External Program Evaluator

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
RFQ Number: 3140004671
External Program Evaluator
Issue Date: August 25, 2026
CLOSING TIME AND DATE
Statements of Qualifications must be received before:
2:00 pm CST, September 28, 2026
QUALIFICATIONS COORDINATOR
Patricia Youngblood
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 for the purpose
of soliciting qualifications from a qualified bidder to provide the External Program Evaluator
The bidder will serve in the role of Program Evaluator. The purpose of the Program Evaluator is to assist the
program with developing, executing, and disseminating evaluation plans and findings for the purposes of
required programmatic evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and targeted service delivery
improvements. The contractor will create recommendations based on findings, provide input on evaluation
questions, and use the findings for successful achievement of respective program goals.
The Agency desires to contract with a contractor that possesses the most relevant experience, credentials, and
other qualifications as stated within this RFQ. The Agency seeks to enter into a 2 1/2 year contract, at a yearly
rate of $50,000.00 per year with a firm-fixed price for the aforementioned services.
The initial period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFQ will be 2 1/2 years, tentatively
scheduled to begin on or about December 01, 2026 and to end on November 30, 2028. The Agency reserves the
right to renew the Contract for up to three additional years at the sole discretion of the Agency.
Section 2 - Timeline
Request for Qualifications Issue Date: August 25, 2026
Request for Reconsideration of Solicatation August 28, 2026, 2:00pm
:
Questions and Requests for Clarification to September 1, 2026, 2:00pm
Agency Deadline:
Anticipated Posting of Written Answers to September 3, 2026, 4:00pm
Questions:
Statement of Qualifications Submission September 28, 2026, 2:00pm
Deadline:
Anticipated Date of the Notice of Intent to September 30, 2026, 4:00pm
Award:
Reconsideration of Notice of Intent to October 5, 2026, 2:00pm
Award :

Section 3 - Contact and Questions/Requests for Clarification
3.1 Bidders must carefully review this solicitation, the Contract, risk management provisions, and all
attachments for defects, questionable, or objectionable material. Following review, the bidder may have
questions to clarify or interpret the RFQ in order to submit the best qualifications possible. To accommodate
the questions and requests for clarifications, bidders shall submit any such question through the Question
& Answer section of this IFB on the Agency's OpenGov Procurement portal by the deadline reflected in
Section 2. All questions and requests for clarifications must be directed through the Agency's portal.
3.2 Official responses will be provided only for questions submitted as described above and only to clarify
information already included in the RFQ. The identity of the organization submitting the question(s) will not
be revealed. All questions and answers will be published on the Agency's OpenGov Procurement portal and
released as an addendum to the RFQ by the date and time reflected in Section 2.
3.3 The Agency will not be bound by any verbal or written information that is not contained within this RFQ
unless formally noticed and issued by the contact person as an RFQ amendment. Bidders are cautioned that
any statements made by agency personnel that materially change any portion of the RFQ or qualifications
shall not be relied upon unless subsequently ratified by a formal written addendum to the RFQ.
3.4 All bidder communications regarding this RFQ must be directed through the Agency portal or to the
designated Qualifications Coordinator. Unauthorized contact regarding the RFQ with other employees of
the Agency may result in the bidder being disqualified, and the bidder 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.
3.5 Pre-Submittal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit: No pre-submittal conference, tour, or site visit will be held
for this RFQ.
3.6 Acknowledgement of Amendments: Should an amendment to the RFQ 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 bidders will be able to view. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the solicitation
by signing and returning the amendment with the Statement of Qualifications, by identifying the
amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on the RFQ amendment, or by letter.
The acknowledgment should be received by the agency by the time, date, and at the place specified for
receipt of qualifications. It is the bidder's sole responsibility to monitor the websites for any updates or
amendments to the RFQ. Questions and Answer document(s) and/or Summary of Pre-Submittal
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 RFQ
Amendment.
