FY2027 Maryland Member Assistance Fund Program Administration

The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) [...] is issuing this Request for Proposal to obtain professional services from a qualified third-party administrator to operate and administer the Maryland Member Assistance Fund.

The Maryland Member Assistance Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals serving in Maryland through the Service Year Option, Maryland Corps, AmeriCorps State and national programs administered or supported by AmeriCorps Maryland, and other DSCI supported service programs who experience financial hardship or other qualifying circumstances that may impact their ability to successfully complete their service commitments. The goal of this engagement is to provide timely, equitable, and confidential assistance while supporting member retention, success, and overall program participation.

The Contractor shall provide third party administration services for the Maryland Member Assistance Fund on behalf of DSCI.

Program Administration

• Operate and administer the Maryland Member Assistance Fund in accordance with policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, and funding parameters established by DSCI.
• Provide all personnel, systems, processes, and administrative support necessary to successfully administer the program.

Application Portal & Intake

• Provide a cloud based, mobile friendly portal that allows applicants to create profiles, complete applications, securely upload multiple supporting documents, and save or return to an incomplete application.
• Provide applicant communication regarding application status, requests for additional information, and funding determinations.

Application Review & Eligibility Determination

• Review submitted applications and supporting documentation
• Verify eligibility in accordance with DSCI established program requirements.
• Route verified applications and a recommended determination to a secure DSCI dashboard or other DSCI approved review process. No final approval, denial, or disbursement may be made without DSCI authorization unless DSCI delegates such authority in writing.

Fund Administration & Disbursement

• Administer assistance funds provided by DSCI for approved applicants
• Disburse approved assistance funds directly to members, vendors, service providers, landlords, utility companies, or other approved recipients as appropriate.
• Maintain financial records supporting all disbursements.

Confidentiality & Data Security

• Maintain confidentiality of all applicant information
• Comply with *Attachment Y, Data Use Agreement*, including all applicable privacy, security, incident reporting, data retention, return, and destruction requirements.

Reporting

• Provide regular reports regarding applications received, applications approved, applications denied, assistance amounts awarded, assistance categories, and fund balances and utilization.
• Identify trends, emerging needs, and program utilization patterns.

Deliverables

• Implementation and Onboarding Plan
• Application Portal & Program Administration
• Application Review & Eligibility Determination
• Fund Administration & Disbursement
• Applicant Support Services
• Monthly Activity Reports
• Program Utilization & Trend Reports
• Annual Program Summary Report

**Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically in eMaryland Market Place Advantage (eMMA).

Submission: Two-Part Submission. Part I - Technical Proposal (No pricing included). Part II - Price Proposal.

RFP Method: Competitive Sealed Proposal (COMAR 21.05.03)

Required forms

• *Bid/Proposal Affidavit (Attachment A)*
• *Contract Affidavit (Attachment U)*
• *Federal Funds (Attachment H)*
• *Data Use Agreement (Attachment Y)*
• *Proposal Form*

Estimated Contract Value: **Not to Exceed $100,000** (Small Procurement Category III). Inclusive of all administrative fees and other Contractor charges.

Contract Type: Fixed Price for administration services, with pass through reimbursement of approved assistance payments and any separately identified transaction or disbursement fees.

Anticipated Contract Term: One (1) year from the Notice to Proceed, with any renewal or extension subject to available funding, satisfactory performance, and all required approvals.

Technical proposals will be evaluated on Relevant Experience, Qualifications of Key Personnel, Understanding of the Scope of Work, and Proposed Approach. Price proposals will be considered in conjunction with the technical ratings to determine which proposal provides the best overall value to the State.