Cancelled Partnerships to Increase Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health's Prevention and Health Promotion Administration is conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) to increase Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in specific Maryland jurisdictions, with Allegany County identified as a target area. The procurement seeks to fund a healthcare system or organization to implement evidence-based interventions targeting children and adults ages 9-45 for HPV vaccination. Key deliverables include providing HPV education, offering vaccines, ensuring strong provider recommendations, scheduling follow-up appointments, and implementing at least one evidence-based intervention to boost vaccination rates. The contract will be a firm fixed-price agreement running from December 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, with a pre-proposal conference scheduled for October 10, 2024. Proposals are due by October 22, 2024, and will be evaluated based on technical merit and the potential to effectively increase vaccination rates in target counties. The RFP prioritizes jurisdictions with the highest incidence and mortality rates for oral and cervical cancers, requiring quarterly progress reports and detailed data submissions from the selected vendor.

The procurement encourages participation from Minority and Small Business enterprises, with no strict minimum qualifications for offerors. Eligible respondents include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), primary care clinics, health systems with primary care clinics, and community-based organizations operating in Maryland. The solicitation is classified as a small purchase under COMAR regulations, with an anticipated award of a single contract. While a specific budget is not explicitly stated, the pre-proposal conference minutes reference a $50,000 cap for the procurement. The RFP requires submissions in two volumes: a technical proposal and a separate budget narrative, with the State reserving the right to award the contract to the most advantageous proposal considering both technical and financial factors. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to track and report on unique client vaccination data, including metrics by gender and age group, and show potential for implementing comprehensive HPV vaccination strategies.