RFP 202608124 Servs_Support Persons with ABI and Families_Final.docx
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- Solicitation number
- RFP - 10A - 202608124
- Issued by
- Maine
About this file
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services, seeking services to support persons with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) and their families. The RFP solicits comprehensive statewide services including information and referral services via a telephone hotline operating 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET, neuro-resource facilitation, training and technical support for peer and family support groups, educational programming and discharge planning clinics in acute and rehabilitation hospitals, an annual in-person hybrid Brain Injury and Family Caregiver Conference accommodating at least 100 participants, monthly statewide brain injury training for area agencies and provider staff, and coordination of the Maine ABI Advisory Council meetings. The Department currently serves approximately 1,200 individuals annually with ABI. An informational meeting is scheduled for September 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Bidders must submit a Notice of Intent to Bid by October 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time. Proposals are due by October 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time via the Vendor Self Service System. Questions must be submitted by October 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The contract term is January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028, with two optional renewal periods: January 1, 2029, through December 31, 2030, and January 1, 2031, through December 31, 2031. The State anticipates making one award.
Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale: Organization Qualifications and Experience (30 points), Proposed Services (40 points), and Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative (25 and 5 points respectively). The lowest cost proposal receives 25 points, with higher proposals receiving proportionally fewer points. Bidders must provide three years of audited or reviewed financial statements, job descriptions for all project staff, a staffing plan, and a realistic implementation work plan with timeline. Mandatory performance measures include initiating 90 percent of contacts within three business days, returning 90 percent of voicemail messages within one business day, and providing outreach to 80 percent of community support group facilitators quarterly. Bidders must submit detailed reports on hotline operations, trainings and caregiver conferences, neuro-resource facilitation programs, support groups, outreach to newly injured individuals, and financial activities on monthly and quarterly schedules. The Department requires compliance with HIPAA, use of secure telehealth platforms, and maintenance of insurance as outlined in the State IT-Service Contract. No best and final offers will be accepted. All proposals must demonstrate clear understanding of requirements with accurate, complete, and responsive submissions. The awarded bidder will execute a State of Maine Service Contract and receive payment on net 30 terms upon invoice receipt.
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STATE OF MAINE
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
RFP# 202608124
Services to Support Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries and their Families
| RFP Coordinator |
| NAME: |
| Casandra Manson |
| TITLE: |
| Procurement Administrator |
| EMAIL: |
| Casandra.R.Manson@Maine.Gov |
| Informational Meeting |
| DATE: |
| September 30, 2026 |
| TIME: |
| 11:00 a.m., local time |
| LOCATION: |
| Zoom Meeting Link: WEBLINK FOR RFP 202608124 |
Meeting ID: 847 0271 2677, or by Phone at +16468769923, using the Meeting ID provided.
Passcode: 95467364
| Submitted Questions Due Date |
| October 1, 2026, |
no later than 4:00 p.m., local time
| Notice of Intent to Bid Due Date |
| October 22, 2026, |
| Proposal Submission Deadline |
| DATE: |
| October 30, 2026, |
| TO: |
| Vendor Self Service System |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
| PUBLIC NOTICE |
| 3 |
| RFP DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS |
| 4 |
| PART I INTRODUCTION |
| 5 |
A. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
B. GENERAL PROVISIONS
C. CONTRACT TERM
D. NUMBER OF AWARDS
| PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED |
| 8 |
| PART III KEY RFP EVENTS |
| 12 |
A. VENDOR SELF SERVICE SYSTEM (VSS)
B. INFORMATIONAL MEETING
C. QUESTIONS
D. AMENDMENTS
E. NOTICE OF INTENT TO BID
F. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
| PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
| 15 |
| PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION |
| 18 |
A. EVALUATION PROCESS – GENERAL INFORMATION
B. SCORING WEIGHTS AND PROCESS
C. NEGOTIATIONS
D. SELECTION AND AWARD
E. APPEAL OF CONTRACT AWARDS
| PART VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS |
| 20 |
A. CONTRACT DOCUMENT
B. STANDARD STATE CONTRACT PROVISIONS
| PART VII RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS |
| 22 |
APPENDIX A – PROPOSAL COVER PAGE
APPENDIX B – RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CERTIFICATION
APPENDIX C – QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE FORM
APPENDIX D – SUBCONTRACTORS FORM
APPENDIX E – LITIGATION FORM
APPENDIX F – PROPOSED SERVICES RESPONSE FORM
APPENDIX G – COST PROPOSAL AND BUDGET NARRATIVE FORM
APPENDIX H – NOTICE OF INTENT TO BID FORM
PUBLIC NOTICE
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services
RFP# 202608124
Services to Support Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries and their Families
The State of Maine is seeking proposals for services to aid survivors of an Acquired Brain Injury and their families in identifying and obtaining the necessary support to live productive and meaningful lives within the community.
