WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
WIC BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR SERVICES
ISSUED BY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
RFP NUMBER HSS-26-070
Contents:
I. Overview
II. Scope of Work
III. Required Information
IV. Professional Services RFP Administrative Information
V. Contract Terms and Conditions
VI. RFP Miscellaneous Information
VII. Attachments
Appendix A - Minimum Mandatory Submission Requirements
Appendix B - Scope of Work and Technical Requirements
Appendix C - Vendor Forms
Attachment 2 - Vendor Information Form
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Attachment 3 - Non-Collusion Statement
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Attachment 4 - Exception Form
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Attachment 5 - Confidentiality Form
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Attachment 6 - Business References
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Attachment 7 - Subcontractor Form - if applicable
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Appendix D - Templates/Sample Agreements
Professional Services Agreement
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Business Associate Agreement
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DTI Terms & Conditions
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** Ctrl + Click on the headings above will take you directly to the section.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
I. Overview
The State of Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health
seeks professional services for WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Services. This request for
proposals ("RFP") is issued pursuant to 29 Del. C. 6981 and 6982.
The proposed schedule of events subject to the RFP is outlined below:
Public Notice May 18, 2026
Deadline for Questions June 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM EST
Response to Questions Posted by: June 15, 2026
Deadline for Receipt of Proposals June 29 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT
Estimated Notification of Award July 21, 2026
Estimated Project Start Date October 1, 2026
Each proposal must be accompanied by a transmittal letter which briefly summarizes the
proposing firm's interest in providing the required professional services. The transmittal letter
must also clearly state and justify any exceptions to the requirements of the RFP which the
applicant may have taken in presenting the proposal. (Applicant exceptions must also be
recorded on Attachment 4).
Furthermore, the transmittal letter must attest to the fact, at a minimum, that the Vendor shall
not store or transfer non-public State of Delaware data outside of the United States.
For technology related solicitations, Vendors may refer to the Delaware Department of
Technology and Information identified terms and conditions included in this solicitation.
The State of Delaware reserves the right to deny any and all exceptions taken to the RFP
requirements.
A pre-bid meeting has NOT been established for this Request for Proposal.
Questions may be submitted no later than June 1, 2026 @ 4:30 PM EST.
All inquiries must be submitted in the Q/A section of the project listing in the Euna
Procurement (formerly Bonfire) Portal (https://dhss.bonfirehub.com).
The Department's response to questions will be posted, according to the procurement
schedule, under the project listing in Euna Procurement (formerly Bonfire) and to the State
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
of Delaware Bid Solicitation Directory Website: http://www.bids.delaware.gov/ by June 15,
2026.
II. Scope of Work
A. Background
Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is a nationally accredited State Public Health
agency, recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for demonstrating
commitment to quality improvement, performance management, accountability,
transparency, and ability to address public health needs. DPH serves as the center of a
comprehensive network of public health services, establishing public health priorities and
evaluating the effectiveness of health initiatives.
The mission of the Division of Public Health is to protect and enhance the health of the
people of Delaware. The Division accomplishes its mission by:
* working together with others;
* addressing issues that affect the health of Delawareans;
* keeping track of the State's health;
* promoting positive lifestyles;
* responding to critical health issues and disasters;
* promoting the availability of health services.
The accomplishment of this mission will facilitate the Division in realizing its vision of
creating an environment in which people in Delaware can reach their full potential for a
healthy life.
According to the United States Breastfeeding Committee, breastfeeding has a profound
impact on Delaware's population health outcomes. The evidence for the value of human
milk to the overall health of infants, children, and mothers is scientific, robust, and
continually reaffirmed by new research. Breastfed infants are at lower risk of certain
infections and sudden unexplained infant death. Children who were breastfed have a
decreased risk of obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia.
Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and breast and ovarian cancers. A recent CDC study (January
2022 "Breastfeeding and post-perinatal infant deaths in the United States, A national
prospective cohort analysis") of over 3 million U.S. births found that ever breastfeeding
is associated with a 26% reduction in the odds of post-perinatal infant death.
