Maryland Summit on Behavioral Health

The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) is requesting proposals under a Multi-Step Invitation for Bids (MS-IFB) to provide venue, labor, equipment, and operations for Maryland's 2026 Summit on Behavioral Health, with proposals due February 10, 2026, and questions due February 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time. This is a Small Business Reserve procurement restricted to certified small businesses as defined under Maryland State Finance and Procurement Article sections 14-501 through 14-505; only vendors holding a Certified Small Business designation are eligible.

The summit will accommodate 250 to 300 attendees across two days on one of three date options: September 9–10, 11–12, or 17–18, 2026, in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, or Howard County. The contractor must provide one main conference room configured in banquet style for 300 attendees, three theater-style workshop rooms seating 100 each, audio-visual equipment with technician support, wireless internet, continental breakfast, hot lunch buffet, afternoon snacks, complimentary beverages, registration tables, signage, and complimentary parking including five reserved spaces for state officials. Dietary accommodations are required: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal options. The contractor must be licensed to operate in Maryland and hold valid business, fire department, and health permits.

The financial proposal requires separate pricing for four line items only: Audio/Visual, Event Space, Staff, and Food/Beverage, based on 300 attendees, with no additional charges permitted. Pricing must comply with per-diem rates specified in the Financial Form. The state is tax-exempt and will provide tax-exempt documentation. The incumbent contractor, Crown Plaza Annapolis, hosted the previous event at a contract value of $25,340 and is eligible to compete. The contract runs June 1 through October 31, 2026. The contractor must carry Commercial General Liability insurance of $1 million combined single limit per occurrence and $3 million annual aggregate, Crime Insurance with $1 million minimum, and Worker's Compensation insurance of $1 million per occurrence, with the state listed as additional insured on all policies except workers' compensation. Technical evaluation covers contractor response and work plan, staff experience and qualifications, offeror capabilities, and economic benefit to Maryland; financial proposals are ranked by total price. Three or more references from customers served within the past five years are required. Shortlisted offerors will be notified within three days to schedule a site visit of one hour or less.