Competitive RFP Processes for Distributing Opioid Settlement Funds

By Amy Dolinky

Principle Five of the Principles to Guide the Use of Funds from the Opioid Litigation highlights the need to develop a fair and transparent process for deciding where to spend the funding. One way to do this is through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

Why a Competitive RFP Matters

Local governments are receiving opioid settlement dollars, funds meant to repair the harm of an epidemic that has touched nearly every community. This opportunity comes with the challenge of figuring out how decision-makers can ensure that money is spent wisely, fairly, and in ways that make an impact. The competitive request for proposal (RFP) process can assist with addressing this challenge and building community trust.

What is an RFP Process

The goal of an RFP is to create a fair way to decide how funds are used. Governments open the opportunity to all qualified groups. The process should be clear and transparent, with outlined priorities, criteria, and timelines.

This process allows organizations to know what to expect, governments to compare proposals side by side, and communities to see that funds are distributed fairly. The competition of an RFP process encourages organizations to share creative ideas for addressing local needs and focus on data-driven solutions.

Who Supports the Work

Local government staff typically handle the logistics of the process, but local stakeholder engagement is critical to success. Many local governments are establishing settlement councils, groups that include public health officials, local leaders, and people with lived experience with substance use. These councils help set priorities which are geared to ensure funding reflects community needs.

Typically, a neutral review panel takes the lead on scoring proposals. Members of this group must step aside if their organizations are applying for funds, ensuring the process remains free of conflicts of interest. Together, these structures keep decision-making fair and accountable.

When to Use RFPs

Any time a local government wants to invest settlement dollars, a competitive RFP ensures the opportunity is open to all. RFPs support transparency, and the process allows decision-makers to have the best opportunity to see proposals rooted in evidence, innovation, and local insight.

A Roadmap for Local Decision-Makers

While each community has a different process, the strongest RFPs usually follow key steps:

Gather the right voices: form a settlement council with diverse perspectives.
Keep reviewers neutral: establish a panel without conflicts of interest.
Set clear expectations: design RFPs that outline goals, criteria, and timelines.
Offer support: offer webinars or technical support so smaller organizations can compete.
Score with fairness: use standardized tools and transparent review processes.
Formalize commitments: write contracts that detail expectations and allow for course corrections.
Stay accountable: announce awardees publicly, report on outcomes, and invite community feedback.

Available Guide

A new guide to aid jurisdictions in developing an RFP process is available now! 

About the Author:

Amy Dolinky joined the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) and Vital Strategies as the Technical Adviser, Opioid Settlement Funds Planning and Capacity Building in 2022. Prior to joining MAC, she served as a Senior Program Manager, Overdose Data to Action with the CDC Foundation and as the Senior Adviser of Michigan’s Opioid Strategy with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, Dolinky served as the Substance Misuse Response Coordinator, leading strategic planning around substance use with Knox County government and as a Regional Director with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. She holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration with a focus on global health from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Loyola University New Orleans.