988 Statewide Research Project

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) to obtain research on the 988 crisis hotline services in Maryland. The State is seeking research on public awareness, utilization, barriers to use, and opportunities to increase usage of the 988 crisis hotline across Maryland populations. The applicant must have at least 5 years of experience providing research and analysis, including developing survey tools, conducting large surveys, planning and facilitating focus groups, analyzing data, and using research to develop outreach strategies. The anticipated contract duration is one year with two option years, with a target start date of September 1, 2024. Applications are due by June 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM EST via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). The applications will be evaluated on the applicant's organizational capacity and program management, technical and data collection/analysis expertise, strength of the proposed approach, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The resulting contract will be a firm fixed price agreement, with the budget categories potentially including personnel, consultants, travel, contractual, supplies, operating costs, and other project-related costs.

The RFA does not mention any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The incumbent vendor or current contractor is not specified, and any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration is also not mentioned. The RFA does not provide a listed award value or budget range.