3.7 Bidders must provide a signed Acknowledgement of RFQ Amendment(s), Questions and Answer
document(s), and/or Summary of Pre-Submittal Conference, Tour, or Site Visit, if any were issued/posted
on the Mississippi Contract/Procurement Opportunity Search Portal website and the agency's website.
3.8 The RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, any amendments issued prior to the
submission deadline, and any other documents released before contract award.

Section 4 - Scope of Services
Scope of Practice (CDC-Aligned)
Planning and Design Evaluation
* Develop an Evaluation Plan and Logic Model within 30 days of award, co-created with MS WISEWOMAN staff and key
partners.
* Define process, output, and outcome indicators mapped to CDC WISEWOMAN requirements, program goals, and
Mississippi priorities.
* Establish data flows, roles/responsibilities, and a data quality plan (DQ checks, reconciliation, documentation).
B. Data Management & Analysis
* Review, clean, and analyze program data (including CDC MDE) on a quarterly cycle, document methods and version
control.
* Conduct stratified analyses (e.g., race/ethnicity, rural/urban, payer status, clinic/partner site) to monitor equity and
performance.
* Perform fidelity assessments for priority interventions (e.g., SMBP) and generate improvement recommendations.
* Where feasible, conduct cost/effort analyses (e.g., per-participant costs, intervention delivery costs) to inform
sustainability.
C. Mixed-Methods Inquiry
* Design and carry out qualitative activities (e.g., key informant interviews, focus groups, brief surveys) with clients,
providers, care teams, and community partners.
* Ensure appropriate consent, privacy protection, and IRB consultation if needed (MSDH determines IRB requirements).
D. Reporting & Visualization
* Quarterly Data Briefs (10 pages): key metrics, trends, equity highlights, CQI recommendations, and implementation
notes.
* Annual Evaluation Report (comprehensive): methods, findings (process & outcomes), fidelity results, equity analysis,
lessons learned, and next-year recommendations.
* Maintain a secure dashboard (Power BI preferred) refreshed at least monthly; include enrollment, intervention uptake,
BP control, referrals/completions, and equity strata.
* Provide input and supporting analysis for CDC performance reports and any required grant progress narratives.
E. Technical Assistance & Capacity Building
* Conduct quarterly learning sessions for MS WISEWOMAN staff and partners (e.g., interpreting data, using dashboards,
CQI cycles, health equity strategies).
* Provide ad hoc consultation on data collection tools, workflow optimization, and integrating evaluation into program
operations.
F. Compliance & Documentation
* Maintain SOPs for data management, privacy, and reporting; update as requirements evolve.
* Execute and follow DUAs, BAAs (if applicable), and secure data transfer protocols.
* Participate in CDC or MSDH audits and respond to data inquiries in a timely manner.
G. Compliance, Privacy, and Security Federal: 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), applicable OMB circulars, federal grant
conditions.
* Privacy: HIPAA compliance; PHI handling; secure data transfer; encryption at rest/in transit.
* State: Mississippi privacy statutes; agency security policies; state travel and procurement rules.
* Data Agreements: DUAs/BAAs as required; documentation of data governance.

* IRB: Bidder to advise; MSDH determines IRB need; bidder supports submission if applicable.
Method of Accountability: The Project Director will be involved in direct correspondence with SME, while the HDSPP Director
will ensure the state workplan deliverables are met. The Data Analyst will collect assessments, evaluate the project, and
disseminate data to the epi/evaluation team. The contractor will attend meetings and discussions, may suggest directions for
the future, identify program modifications, enhancements of efforts, and reaffirm what is going well, and participate in activities
to improve services for women seeking CVD preventive health services.
Skills/Competencies:
* Advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis; clear scientific writing.
* Stakeholder engagement; culturally responsive evaluation practice.
* Project management; timely deliverables; collaborative approach.
* Ability to translate findings into practical program improvements.
Technical Proposal (20 pages, excluding appendices)
* Cover Letter with authorized signatory.
* Approach & Methodology: Evaluation framework, equity integration, data management plan, and fidelity assessment
plan.
