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This Request for Proposal (RFP) from the State of Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC), seeks proposals to expand and develop clinical healthcare workforce training programs in rural Delaware and other underserved communities. The initiative is part of the federally funded Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The RFP focuses on training for nonphysician roles, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, community health workers, dental professionals, paramedics, and other clinical support staff. Key dates include: - Public Notice: March 25, 2026 - Deadline for Questions: April 8, 2026, 4:30 PM EST - Pre-bid Meeting (Non-mandatory): April 16, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT - Response to Questions Posted By: April 29, 2026 - Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: May 13, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT - Estimated Notification of Award: July 8, 2026 Proposals must be submitted electronically through the EUNA Procurement (formerly Bonfire) portal. Vendors are required to submit a transmittal letter, complete all appropriate attachments and forms, and provide proof of insurance. The contract period may extend through September 30, 2031. The RFP outlines specific domains for training programs (expansion of existing, development of new, workforce pipeline/career pathway, and applicant-proposed), eligible professions, and clinical focus areas. Permissible uses of funds are detailed, with mandatory categories for data collection and sustainability planning. Evaluation criteria will include technical capability, capacity, subject matter expertise, administrative oversight, relevant experience, quality assurance, organizational resources, alignment with RFP goals, work plan quality, integration with existing initiatives, completeness, feasibility, rural integration, sustainability planning, staffing qualifications, training design, budget transparency, and cost-effectiveness. The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive defects, and award contracts based on the most advantageous proposal, not necessarily the lowest priced.
The deadline for receipt of proposals is May 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT.
The State of Delaware will require a payment schedule based on defined and measurable milestones. Payments for services will not be made in advance of work performed. The State may require holdback of contract monies until acceptable performance is demonstrated, as much as 25%.
The vendor will provide a warranty that the deliverables provided pursuant to the contract will function as designed for a period of no less than one (1) year from the date of system acceptance. The warranty shall require the vendor to correct, at its own expense, the setup, configuration, customizations or modifications so that it functions according to the State's requirements.
The contract will be awarded to the vendor whose proposal is most advantageous, taking into consideration the evaluation factors set forth in the RFP. It should be explicitly noted that the State of Delaware is not obligated to award the contract to the vendor who submits the lowest bid or the vendor who receives the highest total point score.
Vendors must provide responses to the RFP scope of work, clearly identify capabilities, complete all appropriate attachments and forms, and furnish proof of insurance and amount of insurance prior to the start of the contract period.
The State of Delaware may include in the final contract liquidated damages provisions for nonperformance.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM EDT.
Questions may be submitted no later than April 8, 2026, at 4:30 PM EDT. Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of the solicitation, will be disallowed if these faults have not been brought to the attention of the designated contact, in writing, at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the time set for opening of the proposals.
