Notice of Funds Available (RFP)
2020-21.1.1: North Carolina Benefits Counseling Services Demonstration Project
Specifications
| Posted | Applications Due | Start Date | End Date | Amount | Match | Poverty Match | Council Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08, 2020 | Jul 01, 2020 | Jun 30, 2021 | $90,000.00 | $30,000.00 | $0.00 | Travis Williams |
General Information
Goal 1.: Goal By 2021, Increase financial security through asset development and security for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD)
Objective 1.1 More individuals with I/DD will have a financial plan, leading to greater security.
NCCDD 5 Year State Plan 2017-2021
A Request for Applications (RFA) is the way the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities asks for proposals for initiatives that will help the Council achieve the goals outlined in its five-year State Plan. (https://www.nccdd.org/images/article/Forms-docs-brochures/2015/Five_Year_Plan/Report-2016-08-16-1634R.pdf)
The Council has given you an outcome for the initiative and you will need to submit a proposal using a web-based system called DD Suite. (http://www.ddsuite.org)
Staff Contact
If you have any questions regarding the North Carolina Benefits Counseling Services Demonstration Project RFA packet or using DD Suite, please contact Travis Williams, Systems Change Manager at (919) 850-2901 or e-mail at RFAinfo@nccdd.org.Bidder's Workshop and Informational Conference Call
A Bidder's Workshop and informational conference call will be held on December 11th, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT). You can RSVP by e-mail at RFAinfo@nccdd.org by December 10th, 2019.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the Bidder's Workshop in person. The Bidder's Workshop will be at the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Offices located at 3125 Poplarwood Ct., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27604. Click here for driving directions.
If you cannot attend in person, you can connect to the informational conference call by dialing:
(877) 848-7030
Access Code: 4460894
Council Staff will go through the process of how to submit a proposal using DD Suite. Please review the RFA and submit your questions in writing prior to the call. Any questions submitted in writing by December 4th, 2019 will be answered during the Bidder's Workshop on December 11th, 2019. If you have questions about the North Carolina Benefits Counseling Services Demonstration Project during the Bidder's Workshop, you can submit those in writing by midnight, December 4th, 2019. Answers will be posted on DD Suite and the website by December 13th, 2019.
All questions will be compiled along with a response and posted on the website. If you have submitted an Intent to Apply form, the questions and responses will be e-mailed to you.
There are some things you will need to do before the Bidder's Workshop Information Conference Call:
1. Complete the Intent to Apply form below and return via e-mail or fax: e-mail: RFAinfo@nccdd.org or FAX: (919) 850-2915. The Intent to Apply form is used to gauge interest and determine outreach and marketing for Council Initiatives. While it is strongly encouraged that you complete an Intent to Apply form, it is not required. Also completing an Intent to Apply form does not obligate you to submit a completed application should you determine that your organization cannot carry out the goals of the RFA.
2. Get an account on DD Suite. Go to the DD Suite website at (http://www.ddsuite.org/registration.php) Provide the basic information on the registration page and click the submit button. If you have trouble or have questions, please contact Travis Williams, Systems Change Manager, at 919-850-2901.
3. Submit any questions you have about this RFA in writing no later than December 4th, 2019 to
RFAinfo@nccdd.org or FAX: (919) 850-2915. Please use the subject headline, "RFA Question North Carolina Benefits Counseling Services Demonstration Project RFA”
Question – North Carolina Benefits Counseling Services Demonstration Project RFA"
If you need information in alternate format, or require an accommodation, please notify the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities office at least one week in advance:
Please RSVP by e-mail at RFAinfo@nccdd.org for the Bidder's workshop by December 11th, 2019 .
The Deadline for Proposal Submissions is January 8th , 2019 at 5:00 PM (EDT).
Budget In addition to submitting a proposal for this RFA, you must complete the budget form on DD Suite for the first year of your initiative. A 25% non-Federal match is required for this initiative. This matching requirement means that 25% of the total initiative budget (Council funds + Match Funds) must come from non-Federal funds (e.g. state, local, agency, and/or private funds). If you need assistance calculating the amount required for the federal grant match, please download this Excel tool.
Who May Apply Applications are welcomed from any nonprofit or government agency that demonstrates that their agency is qualified, responsible, and capable of conducting the activities described. Eligible entities include any organizations, agencies, or businesses demonstrating an expertise in the focus area of this initiative. To be eligible, non-profit private entities must submit proof of 501(c)3 status with a current IRS determination letter. The Council will not consider applications submitted by agencies that do not meet eligibility to apply for funding.
Intent
Unfortunately for many North Carolinians living with disabilities, and their families, understanding how employment impacts federal and state public benefits programs can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, work incentives research* on Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects demonstrates that individuals who receive benefits counseling services are more likely to pursue employment, maintain employment, and leverage available incentives that support their goal of greater financial security and independence . The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) has a long history of exploring and supporting efforts to expand asset development for individuals living with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). As such, the Council recognizes the importance of benefits counseling services. This RFA will focus on implementing a demonstration project that will leverage existing assets, partners, and collaborative efforts to increase the availability of benefits counseling services for individuals receiving public benefits that are currently working, those who have extended a job offer, transitioning youth and their families, and those interested in self-employment.
*Center for Studying Disability Policy Issue Brief January 2012, www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/documents/WIPA%20brief_final010312.pdf
Budget
In addition to submitting a proposal for this RFA, you must complete the budget form on DD Suite for the first year of your initiative. This initiative is funded in the amount of $90,000.00. A 25% non-Federal match in the amount of $30,000.00 is required for this initiative. This matching requirement means that 25% of the total initiative budget (Council funds + Match Funds) must come from non-Federal funds (e.g. state, local, agency, and/or private funds). If you need assistance calculating the amount required for the federal grant match, please download this Excel tool.
Who May Apply
Applications are welcomed from any university, non-profit, for-profit or government agency that demonstrates that their agency is qualified, responsible, and capable of conducting the activities described. Eligible entities include any organizations, agencies, or businesses demonstrating an expertise in the focus area of this initiative. To be eligible, non-profit private entities must submit proof of 501(c)3 status with a
current IRS determination letter. The Council will not consider applications submitted by agencies that do not meet eligibility to apply for funding.
Non-profit applicants must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State to conduct business in North Carolina, or be willing to complete the registration process in conjunction with the execution of the contract documents
(see www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations).