Request for RFP Exemption for the procurement of professional services related to the development of a Comprehensive Statewide Health Plan.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RFP Number: RFx 3180002944
Comprehensive State Health Plan
Issue Date: May 8, 2026
CLOSING TIME AND DATE
Proposals must be received before:
2:00 pm CST, June 4, 2026
PROPOSAL COORDINATOR
Dorthy Young
Telephone: (601) 576-7954
E-mail: procurement@msdh.ms.gov

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Section 1 - Background, Authority and Purpose
The Mississippi State Department of Health (hereinafter "Agency") has issued this solicitation (RFx number
3180002944) for the purpose of attaining sealed competitive proposals from qualified vendors to provide
Comprehensive State Health Plan.
The Agency seeks a qualified vendor to assist with the development and publication of the Mississippi
Comprehensive State Health Plan (MCSHP or Plan). This statewide planning document will provide a data-driven,
forward-looking assessment of the health of Mississippians and the capacity, structure, and projected needs of
the State's public health and healthcare systems. Designed to promote statewide alignment with the
Department's mission, "To protect and advance the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi",
the Plan will serve as a foundational public health and healthcare planning resource for MSDH and other state
agencies, healthcare providers, community partners, and external stakeholders. The Contractor will work in
partnership with MSDH to: develop a statewide health planning framework and process as further detailed in
the deliverables section of this RFP; provide MSDH with a data-driven, third-party assessment of Mississippi's
rural healthcare system identifying access gaps, workforce needs, and priority challenges to inform actionable,
evidence-based policy and planning recommendations; review and incorporate relevant findings from the 2022
State Health Assessment (SHA) and the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to ensure continuity, alignment,
and evolution of long-term, statewide health planning objectives; assess alignment of statewide health system
needs, strategies, and priorities with relevant federal program objectives (e.g. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services) to support informed investment and planning decisions; and facilitate collaboration with stakeholder
representatives. The goal of this project is to develop and publish a statewide planning document that provides
a data-driven, forward-looking assessment of the health of Mississippians and the capacity, structure, and
projected needs of the State's public health and healthcare systems. The Agency desires to contract with an
experienced vendor that possesses the necessary abilities and resources to provide the services specified within
this Request for Proposal (RFP). The Agency seeks to enter into a multi-term, firm fixed price, requirements
contract for the aforementioned services. This RFP, any amendment thereto, as well as the awarded vendor's
proposal, and any requested best and final offer shall constitute the Contract. This RFP may be canceled at the
sole discretion of the Agency pursuant to the requirements in Section 6.10 of the Public Procurement Review
Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations. Any proposal may also be rejected in
whole or in part when in the best interest of the Agency pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.10 of the
Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations.
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $205,990,180.16, with 99.96% funded
by CMS/HHS ($205,907,220.16) and 0.04% funded by non-government sources ($82,960).
The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an
endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
The Agency desires to contract with an experienced vendor that possesses the necessary abilities and resources to provide the
services specified within this Request for Proposal (RFP). The Agency seeks to enter into a multi-term, firm fixed price,
requirements contract for the aforementioned services. This RFP, any amendment thereto, as well as the awarded vendor's
proposal, and any requested best and final offer shall constitute the Contract.

