T1901 Tobacco Cessation Counseling

The New Jersey Department of Health is soliciting bids for a telephone-based Tobacco Cessation Counseling contract (Solicitation #T1901) through the Division of Purchase and Property. The primary objective is to secure a contractor to operate a comprehensive tobacco cessation telephone counseling service utilizing a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) system. The contractor will maintain a toll-free telephone line (866-NJ STOPS), provide multilingual counseling support, conduct client intake and assessments, offer up to five counseling sessions per client, and potentially distribute nicotine replacement therapy products. Key deliverables include detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, adherence to North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) and CDC guidelines, and the ability to expand service delivery by up to 25% based on projected demand. The procurement involves a three-year base contract with potential two-year extensions, with an optional pre-quote conference scheduled for 3/12/25 and quote submissions due by 4/9/25 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Evaluation criteria will focus on the bidder's approach to completing the scope of work, management strategy, and comprehensive understanding of project requirements.

The contract is designated as a set-aside for subcontracting, with encouragement for partnerships involving small, woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. Bidders must complete a comprehensive due diligence questionnaire addressing 30 information security control areas and submit supporting documentation including security policies and audit certifications. The procurement requires extensive documentation, including ownership disclosure, investment activities disclosure, and certifications of non-involvement in prohibited activities. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the pricing sheet indicates a unit-cost model across five price lines covering electronic communications, counseling sessions, and nicotine replacement therapy products. Vendors must provide firm, fixed pricing for each contract year, with the state making no guarantees of specific work volumes. The contract will require strict compliance with state procurement regulations, cybersecurity standards, and detailed reporting mechanisms to national tobacco control organizations.