Request for Applications
Overview Information
National Council on Disability Notice of Funding Opportunity
Project Title: Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act: Implementation Evaluation and Recommendations for Reauthorization
Announcement Date: May 12, 2008 - Announcement of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity for a Cooperative Agreement: NCD-08-01
Authority: Section 400, Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
Application materials are available at www.ncd.gov/resources_researchopps.htm
Applications may also be requested by writing to:
Julie Carroll
National Council on Disability
1331 F St NW Ste 850
Washington, DC 20004
or by e-mail request to: jcarroll@ncd.gov
Due Date: Applications will be due on June 20, 2008 by 5:00 PM EDT
Deliver all materials to:
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street NW, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004-1107
ATTN: Julie Carroll
Maximum amount available for this project: $150,000
Eligibility: All potential applicants are eligible to apply
Cost sharing is not required
The estimated period of performance is September 15, 2008 - September 14, 2009
Project Summary
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency charged with making recommendations to Congress and the Administration on issues, policies, and laws affecting people with disabilities. It is NCD's mission to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability, and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
NCD's statutory duties include, among other things, to review and evaluate on a continuing basis:
- Policies, programs, practices, and procedures concerning individuals with disabilities conducted or assisted by Federal departments and agencies, including programs established or assisted under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, and
- All statutes and regulations pertaining to Federal programs, which assist such individuals with disabilities.
NCD will undertake a one-year project to study the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the programs and services established by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (hereinafter the DD Act), and to develop recommendations for improvements that will enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this project is to:
- Examine how the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) administers, supports, monitors, evaluates, and holds accountable, the programs and services under the DD Act including the Amendments of 2000, and
- Evaluate select programs and services authorized under the DD Act, including:
- State Councils on Developmental Disabilities;
- The Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD) programs;
- The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service;
- Projects of National Significance;
- Federal administration of separate grants for Family Support; and
- Program of Direct Support for Workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities.
Partnerships and collaborative efforts are encouraged to ensure that appropriate expertise is brought to bear on this complex project involving diverse stakeholders. Input must be gathered from individuals with disabilities, their family members and care providers, as well as professionals and advocates in the developmental disabilities field. The project will culminate in a final report to include findings and recommendations for program improvements, oversight improvements, and recommendations for reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights Act.
Table of Contents
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency charged with making recommendations to Congress and the Administration on issues, policies, and laws affecting people with disabilities. It is NCD's mission to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability, and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
NCD's statutory duties include, among other things, to review and evaluate on a continuing basis:
- Policies, programs, practices, and procedures concerning individuals with disabilities conducted or assisted by Federal departments and agencies, including programs established or assisted under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, and
- All statutes and regulations pertaining to Federal programs, which assist such individuals with disabilities.
NCD will undertake a one-year project to study the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the programs and services established by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (hereinafter the DD Act) and to develop recommendations for improvements that will enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. This project will be premised on the principle that disability is a natural and normal part of the human experience that does not diminish the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to exert control and choice over their own lives and to fully participate in and contribute to their communities through full integration and inclusion in the mainstream. Additionally, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families should have access to the community supports, individualized services, information, and other forms of assistance necessary to ensure that they are able to live free of abuse, neglect, financial and sexual exploitation, violations of their legal and human rights and the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion.
1. Background
For more than 30 years, the programs authorized by the DD Act built an infrastructure, trained professionals, performed research, and provided essential services designed to improved the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The DD Act was intended to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of DD Act programs and services, and have access to culturally competent services, supports, and other forms of assistance and opportunities. Its programs are to provide services and supports to enrich the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities across the lifespan.
The DD Act requires the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need and participate in the planning and designing of those services. The DD Act established "areas of emphasis" for ADD programs: Employment, Education and Early Intervention, Child Care, Health, Housing, Transportation, Recreation, Community Supports, and Quality Assurance. The DD Act Amendments of 2000 also refer to areas of emphasis, including other services available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal and informal community supports that affect their quality of life. Additionally, Supporting Statewide Self-advocacy and Leadership Development are required State Plan activities for DD Councils.
The DD Act Amendments of 2000 require the Secretary of HHS to develop a process for identifying and reporting on progress achieved, through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities, by the entities in the areas of emphasis, and to develop indicators for each area of emphasis. The Secretary is further required to apply the indicators in monitoring with respect to activities conducted after October 1, 2001.
