Health Equity Technical Assistance

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is requesting proposals for Health Equity Technical Assistance services under RFP 2027000016, with proposals due September 29, 2026. The scope involves providing training and technical assistance to Tobacco, Education, Prevention, and Cessation (STEPP) grantees across Arapahoe County and Denver City to implement evidence-based tobacco control strategies and reduce health disparities among priority populations.

The contractor shall deliver technical assistance through remote and in-person modalities, including site visits, one-on-one consultations, regional and topical small groups, and quarterly Learning Community Calls. Key deliverables include a signed project plan due by September 15, 2026; quarterly newsletters; monthly participation in STEPP TA leadership meetings; quarterly progress reports due October 15, January 15, April 15, and July 15; and a final project report due June 31, 2029. All staff must complete STEPP onboarding within three months of contract execution. Materials must be available in English and Spanish and comply with accessibility standards. The contractor must maintain a TA Tracking Log, develop an annual evaluation plan aligned with CDC Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs, and prioritize work targeting tobacco use disparities in schools, multi-unit housing, health care systems, social service settings, and municipal settings.

The contract term extends through June 30, 2029, with annual project plan updates required by July 1 following the first contract year. CDPHE will provide a TA Needs Assessment within 90 calendar days of execution and will review contractor materials within 10 business days. The state standard Personal Services Contract template applies, including a maximum five-year duration, 45-day invoice payment terms, and comprehensive insurance requirements ($1 million general liability, professional liability, and protected information liability). Proposals must include signed Vendor Information and Confirmation of Offer Form (Attachment 1) and a 12-month budget using either Modified Total Direct Costs or Salaries and Fringe methodology with negotiated or De Minimis 15% indirect cost rates. Submissions are via BidNet or hand-delivery to the CDPHE Purchasing Unit in Denver.