* Work Plan & Timeline: Milestones aligned to Deliverables Schedule.
* Team Qualifications: Resumes/CVs; roles; time allocation (FTE %).
* Relevant Experience: Up to five engagements; include outcomes, client references, and sample work (e.g., anonymized
reports/dashboards).
* Data Security & Compliance: HIPAA, 2 CFR 200, DUAs/BAAs experience; IRB approach (if required).
* Mississippi Context: Understanding of local partners, rural/urban dynamics, and health equity considerations.
Budget & Payment
* Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (deliverable-based) with optional hourly TA.
* Payment Schedule: Upon acceptance of deliverables (e.g., 20% upon Evaluation Plan; 40% prorated across Quarterly
Briefs; 40% upon Annual Report and dashboard completion).
* Invoices due monthly or quarterly with deliverable tracking and a brief activity report.
Deliverables
A: Program Planning and Technical Assistance
A1. Beginning DATE, assist the staff of the MSDH WISEWOMAN Program (MS-WWP) in scheduling and planning meetings with
internal and external partners, and facilitate cross-coordination and synergies.
A2. Beginning DATE, be available by phone, email, and on an "as needed" basis to assist the MSDH MS-WWP personnel in
accomplishing the goals of the formalized CDC evaluation plan.
A3. Beginning DATE, review the MSDH MS-WWP work plan activities to develop comprehensive evaluation tools, assessment
summaries, evaluation reports, data sources, and relevant data files to consider evaluation needs.
B: Program Evaluation
B1. Assist in the design of the overall project evaluation framework, a comprehensive operational plan, and alternative
approaches. This includes the identification of priority areas and the timeline for implementation in concordance with programs'
goals, objectives, expected outcomes, performance measures, and activities. An Evaluation and Performance Measurement
Plan will be due to program leads by DATE.

B2. Work with the MSDH MS-WWP to identify common population/community health and other specific measures useful for
the projects' evaluation.
B3. Help identify existing data sources or tools needed for the overall evaluation.
B4. Monitor progress towards developing reports and other materials based on the programs' data.
B5. Collect/compile and analyze/interpret complex data.
B6. Submit evaluation reports (i.e., Performance Measures, Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) including
an integral copy of all datasets used for the evaluation report.
B7. Participate in monthly CDC meetings with the MS-WWP staff and monthly project leadership team meetings to discuss
evaluation activities and report outcomes.
B8. Work closely with the MS-WWP staff and MS-WWP providers by providing training and technical support on data collection,
developing evaluations, and pre/post-tests as needed.
B9. Summarize and present pre/post-tests and evaluation results to the MSDH MS-WWP and internal and external partners.
B10. Use data when developing evaluation reports, infographics, fact sheets, GIS maps, success stories, PowerPoint
presentations, abstracts, and other brief reports.
B11. Beginning DATE, submit and present partial and final evaluation reports to the MSDH MS-WWP that include the following:
a. Progress on the Year Work Plan using data related to MSDH MS-WWP.
b. Summary of planning meetings and MS-WWP provider activities.
c. Summary of surveys assessing progress.
B12. Help to write goals, objectives, and strategies for the grant renewal application each year.
B13. Work closely with the MS-WWP staff to write the surveillance/evaluation section of the action plans/progress reports for
submission to our funders before the due date. Write the initial drafts of the evaluation reports and help get the final versions
completed.
B14. All data from MS-WWP belongs to the Mississippi State Department of Health and cannot be used for publication,
presentations, or in any other format unless approved and permission is obtained from MSDH (Request must be submitted in
writing).
B15. Information pertaining to the grant that is shared with the evaluator is to be treated as Confidential (full grant proposal
budget work plan, etc.). Requestors for such information must complete a "Public Record Request" form from MSDH.
B16. Submit monthly invoices along with electronic copies of all supporting documentation. Receipts are required for
reimbursement of supplies and hotel lodging.