2. Project Overview
The purpose of this project is to:
- Examine how the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), administers, supports, monitors, evaluates, and holds accountable, the programs and services under the DD Act including the Amendments of 2000, and
- Evaluate select programs and services authorized under the DD Act, including:
- State Councils on Developmental Disabilities;
- The Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD) programs;
- The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service;
- Projects of National Significance;
- Federal administration of separate grants for Family Support; and
- Program of Direct Support for Workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities.
Proposals responding to this RFP should describe:
The suggested framework for evaluating the effectiveness, implementation, and impact of the DD Act;
The criteria and methodology for measuring overall performance at the federal, state, and program levels;
The criteria and methodology for measuring progress in the "areas of emphasis;"
The criteria and methodology for measuring program-specific performance; and
The criteria and methodology for measuring outcomes and consumer satisfaction.
Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with prior and on-going Developmental Disabilities Program evaluation efforts, and submit proposals that build on existing knowledge and avoid duplication of efforts.
Some general research questions might include:
Is the Developmental Disabilities Program Independent Evaluation (DDPIE) measuring the correct variables in order to effectively gauge the impact of the DD programs on state services?
How is ADD's performance being monitored and evaluated? Is this adequate?
Should supporting statewide self-advocacy and leadership development be a distinct area of emphasis?
Should directly supporting statewide self-advocacy (and leadership development) be a requirement for all DD Act programs (not just Councils)?
DD Act Programs
1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
The DD Act established, and provides federal assistance to, State Councils on Developmental Disabilities to strengthen State efforts to coordinate and integrate services for individuals with developmental disabilities. A key mission of Councils is to advise Governors and State agencies on the use of available and potential resources to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. State DD Councils also engage in advocacy, build capacity and work to affect change and enhance systems to contribute to a coordinated, consumer-directed and family-centered array of community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance. Their work is to promote the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination and live in their communities, through outreach, advocacy, training, technical assistance, public education, activities to promote interagency collaboration and coordination, activities to provide information and recommendations to policy-makers, and activities to eliminate barriers to the access and use of community services, enhance systems design, and enhance citizen participation.
Issues to be examined might include:
How are State DD Council programs and services monitored, supported, reviewed, and strengthened?
How are effective models and practices developed, demonstrated, and disseminated?
How are the needs of citizens with developmental disabilities assessed?
To what extent is consumer satisfaction with DD Council programs and services assessed and enhanced?
Are DD Council programs and services adequately monitoring and reporting on the extent to which community-based living options are available for individuals with disabilities?
How is access to health care for individuals with developmental disabilities monitored, supported, and improved? Are there best practices that can be replicated in other states?
How effective are DD Council programs that focus on ensuring access to and use of safe and appropriate childcare and before-school and after-school programs, in the most integrated settings, in order to enrich the participation of the children in community life? Are there best practices that can be replicated in other states?
How effectively do DD Council programs and services promote access to and use of public transportation by individuals with developmental disabilities, so that they are independent and able to contribute to, and participate in, all facets of community life? Are there best practices that can be replicated in other states?
How effective are the DD Council programs and services that promote access to and use of recreational, leisure, and social opportunities in the most integrated settings, in order to enrich the participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in community life? Are there best practices that can be replicated in other states?
Do the indicators of progress (performance measures) accurately measure what the DD Act mandates the DD Councils to do?
2) Protection and Advocacy Services
The DD Act established Protection and Advocacy Services (P & As), a system in each state to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. P & As serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities – including, but not limited to, those with cognitive, mental, sensory, and physical disabilities – by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The ADD funds 57 Protection and Advocacy Systems (P & As) in each U.S. State, Territory, and in one Native American Consortium. According to ADD, P&A intervention assisted 23,298 people with developmental disabilities in fiscal year 2006. Thirty-nine P & As supported 343 people with developmental disabilities in obtaining or maintaining employment consistent with their interests, abilities, and needs. Fifty-seven P & As worked with parents, educators, school administrators, and policy makers to ensure that 12,242 students with developmental disabilities gained or maintained access to appropriate educational opportunities in their local area. Forty-six P & As increased access to affordable health care for 1,531 individuals with developmental disabilities by providing advice, advocacy training, legal intervention, or other forms of assistance. Forty-eight P & As assisted 484 individuals in obtaining or retaining a residence, living where and with whom they chose. Twenty-five P & As assisted 63 families in finding or maintaining childcare that met the needs of both the parent and the child. Twenty-nine P & As helped 130 people with developmental disabilities locate the solutions necessary to get where they needed to go. Twenty-one P & As facilitated participation or inclusion in order for 41 individuals to be able to enjoy activities they chose. Fifty-five P & As secured or maintained quality assistance for 6,084 people with developmental disabilities, increasing their safety or personal welfare, and maintaining their personal authority.
