REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ Number: 3140004671 External Program Evaluator Issue Date: August 25, 2026

CLOSING TIME AND DATE

Statements of Qualifications must be received before:

2:00 pm CST, September 28, 2026

QUALIFICATIONS COORDINATOR

Patricia Youngblood

Telephone: (601) 576-7954 E-mail: procurement@msdh.ms.gov

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Section 1 - Background, Authority and Purpose

The Mississippi State Department of Health (hereinafter "Agency") has issued this solicitation for the purpose of soliciting qualifications from a qualified bidder to provide the External Program Evaluator

The bidder will serve in the role of Program Evaluator. The purpose of the Program Evaluator is to assist the program with developing, executing, and disseminating evaluation plans and findings for the purposes of required programmatic evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and targeted service delivery improvements. The contractor will create recommendations based on findings, provide input on evaluation questions, and use the findings for successful achievement of respective program goals.

The Agency desires to contract with a contractor that possesses the most relevant experience, credentials, and other qualifications as stated within this RFQ. The Agency seeks to enter into a 2 1/2 year contract, at a yearly rate of $50,000.00 per year with a firm-fixed price for the aforementioned services.

The initial period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFQ will be 2 1/2 years, tentatively scheduled to begin on or about December 01, 2026 and to end on November 30, 2028. The Agency reserves the right to renew the Contract for up to three additional years at the sole discretion of the Agency.

Section 2 - Timeline

Request for Qualifications Issue Date: August 25, 2026

Request for Reconsideration of Solicatation

August 28, 2026, 2:00pm

Questions and Requests for Clarification to

Agency Deadline:

September 1, 2026, 2:00pm

Anticipated Posting of Written Answers to

Questions:

September 3, 2026, 4:00pm

Statement of Qualifications Submission

Deadline:

September 28, 2026, 2:00pm

Anticipated Date of the Notice of Intent to

Award:

September 30, 2026, 4:00pm

Reconsideration of Notice of Intent to

Award :

October 5, 2026, 2:00pm

Section 3 - Contact and Questions/Requests for Clarification

3.1 Bidders must carefully review this solicitation, the Contract, risk management provisions, and all attachments for defects, questionable, or objectionable material. Following review, the bidder may have questions to clarify or interpret the RFQ in order to submit the best qualifications possible. To accommodate the questions and requests for clarifications, bidders shall submit any such question through the Question

& Answer section of this IFB on the Agency's OpenGov Procurement portal by the deadline reflected in

Section 2. All questions and requests for clarifications must be directed through the Agency's portal.

3.2 Official responses will be provided only for questions submitted as described above and only to clarify information already included in the RFQ. The identity of the organization submitting the question(s) will not be revealed. All questions and answers will be published on the Agency's OpenGov Procurement portal and released as an addendum to the RFQ by the date and time reflected in Section 2.

3.3 The Agency will not be bound by any verbal or written information that is not contained within this RFQ unless formally noticed and issued by the contact person as an RFQ amendment. Bidders are cautioned that any statements made by agency personnel that materially change any portion of the RFQ or qualifications shall not be relied upon unless subsequently ratified by a formal written addendum to the RFQ.

3.4 All bidder communications regarding this RFQ must be directed through the Agency portal or to the designated Qualifications Coordinator. Unauthorized contact regarding the RFQ with other employees of the Agency may result in the bidder being disqualified, and the bidder may also be suspended, disbarred, or removed from consideration for award of contracts with the State of Mississippi for a period of two (2) years.

3.5 Pre-Submittal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit: No pre-submittal conference, tour, or site visit will be held for this RFQ.

3.6 Acknowledgement of Amendments: Should an amendment to the RFQ be issued, it will be posted on the

Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website in a manner that all bidders will be able to view. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the solicitation by signing and returning the amendment with the Statement of Qualifications, by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on the RFQ amendment, or by letter.

The acknowledgment should be received by the agency by the time, date, and at the place specified for receipt of qualifications. It is the bidder's sole responsibility to monitor the websites for any updates or amendments to the RFQ. Questions and Answer document(s) and/or Summary of Pre-Submittal

Conference, Tour, or Site Visit, if any, are issued/posted on the Mississippi Contract/Procurement

Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website, must be treated the same as an RFQ

Amendment.

3.7 Bidders must provide a signed Acknowledgement of RFQ Amendment(s), Questions and Answer document(s), and/or Summary of Pre-Submittal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit, if any were issued/posted on the Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website.

3.8 The RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, any amendments issued prior to the submission deadline, and any other documents released before contract award.

Section 4 - Scope of Services

Scope of Practice (CDC-Aligned)

Planning and Design Evaluation

• Develop an Evaluation Plan and Logic Model within 30 days of award, co-created with MS WISEWOMAN staff and key partners.

• Define process, output, and outcome indicators mapped to CDC WISEWOMAN requirements, program goals, and

Mississippi priorities.

• Establish data flows, roles/responsibilities, and a data quality plan (DQ checks, reconciliation, documentation).

B. Data Management & Analysis

• Review, clean, and analyze program data (including CDC MDE) on a quarterly cycle, document methods and version control.

• Conduct stratified analyses (e.g., race/ethnicity, rural/urban, payer status, clinic/partner site) to monitor equity and performance.

• Perform fidelity assessments for priority interventions (e.g., SMBP) and generate improvement recommendations.

• Where feasible, conduct cost/effort analyses (e.g., per-participant costs, intervention delivery costs) to inform sustainability.

C. Mixed-Methods Inquiry

• Design and carry out qualitative activities (e.g., key informant interviews, focus groups, brief surveys) with clients, providers, care teams, and community partners.

• Ensure appropriate consent, privacy protection, and IRB consultation if needed (MSDH determines IRB requirements).

D. Reporting & Visualization

• Quarterly Data Briefs (≤10 pages): key metrics, trends, equity highlights, CQI recommendations, and implementation notes.

• Annual Evaluation Report (comprehensive): methods, findings (process & outcomes), fidelity results, equity analysis, lessons learned, and next-year recommendations.

• Maintain a secure dashboard (Power BI preferred) refreshed at least monthly; include enrollment, intervention uptake, BP control, referrals/completions, and equity strata.

• Provide input and supporting analysis for CDC performance reports and any required grant progress narratives.

E. Technical Assistance & Capacity Building

• Conduct quarterly learning sessions for MS WISEWOMAN staff and partners (e.g., interpreting data, using dashboards, CQI cycles, health equity strategies).

• Provide ad hoc consultation on data collection tools, workflow optimization, and integrating evaluation into program operations.

F. Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain SOPs for data management, privacy, and reporting; update as requirements evolve.

• Execute and follow DUAs, BAAs (if applicable), and secure data transfer protocols.

• Participate in CDC or MSDH audits and respond to data inquiries in a timely manner.

G. Compliance, Privacy, and Security Federal: 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), applicable OMB circulars, federal grant conditions.

• Privacy: HIPAA compliance; PHI handling; secure data transfer; encryption at rest/in transit.

• State: Mississippi privacy statutes; agency security policies; state travel and procurement rules.

• Data Agreements: DUAs/BAAs as required; documentation of data governance.

• IRB: Bidder to advise; MSDH determines IRB need; bidder supports submission if applicable.

Method of Accountability: The Project Director will be involved in direct correspondence with SME, while the HDSPP Director will ensure the state workplan deliverables are met. The Data Analyst will collect assessments, evaluate the project, and disseminate data to the epi/evaluation team. The contractor will attend meetings and discussions, may suggest directions for the future, identify program modifications, enhancements of efforts, and reaffirm what is going well, and participate in activities to improve services for women seeking CVD preventive health services.

Skills/Competencies:

• Advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis; clear scientific writing.

• Stakeholder engagement; culturally responsive evaluation practice.

• Project management; timely deliverables; collaborative approach.

• Ability to translate findings into practical program improvements.

Technical Proposal (≤20 pages, excluding appendices)

• Cover Letter with authorized signatory.

• Approach & Methodology: Evaluation framework, equity integration, data management plan, and fidelity assessment plan.

• Work Plan & Timeline: Milestones aligned to Deliverables Schedule.

• Team Qualifications: Resumes/CVs; roles; time allocation (FTE %).

• Relevant Experience: Up to five engagements; include outcomes, client references, and sample work (e.g., anonymized reports/dashboards).

• Data Security & Compliance: HIPAA, 2 CFR 200, DUAs/BAAs experience; IRB approach (if required).

• Mississippi Context: Understanding of local partners, rural/urban dynamics, and health equity considerations.

Budget & Payment

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (deliverable-based) with optional hourly TA.

• Payment Schedule: Upon acceptance of deliverables (e.g., 20% upon Evaluation Plan; 40% prorated across Quarterly

Briefs; 40% upon Annual Report and dashboard completion).

• Invoices due monthly or quarterly with deliverable tracking and a brief activity report.

Deliverables

A: Program Planning and Technical Assistance

A1. Beginning DATE, assist the staff of the MSDH WISEWOMAN Program (MS-WWP) in scheduling and planning meetings with internal and external partners, and facilitate cross-coordination and synergies.

A2. Beginning DATE, be available by phone, email, and on an “as needed” basis to assist the MSDH MS-WWP personnel in accomplishing the goals of the formalized CDC evaluation plan.

A3. Beginning DATE, review the MSDH MS-WWP work plan activities to develop comprehensive evaluation tools, assessment summaries, evaluation reports, data sources, and relevant data files to consider evaluation needs.

B: Program Evaluation

B1. Assist in the design of the overall project evaluation framework, a comprehensive operational plan, and alternative approaches. This includes the identification of priority areas and the timeline for implementation in concordance with programs’ goals, objectives, expected outcomes, performance measures, and activities. An Evaluation and Performance Measurement

Plan will be due to program leads by DATE.