The initial period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFP will be four years, tentatively scheduled
to begin on or about July 2, 2026 and to end on September 30, 2027. The Agency reserves the right to renew
the Contract for up to one additional year at the sole discretion of the Agency.
Section 2 - Timeline
Request for Proposal Issue Date: May 8, 2026
Request for Reconsideration - Solicitation: May 13, 2026
Questions and Requests for Clarification to May 15, 2026, 10:00am
Agency Deadline:
Question Response Deadline: May 20, 2026, 3:00pm
Proposal Package Submission Deadline: June 4, 2026, 2:00pm
Proposal Opening: June 4, 2026, 2:00pm
Anticipated Date of the Notice of Intent to June 9, 2026, 3:00pm
Award:
Request for Reconsideration - Award: June 12, 2026
Anticipated Contract(s) Effective July 2, 2026, 3:00pm
Date/Services Begin:
Section 3 - Contact and Questions/Requests for Clarification
3.1 Vendors must carefully review this solicitation, the Contract, risk management provisions, and all
attachments for defects, questionable, or objectionable material.
3.2 The Agency will not be bound by any verbal or written information that is not contained within this RFP
unless formally noticed and issued by the contact person as an RFP amendment. Vendors are cautioned that
any statements made by agency personnel that materially change any portion of the proposal document shall
not be relied upon unless subsequently ratified by a formal written addendum to the proposal document.
3.3 All vendor communications regarding this RFP must be directed through the Agency portal or to the
designated Proposal Coordinator. Unauthorized contact regarding the RFP with other employees of the Agency
may result in the vendor being disqualified, and the vendor may also be suspended, disbarred, or removed from
consideration for award of contracts with the State of Mississippi for a period of two (2) years.
3.4 Pre-Proposal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit: No pre-proposal conference, tour, or site visit will be held for
this RFP.

3.5 Acknowledgement of Amendments: Should an amendment to the RFP be issued, it will be posted on the
Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website in a manner that
all vendors will be able to view. Vendors must acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the solicitation by
signing and returning the amendment with the proposal package, by identifying the amendment number and
date in the space provided for this purpose on the RFP amendment, or by letter. The acknowledgment should
be received by the agency by the time, date, and at the place specified for receipt of proposals. It is the vendor's
sole responsibility to monitor the websites for any updates or amendments to the RFP. Questions and Answer
document(s) and/or Summary of Pre-Proposal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit, if any are issued/posted on the
Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website, must be treated
the same as an RFP Amendment.
3.6 Vendors must provide a signed Acknowledgements of RFP Amendment(s), Questions and Answer
document(s), and/or Summary of Pre-Proposal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit, if any were issued/posted on the
Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website.
3.7 The RFP is comprised of the base RFP document, any attachments, any amendments issued prior to the
submission deadline, and any other documents released before contract award.
Section 4 - Solicitation Clauses
Acknowledgment of Amendments
Offeror shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the RFP in writing. The acknowledgement shall be
submitted acknowledging receipt of any amendment to the solicitation by signing and returning the amendment
with the proposal package, by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this
purpose on the proposal, or by letter. The acknowledgment should be received by the agency by the time, date,
and at the place specified for receipt of proposals. It is the Offeror's sole responsibility to monitor the websites
for any updates or amendments to the RFB. Each Proposer, offeror or applicant shall submit a written
acknowledgement of every amendment to the Agency on or before the submission deadline.
Applicable Law
The contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi,
excluding its conflicts of laws provisions, and any litigation with respect thereto shall be brought in the courts
of Mississippi.
Approval
It is understood that if this contract requires approval by the Public Procurement Review Board ("PPRB") and/or
the Department of Finance and Administration Office of Personal Service Contract Review ("OPSCR"), and this
contract is not approved by PPRB and/or OPSCR, it is void and no payment shall be made hereunder.
Availability of Funds
It is expressly understood and agreed that the obligation of MSDH to proceed under this agreement is
contingent upon the availability of funds. If the funds anticipated for the continuing time fulfillment of the
agreement are, at any time, not forthcoming or insufficient, regardless of the source of funding, MSDH shall