A copy of the RFP and all related documents can be obtained through Vendor Self Service (VSS): https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService
An Information Meeting will be held on September 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., local time via Zoom at: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/84702712677?pwd=GuD0Kaa6jMATNUd0vJ5ylnvgAaynNq.1 using Meeting ID: 847 0271 2677, or by phone at +16468769923 using the Meeting ID provided.
Proposals must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via Vendor Self Service (VSS). Proposal submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on October 30, 2026. Proposals will be opened the following business day.
RFP TERMS/ACRONYMS with DEFINITIONS
The following terms and acronyms, as referenced in the RFP, have the meanings indicated below:
| Term/Acronym |
| Definition |
| Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) |
| As defined in 22 MRS §3086(1). An Acquired Brain Injury is an injury to the brain resulting directly or indirectly from trauma, infection, anoxia, or vascular lesions, and not of a degenerative or congenital nature, but which may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness resulting in impairment of cognitive abilities and/or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. |
These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment. This does not include brain injuries that are induced by birth.
| Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council of Maine (ABIAC) |
| Established to provide independent oversight and advice and to make recommendations to the Department’s Commissioner. |
| Brain Injury and Family Caregiver Conference |
| A Statewide educational conference that brings together brain injury survivors, family caregivers, professionals and community to share information, resources, and strategies related to brain injury recovery, rehabilitation and long-term support and services. |
| Department |
| Department of Health and Human Services |
| HIPAA |
| The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 |
| Neuro-Resource Facilitation |
| When an individual with experience in the field of brain injury provides linkage, supports, and assistance to people with ABI and their families, caregivers, and community to navigate medical and general life challenges to increase the independence and quality of life of individuals with ABI. |
| OADS |
| The Department’s Office of Aging and Disability Services |
| RFP |
| Request for Proposals |
| State |
| State of Maine |
| Vendor Self Service System (VSS) |
| The State’s web portal that provides vendors with a single-entry point to register, identify the commodities/services that their company provides, look for business opportunities, and respond to solicitations. |
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
RFP# 202608124
Services to Support Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries and their Families
PART I INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Background
The Department of Health and Human Services (Department) is seeking services and supports designed to assist individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and their families in connecting with the support needed to live meaningful, productive lives in the community, as defined in this Request for Proposals (RFP) document. This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Bidder will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Bidder.
The Department is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resiliency, and opportunity to all Maine Residents. The Department’s Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is responsible for the provision of services that promote the highest level of independence, health and safety of older citizens, vulnerable adults and adults with disabilities.
Through this RFP, the Department intends to implement 22 MRSA §3088-A. Assistance for survivors of ABI are built on the Department’s existing services funded through MaineCare and include access to a learning management system available to support ongoing training, education, and capacity building. Currently, approximately twelve hundred (1200) individuals annually, who have an ABI, are served by the Department.
B. General Provisions
2. From the time the RFP is issued until award notification is made, all contact with the State regarding the RFP must be made through the RFP Coordinator. No other person/ State employee is empowered to make binding statements regarding the RFP. Violation of this provision may lead to disqualification from the bidding process, at the State’s discretion.
2. Issuance of the RFP does not commit the Department to issue an award or to pay expenses incurred by a Bidder in the preparation of a response to the RFP. This includes attendance at personal interviews or other meetings and software or system demonstrations, where applicable.
2. All proposals must adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in the RFP and all written supplements and amendments (such as the Summary of Questions and Answers), issued by the Department. Proposals must follow the format and respond to all questions and instructions specified below in the “Proposal Submission Requirements” section of the RFP.
2. Bidders will take careful note that in evaluating a proposal submitted in response to the RFP, the Department will consider materials provided in the proposal, information obtained through interviews/presentations (if any), and internal Departmental information of previous contract history with the Bidder (if any). The Department also reserves the right to consider other reliable references and publicly available information in evaluating a Bidder’s experience and capabilities.
2. The proposal must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Bidder and must contain a statement that the proposal and the pricing contained therein will remain valid and binding for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.
2. The RFP and the awarded Bidder’s proposal, including all appendices or attachments, will be the basis for the final contract, as determined by the Department.
6. Following announcement of an award decision, all records and documents regarding this RFP, including bid submissions, will be public records, available for public inspection pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §1825 B (6 &15) and the State of Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) (1 M.R.S. § 401 et seq.). State contracts and information related to contracts, including all records, documents, supporting documents, and bid submissions, are public records unless otherwise excepted by statute (Id).