Evaluation Plan
The Program Evaluator will serve as the PI for the project. They will assist in the design of an overall project evaluation
framework, a comprehensive operational plan, and alternative approaches, as well as develop comprehensive evaluation tools,
assessment summaries, and evaluation reports (SOW#B1). This framework will be informed by the MSDH MS-WWP work plan,
previously developed MS-WWP action plans, assessment summaries, evaluation reports, current data sources, and relevant
data files to inform the specific evaluation needs of the program (SOW#A3). All objectives will be operationalized, linked to data
collection or capture methods through internal or external data sources, and monitored over time for trends. They will identify
any sources of data that are currently unavailable or not being collected, and either create data collection instruments or identify
data sources that can be utilized. When data collection methods or instruments are initiated, staff will be trained by the
evaluator, and technical support will be provided as needed in the area of data collection tools and pre-tests/post-tests
Meetings (In-Person and Virtual), Communication, and Technical Assistance
The evaluator will assist the staff of the MSDH MS-WWP in scheduling and planning meetings with internal and external partners
and facilitate cross-coordination and synergies (SOW#A1). The evaluator will also work closely with the MS-WWP staff and sub-
grantees by providing training and technical support on data collection, developing evaluations, and pre/post-tests as needed
(SOW#B8). The provision of facilitation, coordination, and technical assistance may require in-person meetings. The evaluator
will attend in-person meetings as requested by MS-WWP as often as necessary and will participate in monthly CDC meetings
with the MS-WWP staff and monthly project leadership team meetings to discuss evaluation activities and report
outcomes. (SOW#B7).

The current budget allows for 2 overnight stays and 718.4 miles for travel. However, if more travel is required, the evaluator is
amenable to any travel required by the project to facilitate its success. The evaluator is also available "as needed" virtually
through Zoom, via conference call (MS Teams), and cell phone, and will return all messages within 24 hours, including weekends
(SOW#A2). Travel will be reimbursed at the approved Federal Rate.
Data Analysis
The evaluator will collect, compile, analyze, and interpret complex data associated with evaluating the MSDH MS-WWP
(SOW#B5). The evaluator has extensive experience in developing data collection tools such as surveys, needs assessments, and
other evaluation instruments and assessments in multiple data capture platforms such as REDCap and Qualtrics, and will
summarize and present pre/post-tests and evaluation results to the MSDH MS-WWP, the Office of Evaluation, and internal and
external partners (SOW#B9).
Data Collection, Interpretation, Dissemination, and Report Writing
The evaluator will use valid data when developing evaluation reports, infographics, fact sheets, GIS maps, success stories,
PowerPoint presentations, abstracts, and other brief reports (SOW#B10). The evaluator will work with the MSDH MS-WWP to
identify common population/community health and other specific measures useful for the project's evaluation (SOW#B2) and
help identify existing data sources or tools needed for the overall evaluation (SOW#B3). The evaluator will help to write goals,
objectives, and strategies for the grant renewal application each year (SOW#B12). The evaluator will work closely with the MSDH
MS-WWP staff to write the surveillance/ evaluation sections of the action plans/progress reports for submission to program
funders prior to the due date (SOW#B13). The evaluator will also write preliminary drafts of evaluation reports and assist in the
completion of final reports (SOW#B13). More specifically, the evaluator will submit and present partial and final evaluation
reports to the MSDH MS-WWP that include reports on the Progress on the Year Work Plan using data related to MSDH MS-
WWP, summaries of planning meetings and health systems' activities, and summaries of surveys assessing progress (SOW#B11).
The evaluator will also monitor progress toward developing reports and dissemination materials based on the MSDH Office of
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention programs' data (SOW#B4).