B2. Work with the MSDH MS-WWP to identify common population/community health and other specific measures useful for the projects’ evaluation.

B3. Help identify existing data sources or tools needed for the overall evaluation.

B4. Monitor progress towards developing reports and other materials based on the programs’ data.

B5. Collect/compile and analyze/interpret complex data.

B6. Submit evaluation reports (i.e., Performance Measures, Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) including an integral copy of all datasets used for the evaluation report.

B7. Participate in monthly CDC meetings with the MS-WWP staff and monthly project leadership team meetings to discuss evaluation activities and report outcomes.

B8. Work closely with the MS-WWP staff and MS-WWP providers by providing training and technical support on data collection, developing evaluations, and pre/post-tests as needed.

B9. Summarize and present pre/post-tests and evaluation results to the MSDH MS-WWP and internal and external partners.

B10. Use data when developing evaluation reports, infographics, fact sheets, GIS maps, success stories, PowerPoint presentations, abstracts, and other brief reports.

B11. Beginning DATE, submit and present partial and final evaluation reports to the MSDH MS-WWP that include the following:

a. Progress on the Year Work Plan using data related to MSDH MS-WWP.

b. Summary of planning meetings and MS-WWP provider activities.

c. Summary of surveys assessing progress.

B12. Help to write goals, objectives, and strategies for the grant renewal application each year.

B13. Work closely with the MS-WWP staff to write the surveillance/evaluation section of the action plans/progress reports for submission to our funders before the due date. Write the initial drafts of the evaluation reports and help get the final versions completed.

B14. All data from MS-WWP belongs to the Mississippi State Department of Health and cannot be used for publication, presentations, or in any other format unless approved and permission is obtained from MSDH (Request must be submitted in writing).

B15. Information pertaining to the grant that is shared with the evaluator is to be treated as Confidential (full grant proposal budget work plan, etc.). Requestors for such information must complete a “Public Record Request” form from MSDH.

B16. Submit monthly invoices along with electronic copies of all supporting documentation. Receipts are required for reimbursement of supplies and hotel lodging.

Evaluation Plan

The Program Evaluator will serve as the PI for the project. They will assist in the design of an overall project evaluation framework, a comprehensive operational plan, and alternative approaches, as well as develop comprehensive evaluation tools, assessment summaries, and evaluation reports (SOW#B1). This framework will be informed by the MSDH MS-WWP work plan, previously developed MS-WWP action plans, assessment summaries, evaluation reports, current data sources, and relevant data files to inform the specific evaluation needs of the program (SOW#A3). All objectives will be operationalized, linked to data collection or capture methods through internal or external data sources, and monitored over time for trends. They will identify any sources of data that are currently unavailable or not being collected, and either create data collection instruments or identify data sources that can be utilized. When data collection methods or instruments are initiated, staff will be trained by the evaluator, and technical support will be provided as needed in the area of data collection tools and pre-tests/post-tests

Meetings (In-Person and Virtual), Communication, and Technical Assistance

The evaluator will assist the staff of the MSDH MS-WWP in scheduling and planning meetings with internal and external partners and facilitate cross-coordination and synergies (SOW#A1). The evaluator will also work closely with the MS-WWP staff and sub-grantees by providing training and technical support on data collection, developing evaluations, and pre/post-tests as needed

(SOW#B8). The provision of facilitation, coordination, and technical assistance may require in-person meetings. The evaluator will attend in-person meetings as requested by MS-WWP as often as necessary and will participate in monthly CDC meetings with the MS-WWP staff and monthly project leadership team meetings to discuss evaluation activities and report outcomes. (SOW#B7).

The current budget allows for 2 overnight stays and 718.4 miles for travel. However, if more travel is required, the evaluator is amenable to any travel required by the project to facilitate its success. The evaluator is also available “as needed” virtually through Zoom, via conference call (MS Teams), and cell phone, and will return all messages within 24 hours, including weekends

(SOW#A2). Travel will be reimbursed at the approved Federal Rate.

Data Analysis

The evaluator will collect, compile, analyze, and interpret complex data associated with evaluating the MSDH MS-WWP

(SOW#B5). The evaluator has extensive experience in developing data collection tools such as surveys, needs assessments, and other evaluation instruments and assessments in multiple data capture platforms such as REDCap and Qualtrics, and will summarize and present pre/post-tests and evaluation results to the MSDH MS-WWP, the Office of Evaluation, and internal and external partners (SOW#B9).

