EXHIBIT A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

PROCUREMENT ID NUMBER – PHPA 3955/BPM057172

Issue Date: May 22, 2026

MCHB BUREAU EVENT PLANNER

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/

07/24/2024

STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

RFP KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Proposals: MCHB BUREAU EVENT PLANNER

Solicitation Number: PHPA 3955 / BPM057172

RFP Issue Date: May 22, 2026

RFP Issuing Office: Maryland Department of Health

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

Procurement Officer: Li’Chelle Lindsey

201 West Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone:410-767-5621

Email: LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

Contract Monitor: Paula Reynolds

Maryland Department of Health

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

201 West Preston Street, Room 309

Baltimore, MD 21201

Proposals are to be submitted to: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage -https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2fpage.aspx%2fen%2fbuy%2fho mepage - 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: June 05, 2026, 2:00 pm Local Time EST

Closing Date and Time: June 12, 2026, 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

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Summary Statement

1.1.1 The Maryland Department of Health (MDH or the Department), Maternal and Child Health Bureau, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide coordination for a series of workforce development events during State

Fiscal Year 2027. These events include MCHB’s Bureau Month, Leadership Retreat, and Black Maternal Health

Week.

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 July 1, 2026 through

June 30, 2027.

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:

Procurement Officer

Li’Chelle Lindsey

201 West Preston Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone Number: 410-767-5621

Fax Number: N/A

E-mail: LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

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

mailto:LiChelle.Lindsey@maryland.gov

1.5 Contract Monitor

The Contract Monitor is:

Paula Reynolds

Maryland Department of Health

Maternal and Child Health Bureau

201 West Preston Street, Room 309

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

2:00pm EST Local Time on June 12, 2026, indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet In order to be considered.

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

https://procurement.maryland.gov/

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).

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

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 list working knowledgeable experience of outlined deliverables. As proof of meeting this requirement, the Offeror shall provide with its Proposal

A. Three (3) references from the past five years able to attest to the Offeror’s experience in providing event planning and coordination services.

B. A resume or CV outlining the Offeror’s relevant experience.

C. A sample agenda or Run-of-Show from a previous event the Offeror has coordinated.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Background and Purpose

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) promotes healthy pregnancies, healthy children, healthy families, healthier communities. MCHB is partnered and supported by the Health Resource Services Administration through

Title V funds, which aims to improve the health of mothers, children, and families by developing leaders in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and building the MCH workforce. The MCHB plans to partner with technical assistance centers that are already funded to provide facilitation, training content, education, and leadership development for

Title V Maternal and Child Health grantees.

The State is issuing this solicitation for the purpose of identifying a contractor to provide the planning and coordination required for a series of workforce development events during State Fiscal Year 2027. These events include MCHB’s Bureau Month, Leadership Retreat, and Black Maternal Health Week. The Contractor would be responsible for all pre-event planning, coordinating facilitators for each event, in-person event logistics, and post-event surveys and reports.

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 Administrative Requirements

The Contractor shall provide logistical support for a series of in-person meetings and web-based trainings.

A. Two (2) in-person meetings - MCHB’s Bureau Month and Leadership Retreat.

B. Four (4) web-based trainings during MCHB’s Bureau Month

C. Two (2) web-based trainings during MCHB’s Black Maternal Health Week.

3.2.3 MCHB’s Bureau Month In-Person Meeting – Approximately 125 attendees

Bureau Month is tentatively scheduled for the month of September 2026. Exact date for an in-person event to be determined based on MDH staff and Local Health Department (LHD) staff availability identified through a pre-meeting survey.

A. Pre-Event Planning

The Contractor will:

1. Create and disseminate a pre-meeting survey to determine the best date for the in-person meeting.

2. Identify and present at least [3] venue options based on conversations with the Department’s staff.

• Location of the in-person meeting must be in the greater Baltimore area of Maryland and have free parking on premises.

• The venue must be able to accommodate a 1-day conference from 8:00am to 5:00pm, with access starting at 7:00am the day of the event.

3. Finalize the venue at least one month prior to the meeting.

4. Provide staff with travel guidance and directions at least three weeks prior to the meeting.

5. Secure guest speakers using a list of technical centers/partners, provided by MCHB.

• All guest speakers must be approved by MCHB prior to the contractor’s outreach.

• Facilitate outreach, communication, and coordination with guest speakers.

6. Develop and manage event budget

Location of the in-person meeting must include the following accommodations.

1. Registration Tables: Three (3) rectangular skirted tables, with two (2) chairs per table.

Location of the registration tables must be outside the plenary room.

2. Plenary Session: One large room (theater/auditorium) to accommodate approximately 125 participants. Round tables with 8 chairs per table are preferred.

3. Breakout Rooms: The Contractor shall provide a maximum of four (4) break-out rooms with tables and chairs for each participant. All breakout rooms should be able to accommodate a minimum of 25 people.