Issues to be examined might include:
To what extent are the civil rights of individuals with developmental disabilities being protected through actions by the Protection and Advocacy Systems?
Are adequate Protection and Advocacy resources applied to serving individuals with developmental disabilities?
Are Protection and Advocacy Services adequately applied to ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems for individuals with developmental disabilities?
Does the national network of Protection and Advocacy Services have adequate resources to serve individuals with developmental disabilities?
What percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities who seek P&A assistance are served? What percentage have their problem adequately resolved?
Do the indicators of progress (performance measures) accurately measure what the DD Act mandates the P and As to do?
3) University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
UCEDD is a grant program providing support to a national network of University Centers to support interdisciplinary training, exemplary services, technical assistance, and information/dissemination activities. University Centers are intended to positively affect the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing their independence, productivity, and integration into communities. The University Centers have four broad tasks: conduct interdisciplinary training, promote community service programs, provide technical assistance at all levels (from local service delivery to community and state governments), and conduct research and dissemination activities.
The DD Act funds 67 Centers at universities in every state and territory. UCEDDs serve people with disabilities, members of their families, state and local government agencies and community providers.
In 2006, the national network of UCEDDS: provided professional preparation for working in this field to over 4,000 students; provided technical assistance and training to approximately 172,000 health, education, mental health, and policy-making professionals, as well as people with disabilities and their families; provided direct (clinical or other) services to more than 51,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and/or their families; conducted over 1,000 research projects whose results may benefit people with disabilities; and developed and disseminated over 2,000 different publications to bring the most current information to professionals and the community.
Issues to be examined might include:
What steps are taken by the ADD to foster collaboration within and across UCEDDs?
How does the ADD monitor, assess, and address the status of personnel preparation and availability to meet the needs of individuals and families with developmental disabilities?
How does the ADD evaluate the training and technical assistance provided by the UCEDDs? How are training and technical assistance outcomes measured, evaluated, and improved?
Do the indicators of progress (performance measures) accurately measure what the DD Act mandates the UCEDDs to do?
4) Projects of National Significance
The 1975 reauthorization of the DD Act established and authorized funding for Projects of National Significance (PNS) to address particular national needs. The PNS program awards grants and contracts that promote and increase the independence, productivity, inclusion and integration into the community of persons with developmental disabilities. These projects may involve research, technical assistance, projects to improve supportive living and quality of life opportunities, projects to educate policymakers, and efforts to create Federal interagency collaboration.
Issues to be examined might include:
How does the ADD evaluate family support activities to determine which projects are best practices?
How does the ADD ensure the appropriate and adequate collection, analysis, and reporting of data regarding individuals with developmental disabilities?
How does the ADD ensure that funds are used to develop and disseminate timely and relevant technical assistance?
Are there projects that successfully promote transition of youth with developmental disabilities from school to adult life, especially in finding employment and post-secondary education opportunities, and in making changes and upgrades to any assistive technology devices that may be needed as a youth matures?
Are there successful initiatives that address the development of community quality assurance systems and the training related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of such systems, including training of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families?
Are there successful initiatives that address the needs of aging individuals with developmental disabilities and aging caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities in the community?
How does the ADD promote initiatives that create greater access to and use of generic services systems, community organizations, and associations, and initiatives that assist in community economic development?
How does the ADD promote initiatives that create access to increased living options?
Are there successful initiatives that advance the field of behavior modification, including initiatives that promote positive alternatives to the use of restraints and seclusion?
To what extent do projects of national significance support the development of national and State policies and practices related to the development and implementation, or expansion and enhancement, of family-centered and family-directed systems of family support services for families of children with disabilities, as required by the DD Act of 2000?
Do the PNS grants compliment, enhance or support the other DD Act Program activities to meet the mandate of the Act?
Do the indicators of progress (performance measures) accurately measure whether the DD Act goals are being served by the PNS grants?
