer’s responses, addenda, and other Application-related information will be provided via eMMA.

In order to receive 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 Contract Officer. Questions to the Contract Officer shall be submitted via e-mail to the following e-mail address: nakia.howell1@maryland.gov.

Please identify in the subject line the Application Number and Title.

Questions are requested to be submitted at least three (3) days prior to the Application due date. The Contract Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an answer can be given before the Application due date.

1.7 Application Due (Closing) Date and Time

Applications, in the number and form set forth in Section 4.2 “Applications” must be received by the Contract Officer, at the address listed on the Key Information Summary Sheet, no later than 5:00pm Local Time on May 4, 2026 in order to be considered.

Requests for extension of this time or date will not be granted. Applicants mailing Applications should allow sufficient mail delivery time to ensure timely receipt by the Contract Officer. Applications received after the due date and time listed in this section will not be considered. Questions regarding this Application should be directed (By e-mail only, no phone calls will be accepted) to the CONTRACT OFFICER.

mailto:jordan.fisher@maryland.gov https://procurement.maryland.gov/

Applications may be modified or withdrawn by written notice received by the Contract Officer before the time and date set forth in this section for receipt of 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 Contract Officer to have obtained this RFA. Addenda made after the due date for Applications will be sent only to those Applicants that submitted a timely Application and that remain under award consideration as of the issuance date of the addenda.

Acknowledgment of the receipt of all addenda to this RFA issued before the Application due date shall be included in the Transmittal Letter accompanying the Applicant’s 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.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

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)

Social organization applicants must be registered and in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation prior to submitting a grant application. Social organization applicants may not be on any federal or state exclusion list.

2.1.3 The Applicant shall be a qualified research institution, consulting firm, or an organization with experience in health policy analysis, program evaluation, and Maryland’s health regulatory framework including the health regulatory Commissions and the Maryland Insurance Agency.

2.1.4 The Applicant shall have prior experience working with Maryland government agencies, insurance regulators, or health care commissions. Within the past 8 years, the Applicant shall have at a minimum of (4) years of consecutive experience performing the work as defined in this RFA, including but not limited to the relevant health policy research in the following areas: program evaluation, conducting comparable evaluations, and issuing comprehensive recommendations to government agencies.

As proof of meeting this requirement, the Applicant shall provide with its Proposal at least two references that speak to their experience conducting the work outlined in the scope of work. The Applicant shall also be asked to provide an example of previous work that speaks to their experience providing the outlined services.

Each reference must include:

(1) Name and complete address of business or company

(2) Name of the contact person, email address, and current phone number

(3) Type of services provided

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

The Department is issuing this Application to fulfill the requirements of Chapters 794 and 795 of the Acts of 2024, to conduct a study and analysis of Maryland’s health regulatory commissions and the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA). The Health Regulatory Commissions within MDH consist of three statutorily independent entities, each with varying duties:

(1) The Health Services and Cost Review Commission (HSCRC). HSRCRC was created to contain hospital costs, ensure fairness in hospital payments, provide access to hospital care, and promote transparency in hospital operations within Maryland. HSCRC is responsible for implementing the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design. The HSCRC is led by an Executive Director who is appointed by the HSCRC and approved by the Governor.

HSCRC consists of 7 members who are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate all of whom do not have any connection with the management or policy of any facility. HSCRC has independent promulgation authority and is able to promulgate regulations in accordance with the State’s Administrative Procedures Act.

(2) The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC). MHCC’s mission is to plan health system needs, promote informed decision-making , increase accountability, and expand access in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

MHCC achieves this by delivering timely, accurate information on availability, cost, and quality of services to policymakers, purchasers, providers, and the public. The MHCC is led by an Executive Director who is appointed by the MHCC and approved by the Governor. MHCC consists of 15 members who are approved by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The MHCC has independent promulgation authority and is able to promulgate regulations in accordance with the State’s Administrative Procedures Act.

