Optimizing Rape Crisis Center Services and Programs to Prevent Sexual Violence

The Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Injury and Violence Prevention has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) to fund up to five rape crisis centers across Maryland to implement evidence-based, public health approaches aimed at preventing sexual violence. This fixed-price contract opportunity, identified by solicitation number BPM054294, covers an initial partial-year performance period starting April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, with possible annual renewals extending through January 31, 2029. The solicitation targets organizations qualified under NAICS code 624190 and calls for proposals that align with CDC-endorsed prevention focus areas, including strengthening economic supports, creating protective environments, and promoting social norms protective against violence. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive project narrative detailing their prevention strategy, implementation plan, target populations, and data collection methods to demonstrate effectiveness and measurable outcomes. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), civil rights statutes, audit requirements, and other federal and state regulations is mandatory. The evaluation of submissions will be based on a balanced 50/50 weighting of technical merit and budget reasonableness. Project narratives are assessed on multiple factors such as ADA compliance, implementation efforts, organizational capacity, and collaboration, while budget narratives are evaluated for financial realism relative to the proposed work. The award process involves a trade-off approach considering both technical and cost factors, aiming to select the most advantageous applications for the State. The solicitation includes detailed instructions on submission formats, deadlines, and points of contact, with applications due by January 9, 2026. Key contract clauses include certifications on debarments, tobacco smoke policies, lobbying restrictions, and federal fund use. Recipients must meet special conditions such as executive compensation limits, single audit compliance for federal funds exceeding $750,000, and reporting requirements. The selected centers will be responsible for contract administration, performance monitoring, timely invoicing, and maintaining compliance with all stated statutory and programmatic requirements throughout the multi-year performance period within the State of Maryland.