Data Collection, Interpretation, Dissemination, and Report Writing The evaluator will use valid data when developing evaluation reports, infographics, fact sheets, GIS maps, success stories, PowerPoint presentations, abstracts, and other brief reports (SOW#B10). The evaluator will work with the MSDH MS-WWP to identify common population/community health and other specific measures useful for the project’s evaluation (SOW#B2) and help identify existing data sources or tools needed for the overall evaluation (SOW#B3). The evaluator will help to write goals, objectives, and strategies for the grant renewal application each year (SOW#B12). The evaluator will work closely with the MSDH

MS-WWP staff to write the surveillance/ evaluation sections of the action plans/progress reports for submission to program funders prior to the due date (SOW#B13). The evaluator will also write preliminary drafts of evaluation reports and assist in the completion of final reports (SOW#B13). More specifically, the evaluator will submit and present partial and final evaluation reports to the MSDH MS-WWP that include reports on the Progress on the Year Work Plan using data related to MSDH MS-

WWP, summaries of planning meetings and health systems’ activities, and summaries of surveys assessing progress (SOW#B11).

The evaluator will also monitor progress toward developing reports and dissemination materials based on the MSDH Office of

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention programs’ data (SOW#B4).

Evaluation Administration and Confidentiality

Required report requests and internal programmatic data should be provided to the evaluator at least two weeks prior to the date they are needed, and final products will be provided to the lead contact for approval and feedback at least one week prior to dissemination. When professional publications are produced by the evaluator, such as in the event of a journal article, conference poster presentation, or invited speaking engagement, the evaluator expects to have collaborative authorship. The office director, the program director, and the director of evaluation will be coauthors and will make significant contributions according to the parameters recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). The evaluator will submit evaluation reports (i.e., Performance Measures, Evaluation, and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) including an integral copy of all datasets used for the evaluation report (SOW#B6). The evaluator understands that all data from MSDH

MS-WWP belongs to the Mississippi State Department of Health and cannot be used for publication, presentations, or in any other format unless approved and permission by MSDH, and that request must be submitted in writing (SPW#14). Additionally, any information pertaining to the grant that is shared with the evaluator will be treated as Confidential (full grant proposal budget work plan, etc.). The evaluator understands that requestors for such information must complete a “Public Record

Request” from MSDH (SOW#B15). The evaluator will submit monthly invoices along with electronic copies of all supporting documentation. The evaluator understands that receipts are required for reimbursement of supplies and hotel lodging

(SOW#B16).

This evaluation plan is meant to be broad and comprehensive in scope. All aspects of the detailed evaluation plan will be created through input and collaboration with MSDH MS-WWP. This includes any adaptation to the programmatic logic model, objective definition, data collection instruments and data sources, goals for analysis, and report dissemination.

▪ Day 30: Final Evaluation Plan & Logic Model

▪ Monthly: Dashboard refresh & summary email

▪ Quarterly (Q1-Q4): Data Briefs, stakeholder presentation, and CQI recommendations

▪ By December 30 (Annually): Annual Evaluation Report.

▪ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time deliverables (≥95%).

• Data quality improvement (e.g., reduction in missingness/invalid entries in MDE; documented DQ resolutions).

• Actionable CQI recommendations adopted by program (≥2 per quarter).

• Equity analysis included in every quarterly brief and the annual report.

• Stakeholder satisfaction (≥85% positive via brief survey after learning sessions).

Vendor Responsibilities

Vendor shall:

• Assign a Vendor Account Representative to work directly with the Agency Representative.

• Perform all services provided in the Contract between the Bidder and the Agency in accordance with customary and reasonable industry standards as well as in strict conformance to all laws, statutes, and ordinances and the applicable rules, regulations, methods and procedures of all government boards, bureaus, offices, and other agents. The Bidder shall be responsible for the complete performance of all work; for the methods, means, and equipment used; and for furnishing all materials, tools, apparatus, and property of every description used in connection therewith. No statement within this RFQ shall negate compliance with any applicable governing regulation. The absence of detailed specifications or the omission of a detailed description shall be recognized as meaning that only the best commercial practices are to prevail and that only first quality materials and workmanship are to be used.

Vendor shall also:

• Administer and maintain all employment and payroll records, payroll processing, and payment of payroll checks and taxes, including the deductions required by state, federal, and local laws such as social security and withholding taxes for their business and employees;

• Make all unemployment compensation contributions as required by federal and state law(s) and process claims as required for their business and employees;

• Perform a background check and/or drug screening prior to placement if requested by the Contracting Agency and verify and/or provide the results; and

• Replace immediately, at no additional expense to the Contracting Agency, any employee not performing satisfactorily.

Vendor shall also:

Meet these additional eligibility requirements:

• System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: All applicants are required to register with System for Award

Management (SAM) and submit proof of current registration with their subgrant application.

• Unique Entity ID: All applicants must obtain and report a Unique Entity ID.

• Appropriately trained, licensed, or certified staff. Any staff providing services or otherwise carrying out grant activities must receive proper training and must possess any applicable professional licensure or certifications required by Title

73 of the Mississippi Code.

