Doula Capacity Building

Background

The Maryland Department of Health, specifically the Maternal and Child Health Bureau within the Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on products and services that can support the expansion of the community-based, Medicaid-enrolled doula workforce in Maryland. The goal is to build a sustainable doula workforce to reduce maternal mortality rates, particularly among non-Hispanic Black individuals, who face significantly higher risks compared to their White counterparts. Community-based doulas are integral in addressing health disparities by providing culturally competent care and support.

Work Details

The RFI seeks information on strategies to: 1) Increase the number of Medicaid-enrolled doulas through training and resources for certification; 2) Enhance sustainability of doulas via ongoing training, mentorship, technical assistance for billing, and networking opportunities; 3) Integrate doulas into hospital care teams to improve quality of care. Current efforts involve funding local health departments (LHDs) in Baltimore City, Charles County, Frederick County, and Talbot County to build doula capacity through partnerships with organizations like The Village and DONA. Key functionalities include training support for certification, mentorship for business development, outreach to healthcare providers about the importance of doulas, and funding for doula services for underserved populations.

Period of Performance

This RFI was issued on May 6, 2026, with responses due by May 27, 2026. The timeline for implementation will be determined based on the information gathered from this RFI.

Place of Performance

The contract work will be performed in various locations across Maryland, specifically targeting areas served by local health departments involved in doula capacity building.

Bidder Requirements

Respondents are encouraged to provide insights on their involvement with community-based doulas and how their solutions align with the vision for a sustainable doula workforce. There are no specific set-aside certifications or requirements mentioned in this RFI.