(3) Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (MCHRC). The MCHRC was established in 2005 to expand health care access through community health resources. However, the Commission’s charge has greatly expanded in recent years. Chapter 36 of 2021 established the Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports within MCHRC. In part, the Consortium’s charge includes administering the Coordinated Community Supports Partnerships grant program. The Commission’s charge was further expanded by Chapters 741/742 of 2021 required the MCHRC to establish a Pathways to Health Equity/Health Equity Resource Community (HERC) program to provide grant funding to reduce health disparities, improve health outcomes, improve access to primary care, promote primary and secondary prevention services, and reduce health care costs and hospital admissions and readmissions. The MCHRC is led by an Executive Director who is appointed by the MCHRC and approved by the Governor. The MCHRC consists of 11 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The MCHRC has independent promulgation authority and is able to promulgate regulations in accordance with the State’s Administrative Procedures Act.

The MIA is an independent unit of State government which oversees the licensing and regulation of insurers, insurance agents, and brokers operating in the State while monitoring the financial solvency of licensed insurers. It is also responsible for collecting taxes levied on all premiums received by insurance companies within the state. The MIA is led by the State’s Insurance Commissioner, the Commissioner is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The MIA has independent promulgation authority and is able to promulgate regulations in accordance with the State’s Administrative Procedures Act.

In accordance with Chapters 794/795 of 2025, the goal of this study is to identify areas of statutory and regulatory overlap between HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA, and to make recommendations regarding whether and how the duties performed by each of these entities could be streamlined for more efficient and effective operation, including but not limited to whether the activities may be appropriately performed by the Maryland Department of Health, or another Commission or agency. The primary deliverable of this RFA is a draft final report which may be utilized by the Department for submission to the Governor, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Health and Government Operations Committee.

Applicants, either directly or through a subawardee, must be able to provide all services, as outlined in their application and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation. The successful Applicant shall remain responsible for performance regardless of subawardee participation in the work.

3.2 Scope of Work - Requirements

3.2.1.1 The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (https:www.ada.gov/) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in services, programs, and activities. Accessibility and inclusion of diverse populations are essential to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. Contractors must comply with all ADA requirements in their work to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are met. This includes, but is not limited to:

● facilities and any venues used for meetings/conferences are accessible;

● requested accommodations are provided in a timely manner; and

● written and printed materials developed in accessible formats (easy to read, large print, etc.), or providing access to alternative formats.

For contracts which include direct patient care or service delivery through a program, the ADA requires entities provide full and equal access for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to:

● reasonable modifications of policies, practices, and procedures;

● effective communication; and

● accessible facilities.

3.2.2 General Requirements

The Applicant shall produce a draft final report which includes a written study and analysis that can be used by the Department to respond to the statutory requirements in Chapters 794 and 795 of the Acts of 2024.

Chapters 794/795 of the Acts of 2024 require that the Department obtain an independent evaluation of HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA to examine the following:

● Any overlap of the statutory and regulatory duties performed by HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA;

● Statutory and regulatory duties performed by HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA that may be more appropriately performed by the Department or another commission or agency;

● Whether and how HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA could be streamlined to reduce overlap of duties;

● Whether and how the functions of HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA could be better aligned to improve effectiveness and efficiency;

● Alignment of the statutory and regulatory duties performed by HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA with the Maryland Total Cost of Care model and the State’s participation in the Advancing All-Payer Health Equity and Approaches (AHEAD) model; and

● Recommend any changes in HSCRC’s, MHCC’s, MCHRC’s, or MIA’s administrative structure that may improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the commission or agency.

An analysis of the HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA should take place to inform the draft final report, including but not limited to the review of relevant laws, regulations, and procedures (including those related to grant making where applicable); relevant reports, including those submitted to the Maryland General Assembly; and other documents pertaining to duties of each entity, interviews with staff, and where applicable observing Commission meetings and operations.