have the right upon 10 business days written notice to Contractor, to terminate this agreement without damage,
penalty, cost or expense to the MSDH of any kind whatsoever. The effective date of termination shall be as
specified in the notice of termination.
Certification of Independent Price Determination
By submitting a proposal the offeror certifies that the prices submitted in response to the solicitation have been
arrived at independently and without any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror
or competitor for the purpose of restricting competition.
Compliance with Equal Opportunity In Employment Policy
Contractor understands that the MSDH is an equal opportunity employer and therefore, maintains a policy
which prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, physical handicap,
disability, genetic information, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All such
discrimination is unlawful, and Contractor agrees during the term of the agreement that Contractor will strictly
adhere to this policy in its employment practices and provision of services.
Compliance with Laws
Contractor shall comply with, and all activities under this agreement shall be subject to, all applicable federal,
state, and local laws and regulations, as now existing and as may be amended or modified.
Contract Rights
Contract rights do not vest in any party until a contract is legally executed. The MSDH is under no obligation to
award a contract following issuance of this solicitation.
E-Payment
Offeror agrees to accept all payments in United States currency via the State of Mississippi's electronic payment
and remittance vehicle. The Agency agrees to make payment in accordance with Mississippi "Timely Payments
for Purchases by Public Bodies" laws, which generally provide for payment of undisputed amounts by the Agency
within 45 calendar days of receipt of invoice. Mississippi Code Annotated 31-7-301, et seq.
E-Verification
If applicable, Offeror represents and warrants that it will ensure its compliance with the Mississippi Employment
Protection Act and will register and participate in the status verification system for all newly hired employees.
Mississippi Code Annotated 71-11-1 and 71-11-3. Contractor agrees to provide a copy of each verification
upon request of the MSDH subject to approval by any agencies of the United States Government. Contractor
further represents and warrants that any person assigned to perform services hereafter meets the employment
eligibility requirements of all immigration laws.
The breach of this clause may subject Contractor to the following: (1) termination of this contract and exclusion
pursuant to Chapter 15 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review
Rules and Regulations; (2) the loss of any license, permit, certification or other document granted to Contractor
by an agency, department, or governmental entity for the right to do business in Mississippi; or (3) both. In the

event of such termination, Contractor would also be liable for any additional costs incurred by the Agency due
to Contract cancellation or loss of license or permit to do business in the state.
Expenses Incurred in the Procurement Process
All parties participating in the procurement process with regard to this solicitation shall bear their own costs of
participation, pursuant to Section 1.4.4 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service
Contract Review Rules and Regulations.
Minor Informalities and Irregularities
The MSDH has the right to waive minor defects or variations of a proposal from the exact requirements of the
specifications that do not affect the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance of the services being
procured and if doing so does not create an unfair advantage for any offeror. If insufficient information is
submitted by a proposer, offeror or applicant for the MSDH to properly evaluate the offer, the MSDH has the
right to require such additional information as it may deem necessary after the submission deadline, provided
that the information requested does not change the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance time of
the services being procured and such a request does not create an unfair advantage for any proposer, offeror
or applicant. (Information requested may include, for example, a copy of business or professional licenses, or a
work schedule.)
Offeror's or Contractor's Representation Regarding Contingent Fees
By responding to the solicitation, executing the contract the offeror or contractor represents that it has not
retained any person or agency on a percentage, commission, or other contingent arrangement to secure this
contract. If the offeror or contractor cannot make such a representation, a full and complete explanation shall
be submitted in writing with the offeror's response.
Paymode
Payments by MSDH using the state's accounting system shall be made and remittance information provided
electronically as directed by the state and deposited into the bank account of Contractor's choice. The MSDH
may, at its sole discretion, require Contractor to electronically submit invoices and supporting documentation
at any time during the term of this Agreement. Contractor understands and agrees that the Agency is exempt
from the payment of Mississippi taxes. All payments shall be in United States currency.
Procurement Regulations
This solicitation or contract shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the Public Procurement Review
Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations, a copy of which is available on the
Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration's website (www.dfa.ms.gov). Any offeror responding to
a solicitation for personal and professional services and any contractor doing business with a state Agency is
deemed to be on notice of all requirements therein.
Property Rights
Property rights do not inure to any Offeror until such time as services have been provided under a legally
executed contract. No party responding to this RFP has a legitimate claim of entitlement to be awarded a

