HHS-PSC-RFP-21-75P00121R00077.pdf

75P00121R00077

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

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C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

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M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

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SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) DESCRIPTION SEC. (X)

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

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16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

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23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

08/24/2021 X

DAM

DHHS/PSC/AMS/DAM

7700 Wisconsin Avenue 8th Floor Bethesda MD 20814

1000 ET 09/22/2021

ANNE M MINEWEASER

anne.mineweaser@psc.hhs.g ov

X

PAGE(S)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____0_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

75P00121R00077

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

Training and Technical Assistance to the 56 State Councils on Developmental

Disabilities

Period of Performance: 09/29/2021 to 09/28/2026

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

SECTION A - Solicitation/Contract Form

SECTION B - Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

B.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The purpose of this performance-based contract is to provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) to State Councils on Developmental Disabilities. These services should be reliable, effective, efficient, and evolving to work towards achieving the following goals:

1. Councils are positioned as known leaders, sought out topical experts, and catalysts of systems change, capacity building and advocacy at the national, state/territory, and local levels;

2. Councils effectively demonstrate and communicate the impact of their efforts on the lives of people with developmental disabilities; both as individual Councils and collectively as a network of programs; and

3. Individuals with ID/DD live independent, self-determined, productive, integrated and inclusive lives.

B.3 TYPE OF CONTRACT

The contract type awarded is a cost-plus fixed fee.

B.4 SEVERABLE SERVICES

The services acquired under this contract are severable services. Funds are only available for use for the contract line item (CLIN) to which they are obligated. Unused funds from one CLIN may not rollover for use in other CLINs.

B.5 CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT (CPFF – Severable Services)

In consideration of satisfactory performance of the work described in Section C, the contractor shall be reimbursed the cost plus fixed fee amount stated below for the base period and option periods (if exercised).

In consideration of satisfactory performance of the work described in Section C, the contractor shall be reimbursed up to the estimated cost plus fixed fee amount stated below for each of the CLINs (if exercised). If the options are exercised funding will be obligated by modification to the contract.

CLIN 1 - Base Period:

Estimated Cost $ Fixed Fee $ Cost Plus Fixed Fee $

CLIN 2 - Option Period One:

Estimated Cost $

Fixed Fee $ Cost Plus Fixed Fee $

CLIN 3 - Option Period Two:

Estimated Cost $ Fixed Fee $ Cost Plus Fixed Fee $

CLIN 4 - Option Period Three:

Estimated Cost $ Fixed Fee $ Cost Plus Fixed Fee $

CLIN 5 - Option Period Four:

Estimated Cost $ Fixed Fee $ Cost Plus Fixed Fee $

TOTAL Potential Value inclusive of all CLINS:

Estimated Cost $ Fixed Fee $ Cost Plus Fixed Fee $

B.6 INDIRECT COST RATES

Pursuant to the General Provisions of this contract, and FAR Clause 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, the following provisional and ceiling rates are established:

TBD

Type Provisional Ceiling* Base Fringe Overhead G&A

*In addition, it is hereby agreed that the above ceiling rates are to be used for the life of the contract.

For Contractors that have an approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement: The Contractor shall use the organization's current negotiated provisional indirect cost rates for billing purposes unless lower ceiling rates have been negotiated and established under the contract.

For Contractors that do not have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement: The Contractor shall submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant Federal agency within 90 days of contract award for the review and negotiation of provisional rates. The indirect cost rate proposal shall be submitted to the Contractor's cognizant Federal agency. If HHS is the cognizant Federal agency, the office responsible for the negotiation of indirect cost rates for HHS profit-making contractors is: Director, Division of Financial Advisory Services, Office of Acquisition Management and Policy, National Institutes of Health, 6100 Building, Room 6B05, 6100 Executive Blvd MSC-7540, Bethesda, MD 20892-7540. The cognizant Federal office responsible for the negotiation of indirect cost rates for nonprofit organizations where HHS has cognizance is: Program Support Center (PSC), Division of Cost Allocation (DCA). The PSC DCA is comprised of four field offices and a DCA Director's office. The contractor's specific DCA location is based on the location of the contractor. For example, if the contractor is located in Maryland, Virginia or DC, the Mid- Atlantic Field Office of the DCA located in Bethesda, Maryland would be the cognizant office. (Refer to the DHHS, PSC FMS website at https://rates/psc.gov, and click on Contact Information and Office Locations, for the specific office location to determine the office responsible for a specific contractor. A DCA point of contact for questions is Brian Caudill and he can be reached on 301-492-4857.

