FY2026 Addressing Disparities in Social Determinants of Health and Obesity in Maryland Communities

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), specifically the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD), is soliciting applications through a Request for Applications (RFA) for community-based interventions targeting social determinants of health and obesity in Maryland communities. The primary objective of this procurement is to reduce health inequities across the state by implementing strategic, localized programs. Potential applicants should be prepared to develop and execute comprehensive intervention strategies that address underlying social factors contributing to health disparities. The RFA focuses on identifying and supporting community-level approaches that can effectively mitigate obesity and related health challenges. The contract opportunity (ID: 67f12534eeff4e4ca50ca8c4) was posted on April 3, 2025, with a proposal submission deadline of May 5, 2025. Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate expertise in community health programming, data-driven intervention design, and a deep understanding of Maryland's specific health equity challenges. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, proposals will likely be assessed on their innovation, potential impact, community engagement strategies, and alignment with the department's health equity goals.

The RFA does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types, suggesting a broadly competitive procurement process. While not specified in the provided information, organizations with demonstrated experience in public health, community wellness, and social determinants of health intervention would be strong candidates. The procurement appears targeted at non-profit organizations, community health centers, academic institutions, and potentially local health departments with proven track records in addressing health disparities. Although no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement suggests a focus on new, innovative approaches to community health interventions. The funding source and potential award value are not explicitly stated in the document, but given the comprehensive nature of the RFA and its focus on statewide health equity, the budget is likely to be substantial. Prospective applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a robust understanding of Maryland's specific health landscape, community needs, and evidence-based strategies for addressing obesity and related health inequities.