STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

700 GOVERNORS DRIVE

PIERRE, SD 57501

Health Home Performance Analysis PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN APRIL 8th, 2026, by 5:00 pm CST

RFP19620 State POC: Kirsten Blachford EMAIL: Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us

READ CAREFULLY

FIRM NAME: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

(Digital signature allowed)

ADDRESS: TYPE OR PRINT NAME:

CITY/STATE: TELEPHONE NO:

ZIP (9 DIGIT): FAX NO:

E-MAIL:

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE NO:

FAX NO: E-MAIL:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

South Dakota is seeking a vendor to coordinate and conduct both financial outcomes and quality outcomes analysis of the South Dakota Medicaid Health Home (now operating as Care Connect) program.

Work associated with this RFP will include:

• Conducting the financial outcomes analysis to determine potential cost avoidance/cost savings related to Health Home core services; and

• Conducting quality outcomes analysis including both collecting and analyzing data from providers.

Background The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) is the state agency responsible for the administration of the Health Homes Program. The program is approved under 1945A authority and effective January 1, 2026 operates under the name Care Connect. The Health Homes Program is a person-centered system of care intended to achieve improved health outcomes and experience of care for eligible Medicaid recipients and maintain at least budget neutrality for specified “High-Cost/High-Risk” Medicaid populations.

There are six Core Services provided by the South Dakota Medicaid Health Homes Program:

• Comprehensive Care Management

• Care Coordination

• Health Promotion

• Comprehensive Transitional Care/Follow-up

• Patient and Family Support

• Referral to Community and Social Support Services

To qualify for enrollment in the Health Homes program, Medicaid recipients must:

• Have two or more chronic conditions or one chronic condition and be at risk for another condition.

o Chronic Conditions Include: Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Substance Abuse, Obesity, Musculoskeletal and Neck/Back disorders.

o At-Risk Conditions Include: Pre-Diabetes, Tobacco Use, Cancer Hypercholesterolemia, Depression and Use of Multiple Medications (6 or More Classes of Drugs).

• Have a single occurrence of a diagnosis for Severe Mental Illness or Emotional Disturbance, limited to: Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major Depression, Mood Disorders, Ethyl Alcohol-Related Psychotic Disorder, Anxiety, Personality/Social Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The designated Health Homes Program provider infrastructure is as follows: Physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants working in a Clinical Group Practices, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Indian Health Service/Tribal 638 or a Mental Health Professional working in a Community Mental Health Center.

The payment methodology for the Health Homes Program are based upon four Tiers. Each tier has an individual per member, per month (PMPM) payment for provision of the six core Health Homes services.

Eligible Medicaid recipients are placed into one of four tiers based upon the prospective risk score determined by the Chronic Illness and Disability Payment System (CDPS). The CDPS score is based on historical claims and diagnoses information normed against the Medicaid population. Those in tier 1 account for approximately half of the eligible population. Tier 1 recipients have a normal prospective risk and, therefore, must opt-in to participate in the Health Homes Program. Tiers 2 through 4 see progressively higher risks of health care utilization and are automatically placed in the Health Home Program but may opt-out of the Health Homes Program.

DSS has an established set of outcome measures that each health home must report on for everyone who received a core service on a bi-annual schedule. These measures include the standard measures required by CMS.

Please refer to the Department of Social Services website link https://dss.sd.gov/healthhome/providers.aspx for additional information regarding the Health Homes Program.

1.2 ISSUING OFFICE AND RFP REFERENCE NUMBER

The Division of Medical Services is the issuing office for this document and all subsequent addenda relating to it, on behalf of the State of South Dakota, Department of Social Services. The reference number for the transaction is RFP19620. This number must be referred to on all proposals, correspondence, and documentation relating to the RFP.

1.3 LETTER OF INTENT

All interested offerors are requested to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to respond to this RFP. While preferred, a Letter of Intent is not mandatory to submit a proposal.

Be sure to reference the RFP number in your letter.