The United States Breastfeeding Committee further states that increasing breastfeeding
rates and creating lactation-friendly environments have been identified as critical public
health priorities at both the national and global levels. This year, in addition to the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many families also had to navigate the devastating infant
formula recall and shortage, stripping away their confidence in keeping their babies
safely fed
Federal investments are making a difference for babies, mothers, and our nation. The
Delaware breastfeeding report describes how breastfeeding rates and other measures
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
compare to national levels, lists the coalitions serving communities in the state, and
highlights state and community-based lactation projects made possible through federal
funding in 2021 and 2022
According to the United States Breastfeeding Committee, Report 2023, The State of
Delaware has a Breastfeeding Initiation Rate of 80.50%, Exclusive Breastfeeding rate
at 6 months at 25%, and Breastfeeding at 12 months 34.9%, with Formula
Supplementation at 2 days at 22.7%.
The Gibbous report of May 2025 in the Delaware WIC Program states that the
breastfeeding exclusivity rate is 29%. Among breastfeeding mothers, the 6-month
duration is 46%, the 3-month duration is 53%, and the 12-month duration is 34%. The
breastfeeding initiation rate of WIC mothers is 64%. WIC mothers successfully
contacted by peer counselors on average are 62% more likely to be breastfeeding at 3
months duration.
The Surgeon General's goals for Healthy People 2030 are to:
Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfeed exclusively through 6 months of
age
Baseline 24.9%
Target 42.4%
Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed for 1 year
Baseline 34.9%
Target 54.1%
The protection provided by breastfeeding is strongest when babies receive no foods
and fluids other than breastmilk for the first six months of life. Unfortunately, relatively
few infants in Delaware are breastfed exclusively. Low-income infants are most
vulnerable to chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
The establishment of Peer counseling services may possibly increase exclusivity within
the target population.
Delaware's low-income women face barriers to exclusive breastfeeding that often seem
insurmountable. Breastfeeding barriers such as:
* Lack of knowledge
* Social Norms
* Poor Family and Social Support
* Lactation Problems
* Embarrassment
* Employment and Childcare
* Barriers to Health Services
Mothers who have overcome these challenges and breastfed their infants have been
proven to be effective role models, empowering others to follow their example. Public
health agencies have long relied on "peer counselors" to share their experience and
personal perspective with others in their communities.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
In addition to improving breastfeeding outcomes, peer counseling programs significantly
decreased barriers among breastfeeding women. According to the US Surgeon
General, breastfeeding peer counseling initiatives are effective and can be scaled up as
part of well-coordinated national breastfeeding promotion in maternal-child health
programs.
It was concluded that breastfeeding peer counseling programs should be created and
maintained as a sustainable infrastructure for mother-to-mother support groups and for
peer counseling programs in hospitals and community health care settings. Establishing
peer counseling as a core service available to all WIC and WIC-eligible women will help
address the Health equity disparities in at-risk populations. Peer counseling programs
are effective in increasing both duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, supporting our
government's rationale for allocating funding in support of breastfeeding.
B. Project Goals
The goal of this project is to implement peer counselor services for breastfeeding
throughout the State of Delaware to provide support. According to evidence-based
research, peer counseling support may increase breastfeeding duration and exclusivity
and bring awareness to the significant health benefits for infants, mothers, families, and
the environment.
The target at-risk population for these services is WIC-eligible pregnant and
breastfeeding women, who have statistically lower initiation and duration breastfeeding
rates. Additionally, this service will benefit low-income children, who are most
vulnerable to short- and long-term health problems. According to the American
Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk improves healthy outcomes for premature and low-
birth-weight infants and children, with the benefits magnified by exclusive breastfeeding
and by breastfeeding beyond 6 months of age.
The Delaware WIC Program supports the position of the American Dietetic Association
that exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first
6 months of life and breastfeeding with complementary foods from 6 months until at
least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.
Goals of the Program are:
* To implement breastfeeding peer counselor services throughout the state of
Delaware
* To increase breastfeeding rates with an emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding
* Strive to meet or exceed Healthy People 2030 Goals
* Grow and Maintain partnerships for Peer Counselor Breastfeeding Services
* Increase frequency and duration among breastfeeding mothers
* Provide support to WIC-eligible pregnant and breastfeeding moms
* To have Delawareans recognize WIC as the premier breastfeeding promotion
and support program
* Decrease breastfeeding barriers and health inequities
Multiple contract awards will be made, with larger portions of the funds awarded to
bidders based on the volume of services or the number of clients they can
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
accommodate or provide. Examples of agencies or facilities that are eligible to apply for
this RFP include, but are not limited to:
* Hospitals
* federally funded Health Care facilities
* Pediatric Offices
* Obstetrician Offices
* Or any other agencies or government program that offers support to women of
childbearing age or offer breastmilk as the primary source of infant nutrition.
