Certified Peer Support Specialist Response to Overdose Emergency Calls

Caroline County Health Department is requesting proposals for Certified Peer Support Specialist response services to overdose emergency calls under RFP #BPM058822, with proposals due October 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. EST. Questions are due September 25, 2026; a pre-proposal meeting may be requested by September 21, 2026.

The awardee must deploy at least one CPSS to respond to all overdose-related emergency calls within one hour of notification, operating 24/7. Services include in-person response to individuals and families with resource and case-management support; provision of Naloxone with instructions; completion of community resource referrals within two business days; and one-month follow-up for data tracking. The CPSS must complete HIPAA-compliant consent forms and follow all applicable privacy regulations.

The contract runs from October 15, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with potential amendment-based extensions contingent on available funding. The proposed budget ceiling is $74,175.65; indirect costs are ineligible for reimbursement. Preferred budgets include Naloxone distribution. Only expenses directly related to the project are reimbursable; the bidder must submit monthly invoices and monthly reports detailing responses, referrals by type, and appointments kept.

Required submittals include cover letter, transmission letter, proposal narrative, detailed budget, contingency plan for employee absence or resignation, most recent financial statements, substance abuse policy, peer specialist certification credentials, minimum three reference letters from health organizations, liability insurance documentation, and Certificate of Good Standing/Tax Clearance Statement for Maryland. Proposals must be submitted via email to Kathryn Paul at cachd.procurement@maryland.gov; submissions through eMMA will not be reviewed.

Evaluation criteria weight timely submission with all required elements (10 points), comprehensive and innovative budgeting (10 points), understanding of services and client needs (20 points), experience and capacity serving the target population (20 points), community-based service provider linkages and referral mechanisms (20 points), and staffing capacity to manage projected participants (20 points). Award notification is October 9, 2026.