5) Grants for Family Support
The DD Act Amendments of 2000 authorized Grants for family support, a program of grants to develop and implement a statewide system of family support services for families of children with developmental disabilities. The grant programs are based on the principle that families, children, and society benefit when children with developmental disabilities grow up in their own families, and that governmental assistance should make it possible for families to have the support they need to provide the care, support, and training for their family members with developmental disabilities in their own homes. Congress recognized that there is a need in each State to strengthen, expand, and coordinate the activities of a system of family-directed family support services for families of children with disabilities that is easily accessible, avoids duplication, uses resources efficiently, and prevents gaps in services to families.
Issues to be examined might include:
How does the ADD ensure that grant programs reach intended beneficiaries and adequately address targeted needs?
What is the impact of support provided through the family support grant programs?
6) Program for Direct Support Workers Who Assist Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The DD Act Amendments of 2000 authorized grants to increase and improve the availability of direct workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities. Congress recognized that, while the demand for direct workers is growing, the supply is not increasing at a rate adequate to meet the demand, and government support is needed to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, will have access to the qualified workforce needed to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to live safely and independently and to achieve their potential. Programs authorized include funding for scholarships, the development, evaluation and dissemination of a staff-related curriculum and guidelines for state-of-the art instruction to train direct support workers to assist individuals with developmental disabilities or to upgrade their skills, mechanisms for evaluating the proficiency of such workers, methods for measuring satisfaction with the curriculum and training, Methods for maintaining instruction and competency of direct support workers, and national dissemination of the curriculum and guidelines.
Issues to be examined might include:
Have programs to increase the number of direct support workers been effective?
What gaps in needed personnel remain? How will the gaps be closed?
Have programs improved the quality of personnel available for serving individuals with developmental disabilities?
How are curricula and training evaluated?
Which programs are best practices, and how are best practices and successful models disseminated and replicated?
III. Project Requirements
NCD seeks to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with entities that have the knowledge and experience to conduct a study of the programs and services delivered to people with disabilities under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. The study will culminate in a final report to include the findings and recommendations for improving the administration and implementation of the DD Act at the federal, state, and program levels to improve the delivery of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The deliverables for this project will include:
- A detailed preliminary outline of the final report;
- A revised detailed outline of the final report;
- An initial draft report; and
- A final report incorporating recommended revisions derived from NCD staff, Council members, and external peer reviews.
The final report must document the methodology, research findings, and recommendations for improving programs for individuals with developmental disabilities at the federal, state, and local levels. The final report must also include an Executive Summary, Introduction, and Conclusion. The final report must include a separate section containing the recommendations, organized according to the entity to which they are directed. All assertions of fact must be substantiated in Endnotes.
Any methodology used to obtain stakeholder input must allow for open-ended discussions between stakeholders, as opposed to soliciting answers to specific, predetermined questions. The use of surveys is strongly discouraged. The inclusion of people with disabilities must be integral to the planning, development, and execution of this project.
II. Award Information
NCD will make one award, not to exceed $150,000 in the form of a cooperative agreement. NCD will have substantial involvement in the administration of this project.
The projected start date for this project is September 15, 2008. The expected period of performance is 12 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. All potential applicants are eligible to apply
2. Cost-sharing is not required
3. Other Eligibility Criteria
Proposals that merely offer to conduct a project in accordance with the requirements of the Government’s scope of work will not be eligible for award.
Proposals that do not comply with NCD's Document Access Requirements, as specified in Section VI (2) below, will not be considered for award.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address applications to:
Julie Carroll
National Council on Disability
1331 F St NW, Ste 850
Washington, DC 20004
or e-mail to: jcarroll@ncd.gov
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A. General Requirements
The proposal must be prepared in two parts: A “Technical Proposal” and a “Business Proposal.” Each of the parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of evaluation of the other. The technical proposal must not contain reference to cost; however, resource information, such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc., must be contained in the technical proposal so that the understanding of the scope of the work may be evaluated. It must disclose the proposed technical approach in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise presentation that includes, but is not limited to, the requirements of the technical proposal instructions.
The proposal must be signed by an official authorized to bind the organization.
B. Technical Proposal
A detailed work plan must be submitted indicating how each aspect of the statement of work is to be accomplished. The technical approach should be in as much detail as is necessary to fully explain the proposed technical approach or method, and how the proposed approach will achieve the project objectives. The technical proposal should reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken.
The technical proposal must include information on how the project is to be organized, staffed, and managed. Information should be provided that will demonstrate how important events or tasks will be managed. The proposal must explain how the management and coordination of consultant and/or subcontractor efforts will be accomplished.