C. Scope of Work/Bidders Requirements
The State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public
Health, seeks professional services for WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Services.
Please refer to Appendix B for details/requirements for the Scope of Work.
III. Required Information
The following information shall be provided in each proposal in the order listed below. Failure
to respond to any request for information within this proposal may result in rejection of the
proposal at the sole discretion of the State.
A. Minimum Requirements
1. Provide Delaware license(s) and/or certification(s) necessary to perform services as
identified in the scope of work.
Prior to the execution of an award document, the successful Vendor shall either furnish
the Agency with proof of State of Delaware Business Licensure or initiate the process
of application where required.
2. Vendor shall provide responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) scope of work and
clearly identify capabilities as presented in the General Evaluation Requirements
below.
3. Complete all appropriate attachments and forms as identified within the RFP.
4. Proof of insurance and amount of insurance shall be furnished to the Agency prior to
the start of the contract period and shall be no less than as identified in the bid
solicitation, Section V, Item G, subsection 8 (Insurance).
B. General Evaluation Requirements
1. Qualifications of Vendor
2. Methodology Proposed
3. Responses to Scope of Work, Appendix B
4. Ability to recruit, hire, schedule, and train qualified applicants
5. Evaluation of Costs
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
IV. Professional Services RFP Administrative Information
A. RFP Issuance
1. Public Notice
Public notice has been provided in accordance with 29 Del. C. 6981.
2. Obtaining Copies of the RFP
This RFP is available in electronic form through the State of Delaware Procurement
website at https://mmp.delaware.gov/Bids/ and on Euna Procurement (formerly
Bonfire) at https://dhss.bonfirehub.com.
Paper copies of this RFP will not be available.
3. Assistance to Vendors with a Disability
Vendors with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of
communicating this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more
information, contact the Designated Contact no later than ten days prior to the deadline
for receipt of proposals.
4. RFP Designated Contact
All requests, questions, or other communications about this RFP shall be made
through Euna Procurement (formerly Bonfire) at https://dhss.bonfirehub.com.
Communications made to other State of Delaware personnel or attempting to ask
questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid and may
disqualify the vendor.
Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by the RFP designated
Contracts, Management and Procurement contact.
The RFP designated contact is:
Bill Ingram
417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
William.ingram@delaware.gov
Contracts, Management and Procurement Contact:
Eddie Mui
Management Analyst III
DHSS_DMS_dmsprocure@delaware.gov
5. Consultants and Legal Counsel
The State of Delaware may retain consultants or legal counsel to assist in the review
and evaluation of this RFP and the vendors' responses. Bidders shall not contact the
State's consultant or legal counsel on any matter related to the RFP.
6. Contact with State Employees
Direct contact with State of Delaware employees other than the State of Delaware
Designated Contact regarding this RFP is expressly prohibited without prior consent.
Vendors directly contacting State of Delaware employees risk elimination of their
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
proposal from further consideration. Exceptions exist only for organizations currently
doing business in the State who require contact in the normal course of doing that
business.
7. Organizations Ineligible to Bid
Any individual, business, organization, corporation, consortium, partnership, joint
venture, or any other entity including subcontractors currently debarred or suspended
is ineligible to bid. Any entity ineligible to conduct business in the State of Delaware
for any reason is ineligible to respond to the RFP.
8. Exclusions
The Proposal Evaluation Team reserves the right to refuse to consider any proposal
from a vendor who:
a. Has been convicted of commission of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining
or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the
performance of the contract or subcontract:
b. Has been convicted under State or Federal statutes of embezzlement, theft,
forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, or
other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that
currently and seriously affects responsibility as a State contractor:
c. Has been convicted or has had a civil judgment entered for a violation under State
or Federal antitrust statutes:
d. Has violated contract provisions such as:
1) Known failure without good cause to perform in accordance with the
specifications or within the time limit provided in the contract; or
2) Failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance in accordance with terms of
one or more contracts;
e. Has violated ethical standards set out in law or regulation; and
f. Any other cause listed in regulations of the State of Delaware determined to be
serious and compelling as to affect responsibility as a State contractor, including
suspension or debarment by another governmental entity for a cause listed in the
regulations.
B. RFP Submissions
1. Acknowledgement of Understanding of Terms
By submitting a bid, each vendor shall be deemed to acknowledge that it has carefully
read all sections of this RFP, including all forms, schedules and exhibits hereto, and
has fully informed itself as to all existing conditions and limitations.