The Letter of Intent must be submitted to Kirsten Blachford via email at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us no later than March 10th, 2026. Please place the following in the subject line of your email: “Letter of Intent for RFP19620”.

1.4 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

RFP Publication 03/04/2026 Letter of Intent to Respond Due 03/10/2026 Offeror Questions Due Responses to Offeror Questions

03/17/2026 03/24/2026

Request for SFTP folder and Proposal Submission 04/07/2026 Proposal Submission Oral Presentations/Discussions (if required)

04/08/2026

TBD

Proposal Revisions (if required) TBD Anticipated Award Decision/Contract Negotiation 04/29/2026

1.5 SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL

All proposals must be completed and received in the Department of Social Services by the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities.

Proposals received after the deadline will be late and ineligible for consideration.

Proposals must be submitted as PDFs via Secured File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). Offerors must request an SFTP folder no later than the date indicated in the Schedule of Activities by emailing Kirsten Blachford at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us.

The subject line should read “RFP19620 SFTP Request”. The email should contain the name and the email of the person who will be responsible for uploading the document(s).

Please note, offeror will need to work with their own technical support staff to set up an SFTP compatible software on offeror’s end. While the State of South Dakota can answer questions, State of South Dakota is not responsible for the software required.

All proposals may be signed in ink or digitally by an officer of the offeror legally authorized to bind the offeror to the proposal and sealed in the form intended by the respondent. Proposals that are not properly signed may be rejected.

https://dss.sd.gov/healthhome/providers.aspx mailto:Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us

No proposal may be accepted from, or any contract or purchase order awarded to any person, firm or corporation that is in arrears upon any obligations to the State of South Dakota, or that otherwise may be deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the State of South Dakota.

1.6 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY

EXCLUSION – LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS

By signing and submitting this proposal, the offeror certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation, by any Federal department or agency, from transactions involving the use of Federal funds.

Where the offeror is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, the bidder shall attach an explanation to their offer.

1.7 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The State of South Dakota requires that all contractors, vendors, and suppliers doing business with any State agency, department, or institution, provide a statement of non-discrimination. By signing and submitting their proposal, the offeror certifies they do not discriminate in their employment practices with regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, ancestry, national origin or disability.

1.8 CERTIFICATION RELATING TO PROHIBITED ENTITY

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, is not an entity, regardless of its principal place of business, that is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign national, a foreign parent entity, or foreign government from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela, as defined by SDCL 5-18A. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.9 RESTRICTION OF BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of the bid or offer, with a person or entity on the basis of Israeli national origin, or residence or incorporation in Israel or its territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.10 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by the offeror prior to the established due date and time.

No oral, telephonic, telegraphic, or facsimile responses or modifications to informal, formal bids, or Request for Proposals will be considered.

1.11 OFFEROR INQUIRIES

Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to Kirsten Blachford at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us with the subject line “RFP19620”.

The State will respond to offeror’s inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State’s responses will be posted on the state’s e-procurement system and the DSS website at http://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/rfp.aspx. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.

1.12 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The proposal of the successful offeror(s) becomes public information. Proprietary information can be protected under limited circumstances such as client lists and non-public financial statements. An entire proposal may not be marked as proprietary. Offerors must clearly identify in the Executive Summary and mark in the body of the proposal any specific proprietary information they are requesting to be protected.

The Executive Summary must contain specific justification explaining why the information is to be protected. Proposals may be reviewed and evaluated by any person at the discretion of the State. All materials submitted become the property of the State of South Dakota and may be returned only at the State's option.

1.13 LENGTH OF CONTRACT

The contract resulting from this RFP will be issued for the period of one (1) year ending May 31, 2027, with the option for renewal for up to four (4), one (1) year contracts at the discretion of the State based on performance and/or the continued availability of funds.

1.14 GOVERNING LAW

Venue for any and all legal action regarding or arising out of the transaction covered herein shall be solely in the State of South Dakota. The laws of South Dakota shall govern this transaction.