The Contractor shall submit its final indirect cost rate proposal to its cognizant Federal agency within 180 days of the completion of each Contractor fiscal year for the review and negotiation of final indirect cost rates. A proposal shall be submitted for each year the contractor has Government contracts. In the event the rates determined by the cognizant negotiated indirect cost official on the basis of actual allowable costs are less than the provisional and ceiling rates agreed to herein, then the lower rates as established by such cognizant official shall apply.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contractor shall, in the case of an adjustment of the provisional rates, comply with the requirements of FAR 52.232-20 - Limitation of Cost.

SECTION C - Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Training and Technical Assistance

C.1 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND

1.1 Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act

The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) is the Federal agency responsible for implementation and administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act of 2000) (42 U.S.C. 15001, et seq.). This agency is located within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The DD Act of 2000 authorizes support and assistance to States, public agencies, and private, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community.

As defined in the DD Act of 2000, the term "developmental disabilities" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the individual attains age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency.

There are four programs funded under the DD Act of 2000:

1. State Councils on Developmental Disabilities;

2. State Protection and Advocacy Systems;

3. National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service; and

4. Projects of National Significance.

The DD Act of 2000 identifies a number of significant findings, including:

• Disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community.

• Individuals whose disabilities occur during their developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are likely to continue indefinitely.

• Individuals with developmental disabilities often require lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families.

In accordance with policies set out in the DD Act of 2000, AoD seeks to support and to ensure that:

(1) individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community living, through the provision of community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance;

(2) individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that are recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities of such individuals;

(3) individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and supports such individuals and their families receive, including regarding choosing where the individuals live from available options, and play decision-making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such individuals and their families;

(4) services, supports, and other assistance are provided in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual dignity, personal preferences, and cultural differences;

(5) specific efforts are made to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and their families enjoy increased and meaningful opportunities to access and use community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance available to other individuals with developmental disabilities and their families;

(6) recruitment efforts in disciplines related to developmental disabilities relating to pre-service training, community training, practice, administration, and policymaking focus on bringing larger numbers of racial and ethnic minorities into the disciplines in order to provide appropriate skills, knowledge, role models, and sufficient personnel to address the growing needs of an increasingly diverse population;

(7) with education and support, communities are accessible to and responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and are enriched by full and active participation in community activities, and contributions, by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families;

(8) individuals with developmental disabilities have access to opportunities and the necessary support to be included in community living, have interdependent relationships, live in homes and communities, and make contributions to their families, communities, and States, and the Nation;

(9) efforts undertaken to maintain or expand community-based living options for individuals with disabilities are monitored in order to determine and report to appropriate individuals and entities the extent of access by individuals with developmental disabilities to those options and the extent of compliance by entities providing those options with quality assurance standards;

(10) families of children with developmental disabilities have 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 living;

(11) individuals with developmental disabilities have access to and use of public transportation, in order to be independent and directly contribute to and participate in all facets of community living; and

(12) individuals with developmental disabilities have access to and use of recreational, leisure, and social opportunities in the most integrated settings, in order to enrich their participation in community living.

ACL’s vision is that all people, regardless of age and disability, live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society. AoD shares in ACL’s mission to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of people with developmental disabilities, their families and other members of their support system.

1.2 Performance Based

This is a performance-based contract. Performance will be measured by the outcomes achieved in providing coordinated, comprehensive, and specialized T/TA to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Councils). This statement of objectives is based on a logic model that outlines the Council T/TA inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes which are the desired results to be achieved for the work performed (see Appendix A for the full logic model). This logic model must be incorporated into the proposed approach for this project and shall provide the basis for evaluating the results of this project.

