HR Research and Advisory Services

The Mississippi State Department of Health is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive Human Research and Advisory Services to support its Human Resources department through expert guidance, diagnostic tools, and strategic research aimed at aligning HR practices with organizational goals. The contract requires the provision of six total membership seats—one Executive Counselor, one Advisory seat, and four Team seats—granting access to a dedicated Executive Counselor, annual strategy sessions, web-based research and academy resources, standard diagnostic tools, and opportunities to participate in peer forums. Services are to be delivered under Attachment A, which defines the scope of work, and are governed by a Business Associate Agreement to ensure compliance with HIPAA and the protection of Protected Health Information, with all PHI retained for at least six years after final payment. The contractor must maintain professional and general liability insurance, comply fully with state and federal laws including anti-discrimination and employment eligibility requirements, and is prohibited from assigning or subcontracting without prior written approval from MSDH. The contract, issued under solicitation number 3160008077 with a NAICS code of 541612, will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with responsiveness and responsibility serving as mandatory pass/fail criteria. The provisional performance period runs from August 6, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with the option for annual renewals up to a maximum cumulative term of five years, subject to MSDH discretion and potential Public Procurement Review Board approval. Payments will be made electronically via the State of Mississippi’s payment system within 45 calendar days of invoice receipt, with monthly itemized invoices required and a final invoice due 20 days before contract expiration. The contractor must be registered to do business in Mississippi, not be debarred or suspended, and certify no conflict of interest with MSDH employees. All contract modifications must be in writing, approved by MSDH and the Public Procurement Review Board if required, and subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act and Accountability and Transparency Act. The agency retains unrestricted audit rights and may issue stop-work orders, while termination for convenience or default remains available to MSDH under specified conditions, and indemnification obligations extend to the fullest extent permitted by law.