2. Subject to the above and pursuant to applicable law, in the event that a Bidder believes any information that it submits in response to this RFP is confidential, it must mark that information accordingly, and include citation to legal authority in support of the Bidder’s claim of confidentiality. In the event that the Department receives a FOAA request that includes submissions marked as confidential, the Department shall evaluate the information and any legal authority from the Bidder to determine whether the information is an exception to FOAA’s definition of public record. If the Department determines to release information that a Bidder has marked confidential, it shall provide advance notice to the Bidder to allow for them to seek legal relief.
2. The Department, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor informalities and irregularities found in proposals received in response to the RFP.
2. If awarded a contract resulting from this RFP, vendors shall be required to disclose, in writing and in accordance with applicable Maine law, any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Such disclosure must include any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Failure to disclose a known conflict or appearance of conflict may result in disqualification, contract termination, or other remedies as provided by law.
2. All applicable laws, whether or not herein contained, are included by this reference. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.
C. Contract Term
The Department is seeking cost-efficient proposals to provide services, as defined in this RFP, for the anticipated contract period defined in the table below. The dates below are estimated and may be adjusted, as necessary, in order to comply with all procedural requirements associated with the RFP and the contracting process. The actual contract start date will be established by a completed and approved contract.
Contract Renewal: Following the initial term of the contract, the Department may opt to renew the contract for two (2) renewal periods, as shown in the table below, and subject to continued availability of funding and satisfactory performance.
The term of the anticipated contract, resulting from the RFP, is defined as follows:
| Period |
| Start Date |
| End Date |
| Initial Period of Performance |
| 1/1/2027 |
| 12/31/2028 |
| Renewal Period #1 |
| 1/1/2029 |
| 12/31/2030 |
| Renewal Period #2 |
| 1/1/2031 |
| 12/31/2031 |
D. Number of Awards
The Department anticipates making one (1) award as a result of this RFP process.
PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Specific instructions for the Bidder to provide a narrative response to the Scope of Services may be found in Part IV, Section III, Proposed Services.
A. Services to be Provided
1. Provide Statewide information and referral services through a telephone hotline, that at minimum operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. ET.
a. Provide community resource coordination (outreach and information) to hospitalized Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) survivors including written and electronic material describing available post-hospitalization supports and services with applicable contact information.
b. Provide Neuro-Resource Facilitation to aid individuals and families with identifying and connecting them with appropriate resources within the community.
c. Provide ongoing support for individuals with ABI in coping with the issues of living with ABI and in assisting them in transition back to employment and living in the community.
d. Provide a linkage to existing services and increase the capacity of the State’s providers of services to individuals with ABI.
2. Provide training and technical support for peer and family support groups throughout the State, including:
a. Training on facilitating a successful support group; and
b. Coordinating electronic and written material that can be made available for support group attendees on an ongoing basis.
3. Conduct educational and informational programming and discharge planning clinics in participating acute and rehabilitation hospitals for individuals with an ABI.
4. Increase knowledge of ABI and needed supports to individuals with ABI, their families, and providers by planning and hosting an annual Brain Injury and Family Caregiver Conference.
a. The conference must be hosted in-person with a hybrid approach of virtual and in-person conference activities.
b. The conference must be held in such a manner to accommodate up to, and no less than one hundred (100) participants.
c. The conference must include ancillary breakout sessions on topics relevant to the Department’s system of support and services for individuals and families affected by ABI, including educational opportunities for professionals and paraprofessionals.
5. Provide community outreach and training through facilitation of monthly Statewide brain injury training for area agencies and provider staff with focus on basic brain injury knowledge and focused specialty areas such as substance abuse and challenging behavior.
a. Offer training online and through outreach to area service provider agencies and provider staff.
6. Coordinate the Maine ABI Advisory Council meetings.
7. Participate in brain injury services provider meetings facilitated by the Department.
B. Confidentiality Requirements
1. Utilize a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for conducting referral intakes when in-person services are not feasible or when authorized by the Department.
2. Use a Department approved secure method to transmit reports and communications with members, their representatives and the Department electronically.
3. Obtain and maintain insurance as outlined in the current State of Maine IT-Service Contract (IT-SC), Rider B-IT, Section 19. Insurance Requirements. The current IT-SC may be obtained on the Office of State Procurement Services Forms & Templates webpage.
4. If sensitive information is collected electronically (PII, PHI, and/or other confidential data) as part of the services provided as a result of the contract awarded under this RFP, implement risk assessment and vulnerability scanning policies and procedures, at minimum to be equivalent to current MaineIT Policies & Standards for:
a. Risk Assessment Policy & Procedures; and
b. Vulnerability Scanning Procedure.
5. Comply with all current State and Federal laws regarding the protection of confidential and/or sensitive information that is collected or maintained by the awarded Bidder, including, as applicable, notification to individuals in the event of unauthorized access or disclosure.
6. The State will not consume (use) any awarded Bidder application, nor will the awarded Bidder consume (use) any State application.
