EXHIBIT A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

PROCUREMENT ID NUMBER – PHPA 3655/BPM053749

Issue Date: October 22, 2025

Lung, Prostate, Colorectal, and Breast Cancers Creative Design

RFP

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/

08/31/2022

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFP KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Proposals: Lung, Prostate, Colorectal, and Breast Cancers Creative

Design RFP

Solicitation Number: PHPA 3655/BPM053749

RFP Issue Date: October 22, 2025

RFP Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health

Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CCPC)

Procurement Officer: Augustus Woyah

Maryland Department of Health

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

201 West Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

410-767-5039 augustus.woyah@maryland.gov

Contract Monitor: Lisa Marr

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

Center for Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Proposals are to be submitted to: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage -https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?Return

Url=%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.

Questions Due Date: November 5, 2025, 2:00 PM EST Local Time

Closing Date and Time: November 12, 2025, 2:00 PM Local Time 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

07/24/2024

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Summary Statement

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 provide messaging and creative development to be used for a statewide multimedia public education campaign about lung, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer that targets communities that are disproportionately impacted by those cancers.

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 six (6) months, from

January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. For commodities, the anticipated delivery date is on or before September 30, 2026.

1.1.3 The Department intends to make a single award as a result of this RFP.

1.1.4 Offerors, either directly or through their subcontractor(s), must be able to provide all services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Offeror (the Contractor) shall remain responsible for

Contract performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work.

1.2 Contract Type

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

1.3 Procurement Method

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

21.05.07.

1.4 Procurement Officer

1.4.1 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 Woyah

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

201 West Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

410-767-5039 augustus.woyah@maryland.gov

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

1.5 Contract Monitor

1.5.1 The Contract Monitor is:

Lisa Marr

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

Center for Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

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

1.6 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

1.6.1 Each Offeror 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.

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

RFP and associated materials, the solicitation and summary of the Pre-Proposal Conference, Offeror questions and the

Procurement Officer’s responses, addenda, and other solicitation-related information will be provided via eMMA.

1.6.3 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.

1.7 Questions

1.7.1 Written questions from prospective Offerors 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.

1.7.2 Questions are requested to be submitted by the 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.

1.8 Pre-Proposal Conference

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

1.9 Proposals Due (Closing) Date and Time

1.9.1 Proposals, in the number and form set forth in Section 4.2 “Proposals' must be received in eMMA no later than

2:00 PM EST Local Time on November 12, 2025, as indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet, in order to be considered.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/

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

1.9.3 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.

1.10 Award Basis

1.10.1 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 goods and services as specified in this RFP. See RFP Section 5 for further award information.

1.11 Revisions to the RFP

1.11.1 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 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.

1.11.1 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.

1.12 Cancellations

1.12.1 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).

SECTION 2 – MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

2.1 Offeror Minimum Qualifications

The Offeror must provide proof with its Proposal that the following Minimum Qualifications have been met:

2.1.1 A full-service agency with at least five (5) years (preferably public sector) graphic design experience creating advertising campaigns for the public and/or healthcare professionals and experience providing the proposed services in this RFP. Public Sector, health, and cancer marketing experience will be weighted higher during the evaluation process.

2.1.2 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: As proof of meeting this requirement, the Offeror shall provide with its

Proposal letters of recommendation from three (3) current clients (preferably public sector clients) for similar services during a consecutive three (3) year period. Letters shall be signed and dated within the last five (5) years. All references may be contacted by an MDH representative via e-mail or telephone call to obtain answers to questions as applicable, during the evaluation process. Public sector, health, and cancer letters of recommendation will be weighted higher during the evaluation process.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

The State is issuing this solicitation for the purposes of . . .

3.1.1 Each year, thousands of Marylanders are diagnosed with invasive cancer. While the death rate from cancer in the United States has steadily declined since its peak in 1991, cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death in the United States and in Maryland, behind heart disease.1 For both males and females aged 45 to 64 years, cancer is the leading cause of death.2 Disparities in cancer incidence, mortality, and screening rates are experienced across many population groups in Maryland, including racial and ethnic minorities; individuals living in Baltimore

City, rural, and other geographic areas of the state; and the uninsured.3

3.1.2 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a qualified vendor to assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive public education campaign. This initiative is mandated by the 2024 Senate Bill

938 (SB938), which requires the MDH to create a three-year campaign targeting communities disproportionately impacted by breast, lung, and prostate cancers. MDH is also adding colorectal cancer as part of this campaign due to the burden of colorectal cancer on Maryland residents. The campaign is designed to provide educational information on the cancer risks and warning signs, and guidelines and best practices for prevention; promote screenings; and inform the public about legislation that reduces cost barriers to prevention services.

