Description
The State of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a qualified vendor to conduct statewide, unannounced “undercover‑buy” retail tobacco compliance inspections in accordance with the federal Synar Amendment. The contractor will recruit, train, and manage inspection teams composed of law‑enforcement agents, supervisors, and youth/young‑adult interns; execute inspections at every licensed tobacco retailer; maintain a secure web‑based data‑collection and mapping system; and submit a suite of mandated reports on a strict monthly schedule. The work includes developing safety plans, handling evidence, completing violation chain‑of‑custody protocols, and providing annual training and technical assistance to state officials.
• Perform annual undercover‑buy inspections at all licensed tobacco retailers across Maine, using qualified agents and youth interns.
• Provide background‑check‑cleared personnel, secure evidence handling, and a confidential web‑based reporting platform.
• Deliver monthly invoices, inspection summary spreadsheets, and comprehensive PDF reports (including staffing, funding, and violation statistics) by the 10th of each month, plus an annual summary by October 10.
• Manage recruitment, training, safety plans, and compliance with strict conflict‑of‑interest and insurance requirements.