PHPA_3017_HPV_Vaccination_RFPv2_eMMA.pdf

EXHIBIT A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

PROCUREMENT ID NUMBER – PHPA-3017/BPM046465

(RE- SOLICIT)

Issue Date: September 24, 2024

Partnerships to Increase Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Maryland

NOTICE

A Prospective Offeror that has received this document from the Maryland Department of Health’s website or https://procurement.maryland.gov , 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 RFP, should immediately contact the Procurement Officer and provide the Prospective Offeror’s name and mailing address so that addenda to the RFP or other communications can be sent to the Prospective Offeror.

Minority Business Enterprises Are Encouraged to Respond to this Solicitation

Small Business Reserve Are Encouraged to Respond to this Solicitation

THIS SOLICITATION SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SMALL

PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS DESCRIBED IN COMAR 21.05.07

https://procurement.maryland.gov/

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFP KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Proposals: Partnerships to Increase HPV Vaccination in Maryland

Solicitation Number: PHPA-3017/BPM046465 (RE-SOLICIT)

RFP Issue Date: September 24, 2024

RFP Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau

Center for Cancer Prevention and Control

Procurement Officer: Augustus D. Woyah

Maryland Department of Health

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Office: 443-690-0110

Email: augustus.woyah@maryland.gov

Contract Monitor: Beverly Allen

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

Center for Cancer Prevention and Control

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Proposals are to be sent to: Proposals are to be submitted to: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=

%2fpage.aspx%2fen%2fbuy%2fhomepage

Additional information can be found in the Frequently Asked

Questions and Quick Reference Guides. Any questions, please contact the eMMA Help Desk at eMMA.helpdesk@maryland.gov

Pre-Proposal Conference October 10, 2024, 1:00 PM EST

Questions Due Date: October 15, 2024, 2:00 PM EST

Closing Date and Time: October 22, 2024, 2:00 PM EST 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 https://mdprocurement.freshdesk.com/support/home https://mdprocurement.freshdesk.com/support/home https://mdprocurement.freshdesk.com/support/home mailto:eMMA.helpdesk@maryland.gov

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Center for Cancer Prevention and

Control, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund a health care system (e.g., Federally Qualified

Health Center [FQHC], community health center, primary care clinic, pediatric clinic) in Maryland to increase HPV vaccination. Target population includes children and adults ages 9 through 26 for routine vaccination. Additional population of reach includes adults ages 27 through 45 for vaccination by shared clinical decision-making. Due to having highest incidence and/or mortality of oral and/or cervical cancers within Maryland, the following jurisdictions are prioritized for this RFP: Allegany County, Anne Arundel

County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Charles County, Cecil

County, Frederick County, Kent County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset

County, St. Mary’s County, Washington County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County.

1.1.2 It is the State’s intention to obtain services, as specified in this RFP, from a Contract between the selected

Offeror and the State. The anticipated duration of services to be provided under this Contract is from

December 1, 2024 — September 30, 2025.

1.1.3 The Department intends to make one (1) award as a result of this RFP. This Contract will be awarded under the Small Procurement Delegation per COMAR 21.

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

The Contract resulting from this solicitation shall be a firm fixed price as defined in COMAR 21.06.03.02.

This solicitation shall be made in accordance with the small procurement regulations described in COMAR

21.05.07.

The sole point of contact in the State for purposes of this solicitation prior to the award of any Contract is the

Procurement Officer at the address listed below:

Augustus D. Woyah

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Office: 443-690-0110

Email: augustus.woyah@maryland.gov

1.1 Summary Statement

1.2 Contract Type

1.3 Procurement Method

1.4 Procurement Officer

mailto:augustus.woyah@maryland.gov

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

The Contract Monitor is:

Beverly Allen

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau

Center for Cancer Prevention and Control

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

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

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 Proposal submission to this RFP.

eMMA is an electronic commerce system administered by the Maryland Department of General Services. The

RFP and associated materials, the solicitation, Offeror 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.

Written questions from prospective Applicants will be accepted by the Procurement Officer. Questions to the

Procurement Officer shall be submitted via e-mail to the following e-mail address:

augustus.woyah@maryland.gov. Please identify in the subject line the Solicitation Number and Title.

Questions are requested to be submitted by the due date indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet. The Procurement Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an answer can be given before the Proposal due date.

There will not be a Pre-Proposal Conference for this RFP.