• Compliance with Regulatory Agencies. All applicants should ensure that their operations are following any applicable federal, state, or local regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to, zoning and land use regulations, permitting or inspection requirements, criminal history or other background checks, provider exclusion checks, or certification and licensure requirements.

Compliance with Health Equity Standards and Expectations

The Mississippi State Department of Health is committed to identifying health disparities and eliminating health inequities. The

MSDH acknowledges that racial and ethnic minorities and historically marginalized residents experience health inequities and do not have the same opportunities as other groups to achieve and sustain optimal health. Throughout the components of the qualifications, bidders are encouraged to:

• Implement the goals of the National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity

(https://www.phdmc.org/program-documents/healthy-lifestyles/dche/64-achieving-health- equity/file) and ensure activities are aligned with the five strategies in the plan: awareness, leadership, health system and life experience, cultural and linguistic competency, and data, research and evaluation.

• Justify the extent to which specific health disparities are priority areas with the focus of the funding program and how addressing these will advance health equity.

• Propose evidence-based solutions to the health disparities identified in the RFP.

• Demonstrate how proposed activities address specific health inequities or identified social determinants of health connected to the health problem.

• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence according to the National CLAS Standards.

• Describe how services or activities provided within this proposal will be delivered equitably to all populations served and especially those currently underserved, historically marginalized, and ethnically diverse groups.

Compliance with MSDH Information and Security Requirements

The selected recipient must meet all information security and privacy requirements as set by the Mississippi State Department of Health. All data developed under this funding opportunity must be stored, protected, shared, utilized, retained, returned, and/or destroyed in accordance with applicable federal and state law, regulations, and standards, including, but not limited to, the federal.

H. Appropriately trained, licensed, or certified staff. Any staff providing services or otherwise carrying out grant activities must receive proper training and must possess any applicable professional licensure or certifications required by Title

73 of the Mississippi Code.

I. Compliance with Regulatory Agencies. All applicants should ensure that their operations are following any applicable federal, state, or local regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to, zoning and land use regulations, permitting or inspection requirements, criminal history or other background checks, provider exclusion checks, or certification and licensure requirements.

Conclusion

• The Agency reserves the right to amend, cancel, or reissue this RFQ.

http://www.phdmc.org/program-documents/healthy-lifestyles/dche/64-achieving-health-

• Submissions become the property of the Agency and may be subject to public records laws, with confidential information handled per statute.

• Award is contingent upon available funding and successful contract negotiation.

• The selected bidder may not subcontract core evaluation activities without prior written approval.

Section 5 - Qualifications Evaluation and Basis for Award

5.1 All qualifications received in response to this RFQ by the stated deadline will receive a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation. A formal scoring methodology comprised of three phases – Cost, Management, and Technical- will be utilized with each qualification. Each is required to pass the previous phase in order to qualify for further evaluation in the next phase. Agency will use an evaluation committee to review and evaluate the qualifications using a 100-point scale as well as consensus scoring. Consensus scoring involves solidarity or general agreement of opinion among evaluators, based on information and data contained in the qualifications. The evaluation of any qualifications may be suspended and/or terminated at the Agency’s discretion at any point during the evaluation process at which time the

Agency determines that said qualifications and/or vendor fails to meet any of the mandatory requirements as stated in this RFQ, the qualifications is determined to contain fatal deficiencies to the extent that the likelihood of selection for contract negotiations is minimal, or Agency and/or the Board receives reliable information that would make contracting with the vendor impractical or otherwise not in the best interests of the Board and/or the State of Mississippi.

5.2 Compliance Phase: In this initial phase of the evaluation process, all qualifications received are reviewed by the Agency

Procurement Director and/or designee to determine if mandatory RFQ requirements have been satisfied, meaning whether a bidder is responsive, responsible, and/or acceptable. Cost requirements are not assigned a point percentage or score, but are simply recorded as Pass or Fail.

• Every statement containing “must,” “shall,” “will,” etc., is a mandatory requirement. Failure to respond leads to mandatory disqualification. Such mandatory requirements are to be clear and (preferably) stand alone.

A Pass score is assigned to each factor for which the response to the question(s) defined is “Yes.” In the event that any factor receives a Fail score or for some reason cannot be evaluated, an explanation of the problem or concern and the corresponding question must be evaluated and made part of the record, to include any allowable waivers.

Statements of Qualifications with errors that do not alter the substance of the qualifications can be accepted, and the

Agency Procurement Director may allow the bidder to correct the problem prior to review as long as the irregularities are insignificant mistakes that can be waived or corrected without prejudice to other bidders. The Agency has the right to waive minor defects or variations of a Statement of Qualifications from the exact requirements of the specifications that do not affect the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance time of the services being procured. If insufficient information is submitted by a bidder with the qualifications for the Agency to properly evaluate the qualifications, the

Agency has the right to require such additional information as it may deem necessary after the time set for receipt of qualifications, provided that the information requested does not change the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance time of the services being procured. Discussions may be conducted with bidders who submit qualifications determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for the award, but qualifications may also be accepted without such discussions. If any component received a Fail score (a “No” response) on any item or contains an item which for some reason cannot be evaluated, it shall be deemed as non-responsive and/or non-responsible. Failure to comply with these RFQ requirements may result in the Statement of Qualifications being eliminated from further consideration. All qualifications which are determined to be responsive, responsible, and/or acceptable will continue on to the next phase.