contract or to the provision of work thereunder. The MSDH is under no obligation to award a contract and may
terminate a legally executed contract at any time.
Representation Regarding Gratuities
Offeror represents that it has not, is not, and will not offer, give, or agree to give any employee or former
employee of MSDH a gratuity or offer of employment in connection with any approval, disapproval,
recommendation, development, or any other action or decision related to the solicitation and resulting contract.
Offeror further represents that no employee or former employee of MSDH has or is soliciting, demanding,
accepting, or agreeing to accept a gratuity or offer of employment for the reasons previously stated; any such
action by an employee or former employee in the future, if any, will be rejected by offeror or contractor. Offeror
further represents that it is in compliance with the Mississippi Ethics in Government laws, codified at Mississippi
Code Annotated 25-4-101 through 25-4-121, and has not solicited any employee or former employee to act
in violation of said law.
Required Public Records and Transparency
Upon execution of a contract, the provisions of the contract which contain the personal or professional services
provided, the unit prices, the overall price to be paid, and the term of the contract shall not be deemed to be a
trade secret or confidential commercial or financial information pursuant to Mississippi Code Annotated 25-
61-9(7). The contract shall be posted publicly on www.transparency.ms.gov and shall be available for at the
Agency for examination, inspection, or reproduction by the public. The proposer, offeror, applicant or contractor
acknowledges and agrees that the MSDH and this contract are subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act of
1983 codified at Mississippi Code Annotated 25-61-1, et seq. and its exceptions, Mississippi Code Annotated
79-23-1, and the Mississippi Accountability and Transparency Act of 2008, codified at Mississippi Code
Annotated 27-104-151, et seq.
Stop Work Order
The MSDH may, by written order to Contractor at any time, require Contractor to stop all or any part of the
work called for by this contract. This order shall be for a period of time specified by the MSDH. Upon receipt of
such an order, Contractor shall forthwith comply with its terms and take all reasonable steps to minimize any
further cost to the MSDH. Upon expiration of the stop work order, Contractor shall resume providing the
services which were subject to the stop work order, unless the MSDH has terminated that part of the agreement
or terminated the agreement in its entirety. The MSDH is not liable for payment for services which were not
rendered due to the stop work order.
Termination
Termination for Convenience. The MSDH may, when the interests of the Agency so require, terminate this
contract in whole or in part, for the convenience of the Agency. The MSDH shall give written notice of the
termination to Contractor specifying the part of the contract terminated and when termination becomes
effective. Contractor shall incur no further obligations in connection with the terminated work and on the date
set in the notice of termination Contractor will stop work to the extent specified. Contractor shall complete the
work not terminated by the notice of termination and may incur obligations as are necessary to do so.
Termination for Default. If the MSDH gives the Contractor a notice that the personal or professional services are

being provided in a manner that is deficient, the Contractor shall have 30 days to cure the deficiency. If the
Contractor fails to cure the deficiency, the MSDH may terminate the contract for default and the Contractor will
be liable for the additional cost to the MSDH to procure the personal and professional services from another
source. Termination under this paragraph could result in Contractor being excluded from future contract awards
pursuant to Chapter 15 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review
Rules and Regulations. Any termination wrongly labelled termination for default shall be deemed a termination
for convenience.
Section 5 - Scope of Services
Scope of Services to Be Performed
This section contains information on services and procedures that the Vendor must provide or adhere to, in
servicing the Agency's account, either directly or through identified subcontractors. The descriptions are not all-
inclusive, but are provided to alert you to services or procedures that may require additional planning or
programming on your part. The following is a list of services the Agency expects the successful Vendor to
provide.
Please respond by restating each service listed below, including the number, and confirm your intention to
provide the service as described, respond by stating, "Confirmed". If your company can provide the service, but
not exactly as described, respond by stating, "Confirmed, but with exceptions", and state the specific exceptions.
If your company is currently unable to provide a listed service, respond by stating, "Unable to provide this
service". Any additional details regarding these services should be provided in your responses to the
questionnaire, or as additional information included as an appendix to your proposal.
Vendor shall provide services, and otherwise do all things necessary for or incidental to the performance of
work, as set forth below:
State Furnished Property/Services:
MSDH will provide reasonable access to existing, relevant materials and resources necessary to support
development and publication of the Mississippi Comprehensive State Health Plan, including but not limited to:
* The 2022 State Health Assessment (SHA) and State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP);
* Relevant MSDH reports, datasets, and planning documents, subject to applicable confidentiality and
data-use requirements;
* Access to designated MSDH staff for coordination, review, and consultation;
* Assistance with coordination of stakeholder outreach to state agencies and key partners, as appropriate.
MSDH will retain responsibility for policy decisions, approvals, and implementation of the Plan.
Contractor-Furnished Property:
The Contractor shall furnish all labor, expertise, tools, software, data analysis resources, meeting facilitation
tools, and materials necessary to perform the required services. The Contractor is responsible for providing any