Proposals, in the number and form set forth in Section 4.2 “Proposals” must be received in eMaryland Market

Advantage (eMMA), no later than October 22, 2024,n 2:00 PM EST indicated on the Key Information

Summary Sheet In order to be considered.

Requests for extension of this time or date will not be granted. Proposals received after the due date and time

1.5 Contract Monitor

1.6 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

1.7 Questions

1.8 Pre-Proposal Conference

1.9 Proposals Due (Closing) Date and Time

listed in this section will not be considered. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed (By email only, no phone calls will be accepted) to the PROCUREMENT OFFICER.

Proposals 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 Proposals. Multiple and/or alternate Proposals will not be accepted.

Proposals may not be submitted by email, mail, hand delivery or facsimile.

The Contract shall be awarded to the responsible Offeror submitting the Proposal that has been determined to be the most advantageous to the State, considering price and evaluation factors set forth in this RFP, for providing the services as specified in this RFP. See RFP Section 5 for further award information.

If it becomes necessary to revise this RFP before the due date for Proposals, the Department shall endeavor to provide addenda to all prospective Offerors that were sent this RFP or which are otherwise known by the

Procurement Officer to have obtained this RFP. In addition, addenda to the RFP will be posted on the MDH

Current Procurements web page and through eMMA. It remains the responsibility of all prospective Offerors to check all applicable websites for any addenda issued prior to the submission of Proposals. Addenda made after the due date for Proposals will be sent only to those Offerors that submitted a timely Proposal and that remain under award consideration as of the issuance date of the addenda.

Acknowledgment of the receipt of all addenda to this RFP issued before the Proposal due date shall be included in the Transmittal Letter accompanying the Offeror’s Technical Proposal. Acknowledgement of the receipt of addenda to the RFP issued after the Proposal due date shall be in the manner specified in the addendum notice.

Failure to acknowledge receipt of an addendum does not relieve the Offeror from complying with the terms, additions, deletions, or corrections set forth in the addendum.

The State reserves the right to cancel this RFP, accept or reject any and all Proposals, in whole or in part, received in response to this RFP, waive or permit the cure of minor irregularities, and conduct discussions with all qualified or potentially qualified Offerors in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the State. The State reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award a Contract based upon the written Proposals received without discussions or negotiations. In the event a government entity proposes and receives the recommendation for award, the procurement may be canceled and the award processed in accordance with COMAR 21.01.03.01.A(4). If the services that are the subject of the RFP are currently being provided under an interagency agreement with a public institution of higher education and the State determines that the services can be provided more cost effectively by the public institution of higher education, then the RFP may be canceled in accordance with Md. Code Ann., State

Finance and Procurement Art., § 3-207(b)(2).

1.10 Award Basis

1.11 Revisions to the RFP

1.12 Cancellations

SECTION 2 – MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

There are no Offeror Minimum Qualifications for this procurement.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

2.1 Offeror Minimum Qualifications

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

Currently, more than 42 million Americans are living with a type of HPV that is known to cause disease1. Every year across the U.S., HPV infects about 13 million people. Annually, about 37,300 new cases of cancer develop from HPV infection2. HPV can cause six types of cancers, including oropharyngeal and cervical cancers.

Based on Maryland’s 2016-2020 data, the following jurisdictions have rates above the U.S. average (in order, starting with the highest)3:

Oropharyngeal cancer:

• Incidence: Allegany County, Wicomico County, Washington County, St. Mary’s County, Charles County, Kent County, Worcester County, Cecil County, Queen Anne’s County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, and Somerset County

• Mortality: Worcester County, Baltimore City, Wicomico County, Charles County, Allegany County, Washington County, St. Mary’s County, Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, and Baltimore County

Cervical cancer:

• Incidence: Worcester County, Cecil County, Baltimore City, Wicomico County, and Washington County

• Mortality: Baltimore City and Prince George’s County

At present, the HPV vaccine is approved for ages 9 through 45 years for all genders. The vaccine series is recommended at the age of 11 or 12 and can be started as early as age 94. Despite its effectiveness, HPV vaccination rates remain below other vaccines that are recommended for adolescents. The 2022 data for Maryland for 13-17 year olds shows initiation of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine was 89.0% and the meningococcal vaccine was 92.4%5. The HPV vaccination rate remains significantly behind these vaccines, with initiation at 84.0% and series completion (up-to-date status) at 72.0%. Males lag females by nearly 13 percentage points in series completion. These gaps represent missed opportunities to vaccinate preteens with the HPV vaccine at the same time as other routinely recommended vaccines.

