REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

Collegiate Recovery Programs

RFP-2027-DBH-18-COLLE

RELEASE DATE: January 27, 2026

State of New Hampshire

Department of Health and Human Services

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW 3

2. STATEMENT OF WORK 6

3. SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION 10

4. SOLICITATION RESPONSE PROCESS 13

5. SOLICITATION RESPONSE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS 14

6. SOLICITATION RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS 15

7. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS 15

8. COMPLIANCE 20

9. APPENDICES TO THIS SOLICITATION 21

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1. PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

Introduction

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Behavioral Health (“Department”) is seeking responses to this Request for Proposals ("Solicitation" or "RFP") from qualified Vendors to increase awareness of and access to recovery supports and services for students with alcohol and drug use problems and/or who are sober-curious and creates a supportive campus environment that fosters wellness, connection, and long-term success by:

Developing, implementing, expanding, and/or enhancing a broad-based Collegiate Recovery Programming (CRP) on their college campus; and

Leading collaboration with other community, state, or private colleges or universities to establish CRPs and expand programming reach on campuses throughout New Hampshire.

Vendors responding to this solicitation must be a community, state, or private college or university in New Hampshire.

The Department anticipates awarding one (1) contract for the services in this solicitation.

Key Information

The information in the table below is as anticipated by the Department and is subject to change. Agreements are contingent upon the availability of funds, and/or approval by the Governor and Executive Council.

Contract Effective Date July 1, 2026

Contract End Date June 30, 2028

Renewal Options The Department may extend contracted services for up to two (2) additional years.

Funding Source The Department anticipates using Federal funds for resulting contract(s).

Assistance Listing Numbers

93.788

93.959

Award Names

State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant

Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG)

Match Requirements N/A

Point of Contact Shannon Judd, Contract Specialist

Shannon.Y.Judd@dhhs.nh.gov

From the date of release of this solicitation until an award is made and announced regarding the selection of a Vendor, all communication with personnel employed by or under contract with the Department regarding this solicitation is prohibited unless first approved by the Point of Contact listed above. Department employees have been directed not to hold conferences and/or discussions concerning this solicitation with any potential contractor during the selection process, unless otherwise authorized by the Point of Contact. Vendors may be disqualified for violating

Page 4 of 22 v.2.1 this restriction on communications.

Interested vendors must read this entire solicitation and submit the required documents in the specified manner. Vendors are responsible for reviewing the most updated information related to this solicitation before submitting responses.

Procurement Timetable

All times are according to Eastern Time. The Department reserves the right to modify these dates and times at its sole discretion.

Item Action Date

1. Solicitation Released 1/27/2026

2.

Letter of Intent Submission Deadline (optional)

2/3/2026

3. Vendor Questions Submission Deadline 2/3/2026

12:00PM - Noon

4.

Department Response to Questions Published

2/17/2026

5. Vendor Solicitation Response Due Date 3/3/2026

12:00PM - Noon

Background

1.4.1. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Behavioral Health

The Department’s mission is to join communities and families in providing opportunities for citizens to achieve health and independence. The Division for Behavioral Health (Division) contributes to this mission, in part, by providing resources that develop, support and deliver substance misuse prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery support services that are integrated with primary and behavioral health care and coordinated with other social and community service agencies to address various needs for the residents of NH.

The State Opioid Response (SOR) grant is an award from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help the Department and SUD providers address the opioid and stimulant use crisis across the Alcohol and Other Drug Continuum of Care (AOD COC) in NH. The SOR grant program addresses unmet treatment and recovery needs, opioid and stimulant overdose deaths, barriers to medications for substance use disorder (MSUD), and enables NH to address the changing needs and complex nature of SUD in the state.

The Department’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS) is responsible for administering, overseeing, and coordinating substance misuse prevention, early intervention, life-saving interventions, treatment, and recovery support services throughout NH. BDAS works in partnership with providers, community organizations, and other state and local stakeholders to ensure services are accessible, evidence-

Page 5 of 22 v.2.1 based, and responsive to the needs of individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. BDAS supports a coordinated and integrated system of care with mental health, physical health, and a range of social service systems. Through oversight, funding, and technical assistance, BDAS works to strengthen system capacity, promote quality and accountability, and support statewide efforts to reduce substance-related harm and improve outcomes for NH residents.

Objective

Substance use disorders remain a significant challenge among college students nationwide and in New Hampshire. National data show that nearly 50% of college students meet criteria for at least one SUD during their academic career, with marijuana and hallucinogen use reaching historic highs in 2021 and binge drinking continuing to be prevalent1. Since 1999, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, underscoring the urgency of prevention and recovery supports on campuses2.

