Notice of Funds Available (RFP)

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
This notice is not publicly posted.
The application deadline for this notice has expired.
This notice may have expired - the project end date has already passed.

22SC1:  Data and Policy Research Grants

Specifications

Posted Applications Due Start Date End Date Amount MatchPoverty Match Council Staff
Nov 15, 2021 Feb 01, 2022 Jan 31, 2023 $120,000.00 $30,000.00$0.00 Alyssa Lee

Purpose

The purpose of this Notice of Funds Available (NoFA) is solicit proposals for a collection of research projects that are established to support the collection and analysis of data that will provide Council, advocates and policymakers with objective analysis and conclusions that promote systemic change and build capacity to improve services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Schedule of Events

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule:
• NoFA Posted in DD Suite- October 15

• Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87807874832?pwd=Q3lVcXJ6K1FEZFVUS2drL3VGNnMzUT09
Meeting ID: 878 0787 4832, Passcode: 611589

• Deadline for written Questions – November 9
• Applications Due – November 15
• Staff Application Review - November 15- December 3
• Grants Selection Committee Review - December 6 – 31
• Board Approval – January 15
• Award Recipients Announced – January 17
• Contract Negotiations and Signed Contracts – January 17 – February 15
• Start Date/Work Begins – February 1, 2022

Restrictions on Communication

All questions about this NoFA must be submitted in the following format:
Organization/Individual Name
1. Question
Citation of relevant section of the NoFA
2. Question
Citation of relevant section of the NoFA
Questions must be directed in writing to the Operations & Contracts Director (OCD) Lisa Eaves at: lisa.eaves@gcdd.ga.gov
Questions must include the company name and the referenced NoFA section.
From the issue date of this NoFA until a contractor is selected and the selection is announced, Applicants are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any State staff except through the OCD, or during the Applicants' conference, or as provided by existing work agreement(s). The State reserves the right to reject the proposal of any Applicant violating this provision. All questions concerning this NoFA must be submitted in writing by email to lisa.eaves@gcdd.ga.gov. Only written questions will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon the State.

The DD Council

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is one of 56 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) makes funds available to fulfill its mission in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its Five-Year Strategic Plan (pdf file). Through its funding, GCDD works to increase the capacities and resources of public and private nonprofit entities and others to develop a comprehensive community system that responds to the choices, capabilities and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The purpose of GCDD grants is to expand best practices and contribute to system-wide changes that support the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their full inclusion as community members. Recipients of GCDD grants are expected to be ongoing partners bringing about change.
Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.

GCDD serves as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training.
The GCDD is a state agency, attached to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) for administrative purposes.

Scope of Work- Request For Proposals

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is the state's leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to promote public policy that creates an integrated community life for persons with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, neighbors, and all who support them. We achieve this mission by sharing information, coordinating public outreach, and implementing strategic legislative advocacy.
The Data and Policy Research Grants are a collection of research projects that are established to support the collection and analysis of data that will provide Council, advocates and policymakers with objective analysis and conclusions that promote systemic change and build capacity to improve services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. These projects will generate research and policy briefs that illustrate trends, needs, national comparisons, and possible solutions. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities has developed 3 different research topics for applicants to choose from (Up to $40,000 will be awarded per research topic). Applications should clearly indicate at least one topic; however, if the applicant believes strongly they are qualified and capable of completing the research on more than one of the topics, they are encouraged to provide their selections and relevant qualifications. The topics include:

1. Employment - Up to $40,000.00 Award + 25% match
2. Transportation- Up to $40,000.00 Award + 25% match
3. Housing - Up to $40,000.00 Award + 25% match


These assessments will include, but are not limited to, (1) public input from people with developmental disabilities and their families, (2) input from relevant state agencies and partner organizations, (3) an analysis of current supports and services available in Georgia, including the differences among urban, suburban, and rural settings, as well as an estimate of Georgians receiving said supports and services, those waiting to receive, and those not currently seeking or aware of said services, (4) an analysis of trends in disparity by race/ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status, (5) any challenges and barriers that might exist for Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families in receiving supports and services, (6) a review of best practices from other states, emphasizing states in the Southeast, and (7) clear, action-oriented recommendations regarding policy and programmatic proposals that the Council can act on during the current 5-year plan.