1.15 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS (ORAL PRESENTATION/NEGOTIATIONS)

An oral presentation by an offeror to clarify a proposal may be required at the sole discretion of the State.

However, the State may award a contract based on the initial proposals received without discussion with the Offeror. If oral presentations are required, they will be scheduled after the submission of proposals.

Oral presentations will be made at the offeror’s expense.

This process is a Request for Proposal/Competitive Negotiation process. Each Proposal shall be evaluated, and each respondent shall be available for negotiation meetings at the State’s request. The State reserves the right to negotiate on any and/or all components of every proposal submitted. From the time the proposals are submitted until the formal award of a contract, each proposal is considered a working document and as such, will be kept confidential. The negotiation discussions will also be held as confidential until such time as the award is completed.

2.0 STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Any contract or agreement resulting from this RFP will include the State’s standard terms and conditions as listed below and as seen in Attachment A, along with any additional terms and conditions that may be necessary to the performance of the scope of work as seen in Attachment B BAA.

2.1 The Contractor will perform those services described in the Scope of Work, attached hereto as Section

3.0 of the RFP and by this reference incorporated herein.

http://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/rfp.aspx

2.2 The Contractor’s services under this Agreement shall commence on ___ and end on___, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

2.3 The Contractor will use State equipment, supplies or facilities. YES ( ) NO ( X )

2.4 The Contractor will provide the State with its Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification

Number or Social Security Number upon execution of this Agreement.

2.5 The State will make payment for services upon satisfactory completion of the services. The TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT is an amount not to exceed $___. The State will not pay Contractor's expenses as a separate item. Payment will be made pursuant to itemized invoices submitted with a signed state voucher.

Payment will be made consistent with SDCL ch. 5-26.

2.6 The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all actions, suits, damages, liability or other proceedings that may arise as the result of performing services hereunder. This section does not require the Contractor to be responsible for or defend against claims or damages arising solely from errors or omissions of the State, its officers, agents or employees.

2.7 The Contractor, at all times during the term of this Agreement, shall obtain and maintain in force insurance coverage of the types and with the limits as follows:

A. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain occurrence based commercial general liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit it shall apply separately to this Agreement or be no less than two times the occurrence limit.

B. Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance:

The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain professional liability insurance or miscellaneous professional liability insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000.00.

C. Business Automobile Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain business automobile liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each accident. Such insurance shall include coverage for owned, hired and non-owned vehicles.

D. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance as required by South Dakota law.

Before beginning work under this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish the State with properly executed Certificates of Insurance which shall clearly evidence all insurance required in this Agreement. In the event a substantial change in insurance, issuance of a new policy, cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy, the Contractor agrees to provide immediate notice to the State and provide a new certificate of insurance showing continuous coverage in the amounts required. Contractor shall furnish copies of insurance policies if requested by the State.

2.8 While performing services hereunder, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota.

2.9 Contractor agrees to report to the State any event encountered in the course of performance of this Agreement which results in injury to the person or property of third parties, or which may otherwise subject Contractor or the State to liability. Contractor shall report any such event to the State immediately upon discovery.

Contractor's obligation under this section shall only be to report the occurrence of any event to the State and to make any other report provided for by their duties or applicable law. Contractor's obligation to report shall not require disclosure of any information subject to privilege or confidentiality under law (e.g., attorney-client communications). Reporting to the State under this section shall not excuse or satisfy any obligation of Contractor to report any event to law enforcement or other entities under the requirements of any applicable law.

2.10 This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event the Contractor breaches any of the terms or conditions hereof, this Agreement may be terminated by the State at any time with or without notice. If termination for such a default is effected by the State, any payments due to Contractor at the time of termination may be adjusted to cover any additional costs to the State because of Contractor's default. Upon termination the State may take over the work and may award another party an agreement to complete the work under this Agreement. If after the State terminates for a default by Contractor it is determined that Contractor was not at fault, then the Contractor shall be paid for eligible services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

2.11 This Agreement depends upon the continued availability of appropriated funds and expenditure authority from the Legislature for this purpose. If for any reason the Legislature fails to appropriate funds or grant expenditure authority, or funds become unavailable by operation of law or federal funds reductions, this Agreement will be terminated by the State. Termination for any of these reasons is not a default by the State nor does it give rise to a claim against the State.