2. Proposals
To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in through Euna Procurement
(formerly Bonfire) at https://dhss.bonfirehub.com/ and respond to the items outlined
in this RFP.
The State reserves the right to reject any non-responsive or non-conforming
proposals.
Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, facsimile, or e-mail will not be
accepted.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
All proposals must be submitted prior to 1:00 PM EDT on June 29, 2026.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
a. Proposals must be received before the Proposal Due Date and Time, as
identified in the Procurement Schedule for this RFP.
Responses received after the Proposal Due Date and Time will not be accepted.
b. Upload your submission at: https://dhss.bonfirehub.com/
Important Notes:
* Logging in and/or uploading the file(s) does not mean the response is
submitted. Users must successfully upload all the file(s) and MUST click the
submit button before the proposal due date and time.
* Users will receive an email confirmation receipt with a unique confirmation
number once the submission has been finalized. This will confirm that the
proposal has been submitted successfully.
* Each submitted item of Requested Information will only become visible to
DHSS after the proposal due date and time.
* If the file is mandatory, you will not be able to complete your submission until
the requirement is met.
* Uploading large documents may take significant time depending on the size of
the file(s) and your Internet connection speed. The maximum upload file size
is 1000 MB.
* Minimum system requirements: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla
Firefox. Java Script must be enabled.
* Notarizations are no longer required.
Need Help? Please contact Euna Procurement (formerly Bonfire) directly at Bonfire
Hub, email to support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com, or call 1- 844- 226- EUNA (3862)
press 1 for customer support/technical questions or issues related to your
submission. You can also visit their help forum at
https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/contactsupport.
Any proposal submitted after the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals date will not be
accepted. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed as to be made available
to competing entities during the negotiation process.
Upon receipt of vendor proposals, each vendor shall be presumed to be thoroughly
familiar with all specifications and requirements of this RFP. The failure or omission
to examine any form, instrument or document shall in no way relieve vendors from any
obligation in respect to this RFP.
3. Proposal Modifications
Any changes, amendments or modifications to a proposal must be submitted through
Euna Procurement (formerly Bonfire) prior to the proposal due date. Changes,
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STATE OF DELAWARE
DIVISON OF PUBLIC HEALTH
amendments, or modifications to proposals shall not be accepted or considered after
the hour and date specified as the deadline for submission of proposals.
4. Proposal Costs and Expenses
The State of Delaware will not pay any costs incurred by any Vendor associated with
any aspect of responding to this solicitation, including proposal preparation, printing or
delivery, attendance at vendor's conference, system demonstrations or negotiation
process.
5. Proposal Expiration Date
Prices quoted in the proposal shall remain fixed and binding on the bidder at least
through September 30, 2027. The State of Delaware reserves the right to ask for an
extension of time if needed.
6. Late Proposals
Proposals submitted after the specified date and time will not be accepted by the Euna
Procurement (formerly Bonfire) Portal. Evaluation of the proposals is expected to
begin shortly after the proposal due date. To document compliance with the deadline,
the proposal will be date and time stamped upon receipt by Euna Procurement
(formerly Bonfire).
7. Proposal Opening
The State of Delaware will receive proposals via Euna Procurement (formerly
Bonfire) until the date and time shown in this RFP. Proposals will be opened in the
presence of State of Delaware personnel.
There will be no public opening of proposals, but a public log will be kept of the names
of all vendor organizations that submitted proposals. The contents of any proposal
shall not be disclosed in accordance with 29 Del. C. 10001, et seq. ("FOIA").
8. Non-Conforming Proposals
Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Non-conforming proposals are
defined as those that do not meet the requirements of this RFP. The determination of
whether an RFP requirement is substantive, or a mere formality shall reside solely
within the State of Delaware.
9. Concise Proposals
The State of Delaware discourages overly lengthy and costly proposals. It is the desire
that proposals be prepared in a straightforward and concise manner. Unnecessarily
elaborate brochures or other promotional materials beyond those sufficient to present
a complete and effective proposal are not desired. The State of Delaware's interest is
in the quality and responsiveness of the proposal.
10. Realistic Proposals
It is the expectation of the State of Delaware that vendors can fully satisfy the
obligations of the proposal in the manner and timeframe defined within the proposal.
Proposals must be realistic and must represent the best estimate of time, materials
and other costs including the impact of inflation and any economic or other factors that
are reasonably predictable.
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