Evaluation Administration and Confidentiality
Required report requests and internal programmatic data should be provided to the evaluator at least two weeks prior to the
date they are needed, and final products will be provided to the lead contact for approval and feedback at least one week prior
to dissemination. When professional publications are produced by the evaluator, such as in the event of a journal article,
conference poster presentation, or invited speaking engagement, the evaluator expects to have collaborative authorship. The
office director, the program director, and the director of evaluation will be coauthors and will make significant contributions
according to the parameters recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). The evaluator
will submit evaluation reports (i.e., Performance Measures, Evaluation, and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) including
an integral copy of all datasets used for the evaluation report (SOW#B6). The evaluator understands that all data from MSDH
MS-WWP belongs to the Mississippi State Department of Health and cannot be used for publication, presentations, or in any
other format unless approved and permission by MSDH, and that request must be submitted in writing (SPW#14). Additionally,
any information pertaining to the grant that is shared with the evaluator will be treated as Confidential (full grant proposal
budget work plan, etc.). The evaluator understands that requestors for such information must complete a "Public Record
Request" from MSDH (SOW#B15). The evaluator will submit monthly invoices along with electronic copies of all supporting
documentation. The evaluator understands that receipts are required for reimbursement of supplies and hotel lodging
(SOW#B16).
This evaluation plan is meant to be broad and comprehensive in scope. All aspects of the detailed evaluation plan will be created
through input and collaboration with MSDH MS-WWP. This includes any adaptation to the programmatic logic model, objective
definition, data collection instruments and data sources, goals for analysis, and report dissemination.
Day 30: Final Evaluation Plan & Logic Model
Monthly: Dashboard refresh & summary email

Quarterly (Q1-Q4): Data Briefs, stakeholder presentation, and CQI recommendations
By December 30 (Annually): Annual Evaluation Report.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* On-time deliverables (95%).
* Data quality improvement (e.g., reduction in missingness/invalid entries in MDE; documented DQ
resolutions).
* Actionable CQI recommendations adopted by program (2 per quarter).
* Equity analysis included in every quarterly brief and the annual report.
* Stakeholder satisfaction (85% positive via brief survey after learning sessions).

Vendor Responsibilities
Vendor shall:
* Assign a Vendor Account Representative to work directly with the Agency Representative.
* Perform all services provided in the Contract between the Bidder and the Agency in accordance with customary and
reasonable industry standards as well as in strict conformance to all laws, statutes, and ordinances and the applicable
rules, regulations, methods and procedures of all government boards, bureaus, offices, and other agents. The Bidder
shall be responsible for the complete performance of all work; for the methods, means, and equipment used; and for
furnishing all materials, tools, apparatus, and property of every description used in connection therewith. No statement
within this RFQ shall negate compliance with any applicable governing regulation. The absence of detailed specifications
or the omission of a detailed description shall be recognized as meaning that only the best commercial practices are to
prevail and that only first quality materials and workmanship are to be used.
Vendor shall also:
* Administer and maintain all employment and payroll records, payroll processing, and payment of payroll checks and
taxes, including the deductions required by state, federal, and local laws such as social security and withholding taxes
for their business and employees;
* Make all unemployment compensation contributions as required by federal and state law(s) and process claims as
required for their business and employees;
* Perform a background check and/or drug screening prior to placement if requested by the Contracting Agency and
verify and/or provide the results; and
* Replace immediately, at no additional expense to the Contracting Agency, any employee not performing satisfactorily.
Vendor shall also:
Meet these additional eligibility requirements:
* System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: All applicants are required to register with System for Award
Management (SAM) and submit proof of current registration with their subgrant application.
* Unique Entity ID: All applicants must obtain and report a Unique Entity ID.

* Appropriately trained, licensed, or certified staff. Any staff providing services or otherwise carrying out grant activities
must receive proper training and must possess any applicable professional licensure or certifications required by Title
73 of the Mississippi Code.
* Compliance with Regulatory Agencies. All applicants should ensure that their operations are following any applicable
federal, state, or local regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to, zoning and land use regulations, permitting
or inspection requirements, criminal history or other background checks, provider exclusion checks, or certification and
licensure requirements.