5.3 Analysis Phase: In the technical evaluation process, the evaluation committee utilizes consensus scoring to determine numerical scores for each Statement of Qualifications.

5.4 Finalist Phase: In the management evaluation process, the evaluation committee seeks to determine from among the finalists whose Statement of Qualifications is the most advantageous to the Agency. Upon completion of the Analysis

Phase, the evaluation committee reviews and compares the numerical scores from among the Bidders in order to determine finalists. The top scoring Bidder, as well as all other Bidders with scores within ten points of the top scoring

Bidder, will be named as finalists and will be further evaluated. This phase consists of the following components:

• Finalist Presentations – At the Agency’s discretion, all finalists may be required to make a presentation to the evaluation committee. If scheduled, individual finalist presentations shall be held in Jackson, Mississippi, or virtually, to allow the evaluation committee the opportunity to conduct interviews of the finalists, and to confirm/clarify information provided in the submitted qualifications or otherwise gathered during the evaluation process. Any substantial oral clarification shall be reduced to writing by the vendor.

5.5 Upon completion of the evaluation of qualifications, the evaluation committee will determine the top scoring qualifications and provide a recommendation to the Agency. The Agency will make a determination as to the qualifications deemed most advantageous to the Agency and will authorize the issuance of a notice of intent-to-award the Contract to the selected bidder and authorize contract negotiations with the selected bidder. Subsequent to such authorization by the Agency, all participating bidders will be notified via email of the award.

5.6 The Agency intends to award one contract to provide the services described in this RFQ to the responsible and responsive vendor whose statement of qualifications is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the State taking into consideration price and the evaluation factors set forth in this RFQ. No other factors or criteria shall be used in the evaluation.

Section 6 - Minimum Vendor Qualifications

The following minimum Vendor requirements are mandatory. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in disqualification of the qualifications submitted by your company. Please respond by restating each minimum requirement, including the number, listed below with documentation that proves specifically how your company meets that minimum criteria. Please include in your responses the total number of years and types of experience of your company. If, in the opinion of the procurement team, you fail to prove that your company meets any of these minimum requirements, the Statement of Qualifications will be disqualified from further evaluation. If this happens, you will be notified of the decision and will have an opportunity to provide additional information to prove your company does meet the minimum requirements. It is incumbent upon the disqualified Vendor to respond timely and completely to any such notice as unreasonable delays and/or non-responsive submissions may result in the disqualification being upheld without further review.

The Vendor must have:

Prior Experience/Required Certification, Accreditation, and/or Licenses

Bidder must have been in business and provided services equivalent or similar in requirements and scale to those described in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a minimum of ten (10) years.

1. Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field.

▪ Demonstrated expertise in public health evaluation, particularly in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) control programs.

▪ Experience working with state or federal health programs and understanding CDC standards.

▪ Experience:

• 10+ years of applied public health program evaluation, including mixed-methods and equity-focused evaluation.

• Highly proficient in the Award Management Program (AMP), REDCap, EPIC MSDH digital platform.

• Demonstrated experience with CDC-funded cooperative agreements (preferably

WISEWOMAN, heart disease & stroke prevention, NBCCEDP, or similar chronic disease programs).

• Expertise in cardiovascular risk reduction interventions (e.g., SMBP with clinical support, team-based care, tobacco cessation, lifestyle change programs).

• Proficiency with statistical software (AMP, SAS, Stata) and data visualization (Power BI).

• Experience conducting fidelity assessments, data quality audits, and CQI facilitation.

• Strong knowledge of HIPAA, 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and data security best practices.

• Familiarity with Mississippi’s public health landscape and rural/urban health equity considerations is strongly preferred.

A.

Required Certification, Accreditation, and/or Licenses

Bidder must have been in business and provided services equivalent or similar in requirements and scale to those described in this RFQ for a minimum of ten (10) years. The determination of the length of time an entity has provided these services will be based upon the initial date the Bidder established a contractual relationship to provide such services.

Bidder shall provide notarized copies of all valid licenses and certificates required for performance of the work. Current notarized copies of licenses and certificates shall be provided to the agency within twenty-four hours of demand at any time during the contract term. Bidder must possess and maintain the minimum vendor certifications, accreditations, and/or licensures described in this RFQ, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following:

1. A valid copy of a Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Services Research, Program

Evaluation, or a closely related field.