In New Hampshire, the problem is particularly acute. In 2024, 287 drug-related deaths were reported, with opioids remaining the primary cause3. The state has consistently ranked among the highest nationally for non-medical use of prescription and illicit drugs, with young adults disproportionately impacted4. College students in New Hampshire face unique risks due to social pressures, academic stress, and limited access to recovery-oriented services. Peer influence and campus culture can normalize or encourage substance use and students may feel pressure to participate in drinking or drug use to fit in socially. High academic demands and limited coping mechanisms can increase stress and burnout and lead students to misuse substances or drop out of school altogether. For students in recovery, limited access to recovery-oriented services can increase self-isolation and vulnerability to relapse. Together, these risks create an environment where students in recovery, or those considering recovery, may struggle to maintain sobriety, find supporting communities, and balance academic and personal well-being.

Despite these challenges, recovery programming on campuses is often fragmented, stigmatized, or unavailable. Students in recovery or those who are sober-curious frequently lack access to supportive social spaces, peer networks, and trauma-informed institutional policies. Without intentional programming, campuses risk perpetuating environments that normalize substance misuse while failing to empower students in recovery.

By embedding recovery supports and programming into campus life, this initiative will facilitate development of recovery capital, which will enable students to initiate and

1 Bayba, M. (2024, September 6). College drug use statistics and facts. Addiction Group. https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/college-drug-abuse-statistics/ 2 National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2025). Substance abuse and addiction statistics. https://drugabusestatistics.org/ 3 Williams, J. (2025, September 30). Substance use disorder services funding in New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. https://nhfpi.org/assets/2025/09/SUD-Funding-in-NH- Report.pdf[1](https://nhfpi.org/assets/2025/09/SUD-Funding-in-NH-Report.pdf) 4 Discover Health Group. (2024, August 17). New Hampshire addiction statistics. https://discoverhealthgroup.com/addiction/new-hampshire-addiction-statistics/[1](https://discoverhealthgroup.com/addiction/new-hampshire-addiction-statistics/)

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Covered Populations

Students enrolled in higher education programs throughout New Hampshire, including community, state-run, and private universities and colleges.

2. STATEMENT OF WORK

Scope of Services– See Appendix A – Scope of Services.

Mandatory Questions

2.2.1. In response to this solicitation, Vendor(s) must respond to the Mandatory Questions below, utilizing Appendix E Technical Responses to Mandatory Questions.

Q1 Organizational Experience & Capacity: Describe your organization’s experience developing and implementing Collegiate Recovery Programs (“CRPs” or “programming”) or equivalent programming as described in Appendix A – Scope of Services. Include:

a. Examples of past or current CRPs, outcomes, and lessons learned; and

b. Your organization’s capacity to perform all requirements in this solicitation, including staffing structure, key personnel qualifications, recruitment and retention strategies, and training for peer recovery leaders. Attach Appendix F – Program Staff List, organizational chart, resumes for key personnel, and job descriptions for vacant positions.

Q2 Proposed CRP Model & Campus Implementation: Describe the CRP(s) you propose to implement on your campus. Include:

a. What programming will be implemented, expanded, or enhanced and how it will support students’ recovery capital throughout their college journey and post-graduation.

b. Anticipated number of students served.

c. Partnerships with on-campus departments, student organizations, and community-based organizations that will support CRP establishment and growth.

d. A Work Plan showing how CRPs will be fully implemented within 60 days of the contract effective date, including timelines, benchmarks, tasks, risks, and accountability mechanisms.

Q3 Statewide Collaboration & Expansion: Describe how your organization will lead collaboration with other community, state, or private colleges or universities to establish CRPs and expand programming reach on campuses throughout New Hampshire.

Include:

a. Strategies for initiating and sustaining partnerships with multiple campuses and enhancing CRP offerings through collaboration;

b. Names of campuses to be engaged at contract start (attach Letters of Intent), anticipated number of additional campuses by July 1, 2027, and roles each campus will play;

c. How you will ensure consistent quality and accessibility across sites and address challenges such as campus culture differences, resource limitations, and student privacy concerns; and

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d. Measurable goals for collaboration and a timeline for statewide rollout; and

e. A Collaboration & Expansion Plan that ensures collaborative programming is implemented no later than 180 calendar days following the contract effective date.

Q4 Marketing, Engagement, & Awareness: Provide a Marketing & Engagement Plan that explains how your organization will:

a. Increase awareness and visibility of the CRP on your campus and statewide;

b. Identify and engage students in recovery or recovery-curious, reduce stigma, and promote multiple pathways of recovery;

c. Foster a campus culture that is inclusive, compassionate, and supportive;

d. Build community, helping students feel less isolated and more connected; and

e. Encourage student leadership and participation in CRP programming.

Q5 Evaluation, Sustainability, & Continuous Improvement: Describe how will your organization measure program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and demonstrate CRP impact on academic success and well-being at your campus and at expansion campuses. Include:

a. Clear performance indicators; data collection methods and tools; and reporting processes;

b. Strategies for using data to guide improvement and communicate outcomes to stakeholders; and

c. Plans for sustainability, including funding strategies, institutional support, succession planning, and adaptability to changing student needs or external factors.

Finance

2.3.1. Payment for services will be made on a monthly basis based on the approved budgets, which will be included in the resulting contract(s). Selected Vendor(s) will be required to submit budgets for Department approval upon notification of award.