The technical proposal must include a list of names and proposed duties of the professional personnel, consultants, and key subcontractor employees assigned to the project. Their resumes or curriculum vitae should be included and should contain information on education, background, recent experience, and specific technical accomplishments. The approximate percentage of time each individual will be available for this project must be included. The proposed staff hours and tasks for each individual must be included on the chart/table identified under “Management Time and Schedule.”
The technical proposal must provide the general background, experience, and qualifications of the organization. Similar or related contracts, subcontracts, or grants should be included and contain the name of the customer, contract or grant number, dollar amount, time of performance, and the names and telephone numbers of the contracting officer’s technical representative or project officer and contracting/grants officer.
The technical proposal must be prepared and submitted in the following format:
1. Abstract (no more than 2 pages)
A two-page summary shall be provided abstracting the proposal contents, including objectives, activities, and expected outcomes, in language understandable to an informed layperson.
2. Table of Contents
3. Introduction (no more than 20 pages)
Applicants shall summarize, in their own words, the purposes and objectives of the project to demonstrate complete understanding of NCD’s intent and requirements. This section also should contain a specific statement of any interpretations, questions, qualifications, limitations, deviations, or exceptions to the Scope of Work and the extent to which the Applicant’s proposal can be expected to meet the requirements set forth in the Application materials.
4. Procedural Plan (no more than 40 pages)
This section shall fully describe the theoretical and technical approaches the Applicant will employ in complying with each task in the scope of work. While a general statement of strategy is appropriate, the proposal should be specific in describing the manner in which the overall project will be conducted, and the intended approach to the design.
5. Management Plan and Schedule (no more than 15 pages)
The management plan shall show the feasibility of implementing the Applicant’s resources. The Applicant shall present a time chart that specifies the amount of time (in person days) each staff member will commit to implementing each task. The plan shall present a clear description of the roles and work relationships among project personnel and project advisors. Finally, the plan shall contain a method for insuring the timely and successful completion of each work task, as a part of a projected schedule and target completion dates.
6. Personnel
Personnel with major responsibilities shall be listed by name, title, position, academic background, relevant experience, responsibilities with the project, and the extent to which this commitment is assured. This section should include specific time commitments of staff to other projects, both federal and non-federal. Consultants who have agreed to serve on the project should be similarly identified and assurances of their commitment included. The Project Director shall be committed for no less than approximately 50 percent of the contract. Vitae for all principal personnel, including consultants, should be appended to the proposal. Each vitae should be limited to not more than two (2) pages and should emphasize areas of experience directly relevant to this work.
7. Organization Experience
This section shall describe the Applicant's pertinent experience and qualification in conducting work of a similar nature. Applicants shall offer evidence of not more than 5 previous related assignments, including the names and telephone numbers of client project offices able to comment on the Applicant’s performance of those assignments. Summaries (not to exceed one page) of related work shall be included. References to products resulting from these related activities also should be included.
8. Resources/Facilities/Equipment
This section shall identify those resources (other than personnel), facilities, and equipment (e.g., library holdings, computer hardware and software) available for use in conducting this project.
9. Current Contractual Obligations
Each Applicant will be required to outline both federal and non-federal contractual obligations existing during the course of this award for all projects involving personnel who will be assigned to this project. Such organizations/agencies must be identified by name and the percentage of work time allotted to these projects by personnel committed to the proposed project must be provided.
10. Issues and Associated Data Items
When responding to the tasks, when identifying what should receive emphasis, careful consideration should be given to the issues identified, their associated data items, and the desired contents of the Final Report.
C. Business Proposal
The business proposal should contain a detailed budget for the project and the certifications and representations required by OMB Circular A-110.
Note: For each type of entity, there is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs. Allowability of costs shall be determined in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the entity incurring the costs. Thus, allowability of costs incurred by State, local or federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–87, “Cost Principles for State and Local Governments.” The allowability of costs incurred by non-profit organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations.”
The allowability of costs incurred by institutions of higher education is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.” The allowability of costs incurred by hospitals is determined in accordance with the provisions of appendix E of 45 CFR part 74, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals.” The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations and those non-profit organizations listed in Attachment C to Circular A–122 is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR part 31.
