Peer Response RFP 7.26.docx (1).pdf

Caroline County Health Department

Certified Peer Support Specialist Response to Overdose Emergency Calls

Request for Proposals

RFP # BPM058185

Key Information Sheet

Issuing Agency: Caroline County Health Department 403 S. 7th Street Denton, Maryland 21629 Contact: Kathryn Paul, Director of Administration

Purpose: This document provides information and bid proposal elements necessary for interested parties to respond to the request for proposals for Certified Peer Support Specialist Response to Overdose Emergency Calls.

Issue Date: July 30, 2026

The Caroline County Health Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Purpose

Caroline County Behavioral Health, an entity of Caroline County Health Department, is seeking an organization or entity to provide a Certified Peer Support Specialist to respond to overdose emergency calls, in conjunction with Caroline County Emergency Services. Caroline County Behavioral Health (CCBH)’s Overdose Co-Response program provides immediate response by a peer to attempt to assist individuals and families for resources needed, treatment options, and peer support to all of those household members.

Abbreviations and Definitions

CCBH- Caroline County Behavioral Health

CCHD- Caroline County Health Department

CPSS- Certified Peer Support Specialist

Services

1. The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) will respond in-person to all overdose-related emergency calls within 1 hour of notification by Emergency Services.

2. The CPSS will meet with the individual and/or family to offer resources and case management

3. The CPSS will provide Naloxone, as well as, Naloxone instruction to anyone interested within the home.

4. The CPSS will complete all appropriate referrals to community resources within 2 business days of the response.

5. The CPSS will follow up with the individual one month after the response for data tracking purposes.

Deliverables

1. The Bidder will provide one (1) Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) to respond to overdose- related emergency calls.

2. The Bidder will provide appropriate technology for the Peer Support Specialist.

3. The Bidder will submit a monthly report to include the number of responses, number of referrals made to services, and the number of appointments kept for those referrals.

4. The Bidder will participate in a minimum of quarterly meetings with CCBH.

Proposal Format

A complete proposal package must include the following:

1. Completed Cover Letter (Attachment #1)

2. Transmission Letter: Formal letter from the decision-making authority in the organization stating the organization’s intent to provide the services proposed, if selected. Provide name of the organization, address and all contact information, including primary contact person.

3. Proposal Narrative.

4. Proposed Budget including detailed justification. Preferred budgets will include Narcan distribution. Budgets shall not exceed $74,175.65.

5. Contingency Plan: Describe plans to maintain the program in the event the employee resigns or is on extended medical leave. This plan shall include who will cover the program, credentials, and number of hours/days per week.

6. Most Recent Financial Statement (audited if available).

7. A copy of the company’s substance abuse policy.

8. Certification credentials of proposed Peer Support Specialist.

9. References: Must provide a minimum of three (3) reference letters (preferably health organizations) from unrelated organizations for which successful services of similar scope have been performed. All references must include the services performed, dates of services performed, name, title, and telephone number of a contact that is familiar with the Contractor’s performance.

10.Documentation of liability insurance coverage for the organization.

11.Certificate of Good Standing / Tax Clearance Statement for the State of Maryland.

The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

Contract Duration The contract resulting from this RFP shall remain in effect from September 15, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The contract period may be extended with an amendment provided available funding.

Cancellations; Rejections The Caroline County Health Department reserves the right to reject any, and/or all proposals or to waive any technicality it deems in the best interest of the agency. CCHD also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award a contract based upon the written proposals received without discussions or negotiations.

Compliance with Laws/Arrearages By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, the Bidder, if selected for award, agrees that it will comply with all Federal, State, and local laws applicable to its activities and obligations under the Contract. The Bidder will comply with the Title VI of the “Civil Rights Act of 1964”, Sections 503 and 504 of the “Rehabilitation Act of 1973”, “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996” and will agree to the terms of the Sexual Harassment Policy – DHMH #4144”. Services provided under the contract will be governed by the DHMH Human Services Agreement Manual (available for review at CCHD).

Questions Written questions from prospective Bidders will be accepted through August 21, 2026. Questions may be submitted via email with RFP # BPM058185 in the subject line to:

Kathryn Paul, Director of Administration Email: kathryn.paul@maryland.gov mailto:kathryn.paul@maryland.gov

INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS

Submission of Proposals:

Proposals must be submitted to the e-Maryland Marketplace, eMMA. Complete proposals will include all items listed on page 6 of this document.

Delivery of Proposals All proposals must be received on or before August 28, 2026 at 4:30pm EST. Submission, modification, or withdrawal of proposals after the due date/time will not be considered.

Evaluation Proposals will be evaluated by CCHD using the following criteria:

1. Was the proposal submitted on time and with all required elements? (10 points)

2. Does the proposal reveal a comprehensive, innovative, well-developed budget in response to the needs of the target population? (10 points)

3. Does the proposal indicate an understanding of the services and the needs of the client population to be served? (20 points)

4. Does the proposal demonstrate experience and capacity in serving the target population?

(20 points)

5. Does the proposal demonstrate the existence of or plan for strong linkages with a range of community-based service providers and adequate referral mechanisms to ensure that clients receive needed services? (20 points)

6. Does the proposal indicate that the agency has the capacity and the staffing to provide Peer Support Response and Case Management services for the projected number of participants in Caroline County? (20 points)

RFP Timeline RFP Posted to eMMA July 30, 2026 Pre-Proposal Meeting At the request of the Bidder Questions Submission Deadline August 21, 2026 at 4:30pm EST Proposal Submission Deadline August 28, 2026 at 4:30pm EST Opening of Bid August 31, 2026 Awardee Notification Date September 4, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting A pre-proposal meeting will be held at the request of the Bidder. Any requests for a pre-proposal meeting should be sent to Kathryn Paul at kathryn.paul@maryland.gov no later than Friday, August 14, 2026 at 4:30pm EST. If scheduled, this meeting will be posted in eMMA for all interested parties to attend. This meeting is not mandatory.

Award CCHD intends to award this contract on the basis of a combination of the evaluation of the Bidder’s experience and qualifications, as well as the fee proposed. The selected awardee will be notified on the date noted in the RFP Timeline. All other Bidders will be notified of their status no later than thirty (30) days after the contract has been fully executed.

Method of Payment The selected Bidder will bill CCHD for services at the negotiated budget on the schedule determined by the contract.

mailto:kathryn.paul@maryland.gov

Attachment #1

Certified Peer Support Specialist Response to Overdose Emergency Calls

Caroline County Health Department

RFP# BPM058185

COVER SHEET

(this page must be completed and submitted with the proposal)

Vendor Name: _________________________________________________________________

Vendor Address: _______________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________

Fax Number: __________________________________________________________________

Agent’s Name: _________________________________________________________________

Agent’s Email Address: __________________________________________________________

I hereby declare that the information submitted in this proposal is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge. If the application is approved, I will be responsible for keeping necessary records and completing a progress and final report of the program.

Agent’s Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Agent’s Title: __________________________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________________________________