3.1.3 The vendor will be instrumental in ensuring the campaign is culturally relevant, effective, and tailored to the unique needs and structural barriers faced by the targeted populations. To achieve the goals of SB938, the selected vendor will be responsible for a series of key deliverables, including: conducting listening sessions with communities disproportionately impacted by these cancers to understand the specific barriers to cancer education and awareness that they face; developing a plan for placement utilizing MDH’s research; creating culturally relevant and persuasive communication materials; and utilizing focus groups and stakeholder input to inform the materials developed.

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2024/2024-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2025.

Ahmad FB, Cisewski JA, Anderson RN. Mortality in the United States — Provisional Data, 2023. MMWR

Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:677–681. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7331a1. Accessed

June 15, 2025.

Maryland Department of Health, 2022 Cancer Report: Cigarette Restitution Fund Program, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau, Center for Cancer Prevention and Control, Dec 2024.

3.2 Scope of Work - Requirements

The Contractor shall:

3.2.1 General 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 Work Plan and Timeline

A. Provide a work plan outlining the specific, realistic timeline of the development of video, digital, radio and print assets, and provide recommendations for placement and evaluation methods for lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The Contractor shall utilize focus groups for creative development. Furthermore, the

Contractor shall provide a draft of messaging, graphics, collateral,and recommendations for MDH to share with the stakeholder workgroup for feedback. The Contractor shall compile feedback/edits from the focus groups and stakeholder engagement and incorporate time for editing and the process into the work plan/timeline.

B. Identify all staff responsible for working on this project, including roles and responsibilities for assigned staff and resumes.

C. The Contractor shall build ample time into the work plan for the MDH approval process. The final product will be reviewed and approved by the CCPC Director and the Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau Director.

Edits may be required after Departmental review. Approval may also be required by the MDH Office of

Communications and MDH leadership; potential rounds of final edits required by both of these review processes shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The work plan shall account for a minimum of one month for the MDH Office of Communications and leadership approvals.

D. Following leadership approval, the contractor shall provide Spanish language versions of the final assets and build this time into the workplan and timeline.

3.2.3 Creative Brand/Messages/Graphics

A. The Contractor, in coordination with CCPC, shall use current research to design, develop, and support the implementation of a strategic and comprehensive multimedia campaign educating the public and building awareness of prevention, screening, and resources for people living with lung, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers. This includes developing key messages and producing ads (video, static and animated) for online, social media, outdoor, radio, tv, and print placement with a focus on assets deemed most appropriate for reaching target audiences. All campaign materials shall utilize culturally relevant, racially and ethnically diverse graphics and photos, reflecting people of diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities. As part of the creative and message development process, the Contractor shall:

a. Evaluate existing materials and messaging provided by CCPC to inform the development of the MDH campaign.

b. Outline how the ads will reach the targeted populations and attract their attention, especially diverse populations and persons with disabilities, and maintain “brand awareness.”

c. Outline any innovative features that will be used.

d. Outline sizes, media, and uses of proposed materials for each of the topic areas, namely lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.

e. Provide recommendations for MDH’s website/landing page, ad placement, and evaluation methods.

B. All campaign materials must comply with the branding and communication standards of MDH; MDH will provide branding guidelines upon award of this Contract. All materials shall have the ability to be co-branded with MDH partner logos.

C. The Contractor shall be responsible for all creative services necessary for production, including, but not limited to, filming, dubbing, recording, editing, and photographic services/photo shoots, as necessary. The

Contractor shall include a stakeholder toolkit with campaign assets that will help CCPC’s stakeholders and partners distribute campaign information. The Contractor shall provide a file sharing program for CCPC to review and approve campaign materials. The Contractor shall not use artificial intelligence (AI) generated graphics, messages or elements.

D. The Contractor shall be prepared to work with CCPC on multiple rounds of edits during the development process.

E. Working with CCPC the contractor shall provide all final collateral materials in Spanish. Once materials are finalized and approved by MDH leadership, CCPC will provide the translations and the Contractor shall provide translated versions of the final assets.