C. Performance Measures
1. Perform all services proposed in response to this RFP by achieving all Performance Measures listed in Table 1.
0. Submit data to support the performance measures utilizing the Department’s Deliverable Performance Tracking Template (to be provided upon contract execution) or via a third-party data source, as indicated within the performance measure data source column of Table 1.
Table 1 Mandatory Performance Measures
| Performance Measure |
| Assessment Cycle |
| Supportive Documentation and Performance Measure Data Source |
Office Goal/Initiative: Timely Access
| a. |
| Ninety percent (90%) of contact is initiated within three (3) business days of contact request. |
| Quarterly |
| Deliverables Performance Tracking Template |
| b. |
| Ninety percent (90%) of voicemail messages during downtime and off hours receive a return call within one (1) business day. |
| Quarterly |
| Deliverables Performance Tracking Template |
Office Goal/Initiative: Access to Information
| c. |
| Provide outreach and training to eighty percent (80%) of the participating community support group facilitators through telephonic or in person contact each quarter. |
| Quarterly |
| Deliverables Performance Tracking Template |
D. Reports
1. Track and record all data/information necessary to complete the required reports listed in Table 2:
Table 2 – Required Reports
| Name of Report |
| Description |
| a. |
| Performance Measures Report |
| Deliverables Performance Tracking Template |
| b. |
| Hotline Operations Report |
| Downtime during the month, number of callers, type of caller, number of requests for information referral |
| c. |
| Trainings/Caregiver Trainings Report |
| i. Number/types of trainings, number of persons attending each training, and demographic on attendees. |
ii. Number of exhibitors and attendees of the Brain Injury and Family Caregiver Conference
| d. |
| Neuro-Resource Facilitation Program Report |
| Number of persons/intakes into the program and the disposition/status/outcome on persons served |
| e. |
| ABI Support Group Report |
| Number and geographic location of brain injury support groups in the State and the number of persons attending monthly and specific information of support group programming |
| f. |
| Outreach to Newly Injured Report |
| Participating hospitals, educational/information programming/presentations for hospital staff, hospital informational “packets” prepared/distributed, number of persons helped through the discharge planning process, and information on specific areas of assistance needed by the individuals |
| g. |
| Monthly Financial Report |
| Located at the Department’s Division of Contract Management website. |
| h. |
| Agreement Closeout Report |
| Located at the Department’s Division of Contract Management website. |
2. Submit all the required reports to the Department in accordance with the timelines established in Table 3:
Table 3 – Required Reports Timelines
| Name of Report |
| Period Captured by Report |
| Due Date |
| a. |
| Performance Measures Report |
| Each quarter |
| Thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each quarter |
| b. |
| Hotline Operations Report |
| Each month |
| Fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each month |
| c. |
| Trainings/Caregiver Trainings Report |
| Each quarter |
| Thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each quarter |
| d. |
| Neuro-Resource Facilitation Program Report |
| Each quarter |
| Thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each quarter |
| e. |
| ABI Support Group Report |
| Each quarter |
| Thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each quarter |
| f. |
| Outreach to Newly Injured Report |
| Each quarter |
| Thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each quarter |
| g. |
| Monthly Financial Report |
| Each month |
| Thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each month |
| h. |
| Agreement Closeout Report |
| Entire contract period |
| Sixty (60) calendar days following the close of the contract period. |
PART III KEY RFP EVENTS
A. Vendor Self Service System (VSS)
1. The Office of State Procurement Services Vendor Self Service System website is found at: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/vendor-self-service-system
2. A copy of the RFP and all associated documents will be published in VSS.
3. Only documents published in VSS will be considered binding.
4. Any interested party may view open solicitations in VSS using the Public Access feature.
5. Vendors must have an active User ID and password in VSS to submit questions and respond to solicitations, including this RFP.
a. Vendor registration instructions and User Guide may be found at the link above, which include steps for searching for an existing account/User ID, or registering for a new account/User ID.
b. Vendors interested in responding to a solicitation are encouraged to obtain a User ID and password for VSS as soon as possible.
6. Vendors must have an active Vendor Code (VC or VS) to contract with the Department.
B. Informational Meeting
The Department will sponsor an Informational Meeting concerning the RFP beginning at the date, time, and location shown on the RFP cover page. The purpose of the Informational Meeting is to answer and/or field questions, clarify for potential Bidders any aspect of the RFP requirements that may be necessary and provide supplemental information to assist potential Bidders in submitting responses to the RFP. Although attendance at the Informational Meeting is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged that interested Bidders attend.
C. Questions
1. General Instructions: It is the responsibility of all Bidders and other interested parties to examine the entire RFP and to seek clarification, in writing, if they do not understand any information or instructions.
a. Questions must be submitted in VSS as soon as possible but no later than the date and time published in VSS.
b. Questions should be clearly stated and reference the applicable section and/or page number of the RFP.
c. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete/on-time transmission and receipt.