When responding to this RFA, the Applicant shall share a plan of how it intends to produce the required analyses, documents, and reports, and the staffing associated with the below requirements.

3.2.2.1. Overview of Duties. An overview of statutory and regulatory authority and duties performed by HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA, including a timeline of how the statutory and regulatory duties for these entities have evolved since their establishment. The overview should also include a summary of existing regulations promulgated by the HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA. This overview should provide specific citations to relevant statutory and regulatory authority for each of the named entities.

3.2.2.2 Overlap in Duties. Examination and identification of any overlap in the statutory and regulatory authority and duties performed by the HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA. As part of this work, the Applicant shall undertake a review of the applicable statutory and regulatory framework for each entity. The Applicant shall further determine whether any of these duties may be more appropriately performed by the Department or another commission or agency. If the Applicant determines any of the duties of the named entities may be better suited for another commission or agency, in the draft final report, the Applicant shall note as such with specific statutory or regulatory citations to these duties.

As part of this analysis, the Applicant shall explain and make recommendations whether and how the duties of HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA could be streamlined to reduce overlap of duties and to better align to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

In considering whether and how the work of the Commissions and MIA could be streamlined to reduce overlap in duties, at a minimum, the contractor shall consider how to best align initiatives to:

● Increase access to school based health services;

● Address and reduce health disparities;

● Plan for the health care needs of our state;

● Ensure oversight of the state’s health information exchange and other databases; and

● Support the State’s participation and goals outlined in the federal Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model.

3.2.2.3 Recommendations. The Applicant’s final draft report shall include recommendations on how the duties of HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA could be streamlined to reduce any identified overlaps and duties along with identifying ways in which effectiveness and efficiency may be improved. Further, the recommendations in the final draft report shall include any identified changes in the administrative structure or organizational redesign for the HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA that may be appropriate given the findings in order to better align the functional work of these entities.

3.2.2.4 Interviews and Best Practices. In addition to the thorough statutory and regulatory review, in producing the draft final report, the Applicant shall:

● Conduct interviews with the Department of Health, HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA;

● In consultation with the Department, conduct interviews with a representative group of Maryland health care stakeholders; and

● Examine best practices for health care regulation in other states.

3.2.2.5 Conduct a “Kick-Off” meeting. The Contractor shall schedule and hold a Kick-Off meeting with the Department staff within five (5) business days of the grant award date. The Contractor and Department staff shall be in attendance. The Contractor shall submit meeting notes and summary to the Contract Monitor within two (2) business days following the meeting.

3.2.2.6 Draft Workplan. A Draft Workplan, inclusive of a timeline to complete the required work, shall be submitted to the Contract Monitor at the Kick Off meeting.

3.2.2.7 Final Workplan. A Final Workplan shall be submitted to the Contract Monitor no later than five (5) business days after the Kick Off meeting.

3.2.2.8 Memorandum of Preliminary Findings. On or before July 1, 2026, the Contractor shall submit a memo outlining preliminary findings based on the Contractor’s independent evaluation to date. This should include requirements outlined under Section 3.2.1.1, Section 3.2.1.2 and Section 3.2.1.3. The preliminary findings should clearly identify areas of statutory or regulatory overlap between MHCC, HSCRC, MIA, MCHRC, and the Maryland Department of Health. The memorandum should also identify next steps based on preliminary findings.

3.2.2.9 Draft Report. The Contractor shall submit a draft report to the Contract Monitor outlining the study, analysis, any findings, and any recommendations to the Contract Monitor by August 1, 2025.

3.2.2.10 Draft Final Report. On or before August 15, 2026, the Contract shall submit a final draft report to the Contract Monitoring outlining all findings and recommendations.

3.2.2.11 Final Report Submission. On or before September 1, 2026, the Department shall prepare a Final report based on the draft final report submitted by the Contractor. The Department shall submit the Contractor’s analysis and findings to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee, and House Health and Government Operations Committee.