2.12 This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the State. This Agreement may not be amended except in writing, which writing shall be expressly identified as a part hereof and be signed by an authorized representative of each of the parties hereto.

2.13 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South

Dakota. Any lawsuit pertaining to or affecting this Agreement shall be venued in Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County, South Dakota.

2.14 The Contractor will comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements applicable to providing services pursuant to this Agreement, and will be solely responsible for obtaining current information on such requirements.

2.15 The Contractor may not use subcontractors to perform the services described herein without the express prior written consent of the State. The Contractor will include provisions in its subcontracts requiring its subcontractors to comply with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the State, and to provide insurance coverage for the benefit of the State in a manner consistent with this Agreement. The Contractor will cause its subcontractors, agents, and employees to comply, with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements and will adopt such review and inspection procedures as are necessary to assure such compliance.

2.16 Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that all reports, plans, specifications, technical data, miscellaneous drawings, software system programs and documentation, procedures, or files, operating instructions and procedures, source code(s) and documentation, including those necessary to upgrade and maintain the software program, and all information contained therein provided to the State by the Contractor in connection with its performance of services under this Agreement shall belong to and is the property of the State and will not be used in any way by the Contractor without the written consent of the State. Papers, reports, forms, software programs, source code(s) and other material which are a part of the work under this Agreement will not be copyrighted without written approval of the State.

2.17 The Contractor certifies that neither Contractor nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or suspension, or declared ineligible from participating in transactions by the federal government or any state or local government department or agency. Contractor further agrees that it will immediately notify the State if during the term of this Agreement Contractor or its principals become subject to debarment, suspension or ineligibility from participating in transactions by the federal government, or by any state or local government department or agency.

2.18 Any notice or other communication required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the address set forth above. Notices shall be given by and to ___ on behalf of the State, and by ___, on behalf of the Contractor, or such authorized designees as either party may from time to time designate in writing. Notices or communications to or between the parties shall be deemed to have been delivered when mailed by first class mail, provided that notice of default or termination shall be sent by registered or certified mail, or, if personally delivered, when received by such party.

2.19 In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall hold any provision of this Agreement unenforceable or invalid, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision hereof.

2.20 All other prior discussions, communications and representations concerning the subject matter of this

Agreement are superseded by the terms of this Agreement, and except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

Financial Outcomes Analysis

3.1 The offeror will develop and utilize a comprehensive methodology to analyze financial outcomes and quantify possible cost savings/cost avoidance to Medicaid resulting from the provision of the Health Home core services.

This method must allow DSS to review and report the impact at a variety of levels, including, but not limited to:

• Individual Recipient

• Health Home Chronic Condition Category

• Designated Provider

• Health Home Type (Primary Care or Mental Health)

• Aggregate Program Financial Performance

• Service Type including Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room, Outpatient Hospital, Pharmacy, Office Visit, and Labs

• Other Provider Groupings as Specified by the State

The offeror’s proposed methodology should outline the data needed to perform the proposed task.

This analysis is required to by completed annually by August 31st.

3.2 The offeror should review the existing financial outcomes methodology used by the current vendor found in

Attachment C. The offeror’s proposal should explain whether they propose continuing the existing methodology or any proposed modifications to the existing methodology.

