Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Prevention Centers

The Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration is requesting applications to identify and engage four colleges or universities in Maryland to establish or operate Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug Prevention Centers, with applications due January 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage. One center will be selected in each of Maryland's four regions: Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western.

Applicants must be accredited higher education institutions certified by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Minimum experience of zero to two years implementing substance use prevention programs is required; three or more years is preferred. All interventions must align with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Strategic Prevention Framework and SAMHSA's Center for Substance Use Prevention strategies, and applicants must comply with all ADA requirements.

Each regional award is valued at $159,700 per year over a three-year contract period (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029) with one optional renewal year (July 1, 2029 through June 30, 2030) subject to successful implementation and funding availability. The combined total for all four awards is $2,555,200 over the four-year period including the option year. The contract type is firm fixed price.

Successful applicants must commit to establishing membership in the Maryland Collaborative to Reduce College-Age Drinking and Related Problems, conducting comprehensive community needs assessments, developing two-year strategic plans with SMART goals, implementing evidence-based programs with minimum performance measures, and submitting monthly data, quarterly progress reports, and annual evaluation reports. Required meetings include an initial planning meeting within two weeks of award, quarterly check-in calls, and bi-annual site visits.

Applications must include a technical proposal, budget with narrative justification, proof of accreditation, tax-exempt status certification, three letters of reference from community and/or campus partners attesting to experience implementing substance use prevention programs, resumes of key staff, and a completed work plan. A pre-application conference was held January 14, 2026. Contract Monitor Crystal Hack and Grant Monitor Helene Hornum are points of contact.