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) has identified evidence-based interventions (EBIs)6 to increase vaccination in general; and the Maryland Cancer Collaborative (MCC) has provided recommendations for

HPV vaccination specifically7. The target populations for routine HPV vaccination are children and adults ages 9 through 26. Additionally, shared clinical decision-making for HPV vaccination may be offered to adults ages 27 through 45 who were not vaccinated earlier and are most likely to benefit from HPV vaccination.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV Infection. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html#:~:text=Nearly%20everyone%20will%20get%20HPV,teens%2C%20become%20infected%20each%20year.

2. National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer

3. Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Cancer Registry. 2023 Cancer Data. Cigarette Restitution Fund Program. Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening and Treatment Program.

4. National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TeenVaxView. Vaccination Coverage among Adolescents (13–17 Years). Access July 1, 2024.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/teenvaxview/data-reports/index.html

6. The Community Guide. CPSTF Findings for Increasing Vaccination. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/pages/task-force-findings-increasing-vaccination.html

7. Maryland Cancer Collaborative. 2024 HPV Best Practices for Providers. Accessed July 1, 2024.

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/cancer/Documents/2024%20HPV%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Providers.pdf

3.1 Background and Purpose

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html#:~:text=Nearly%20everyone%20will%20get%20HPV,teens%2C%20become%20infected%20each%20year.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer https://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/quick-profiles/index.php?statename=maryland https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/teenvaxview/data-reports/index.html https://www.thecommunityguide.org/pages/task-force-findings-increasing-vaccination.html https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/cancer/Documents/2024%20HPV%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Providers.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html#:~:text=Nearly%20everyone%20will%20get%20HPV,teens%2C%20become%20infected%20each%20year https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html#:~:text=Nearly%20everyone%20will%20get%20HPV,teens%2C%20become%20infected%20each%20year https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/teenvaxview/data-reports/index.html https://www.thecommunityguide.org/pages/task-force-findings-increasing-vaccination.html https://www.thecommunityguide.org/pages/task-force-findings-increasing-vaccination.html https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/cancer/Documents/2024%20HPV%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Providers.pdf

3.2.1 General Requirements

The Contractor's (successful Offeror) strategy is to increase HPV vaccination with the aim of reducing the incidence of oropharyngeal, cervical, and other HPV-related cancers. The Contractor shall:

A. Provide background:

1. Identify and describe the service setting, jurisdiction(s) served, and the overall client demographics.

2. Describe why increasing HPV vaccination is imperative for the organization’s mission.

3. Identify which specific population(s) to target for HPV vaccination (e.g., gender, age range, race/ethnicity, rurality, foreign-born, clients with limited English proficiency).

B. Provide education on HPV-related cancers and/or HPV vaccination directly to the target populations.

C. Implement the following:

1. Offer the HPV vaccine starting at age 9.

2. Have health care providers make a strong recommendation for HPV vaccination.

3. Schedule the appointment for the following dose at the conclusion of the appointment.

D. Select at least one additional EBI for HPV vaccination to implement:

1. Provide home visits.

2. Reduce clients’ out-of-pocket costs (e.g., pay for vaccinations, provide new or expanded insurance coverage, lower or eliminate expenses at point-of-service like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles).

3. Provide client or family incentive rewards.

i. Limit to books and/or school supplies for up to age 26 only upon completion of vaccination series.

ii. Maximum value of incentives must not exceed $250 per client.

iii. If this EBI is selected, in the proposal, the Offeror shall provide additional information, including details on tracking, storage, and dissemination of incentives to prevent misuse.

4. Provide client reminder (when due) and recall (when late) systems (e.g., via provider recommendation, phone, mail, text message, email, portal).

5. Use or enhance the use of immunization information systems (e.g., setting of electronic health record [EHR] care gap alerts for clients ages 9 through 45, interface with Maryland’s ImmuNet).

6. Provide provider assessment and feedback (e.g., calculated provider-level vaccination rates, shared provider-level vaccination reports, competition between providers).

7. Provide provider reminders (e.g., physical notes, alerts in EHR, letters, email, checklist, daily huddles).

8. Offer same-day vaccination.

9. Leverage local pharmacies, especially for adult vaccination and e-prescriptions.

10. Identify an immunization champion.

11. Establish a standing order.

E. Attend monthly and as-needed meetings with the Contract Monitor.

3.2.2 Staffing

The Contractor shall demonstrate organizational capacity:

A. Describe the organization’s prior experience, if any, conducting vaccination efforts of any kind. If no vaccination experience, describe other relevant experience promoting public health or providing linkage to social services.

