Statewide Health Information Exchange/Health Data Utility (HIE/HDU)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RFP Number: 3120003410
Statewide Health Information Exchange/Health Data Utility (HIE/HDU)
Issue Date: October 2, 2026
CLOSING TIME AND DATE
Proposals must be received before:
3:00 pm CST, November 3, 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," "MSDH," or "the State") has issued this
solicitation (RFx number 3120003410) for the purpose of attaining sealed competitive proposals from qualified
vendors to provide Statewide Health Information Exchange/Health Data Utility (HIE/HDU).
MSDH is initiating this competitive bid on behalf of the State to obtain a qualified Contractor to lead the
establishment, development, operation, and maintenance of a connected, statewide HIE. The Contractor will
deploy and manage HIE infrastructure that will serve traditional HIE functions during the initial phase of the
contract, as well as serve as a foundation for the development of a state-directed HDU. The State's vision for
the HDU is grounded in the Consortium for State and Regional Interoperability (CSRI) HDU Capability Model.
CSRI defines an HDU as a "not-for- profit organization or state government entity with information exchange at
its core and multi-stakeholder governance which, through its mission and function, seeks to meet the
comprehensive health data delivery and analytics needs of a state's public and private sectors."
The Contractor is expected to operate an HIE that aggregates, enhances, and distributes health data as a public
good. The HIE will serve eligible participants including providers, payers, public health agencies, community
service providers, patients, and others authorized to access electronic health information. The facilitated
exchange of health data through the HIE is expected to be patient-centric, technically interoperable, governed
by clear participation rules, and built on recognized health-IT federally aligned standards outlined in this SOW
and in Mandatory Requirements.
The Contractor will enable a strategically planned phased statewide, bidirectional clinical data exchange;
connect rural providers, hospitals, private providers, long-term care, behavioral health, emergency systems of
care, and other care settings; and support public health and payer data needs during the period of the contract
timeline. Core services must focus on improving care coordination across Mississippi's systems of care including
trauma response, shared access to clinical information, and a centralized imaging service.
The State aims to leverage the HIE/HDU to integrate incoming data sources bidirectionally with public health
registries, surveillance programs, and emergency systems of care. The goal is to exchange data to close data
gaps, capture data as close to real-time as required by the public health policy, and to share data from public
health systems in a more sustainable manner over time that maximizes federal investment. Once the HIE is
established, the State will coordinate with data experts in the community to progress data capture/sharing
efficiencies, de-duplication, etc.
The HIE/HDU is ultimately expected to support future integration with broader data assets, such as an All-Payer
Claims Database, while preserving statutory boundaries around public health reporting and existing State-
managed datasets.
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 from the date of execution
through December 31, 2032. This is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about January 4, 2027 and to end on
December 31, 2032. The Agency reserves the right to renew the Contract at the sole discretion of the Agency.
Total compensation, including all change orders, shall not exceed the lifecycle amount authorized by ITS CP-1.
Services to be performed after September 30, 2031 are contingent on the availability of lawful funding, and
MSDH may terminate or reduce those services without penalty if funding is not available.
Authority
MSDH is a pass-through entity of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding with the State of
Mississippi. Information about the States RHTP technology initiatives, including HIE, can be found on the States
website: Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program - Mississippi RHT Program.
This RFP 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.
Procurement Goals and Objectives
The MSDH has established the following goals and objectives based on the current environment of healthcare
in the State and the rapidly advancing technology and interoperability standards put forth by HHS, CMS, the
CDC, the ONC, and other key partners. The Vendor will propose to achieve MSDH goals and objectives, as listed
in Table A-4 below.

The RHTP is structured across five CMS-defined budget periods spanning Federal Fiscal Years 2026 through
2030. Consistent with current CMS guidance, this RFP assumes that obligated funds during each budget period
will remain available for expenditure through the end of the subsequent federal fiscal year. Because CMS has
not published a consolidated expenditure-period schedule for all five budget periods, the expenditure
timeframes in Table A-2 are planning assumptions derived from current CMS guidance and should be validated
against future award notifications, post-award guidance, and applicable federal requirements. Invoices shall
cover only services performed within the invoiced period. MSDH will not prepay subscription, license, hosting,
or operations fees.
Section 2 - Timeline
Request for Proposal Issue Date: October 2, 2026
Questions and Requests for Clarification to October 12, 2026, 3:00pm
Agency Deadline:
Question Response Deadline: October 16, 2026, 3:00pm
Proposal Package Submission Deadline: November 3, 2026, 3:00pm
Open Proposals: November 3, 2026, 3:00pm
Evaluation of Proposals Begins: November 4, 2026
Anticipated Contract(s) Effective Date: December 30, 2026
Anticipated Services Begin: January 4, 2027