equipment, technology, or materials required to meet the scope of work, including those necessary for data
analysis, stakeholder engagement, and development of required deliverables.
Description of Specific, Results-Oriented Tasks:
The Contractor shall perform the following mandatory, results-oriented tasks necessary to support the
development and publication of the Mississippi Comprehensive State Health Plan.
1. Comprehensive Planning Framework and Process
The Contractor shall develop and execute a clear, transparent, and operationalized planning framework to guide
development of the Comprehensive State Health Plan. This task shall include:
* Development of a detailed strategic planning roadmap and workplan outlining key phases, milestones,
and decision points;
* Establishment of a structured planning process that supports statewide alignment and cross-sector
coordination;
* Regular coordination with MSDH staff to support progress tracking, issue resolution, and alignment with
agency priorities; and
* Documentation of the planning methodology and process used to inform development of the Plan.
Expected Result: A well-defined, reproducible planning framework that clearly explains how priorities,
strategies, and recommendations in the Plan were developed.
2. Statewide Health Status, Trends, and Systems Assessment
The Contractor shall conduct a comprehensive, data-driven assessment to describe the current and projected
health of Mississippians and the capacity and structure of the State's public health and healthcare systems. This
task shall include:
* Assessment of population health outcomes and health disparities;
* Evaluation of public health infrastructure and foundational capabilities;
* Analysis of healthcare facilities, services, and resource capacity;
* Assessment of healthcare workforce availability, distribution, and challenges;
* Identification of access gaps, system vulnerabilities, and emerging trends; and
* A focused assessment of Mississippi's rural healthcare system, including access to care, workforce
challenges, and system sustainability.
Expected Result: A statewide health and systems assessment that provides the analytical foundation for a
comprehensive, forward-looking State Health Plan.
3. Integration of Statutory and Regulatory Health Planning Requirements

The Contractor shall review and incorporate applicable statutory and regulatory health planning requirements
into the Comprehensive State Health Plan as one integrated component of the broader planning framework.
This task shall include:
* Review of relevant health planning statutes, regulations, and guidance, including those related to
Certificate of Need (CON);
* Synthesis of existing CON criteria, standards, service areas, and methodologies for inclusion in the Plan;
and
* Review of existing health planning documents and manuals to ensure consistency and alignment.
Certificate of Need (CON) Planning-Level Review
As part of this task, the Contractor shall review existing Certificate of Need (CON) criteria, standards, and
methodologies and assess their alignment with current healthcare delivery models, utilization patterns, and
population needs. The Contractor shall identify gaps, outdated assumptions, and opportunities for
modernization and incorporate planning-level findings and recommendations into the Comprehensive State
Health Plan. This review is intended to support planning and policy development and does not include
implementation, regulatory revision, or formula redevelopment.
Expected Result: A Comprehensive State Health Plan that integrates statutory and regulatory health planning
requirements, including CON-related considerations, in a clear, cohesive manner that informs future policy
development without supplanting existing regulatory processes.
4. CMS Alignment and Investment-Relevant Planning Analysis
The Contractor shall assess alignment of statewide health system needs and planning priorities with relevant
federal program objectives, including those of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This task
shall include:
* Identification of areas where statewide health priorities align with CMS program objectives;
* Assessment of healthcare access, quality, workforce, and rural system needs relevant to federal funding
and policy considerations; and
* Development of planning-level guidance to inform future state and federal investment decisions.
This task is limited to planning and analysis and does not include program implementation or funding
administration.
Expected Result: A Comprehensive State Health Plan that is credible, investment-ready, and aligned with
relevant federal health system priorities.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Vetting of Proposed Plan Elements
The Contractor shall design and implement a structured stakeholder engagement process to inform
development of the Comprehensive State Health Plan. This task shall include: