Study of MD Health Care Regulatory Commissions and the MD Insurance Administration

The Maryland Department of Health's Office of the Secretary is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) to contract with an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive study and analysis of four state health regulatory entities: the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC), the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), and the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (MCHRC). This procurement is mandated by Chapters 794 and 795 of the Acts of 2024 and requires the contractor to examine statutory and regulatory duties, identify overlaps, and provide recommendations for improving effectiveness and efficiency across these agencies. Key deliverables include a memorandum of preliminary findings due July 1, 2026, a draft report due August 1, 2026, a final report due August 15, 2026, and a PowerPoint presentation due September 1, 2026. The contractor must conduct weekly update calls with the Department throughout the eight-month performance period and attend a kick-off meeting within five business days of award. Evaluation criteria include demonstrated commitment to ADA compliance, adequacy of the work plan and staffing plan, approach to reviewing duties and overlaps, strategy for communicating recommendations, interview methodology, and timeline feasibility. Applications must be submitted via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) by May 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations classified as tax-exempt under 501(c)(3), state or local government agencies, public colleges, or state universities. Applicants are required to demonstrate at least four years of consecutive experience within the past eight years performing health policy analysis, program evaluation, and comparable evaluations for government agencies, and must provide two professional references. Technical and financial factors will be weighted equally in the award determination. The Department may award a single firm fixed-price grant up to $250,000, with the budget narrative required to align with the proposed work plan and staffing plan, including costs for personnel, consultants, travel, contractual services, supplies, and operating costs. Grant Monitor Jordan Fisher oversees the project, and Contract Officer Nakia Howell manages all application submissions and inquiries. No incumbent vendors or technology integration requirements are identified in the procurement materials.