3.3 The proposal should specify the elements that will be included in each of the deliverables, including but not limited to:

3.3.1 Detailed information for the recommended improvements to the current methodology and/or alternatives analysis.

3.3.2 Tables with detailed findings, data and methods logic and any other criteria

3.3.3 Caveats or special considerations.

3.3.4 A summary and conclusion.

Health Outcomes Analysis

3.4 The offeror will propose a method for accepting, aggregating and analyzing the Health Home Outcomes

Measures. This would include:

3.4.1 Maintaining or updating all Health Home Quality file layout documents to support the outcome measure collection process from Health Homes;

3.4.2 Accepting South Dakota Medicaid Claims data and maintaining it in a secure format;

3.4.3 Accepting Outcome Measure data from the fifteen previous 6-month collection periods from current vendor in a secure format;

3.4.4 Facilitating outcome measures submissions from Health Homes;

3.4.5 Validating outcome measures submissions from Health Homes;

3.4.6 Generating semiannual quality reports at an aggregate level, combined provider level as identified by DSS, and individual health home level;

3.4.7 Developing reporting processes that will support quality comparisons;

3.4.8 Generating reports to assess overall Health Home performance;

3.4.9 Providing DSS with the data required to meet the CMS Health Home reporting requirements.

Information regarding CMS core set measures are available here:

https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/medicaid-state-technical-assistance/health-home-information-resource-center/1945a-health-home-resources; and

3.4.10 Providing DSS the necessary support and information to reward Health Homes based on performance, through supplemental payments. Current Outcome Measures are available here:

https://dss.sd.gov/docs/medicaid/care_management/provider/Outcome_Measures/Outcome_Mea sures.pdf.

The South Dakota Health Home Outcome Measures file layouts can be found at http://dss.sd.gov/healthhome/outcomemeasures.aspx. Please note that the website contains a layout for both the CMHC and the PCP Health Homes, and a submission template. Also note that the Outcome Measures are subject to change.

Other

3.5 Other related tasks at the State’s request including assistance with other Medicaid care management programs or value-based care related projects or initiatives.

3.6 The offeror’s proposal must address all items found in Sections 6.1.1 – 6.1.8.

4.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 The offeror is cautioned that it is the offeror's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and that the State of South Dakota is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the proposal. The offeror's failure to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the proposal.

4.2 Offeror's Contacts: Offerors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFP, the evaluation, etc. to the buyer of record indicated on the first page of this RFP. Offerors and their agents may not contact any state employee other than the buyer of record regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Offerors and their agents who have questions regarding this matter should contact the buyer of record.

4.3 Provide the following information related to at least three previous and current service/contracts, performed by the offeror’s organization, which are similar to the requirements of this RFP.

4.3.1 Name, address and telephone number of client/contracting agency and a representative of that agency who may be contacted for verification of all information submitted;

4.3.2 Dates of the service/contract; and

4.3.3 A brief, written description of the specific prior services performed and requirements thereof.

https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/medicaid-state-technical-assistance/health-home-information-resource-center/1945a-health-home-resources https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/medicaid-state-technical-assistance/health-home-information-resource-center/1945a-health-home-resources https://dss.sd.gov/docs/medicaid/care_management/provider/Outcome_Measures/Outcome_Measures.pdf https://dss.sd.gov/docs/medicaid/care_management/provider/Outcome_Measures/Outcome_Measures.pdf http://dss.sd.gov/healthhome/outcomemeasures.aspx

4.4 The offeror may be required to submit a copy of their most recent independently audited financial statements.

4.5 If an offerors proposal is not accepted by the State, the proposal will not be reviewed/evaluated. Examples include: Proposal was not received on time. Proposal was not signed. Electronic file was not provided.

5.0 PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORMAT

5.1 Only a PDF copy shall be submitted via SFTP folder.

5.1.1 The proposal should be page numbered and should have an index and/or a table of contents referencing the appropriate page number.

5.2 All proposals must be organized and tabbed with labels for the following headings:

5.2.1 RFP Form. The State’s Request for Proposal form (1st page of RFP) completed and signed.

5.2.2 Executive Summary. The one-to-two-page executive summary is to briefly describe the offeror's proposal. This summary should highlight the major features of the proposal. It must indicate any requirements that cannot be met by the offeror. The reader should be able to determine the essence of the proposal by reading the executive summary. Proprietary information requests should be identified in this section.

