The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), through its Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, seeks a qualified telehealth vendor to implement and manage a virtual lactation support platform. The purpose of this project is to expand equitable access to around-the-clock, culturally sensitive, evidence-based breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly in high-need Philadelphia communities. The selected vendor will deploy a secure, mobile-based telelactation application customized for MCFH’s provider and client network. Services provided must integrate seamlessly with existing public health efforts and include 24/7 clinical lactation support delivered by IBCLCs. This initiative aligns with MCFH’s strategy to modernize maternal-child health services by addressing access gaps, especially those affecting underserved populations. The selected vendor will be responsible for the following key activities: Technology Deployment Customize, configure, and launch a HIPAA-compliant telelactation mobile application for MCFH clients and providers. Enable platform functionality to include on-demand video or audio-only consultations, milestone-based client messaging, and multilingual support. Clinical Lactation Support Ensure continuous (24/7/365) access to IBCLCs with demonstrated experience in providing culturally responsive lactation support. Prioritize routing of MCFH client calls to the local MCFH provider network with advance notifications. Provider Network Integration Create and manage secure user accounts for MCFH-designated providers. Facilitate the onboarding of Philadelphia-based lactation consultants to enhance regional representation. Offer providers access to standard platform features, including scheduling tools and communication supports. Client Engagement and Education Implement a system for client milestone notifications or SMS messaging related to pregnancy and breastfeeding, pending MCFH approval of all content. Provide MCFH clients with unlimited access to consultations at no per-use cost. Training and Technical Assistance Deliver initial training for MCFH staff, with up to two virtual follow-up sessions. Offer ongoing technical support and system updates throughout the contract period. Outreach and Communication Materials Co-develop client-facing and provider-facing collateral in partnership with MCFH. Ensure materials are inclusive, culturally relevant, and available in English and Spanish, with other language translations available upon request.