2.3.2. The selected Vendor(s) must complete and submit monthly invoices using a form satisfactory to the Department to initiate and request payment in accordance with the terms of the resulting contract.

2.3.3. The selected Vendor(s) shall submit an invoice and supporting backup documentation in a form and secure manner satisfactory to the Department no later than the fifteenth (15th) working day of the month following the month in which the services were provided. The selected Vendor(s) must:

2.3.3.1. Ensure the invoice is completed, dated and returned to the Department in order to initiate payment. Invoices shall be net any other revenue received towards the services billed in fulfillment of this agreement, as applicable;

2.3.3.2. Include backup documentation that includes:

2.3.3.2.1. General Ledger showing expenses for the contract;

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2.3.3.2.2. Timesheets and/or time cards that support the hours employees worked for wages reported under this contract;

2.3.3.2.2.1. Per 45 CFR Part 75.430(i)(1) Charges to

Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed; and

2.3.3.2.3. Attestation and completed time tracking templates, which must be made available to the Department upon request;

2.3.3.2.4. Receipts for expenses within the applicable state fiscal year;

2.3.3.2.5. Cost center reports;

2.3.3.2.6. Profit and loss report;

2.3.3.2.7. Remittance Advices from the insurances billed, as

applicable. Remittance Advices do not need to be supplied with the invoice, but should be retained to be available upon request;

2.3.3.2.8. Information requested by the Department verifying

allocation or offset based on third party revenue received; and

2.3.3.2.9. Summaries of client services revenue and operating revenue and other financial information as requested by the Department, as applicable.

2.3.3.3. Ensure invoices do not include unallowable expenses, per federal grant guidelines, and as amended, pursuant to:

2.3.3.3.1. SOR 4 Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 31:

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/grants/pdf/fy- 2024-sor-nofo.pdf; and

2.3.3.3.2. SAMHSA’s Standards for Financial Management and

Standard Funding Restrictions, page 36: FY 2024 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Application Guide;

2.3.3.4. Is assigned an electronic signature and is emailed to invoicesforcontracts@dhhs.nh.gov or mailed to:

Financial Manager

Department of Health and Human Services

105 Pleasant Street

Concord, NH 03301

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2.3.4. If the Selected Vendor provides services that are reimbursable through Medicaid or any other third-party payor, the selected Vendor(s) must seek payment for services in the following order, as applicable:

2.3.4.1. First, if applicable, the selected Vendor(s) shall charge the client’s private insurance.

2.3.4.2. Second, if applicable, the selected Vendor(s) shall charge Medicare.

2.3.4.3. Third, if applicable, the Contractor shall charge Medicaid enrolled individuals, as follows:

2.3.4.3.1. Medicaid Care Management: If enrolled with a Managed Care Organization (MCO), the Contractor shall be paid in accordance with its contract with the MCO.

2.3.4.3.2. Medicaid Fee for Service: The Contractor shall bill Medicaid for services on the Fee for Service (FFS) schedule.

2.3.4.4. Fourth, if applicable, the Contractor shall charge the client in accordance with the Contractor’s Sliding Fee Scale Program.

2.3.4.5. Lastly, if any portion of the amount specified in the Contractor’s Sliding Fee Scale remains unpaid, charge the Department for the unpaid balance, as applicable.

2.3.5. The Department shall make payments to the Contractor within thirty (30) calendar days only upon receipt and approval of the submitted invoice and required supporting documentation.

2.3.6. The final invoice and any required supporting documentation shall be due to the Department no later than forty (40) calendar days after the contract completion date specified in Form P-37, General Provisions Block 1.7., Completion Date.

2.3.7. Notwithstanding Paragraph 18 of the General Provisions Form P-37, changes limited to adjusting direct and indirect cost amounts within the price limitation between budget class lines, as well as adjusting encumbrances between State Fiscal Years through the Budget Office, may be made by written agreement of both parties, without obtaining approval of the Governor and Executive Council, if needed and justified.

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3. SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION

The Department will evaluate responses from Vendors based upon the criteria and standards contained in this solicitation and by applying the points as set forth below, which will be used to determine the overall highest scoring Vendor(s). Vendors are advised that this is not a low-cost award.

TECHNICAL RESPONSE POSSIBLE SCORE

Q1 – Experience & Capacity 125 Points

Q2 - CRP Model & Campus Implementation 150 Points

Q3 – Collaboration & Expansion 150 Points

Q4 – Marketing, Engagement & Awareness 150 Points

Q5 - Evaluation, Sustainability, & Continuous Improvement

125 Points

Technical Response – Total Possible Score 700 Points

COST PROPOSAL POSSIBLE SCORE

Vendor Budget Narrative Evaluation (See 3.4 below) 50 Points

Vendor Cost (see formula below) 250 Points

Cost Proposal – Total Possible Score 300 Points

MAXIMUM POSSIBLE SCORE 1000 Points

Preliminary Scoring of Technical Responses

3.2.1. The Department will establish an evaluation team. The evaluation team will review the Technical Proposal and provide a preliminary score. Should a Vendor fail to achieve a minimum of 400 points during the preliminary scoring, it will receive no further consideration from the evaluation team and the Vendor’s Cost Proposal will remain unopened.