The grantee is ultimately responsible for detailing their plans for successful implementation and completion of the data and policy research grant; however, some activities that should be included in the work plan include:


1. Develop a questionnaire and/or survey to interview participants with developmental disabilities and their families. Some combination of survey methods and focus group methods should be considered. These tools will be used to identify participants' needs and issues related to the topic area.
2. Develop a questionnaire and/or survey to interview participants who have insight into the local and statewide systems of services available to people with developmental disabilities. Some combination of survey methods and focus group methods should be considered. These tools will be used to identify the participants' perspective on the topic area.
3. Identify and recruit people with developmental disabilities and their families to participate in the research project. Justify the number of participants, assuring it is sufficient to create a valid study and outcome. Participants must represent urban, suburban, and rural areas of Georgia and mirror the socio-economic strata of the community, with attention paid to having racial, ethnic, and gender identity diversity.
4. Identify and recruit participants who have insight into the local and statewide systems of services available to people with developmental disabilities to participate in the research project. Justify the number of participants, assuring it is sufficient to create a valid study and outcome. Participants must represent urban, suburban, and rural areas of Georgias. Participants should also represent a reasonable mix of statewide, county, and local agency/organization participants. Participants should also mirror the socio-economic strata of the community, with attention paid to having racial, ethnic, and gender identity diversity.
5. Identify and analyze the Georgia service systems currently in place that address the topic.
6. Compile, review and analyze issues identified by people with developmental disabilities and their families.
7. Review best practices of other states, including state councils, for addressing the issues identified through this project, and identify them to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.
8. Deliver a final report to the Council that includes the information listed above.

Experience Requirements:
● Bachelor’s degree in research, economics or related field required; master’s degree preferred
● Extensive and proven experience in field of research
● Knowledgeable in various research and testing methodologies
● Experience using statistical analysis software
● Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite
● In-depth knowledge of specific field
● Perform objective and ethical research at all times
● Well-versed in database management
● Effective communicator, both orally and written

Application Submission & Evaluation

The Applicant must submit a complete application in DD Suite which includes a Project Outline, a Project Work Plan and a Project Budget.

Applications must be submitted online via https://www.ddsuite.org, prior to the published deadline. No hard copies will be accepted. Applicants must have or create a DD Suite user account and an organization account in order to submit an application. Go to https://www.ddsuite.org and click on "HELP TAB" for detailed instructions on creating DD Suite user and organization accounts. (See complete application process and Guide to DD Suite attached)

Additional Submission Requirements:
1) Upload of copy of the Federal W-9 (attached to this NoFA)
2) Two written professional references who can speak to your qualifications and experience. (Upload references to your DD Suite application.)
3) Please upload at least 1 sample of work which demonstrates your ability to complete this project successfully.


Each proposal should be prepared simply and economically, avoiding the use of elaborate promotional materials (unless materials have been requested) beyond those sufficient to provide a complete presentation. If supplemental materials are a necessary part of the proposal, the Applicant should reference these materials in the technical proposal, identifying the document(s) and citing the appropriate section and page(s) to be reviewed.
Any proposal received after the due date and time will not be evaluated.

Evaluation Process

The evaluation of proposals received on or before the due date and time will be conducted in the following phases. Any proposal received after the due date and time will not be evaluated.

Administrative Review

The Operations & Contracts Director will screen each proposal. The screening will consist of:
(1) determining if the Applicant is eligible to receive Council funds including determining if the Applicant meets eligibility requirements and is registered to do business in Georgia;
(2) the budget is within the funding limits and includes the required match;
(3) the application is complete and all sections in DD Suite have responses; and,
(4) the required forms are attached.

DD Suite will issue an automatic reply acknowledging receipt of your proposal immediately after successful submission.

There will be no debriefing for applicants who are not selected. All applicants who respond to this NOFA will be notified of the outcome of their application (awarded, application modifications requested, or denied) by email through DD Suite.

Proposal Evaluation

The GCDD Chairperson will appoint a selection committee and may consider individuals other than Council member or advisory members. No one may evaluate proposals in which there is, or there is an appearance of, a conflict of interest. They will recuse themselves from all parts of the grant evaluation and award process.

The Selection Committee may meet twice within 30 days of proposal due date. Before the first meeting, staff will send proposals and the Solicitation Evaluation Form. The first meeting may be either in person or virtual and members will review, rank, and narrow down proposals to the top 2 or 3 for consideration as finalist. Staff will collect and file all completed Solicitation Evaluation Forms.