3.2.2.12 Presentation. On or before September 1, 2026, the Contractor shall produce a powerpoint presentation summarizing the findings and recommendations of the final report which may be utilized by the Department in any presentations to the Governor’s Office, Maryland General Assembly, or other relevant entity.

3.2.2.13 Weekly Update Calls. The Applicant shall be available for at least weekly check-in calls with Department staff and the Contract Monitor to discuss progress, updates, and other relevant topics, which shall be scheduled at the Department’s discretion. The Contractor shall take call notes and submit the call notes to the Contract Monitor within two (2) business days.

3.2.2.14 The Applicant shall also be available to the Department, on request of the Department, to meet with legislators and participate in legislative briefings on the findings and recommendations from the required study and analysis. The Applicant shall produce powerpoint presentations, talking points, or any other documents requested by the Department in order to describe the findings of the study and analysis for the Maryland General Assembly.

3.2.2.15. Work Plan. The Applicant shall include a work plan on how the Applicant intends to produce the required analyses, documents, and reports and the staffing associated with each deliverable over the duration of the contract.

3.2.3 Staffing

3.2.3.1 Designate a Project Director/primary point of contact among current staff or secure staff to serve as a primary point of contact to liaise with MDH.

3.2.3.2 As part of the response to this RFA, Applicants shall propose at least two (2) personnel who are expected to be available as of the start date specified when the grant is awarded, one of which may be the designated Project Director. Applicants must describe in a Staffing Plan how additional resources shall be acquired to meet the needs of the Department. Applicants may generally describe planned positions in the Staffing Plan, and outline staff expertise in health policy and regulation, health care financing, insurance, program evaluation and research. Preferred applicants will have staff existing experience and understanding of Maryland’s unique health regulatory Commissions and the MIA.

3.2.4 Deliverable Description and Quality

3.2.4.1 In addition to the items identified in the table below, the Applicant may suggest other substasks, artifacts, or deliverables to improve the quality and success of the assigned tasks.

Deliverables Summary Table

ID # Deliverable Description Format Due Date/Frequency

3.2.2.5 Kick-off meeting MS Word or Excel

Spreadsheet

Initial delivery: five (5) business days after grant award

3.2.2.6 Draft Work Plan due to

Contract Monitor

MS Word or Excel Spreadsheet

At Kick-off meeting

3.2.2.7 Final Work Plan due to

Contract Monitor

MS Word or Excel Spreadsheet

Within five (5) business days after Kick-off meeting

3.2.2.8 A memorandum outlining

preliminary findings based on the grantee’s work

MS Word/PDF July 1, 2026

3.2.2.9 A draft report on findings

and recommendations to the Contract Monitor

MS Word/PDF By August 1, 2026

3.2.2.10 A draft final report on

findings and recommendations to the Contract Monitor

MS Word/PDF By August 15, 2026

3.2.2.11 Department submits a final

report on findings and results to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations

MS Word/PDF By September 1, 2026

Committee

3.2.2.12 Powerpoint presentation MS Powerpoint By September 1, 2026

*The deliverables in the summary table may not list every grant-required deliverable. Applicants should read the RFA thoroughly for all requirements and deliverables.

3.2.4.2 Minimum Deliverable Quality. The grantee shall subject each deliverable to its internal quality-control process prior to submitting the deliverable to the State.

Each deliverable shall meet the following minimum acceptance criteria:

(1) Be presented in a format appropriate for the subject matter and depth of discussion.

(2) Be organized in a manner that presents a logical flow of the deliverable’s content.

(3) Represent factual information reasonably expected to have been known at the time of the submission.

(4) In each section of the deliverable, include only information relevant to that section of the deliverable.

(5) Contain content and presentation consistent with industry best practices in terms of deliverable completeness, clarity, and quality.

