Independent Third-Party Contractor Services to Conduct Two DHHS Program Studies

The State of North Carolina’s Office of State Budget & Management is seeking an independent consulting firm to conduct two mandated studies for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Study #1 will evaluate the Division of State‑Operated Healthcare Facilities and Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations, assessing administrative efficiency, financial sustainability, and recommending consolidation options. Study #2 will examine the feasibility of centralizing all services administered by the Division of Social Services, covering operational, technological, staffing, and financial dimensions. The contract is a one‑year, firm‑fixed‑price award (or awards) that may be split between the two studies. Deliverables include comprehensive study reports, phased implementation plans, cost‑model analyses, stakeholder‑engagement summaries, and final legislative‑ready recommendations. The vendor must begin work within five business days of contract execution, submit bi‑weekly progress reports, attend monthly business‑review meetings, and invoice monthly upon acceptance of deliverables. Proposals are due September 17 2026; award is expected November 13 2026; contract effective November 19 2026. • Scope: two separate policy‑analysis studies (healthcare facilities & social‑services centralization). • Required expertise: public‑sector consulting, health‑care finance, social‑services operations, data analysis, stakeholder engagement. • Deliverables: detailed reports, implementation plans, cost models, presentations, and legislative briefing documents. • Timeline: contract start ≈ Nov 19 2026, work to be completed by June 30 2027 (final report deadline for Study #2). • Reporting: bi‑weekly progress reports, monthly review meetings, final deliverables accepted before final payment. • Budget: not disclosed; pricing to be fully burdened and deliverable‑based.