PHPA_3816_RFP_PBF_Post-Program_Survey_10072025.pdf

EXHIBIT A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

PROCUREMENT ID NUMBER – PHPA 3816/BPM053508

Issue Date: October 07, 2025

Conduct Pathways to Bright Futures Post-Program Survey and Pre-Post

Program Comparative Analysis

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: Conduct Pathways to Bright Futures Post-Program Survey and

Pre-Post Program Surveys Comparative Analysis

Solicitation Number: PHPA 3816/BPM053508

RFP Issue Date: October 07, 2025

RFP Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health, Office of Oral Health

Procurement Officer: Li’Chelle Lindsey

Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

201 W. Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: 410-767-5621

Email: LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

Contract Monitor: John Welby

Office of Oral Health, Maryland Department of Health

201 West Preston Street

Baltimore, MD, 20201

Proposals are to be submitted to: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage -https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2fpage.aspx%2fen%2fbuy%2fhomepag e - 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: October 21,2025 at 9:00am Local Time EST

Closing Date and Time: October 28, 2025, at 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

07/24/2024

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Summary Statement

1. 1. 1. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Office of Oral Health (OOH), is issuing this

Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct a post-program evaluation survey of the Pathways to Bright Futures (PBF) program. The evaluation survey will determine awareness, interest, understanding, and participation of youth age

16 – 22 in the PBF program and their willingness to consider entering a career in the dental field. After conducting the survey, the Contractor will collect and analyze data comparing it with data generated from a previously conducted

PBF pre-program survey. Pre-and post-intervention outcomes will be analyzed to determine evidence of the program’s overall impact. Upon completion of the pre-post survey comparative analysis, the Contractor will summarize findings in a written PBF Final Impact Report due to OOH no later than July 31, 2026.

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 nine (8.5) months, December 15, 2025 – August 31, 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

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

1.3 Procurement Method

This solicitation shall be made in accordance with the small procurement regulations described in COMAR 21.05.07.

1.4 Procurement Officer

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:

Li’Chelle Lindsey

Procurement Officer

Phone Number410-767-5621

Fax Number: N/A

E-mail: LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

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

1.5 Contract Monitor

The Contract Monitor is:

John Welby

Maryland Department of Health

Office of Oral Health

201 West Preston St.4th floor

Baltimore MD, 21201

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

1.6 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

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.

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.

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

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: LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

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

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

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

1.9 Proposals Due (Closing) Date and Time

Proposals, in the number and form set forth in Section 4.2 “Proposals' ' must be received in eMMA no later than 2:00 p.m. EST Local Time on October 28, 2025, indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet In order to be considered.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/

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.

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

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

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.

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

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 The Offeror shall possess a minimum of five years’ experience in research and evaluation, preferably in public health, and be knowledgeable in conducting and evaluating public health program surveys and using other evaluation techniques such as comparative analysis to determine overall public health program impact. The Offeror must be familiar with state-of-the-art evaluation tools and provide examples of using these tools to conduct the research similar to the requirements outlined in this proposal (See 3.2 Scope of Work – Requirements).

The Offeror must provide at least three (3) references from the past five years that can attest to the Offeror’s experience in providing the above.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

There is a significant dental workforce shortage in Maryland that is creating an uneven distribution of dental professionals across the state. This results in decreased access to dental care – especially in already underserved communities.

In Maryland, most dentists practice in highly populated, high-income urban areas. Thus, rural communities are marginalized and feel a greater impact of this uneven distribution of dental resources. With fewer or even no dentists in certain Maryland areas, people are unable to access the care they need. This difficult reality is even more complicated by the fact that so few dentists in Maryland accept Medicaid dental insurance, placing a further burden on rural-underserved communities. These areas that lack access to dental professionals are typically referred to as

Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas, or Dental HPSAs for short.

Pathways to Bright Futures, (PBF) is a dental education-to-career pipeline program that encourages students who live in Dental HPSAs to pursue careers in the dental professions. Its goals are to interest young people (age 16 – 22) in the oral health and PBF program, educate and interest them in dental careers, increase the number of dental professionals practicing in Maryland Dental HPSAs, improve oral health equity, and help build a diverse and dynamic dental workforce in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Health, Office of Oral Health created PBF with funding from the U. S. Health

Resources and Services Administration. PBF’s funding period is from September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2026. The

OOH has focused PBFs efforts on reaching young people age 16 – 22 in three Maryland Dental HPSAs (Baltimore

City, The Eastern Shore, and Western Maryland). OOH has also developed and implemented specific initiatives designed to increase student participation in the PBF program. These include:

● PBF Regional Oral Health Coordinator (ROHC). PBF ROHCs are field representatives of the PBF program. PBF has three ROHCs, each one is assigned to a specific Dental Health Professional Shortage area; one on the Eastern Shore, one in Western Maryland and one in Baltimore City.

● Pathway Entry Point (PEP) Presentations. PEP presentations are intended to educate high school and college students about oral health and the PBF program as well as present an overview of dental career options highlighting the impact and benefits of a career in the dental professions. PEP presentations are given by the OOH, Regional Oral Health Coordinators and are presented in high school or college classrooms or other community settings.

● PBF Academic Awards. PBF offers two separate academic awards. One to defray the costs of dental education for youth living in a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area and the other to reimburse costs incurred in applying for and taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).

● Annual Events at the National Museum of Dentistry. The National Museum of Dentistry (NMD) is the official museum of the dental professions designated by the United States by Congress in 2003 and is a Smithsonian

Affiliate. Its mission is to educate and inspire the future of oral health by celebrating the heritage and growth of the dental professions. Every year, PBF holds an event at NMD that celebrates PBF educational efforts and presents scholarship awards to aspiring students pursuing careers in the dental profession.

● PBF Seminars for Dental Students. PBF offers presentations for dental students about the value and benefits of practicing dentistry in a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). The presentation teaches dental students about the Maryland dental workforce shortage and shows them that by practicing in a Dental HPSA, they can create an important, deeply fulfilling, and financially rewarding career.

● Experiential Learning Opportunities. Experiential Learning Opportunities are designed to give students hands-on experience working with dental professionals in a dental setting. They take place in a variety of clinical settings located within Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). Experiential learning connects youth with dental professionals and enables them to see themselves in the clinical setting. Additionally, PBF is partnering to hold

Symposia for youth in Dental HPSAs. This opportunity, in partnership with Planet Smiles, a similar Dental career pipeline program, provides a full-day immersive experience for students to gain hands-on dental practice experience and explore clinical and other facets of a dental career.

● PBF Communications Campaign. Currently PBF is implementing a communication campaign “Shaping

Smiles, Shaping Futures.” This campaign is using a variety of media and social media techniques to reach out to young adults age 16 – 22 who live within Maryland’s three targeted Dental HPSAs. It is designed to create awareness and educate young people about the PBF program and connect youth with the PBF website where they can learn about dental health, the many PBF programs, and connect with a PBF representative to take advantage of what PBF has to offer.

In an effort to evaluate the impact of the PBF program, OOH has created a PBF Pre-Post-Program Evaluation Survey tool. OOH’s original intent was to use this tool to survey young adults at the beginning of the PBF program (pre-program) and at the end (post program). Because of unforeseen programmatic delays, the pre-program survey was not conducted until fall of 2024, well into implementation the PBF program. Data from this pre-program or (first wave) of the survey were compiled and analyzed and reported in a written report to OOH. Again, even though the pre-campaign survey was not conducted at the start of the PBF program, it is still considered to be and referred to as the

PBF pre-program survey.

The State is now issuing this solicitation for the purpose of hiring a Contractor to use the existing PBF Pre-Post

Program Evaluation Survey tool to conduct the PBF post-program, final wave, survey. The survey will replicate all parameters and conditions of the pre-program survey including the methodology and be conducted with young adults age 16 – 22 living in the three targeted Dental HPSAs at the conclusion of the PBF program. The contractor is responsible for collecting and analyzing post program survey data and submitting a written report to OOH. This report will include a comparison with the pre survey findings and provide evidence of the program’s impact.

Immediately following the award, The OOH will provide the Contractor with the Pre-Campaign Survey Report for review. This report includes the PBF Pre-post program survey tool as well as the methodology, findings and recommendations provided to OOH. This report will allow the contractor to study, understand and prepare for implementing the post-campaign survey.

3.2 Scope of Work - Requirements

The Contractor shall use the existing PBF Pre Program Evaluation Survey tool to conduct a post-program evaluation survey in February and March 2026. The survey will replicate all questions, parameters, and conditions of the pre-program survey. Its purpose is to measure the impact of implemented interventions on the awareness, interest, understanding and participation of youth age 16 – 22 in the PBF program and their willingness to consider entering a career in the dental field. After completing the post-program survey, the contractor will compile and analyze the data and conduct a comparative analysis of the pre- and post-program survey results. The findings will be presented in a single PBF Final Impact Report, which will explain the overall impact of the program, including changes in awareness and engagement over time. The report will use clear narrative supported by tables, charts, and graphs to describe the program’s outcomes, highlight successes, and identify limitations and lessons learned. The Final Impact

Report will be submitted to OOH no later than July 31, 2026.