2. Preferred: Doctoral degree (PhD/DrPH) in a relevant discipline

3. A professional license, certificate, or documentation of advanced training in the field of biostatistics, clinical research, epidemiology, medical science research, translational research, public health surveillance, or a related area.

Financial Stability or Solvency

Bidder must be financially stable or solvent, if required. Each vendor shall submit copies of the most recent year's independently audited financial statements as well as financial statements for the preceding three (3) years, if they exist. The submission must include the audit opinion, the balance sheet, and statements of income, retained earnings, cash flows, and the notes to the financial statements. If independently audited financial statements do not exist, the Bidder must state the reason and, instead, submit sufficient information to enable the Agency to access the financial stability or solvency of the Bidder, such as financial statements, credit ratings, a line of credit, or other financial arrangements sufficient to enable the Bidder to be capable of meeting the requirements of this RFQ.

Resources and Facilities

The Bidder must have adequate resources and facilities to render the requested services referenced herein. The

Bidder must have in place as of the date of submission of the Statement of Qualifications: [such as secure and accessible work and storage space, appropriate equipment for processing the aforementioned data and mail pieces, and adequate experienced staffing ready to begin performing the requested services.

References

Bidder must provide at least two or more references. References will be interviewed by agency staff with two

(2) references.

( See reference sheet under attachments)

Ability to Perform

The bidder may be required, before the award of any contract, to show to the complete satisfaction of the

Agency that it has the necessary facilities, ability, and financial resources to provide the service specified therein in a satisfactory manner. The Bidder may also be required to give a past history and references in order to satisfy the Agency in regard to the Bidder's qualifications. The Agency may make reasonable investigations deemed necessary and proper to determine the ability of the Bidder to perform the work, and the Vendor shall furnish to the Agency all information for this purpose that may be requested. The Agency reserves the right to reject any Statement of Qualifications if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, the Bidder fails to satisfy the

Agency that the Vendor is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Contract and to complete the work described therein. Evaluation of the Bidder's qualifications shall include:

1. the ability, capacity, skill, and financial resources to perform the work or provide the service required;

2. the ability of the Vendor to perform the work or provide the service promptly or within the time specified, without delay or interference;

3. the character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the Vendor; and,

4. the quality of performance of previous contracts or services.

Section 7 - Statement of Qualifications (Submission Requirements)

Conflicts of Interest

Other Current MSDH Contracts*

List all other current agreements/contracts with MSDH, including the dollar amount associated with the agreement/contract and the beginning and ending dates. If no other funds are received, please mark N/A.

Please provide each entry in the following format:

MSDH Program or Agreement/Contract Name #1

• Dollar Amount

• Contract Beginning Date

• Contract Ending Date

*Response required

Organization Governing Body*

Please list the name of each member of your organization’s Board of Directors or other governing body (i.e., trustee, alderman, partner, owner).

*Response required

Governing Body or Project Staff Affiliations*

Are any members of the governing body or project staff also MSDH employees, MSDH Board Members, or spouses, parents, or children of MSDH employees?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Governing Body or Staff Affiliations - Explanation*

You have indicated that one or more members of your governing body or project staff are also MSDH employees, MSDH Board Members, or spouses, parents, or children of MSDH employees.

Please provide the following for all such individuals:

• Name of Individual

• Indicate if individual is an MSDH Employee, MSDH Board Member, or relative type of MSDH employee.

• Applicable position held with MSDH

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Income From Business*

Does the MSDH Board Member, Employee, or Relative receive more than $2,500.00 per year in income from the business?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Ownership Status - Percentage*

Does the MSDH Board Member, Employee, or Relative own ten (10%) percent or more of the fair market value in the business, either directly or indirectly through another business?

☐ Yes

☐ No

When equals "Yes"

Ownership Status - Amount*

Does the MSDH Board Member, Employee, or Relative have ownership interest in the business, in which the fair market value exceeds $5,000.00?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Position Within Business*

Is the MSDH Board Member, Employee, or Relative a director, officer, or employee of the business?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

Conflict of Interest Certification*

I hereby certify that the information set forth above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and that no MSDH employee, spouse, parent, or child of an MSDH employee, serves as a member of the governing body, project staff, or has an ownership or pecuniary interest in the agreement/contract or organization. I agree to notify MSDH within thirty (30) days if any of these conditions change during the agreement/contract.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

Management Section (Part 1)

Tab 1 - Statement of Qualifications Cover Sheet (Attachment A) containing narrative questionnaire*

Failure to complete and/or sign may result in the Bidder being determined nonresponsive. Unauthorized modification or addition to any portion of the Attachment A may be cause for rejection of the Statement of

Qualifications.

In preparing your written response to the narrative questionnaire, you are required to repeat each question, including the number or requirement followed by your response. Please provide complete answers and explain all issues in a concise, direct manner. If you cannot provide a direct response for some reason (e.g., your firm does not collect or furnish certain information), please indicate the reason rather than providing general information that fails to answer the question. “Will discuss” and “will consider” are not appropriate answers.