(6) Meets the acceptance criteria applicable to that deliverable, including any State policies, functional or non-functional requirements, or industry standards.

(7) Contains no structural errors such as poor grammar, misspellings or incorrect punctuation.

(8) Must contain the date, author, and page numbers. When applicable for a deliverable, a revision table must be included.

(9) A draft written deliverable may contain structural errors such as incorrect punctuation and shall represent a significant level of completeness toward the associated final written deliverable. The draft written shall otherwise comply with the minimum deliverable quality criteria above.

3.2.4.3 Corrective Action Plan. MDH may issue a request for a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to address Applicant performance issues. If requirements described in the RFA or Grant are not satisfactorily performed, in the determination of the Contract Monitor, the Grantee shall submit a CAP upon request, describing all actions it will take to ensure that the impacted requirements will be satisfied thereafter. This CAP must be submitted to the Contract Monitor for approval within five (5) days of the Contract Monitor’s written request identifying such deficiencies and must include the items below:

(1) Background information;

(2) Problem definition statement;

(3) Findings and root cause description;

(4) Corrective actions; and

(5) Corrective action and implementation dates.

If the Contract Monitor is not satisfied that the Contractor’s proposed Corrective Action Plan will prevent a recurrence of the deficiency(ies), the Contract Monitor will notify the Contractor and require a revised CAP. The revised CAP must be submitted to the Contract Monitor within three (3) days of the Contract Monitor’s rejection of the previous

CAP.

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 Contractor 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 on the 15th of the month following the month in which services were performed.

The Grantee shall submit all invoices to the Grant Monitor. Invoices shall be submitted on the Grantee’s letter head and include the organization’s federal tax identification number (TIN), current mailing address, and program point of contact. The Invoice should also include eligible line-item expenditures for this Award and a signature of the Grantee’s authorized Fiscal Representative.

All invoices shall be provided to the Department within 60 calendar days after the close of the grant period.

Additionally, within 60 calendar days, the Grantee shall provide to the Department’s Finance Office and the Office of the Secretary an itemized statement or expenditures showing how the funds were expended for the grant period.

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION FORMAT

4.1 Two Part Submission

4.1.1 Applications must be submitted via eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace Advantage) listed on the Key Information Summary Sheet. The Contract Officer will not accept submission after the date and exact time states in the Key Information Summary Sheet. The date and time of submission is determined by the date and time of arrival in the Contract Officer eMMA inbox. Time stamps on outgoing email from Applicants shall not be accepted.

4.1.2 Offerors shall submit Applications in separate volumes:

▪ Volume I – Project Narrative

▪ Volume II – Budget Justification/Narrative

4.1.3 Applicant Organization Name:

● Project Title - Formal name assigned to the initiative

● Include the legal name of the organization that will serve as the grantee

● Address of the organization that will serve as the grantee

● Point of Contact Name

● Point of Contact Email

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).

4.2 Volume I – Project Narrative

The submissions subject line shall state the RFA Title and number and either Project Narrative or Budget Justification/Narrative.

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

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

4.2.1.1 Transmittal Letter:

● Applicant;

● Application Title and Application Number that the Application is in response to;

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

● 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.

4.2.1.2 Mandatory Requirements Documentation (See Section 2)

4.2.1.3 Applicant Technical Response to RFA Requirements and Project Narrative:

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 subcontractor(s), will meet or exceed the requirement(s) of the RFA. The Project Narrative shall not exceed 15 pages.

b. 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.

c. The Applicant must identify whether it will distribute funding to subgrantees.

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

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

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

4.4.2 The Applicant shall attach to the Budget Form Exhibit B 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. The Budget Narrative shall contain all price information in the format specified in Attachment B. The budget categories should include: Personnel (salary and fringe-if applicable), consultants; travel; contractual; supplies; operating costs; and other-project related expenses.