The Contractor Shall:

3.2.1 Attend a Two-Hour Kick-off Meeting with OOH at MDH Headquarters in Baltimore MD. Within two-three weeks of award, the Contractor will schedule and attend an in-person contract kick-off meeting with the OOH, PBF Survey Team at MDH Headquarters in Baltimore, MD. This meeting will serve as an opportunity to discuss the overall contract, research goals, strategic approach, survey tool and data collection, comparative analysis, PBF Final

Impact Report and project timeline. The meeting will provide the Contactor with clarification on the project requirements, methods, and expectations, such as to measure the awareness, knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of the PBF program for youth living in the designated Dental HPSAs and MDH Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. The meeting will also give the Contractor the opportunity to ask questions and outline next steps.

3.2.2 Review Survey and Submit Appropriate Documents for IRB Approval. Following the kick-off meeting the

Contractor will review the existing PBF pre-post program survey tool, which has already been developed and implemented as the Pre-program survey. The survey tool measures the awareness, knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions about the PBF program and interest in dental careers for 16 – 22-year-olds living in the designated Dental HPSAs.

The Contractor shall determine if Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required prior to conducting the survey and if so, complete all required documentation for IRB approval and submit the survey along with this documentation to the MDH Institutional Review Board for IRB approval. [Note: 1. Necessary documentation and approval must be completed and secured before the data collection begin.]

3.2.3 Data Collection - Conduct the PBF Post-program Survey. Following IRB approval, the Contractor shall hire a survey panel to conduct the post-program survey. The survey panel firm will conduct the survey by recruiting 16 –

22-year-olds living in the designated Dental HPSAs to participate. Compensation for completing the survey will be provided by the survey panel firm using their standardized system, which can be compensation redeemed for gift cards, prize drawings, and/or retail deals, etc. With the assistance of the survey panel firm, the Contractor will replicate all survey questions, parameters, and conditions of the pre-campaign survey to conduct the PBF post-program survey in February and March 2026. The firm will strive to reach a target population of 1,000 young adults age 16 – 22 living in the designated Dental HPSAs.

3.2.4 Compile and Analyze Data. Upon conclusion of the PBF post-program survey the Contractor will compile and analyze the survey data. Analysis will replicate the methodology, parameters, conditions, and break-downs of data that was used to analyze the initial pre-program survey. The Contractor will identify themes, findings, recommendations, and lessons learned by analyzing responses to each survey question.

3.2.5 Conduct Comparative Analysis of Pre-and-Post Campaign Surveys. Following the post program data analysis, the Contractor will now conduct a comparative analysis of pre-and-post program survey results to determine the overall impact of the PBF program. This analysis will examine differences in responses to each survey question, with particular attention to statistically significant differences, across demographic and geographic groups as well as key PBF social marketing components. The results of this comparative analysis will be presented in a single PBF

Final Impact Report. This report will describe the overall program impact, highlight successes, and identify limitations and lessons learned.

3.2.6 Reports

3.2.6.1 PBF Final Impact Report. Having completed the comparative analysis, the Contractor will write and submit to OOH a comprehensive PBF Impact Report. The report will explain the PBF Program, evaluation process, pre-and-post-program surveys, and provide data and explain results and implications of the PBF comparative analysis. The report shall explain the overall impact of the PBF program by showing if a statistically significant increase in PBF program outcomes data has occurred and if the program has met and/or exceeded its goals. The report will use narrative as well as tables, charts and graphs to communicate and interpret content as well as highlight successes and program limitations. Upon submission of the Final Impact Report the OOH will review the report and if necessary, require revisions as needed.

3.2.7 Submission of Dataset. Upon close of the contract the Contractor is required to submit any and all raw data collected as well as any observation notes, transcriptions and/or audio or video tapes made during the survey or throughout the analysis of the survey data and when conducting the pre-and-post program survey comparative analysis.

3.2.8 General Requirements

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.

3.3 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

The Contractor shall submit invoices of 4 equal amounts in accordance with the following schedule:

Invoice Deliverable Date Due

Submit Kick-off Meeting Minutes One week after kick-off meeting

Complete review of PBF Post-program survey and submit IRB (if needed)

One month after the start of the contract

Complete PBF Post program survey Upon completion of conducting the survey

Approval of PBF Impact Report Upon approval of PBF Final Impact Report.

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;

● Offeror contact name, title, email address, and phone number;

● 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. The Offeror shall provide a narrative that addresses 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 requirements of the RFP. If the State is seeking Offeror agreement to any requirement(s), the

Offeror shall state its agreement or disagreement. Any paragraph or section in the Technical Proposal that addresses a

Scope of Work (Section 3.2) requirement must include a clear and cogent 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 to being selected for award or the Offeror deemed not responsible. Scope of Work Requirements as they appear in Section 3.2 of this RFP are listed below:

• Attend a Two-Hour Kick-off Meeting

• Review Survey and Submit Documents for IRB Approval.

• Data Collection - Conduct the PBF Post-program Survey.

• Compile and Analize Data.