Scoring of Technical Proposals

3.3.1. Vendor Technical Responses will be scored based on the following criteria:

Question 1 0-40 Points 41-83 Points 84-125 Points

Experience & Capacity

Vendor’s response does not demonstrate experience and capacity necessary to perform scope of services/meet solicitation requirements.

Vendor’s response somewhat demonstrates experience and capacity necessary to perform scope of services/meet solicitation requirements.

Vendor’s response mostly or fully demonstrates experience and capacity necessary to perform scope of services/meet solicitation

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Question 2 0-49 Points 50-100 Points 101-150 Points

CRP Model & Campus

Implementation

Vendor’s response does not include sufficient detail in description of how and what programming will be provided, and most requirements are not sufficiently addressed.

Vendor’s response includes some detail in description of how and what programming will be provided but some requirements are not sufficiently addressed.

Vendor’s response includes necessary detail in description of how and what programming will be provided and most or all requirements are sufficiently addressed.

Question 3 0-49 Points 50-100 Points 101-150 Points

Collaboration & Expansion

Vendor’s response does not demonstrate ability to lead collaboration with other community, state, or private colleges or universities to establish CRPs and expand programming reach on campuses throughout New Hampshire. Plan does not ensure collaborative programming will be implemented no later than 180 calendar days following the contract effective date.

Vendor somewhat demonstrates ability to lead collaboration with other community, state, or private colleges or universities to establish CRPs and expand programming reach on campuses throughout New Hampshire. Plan somewhat ensures collaborative programming will be implemented no later than 180 calendar days following the contract effective date.

Vendor mostly or fully demonstrates ability to lead collaboration with other community, state, or private colleges or universities to establish CRPs and expand programming reach on campuses throughout New Hampshire. Plan mostly or fully ensures collaborative programming will be implemented no later than 180 calendar days following the contract effective date.

Question 4 0-49 Points 50-100 Points 101-150 Points

Marketing, Engagement &

Awareness

Vendor’s plans do not demonstrate ability to increase awareness and visibility of the CRP and engage students.

Vendor’s plans somewhat demonstrate ability to increase awareness and visibility of the CRP and engage students.

Vendor’s plans mostly or fully demonstrate ability to increase awareness and visibility of the CRP and engage students.

Question 5 0-40 Points 41-83 Points 84-125 Points

Evaluation, Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

Vendor’s response does not demonstrate ability to measure program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and demonstrate CRP impact on academic success and well-being at your campus and at

Vendor’s response somewhat demonstrates ability to measure program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and demonstrate CRP impact on academic success and well-being at your campus and at

Vendor’s response mostly or fully demonstrates ability to measure program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and demonstrate CRP impact on academic success and well-being at your campus and at

Page 12 of 22 v.2.1 expansion campuses. expansion campuses. expansion campuses.

Scoring of Cost Proposals

3.4.1. Vendor Budget Narrative Evaluation: The Vendor(s) must:

3.4.1.1. Complete Appendix G, Budget Sheet, including a Budget Narrative explaining the specific line-item costs included in Appendix G, Budget Sheet and the direct relationship to meeting the objectives of this

RFP.

3.4.1.2. The Budget Sheet with Narrative will be scored based on the following criteria:

0-16 Points 17-32 Points 33-50 Points

Relationship of costs relative to the proposed services is not understood.

Costs do not directly align with objectives, requirements, and/or proposed services of the

RFP.

Relationship of costs relative to the proposed services is somewhat understood. Costs somewhat align with objectives and proposed services of the

RFP.

Relationship of costs relative to the proposed services is mostly or fully understood.

Costs mostly or fully align directly with objectives and proposed services of the

RFP.

3.4.2. Vendor Total Cost: The following formula will be used to assign points for Vendor Proposed Cost:

Vendor’s Cost Score = (Lowest Total Proposed Cost / Vendor’s Total Proposed Cost) x Maximum Number of Points for Vendor Cost.

For the purpose of this formula, the lowest proposed cost is defined as the lowest total cost proposed by a Vendor in Appendix G, Budget Sheet, that has not been disqualified and received the minimum allowable points during preliminary scoring of technical responses as specified above.

*Example:

Vendor A proposes $100,000

Vendor B proposes $200,000

Maximum Number of Points for Vendor Cost = 250 points.

Vendor B Cost Score:

($100,000/$200,000) x 250 = 125 Points

Fractions of points will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of points.

