FY2027 Maryland Member Assistance Fund Program Administration

The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation is soliciting proposals to administer the Maryland Member Assistance Fund Program, with proposals due November 6, 2026. The selected contractor will provide third-party administration of a financial assistance program for eligible members in DSCI-supported programs, including application intake, eligibility review, applicant communications, fund disbursement, reporting, and related administrative support.

The contractor must operate a secure online application portal, maintain confidential records in compliance with DSCI-established policies, and provide customer service to applicants. The scope encompasses the full lifecycle of assistance applications from intake through disbursement of approved funds.

Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal provides best value to the State based on evaluation criteria specified in the solicitation. Compensation is structured as a not-to-exceed hourly rate arrangement, with payment within thirty days of receipt of proper invoices. Travel, related expenses, and administrative overhead are not compensable. The contract term begins on the effective date, with DSCI retaining the unilateral right to terminate for convenience with fourteen days' written notice, limiting compensation to prorated fees and reasonable termination costs.

Bidders must execute mandatory affidavits certifying compliance with Maryland nondiscrimination, minority business enterprise, and veteran-owned small business enterprise requirements; absence of debarment, criminal convictions (fraud, embezzlement, tax violations, labor law violations), and suspension; payment of all Maryland taxes; compliance with conflict minerals disclosure; and absence of Iran investments and discriminatory boycotts of Israel. Contractors receiving $200,000 or more in aggregate state contracts during a calendar year must file beneficial ownership information with the Maryland Secretary of State within 30 days of reaching the threshold. Contracts valued at $200,000 or more trigger political contribution disclosure requirements for the prior 24 months, with twice-yearly filings thereafter. Contractors must maintain drug and alcohol-free workplaces under COMAR 21.11.08.

All work products and deliverables become the sole property of the State. Records must be retained for three years after final payment or per applicable federal and state retention requirements, whichever is longer.