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. From the issue
date of this RFP until a Vendor is selected and the selection is announced, responding Vendors or their
representatives may not communicate, either orally or in writing regarding this RFP with any statewide elected
official, state officer or employee, member of the legislature or legislative employee except as noted herein. To
ensure equal treatment for each responding Vendor, all questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in
writing to the State's contact person for the selection process, and not later than the last date for accepting
responding Vendor questions provided in this RFP. All such questions will be answered officially by the State in
writing. All such questions and answers will become addenda to this RFP, and they will be posted to this portal.
Vendors failing to comply with this requirement will be subject to disqualification.
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
Any interpretation of an State RFP will be made by written amendment only. The State will not be responsible
for any other explanation of this RFP. A copy of any amendment will be posted on the Agency website, together
with the associated RFP specification. Vendors are required to check the website periodically for RFP
amendments before the proposal opening date at: Procurements/RFPs - Mississippi State Department of
Health.
Any and all amendments will be posted no later than noon, seven (7) calendar days prior to the proposal opening
date listed on the cover page of this RFP. If you are unable to access the website, you may contact the
procurement contact listed on the cover page of this RFP and request a copy.
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 RFP. 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.
Interchangeable Designations
The terms "Vendor" and "Contractor" are referenced throughout this RFP. Generally, references to the
"Vendor" are used in conjunction with the proposing organization and procurement process leading up to the
final RFP selection and award. The term "Contractor" denotes the role assumed, post-award, by the winning
Vendor. Additionally, the terms "State of Mississippi," "State" or "Agency" may be used interchangeably
throughout this RFP to denote the political entity issuing the RFP and requesting responses from Vendors
throughout these specifications.
Availability of Funds
It is expressly understood and agreed that the obligation of MSDH to proceed under this agreement is
conditioned upon the appropriation of funds by the Mississippi State Legislature and the receipt the
appropriated 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.
The State of Mississippi will deliver payments to the Vendor within forty-five (45) days after receipt of invoice
and receipt, inspection, and approval of Vendor's products/services. No late charges will exceed 1.5% per month
on any unpaid balance from the expiration of said period until payment is delivered. See 31-7-305 of the
Mississippi Code Annotated. Seller understands and agrees that Purchaser is exempt from the payment of taxes.
E-Verification and Mississippi Employment Verification Act
Effective July 1, 2008, Vendor acknowledges that if awarded, it will ensure its compliance with the Mississippi
Employment Protection Act, Section 71-11-1, et seq. of the Mississippi Code Annotated (Supp2008) and will
register and participate in the status verification system for all newly hired employees. The term "employee" as
used herein means any person that is hired to perform work within the State of Mississippi. As used herein,
"status verification system" means the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996
that is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, also known as the E-Verify Program,
or any other successor electronic verification system replacing the E-Verify Program. Vendor will agree to
maintain records of such compliance and, upon request of the State and approval of the Social Security
Administration or Department of Homeland Security, where required, to provide a copy of each such verification
to the State.

Vendor acknowledges and certifies that any person assigned to perform services hereunder meets the
employment eligibility requirements of all immigration laws of the State of Mississippi.
Vendor acknowledges that violating the E-Verify Program (or successor thereto) requirements subjects Vendor
to the following: (a) cancellation of any state or public contract and ineligibility for any state or public contract
for up to three (3) years, with notice of such cancellation being made public, or (b) the loss of any license, permit,
certification or other document granted to Vendor by an agency, department or governmental entity for the
right to do business in Mississippi for up to one (1) year, or (c) both. Vendor would also be liable for any
additional costs incurred by the State due to contract cancellation or loss of license or permit.
Vendor's Responsibility to Examine RFP
Vendors must examine all documents, forms, specifications, standard provisions, and instructions.
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.)
Proposal as Property of State
All written proposal material becomes the property of the State of Mississippi.
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.
Payments to the awarded Vendor for all goods and services acquired under this RFP by state agencies that make
payments through the Mississippi State Government's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution ("MAGIC")
will be made electronically, via deposit to the bank account of the Vendor's choice. The awarded Vendor must
enroll and be activated in PayMode(TM), the State's current vehicle for sending and receiving electronic payments,
prior to receiving any payments from state agencies. There is no charge for a Vendor to enroll or receive
payments via PayMode. For additional information on PayMode, including registration instructions, Vendors
should visit the following website: http://www.paymode.com/mississippi/. Vendors may also request
assistance from the Mississippi Management and Reporting System (MMRS) Call Center regarding PayMode
registration by contacting mash@dfa.ms.gov.

Vendor's Responsibility for Delivery
Vendors must ensure, through reasonable and sufficient follow-up, proper compliance with, and fulfillment of
all schedules and deliverables specified within the body of this RFP. The State will not be responsible for the
failure of any delivery medium for submission of information to or from the Vendor, including but not limited
to, public and private carriers, U.S. mail, Internet Service Providers, facsimile, or email.
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.