Rights of the Department in Evaluating Solicitation Responses

3.5.1. The Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:

3.5.1.1. Make independent investigations in evaluating solicitation responses;

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3.5.1.2. Request additional information to clarify elements of a proposal;

3.5.1.3. Waive minor or immaterial deviations from the solicitation and contract requirements, if determined to be in the best interest of the State;

3.5.1.4. Omit any planned evaluation step if, in the Department’s view, the step is not needed;

3.5.1.5. Reject any and all solicitation responses in whole or in part at any time; and

3.5.1.6. Open contract discussions with the second highest scoring vendor and so on, if the Department is unable to reach an agreement on contract terms with the highest scoring vendor(s).

4. SOLICITATION RESPONSE PROCESS

Letter of Intent

4.1.1. A Letter of Intent to submit a response to this solicitation is optional.

4.1.2. Receipt of the Letter of Intent by Department will be required to receive electronic notification of any addenda published to amend this solicitation.

4.1.3. The Letter of Intent must be transmitted by email to the Contract Specialist identified in Subsection 1.2 and include the name, telephone number, mailing address and email address of the Vendor’s designated contact as specified in Appendix D, Transmittal Letter and Vendor Information. Notwithstanding the Letter of Intent, Vendors remain responsible for reviewing the most updated information related to this solicitation before submitting a response.

Solicitation Amendment

4.2.1. The Department reserves the right to amend this Solicitation by publishing any addenda, as it deems appropriate, on the Department’s website (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/doing-business-dhhs/contracts-procurement-opportunities) prior to the Submission Deadline on its own initiative or in response to issues raised through Vendor Questions submitted by the date specified in Subsection 1.3, Procurement Timetable. In the event that an addendum is published, the Department, at its sole discretion, may extend the Submission Deadline.

Questions and Answers

4.3.1. Vendors’ Questions

4.3.1.1. All questions about this Solicitation including, but not limited to, requests for clarification, additional information or any changes to the Solicitation must be made in writing, by email only, citing the Solicitation page number and part or subpart, and submitted to the Contract Specialist identified in Subsection 1.2.

4.3.1.2. The Department may consolidate or paraphrase questions for efficiency and clarity. Questions that are not understood will not be answered. Statements that are not questions will not receive a response.

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4.3.1.3. The questions must be submitted by email; however, the Department assumes no liability for ensuring accurate and complete email transmissions.

4.3.1.4. Questions must be received by the Department by the Vendor Questions Submission Deadline specified in Subsection 1.3, Procurement Timetable.

4.3.2. Department Responses

4.3.2.1. The Department intends to issue responses to properly submitted questions by the date specified in Subsection 1.3, Procurement Timetable. This date may be subject to change at the Department’s discretion. All oral answers given are non-binding. Written answers to questions received will be posted on the Department’s website (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/doing-business-dhhs/contracts-procurement-opportunities). This date may be subject to change at the Department’s discretion.

4.3.3. Exceptions

4.3.3.1. The Department will require the successful Vendor to execute a contract using the Form P-37, General Provisions and Standard Exhibits, which are attached as Appendix B. To the extent that a Vendor believes that exceptions to Appendix B will be necessary for the Vendor to enter into a contract, the Vendor must request those exceptions by the Vendor Questions Submission Deadline in Subsection 1.3. Vendors may not request exceptions to the Scope of Services or any other sections of this Solicitation.

4.3.3.2. The Department will review requested exceptions and accept, reject or note that it is open to negotiation of the proposed exception at its sole discretion in its response to Vendor questions.

4.3.3.3. Any exceptions to the standard form contract and exhibits that are not raised by a Vendor by the Vendor Questions Submission Deadline may not be considered. In no event is a Vendor to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions as a replacement for the Department’s terms in response to this Solicitation.

5. SOLICITATION RESPONSE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Responses to this Solicitation must be submitted electronically via email to rfx@dhhs.nh.gov AND to the Contract Specialist at the email address specified in Subsection 1.2.

5.1.1. The subject line must include the following information:

RFP-2027-DBH-18-COLLE (email xx of xx).

The maximum size of file attachments per email is 25 MB. Submissions with file attachments exceeding 25 MB must be sent via multiple emails.

The Department must receive submissions by the time and date specified in the Procurement Timetable in Section 1.3 and in the manner specified or it may be rejected as non-compliant, unless waived by the Department as a non-material deviation.

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The Department will conduct an initial screening step to verify Vendor compliance with the requirements of this Solicitation. The Department may offer a limited opportunity for a Vendor to cure immaterial deviations from the Solicitation Response requirements if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Department.

Late submissions not accepted will remain unopened. Disqualified submissions will be discarded. Submission of solicitation responses shall be at the Vendor’s expense.

6. SOLICITATION RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

Acceptable solicitation responses must offer all services identified in Appendix A - Statement of Work, unless an allowance for partial scope is specifically described in Section 2.

Vendors must submit a separate electronic document for the Technical Response and a separate electronic document for the Cost Proposal.

