A04_SOW.pdf

Statement of Work

Task 1: Technical Assistance and Training Task 2: Feasibility, Pilot, Program Evaluation, and Statistical Projects Task 3: Technology Projects Task 4: Event Planning and Logistics

Background

The BIA/Office of Justice Services, in FY2013, created the Agency Priority Goal of Reducing Recidivism in Tribal communities, which is now referred to as the Pathways to Wellness, an OJS Recidivism Reduction Initiative (PWRRI). The intent of the PWRRI is to internally strengthen, influence, and guide the current BIA/OJS institutional practices of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and re-entry by creating an Integrated Justice System of Services approach that improves pathway access for individuals and families to a full and comprehensive menu of justice, including services addressing substance use, mental health, and behavioral health.

Further, the OJS PWRRI Office is seeking to find a contractor that can support the BIA/Office of Justice Services along with tribal and federal partners, in a comprehensive agency priority approach intended to reduce crime-based recidivism and increase intervention options/access to identified services for youth, adults, and families in Tribal communities. This will be accomplished in partnership, by addressing primary and root causes to involvement in the justice system. The following purpose and requirements in this Scope of Work, outline what OJS is expecting from an independent contractor, in terms of knowledge, skillset, and experience to meet the following tasks within the PWRRI over the course of a multi-year project.

Task 1: Technical Assistance and Training

BIA/OJS is frequently asked by tribes to provide access to technical assistance (TA) and training to Native communities that support successful recidivism reduction program(s) implementation using a native-specific need and risk screening tool and service protocols, to enhance program outcomes. In addition, BIA/OJS seeks a prime contractor with demonstrated expertise in providing technical assistance to a broad range of Native Community Justice, substance use disorder, and behavioral health needs and risk factors, including those specific to age and gender.

The contractor will document prior experience with serving as a national resource to tribes on justice and BH topics, as BIA/OJS’ experience has shown that technical assistance is most effective when it targets a specific age, gender or need and is delivered by a content expert who has developed a collaborative relationship with the TA recipient. This TA must be delivered when the expertise is most needed, in a manner that is culturally responsive and is easily accessible.

The Contractor will work with the COR to identify technical assistance needs, identify appropriate resources, and respond to requests in a timely manner. As an approach to tribal strategic planning, technical assistance and training delivery should consider the requestor’s organizational capacity, the assessed community continuum of need/care, the stage of program planning or implementation within the Tribe, any Federal program requirements, cultural or linguistic factors, and overall program objectives and desired outcome(s).

The contractor must demonstrate the following:

- Organizational experience working with the behavioral health and justice systems in general and specifically with tribal behavioral health systems.

- Organizational experience creating and supporting the use of age-appropriate evidence-based risk and need screeners, electronic decision support tools, and protocols that assist providers in deciding appropriate referrals into service, service planning that track individuals through the course of care and how you have worked with tribes to customize these tools and protocols to best fit Indian country needs.

- Sufficient expertise and years of experience in the number, and type of agencies you support, number of screeners/assessments completed using your platform and use of the data for secondary data analysis.

- Culturally responsive/appropriate approaches to providing technical assistance to Tribes.

- Experience and expertise that would help Tribes facilitate leadership development, influence policy, and implement Native-specific best practices within and across tribes.

Establish and Maintain a Technical Assistance and Training Program The Contractor shall establish and maintain a technical assistance (TA) and training program to provide TA and training to Native communities in the programmatic areas targeted by BIA/OJS.

These areas include but are not limited to: age appropriate needs assessment, data-driven action planning, implementation and use of evidence based screening, assessment and interventions (and their electronic systems), program evaluation, program development and implementation in a variety of service settings, including recovery supports, suicide prevention, trauma informed care, gambling, human trafficking, diversion along behavioral health service cascade, reduction of health disparities, and other changes in financial or organizational care at the level of National, State, sub-State, and local tribal service delivery systems.

The Contractor shall have the capacity to provide staff or consultants with the expertise to deliver technical assistance or training on a wide variety of topics to a variety of audiences. This will include providing technical assistance and/or training in a culturally responsive/appropriate manner.

Develop Technical Assistance and Training Materials and Mechanisms The Contractor shall develop or adapt training materials and mechanisms using culturally relevant methodologies and technology. In addition, the COR may direct the contractor to provide topic specific training. This may include on-site training and/or developing rapidly produced on-line and web-based tutorials and training courses on a wide range of topics— including recovery supports, needs assessment, program planning, selection of evidence-based practices, adaptation or translation of evidence-based practices, sustaining program activities, principles and outcomes, consumer/peer-peer operated services, behavioral health care, cultural competence, and other approaches to addressing health equity and disparities, culturally responsive interventions, and trauma induced health problems; performance and other quality measurement, and program and services evaluation.