F. All produced messages will be the property of MDH and must be approved by MDH leadership prior to placement/airing. CCPC will provide any required logos and other mandatory tags, or disclaimers as needed to be placed in ads.

G. The Contractor shall provide CCPC with “ready-to-use” files in broadcast quality format for social media and various alternative media outlets such as, gas station, TV, movie screen media, outdoor, and print ads, as well as any other necessary files required by CCPC.

3.2.4 Ownership and Rights of Materials

A. Work produced as a result of this solicitation, including messages, is and shall remain the sole property of the

Department. The Contractor agrees that, always during the term of this contract and thereafter, the works created, and services performed shall be “works made for hire” as that term is interpreted under the federal copyright law. All materials developed will remain the property of the State of Maryland. All related fees must be included in the final proposal price.

B. Final products must be ready for the perpetual use by CCPC for future campaigns at no additional cost. The

Contractor shall purchase all rights to any images, photos, pictures, music, etc. used in conjunction with the

TV and print ads. CCPC will own the rights for all materials purchased. If talent will be used in the ads, all associated talent fees (union or non-union) must be covered by the Contractor for indefinite use by CCPC. All arrangements and coordination for production and talent shall be made by the Contractor, and these costs shall be included in the budget proposal. Copies of all agreements and contracts must be provided to CCPC to have on file.

C. Final products must be available for the perpetual use of the Department for future campaigns at no additional cost. If talent is used, all talent fees and other related costs must be bought out for the indefinite use by the

Department. Signed contracts and proof of talent buy-out must be provided to the Department to keep on file.

If stock photos and/or artwork are purchased, proof of buy-out must be provided to the Department to keep on file. The Contractor shall provide all material files in a variety of electronic formats as deemed necessary by the Department.

3.2.5 Staffing/Relevant Experience

A. The Contractor shall identify all staff responsible for working on this project, including roles and responsibilities for assigned staff and resumes.

B. The Contractor shall provide and explain relevant reference materials to demonstrate experience, including three (3) samples of similar multimedia campaigns produced (samples can be included as attachments and are not required to be part of the six-page limit). Sample materials can be returned to the Offeror after review by the evaluation committee. The Contractor must state this in their proposal and provide a return address for the materials to be mailed.

C. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) letters of reference from other agencies with whom the organization has collaborated or from former or current clients. Letters shall be signed and dated within the last 5 years. Public sector, health, and cancer letters will be scored higher during the evaluation process.

D. The Contractor shall describe prior projects and/or materials developed as part of the agency’s portfolio that are focused on health-related topics and achieved desired results. Previous cancer-related projects and experience will be scored higher.

3.2.6 Meet virtually with the CCPC project team

A. Within one (1) week after the award for an initial planning meeting.

B. Weekly, biweekly or monthly for progress updates, to review work, and provide direction/feedback.

Frequency of meetings will be determined based on the timeline and needs of the project.

C. As needed to meet contract requirements.

3.2.7 Reporting

A. The Contractor shall provide monthly progress reports due on the 15th of each month documenting the previous month’s work, in a format provided by CCPC. Monthly reports shall summarize the development, execution, and effectiveness of the messaging and assets and completion of Contract deliverables.

B. The Contractor shall provide meeting minutes by email within two (2) days of meeting. Minutes shall include individual(s) responsible for action items.

C. By September 30, 2026, the Contractor shall complete a final report, using a template provided by the CCPC, summarizing the development, execution, and effectiveness of the messaging and assets and completion of

Contract deliverables.

3.2.8 Conflict of Interests

A. The Offeror shall disclose all conflicts of interest (obvious and non-obvious), if any, and describe in detail how the conflicts of interest will be ameliorated. If the Offeror is receiving other funding for chronic disease management efforts, please describe how this funding is being used and the source of the funding.

3.3 Invoicing

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

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

March 30, 2026, or 60 days into contract: One-third of total contract value

May 31, 2026, or 120 days into contract: One third of total contract value

Balance shall be paid upon receipt of final assets.

SECTION 4 – PROPOSAL FORMAT

4.1 Two Part Submission

Offerors shall submit Proposals in separate volumes:

▪ Volume I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

▪ Volume II – FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

4.2 Proposals

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.