Technical Response Contents

Each Technical Response must contain the following, in the order described in this section:

6.3.1. Appendix C - Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Requirements

6.3.2. Appendix D – Transmittal Letter and Vendor Information, including:

6.3.2.1. Vendor Code Number – Prior to executing any resulting contract(s), the selected Vendor(s) will be required to provide a vendor code number issued by the State of New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services upon registering as an authorized vendor with the State. Vendors are strongly encouraged to provide a vendor code number in the Appendix D if available. More information can be found at: https://das.nh.gov/purchasing/vendorresources.aspx

6.3.3. Appendix E– Technical Responses to Mandatory Questions

6.3.4. Appendix F – Program Staff List

6.3.5. Resumes – Vendors must provide resumes for key personnel primarily responsible for meeting the terms and conditions of any agreement resulting from this Solicitation. Vendors must redact all personal information from resumes.

Cost Proposal Contents

6.4.1. Appendix G, Budget Sheet – Vendors must complete an Appendix G, Budget Sheet, including the Budget Narrative column; and a Salary and Wages Details tab. If your organization has a Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), please provide a copy along with your budget. This is not a low-cost award.

7. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS

Non-Collusion

Vendors must establish prices, terms, conditions, and services in their Solicitation Response without collusion with other Vendors and without effort to preclude the Department from obtaining the best possible competitive solicitation response.

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Collaborative Solicitation Responses

Solicitation responses must be submitted by one organization. Any collaborating organization must be designated as a subcontractor subject to the terms of Appendix B, P-37 General Provisions and Standard Exhibits.

Validity of Solicitation Responses

Solicitation responses must be valid until the Effective Date of any resulting contract.

Debarment

Vendors who are ineligible to bid on proposals, bids or quotes issued by the Department of Administrative Services, Division of Procurement and Support Services pursuant to the provisions of RSA 21-I:11-c shall not be considered eligible for an award under this solicitation.

Property of Department

Any material property submitted and received in response to this solicitation will become the property of the Department and will not be returned to the Vendor. The Department reserves the right to use any information presented in any solicitation response provided that its use does not violate any copyrights or other provisions of law.

Solicitation Response Withdrawal

Prior to the Response Submission Deadline specified in Subsection 1.3, Procurement Timetable, Letters of Intent or solicitation responses may be withdrawn by submitting a written request for its withdrawal to the Contract Specialist specified in Subsection 1.2.

Confidentiality

Pursuant to RSA 21-G:37, the content of responses to this solicitation must remain confidential until the Governor and Executive Council have awarded a contract. The Vendor’s disclosure or distribution of the contents of its solicitation response, other than to the Department, will be grounds for disqualification at the Department’s sole discretion.

Public Disclosure

7.8.1. The information submitted in response to this solicitation (including all materials submitted in connection with it, such as attachments, exhibits, addenda, and presentations), any resulting contract, and information provided during the contractual relationship may be subject to public disclosure under Right-to- Know laws, including RSA 91-A. In addition, in accordance with RSA 9-F:1, any contract entered into as a result of this solicitation will be made accessible to the public online via the New Hampshire Secretary of State website (https://sos.nh.gov/).

7.8.2. Confidential, commercial or financial information may be exempt from public disclosure under RSA 91-A:5, IV. If a Vendor believes any information submitted in response to this solicitation should be kept confidential, the Vendor must specifically identify that information where it appears in the submission in a manner that draws attention to the designation and must mark/stamp each page of the materials that the Vendor claims must be exempt from disclosure as “CONFIDENTIAL.” Vendors must also provide a letter to the person listed as the point of contact for this solicitation, identifying the specific page number and section of the information considered to be confidential, commercial or financial and providing the rationale for each designation. Marking or designating an

Page 17 of 22 v.2.1 entire submission as confidential shall neither be accepted nor honored by the Department. Vendors must also provide a separate copy of the full and complete document, fully redacting those portions and shall note on the applicable page or pages that the redacted portion or portions are “confidential.”

7.8.3. Submissions which do not conform to these instructions by failing to include a redacted copy (if necessary), by failing to include a letter specifying the rationale for each redaction, by failing to designate the redactions in the manner required by these instructions, or by including redactions which are contrary to these instructions or operative law may be rejected by the Department as not conforming to the requirements of the solicitation.

7.8.4. Pricing, which includes but is not limited to, the administrative costs and other performance guarantees in responses or any subsequently awarded contract shall be subject to public disclosure regardless of whether it is marked as confidential.

7.8.5. Notwithstanding a Vendor’s designations, the Department is obligated under the Right-to-Know law to conduct an independent analysis of the confidentiality of the information submitted in response to the solicitation. If a request is made to the Department to view or receive copies of any portion of the response that is marked confidential, the Department shall first assess what information it is obligated to release. The Department will then notify the Vendor that a request has been made, indicate what, if any, information the Department has assessed is confidential and will not be released, and specify the planned release date of the remaining portions of the response. To halt the release of information by the Department, a Vendor must initiate and provide to the Department, prior to the date specified in the notice, a court action in the Superior Court of the State of New Hampshire, at its sole expense, seeking to enjoin the release of the requested information.