*Response required

Tab 2 - Minimum Bidder Requirements Confirmation*

A. Resume

B. A valid copy of a Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field.

C. A professional license, certificate, or documentation of advanced training in the field of biostatistics, clinical research, epidemiology, medical science research, translational research, public health surveillance, or a related area.

*Response required

Technical Section (Part 1)

A. Cover Letter with authorized signatory.

B. Approach & Methodology: Evaluation framework, equity integration, data management plan, and fidelity assessment plan.

C. Work Plan & Timeline: Milestones aligned to Deliverables Schedule.

Tab 3 - Scope of Services Confirmation*

Respond by restating each service listed in RFQ Section 4, Scope of Service, and confirm your intention to provide the service as described by responding, “Confirmed”. If your firm can provide the service, but not exactly as described, respond, “Confirmed, but with exceptions”, and state the specific exceptions. If your firm intends to provide a listed service through a subcontractor, respond, “Confirmed, service will be provided through subcontractor”, and name the subcontractor. If your firm is currently unable to provide a listed service, respond by stating, “Unable to provide this service”. Any additional details regarding these services should be provided in your responses to the questionnaire, or as additional information included as an appendix to your qualifications.

*Response required

Cost Section

Budget & Payment

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price

Tab - Fee Schedule

• Payment Schedule: Upon acceptance of deliverables (e.g., 20% upon Evaluation Plan; 40% prorated across Quarterly Briefs; 40% upon Annual Report and dashboard completion).

• Invoices due monthly or quarterly with deliverable tracking and a brief activity report.

Management Section (Part 2)

References (Attachment C)*

Each bidder must furnish a listing of at least three (3) trade references along with the contact person, address, and phone number for each. (Form is located under attachments.) These references must be familiar with the

Bidder's abilities in the areas involved with this solicitation. Agency staff will use these references to determine the Bidder's ability to perform the services. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that the reference contact information is correct and current. Agency staff will not track down references. Bidders should verify before submitting their Statement of Qualifications that the contact person and phone number are correct for each reference. Agency staff must be able to reach two (2) references for a bidder within two (2) business days of qualifications opening to be considered responsive. (See Section 6.5 and Attachments C .) Only bidders who are found responsive and/or responsible will have their qualifications considered. Bidder may submit as many references as desired. Agency staff will begin contacting references at the top of the list and will continue down the list until they have completed Reference Score Sheets for two (2) references. After two (2) score sheets are completed, the reference check process will end.

*Response required

Tab 6 - RFQ Statement of Compliance and Exception(s) form (Attachment E))

If a bidder objects to any terms, conditions, or requirements listed in the External Program Evaluator, dated

Tuesday, August 25, 2026, including all RFQ attachments and amendments, the Bidder must list and explain the exceptions taken. If no exceptions are taken, then the Bidder shall state on the form “No Exceptions Taken.”

Failure to indicate any exception will be interpreted as the Bidder's intent to comply fully with the requirements as written. Failure to complete and/or sign may result in the Bidder being determined non- responsive. Refer to

RFQ Sections 7.2.10-7.2.12 and 14.5.

Technical Section (Part 2)

Tab 7 - Service Plan*

Address the following:

• Security Procedures - Describe the security procedures your company uses to protect mailing list files.

• Timeline - Based on the projects listed in Section 4, Scope of Services/Specifications, provide an estimated timeline for each project from design approval to delivery to an appropriate USPS postal facility.

• Facility - Describe the facility that will be used to provide the services required in this RFP, including but not limited to location, square footage, access, security, freight-handling capability, and storage capability.

• Equipment - Describe your resources or equipment that will be used to provide the services required in this RFP, including but not limited to computers, printers, folding machines, tabbing devices, inserters, labelers, metering devices, and trucks.

*Response required

Technical Section (Part 3)

Tab 8 - Signed Acknowledgment(s) of RFQ Amendment(s)*

(if any were posted)

In the event of no Amendments or Addenda to this RFQ, you are still required to upload a statement here regarding such.

Tab 9 - Resumes for Key Staff*

Provide a complete résumé of key vendor staff who will be assigned to render services to the Agency, including detailed information on any special training or designations. Specifically identify the executive who will serve as the primary contact for the Agency. Provide each person’s total number of years of experience related to the services being requested in the RFQ.

A. Team Qualifications: Resumes/CVs; roles; time allocation (FTE %).

B. Relevant Experience: Up to five engagements; include outcomes, client references, and sample work

(e.g., anonymized reports/dashboards).

Authorized Business in Mississippi*

Provide a valid copy of the Secretary of State Registration

Is the Offeror in compliance with Mississippi Code Annotated § 79-4-15.01 regarding authorization to transact business in Mississippi?

*Response required

Additional Information

Debarment, Suspension, and Eligibility*

The applicant certifies that they or any of its principals _____ presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for award of federal or state…