2. Question & Answer Summary: Responses to all questions will be compiled in writing and published in VSS no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Proposal Submission Deadline. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain a copy of the Question & Answer Summary. Only those answers issued in writing in VSS will be considered binding.
D. Amendments
All amendments released in regard to the RFP will be published in VSS. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain amendments. Only those amendments published in VSS are considered binding.
E. Notice of Intent to Bid
1. General Instructions: Bidders interested in submitting a proposal are required to submit a Notice of Intent to Bid.
a. Appendix H (Notice of Intent to Bid Form) must be submitted to the RFP Coordinator, via email, no later than the date and time published in VSS.
b. Failure to submit the Notice of Intent to Bid Form by the deadline will automatically result in the Bidder’s proposal being disqualified from the evaluation process.
c. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete/on-time e-mail transmission and receipt.
F. Proposal Submission
1. Proposals Due
a. Proposals must be received no later than the Proposal Submission Deadline (closing date) published in VSS.
b. Any proposal submissions or any additional or revised proposal files received after the Proposal Submission Deadline will be rejected without exception.
2. Delivery Instructions
a. Proposal submissions must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services via VSS.
b. Only proposal submissions received via VSS will be considered. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete receipt.
c. Submissions containing links to file sharing sites or online file repositories will not be accepted as submissions. Only proposal submissions that have the actual requested files attached will be accepted.
d. Encrypted submissions received which require opening attachments and logging into a proprietary system will not be accepted. Bidders should work with their Information Technology team to ensure that the proposal submission will not be encrypted due to any security settings.
e. File size limits are 15MB per file. Bidders may separate the submissions into multiple files, as necessary, due to file size concerns.
3. Submission Format
a. Bidders must submit multiple files, with each file named and containing the required information as defined below.
File 1 [Bidder’s Name] – Preliminary Information PDF format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix A (Proposal Cover Page)
· Appendix B (Responsible Bidder Certification)
File 2 [Bidder’s Name] – Organization Qualifications and Experience PDF format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix C (Organization Qualifications and Experience Form)
· Appendix D (Subcontractors Form)
· Appendix E (Litigation Form)
· All required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section II.
File 3 [Bidder’s Name] – Proposed Services PDF format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix F (Proposed Services Response Form)
· All required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section III.
File 4 [Bidder’s Name] – Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative Excel format preferred, and must include:
· Appendix G (Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative Form)
· All required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section IV.
PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This section contains instructions for Bidders to use in preparing their proposals. The Department seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate the Bidder’s qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the requirements specified throughout the RFP.
Bidder proposals must follow the outline used below, including the numbering, section, and sub-section headings. Failure to use the outline specified in PART IV, or failure to respond to all questions and instructions throughout the RFP, may result in the proposal being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a reduced score. The Department, and its evaluation team, has sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the RFP specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in scoring of a proposal. Rephrasing of the content provided in the RFP will, at best, be considered minimally responsive.
Bidders are not to provide additional attachments beyond those specified in the RFP for the purpose of extending their response. Additional materials not requested will not be considered part of the proposal and will not be evaluated. Bidders must include any forms provided in the submission package or reproduce those forms as closely as possible. All information must be presented in the same order and format as described in the RFP.
Proposal Format and Contents
Section I Preliminary Information (File #1)
0. Proposal Cover Page Bidders must complete Appendix A (Proposal Cover Page). It is critical that the cover page show the specific information requested, including Bidder address(es) and other details listed. The Proposal Cover Page must be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.
0. Responsible Bidder Certification Bidders must complete Appendix B (Responsible Bidder Certification). The Responsible Bidder Certification must be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.
Section II Organization Qualifications and Experience (File #2)
1. Overview of the Organization Bidders must complete Appendix C (Qualifications and Experience Form) describing their qualifications and skills to provide the requested services in the RFP. Bidders must include three (3) examples of projects which occurred within the last five (5) years, demonstrating their experience and expertise in performing these services as well as highlighting the Bidder’s stated qualifications and skills.
2. Subcontractors If subcontractors are to be used, including consultants, Bidders must complete Appendix D (Subcontractors Form) to provide a list that specifies the name, address, phone number, contact person, and a brief description of the organizational capacity and qualifications for any subcontractor to be used. If no subcontractors will be used, indicate such on the form.
3. Project Team Organizational Chart Bidders must provide a legible organizational chart of the project team including to whom the project team reports. Note: individual project team positions are to be identified in the job description and staffing plan requirements.
4. Litigation Bidders must complete Appendix E (Litigation Form) providing a list of all current litigation in which the Bidder is named and a list of all closed cases that have closed within the past five (5) years in which the Bidder paid the claimant either as part of a settlement or by decree. For each, list the entity bringing suit, the complaint, the accusation, amount, and outcome. If no litigation has occurred, indicate such on the form.