1.3 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities

Within AoD, the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) administers the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities. OIDD requires a performance-based contract to provide coordinated, comprehensive and specialized training and technical assistance (T/TA) to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are funded through formula grants authorized under Subtitle B of the DD Act. State Councils are uniquely composed of individuals with developmental disabilities, parents and family members of people with developmental disabilities, representatives of State agencies that administer funds under Federal laws related to individuals with disabilities, and local and nongovernmental agencies. Members of a Council are appointed by a State’s governor. Councils pursue systems change (e.g., includes the way human service and other agencies do business so that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have better or expanded services and greater participation in community living), advocacy (e.g., includes educating policy makers and system leaders about unmet needs of individuals with developmental disabilities), and capacity building (e.g., includes working with state service agencies to provide training and benefits to direct care workers) to promote independence, self-determination, productivity, integration and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community living.

Councils utilize strategies such as training, educating policy makers and communities, coalition development, barrier elimination, and demonstration of new approaches to service. These strategies are incorporated into a five-year State Plan that includes, and is based on, a comprehensive review and analysis of services, supports, and other assistance in the State available to individual with developmental disabilities. Each Council submits to OIDD a five-year State Plan, which must be reviewed and revised, as appropriate, annually.

Central to the DD Act is self-determination. Councils work in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities and family members to encourage the development of a consumer and family centered comprehensive service system that supports this concept.

Currently, there are 56 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Marianas, Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

Councils are expected to work collaboratively with other entities funded under the DD Act, including the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems and the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service UCEDD(s) in the State.

The DD Act of 2000 mandated that an accountability process be implemented to monitor State Councils and other entities funded under the Act. This process includes identifying and reporting on progress achieved through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities using performance measures as indicators of progress. Each Council is required to report annually on performance measures in the goal area(s) in which they are working. OIDD must submit a report to Congress at least once every two years. The report must include activities that focus on coordination and collaboration within and across the DD Network programs.

1.4 Comprehensive

To ensure effective advocacy, capacity building and systems change, Councils must be flexible to convene multiple stakeholders while simultaneously focusing on the mission of their unique work. This requires providing comprehensive T/TA that addresses a wide array of issues across advocacy, disability, and organizational contexts.

It is understood that to be comprehensive, T/TA will require development of a foundation in order to advance program knowledge in the following areas:

• The DD Council program, including the history of the program and the developmental disabilities movement.

• Historical and emerging issues in the developmental disability field, including relevant statutes, policies, and regulations.

• Various effective approaches to advocacy focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

• Historical and emerging issues faced by the ID/DD population in daily life and how they relate to a response through improving advocacy, capacity building, and systems change.

• Historical and emerging issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competencies.

• Standard Council practices for individual and systemic advocacy, strategic planning, information dissemination, and public outreach.

• Measurement and evaluation of Council effectiveness and impact.

• Administrative areas including planning for Council activities, personnel management, and financial/fiscal management.

• Historical and emerging promising practices in effective Council operations and service delivery to its customers.

• Support of collaboration with disability advocacy groups, including the other entities funded under the DD Act:

o Protection and Advocacy Agencies, o University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, and o Projects of National Significance.

1.5 Specialized

The 56 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are comprised of a highly specialized national network, designed to advance public policy and systems change. Councils are unique in that they are the only federally mandated, governor appointed body in their state/territory that serves as the voice of people with ID/DD in transforming systems. Through the creation of programs and initiatives, Councils are able to support the advancement of programs and policies that strive to help individuals with ID/DD gain more control over their lives. Councils are required to support and strengthen self-advocacy and leadership efforts, which also contributes to their unique and important role.