4. Catering service for approximately 125 participants.

• The Contractor shall work with the Contract Monitor to coordinate the conference and serve a menu that meets the needs of the attendees. Tables with silverware and seating for each participant must be available during breakfast and lunch. Meals will include a buffet breakfast, mid-morning break, seated buffet luncheon, and afternoon break, which shall consist of the following and must be able to accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian diets:

a. Hot Breakfast: (8:00am - 9:00am) - Must include nutritional options (i.e., yogurt, granola, eggs, bagels, cheese, and a choice of breakfast meat)

b. Mid-Morning Break: Snacks and beverages, including bottled water, coffee/tea, and assorted sodas

c. Buffet Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm) - Must include a salad, choice of two (2) entrees (one must be a vegetarian option), vegetables, and dessert (must be able to accommodate gluten-free).

d. Late afternoon snack: Assorted cookies, coffee/tea, sodas, and bottled water

• For ease of accessibility, timeliness, and seamless transitions, these meals must be in the same space as the plenary sessions.

5. The facility must be clean, neat, have free Wi-Fi, adequate restrooms, and at least one lactation room.

6. The lactation room must be a private room with a refrigerator for storage. The room must be accessible to conference participants for the duration of the conference.

7. The Contractor shall provide audio/visual equipment and in-person support for the plenary room and all break-out rooms that includes:

• Podium with microphone - plenary room and all break out rooms

• Lapel microphone - plenary room

• Speakers - plenary room

• Two handheld microphones - plenary room

• Table for projector and laptop - plenary room and all break-out rooms

• Projector and screen for the plenary room and all break-out rooms

• Free Wi-Fi

8. The Contractor shall work with the Contract Monitor to coordinate and finalize all meeting logistics at least two weeks prior to the event.

B. Day of Event

1. Ensure there are clear and visible signs to the plenary meeting room, break out rooms, and lactation room.

2. Vendor shall provide 1 on-site event manager to be present the full day of the in-person meeting to assist with any logistical needs

3. Arrange for event graphic narration of all plenary sessions (real-time translation of spoken conversations, meetings, or presentations into visual maps using text, images, and color).

C. Post-Event Services

The Contractor will:

1. Distribute and analyze the post-event survey

2. Provide attendance and evaluation report

3. Debrief with MCHB post-event regarding improvements for future events.

3.2.4 MCHB’s In-Person Leadership Retreat - Approximately 15 Attendees

1. Identify and present at least [3] venue options based on conversations with the Department’s staff

2. Secure guest speakers using a list of technical centers/partners, provided by MCHB.

3. Facilitate outreach, communication, and coordination with guest speakers.

4. Develop and manage event budget

B. Venue & On-Site Logistics

1. Coordinate room layout and seating configuration

2. Oversee signage placement and venue coordination

C. Catering

The Contractor will:

1. Coordinate catering service for breakfast and lunch

2. Propose menus for Department’s approval

3. Track dietary restrictions

4. Confirm final headcount with venue/caterer

D. Audio/Visual (AV) & Technology

1. Arrange required AV equipment

2. Coordinate internet/Wi-Fi access

3. Provide on-site technical support

E. Staffing

Vendor shall provide 1 on-site event manager available throughout the duration of the retreat

F. Post-Event Services

The Contractor will:

1. Distribute and analyze the post-event survey

2. Provide attendance and evaluation report

3. Debrief with MCHB post-event regarding improvements for future events.

4. Submit invoices according to Section 3.3 in this Request for Proposal

3.2.5 Bureau Month Virtual Webinars - Approximately 200 Attendees

MCHB intends to host four (4) separate one (1) hour virtual webinars during Bureau Month. These webinars are intended for MCHB staff and its Local Health Departments. Webinars should be based on specific topics identified by the MCHB Bureau Month Planning Committee. The main purpose of the webinars is to provide cross office learning, collaboration, and continued fostering of partnerships with Local Health Departments.

1. Provide logistical support for four (4) one (1) hour web-based trainings during MCHB’s Bureau

Month

2. Secure guest speakers using a list of technical centers/partners, provided by MCHB.

3. Facilitate outreach, communication, and coordination with guest speakers.

4. Exact dates and times to be determined based on availability of MDH staff and the Local

Health Departments (LHDs).

3.2.6 Black Maternal Health Week Virtual Webinars - Approximately 200 Attendees

MCHB intends to host two (2) separate one (1) hour virtual webinars during Black Maternal Health Week. Black women experience maternal death 2.5 times greater than White non-Hispanic women in Maryland. Webinars must provide information and training that speaks to advancing health equity and combating high maternal mortality rates among Black women. The intended audience for these webinars are internal MCHB staff and Local Health

Departments.

B. Pre-Event Planning

1. Provide logistics for two (2) separate one (1) hour virtual webinars during Black Maternal Health

Week, April 11–17, 2027.

2. At least 30 days prior to the event, secure guest speakers using a list of technical centers/partners, provided by MCHB. All speakers must be approved by MCHB.

3. Facilitate outreach, communication, and coordination with guest speakers.

4. Exact dates and times of the webinars to be determined based on availability of MDH staff and the Local Health Departments.