Using the Solicitation Evaluation Form, members will identify the most critical factors contributing to the value or success of the proposed solutions to the issues identified. Among the criteria used are the following:

1. Does the outline clearly state goals and major activities?
2. Is applicant qualified or experienced to complete the goals and activities?
3. Does the application satisfactorily describe the impact of activities of the project will have on people with developmental disabilities?
4. Is each required goal and outcome addressed? Are the goals and outcomes satisfactory?
5. Does the application adequately describe who will be responsible for each activity and a timeframe for completion?
6. Is the proposed budget consistent with the goals and activities identified in the project?
7. Does the budget justification for each item include how amounts were determined?
8. Does the evaluation plan satisfactorily describe both process and outcomes evaluation approaches?

The criteria are scored by each member of the selection team and a proposal is eligible to receive a maximum of 1000 points. Each criteria is rated either Exceptional (receives full points), Acceptable (receives half points), Not Acceptable (Receives no points). For example, if the criterion Organizational Ability has a maximum points value of 75. An Exceptional Rating gets 75 points, Acceptable gets 37.5 and Not Acceptable gets 0. If there is more than one proposal, only those that have a score of at least 700 (70% ) will have their applications forwarded to the Council’s Grants Selection Committee.

Oral Presentations

GCDD reserves the right to conduct site visits or to invite Applicants to present their proposals between December 6 – 31, 2021 at 2 Peachtree Street, 26th Floor, Suite 246, Atlanta GA 30303 or by video conference (Zoom) virtually during this time.

Financial (Cost) Proposal Evaluation
The Successful Applicant submit a proposed budget for this initiative. The Financial Proposal will provide a 25% match (in-kind or funds) to augment the federal grant. The 25% match may be in the form of matching dollars, and/or in-kind costs, on an annual basis. Match funds must be documented by submitting a Report of Certified or In-Kind costs at each reporting period. The match rate for poverty areas in 10%.
What kind of things can be considered in-kind match?
Your in-kind match may include expenses that are:
• allowable under federal guidelines and GCDD policies;
• necessary for your project;
• not paid by federal funds (ours or those of another agency); and
• not already being used as match for another federal grant.
Some examples include office space, utilities, volunteer time (including members of your Project Advisory Committee), printing costs, consultants (if not paid through the grant), or staff not paid for through the grant.
Applicant should provide a detailed annual plan explaining how it will generate the required match and how much, i.e., the percentage that will be provided. The plan must show in detail what will be done, how it will be done, and what specific commitment the Applicant is willing to make as a match.

NOFA Policies

NOFA Policies

Rejection of Proposals/Cancellation of NoFA

The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularity or informality in a proposal, and to accept or reject any item or combination of items; when to do so would be to the advantage of the State. It is also within the right of the State to reject proposals that do not contain all the elements and information requested in this document. The State reserves the right to cancel this NoFA at any time. The State will not be liable for any cost/losses incurred by the Applicants throughout this process.

NoFA Amendments

The State reserves the right to amend this NoFA prior to the proposal due date. All amendments and additional information will be posted to http://ddsuite.org Applicants are encouraged to check this website frequently.

Proposal Withdrawal

A submitted proposal may be withdrawn prior to the due date by a written request to the Operations and Contracts Director. A request to withdraw a proposal must be signed by an authorized individual.

Cost for Preparing Proposals

The cost for developing the proposal is the sole responsibility of the Applicant. The State will not provide reimbursement for such costs.



Conflict of Interest

If an Applicant has any existing client relationship that involves the State of Georgia, the Applicant must disclose each relationship.


Reciprocal Preference Law OCGA 50-5-60(b)

For the purposes of evaluation only, Applicants resident in the State of Georgia will be granted the same preference over Applicants resident in another State in the same manner, on the same basis, and to the same extent that preference is granted in awarding bids for the same goods or services by such other State Applicants resident therein over Applicants resident in the State of Georgia. NOTE: For the purposes of this law, the definition of a resident Applicant is one who maintains a place of business with at least one employee inside the State of Georgia. A post office box address will not satisfy this requirement.

ADA Guidelines

The State of Georgia adheres to the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants should contact the Operations and Contracts Director at least 48 hours in advance if they require special arrangements when attending the Applicant's Conference. The Georgia Relay Center at 1-800-255-0056 (TDD Only) or 1-800-255-0135 (Voice) will relay messages, in strict confidence, for the speech and hearing impaired.