Based on the different provisions outlined in the DD Act and supporting regulations, the technical assistance provider must be able to adequately support Council members, Council Chairpersons, Council staff, and Council Executive Directors. Having a working knowledge of Council operations and requirements will be necessary to provide appropriate guidance and supports. There is no other comparable system in the U.S. and its territories; therefore this program requires experience-based content knowledge and proven strategies for success. Some of the areas of specialized training and targeted technical assistance include:

• Council member and Council staff roles and responsibilities;

• Functions of a Designated State Agency;

• Fiscal accountability and requirements of the program;

• Council budget development and understanding;

• Information Dissemination;

• Council public outreach and messaging strategies and how to make them more action and outcome oriented

• Council bylaws and procedures;

• Council and Disability policies (historical and current policies);

• Chairperson leadership;

• Self-Advocacy efforts and serving as leaders in authentically developing individuals with

ID/DD as leaders;

• Principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural linguistic competency in all aspects of Council work;

• Required federal reports (i.e. State Plan, State Plan annual work plans, State Plan amendments, and Program Performance Report); and

• Evaluative methods for connecting Council work to achieve positive outcomes and impact.

1.6 Legislative Authority

1. SEC.163(c)(2)(A) of the DD Act authorizes the use of funds to provide technical assistance for State Councils.

2.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this performance-based contract is to provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) to State Councils on Developmental Disabilities. These services should be reliable, effective, efficient, and evolving to work towards achieving the following goals:

4. Councils are positioned as known leaders, sought out topical experts, and catalysts of systems change, capacity building and advocacy at the national, state/territory, and local levels;

5. Councils effectively demonstrate and communicate the impact of their efforts on the lives of people with developmental disabilities; both as individual Councils and collectively as a network of programs; and

6. Individuals with ID/DD live independent, self-determined, productive, integrated and inclusive lives.

3.0 TASKS / ACTIVITIES

The Contractor shall provide T/TA to the entities designated by OIDD as the Councils. The T/TA activities carried out under this contract shall be program specific and/or cross cutting to the Councils. The T/TA activities shall be organized around four main areas:

1. Project Management and Evaluation

2. Knowledge Development

3. Collaboration

4. Information Management

OIDD views technical assistance as an innovative problem-solving endeavor and expects that continuous evaluation of T/TA efforts will occur and be integrated throughout all four key areas.

Project Management and Evaluation

3.1.a Project Management The contractor is expected to achieve the project goals by managing and evaluating the data-driven T/TA provided to the Councils.

a. Based on an in-depth analysis of multiple sources of information (OIDD, Councils, and other T/TA sources) and trends in T/TA activities, the contractor develops and updates annually a five-year strategic plan and corresponding logic model (see Appendix A) that holds the T/TA contractor accountable in meeting the COR specifications and expectations for the project. This strategic plan should both clearly and concisely identify the expected goals, objectives, tasks, resources and activities that will lead to achieving the project outcomes, to the maximum extent possible. The project management is to be guided by the following principles:

i. Outcome-driven results: Planning for and providing T/TA using activities that are linked to and evaluated based on the metrics in the Council T/TA Logic Model for measuring outcomes in the performance of T/TA to Councils.

ii. High-quality, efficient and effective T/TA: Providing comprehensive, coordinated, specialized T/TA with specific attention to the needs of the Council network while using the most cost-efficient strategies (e.g., maintain the highest levels of services to the greatest number of Councils, consistent with cost effectiveness).

iii. Evidence-based approach: Using evidenced-based strategies, resources and tools to the extent they are available for designing and implementing

T/TA.

iv. Innovation: Applying new and creative techniques and methods that promote efficiency and effectiveness (e.g. virtual T/TA) while not compromising quality.

v. Tailored: T/TA strategies and resources should be tailored to both the individualized and collective needs of Councils.

3.1.b Project Evaluation

The continuous evaluation of T/TA provision and results is an essential process in effective

Project Management.