D. Post-Award
Upon notification of intent to award, the Contractor will be expected to:
- Develop and submit a timeline and deliverables schedule that will be used to guide the conduct of the project and monitor the work;
- Develop and submit a payment schedule chart to be used for installment payments of the award;
- Meet with select NCD staff and board members.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be received by June 20, 2008 by 5:00 PM EDT. Late applications will not be considered.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This opportunity does not require intergovernmental review.
5. Funding Restrictions
Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre award costs.
6. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted in an accessible electronic format and must comply with NCD Document Requirements described in Section VI (2) (A). A hard copy submission also is required.
Applications must be submitted to:
Julie Carroll
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street NW Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
Electronic applications can be submitted by e-mail to: jcarroll@ncd.gov , or by CD to the mailing address listed above.
A print copy is also required.
V. Application Review Information
1. Evaluation Criteria
NCD will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth below. It is understood that the proposal will become part of the official contract file.
The Request for Applications does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of a proposal. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition.
Technical Evaluation Criteria
Evaluators will score proposals with a maximum of 100 points, divided as follows:
1. A clear understanding of the nature of the work (20 points)
The proposal presents a clear understanding of the tasks required and the importance, quality and reliability of those tasks.
2. Procedural Plan (25 points)
The proposal contains evidence of a fully described technical approach to comply with each of the tasks in the scope of work. The proposal is consistent with the goals, objectives, and compliance requirements, and is practical in terms of producing needed information, analysis and recommendations.
3. Management Plan and Schedule (20 points)
The degree to which the project team, including any use of consultants, is organized and managed to accomplish effective and efficient implementation of all tasks to be completed. The proposal budget is appropriate to the administration of the project. The time frame is realistic. Plans and schedules to ensure smooth cooperation with the NCD staff involved are evident. The proposal clearly identifies who will be the project leader, and who will be key personnel, and includes a table showing the number of person-days by tasks for each of the key personnel. The management plan describes the extent and nature of involvement by individuals with disabilities in the design, operation, and deliverables of the project.
4. Personnel (20 points)
The proposal provides evidence of the specific qualifications and skills of staff and consultants to be assigned to this project, and their experience and familiarity with the topic, including relevant laws, regulations, and pertinent procedures and practices in the Federal Government. Skills in writing, and conducting research also should be clearly demonstrated.
5. Organizational Experience (15 points)
The degree to which the Applicant has prior experience and past performance in executing similar projects should be described. Evidence of related assignments should be detailed. Applicant shall present evidence of related assignments, including the names and telephone numbers of previous project officers who would be able to comment on the Applicant’s performance of those assignments.
2. Review and Selection Process
The review and selection process consists of internal reviews, external peer reviews, review and recommendation for award by NCD's Civil Rights Committee, and final review and selection by NCD. This process typically takes about five weeks.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
NCD will notify the successful applicant by telephone and letter. This notification will begin negotiations for a Cooperative Agreement. The letter is not an authorization to begin performance.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
A. NCD Document Requirements
All written and electronic documents drafted for NCD must be submitted in an electronic Word format. If PDF is used, submissions to NCD must be created using the tools and guidance developed for creating accessible PDF. See, http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/general_g/pdfcreate.htm
The document must be professionally edited. In addition, all documents must adhere to NCD's formatting and style standards, which follow the Government Printing Office Style Guide.
Formatting Requirements
Accessibility
First and foremost, NCD reports must be fully accessible to all people with disabilities. All graphs and charts must have full text descriptions. Shading is not permissible. Electronic copy must be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Contrast
Text and covers should be printed with the highest contrast possible.
Fonts
Use Arial, 12 point. Italics should be used sparingly, not for full sentences or paragraphs or recommendations. Do not use small caps.
Line Spacing
Set line spacing to 1.5. Reference, endnotes, appendices, etc. sections should be single spaced.
Paper Size
Set paper size to 8.5" x 11"
Margins
Set standard one inch (1") margins on all sides.
Paragraphs
Use block style. Begin paragraphs without tabbing in. Text should be in single column format. Use a double space between paragraphs.
Justification
Use left justified (ragged right).
Smart Quotes and Apostrophes
Use smart quotes and apostrophes.
Chapters
Chapters should start on odd-numbered pages, which fall on the right side.
Headers and Footers
Delete unnecessary headers and footers.
Widows and Orphans
Do not have widows or orphans.
Web Addresses
Make all Web addresses hyperlinks.