3.2 Scope of Work

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/IMMUN/Pages/immunet.aspx

B. Submit the name(s) of staff, their roles, and relevant prior experience who will be involved directly in completing the scope of work. Staff may include, but is not limited to: patient navigators, community health workers, social workers, nurses, providers (including dentists), pharmacy staff, quality improvement (QI) staff, information technology (IT) staff, administrative staff, fiscal staff.

3.2.3 Reports

3.2.3.1 The Contractor shall submit reports in accordance with the following schedule:

Progress Report # #1 #2 #3 #4

Due Date January 15, 2025 April 15, 2025 July 15, 2025 October 15, 2025

3.2.3.2 Submit quarterly progress reports with cumulative data for the following:

• Vaccinations by age and sex:

Age

9-14 15-26 27-45

Number Unique Clients

Given ≥ 1 dose, Females

Given ≥ 1 dose, Males

Completed Series, Females

Completed Series, Males

Number HPV Vax Doses Given

* Note: At this time, ages 9-14 should have 2 doses to complete the series. Ages 15-45 should have 3 doses.

• Successes and challenges related to HPV vaccination.

3.2.4 Work Plan

Provide a work plan to detail the work to be performed, in alignment with the scope of work requirements provided in the RFP (see Exhibit C for Work Plan Template).

3.2.5 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.

http://www.ada.gov/)

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.

3.3.1 General

A. All invoices for services shall be signed by the Contractor and submitted to the Contract

Monitor. All invoices shall include the following information:

● Contractor 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 Contract payment in the event the

Contractor does not provide the Department with all required deliverables within the time frame specified in the Contract or in the event that the Contractor otherwise materially breaches the terms and conditions of the Contract until such time as the Contractor brings itself into full compliance with the Contract. Any action on the part of the Department, or dispute of action by the Contractor, shall be in accordance with the provisions of Md. Code Ann., State

Finance and Procurement Article §§ 15-215 through 15-223 and with COMAR 21.10.02.

3.3.2 Invoice Submission Schedule

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

Invoice # #1 #2 #3 #4

Due Date January 15, 2025 April 15, 2025 July 15, 2025 October 15, 2025

3.3 Invoicing

SECTION 4 – PROPOSAL FORMAT

Offerors shall submit Proposals in separate volumes:

● Volume I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

● Volume II – FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

4.2.1 Proposals must be submitted to eMMA by the due date indicated on Key Information Summary Sheet. The

Procurement Officer will not accept submission after the date and exact time stated in the Key Information

Summary Sheet.

4.2.1.1 The eMMA submission subject line shall state the RFP Title and number and either Technical Proposal or Budget Narrative.

4.2.1.2 Two Part Submission:

A. Technical Proposal (See 4.3)

B. Financial Proposal (See 4.4)

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

*All information submitted as part of this 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 redaction.

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

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

4.3.1.1 Transmittal Letter:

A. Offeror

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

C. Signature, typed name, and title of an individual authorized to commit the Offeror to its Proposal

D. Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the Offeror; or if a single individual, that individual’s Social Security Number (SSN)

E. Offeror’s eMMA number

F. Offeror’s MBE certification number (if applicable)

4.1 Two Part Submission

4.2 Proposals

4.3 Volume I – Technical Proposal

4.3.1.2 The Technical Proposal:

A. Organization Information

● Project Director/Primary Contact Name, Title

● Organization Name

● Organization Address

● Contact Phone Number and E-mail Address

● Federal Tax Identification Number

B. Background (1 page maximum). The Offeror will respond to Scope of Work Section 3.2.1.A.

C. Organizational Capacity (3 page maximum, not including letters of recommendation). The

Offeror will respond to Staffing Section 3.2.2.

D. Technical Approach (4 page maximum, not including the Work Plan). The Offeror will describe how it intends to meet the Scope of Work Sections 3.2.1.B-E.

E. Work Plan. See Exhibit C for template.

4.3.1.3 Minimum Qualifications Documentation (If applicable)

There are no Offeror Minimum Qualifications for this procurement.