1. The contractor shall provide for the following that meets COR specifications and approval:

a. Develop and implement an on-going self-monitoring process for assessing progress of T/TA project activities and evaluate the extent to which the T/TA provider has achieved the outcomes outlined in the logic model for this contract.

b. Develop benchmarks and evaluate the extent to which the T/TA provided has supported Councils in:

i. Positioning them as known leaders, sought out topical experts, and catalysts of systems change, capacity building, and advocacy at the national, state/territory, and local levels;

ii. Effectively being able to demonstrate the impact of Council efforts on the lives of people with ID/DD, both as individual Councils and collectively as a network of programs; and

iii. Working to ensure people with ID/DD live independent, self-determined, productive, integrated, and inclusive lives.

c. Collect, document, and report monthly to the COR on 1) emerging T/TA needs and trends, 2) T/TA provided, 3) the outcomes and impacts of such services rendered. Based on this information, the contractor will make adjustments to the strategic plan, goals, objectives, tasks and activities as needed based on federal approval.

d. Throughout the performance period of this contract, demonstrate improved performance, reliability, innovation and cost-effectiveness of the services delivered by:

i. Develop and implement an on-going self-monitoring process for assessing progress of project activities and the extent to which the T/TA provider has achieved the outcomes of the contract, reporting formative assessment results to the COR on a monthly basis.

ii. Annually evaluate and report a summative assessment to OIDD on the extent to which the T/TA provided has supported Councils in:

1. Being positioned as known leaders, sought out topical experts, and catalysts for systems change, capacity building and advocacy at the national, state/territory, and local levels;

2. Effectively demonstrating the impact of their efforts on the lives of people with ID/DD, both as individual Councils and collectively as a network of programs; and

3. Improving the ability of individuals with ID/DD to live independent, self-determined, productive, integrated and inclusive lives.

Such reports must include results from the evaluation of T/TA activities that demonstrate the impact of the work carried out under this Contract. The results must demonstrate improved Council performance in real, outcome-oriented terms, and not just outputs.

3.2 Knowledge Development

The contractor is expected to achieve the project goals by providing a wide-array (e.g., broad-based to highly customized) of operational and content-driven T/TA that will promote information sharing. In doing so, it is intended that the contractor will increase the knowledge base and capacity of Council members and staff members to carry out their mandated activities and will lead to overall improved performance and outcomes of Councils.

In this contract, the Contractor will be responsible for carrying out a variety of foundational knowledge development activities as described below and will be specifically required to plan for activities that will address: Council evaluation capacity, peer to peer connections, and self-advocacy.

All T/TA tasks, strategies, and products developed under this contract supporting knowledge development are to creatively weave in the important principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural linguistic competency.

The short-term outcomes for this task are to increase Council Member and staff knowledge of the:

o Council program, including the history of the program and disability rights movement and self-advocacy;

o Historical and emerging issues in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) field;

o Evidence-based practices promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency;

o Most effective approaches to carrying out Council work;

o Most effective strategies for public outreach and messaging about Council work and importance (action and outcome oriented) o Most successful strategies for measuring and evaluating Council effectiveness;

o Effective planning exercises for Council activities to ensure compliance with

Federal requirements;

o Council operations that work to ensure compliance with Federal requirements and enhance the Councils ability to meet their mission;

o Financial/Fiscal management practices that ensure compliance with Federal fiscal requirements;

o Roles and responsibilities of members, including around federal requirements o Evaluation of activities relating to the Five-Year Strategic State Plan and other federal reporting; and o Levels of strategic collaboration with various stakeholders.

The intermediate outcomes for the project are to:

o Increase the meaningful participation of people with ID/DD in all aspects of

Council work;

o Increase Council ability to address emerging issues;

o Increase demonstration that the principles of diversity, inclusion, cultural and linguistic competency are embedded into Council efforts and operations;

o Improved demonstration of Council strategic planning processes when developing

Council plans and/or activities;

o Increase Council application of data, including Program Performance Report

(PPR) data in continuous quality improvement;

o Improve Council compliance with federal requirements;

o Improve Council operations;

o Improve Council fiscal operations within the Councils as well as heightened fiscal monitoring and oversight of projects and sub-grantees/contracts;

o Improve Council maintenance of statutory compliance, and achievement of statutory compliance when needed;

o Improve the ability of Councils to effectively message their impact and value;

o Improve Council effectiveness and focus in achieving their Five-Year goals and objectives;

o Increase the ability of Councils to address key issues facing people with ID/DD and their families (e.g., COVID-19, employment, equity, etc.);

o Increase collaboration with stakeholders, including AoD partners (P&A, UCEDD, TBI, IL) to address disability-related issues at the national, state/territory, and local levels; and o Increase incorporation of the identified needs and priorities of people with ID/DD in Council efforts.