Style Heads
Paragraph headers between major subject areas are encouraged. Headers should be bold, but not underlined. Headers should not be all caps nor small caps. Double space between headers and text.
Spacing after Periods
Use one space after a period at the end of a sentence. Use one space after colons, question marks, and endnote numbers.
Endnotes
All documents must use endnotes, not footnotes, and the endnotes should be in Arial font, 12 point, single spaced.
Page Numbering
Page numbering should be centered at the bottom of each page. Blank pages require page numbers.
Begin page numbering in roman numerals on Letter of Transmittal page (suppress page number of that page). Begin ordinal numbering on Executive Summary page.
Contents Page
All documents should include a complete table of contents page. This includes page numbers for chapters and major sections. The Table of Contents text should be in regular font. Do not bold the entire page.
Style Requirements
General:
Use active voice (within reason)
Serial comma
Numbers: one-nine, 10 and above
Use “people [[not “persons” or “individuals”]] with disabilities” and “people without disabilities,” not disabled, handicapped, or nondisabled
1990s (not 1990’s)
Use “people from diverse cultures,” “people from diverse racial background,” and so forth [not minorities]
Punctuation NEVER comes after a closing quotation mark.
Due to or Because of?
“Due to” modifies nouns and is generally used after some form of the verb to be (is, are, was, were, etc.). Jan's success is due to talent and spunk (due to modifies success). “Because of” should modify verbs. Ted resigned because of poor health (because of modifies resigned).
Generally, use between for two, and among for three or more.
Legal Cases/Bills/Laws, etc:
H.R. 2457
S. 1322
P.L. 106-515
Italicize names of court cases
Convert small caps used in notes
Word List:
ADA, not the ADA
Administration (presidential)
closed captioning
Congress, not the Congress
data indicates (treat data as singular)
decision making
Department (capped referring to a U.S. Department)
email
end-user
Executive Order
federal
Federal Government
governor
health care (n, um*)
home- and community-based (um)
interagency (closed up)
multi (close up)
nation
NCD, not the NCD
non (close up)
percent, not %, unless in tables or parentheses
Ph.D.
policymaker
the President
proactive
reauthorize
reenter
rulemaking
screen-reader
standalone
state (l.c.) upfront
Supreme Court, the Court
Web site, the Web
white
workforce
workplace
In titles, cap prepositions of 5 or more letters.
*um=unit modifier, meaning two words used as an adjective
NCD will be responsible for the printing of the final report and will coordinate printing of multiple copies with the Government Printing Office (GPO).
B. Rights in Data, Copyright, and Disclosure
i. Data – The term “data” as used here includes written reports (progress, draft, and final), electronic format and work of any similar nature that is required under any resulting Cooperative Agreement to perform this project. It does not include the Contractor’s financial reports, or other information incidental to Contractor administration. Data submitted to and accepted by NCD under any Cooperative Agreement shall be the property of NCD, and NCD shall have full and unlimited rights to use such data for any purpose in whatever manner deemed desirable and appropriate, including making it available to the general public. Such use shall be without any additional payment to the Contractor. Data may be published as the property of NCD without giving authorship to the Contractor.
ii. Copyright – The Contractor relinquishes any and all copyrights and/or privileges developed under any Cooperative Agreement. The Contractor shall not include in the data any copyrightable matter without the written approval of NCD, unless the Contractor provides NCD with the written permission of the copyright owner for NCD to use the matter.
iii. Disclosure – The Contractor agrees not to divulge or release any information, reports or recommendations developed or obtained in connection with the performance of any Cooperative Agreement with NCD, and not otherwise available to the public, without the prior approval of NCD.
iv. Final Approval of Deliverables – All final deliverables are the product of NCD and require acceptance and approval by NCD. NCD reserves the right to make substantive edits to any final deliverables.
3. Reporting
A. Throughout the project, the Contractor and Contract Officer will conduct mutually agreed upon monthly teleconference calls and/or bi-weekly meetings, to include other project staff members and NCD staff members and, as appropriate, selected project advisors and NCD board members.
B. The Contractor will provide monthly electronic progress reports to the Contract Officer.
C. The Contractor will make a presentation to the full Council at a quarterly Council meeting and should factor the travel expenses into the project budget.
VII. Agency Contact
If you have questions about this Request for Applications, contact:
Julie Carroll
202-272-2019 (voice)
202-272-2074 (TTY)
jcarroll@ncd.gov
For more information about NCD, go to www.ncd.gov
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