3.2.7 Staffing and Experience

A. The Applicant:

1. Must have some practical experience in coordination of operations in maternal health activities.

2. Must have experience planning and implementing a summit, conference, or other large scale educational gathering.

3. Identify one staff member that will serve as the contract monitor and report to the Maryland

Department of Health Contract Monitor.

4. May employ or subcontract with other members as needed to satisfy all grant requirements.

3.2.8 Reporting Requirements

A. The Applicant will submit quarterly reports detailing the following:

1. Progress of each activity

2. Record detailing each potential TA Center, facilitator, and venue contacted

3. Subcontractor details

4. Challenges that may occur

5. Budget, expenditures, and remaining balance

B. Reports are due approximately two weeks following the end of the state fiscal quarter, see schedule outlined in

Table 1 below.

Table 1

Dates (Year and Quarter) Quarterly Report Due Date

July 1 – September 30 October 15

October 1 - December 31 January 15

January 1-March 31 April 15

April 1 - June 30 July 15

3.2.9 Financial Requirements

A. The Contractor is required to enter into contracts and make all necessary payments to secure the services described in Section 3.2. Scope of Work.

B. Expenses related to the in-person venue should come from the grant award budget, including food and beverages for program participants as described in Section 3.2.2.1 and 3.2.2.2.

C. Invoices are to be submitted according to Section 3.3 Invoicing.

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.

(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

Invoices must be submitted with backup documentation to support the amount of the invoice (e.g. payroll receipts for staff hours or paid invoices for goods and services related to the Scope of Work in Section 3.2). Invoices submitted without the required information cannot be processed for payment until the Contractor provides the required information.

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

Invoices are due to the Grant Monitor approximately two weeks following the end of the state fiscal quarter, see schedule outlined in Table 2:

Table 2

Dates (Year and Quarter) Quarterly Report Due Date

July 1 – September 30 October 15

October 1 - December 31 January 15

January 1-March 31 April 15

April 1 - June 30 July 15

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. 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 (Attachment C). 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. Sample Agenda or Run-of-Show from a previous event the Contractor has coordinated.

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.

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 General Requirements as described in Section 3.2.1

5.2.2 Administrative Requirements as described in Section 3.2.2

5.2.3 MCHB’s Bureau Month In-Person Meeting – Approximately 125 attendees as described in Section 3.2.3

5.2.4 MCHB’s In-Person Leadership Retreat - Approximately 15 Attendees as described in Section 3.2.4

5.2.5 Bureau Month Virtual Webinars - Approximately 200 Attendees as described in Section 3.2.5

5.2.6 Black Maternal Health Week Virtual Webinars - Approximately 200 Attendees as described in Section 3.2.6

5.2.7 Staffing and Experience as described in Section 3.2.7

5.2.8 Reporting Requirements as described in Section 3.2.8

5.2.9 Financial Requirements as described in Section 3.2.9

5.3 Financial Proposal Evaluation Criteria

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- WORK PLAN

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):___________________________________________

Item Qty Unit Cost Total Cost

A. Salary

B. Fringe

C. Indirect Costs

E. Other: (Specify)

TOTAL Cost

(A+B+C+D+E)

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.)

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

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

21.11.13; or

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

C. AFFIRMATION REGARDING BRIBERY CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business (as is defined in Section 16-

101(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland), or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business’s contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies has been convicted of, or has had probation before judgment imposed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article, § 6-220, Annotated Code of Maryland, or has pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of, bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe in violation of Maryland law, or of the law of any other state or federal law, except as follows (indicate the reasons why the affirmation cannot be given and list any conviction, plea, or imposition of probation before judgment with the date, court, official or administrative body, the sentence or disposition, the name(s) of person(s) involved, and their current positions and responsibilities with the business):

D. AFFIRMATION REGARDING OTHER CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

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

(1) Been convicted under state or federal statute of:

(a) A criminal offense incident to obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public or private contract; or

(b) Fraud, embezzlement, theft, forgery, falsification or destruction of records or receiving stolen property;

(2) Been convicted of any criminal violation of a state or federal antitrust statute;

(3) Been convicted under the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code for violation of the Racketeer

Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1961 et seq., or the Mail Fraud Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1341 et seq., for acts in connection with the submission of Bids/Proposals for a public or private contract;

(4) Been convicted of a violation of the State Minority Business Enterprise Law, § 14-308 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland;

(5) Been convicted of a violation of § 11-205.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated

Code of Maryland;

(6) Been convicted of conspiracy to commit any act or omission that would constitute grounds for conviction or liability under any law or statute described in subsections (1)— (5) above;

(7) Been found civilly liable under a state or federal antitrust statute for acts or omissions in connection with the submission of Bids/Proposals for a public or private contract;

(8) Been found in a final adjudicated decision to have violated the Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy under

Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland with regard to a public or private contract;

(9) Been convicted of a violation of one or more of the following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code:

(a) §7201, Attempt to Evade…