4.2.3 The Applicant shall attach a Detailed Budget Narrative that does not exceed two (2) pages.

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 presentations and discussions, and provide input to the Contract 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. (See Section 3.2)

5.2.1 Acknowledged agreement to meet the American with Disabilities Act Statement in Section 3.2 and will meet all requirements.

5.2.2 The Project Narrative adequately sets forth the Applicant’s Tentative Work Plan which will be used in meeting the statutory requirements of the study as outlined in the Section 3.2.2.

5.2.3 The Project Narrative summarizes the Grantee’s approach to reviewing the duties and any potential overlap in duties for the HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA.

5.2.4 The Project Narrative outlines how recommendations of the Grantee relating to streamlining or addressing any overlapping duties of HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and MIA will be shared with the Department.

5.2.5 The Project Narrative sets forth how the Grantee will conduct interviews as necessary with the Department, the HSCRC, MHCC, MCHRC, and the MIA. The Project Narrative explains any interviews that the Grantee may think are necessary to accomplishing the requirements of the project.

5.2.6. The Project Narrative includes any necessary information regarding how the Grantee will conduct the “Kick Off” meeting including the mode and manner of the meeting. Additionally, the Project Narrative should also include the mode and manner proposed for the weekly update calls.

5.2.7. The Project Narrative plans for the submission of a Draft Workplan, Final Workplan, Memorandum of Preliminary Findings, Draft Report, Draft Final Report, and the Presentation as outlined in Sections 3.2.2.6—3.2.2.10 and 3.2.2.12. The Project Narrative should include a tentative timeline for completion of these deliverables.

5.2.8. The Project Narrative must indicate the Project Director and the Department’s primary point of contact. The Project Narrative should include a Staffing Plan which indicates the personnel which will be dedicated to the project.

Further, the Applicant should specify staff that have expertise in health policy and regulation, health care financing, insurance, program evaluation, and research. The Applicant will note any expertise in the Staffing Plan with Maryland’s unique health regulatory Commissions and the MIA.

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 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.

RFA ATTACHMENTS

EXHIBIT B – Budget Form This must be completed and submitted with the Project Narrative in a separate pdf formatted document.

EXHIBIT C—Budget Narrative This form must be completed and submitted with the Budget Form in a separate pdf formatted document from the Project Narrative.

ATTACHMENT A – Standard Grant Agreement “Sample” 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 at the 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 Contract Officer the signed copy 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.

EXHIBIT B – BUDGET FORM

BUDGET 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

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

TOTAL

Budget cannot exceed $

IDC 12% CAP

EXHIBIT C – BUDGET NARRATIVE

BUDGET NARRATIVE TEMPLATE

(Please submit a separate Narrative for each Budget Period)

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

ATTACHMENT A – Standard Grant Agreement “Sample”

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 201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 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 two-hundred and fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) (the “Grant”), which the Grantee shall use only for the following purposes: Conducting an independent study and analysis of Maryland’s Health regulatory Commissions and the Maryland Insurance Administration.

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 employee or agent working for the Grantee, to solicit or secure the Grant or this Agreement, and the Grantee has not paid or agreed to pay any such entity any fee or other consideration contingent on the making of the Grant or this Agreement; the grantee understands and complies with the Conflicts of Interest provision of the Public Ethics Law, Maryland Code Annotated, General Provisions, Title 5, Subtitle 5.

C.) The Grantee, if incorporated, is registered or qualified in accordance with the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, is in good standing, has filed all required annual reports and filing fees with the Department of Assessments and Taxation and all required tax returns and reports with the Comptroller of the Treasury, the Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and has paid or arranged for the payment of all taxes due to the State; and

D.) No money has been paid to or promised to be paid to any legislative agent, attorney, or lobbyist for any services rendered in securing the passage of legislation establishing or appropriating funds for the Grant.

E.) Neither the Grantee, nor any of its officers or directors, nor any person substantially involved in the contracting or fund raising activities of the Grantee, is currently suspended or debarred from…