Provide Technical Assistance and Training The Contractor shall provide technical assistance through a variety of mechanisms that may include training at geographically distant consumer sites; at regional or national meetings;

providing expert consultants or staff to deliver workshops, training at leadership institutes and policy academies; or through webinars, podcasts, teleconferences, and other social media vehicles to deliver technical assistance and training while minimizing costs. The Contractor shall utilize multi-disciplinary teams to provide technical assistance and training, Training of Trainers (TOT), Tribe-to-Tribe, Tribe-to-State, Provider-to-Provider, Peer-to-Peer, etc. Technical assistance and training may be provided simultaneously to multiple programs or sites or may be individualized to a particular Tribe, organization, grantee, or program.

Technical Assistance Support The Contractor shall have the capacity to receive requests for technical assistance via telephone, or e-mail and have the capacity to secure or develop appropriate resources including training protocols developed by others, expert staff or consultants to deliver requested TA and training through a variety of medium mentioned above; as well have the capacity to arrange logistics for staff, consultant or participant travel.

The Contractor should work with the COR to develop a process to track TA and training requests, triage them, assign appropriate resources, seek, and receive approval from COR and analyze by types of request and other possible factors.

Task 2: Feasibility, Pilot, Program Evaluation, and Statistical Projects

Feasibility and Pilot Studies The Contractor shall design, conduct, and report results from feasibility and pilot studies, as well as develop tools that increase fidelity to the implementation of successful models of intervention and/or program design for youth, adults, families and the community. A feasibility study is usually done to determine whether an organizational activity, a service, a treatment service, strategy, intervention, or technology will work as intended. Feasibility studies are usually small scale and completed over a relatively brief period. A pilot study is used to determine whether the results of a feasibility study can be successfully replicated under a broader set of circumstances that are reflective of the intended range of applicability. The Contractor shall identify the key components of the feasibility or pilot study; the sampling procedures to be used; develop protocols for the study; provide TA support to those implementing the study; analyze qualitative and quantitative data collected; and prepare reports on the outcome of the study.

Evaluations BIA/OJS conducts evaluation studies of age and gender-based projects or programs to understand factors that may impede or contribute to its success; to explain linkages between project or program activities and outcomes; to assess effects beyond intended objectives; to estimate what would have occurred in the absence of a project or program, to assess net impact;

or to compare the effectiveness of alternative interventions, projects or programs aimed at the same objectives. Evaluation studies can be experimental or non-experimental in design; and can include a range of qualitative and/or quantitative information for several subject areas.

Evaluations may focus on process or implementation to understand if the intervention, project, or program is operating as intended; outcomes to determine if projects or programs achieve intended objectives; impact by comparing what would have happened in the absence of the project or program; cost benefit and/or cost effectiveness to assess the costs to produce positive benefits or identify the least costly method of achieving objectives. BIA/OJS evaluations may make use of multiple sources of data, such as: administrative or offender/client records data, offender/client surveys, applied clinical need and risk instruments, and other sources. The Contractor shall have the capacity to design and/or execute such evaluation studies.

The Contractor shall meet with the COR and tribal program staff to obtain background information on the program to be evaluated (e.g., a program theory/logic model, policy or evaluation questions), review these materials, conduct interviews with program staff, review data on program operations, assess current research on the program to be evaluated, which may require development of literature reviews; choose the appropriate/needed evaluation type (e.g., impact or outcome) of programs; develop or revise data collection instruments, prepare and submit Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance packages, if required, ensure tribal data sovereignty, quality and conduct ongoing analyses of data and apprise COR of compelling findings, prepare short reports, topical reports, preliminary findings or other analytical reports for the COR, and incorporate the COR’s and other program staff’s comments in a final report; and provide briefings to tribes and OJS Leadership at request of COR.

The Contractor shall propose an evaluation design, which will measure relevant aspects of program performance. The products of this task will include relevant instruments and data sources, a data collection plan, and a data analysis and reporting plan. The Contractor shall describe how technical assistance is provided and develop an information presentation approach that is focused on conveying data and information visually such that it enhances understanding in intuitive ways for the audience to see and explore.

The Contractor must demonstrate the following:

- Technical experience evaluating systems of service continuums across justice, behavioral health, re-entry, and recovery support using evidence-based screening and records data

- Technical experience helping systems of service identify and reduce risks of recidivism, victimization, and health inequities and disparities, specifically in Indian Country

- Ensure cultural responsiveness in your approach to providing technical assistance to Tribes.

- Assist Native communities to be able to give “voice” to their policy interests and actual needs.

Develop, Manage and Analyze a National Database(s) When data collection is required because of this project, the Contractor shall combine and maintain a National dataset that can be used by the Contractor and other tribal researchers to answer questions relevant to the Government and the research community. Contractor shall devise a protocol for obtaining permission from Tribes to use de-identified data for this purpose.

The Contractor shall create and maintain TA materials specifying all relevant characteristics of the dataset (Codebooks, computations, etc.), instructions on the use of data, a mechanism to request such data, and devise a process (inclusive of Native community stakeholders) to review requests for data to ensure that it is being used in accordance with its purpose. The Contractor shall process and analyze the National dataset to address questions posed by the Government, undertake research to determine the quality and characteristics of the dataset; and plan appropriate analyses of the dataset to address specific questions.

