Tobacco-Related Disparities in Rural Maryland - An Ethnographic Study

Background
The Maryland Department of Health, Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control (CTPC), is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified vendors to design and implement an Ethnographic Study focusing on tobacco use in rural populations. The goal of the contract is to describe the experiences and perspectives of rural Maryland communities impacted by tobacco-related disparities and inequalities. This effort ultimately supports local organizations and health departments in reducing the harms of tobacco use among these populations.

Work Details
The Contractor shall design and conduct a twelve-month ethnographic study that includes pre-study preparation, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. The study aims to capture the experiences and perspectives of rural Maryland populations regarding tobacco use. Specific tasks include:

- Developing a Draft Work Plan with clear study goals and objectives;
- Identifying at least two rural jurisdictions or one rural region for focus;
- Recruiting diverse community members for participation;
- Conducting qualitative or quantitative data collection through methods such as focus groups or surveys;
- Obtaining necessary IRB approvals;
- Performing all research activities as outlined in the approved Work Plan;
- Conducting monthly check-in meetings with CTPC staff;
- Producing public-facing deliverables including a formal written study report and additional resources like infographics or presentations;
- Providing raw datasets upon completion.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a twelve-month period starting after the contract is fully executed.

Place of Performance
The study will be conducted in selected rural communities within Maryland, specifically targeting areas defined as rural according to Maryland State law SB 0137.

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must not currently provide services to any entity within the tobacco industry nor have done so since November 1998. They must submit a Conflict of Interest Affidavit confirming compliance with this requirement. Additionally, Offerors must demonstrate experience in public health initiatives related to tobacco prevention and cessation, particularly within rural populations.