The long-term outcomes for the project are to:

o Position Councils as known leaders, sought out topical experts, and catalysts of systems change, capacity building, and advocacy at the national, state/territory, and local levels;

o Strengthen the ability of Councils to effectively demonstrate the impact of their efforts on the lives of people with ID/DD and their families, both as individual Councils and collectively as a network of programs; and o Increase through the improved performance of Councils the independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with ID/DD in communities.

3.2.a Foundational Knowledge Development Activities

This work will be accomplished by carrying out a set of foundational knowledge development activities that will require T/TA provider to:

a. Develop targeted T/TA tools and resources to address Council specific needs;

b. Maintain other tools and resources;

c. Integrate and apply various virtual tools including maintenance of a high quality

T/TA website to support Councils; and

d. Continually share tools and resources using multiple mechanisms that meets COR specifications and approval and shall include but are not limited to:

i. Annual Training and Technical Assistance event;

ii. New Executive Director Orientation;

iii. Chair/Member Leader Training;

iv. Webinars;

v. Biweekly electronic digest of information (email of upcoming trainings, funding opportunities, relevant resources) that would be beneficial and timely for the Council program to be aware of; and

vi. Monthly FAQ summary based on notable rapid response requests and responses.

The foundational knowledge development activities shall meet COR specifications and approval and address, but are not limited to, the following:

a. The daily community living needs of the ID/DD population and their families in at least the areas of:

i. Housing

ii. Education

iii. Transportation

iv. Child Care

v. Recreation

vi. Employment (not duplicative of what may be provided by another T/TA contractor)

b. Positioning Councils as leaders that effectively address emerging national priorities, which may involve applying priorities to T/TA to Councils to address issues such as COVID-19 and racial equity; and

c. Federal reporting requirements.

The foundational knowledge development activities shall also address Council specific needs, when necessary, and shall meet COR specifications and approval in carrying out the following:

a. Onsite/Remote TA visits, which must include pre and post-reports summarizing T/TA activities to occur, subsequent findings and TA strategies for improvement.

b. Developing innovative targeted T/TA resources aligned against barriers faced by individuals with ID/DD and their families (e.g. in areas such as education, housing, transportation, health care). This T/TA information would get disseminated to Councils thorough multiple forums including posting to the T/TA website.

c. Identifying the most frequently requested training needs of Councils and provide webinar trainings for on-demand use by Council members and staff (e.g., new member orientation). This library of web-based training should be tiered (e.g., basic to advanced) and customized (e.g., content organized in training modules) to accommodate diverse user skill levels.

3.2.b Diversity, Inclusion, Cultural, Linguistic Competency and Equity

a. The important principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural linguistic competency needs of the ID/DD population shall be incorporated in all T/TA work.

b. The Contractor will demonstrate the incorporation of DICLC and equity in their work by developing a framework which outlining their approach to achieving this requirement and identifies specific benchmarks the T/TA Contractor will work to achieve.

c. The Contractor will continuously evaluate DICLC and equity strategies to ensure they are the most effective approaches to meeting this need.

3.2.c Council Evaluation Capacity, Peer to Peer Connections, and Self-Advocacy

(a) Council Evaluation Capacity

e. In addition to the evaluation of systemic T/TA effectiveness, Councils need specialized T/TA support in addressing their own evaluative efforts when operationalizing the State Plan. To that end, T/TA should also have a focus on the following:

1. Providing a dedicated expert-level evaluator resource (e.g., personnel, consultant) to provide guidance to Councils in the area of evaluation as they measure impact. This effort should include tools and resources that work to assist Councils through each of these evaluation phases:

i. Conceptualization: Proactively identify potential indicators to increase the chance for success through tracking.

ii. Implementation: Optimizing the project, measuring its ability to meet targets, and suggested improvements for heightened efficiency.

iii. Project Closure: Gaining insights through quality assurance to measure project’s impact and highlighting potential improvements for subsequent work.