4.3 Volume I – Technical Proposal

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:

● Offeror;

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

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

● Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the Offeror, or if a single individual, that individual’s

Social Security Number (SSN);

● Offeror’s eMMA number;

● Offeror’s MBE certification number (if applicable);

● Offeror’s SBR number (if applicable) – please contact eMMA at 410-767-1492 if you don’t know your number.

4.3.1.2 Minimum Qualifications Documentation (If applicable)

The Offeror shall submit any Minimum Qualifications documentation that may be required, as set forth in Section 2

“Offeror Minimum Qualifications.”

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

A work plan template is provided HERE

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. In addition to the letters of recommendation outlined in the minimum qualifications, the Offeror shall provide three samples of similar multimedia campaigns designed and developed within the last five years. Public sector, health, and cancer projects will be scored higher during the evaluation process.

4.4 Volume II – Financial Proposal

Under a separate file from the Technical Proposal and clearly identified in the format identified in Section 4.2

“Proposals,” the Offeror shall submit their 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.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19PsMVb2qssCRZa-ju0XbsgN76Wv_DZ4C/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116622810041054878457&rtpof=true&sd=true

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION COMMITTEE, EVALUATION CRITERIA, AND

SELECTION PROCEDURE

5.1 Evaluation Committee

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.

5.2 Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria

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.

The Offeror:

5.2.1 Acknowledged agreement to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Statement as described in Section 3.2.1

5.2.2 Provided a comprehensive work plan outlining the specific, realistic timeline of the development of video, digital, radio, and print assets, and recommendations for placement and evaluation methods for the lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers campaign, as described in Section 3.2.2.

5.2.3 Provided details about their creative and message development – described how the ads will reach the targeted populations and attract their attention, especially diverse populations and persons with disabilities while maintaining

“brand awareness”; described any innovative features that will be used; described the sizes, media, and uses of proposed materials for each of the topic areas, lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer; and provided recommendations for landing page, ad placement and evaluation methods; as described in Section 3.2.3

5.2.4 Will comply with the Department’s branding standards as described in Section 3.2.3

5.2.5 Provided details about their organizational structure that meets the minimum requirements described in Section

2.2.1 and 3.2.5.1 of a full-service agency providing three (3) signed letters of recommendation from agencies or clients dated within the last 5 years.

5.2.6 Provided detailed resumes of all relevant staff assigned to the project and described their roles as described in

Sections 3.2.5. Public sector, health, and cancer projects will be scored higher during the evaluation process.

5.2.7 Provided a minimum of three (3) samples of similar multimedia campaigns developed within the last five (5) years as described in the minimum requirements and scope of work, Sections 2.2.1 and 3.2.4. Public sector, health, and cancer multimedia campaign samples will be scored higher during the evaluation process.

5.2.8 Disclosed any conflicts of interest as part of this project as outlined in section 3.2.8.

5.3 Financial Proposal Evaluation Criteria

5.3.1 All Qualified Offerors will be ranked from most advantageous to the 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 Selection Procedures

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.

5.4.2 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 B – Financial Proposal Form

This must be completed and submitted with the Technical Proposal in a separate envelope.

ATTACHMENT A – Contract

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 three (3) executed copies if submission is required by mail 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 completed and submitted with the Technical Proposal.

Attachment C Branding Guidelines – Link to document to attach

Attachment D: Work Plan Template https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sMb09KybF8KHPmTuAv7-1RQasLXn47RH/view?usp=sharing

EXHIBIT B – FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FORM

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FORM

The Financial Proposal shall contain all price information in the format specified on these pages. Complete the

Financial Proposal Form only as provided in the Financial Proposal Form format. Do not amend, alter or leave blank any items on the Financial Proposal Form. If option years are included, Offerors must submit costs for each option year. Failure to adhere to any of these instructions may result in the financial proposal being determined nonresponsive and rejected by the Department.

Price is based on a Total Cost of: $______________.

Indirect Costs not to exceed 10% of Total Direct Costs

Submitted By:

Authorized Signature: ________________________________Date: ____________________

Printed Name and Title:__________________________________________________________________

Company Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Company Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Item Qty Unit Cost Total Cost

A. Salary

B. Fringe

C. Indirect Costs

E. Other: (Specify)

TOTAL Cost

(A+B+C+D+E)

Location(s) from which services will be performed

(City/State):___________________________________________

FEIN: _________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

ATTACHMENT A – CONTRACT

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.

(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 Non Appropriation. 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

ATTACHMENT B – Proposal Affidavit

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.

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)…