Data Exchange Framework (DxF) and Social Health Information Exchange (SHIE)

The County of San Mateo Health Administration is requesting proposals for implementation of a Data Exchange Framework (DxF) and Social Health Information Exchange (SHIE) solution under an RFP with proposals due July 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Questions and contract exceptions are due June 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM. A local business preference ordinance awards five percent preferential points for local businesses or non-profits, an additional three percent for small businesses or small non-profits (total eight percent), or five percent for micro businesses or micro non-profits (total ten percent).

Minimum qualifications are restrictive: proposers must hold operational and DxF-certified QHIO or HIE solution status, demonstrate successful onboarding of at least one healthcare entity for DxF compliance, maintain active SAM.gov registration, and agree to use the County's standard contract template without substantive modifications. The solution must support FHIR-based data exchange with three core modalities: query-based exchange, electronic referrals and orders, and admission, discharge, and transfer (ADT) notifications. Compliance with California's Data Exchange Framework requirements under SB 660 is mandatory. All employees must be United States-based with background security checks and annual security awareness training; vendors must demonstrate HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and California privacy law compliance with documented data security controls.

Insurance requirements are substantial: comprehensive general liability of $1,000,000, professional liability of $1,000,000, and cyber liability with privacy and network security coverage of $5,000,000/$1,000,000. The contract term is three years with one optional two-year extension exercisable at the County's sole discretion with thirty days' written notice before the initial term ends. Evaluation proceeds in four phases: Phase 1 (pass/fail on minimum qualifications), Phase 2 (points for project approach 27.3%, firm qualifications 22.7%, team qualifications 18.2%, and price 22.7%), Phase 3 (interviews and demonstrations), and Phase 4 (overall best-fit). Interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 3, 2026, with anticipated award on October 13, 2026.