2. Councils will be provided with evaluation resources and strategies to improve their ability to assess outcomes, recognize gaps, and strive towards performance-based effectiveness and impact.

3. Councils will integrate pre and post-strategic planning initiatives through quality assurance (QA) assessment and analysis.

(b) Peer to Peer Connections

1. The contractor is expected to achieve project goals by efficiently and effectively supporting connections across the Council Network to enhance T/TA to include:

a. Identifying Federal and non-Federal experts available to provide training and technical assistance to Councils by establishing, maintaining, and using a resource network that will:

i. Provide accurate and timely resources, supports, and technical assistance to Council members and staff using a wide array of methodologies such as consultation, training, teleconferencing, national meetings, information dissemination, communities of practice and other related activities; and

ii. Build capacity and leadership within each Council and collectively across the network.

b. Facilitate linkages between identified experts and Councils.

c. Provide for topical peer-to-peer knowledge exchange opportunities across

Councils (e.g., communities of practice, emerging needs, consortiums, and cohorts).

d. Establish and maintain an electronic means of supporting peer-to-peer networking, for identifying experts and mentors, and facilitating virtual linkages between the Councils.

(c) Self-Advocacy

1. Through the DD Act, Councils are required to support programs that promote advocacy, self-determination, integration, and inclusion. To achieve this, the contractor and resources provided to Councils should meet COR specifications and approval and include:

a. The practice of Evidence-Informed Criteria that:

• Is consistent with the latest knowledge and practice that DD Councils and self-advocates have;

• Has been reviewed or accepted by an independent expert;

• Incorporates the use of a logic model to document inputs, goals, out outcomes (short, medium, and long-term);

• Is supported by measures for sustainability to maintain it;

• Is developed, assessed, and modified based on impact;

• Builds upon relevant literature on quality and quantity to contribute to an emerging or established research area;

• Has proven reliability and fidelity;

• Demonstrates positive outcomes; and

• Embeds the participant’s values, preferences, and goals.

b. Peer to peer activities: T/TA activities should include the participation and perspective of self-advocates to improve overall impact.

c. Electronic information: Such resources may include online materials, such as toolkits, features in biweekly digest, and accessible, plain language resources.

d. Cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership coalitions: Provide T/TA support to specifically address the expansion of Council efforts in this area.

e. Lifespan: T/TA should recognize the importance of enhancing advocacy skills across the lifespan (youth to aging population) through the development of relevant self-advocacy materials and training.

f. Improve measurement of long-term outcomes and impact: T/TA work will help Councils establish a baseline status for measuring outcomes and improving the tracking of progress (e.g., Lewin Framework for Assessing Self-Advocacy Outcomes, longitudinal survey resources)

3.3 Collaboration

a. With the Federal Government:

i. Establish a collaborative partner focused working relationship with OIDD that fosters a shared accountability for overall outcomes and responsibility for specific project efforts requiring close collaboration.

b. Foster an effective partnership between OIDD and State Councils:

i. Establish a partner focused working relationship with State Councils that facilitates improved Council operations, performance and outcomes;

maintenance/achievement of statutory compliance; and positioning of Councils as leaders and agents of systems change, capacity building and advocacy at the national, state and local levels.

ii. Establish a multi-stakeholder, representative, participatory group to provide guidance and general direction in the design and implementation of the T/TA contract.

c. With Other Key Stakeholders:

i. Establish a collaborative working relationship with the Protection and

Advocacy (P&A) and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) T/TA contractors to strengthen the

DD networks in each state/territory to address: 1) operational issues related to DD network collaboration and 2) emerging or systemic disability issues;

ii. Establish a collaborative working relationship with ACL identified contractors and grantees that share in the mission of improved Council operations, performance, outcomes, and impact (example: AoD Disability Employment TA center, Self-advocacy, COVID-19, Communications);

iii. Provide resources and information, as needed, to identified contractors or grantees by ACL that would assist in their efforts to connect with and understand the Council program more fully;

iv. Serve as a link between these contractors/grantees and the Council network to ensure the information they create is widely disseminated to reach its targeted audience.

