FY2027 Maryland Member Assistance Fund Program Administration

The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) is soliciting proposals for a third-party administrator to manage the Maryland Member Assistance Fund. The selected contractor will be responsible for the end-to-end administration of a financial assistance program, including the operation of a secure, cloud-based, mobile-friendly application portal, eligibility review, applicant communications, and the disbursement of approved funds. Key deliverables include an implementation and onboarding plan and monthly activity reports. Disbursements must be processed via secure electronic methods within two to five business days or via physical checks within seven to fourteen business days. The contract has an estimated value not to exceed $100,000, with assistance funds treated as pass-through funds that cannot be marked up. Award will be based on best value, evaluating technical merit and price, with a focus on relevant experience in administering hardship or grant programs, the qualifications of key personnel, and the proposed portal architecture. The contractor must adhere to strict confidentiality and data security standards, including a Data Use Agreement and compliance with the Protection of Information by Government Agencies provisions. Furthermore, the contractor must comply with various federal and state regulations, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Pro-Children Act of 1994. All final approvals and disbursements require DSCI authorization unless otherwise delegated in writing.