4.3.1.4 Offeror Technical Response to RFP Requirements and Proposed Work Plan:

A. The Offeror shall address each Scope of Work requirement (Section 3.2) in its Technical

Proposal and describe how its proposed services, including the services of any proposed subcontractor(s), will meet or exceed the requirement(s). If the State is seeking Offeror agreement to any requirement(s), the Offeror shall state its agreement or disagreement. Any paragraph in the Technical Proposal 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 Proposal classified as not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award or the Offeror deemed not responsible.

B. The Offeror shall give a definitive description of the proposed plan to meet the requirements of the RFP, i.e., a Work Plan. The Work Plan shall include the specific methodology and techniques to be used by the Offeror in providing the required services as outlined in RFP

Section 3, Scope of Work. The description shall include an outline of the overall management concepts employed by the Offeror and a project management plan, including project control mechanisms and overall timelines. Project deadlines considered contract deliverables must be recognized in the Work Plan.

C. The Offeror shall acknowledge they have read the American with Disabilities Act Statement in

Section 3.2 and will meet all requirements.

Under separate sealed cover from the Technical Proposal and clearly identified in the format identified in Section

4.2 “Proposals,” the Offeror shall submit an original unbound copy of the Financial Proposal. The Financial

Proposal shall contain all price information in the format specified in Exhibit B. The Offeror shall complete the

Financial Proposal Form only as provided in the RFP.

4.4 Volume II – Financial Proposal

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION COMMITTEE, EVALUATION CRITERIA, AND

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Evaluation of Proposals will be performed in accordance with COMAR 21.05.03 by a committee established for that purpose and based on the evaluation criteria set forth below. The Evaluation Committee will review

Proposals, participate in Offeror 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.

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

Unless stated otherwise, any sub-criteria within each criterion has equal weight.

5.2.1 General requirements as described in Section 3.2.1

5.2.2 Staffing as described in Section 3.2.2

5.2.3 Reports as described in Section 3.2.3

5.2.4 Work plan and timeline as described in Section 3.2.4

5.2.5 Acknowledged agreement to meet the ADA statement and will meet all requirements as described in

Section 3.2.5

All Qualified Offerors will be ranked from the lowest (most advantageous) to the highest (least advantageous) price based on the Total Proposal Price within the stated guidelines set forth in this RFP and as submitted on

Exhibit B - Financial Proposal Form. In cases where the financial cost is fixed, then only the technical proposals are ranked.

5.4.1 General

The Contract will be awarded in accordance with the Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSP) method found at COMAR 21.05.03. The Competitive Sealed Proposals method allows for the conducting of discussions and the revision of Proposals during these discussions. Therefore, the State may conduct discussions with all Offerors that have submitted Proposals that are determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for contract award or potentially so. However, the State reserves the right to make an award without holding discussions.

In either case (i.e., with or without discussions), the State may determine an Offeror to be not responsible and/or an Offeror’s Proposal to be not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award at any time after the initial closing date for receipt of Proposals and prior to Contract award. If the State finds an Offeror to be not responsible and/or an Offeror’s Technical Proposal to be not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award, that Offeror’s Financial Proposal will be returned if the Financial Proposal is unopened at the time of the determination.

5.3 Financial Proposal Evaluation Criteria

5.1 Evaluation Committee

5.2 Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria

5.4 Selection Procedures

5.4.2 Award Determination

Upon completion of the Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal evaluations and rankings, each Offeror will receive an overall ranking. The Procurement Officer will recommend award of the Contract to the responsible Offeror that submitted the Proposal determined to be the most advantageous to the State. In making this most advantageous Proposal determination, technical factors will receive equal weight with financial factors.

RFP ATTACHMENTS

EXHIBIT A — RFP

EXHIBIT B — Financial Proposal Form

This must be completed and submitted with the Technical Proposal as a separate document.

EXHIBIT C — Work Plan Template

This must be submitted with the Technical Proposal in the same document.

ATTACHMENT A — Contract Sample

This is the sample contract used by the Department. It is provided with the RFP for informational purposes and is not required to be submitted at Proposal submission time. Upon notification of recommendation for award, a completed contract will be sent to the recommended awardee for signature. The recommended awardee must return to the Procurement Officer one (1) executed copy of the Contract within five (5) Business Days after receipt. Upon Contract award, a fully executed copy will be sent to the Contractor.

ATTACHMENT B — Proposal Affidavit

This must be submitted with the Technical Proposal.