3.4 Information Management

3.4(a) Information Management

a. Provide a highly-reliable, accessible, and continually updated T/TA website that meets or exceeds customer requirements and expectations. This website should include a T/TA calendar of upcoming and current events, high quality, searchable resources based on Council role (i.e. Executive Director, Staff, Council Members, Council Chairperson, etc.), FAQs, archived past T/TA webinars/training materials, topical pages, helpful links, and Council and T/TA staff contact information.

b. The website should include targeted tools and resources to support DD Councils addressing specific barriers faced by the ID/DD community faced in daily living (e.g. some examples include education, housing, transportation, health care).

c. Maintain a listserv for DD Councils that provides an opportunity for two-way information exchange. Post weekly digest to listserv regarding any disability-related funding or learning opportunities; offering connections to various resources.

d. Provide support and training to Councils, as needed, for their utilization of the web-based reporting platform for federal report submissions.

e. The website should include an up-to-date repository of emerging promising practices being adopted by Councils combined with key topical stories and impactful outcomes to highlight the work of Councils. This resource will be beneficial to both Councils and federal staff seeking to collectively understand the broad outreach and impact of the program including replicability.

f. Provide all technology-related activities in this contract in accordance with the security and privacy requirements established in Attachment A, ACL Security and

Privacy Requirements for the Contract to provide Support and Training and Technical Assistance to Councils.

C.2 STATEMENT OF WORK - Severable Services

The Contractor shall furnish all of the necessary personnel, materials, services, facilities, (except as otherwise specified herein), and otherwise do all the things necessary for or incident to the performance of the work as set forth below:

C.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The Government intends to utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to monitor the quality of the Contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the contract and in the QASP will help to ensure that service levels reach and maintain the required levels throughout the contract term. Further, the QASP provides the COR with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance, and provides verifiable input for the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). The QASP may be updated by modification to the contract.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

Required Services/Tasks

Performance Standards

Method of Surveillance (Quality Assurance)

Standard to be Met/ Allowable Deviation

Customer Satisfaction

Contractor complies with SOW specifications.

Contractor adheres to guidance provided by COR.

COR feedback

Fewer than 2 written complaints from COR during the period of performance.

Overall Contract Management, Including Timeliness

Contractor maintains high level of quality assurance.

Contractor informs COR timely of issues or problems.

Contractor meets time frames agreed upon.

COR and Contracting Officer monitoring and review of activities and deliverables.

COR makes no more than 2 valid written complaints during the period of performance. No more than a two week delay in agreed upon schedule.

Written Products

Contractor provides high-quality written materials.

COR and other federal staff reviews of draft and

Minimal rewriting or editing required; product utilized (e.g., final products.

disseminated) as planned.

Cost Performance Contractor is performing within the budget of the contract.

COR to review monthly invoices and cost reports

Contractor shall perform within the negotiated budget/cost of the contract each month.

C.4 SECTION 508 ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

The following Section 508 accessibility standards apply to the work to be performed:

• Functional Performance Criteria

• Electronic Content

• Software

• Support Documentation and Services

SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

D.1 PACKAGING AND MARKING

All deliverables shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) identified in Section G and shall be marked as follows:

1. Name and address of the Contractor;

2. Contract Number;

3. Description of item contained therein; and

4. Consignee's name and address.

D.2 PAYMENT OF POSTAGE AND FEES

All postage and fees related to submitting information including forms, reports, etc. to the Contracting Officer or COR shall be paid by the Contractor.

SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

E.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/

RESERVED

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Pursuant to the appropriate inspection clause, all work described in Section C to be delivered under this contract is subject to final inspection and acceptance by an authorized representative of the Government. The authorized representative of the Government is the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), who is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all services, materials, or supplies to be provided by the Contractor.

E.2.1 Inspection and Acceptance Criteria Final inspection and acceptance of all work performed, reports and other deliverables will be performed at the place of delivery by the COR.

E.2.2 General Acceptance Criteria General quality measures, as set forth below, will be applied to each work product…