In some instances, the Contractor may be required to obtain other existing National datasets, through existing mechanisms, to augment analysis to answer questions posed by the Government. The Contractor will comply with all applicable Federal security, confidentiality, and privacy laws. To perform this work successfully, the contractor must have staff and/or consultants with advanced expertise in statistics, econometrics, sampling, weighting, imputations, and variance statistics. The Contractor shall prepare a summary report that integrates findings from the data analysis and literature review, and as required, identify current gaps in knowledge. In preparing summary reports, the contractor will work with the COR to identify the target audience and develop an information design approach that is focused on conveying abstract information in intuitive ways allowing the target audience to see, explore, and understand large amounts of information at once.

Task 3: Technology Projects

BIA/OJS supports the implementation and ongoing use of best practices to reduce recidivism and improve behavioral health outcomes in Native youth, adults, families, and communities. In addition to providing TA and training as described in Domain #1, Contractor will design, develop, build, maintain and support technological products to support the ongoing work with Native youth, adults, family and community supported by BIA/OJS and its federal partners. At a minimum, this should include a web-based, secure platform to support interagency, integrated, community-based service delivery models for Native youth, adults, families, and communities.

This platform can include evidence-based screening/assessment, individualized case planning, service/intervention delivery across systems (justice system, behavioral health services, social services, ongoing recovery support services). This solution must be provided to Native communities participating in BIA/OJS initiatives at no cost. Contractor should have experience with, and infrastructure for addressing health care and justice security and privacy laws/regulations. Interagency cooperation on such projects is likely and can include a scope of protocol improvements that require testing the robustness and suitability of emerging tools, including those that reinforce (a) needs and risks assessments, (b) data and client communications,

(c) client-centric treatment engagements, (d) protocol monitoring and analysis, (e) micro and formal education pathways, (f) community coaching management, and (g) employability assessment and self-care development.

Task 4: Event Planning and Logistics

The Contractor shall perform a range of activities in support of planning and implementing the programmatic events of BIA/OJS. These activities shall include consultation with the COR regarding attendees, sites, dates, agendas, preparation of meeting/event materials. At a minimum, Contractor will support the Pathways to Wellness Annual RRI Forum, however additional strategic planning meetings, conferences, etc. can be proposed.

Event Planning

The Contractor shall meet with the COR to obtain relevant background information, review the Task Order requirements, and identify any areas of challenge.

The Contractor, in conjunction with the COR shall identify appropriate pre-meeting materials and produce a planning document.

The Contractor shall arrange for any planning meetings with the principal meeting organizers.

If appropriate, the Contractor shall convene an expert panel with members approved by the COR, to help plan the meeting.

The Contractor shall select a site (or recommend virtual or hybrid formats) to be approved by the COR.

Pre-Event Logistics

The Contractor shall negotiate and implement a contract to obtain quality meeting space.

All lodging and per diem shall be contracted at rates in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.

Arranging for services such as audio-visual, telecommunications, computer, and recording equipment, along with supplies such as easels, pointers, notepads, etc., for meeting speakers and participants.

The Contractor shall prepare and distribute pre-registration materials to participants.

The Contractor shall develop a final list of meeting participants and attendees and produce and distribute all meeting announcements and materials.

The Contractor will coordinate with the COR to identify and select speakers. With the approval of the COR, the Contractor shall invite and confirm meeting speakers, arrange for their travel, and draft and distribute any required briefing materials/presentations typically developed by the speaker.

The Contractor may also be required to identify and provide qualified expert consultants, meeting facilitators or trainers to maximize attainment of meeting goals. All consultants shall be approved by the COR prior to confirmation. Contractor will be responsible for negotiating the consulting agreement and reimbursing honorarium at a rate no higher than $500 per day.

The Contractor shall coordinate meeting registration which may include development of advance registration procedures, including web-based registration.

The Contractor shall develop all conference materials, including announcements, agenda, participant information packets, name badges, evaluation forms, etc.

Onsite Logistics

The Contractor shall maintain contact with representatives at the meeting site to ensure smooth operation. The Contractor shall provide onsite event support which may include staffing a registration booth(s) at the meeting site to assist participants and attendees, resolve issues with the facilities, coordinate with vendors, caterers, hotel staff, etc.

Handle onsite materials management for resource booths/fairs, breakout sessions, poster sessions, etc.

Post-Event Logistics The Contractor shall provide post meeting services, including:

Drafting and finalizing documents as they pertain to transcribing or summarizing meeting proceedings

Distributing conference or meeting materials via email, conference website, CD/DVD or USB drive, or other forms approved by the COR

Support for post-event follow-up with participants when appropriate (e.g., establishing ongoing learning groups, communities of practice, etc.

Drafting and, upon approval of COR, mailing of thank you letters to the meeting speakers and presenters.

Preparing evaluation form results, reports and providing supplemental detail as required by the COR.