• Conduct Comparative Analysis of Pre-and-Post Campaign Surveys

• Write and Submit PBF Impact Report

• Submission of Dataset

b. The Offeror will used EXHIBIT C to give a definitive description of the proposed plan to meet the requirements of the RFP, i.e., a Work Plan. This Work Plan, using a visual table format, EXHIBIT C, will show how the scope of work (RFP Section 3, Scope of Work) will be achieved. The work plan shall state the specific objectives that must be achieved in order to attain that goal. It will also delineate the actions the Offeror chooses to take in order to achieve each objective and the strategies they will employ in achieving these actions. The work plan will then highlight the specific tools and methods used in the accomplishment of these activities as well as identify the time-line, team members and measures of their effectiveness. A Work Plan Template is provided. (See EXHIBIT C)

c. The Offeror shall provide a description of its organizational capacity and the organizational capacity of any subcontractors, to implement this scope of work outlined in this RFP. The description should include relevant experience, examples or descriptions of previously conducted surveys or work similar to the work outlined in this

RFP, data analysis and the use of state-of the art data analysis tools as well as demonstration of ability to write comprehensive analytical accounts of survey results as well as comparative analysis and program impact reports.

4.4 Volume II – Financial Proposal

4.4.1.1. 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. Note: Indirect Costs may not exceed 10% of Total Direct Costs.

4.4.1.2. The Offeror will complete a brief Financial Scope of Work document using (EXHIBIT D). This document will provide an estimate of the percentage of total cost for each Scope of Work outlined in section 3.2 of this RFP.

The total percentage for all items that are included in the Financial Scope of Work document will equal/total 100%.

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.

5.2.1 Attend a Two-Hour Kick-off Meeting with OOH at MDH Headquarters in Baltimore MD as described in section

3.2.1

5.2.2 Review Survey and Submit Appropriate Documents for IRB Approval as described in section 3.2.2

5.2.3 Data Collection - Conduct the PBF Post-program Survey as described in section 3.2.3

5.2.4 Compile and Analyze Data as described in section 3.2.4

5.2.5 Conduct Comparative Analysis of Pre-and-Post Campaign Surveys as described in section 3.2.5

5.2.6 Reports as described in section 3.2.6

5.2.7 Submission of Dataset as described in section 3.2.7

5.2.8 General Requirements as described in section 3.2.8

5.3 Financial Proposal Evaluation Criteria

After consideration of the Financial Proposal Form and review of the Financial Scope of Work Document, all

Qualified Offerors will be ranked from most advantageous to the least advantageous price based on the Total Proposal

Price and distribution of financial resources per/Scope of Work Item within the stated guidelines set forth in this RFP and as submitted on the - Financial Proposal Form and the Financial Scope of Work Document.

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.

EXHIBIT C – Work Plan Template

This template must be used to complete the Work Plan as required in section 4.3 of this RFP.

EXHIBIT D – Financial Scope of Work

This template must be used to estimate a cost percentage for each scope of work. It must be submitted with the

Financial Proposal Form 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.

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: ______________________________________________________________________

Location(s) from which services will be performed (City/State):___________________________________________

FEIN: _________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Item Qty Unit Cost Total Cost

A. Salary

B. Fringe

C. Indirect Costs*

D. Other(s): (Specify)

TOTAL Cost

(A+B+C+D)

EXHIBIT C – WORK PLAN

Applicant Name: ____________________

Project Period: December 15, 2025 – August 31, 2026

Complete the work plan below. Additional rows may be added as needed.

Objective:

Activity/Action Steps Define each activity and action step in its own row. If possible, these actions should be specific, measurable, and sufficient in quantity such that their completion should lead to the accomplishment of the outcome objective.

Performance Measure Timeframe Define the timeframe for the specified activity.

Team Member(s) Identify team member(s) responsible (by name, if possible) for fulfilling activity.

Objective:

Activity/Action Steps Define each activity and action step in its own row. If possible, these actions should be specific, measurable, and sufficient in quantity such that their completion should lead to the accomplishment of the outcome objective.

Performance Measure Timeframe Define the timeframe for the specified activity.

Team Member(s) Identify team member(s) responsible (by name, if possible) for fulfilling activity.

EXHIBIT D – FINANCIAL SCOPE OF WORK

This document must provide an estimate of the percentage of total cost for each Scope of Work outlined in section 3.2 of this RFP. The total percentage for all items that are included in the Financial Scope of Work document must equal/total 100%.

Scope of work Percentage of total cost

Attend a Two-Hour Kick-off Meeting %

Review Survey and Submit Documents for

IRB Approval.

Data Collection - Conduct the PBF Post-program Survey

Compile and Analize Data.

Conduct Comparative Analysis of Pre-and-

Post Campaign Surveys

Write and Submit PBF Final Impact Report

Submission of Dataset % Total 100%

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.)

(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.