EXHIBIT B – FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FORM

The Financial Proposal shall contain all price information in the format specified on this page. Do not amend, alter, or leave blank any items on the Financial Proposal Form. Failure to adhere to any of these instructions may result in the financial proposal being determined non- responsive and rejected by the Department.

Price is based on Section 3 at a Total Cost of: $ .

Qty Unit Cost Total Cost

A. Salary

B. Fringe

C. Other: (Specify)

D. Other: (Specify)

E. Other: Specify)

F. Indirect Costs

TOTAL Cost (A+B+C+D+E+F)

* Indirect Costs not to exceed 10% of Total Direct Costs

Authorized Signature: Date:

Printed Name and Title: _____________________________________

Offeror Name:

Offeror Address:

Location(s) from which services will be performed (Jurisdictions):

FEIN:

eMMA #:

Telephone: ( ) -- Fax: ( ) --

E-mail:

Procurement ID: PHPA-3017/BPM045697

EXHIBIT C – WORK PLAN TEMPLATE

Complete the below Work Plan template as aligned to the scope of work requirements provided in the Section 3.2.

Activities in black are required. Select at least one activity in red that will be implemented and delete the ones that are not being selected. Final workplan should be in black text.

Strategy: Increase HPV vaccination at [name of organization] with the aim of reducing the incidence of oropharyngeal, cervical, and other HPV-related cancers.

Goal: Through September 30, 2025, [name of organization] [at name of specific site(s), if applicable] will implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) and recommended activities to increase HPV vaccination among [which specific target population(s)].

Activities:

1. Provide education on HPV-related cancers (e.g., oropharyngeal cancer, cervical cancer) and/or HPV vaccination directly to [which specific target population(s)].

[Insert details of events, settings, locations].

Frequency: [when/how often]

Personnel assigned: [name]

2. Offer the HPV vaccine starting at age 9. [Insert details differentiating between pediatric and adult patients.]

3. Have health care providers make a strong recommendation for HPV vaccination.

[Insert details differentiating between pediatric, family medicine, and internal medicine providers.]

4. Schedule the appointment for the following dose at the conclusion of the appointment.

Frequency: Conclusion of vaccination appointment following each dose until series is complete.

5. Provide home visits by [insert details].

6. Reduce clients’ out-of-pocket costs by [insert details].

Frequency: Ongoing

7. Provide client or family incentive rewards. [Insert details of what incentives and given to what age range(s).]

Frequency: Upon completion of vaccination series.

8. Provide client reminders and recall by [insert details].

Frequency: [when]

9. Use or enhance the use of [what] as an immunization information system to [do what].

Frequency: [how often]

10. Provide provider assessment and feedback by [insert details of data to be given and how].

11. Provide provider reminders by [insert details]

12. Offer same-day vaccination. [Insert details].

13. Leverage [name local pharmacy] by [insert details].

14. Champion HPV vaccination at organization by [insert details].

15. Establish a standing order for HPV vaccination.

By: [when]

Goal: Through September 30, 2025, account for progress and evaluate outcomes.

Activities:

1. Attend monthly and as-needed meetings with the Contract Monitor.

Frequency: Monthly

2. Submit quarterly progress reports with cumulative data.

Due dates: January 15, 2025 / April 15, 2025 / July 15, 2025 / October 15, 2025

STATE OF MARYLAND

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

SMALL PROCUREMENT CONTRACT

THIS CONTRACT (the “Contract”), is made as of the day of

, 20 by and between the STATE OF MARYLAND, acting through the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (“Department”), and

(“Contractor”) whose principal office in Maryland is and whose principal business address is

(Please note that this template provides to you the clauses that are necessary for all small procurements. Your particular procurement may need additional clauses or provisions, such as those that are typically found in the standard solicitation templates and contracts (e.g., security provisions, rights in records, intellectual property, designation of the contract monitor, etc.)

The parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Contract.

(a) The Contractor shall provide the following goods or services:

(Insert Contract Specifications here. Any product or service deliverables, milestones, or deadlines must be identified.

The specifications must clearly articulate what the State will be purchasing via this contract. Readers should understand exactly what the State is buying. The specifications need to be clearly written so that payment can be made appropriately, work (un)performed can be identified, and the contractual rights of the State can be enforced. If there is a written scope of work/solicitation, you can refer to it here.)

The scope of work or solicitation dated is attached and incorporated by reference as Exhibit . The Contractor’s bid or proposal dated is attached and incorporated by references as Exhibit . If there

Is any conflict between this Contract and any exhibits incorporated by reference, the terms of this contract shall govern.