Compliance with Health Equity Standards and Expectations
The Mississippi State Department of Health is committed to identifying health disparities and eliminating health inequities. The
MSDH acknowledges that racial and ethnic minorities and historically marginalized residents experience health inequities and
do not have the same opportunities as other groups to achieve and sustain optimal health. Throughout the components of the
qualifications, bidders are encouraged to:
* Implement the goals of the National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity
(https://www.phdmc.org/program-documents/healthy-lifestyles/dche/64-achieving-health- equity/file) and ensure
activities are aligned with the five strategies in the plan: awareness, leadership, health system and life experience,
cultural and linguistic competency, and data, research and evaluation.
* Justify the extent to which specific health disparities are priority areas with the focus of the funding program and how
addressing these will advance health equity.
* Propose evidence-based solutions to the health disparities identified in the RFP.
* Demonstrate how proposed activities address specific health inequities or identified social determinants of health
connected to the health problem.
* Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence according to the National CLAS Standards.
* Describe how services or activities provided within this proposal will be delivered equitably to all populations served
and especially those currently underserved, historically marginalized, and ethnically diverse groups.
Compliance with MSDH Information and Security Requirements
The selected recipient must meet all information security and privacy requirements as set by the Mississippi State Department
of Health. All data developed under this funding opportunity must be stored, protected, shared, utilized, retained, returned,
and/or destroyed in accordance with applicable federal and state law, regulations, and standards, including, but not limited to,
the federal.
H. Appropriately trained, licensed, or certified staff. Any staff providing services or otherwise carrying out grant activities
must receive proper training and must possess any applicable professional licensure or certifications required by Title
73 of the Mississippi Code.
I. Compliance with Regulatory Agencies. All applicants should ensure that their operations are following any applicable
federal, state, or local regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to, zoning and land use regulations, permitting
or inspection requirements, criminal history or other background checks, provider exclusion checks, or certification and
licensure requirements.
Conclusion
* The Agency reserves the right to amend, cancel, or reissue this RFQ.

* Submissions become the property of the Agency and may be subject to public records laws, with confidential
information handled per statute.
* Award is contingent upon available funding and successful contract negotiation.
* The selected bidder may not subcontract core evaluation activities without prior written approval.
Section 5 - Qualifications Evaluation and Basis for Award
5.1 All qualifications received in response to this RFQ by the stated deadline will receive a comprehensive, fair, and impartial
evaluation. A formal scoring methodology comprised of three phases - Cost, Management, and Technical- will be
utilized with each qualification. Each is required to pass the previous phase in order to qualify for further evaluation in
the next phase. Agency will use an evaluation committee to review and evaluate the qualifications using a 100-point
scale as well as consensus scoring. Consensus scoring involves solidarity or general agreement of opinion among
evaluators, based on information and data contained in the qualifications. The evaluation of any qualifications may be
suspended and/or terminated at the Agency's discretion at any point during the evaluation process at which time the
Agency determines that said qualifications and/or vendor fails to meet any of the mandatory requirements as stated in
this RFQ, the qualifications is determined to contain fatal deficiencies to the extent that the likelihood of selection for
contract negotiations is minimal, or Agency and/or the Board receives reliable information that would make contracting
with the vendor impractical or otherwise not in the best interests of the Board and/or the State of Mississippi.
5.2 Compliance Phase: In this initial phase of the evaluation process, all qualifications received are reviewed by the Agency
Procurement Director and/or designee to determine if mandatory RFQ requirements have been satisfied, meaning
whether a bidder is responsive, responsible, and/or acceptable. Cost requirements are not assigned a point percentage
or score, but are simply recorded as Pass or Fail.
* Every statement containing "must," "shall," "will," etc., is a mandatory requirement. Failure to respond leads to
mandatory disqualification. Such mandatory requirements are to be clear and (preferably) stand alone.
A Pass score is assigned to each factor for which the response to the question(s) defined is "Yes." In the event that any
factor receives a Fail score or for some reason cannot be evaluated, an explanation of the problem or concern and the
corresponding question must be evaluated and made part of the record, to include any allowable waivers.