25P240050133 Expansion of Public Health Excellence Grant Program for Shared Services

Background
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), through its Office of Local and Regional Health (OLRH), is seeking proposals to advance the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance local public health systems by promoting cross-jurisdictional sharing of services, as recommended by the Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health in their June 2019 report.

The program aligns with the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program, which focuses on improving service delivery and ensuring all Massachusetts residents have access to high-quality public health services.

Work Details
The contract involves funding and supporting cross-jurisdictional sharing of public health services, enhancing compliance with statutory mandates through grants for staffing, training, and resources. Key expectations include:
- Appointing a Shared Services/Program Coordinator
- Collaborating with Inspectional Services Departments (ISDs)
- Submitting workplans and budgets for OLRH approval
- Maintaining data management systems like MAVEN and MIIS
- Providing training aligned with public health standards
- Conducting capacity assessments
- Establishing an Inter-municipal Agreement (IMA) for governance
- Participating in racial equity trainings.

Grantees must demonstrate engagement with ISDs and address any gaps in meeting performance standards.

Period of Performance
The anticipated initial duration of the engagement is up to 2 years, with options to renew for 2 additional terms of 3 years each. The final end date is June 30, 2033.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within the municipalities of Massachusetts that are part of the shared services arrangement.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be municipalities not currently participating in the PHE program or regional planning agencies applying on behalf of newly formed Shared Service Arrangements. Applicants must submit a letter of intent to form a health district signed by each member municipality if applicable. A commitment to racial equity and collaboration with ISDs is also required.