7.8.6. By submitting a response to this solicitation, Vendors acknowledge and agree that:

7.8.6.1. The Department may disclose any and all portions of the response or related materials which are not marked as confidential and/or which have not been specifically explained in the letter to the person identified as the point of contact for this solicitation;

7.8.6.2. The Department is not obligated to comply with a Vendor’s designations regarding confidentiality and must conduct an independent analysis to assess the confidentiality of the information submitted; and

7.8.6.3. The Department may, unless otherwise prohibited by court order, release the information on the date specified in the notice described above without any liability to a Vendor.

Non-Commitment

Notwithstanding any other provision of this solicitation, this solicitation does not commit the Department to award a contract. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all responses to this solicitation or any portions thereof, at any time and to cancel this solicitation and to solicit new solicitation responses under a new procurement process.

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Solicitation Response Cost

By submitting a response to this solicitation, the Vendor agrees that in no event shall the Department be either responsible for or held liable for any costs incurred by a Vendor in the preparation or submittal of or otherwise in connection with a solicitation response, or for work performed prior to the Effective Date of a resulting contract.

Request for Additional Information or Materials

The Department may request any Vendor to provide additional information or materials needed to clarify information presented in the solicitation response. Such a request will be issued in writing and will not provide a Vendor with an opportunity to change, extend, or otherwise amend its solicitation response in intent or substance.

Oral Presentations and Discussions

The Department reserves the right to require some or all Vendors to make oral presentations of their solicitation response. The purpose of the oral presentation is to clarify and expound upon information provided in the written solicitation response. Vendors are prohibited from altering the original substance of their solicitation response during the oral presentations. The Department will use the information gained from oral presentations to refine the technical review scores. Any and all costs associated with an oral presentation shall be borne entirely by the Vendor.

Site Visits

The Department may, at its sole discretion, at any time prior to contract award, conduct a site visit at the Vendor’s location or at any other location deemed appropriate by the Department, to determine the Vendor’s capacity to satisfy the terms of this solicitation. The Department may also require the Vendor to produce additional documents, records, or materials relevant to determining the Vendor’s capacity to satisfy the terms of this solicitation. Any and all costs associated with any site visit or requests for documents shall be borne entirely by the Vendor.

Successful Vendor Notice and Contract Negotiations

The Department will only notify selected Vendors of selection. The Department will not notify Vendor(s) that are not initially selected to enter into contract negotiations.

Until the Department successfully completes negotiations with the selected Vendor(s), all submitted solicitation responses remain eligible for selection by the Department. The Department reserves the right to open contract discussions with the second highest scoring vendor and so on, if the Department is unable to reach an agreement on contract terms with the higher scoring vendor(s).

Scope of Award and Contract Award Notice

7.15.1. The Department reserves the right to award a service in whole or in part. A contract award is contingent on approval by the Governor and Executive Council and continued appropriation of funding for the contract.

7.15.2. If a contract is awarded, the selected Vendor(s) must obtain written consent from the State before any public announcement or news release is issued pertaining to any contract award.

Contract Registration Requirements

7.16.1. Prior to submission of any agreement for Governor and Executive Council for approval, the selected Vendor(s) must be:

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7.16.2. Registered and in good standing with the NH Department of State, per RSA 5:18-a (https://quickstart.sos.nh.gov/online).

7.16.3. Registered with the NH Department of Administrative Services and have a Vendor Code (Vendor Resource Center | Procurement and Support Services | NH Dept. of Administrative Services) in order to receive payment.

7.16.4. Registered and in good standing with the NH Department of Justice Charitable Trust Unit if the organization meets the definition of Charitable Organization per RSA 7:21 (https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/charitable-trusts).

Electronic Posting of Solicitation Results and Resulting Contract

7.17.1. At the time of receipt of responses, the Department will post the number of responses received with no further information. No later than five (5) business days prior to submission of a contract to the Department of Administrative Services pursuant to this solicitation, the Department will post the name, rank or score of each responding Vendor. In the event that the resulting contract does not require Governor & Executive Council approval, the Agency will disclose the rank or score at least five (5) business days before final approval of the contract.

7.17.2. Pursuant to RSA 91-A and RSA 9-F:1, the Secretary of State will post to the public any document submitted to G&C for approval, including contracts resulting from this solicitation, and posts those documents on its website (https://sos.nh.gov/administration/miscellaneous/governor-executive-council/).

By submitting a response to this solicitation, vendors acknowledge and agree that, in accordance with the above-mentioned statutes and policies, (and regardless of whether any specific request is made to view any document relating to this solicitation), any contract resulting from this solicitation that is submitted to G&C for approval will be made accessible to the public online.

Protest of Intended Award

Any challenge of an award made or otherwise related to this solicitation shall be governed by RSA 21-G:37, and the procedures and terms of this solicitation. The procedure set forth in RSA 21-G:37, IV, shall be the sole remedy available to challenge any award resulting from this solicitation. In the event that any legal action is brought challenging this solicitation and selection process, outside of the review process identified in RSA 21-G:37,IV, and in the event that the State of New Hampshire prevails, the challenger agrees to pay all expenses of such action, including attorney’s fees and costs at all stages of litigation.