If there is any conflict among the Exhibits, the following order of precedence shall determine the prevailing provision:

Exhibit A – the scope of work or solicitation and Exhibit B – the Contractor’s bid or proposal.

(b) Changes. This Contract may be amended only with the written consent of both parties. Amendments may not change significantly the scope of the Contract (including the Contract price).

2. Term of Contract. The term of this Contract shall be for the period of , 20 through , 20 .

3. Compensation and Method of Payment.

ATTACHMENT A – CONTRACT SAMPLE

(a) Compensation. The total compensation for services to be rendered by the Contractor shall not exceed $ . (Insert the appropriate dollar amount for this Contract. The amount may not exceed $50,000.)

(b) Method of Payment. The Department shall pay the Contractor no later than thirty (30) days after the Department receives a proper invoice from the Contractor. Charges for late payment of invoices, other than as prescribed by Title 15, Subtitle 1, State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code, are prohibited.

(c) Tax Identification Number. The Contractor’s Federal Tax Identification Number is

. The Contractor’s Social Security Number is

(Individual Contractor Only). Contractor’s Federal Tax Identification Number (or

Social Security Number - Individual Contractor Only) shall appear on all invoices submitted by the Contractor to the Department for payment.

(d) Invoicing. All invoices for services shall be signed by the Contractor and submitted to the Procurement Officer.

All invoices shall be submitted in triplicate no later than the 15th of the month for the preceding calendar month. (The invoice schedule may be adjusted to meet your particular needs. The 15th of the month billing cycle is fairly typical, but not required.) All invoices shall include the following information:

● Contractor 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.

4. Procurement Officer. The Department designates to serve as Procurement Officer for this Contract. All contact between the Department and the Contractor regarding all matters relative to this Contract shall be coordinated through the Procurement Officer.

5. Disputes. Disputes arising under this Contract shall be governed by State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 15, Subtitle 2, Part III, Annotated Code of Maryland, and by COMAR 21.10 Administrative and Civil Remedies. Pending resolution of a dispute, the Contractor shall continue to perform this Contract, as directed by the Procurement Officer.

6. Termination for Convenience. The State may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, without showing cause upon prior written notification to the Contractor specifying the extent and the effective date of the termination.

The State will pay all reasonable costs associated with this Contract that the Contractor has incurred up to the date of termination, and all reasonable costs associated with termination of the Contract. However, the Contractor may not be reimbursed for any anticipatory profits which have not been earned up to the date of termination. Termination hereunder, including the determination of the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.12(A)(2).

7. Termination for Default. If the Contractor does not fulfill obligations under this Contract or violates any provision of this Contract, the Department may terminate the Contract by giving the Contractor written notice of termination. Termination under this paragraph does not relieve the Contractor from liability for any damages caused to the State. Termination hereunder, including the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.11B.

8. Termination for Nonappropriation. If funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation in any fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year, this Contract shall be terminated automatically as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which funds are not available. The Contractor may not recover anticipatory profits or costs incurred after termination.

9. Non-Discrimination in Employment. The Contractor shall comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of federal and Maryland law, including, but not limited to, the employment provisions of §13-219 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code and Code of Maryland Regulations 21.07.01.08, and the commercial nondiscrimination provisions of Title 19, Subtitle 1, State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code.

10. Maryland Law Prevails. The laws of Maryland shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Contract.

The Maryland Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (Commercial Law Article, Title 22 of the Annotated Code of Maryland) does not apply to this Contract or any software license acquired hereunder.

11. Anti-Bribery. The Contractor certifies that, to the Contractor’s best knowledge, neither the Contractor; nor (if the Contractor is a corporation or partnership) any of its officers, directors, partners, or controlling stockholders; nor any employee of the Contractor who is directly involved in the business’s contracting activities, has been convicted of bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe under the laws of any state or of the United States.

12. Commercial Non-Discrimination Policy. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of State Finance and Procurement Article. Title 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties have executed this Contract as of the date hereinabove set forth.

CONTRACTOR STATE OF MARYLAND

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Seal)

By: By:

(Printed Name and Title) (Printed Name and Title)

Date Date

Attachments: Exhibit A: Scope of Work or Solicitation Exhibit B: Bid or Proposal

A. AUTHORITY

I hereby affirm that I, (name of affiant) am the (title) and duly authorized representative of (name of business entity) and that I possess the legal authority to make this affidavit on behalf of the business for which I am acting.

B. CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMMERCIAL NONDISCRIMINATION

The undersigned Bidder/Offeror hereby certifies and agrees that the following information is correct: In preparing its Bid/proposal on this project, the Bidder/Offeror has considered all Bid/proposals submitted from qualified, potential subcontractors and suppliers, and has not engaged in “discrimination” as defined in § 19-103 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. “Discrimination” means any disadvantage, difference, distinction, or preference in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or commercial treatment of a vendor, subcontractor, or commercial customer on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetic information or an individual’s refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test, disability, or any otherwise unlawful use of characteristics regarding the vendor’s, supplier’s, or commercial customer’s employees or owners. “Discrimination” also includes retaliating against any person or other entity for reporting any incident of “discrimination”. Without limiting any other provision of the solicitation on this project, it is understood that, if the certification is false, such false certification constitutes grounds for the State to reject the Bid/proposal submitted by the Bidder/Offeror on this project, and terminate any contract awarded based on the Bid/proposal. As part of its Bid/proposal, the Bidder/Offeror herewith submits a list of all instances within the past four (4) years where there has been a final adjudicated determination in a legal or administrative proceeding in the State of Maryland that the Bidder/Offeror discriminated against subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers, and a description of the status or resolution of that determination, including any remedial action taken. Bidder/Offeror agrees to comply in all respects with the State’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy as described under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

B-1. CERTIFICATION REGARDING MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

The undersigned Bidder/Offeror hereby certifies and agrees that it has fully complied with the State Minority Business Enterprise Law, State Finance and Procurement Article, § 14-308(a)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, which provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, a contractor may not identify a certified minority business enterprise in a Bid/proposal and:

(1) Fail to request, receive, or otherwise obtain authorization from the certified minority business enterprise to identify the certified minority bid/proposal;

(2) Fail to notify the certified minority business enterprise before execution of the contract of its inclusion in the Bid/proposal;

(3) Fail to use the certified minority business enterprise in the performance of the contract; or

(4) Pay the certified minority business enterprise solely for the use of its name in the Bid/proposal.

Without limiting any other provision of the solicitation on this project, it is understood that if the certification is false, such false certification constitutes grounds for the State to reject the Bid/proposal submitted by the Bidder/Offeror on this project, and terminate any contract awarded based on the Bid/proposal.

ATTACHMENT B – PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

B-2. CERTIFICATION REGARDING VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

The undersigned Bidder/Offeror hereby certifies and agrees that it has fully complied with the State veteran-owned small business enterprise law, State Finance and Procurement Article, § 14-605, Annotated Code of Maryland, which provides that a person may not:

(1) Knowingly and with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtain, attempt to obtain, or aid another person in fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain public money, procurement contracts, or funds expended under a procurement contract to which the person is not entitled under this title;

(2) Knowingly and with intent to defraud, fraudulently represent participation of a veteran-owned small business enterprise in order to obtain or retain a Bid/proposal preference or a procurement contract;

(3) Willfully and knowingly make or subscribe to any statement, declaration, or other document that is fraudulent or false as to any material matter, whether or not that falsity or fraud is committed with the knowledge or consent of the person authorized or required to present the declaration, statement, or document;

(4) Willfully and knowingly aid, assist in, procure, counsel, or advise the preparation or presentation of a declaration, statement, or other document that is fraudulent or false as to any material matter, regardless of whether that falsity or fraud is committed with the knowledge or consent of the person authorized or required to present the declaration, statement, or document;

(5) Willfully and knowingly fail to file any declaration or notice with the unit that is required by COMAR 21.11.13; or

(6) Establish, knowingly aid in the establishment of, or exercise control over a business found to have violated a provision of § B-2(1) -(5) of this regulation.

C. AFFIRMATION REGARDING BRIBERY CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business (as is defined in Section 16- 101(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland), or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business’s contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies has been convicted of, or has had probation before judgment imposed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article, § 6-220, Annotated Code of Maryland, or has pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of, bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe in violation of Maryland law, or of the law of any other state or federal law, except as follows (indicate the reasons why the affirmation cannot be given and list any conviction, plea, or imposition of probation before judgment with the date, court, official or administrative body, the sentence or disposition, the name(s) of person(s) involved, and their current positions and responsibilities with the business):

D. AFFIRMATION REGARDING OTHER CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business, or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business’s contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies, has:

(1) Been convicted under state or federal…