5.2.3 Detailed Response. This section should constitute the major portion of the proposal and must contain at least the following information:

5.2.3.1 A complete narrative of the offeror's assessment of the work to be performed, the offeror’s ability and approach, and the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements.

This should demonstrate the offeror's understanding of the desired overall performance expectations.

5.2.3.2 A specific point-by-point response, in the order listed to each requirement in the RFP.

The response should identify each requirement being addressed as enumerated in the

RFP.

5.2.3.3 A clear description of any options or alternatives proposed.

5.2.4 Cost Proposal. Cost will be evaluated independently from the technical proposal. Offerors may submit multiple cost proposals. All costs related to the provision of the required services must be included in each cost proposal offered.

See section 7.0 for more information related to the cost proposal.

6.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

6.1 After determining that a proposal satisfies the mandatory requirements stated in the Request for Proposal, the evaluator(s) shall use subjective judgment in conducting a comparative assessment of the proposal by considering each of the following criteria:

6.1.1 Specialized expertise, capabilities, and technical competence as demonstrated by the proposed approach and methodology to meet the project requirements;

6.1.2 Resources available to perform the work, including any specialized services, within the specified time limits for the project;

6.1.3 Record of past performance, including price and cost data from previous projects, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control, and contract administration;

6.1.4 Cost proposal.

6.1.5 Availability to the project locale;

6.1.6 Familiarity with the project locale;

6.1.7 Proposed project management techniques; and

6.1.8 Ability and proven history in handling special project constraints.

6.2 Experience and reliability of the offeror's organization are considered subjectively in the evaluation process.

Therefore, the offeror is advised to submit any information which documents successful and reliable experience in past performances, especially those performances related to the requirements of this RFP.

6.3 The qualifications of the personnel proposed by the offeror to perform the requirements of this RFP, whether from the offeror's organization or from a proposed subcontractor, will be subjectively evaluated. Therefore, the offeror should submit detailed information related to the experience and qualifications, including education and training, of proposed personnel.

6.4 The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the State of South Dakota.

6.5 Award: The requesting agency and the highest ranked offeror shall mutually discuss and refine the scope of services for the project and shall negotiate terms, including compensation and performance schedule.

6.5.1 If the agency and the highest ranked offeror are unable for any reason to negotiate a contract at a compensation level that is reasonable and fair to the agency, the agency shall, either orally or in writing, terminate negotiations with the contractor. The agency may then negotiate with the next highest ranked contractor.

6.5.2 The negotiation process may continue through successive offerors, according to agency ranking, until an agreement is reached, or the agency terminates the contracting process.

6.5.3 Only the response of the vendor awarded work becomes public. Responses to work orders for vendors not selected and the evaluation criteria and scoring for all proposals are not public.

Vendors may submit a redacted copy with the full proposal as stated in Section 1.12 Proprietary Information. SDCL 1-27-1.5 and See SDCL 1-27-1.5 and 1-27-1.6

7.0 COST PROPOSAL

The Offeror’s cost proposal must include the total contract price. Offerors are encouraged to submit a deliverable-based cost proposal for the work described in section 3.0. The cost proposal should include the cost associated with each deliverable. In addition, offerors may submit a time-based proposal with associated hours for each task and hourly cost.

DSS Purchase Order # 27SC08_ _ _ _ DSS Contract #: 27-0800-_ _ _

02/26 Page 1 of 15

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

CONSULTANT SERVICES CONTRACT

Between

[NAME OF CONSULTANT]

[ADDRESS]

[CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE]

[TELEPHONE NUMBER]

State of South Dakota Department of Social Services

DIVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES

700 Governors Drive Pierre, SD 57501-2291

Referred to as Consultant Referred to as State

The State hereby enters into this contract (the “Agreement” hereinafter) for consultant services with the Consultant in consideration of and pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

1. SCOPE OF SERVICES:

The purpose of this contract is to ___. Consultant will perform those services described in the Work Plan, attached hereto as Attachment ___ and by this reference incorporated herein.