Contingency

Aspects of the award may be contingent upon changes to state or federal laws and regulations.

Ethical Requirements

From the time this solicitation is published until a contract is awarded, no Vendor shall offer or give, directly or indirectly, any gift, expense reimbursement, or honorarium, as defined by RSA 15-B, to any elected official, public official, public employee, constitutional official, or family member of any such official or employee who will or has selected, evaluated, or awarded a solicitation, or similar submission. Any Vendor that violates RSA 21-G:38 shall be

Page 20 of 22 v.2.1 subject to prosecution for an offense under RSA 640:2. Any Vendor who has been convicted of an offense based on conduct in violation of this section, which has not been annulled, or who is subject to a pending criminal charge for such an offense, shall be disqualified from submitting a response to this solicitation, or similar request for submission and every such Vendor shall be disqualified from submitting any solicitation response or similar request for submission issued by any state agency. A Vendor that was disqualified under this section because of a pending criminal charge which is subsequently dismissed, results in an acquittal, or is annulled, may notify the Department of Administrative Services, which shall note that information on the list maintained on the state’s internal intranet system, except in the case of annulment, the information, shall be deleted from the list.

Liquidated Damages

The selected Vendor agrees that liquidated damages may be determined by the Department as part of the contract specifications, as failure to achieve required performance levels will more than likely substantially delay and disrupt the Department’s operations.

8. COMPLIANCE

The selected Vendor(s) must comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and applicable policies and procedures adopted by the Department currently in effect, and as they may be adopted or amended during the contract period.

The selected Vendor(s) may be required to complete a contract monitoring questionnaire, to be provided by the Department, to determine risk of noncompliance and appropriate monitoring activities, including, but not limited to:

8.2.1. Site visits.

8.2.2. File reviews.

8.2.3. Staff training.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services

8.3.1. Vendors are required to consider the need for language services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) as well as other communication needs, served or likely to be encountered in the eligible service population, both in developing their budgets and in conducting their programs and activities.

8.3.2. Vendors are required to complete Appendix C, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Requirements as part of their solicitation response. This is in accordance with Federal civil rights laws and intended to help inform Vendors’ program design, which in turn, will allow Vendors to put forth the best possible solicitation response.

8.3.3. If awarded a contract, the selected Vendor(s) will be required to submit:

8.3.3.1. A detailed description of the language assistance services, within ten

(10) days of the Effective Date of the resulting agreement, to be provided to ensure meaningful access to programs and/or services to individuals with limited English proficiency; individuals who are deaf or have hearing loss; individuals who are blind or have low vision; and individuals who have speech challenges.

8.3.3.2. A written attestation, within 45 days of the Effective Date of the resulting agreement and annually thereafter, that all personnel

Page 21 of 22 v.2.1 involved the provision of services to individuals under the resulting agreement have completed, within the last 12 months, the Contractor Required Training Video on Civil Rights-related Provisions in DHHS Procurement Processes, which is accessible on the Department’s website (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/doing-business-dhhs/civil-right-compliance-dhhs-vendors).

8.3.3.3. The Department’s Federal Civil Rights Compliance Checklist within ten (10) days of the Effective Date of the resulting agreement. The Federal Civil Rights Compliance Checklist must have been completed within the last 12 months and is accessible on the Department’s website (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/doing-business-dhhs/civil-right-compliance-dhhs-vendors).

Audit Requirements

8.4.1. The selected Vendor(s) must email an annual audit to dhhs.act@dhhs.nh.gov if any of the following conditions exist:

8.4.1.1. Condition A - - The selected Vendor is subject to a Single Audit pursuant to 2 CFR 200.501 Audit Requirements.

8.4.1.2. Condition B - The selected Vendor is subject to audit pursuant to the requirements of NH RSA 7:28, III-b.

8.4.1.3. Condition C - The selected Vendor is a public company and required by Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations to submit an annual financial audit.

8.4.2. If Condition A exists, the selected Vendor(s) shall submit an annual single audit performed by an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to the Department within 120 days after the close of the Vendor’s fiscal year, conducted in accordance with the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal awards.

8.4.3. If Condition B or Condition C exists, the selected Vendor(s) shall submit an annual financial audit performed by an independent CPA within 120 days after the close of the selected Vendor’s fiscal year.

8.4.4. The selected Vendor(s), regardless of the funding source and/or whether Conditions A, B, or C exist, may be required to submit annual financial audits performed by an independent CPA upon request by the Department.

8.4.5. In addition to, and not in any way in limitation of obligations of the resulting contract(s), it is understood and agreed by the selected Vendor(s) that the selected Vendor(s) shall be held liable for any state or federal audit exceptions and shall return to the Department all payments made under the resulting contract(s) to which exception has been taken, or which have been disallowed because of such an exception.

9. APPENDICES TO THIS SOLICITATION

Appendix A – Scope of Services

Appendix B – Form P-37 General Provisions and Standard Exhibits

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