RFA - Excellence in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), through its Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), is seeking a single vendor to develop and implement a comprehensive workforce development program for the early childhood mental health sector. This Request for Applications (RFA) aims to support the State of Maryland's Endorsement initiative by creating a Center of Excellence in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program. The selected vendor will be responsible for developing training aligned with Endorsement criteria, implementing Learning Collaboratives for Reflective Supervision, and training professionals in the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC 0-5). Key deliverables include creating a crosswalk of Maryland IECMH trainings to Endorsement standards, conducting quarterly training sessions, developing a Cohort of Endorsement Trainings, and providing monthly and quarterly reports to the Behavioral Health Administration. The contract period will run from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030, with a pre-application conference scheduled for April 15, 2025, and applications due by May 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm EST. Mandatory requirements include demonstrating two years of experience in providing relevant training services and implementing professional development programs in the infant and early childhood mental health domain.

The procurement is specifically targeted at social organizations defined under Maryland state law, with nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations required to submit documentation of their tax-exempt status. Applicants must comply with various federal requirements, including Americans with Disabilities Act provisions, and be prepared to undergo risk assessments and potential audits. The total available funding for this opportunity is up to $1,000,000, with the Department intending to make a single award contingent upon funding availability. Prospective bidders must possess substantial experience in workforce training, particularly in areas such as Reflective Supervision, developing Learning Communities, and implementing trainings as part of the State Endorsement process. The financial proposal must be submitted using the provided Financial Proposal Form, which requires detailed breakdown of costs including personnel expenses, travel, supplies, subcontracts, and other direct costs. Vendors must also submit a separate Budget Narrative in Word format and include comprehensive financial information covering the entire five-year service period. Failure to adhere precisely to the submission guidelines may result in proposal rejection.