2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

This Agreement shall be effective on June 1, 2026 and will end on May 31, 2027, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

3. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

This Agreement is the result of the request for proposal (RFP) process: RFP___

4. PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI):

Does this Agreement involve PHI? Yes If PHI is involved, a Business Associate Agreement must be attached and is incorporated herein and by this reference made a part hereof. See Attachment ___.

5. USE OF EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND FACILITIES:

Contractor will not use State equipment, supplies or facilities.

6. CONSULTANT IDENTIFICATION:

Upon execution of this Agreement, Consultant will provide the State with Consultant’s Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number.

Attachment A

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7. CONTRACT AMOUNT AND PAYMENT:

The State will make payment for services upon satisfactory completion of the services.

The TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT is an amount not to exceed $___. The State will not pay Consultant's expenses, including but not limited to travel, lodging and meals, as a separate item. Payment will be made pursuant to itemized invoices submitted with a signed state voucher. Payment will be made consistent with SDCL Ch. 5-26. Any overpayment of this Agreement shall be returned to the State within thirty (30) days after written notification to Consultant.

8. BILLING:

Consultant agrees to submit a bill for services within (30) days following the month in which services were provided. Consultant will prepare and submit a monthly bill for services. Consultant agrees to submit a final bill within 30 days of the Agreement end date to receive payment for completed services. If a final bill cannot be submitted in 30 days, then a written request for extension of time and explanation must be provided to the State.

9. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:

The State agrees to provide technical assistance regarding Department of Social Services rules, regulations and policies to the Consultant and to assist in the correction of problem areas identified by the State’s monitoring activities.

10. IT STANDARDS:

Any service, software or hardware provided under this Agreement will comply with state standards which can be found at https://www.sd.gov/bit?id=bit_standards_overview.

11. INDEMNIFICATION:

Consultant agrees to indemnify the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents, and employees, from and against all claims or proceedings for actions, suits, damages, liabilities, other losses or equitable relief that may arise at least in part as a result of an act or omission in performing services under this Agreement. Consultant shall defend the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents, and employees against any claim, including any claim, action, suit, or other proceeding related to the claim. Consultant’s obligation to indemnify includes the payment of attorney fees and other costs of defense.

In defending the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents, and employees, Consultant shall engage other professionals, subject to the written approval of the State which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may, in its sole discretion and at the expense of Consultant, engage attorneys and other professionals to defend the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents, and employees, or to assist Consultant in the defense. This section does not require Consultant to be responsible for or defend against claims or proceedings for damages, liabilities, losses or equitable relief arising solely from errors or omissions of the State, its officers, agents or employees.

https://www.sd.gov/bit?id=bit_standards_overview

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12. INSURANCE:

At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall obtain and maintain in force insurance coverage of the types and with the limits as follows:

A. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

Consultant shall maintain occurrence-based commercial general liability insurance or equivalent form of coverage with a limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to this Agreement or be no less than two times the occurrence limit. The insurance policy shall name the State of South Dakota, its officers and employees, as additional insureds, but liability coverage is limited to claims not barred by sovereign immunity. The State of South Dakota, its officers and employees do not hereby waive sovereign immunity for discretionary conduct as provided by law.

B. Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance:

Consultant agrees to procure and maintain professional liability insurance or miscellaneous professional liability insurance with a limit not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000).

C. Business Automobile Liability Insurance:

Consultant shall maintain business automobile liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for each accident. This insurance shall include coverage for vehicles the consultant makes use of in performing work under this Agreement, whether owned, hired, or non-owned vehicles.

D. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:

Consultant shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance as required by South Dakota or federal law.

For professional, automobile, and worker’s compensation insurance, Consultant bears the responsibility to determine which coverage requirements are applicable and the State shall be entitled to rely on the Consultant’s certificate of insurance. Before beginning work under this Agreement, Consultant shall furnish the State with properly executed Certificates of Insurance which shall clearly evidence all insurance required in this Agreement including naming the State, its officers and employees, as additional insureds, as set forth above. In the event of a substantial change in insurance, issuance of a new policy, cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy, Consultant agrees to provide immediate notice to the State and provide a new certificate of insurance showing continuous coverage in the amounts required. Consultant shall furnish copies of insurance policies if requested by the State.