5. Financial Viability Bidders must provide the three (3) most recent years of Financial Statements audited or reviewed by a Certified Public Accountant.
Section III Proposed Services (File #3)
1. Bidders must complete Appendix F (Proposed Services Response Form) to discuss the Scope of Services referenced above in Part II of the RFP and what the Bidder will offer, including a description of the methods and resources the Bidder will use and how each task involved will be accomplished. Bidders must also describe how the expectations and/or desired outcomes as a result of these services will be achieved. If subcontractors are involved, Bidders must clearly identify the work each will perform.
2. Bidders must provide:
a. Job descriptions detailing the primary responsibilities, duties, and required qualifications for specific job positions (do not include individual resumes) for all project staff including the project lead.
b. A description of how subcontractors/consultants, if any, will interact with the Bidder’s organization, (i.e., oversight and management of subcontractors.)
c. A staffing plan that describes the minimum staffing (position titles and time allocation) necessary to meet the requirements in Part II of the RFP.
3. Bidders must provide a realistic work plan for the implementation of the program through the initial period of performance. The work plan must be displayed in a timeline chart, and concisely describe each program development and implementation task, the month it will be carried out, and the person or position responsible for each task. If applicable, Bidders must identify all tasks to be delegated to subcontractors.
Section IV Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative (File #4)
1. Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative Form Bidders must complete Appendix G (Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative Form).
2. General Instructions
a. The cost proposal must include the costs necessary for the Bidder to fully comply with the contract terms, conditions, and RFP requirements.
b. No costs related to the preparation of the proposal for the RFP, or to the negotiation of the contract with the Department, may be included in the proposal. Only costs to be incurred after the contract effective date that are specifically related to the implementation or operation of contracted services may be included.
PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION
Evaluation of the submitted proposals will be accomplished as follows:
1. Evaluation Process – General Information
1. An evaluation team, composed of qualified reviewers, will judge the merits of the proposals received in accordance with the criteria defined in the RFP.
2. Officials responsible for making decisions on the award selection will ensure that the selection process accords equal opportunity and appropriate consideration to all who are capable of meeting the specifications. The goals of the evaluation process are to ensure fairness and objectivity in review of the proposals and to ensure that the contract is awarded to the Bidder whose proposal provides the best value to the State of Maine.
3. The Department reserves the right to communicate and/or schedule interviews/presentations with Bidders, if needed, to obtain clarification of information contained in the proposals received. The Department may revise the scores assigned in the initial evaluation to reflect those communications and/or interviews/presentations.
4. Changes to proposals, including updating or adding information, will not be permitted during any portion of the evaluation process. Therefore, Bidders must submit proposals that present their rates and other requested information as clearly and completely as possible.
1. Scoring Weights and Process
1. Scoring Weights: Proposal scores will be based on a 100-point scale and will measure the degree to which each proposal meets the following criteria. The proposal materials that will be evaluated under each section below are identified in Part IV of the RFP.
| Section I. |
| Preliminary Information |
| No Points |
| Section II. |
| Organization Qualifications and Experience |
| 30 |
| Section III. |
| Proposed Services |
| 40 |
| Section IV. |
| Cost Proposal |
Budget Narrative
| Total |
| 100 |
1. Scoring Process: The evaluation team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score Sections II & III above. Members of the evaluation team will not score those sections individually but, instead, will arrive at a consensus as to assignment of points for each of those sections. Section IV, the Cost Proposal, will be scored as described below.
1. Scoring the Cost Proposal: The total cost proposed for conducting all the functions specified in the RFP will be assigned a score according to a mathematical formula. The lowest bid will be awarded 25 points. Proposals with higher bids values will be awarded proportionately fewer points calculated in comparison with the lowest bid.
The scoring formula is:
(Lowest submitted cost proposal / Cost of proposal being scored) x 25 = pro-rated score
No Best and Final Offers: The State of Maine will not seek or accept a best and final offer (BAFO) from any Bidder in this procurement process. All Bidders are expected to provide their best value pricing with the submission of their proposal.
The remaining five (5) points allocated to the Budget Narrative (Appendix G) will be used to evaluate the responsiveness of the narrative material and supporting documentation for accuracy and reasonableness of the proposed cost (including, but not limited to, reviewing assumptions used in calculating the costs). The evaluation team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score the budget narrative.
1. Negotiations
1. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the awarded Bidder(s) to finalize a contract. Such negotiations may not significantly vary the content, nature or requirements of the proposal or the Department’s Request for Proposal to an extent that may affect the price of goods or services requested.
2. The Department reserves the right to terminate contract negotiations with an awarded Bidder who submits a proposed contract significantly different from the proposal they submitted in response to the advertised RFP.
3. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with the highest ranked Bidder, the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate with the next-highest ranked Bidder, and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized. Alternatively, the Department may cancel the RFP, at its sole discretion.
C. Selection and Award
1. The final decision regarding the award of the contract will be made by representatives of the Department subject to approval by the State Procurement Review Committee.
2. Notification of conditional award selection or non-selection will be made in writing by the Department.
3. Issuance of the RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by the State of Maine to award a contract, to pay costs incurred in the preparation of a response to the RFP, or to pay costs incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other costs incurred by the Bidder.
4. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or to make multiple awards.
D. Appeal of Contract Awards
Any person aggrieved by the award decision that results from the RFP may appeal the decision to the Director of the Bureau of General Services in the manner prescribed in 5 M.R.S.A. § 1825-E and 18-554 Code of Maine Rules Chapter 120. The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Director of the Bureau of General Services, 9 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0009 within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of notification of conditional contract award.
PART VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS
A. Contract Document
1. The awarded Bidder will be required to execute a State of Maine Service Contract with appropriate riders as determined by the issuing department.
All exceptions will be negotiated between the awarded Bidder(s) and the State. The State will not accept any proposed exceptions as part of this RFP process. The State is not obligated to accept, negotiate, or compromise of any proposed exceptions.
The complete set of standard State of Maine Service Contract documents, along with other forms and contract documents commonly used by the State, may be found on the Office of State Procurement Services forms website.
Forms and contract documents commonly used by the Department can be found on the Department’s Division of Contract Management website.
The awarded Bidder will be required to provide a certificate of insurance on a standard ACORD form (or the equivalent) evidencing its general liability, professional liability, and any other relevant liability insurance policies that might be associated with the services provided as part of the contract resulting from this RFP.
2. Allocation of funds is final upon successful negotiation and execution of the contract, subject to the review and approval of the State Procurement Review Committee. Contracts are not considered fully executed and valid until approved by the State Procurement Review Committee and funds are encumbered. No contract will be approved based on an RFP which has an effective date less than fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification to Bidders. (Referenced in the regulations of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Chapter 110, § 3(B)(i).)
This provision means that a contract cannot be effective until at least fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification.
3. The State recognizes that the actual contract effective date depends upon completion of the RFP process, date of formal award notification, length of contract negotiation, and preparation and approval by the State Procurement Review Committee. Any appeals to the Department’s award decision(s) may further postpone the actual contract effective date, depending upon the outcome. The contract effective date listed in the RFP may need to be adjusted, if necessary, to comply with mandated requirements.
4. In providing services and performing under the contract, the awarded Bidder must act as an independent contractor and not as an agent of the State of Maine.
B. Standard State Contract Provisions
1. Contract Administration Following the award, a Contract Administrator from the Department will be appointed to assist with the development and administration of the contract and to act as administrator during the entire contract period. Department staff will be available after the award to consult with the awarded Bidder in the finalization of the contract.
2. Payments and Other Provisions The State anticipates paying the awarded Bidder on the basis of net 30 payment terms, upon the receipt of an accurate and acceptable invoice. An invoice will be considered accurate and acceptable if it contains a reference to the State of Maine contract number, contains correct pricing information relative to the contract, and provides any required supporting documents, as applicable, and any other specific and agreed-upon requirements listed within the contract that results from the RFP.
PART VII LIST OF RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
Appendix A – Proposal Cover Page
Appendix B – Responsible Bidder Certification
Appendix C – Qualifications and Experience Form
Appendix D – Subcontractors Form
Appendix E – Litigation Form
Appendix F – Proposed Services Response Form
Appendix G – Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative Form
Appendix H – Notice of Intent to Bid Form
APPENDIX A
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
PROPOSAL COVER PAGE
RFP# 202608124
Services to Support Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries and their Families
Bidder Name:
Vendor Customer Code (for current State of Maine vendors):
VC
Chief Executive - Name/Title:
Tel:
E-mail:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
(Provide information requested below if different from above)
Lead Point of Contact for Proposal - Name/Title:
Tel:
E-mail:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip:
· This proposal and the pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.
· No personnel currently employed by the Department participated, either directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Bidder’s proposal.
· No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Bidder to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal.
· The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting contract with the Department if they are awarded the contract.
· The undersigned is authorized to enter contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.
To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in the enclosed proposal, both programmatic and financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.
| Name (Print): |
| Title: |
| Authorized Signature: |
| Date: |
State of Maine RFP# 202608124 Rev. 4/17/2026 – DAFS/Office of State Procurement Services (DHHS Rev. 4/21/2026 – Subrecipient Services)
APPENDIX B
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CERTIFICATION
RFP# 202608124
Bidder Name:
By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the aforementioned organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this proposal:
a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental agency.
b. Have not within three years of submitting the proposal for this contract been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for:
i. Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local government transaction or contract.
ii. Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property.
c. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b) of this certification.
d. Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this proposal had one or more federal, state, or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.
e. Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and this proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above-mentioned entities understand and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.
f. Is not a foreign adversary business entity (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies).
g. Is not on the list of prohibited companies (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies) or does not obtain or purchase any information or communications technology or services included on the list of prohibited information and communications technology and services https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies (Title 5 §2030-B).
