RFQ 272267320229_ Questions and Answers.docx

Title of RFQ: The MA Rural Hospital Performance and Quality Improvement Initiative

RFQ #: 272267320229

Questions & Answers Updated: 7/29/26

1. Question: Under item 8, Instructions for Submission of Responses, can you expand on the required element, “Experience with partnerships and affiliations that will support successful implementation” and what the program is looking for here?

Answer: This requirement is intended to assess the vendor’s ability to leverage collaborative relationships when they add value to implementation. Quality improvement efforts in rural hospitals may benefit from coordination with other clinical experts, state and national organizations, professional associations, or other stakeholders that can enhance technical assistance, facilitate dissemination of best practices, support sustainability, or address emerging needs throughout the project period. Applicants should describe relevant collaborative relationships they hold with entities such as those listed that could strengthen the proposed work outlined in the Scope of Service.

2. Question: Approximately how many formal convenings should bidders anticipate supporting annually across the MA Rural Hospital CEO/CFO Forum, MA Rural Hospital Quality Improvement Network, MA Rural Health Clinic Network, NEPI, and any other anticipated networks?

Answer: Bidders should anticipate supporting approximately 16 meetings annually across the various networks described. This number could vary based on participating hospital needs and the identified need for any additional networks.

3. Question: For each named network, what meeting frequency and format should bidders assume—virtual, in-person, or hybrid—and which meetings typically require venue or on-site logistical support?

Answer: Currently, 2 network meetings are held in-person annually. These are the meetings that would require venue or on-site logistical support. The rest of the meetings are fully virtual. Many of these networks meet on a quarterly basis, however, the cadence may be adjusted based on the needs of participating hospitals.

4. Question: Approximately how many hospital-specific technical-assistance engagements or improvement projects should bidders anticipate supporting during the first contract year?

Answer: We anticipate approximately 15-20 technical assistance engagements during the first contract year; however, this number could vary depending on hospital needs.

5. Question: Will MA DPH establish the initial hospital and network priorities for Year 1, or should the selected vendor conduct a needs-assessment and prioritization process to inform the annual workplan?

Answer: The determination of hospital and network priorities should be a collaborative process, led by each hospital’s needs and supported by DPH and the selected vendor using relevant tools and processes, which could include a needs assessment and prioritization process.

6. Question: What specific contract deliverables are expected during the first year, and at what frequency?

Answer: Expected deliverables include regular attendance and providing subject matter expertise at network meetings, supporting participating hospitals in developing action plans to address quality improvement and capacity building goals, support hospitals in completing at least one PDSA cycle related to selected projects, supporting hospitals in meeting their reporting requirements, completing requested technical assistance engagements, and providing updates during monthly meetings with DPH staff that document activities, participation, barriers, and progress.

7. Question: What quantitative and qualitative indicators will MA DPH use to assess the initiative’s success?

Answer: Quantitative and qualitative indicators include improved hospital performance metrics, increased attendance and engagement in network meetings, increased reporting compliance, hospital staff training completion, improved care coordination, strengthened community partnerships, enhanced capacity, and satisfaction with services provided by the selected vendor.

8. Question: To what extent will the selected vendor be expected to collect, analyze, or report hospital-level performance data, including Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project measures or other Flex Program reporting requirements?

Answer: As part of their technical assistance activities, the vendor will be expected to support hospitals in addressing any barriers they may be facing related to collecting and reporting required data, as well as interpreting performance data, identifying opportunities for improvement, developing data-informed quality improvement plans, and monitoring progress over time.

9. Question: Are there other MDPH vendor/contractors that the awardee will be expected to collaborate with, or will collaboration outside of those specifically noted in RFP be managed by DPH?

Answer: The awardee will not be required to collaborate with other specific DPH vendors. However, the ability to leverage collaborative relationships when they add value to implementation is an important element of this scope of work.

10. Question: What type of contract will be awarded – cost reimbursement, fixed price, deliverable/milestone based?

Answer: The contract awarded will be deliverable based.

11. Question: Is there a preferred budget template and/or required level of detail? For example - Should the budget and justification include hourly/FTE rates by staff role (e.g., program manager vs. administrative support), or is a lump-sum labor cost acceptable?

Answer: There is not a required budget template. If bidders can include hourly/FTE rates by staff role that is preferred, but a lump-sum labor cost is also acceptable.

12. Question: What is the invoicing frequency and payment cycle (e.g., monthly, quarterly) once the contract is executed?

Answer: This will be discussed and mutually agreed upon between the selected vendor and DPH.

13. Question: Should the bidder budget for in-person, hybrid or fully remote network meetings?

Answer: The bidder should budget for 2 in-person meetings and approximately 14 fully remote network meetings per year.

14. Question: If federal funding for the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program changes year to year, how will budget modifications be communicated and approved mid-cycle?

Answer: Budget modifications can be made annually during the contract renewal period based on the funding awarded through the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program.

15. Question: What specific outcomes will MA DPH use to measure performance?

Answer: Desired outcomes will include increased hospital engagement in the networks named in the Scope of Service, increased hospital reporting compliance, strengthened partnerships with community-based organizations, improved care coordination, and progress towards capacity building and quality improvement program goals.

16. Question: Will the selected vendor have access to the MBQIP data for MA hospitals involved in this initiative?

Answer: The selected vendor may have access to the MBQIP data for the hospitals involved in this initiative, pending hospital approval and the completion of necessary documentation, such as confidentiality agreements.

17. Question: Will hospitals involved in this initiative be responsible for any costs for participating in IHI training or certification?

Answer: No, participating hospitals will not be responsible for IHI training or certification costs.