RFQ 27PRF7600927 EPHT Mentorship of an Unfunded Jurisdiction Project Support Q and A received as of 8 17 26.docx

Questions and Answers

RFQ 27PRF7600927: EPHT Mentorship of an Unfunded Jurisdiction Project Support COMMBUYS BID Number: BD-27-1031-BEH00-BEH01-131685

Question 1: Evaluation Criteria 6. Quality of Previous Work includes "Relevance and quality of work samples." Can applicants submit work samples as an attachment to the proposal?

Answer 1: Yes. Applicants may submit work samples as an attachment to the proposal. Work samples, resumes and references will not count toward the 15-page proposal limit. Applicants should clearly reference any attached work samples within the proposal narrative, particularly in response to Evaluation Criterion 6: Quality of Previous Work.

Questions received as of 8 17 26:

Question 2: Roughly how many meetings/sessions with the Massachusetts Epidemiologists Collaborative (or subgroup) does DPH anticipate over the period of performance?

Answer 2: We anticipate approximately 3-4 meetings or engagement sessions over the project period of performance. An additional 2-3 targeted informational meetings may be scheduled as needed based on project activities, stakeholder feedback, and the needs of the project. We also expect that 2-3 Collaborative members will participate in routine project meetings with BCEH and MACR throughout the performance period.

Question 3: Can DPH confirm the expected timeline between the anticipated start date (September 1, 2026) and contract execution via DocuSign?

Answer 3: DPH anticipates that the engagement and project will commence upon full execution of the engagement document. Following award, the engagement will be executed via DocuSign. September 1, 2026, is an estimated start date and may be adjusted based on the time required to complete the contracting process, obtain necessary approvals and signatures, and finalize the engagement.

Question 4: Is there an expected format or length for the final guide under Task 3?

Answer 4: The format, structure, and level of detail for the final guide will be informed through stakeholder engagement and feedback sessions. The goal is to develop a guide that local health officials can routinely and efficiently use when responding to community concerns. The final guide may take the form of a document, web content, or other practical tool with the format determined based on user feedback. The vendor should anticipate incorporating stakeholder feedback into the development of the guide and may recommend the appropriate format and length based on feedback and priorities identified during the project.

Question 5: For Task 1, what is the anticipated number of interviews/engagement sessions, the expected size of the Collaborative (or subgroup), and are all sessions acceptable virtually, or is in-person participation expected anywhere?

Answer 5: We anticipate approximately 3-4 meetings or engagement sessions over the project period of performance. An additional 2-3 targeted informational meetings may be scheduled as needed based on project activities, stakeholder feedback, and the needs of the project. We also expect that 2-3 Collaborative members will participate in routine project meetings with BCEH and MACR throughout the performance period.

The Collaborative has approximately 40 members, however, we anticipate approximately 10 members will participate in project-related engagement sessions. The number may vary based on availability and project needs. All sessions are acceptable in virtual format.