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13. TERMINATION:

This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event Consultant breaches any of the terms or conditions hereof, this Agreement may be terminated by the State at any time with or without notice. Upon termination of this Agreement, all accounts and payments shall be processed according to financial arrangements set forth herein for services rendered to date of termination.

If termination for a breach is affected by the State, any payments due to Consultant at the time of termination may be adjusted to cover any additional costs to the State because of Consultant's breach. Upon termination the State may take over the work and may award another party a contract to complete the work contemplated by this Agreement. If after the State terminates for a breach by Consultant it is determined that Consultant was not at fault, then Consultant shall be paid for eligible services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

14. SURVIVAL FOLLOWING TERMINATION:

Any terms of this Agreement that would, by their nature or through the express terms of this Agreement, survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement shall so survive including but not limited to the confidentiality, indemnification, controlling law and venue, and sovereign immunity provisions.

15. FUNDING:

This Agreement depends upon the continued availability of appropriated funds and expenditure authority from the Legislature for this purpose. If for any reason the Legislature fails to appropriate funds or grant expenditure authority, or funds become unavailable by operation of law or federal funds reductions, this Agreement will be terminated by the State upon five (5) business days written notice. Consultant agrees that termination for any of these reasons is not a default by the State nor does it give rise to a claim against the State or any officer, agent or employee of the State, and Consultant waives any claim against the same.

16. CERTIFICATIONS

A. COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-01:

Executive Order 2020-01 provides that for Consultants, vendors, suppliers or subconsultants with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by signing this Agreement Consultant certifies and agrees that it has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of this Agreement, with a person or entity that is either the State of Israel, or a company doing business in or with Israel or authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel to do business, or doing business in the State of Israel, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the

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State to terminate this Agreement. Consultant further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the State if during the term of this Agreement it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for termination of this Agreement.

B. COMPLIANCE WITH SDCL ch 5-18A:

Consultant certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror is not an organization, association, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or other entity or business association, including all wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries, parent companies, or affiliates, of those entities or business associations, regardless of their principal place of business, which is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign parent entity from, or the government of, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, or the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the purchasing agency to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response, and further would be cause to suspend and debar a business under SDCL § 5-18D-12.

The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the purchasing agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination and would be cause to suspend and debar a business under SDCL § 5-18D-12.

C. CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION,

INELEGIBILITY, AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION:

By signing this Agreement, Consultant certifies that neither Consultant nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or suspension, or declared ineligible from participating in transactions by the federal government or any state or local government department or agency. Consultant further agrees that it will immediately notify the State if during the term of this Agreement Consultant or its principals become subject to debarment, suspension or ineligibility from participating in transactions by the federal government, or by any state or local government department or agency.

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17. NOTICE:

Any notice or other communication required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the address set forth above. Notices shall be given by and to the Division being contracted with on behalf of the State, and by the Consultant, or such authorized designees as either party may from time to time designate in writing. Notices or communications to or between the parties shall be deemed to have been delivered when mailed by first class mail, provided that notice of default or termination shall be sent by registered or certified mail, or, if personally delivered, when received by such party.

18. OTHER METHODS OF NOTICE:

The parties consent to the use of electronic means and facsimile transmissions for communications as a signed writing provided that delivery is confirmed.

19. CONTROLLING LAW AND VENUE:

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Dakota, without regard to any conflicts of law principles, decisional law, or statutory provision which would require or permit the application of another jurisdiction’s substantive law. Venue for any lawsuit pertaining to or affecting this Agreement shall be in the Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County, South Dakota.

20. INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT:

While performing services hereunder, Consultant is an independent Consultant and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota.

21. CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

Consultant agrees to establish safeguards to prohibit employees or other persons from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain as contemplated by SDCL…