Mental Health Parity MCO Helpdesk Tool Technical Assistance

The Maryland Department of Health, Office of Innovation, Research, and Development is issuing a small procurement (MDH-IRD-27-001) for technical assistance services related to the URAC Parity Manager Tool. The contractor will provide support to HealthChoice Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), the Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (ASO), and the Dental ASO to facilitate their use of the tool for mental health parity compliance reporting and analysis in support of Maryland's obligations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act (MHPAEA). Primary deliverables include technical assistance to users, support for the submission of compliance information, and preparation for Maryland's parity compliance report due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on October 1, 2026. The successful contractor must demonstrate expertise in the URAC Parity Manager Tool, its generated reports, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act compliance requirements, and the Final Rule requirements for MHPAEA and MCO/CHIP/Alternative Benefit Plan parity compliance. A post-graduate degree is required, with a Juris Doctor preferred but not mandatory. Bidders must submit an updated portfolio demonstrating experience with mental health parity, Medicaid, and CMS compliance; three professional references from the previous three years; and fully loaded hourly rates by labor category. All bids must be received electronically by 5:00 PM EST on April 17, 2026, with submissions directed to joannae.ruth@maryland.gov. The contract term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, covering State Fiscal Year 2027.

This procurement carries a maximum contract value of $50,000, with invoicing submitted on an hourly basis for actual hours worked upon specific request by the Contractor Monitor. No specific incumbent vendors or set-asides are identified in the procurement documents; however, preference is given to contractors located within the continental United States, and minority business enterprises and small businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. The procurement is classified as a small procurement under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 21.05.07, and the State retains the right to terminate the contract at any time and for any reason. Evaluation will be based on the bidder's portfolio, professional references, and proposed fully loaded hourly rates by labor category. This opportunity represents a specialized engagement requiring demonstrated expertise in mental health parity compliance and familiarity with the specific tool and regulatory framework governing Medicaid managed care organizations in Maryland.