Name (Print):
Title:
Authorized Signature:
Date:
APPENDIX C
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE FORM
RFP# 202608124
Bidder Name:
Present a brief statement of qualifications, and describe the history of the Bidder’s organization, especially regarding skills pertinent to the specific work required by the RFP and any special or unique characteristics of the organization which would make it especially qualified to perform the required work activities. You may expand this form and use additional pages to provide this information.
Provide a description of three (3) projects which occurred within the past five (5) years and reflect experience and expertise needed in performing the functions described in Part II – Scope of Services to be Provided of the RFP. Contract history with the State of Maine, whether positive or negative, may be considered in evaluating proposals even if not provided by the Bidder.
Project One
Business Reference Name:
Reference Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Project Start Date
Project End Date
Include a detailed description of the project below:
Project Two
Business Reference Name:
Reference Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Project Start Date
Project End Date
Include a detailed description of the project below:
Project Three
Business Reference Name:
Reference Contact Person:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Project Start Date
Project End Date
Include a detailed description of the project below:
APPENDIX D
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
SUBCONTRACTORS FORM
RFP# 202608124
Bidder Name:
If subcontractors, including consultants, are to be used, provide each individual subcontractor’s business or consultant’s name, contact person, address, phone number, and a brief description of the subcontractor’s organizational or consultant’s capacity and qualifications. Bidders should add additional Subcontractors/Consultants as needed. If no subcontractors will be used, indicate such on this form.
Subcontractor/Consultant
Subcontractor Business or Consultant’s Name:
Contact Person:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-Mail:
Subcontractor/consultant organizational capacity and qualifications
Subcontractor/Consultant
Subcontractor Business Name:
Contact Person:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-Mail:
Subcontractor’s organizational capacity and qualifications
APPENDIX E
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
LITIGATION FORM
RFP# 202608124
Bidder Name:
Provide a list of all current litigation in which the Bidder is named and a list of all closed cases that have closed within the past five (5) years in which the Bidder paid the claimant either as part of a settlement or by decree. For each, list the entity bringing suit, the complaint, the accusation, amount, and outcome. If no litigation has occurred, indicate such on this form.
Case #
Entity Filing Suit:
Complaint/Accusation:
Amount:
Outcome
Case #
Entity Filing Suit:
Complaint/Accusation:
Amount:
Outcome
Case #
Entity Filing Suit:
Complaint/Accusation:
Amount:
Outcome
APPENDIX F
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
PROPOSED SERVICES RESPONSE FORM
RFP# 202608124
Services to Support Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries and their Families
Special Instructions
Bidders must submit all information described in Part IV, Section III of the RFP.
1. Bidders may obtain the Proposed Services Response Form in VSS.
2. For staffing, Bidders must submit:
a. Job descriptions;
b. A description of the Bidder’s interactions with subcontractors, if any; and
c. A Staffing plan.
3. Bidders must provide a realistic work plan for the implementation of the program through the initial period of performance.
APPENDIX G
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
COST PROPOSAL AND BUDGET NARRATIVE FORM
RFP# 202608124
Bidder Name:
| Proposed Cost: |
| $ |
Special Instructions
1. Bidders may obtain the Cost Settled Contracts Budget Form (Rider F) and its Instructions at the Department’s Contract Documents webpage.
a. Reminder: all questions regarding this RFP, including the budget forms, must be provided via VSS.
2. Bidders must submit a cost proposal that covers the Initial Period of Performance as defined in Part I of the RFP.
3. The Total Expense on Form 2 Expense Summary, Line 34 is considered the Proposed Cost and will be used to score the cost proposal as defined in Part V, B.3. of the RFP.
4. The Proposed Cost must be presented as a line item expenses.
5. Bidder must provide a Budget Narrative to explain the basis for determining the expenses submitted on the Budget Forms
APPENDIX H
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
NOTICE OF INTENT TO BID FORM
RFP# 202608124
Bidder Name:
Chief Executive - Name/Title:
Tel:
E-mail:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
(Provide information requested below if different from above)
Lead Point of Contact for Proposal - Name/Title:
Tel:
E-mail:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip:
Provide a brief description of the Bidder’s experience and ability to perform the work required within this RFP.
Signature of person authorized to enter into the contract with the Department:
| Name (Print): |
| Title: |
| Authorized Signature: |
| Date: |
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