Syphilis Support for Emergency Departments in High Morbidity Areas 2

The Mississippi State Department of Health is soliciting proposals through RFA 2026-RFA-102 to support syphilis testing and treatment services in emergency departments located in high morbidity areas across the state, acting as a payor of last resort for individuals without alternative coverage. The initiative prioritizes rapid point-of-care testing to enhance early detection, improve patient outcomes, and curb transmission, particularly in resource-limited settings. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, experience with federal funding, and a detailed work plan aligned with specific performance targets including increasing syphilis screening rates from 3.6% to 24.4%, boosting case detection by 288%, achieving an 82.8% linkage to care rate, and raising congenital syphilis screening among pregnant individuals from 5.9% to 49.9%. The period of performance begins July 1, 2026, with all funds required to be expended by March 31, 2027, and final invoices due by April 30, 2027. All activities must be conducted within Mississippi, with performance evaluated based on measurable public health outcomes rather than physical delivery. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the MSDH OpenGov Procurement portal by July 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM and must include certifications of compliance with federal grant requirements, including UEI registration through SAM.gov, a current W-9, and disclosures regarding conflicts of interest, debarment status, prior contract terminations, and audit findings. Evaluation is points-based with equal weighting given to organizational capability, the quality of the work plan, and the reasonableness and alignment of the budget with project goals; applicants must achieve a minimum score of 30 out of 50 to be eligible for award. The solicitation does not include standardized FAR clauses, CLINs, or defined contract types but is structured as a subgrant award governed by Uniform Guidance and 45 CFR Part 75, with MSDH retaining oversight authority. No cost ceiling is specified, and awards will be made on a trade-off basis, emphasizing value through demonstrated capability and performance potential rather than lowest price. Key personnel and governing body members must be disclosed, and all applicants must certify no affiliations with MSDH that constitute conflicts of interest, including ownership or employment ties exceeding specified financial thresholds.