Partners for Insightful Evaluation (PIE).pdf

Solicitation Number 125999 O3 July 2026

Prepared For:

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

From:

Partners for Insightful Evaluation (PIE)

Response to Nebraska Olmstead Plan Request for Proposals

Lincoln, NE 68508 402.477.5407 hello@pievaluation.com www.pievaluation.com

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 1

Contents

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

A. Bidder Identification & Information

B. Financial Statements

C. Change of Ownership

D. Office Location

E. Relationship with the State

F. Bidder’s Employee Relations to State

G. Contract Performance

H. Summary of Bidder’s Corporate Experience

Project 1: Olmstead Plan Evaluation

Project 2: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Grant Evaluation

Project 3: Evaluation of Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NECCCP) ...10

I. Summary of Bidder’s Proposed Personnel/Management Approach

Management Approach

Proposed Team Structure & Personnel

J. Subcontractors

TECHNICAL RESPONSE

A. Understanding of Project Requirements

Data Collection and Evaluation Plan

Evaluation Report

Communications Plan and Supporting Materials

Plan Revision Recommendation Draft Language

Technical Assistance and Final Recommendations

B. Proposed Development Approach

C. Technical Requirements

1. Provide a narrative of the bidder’s experience evaluating state Olmstead plans or similar, including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods as well as using continuous quality improvement approaches or processes to achieve better results

2. Describe the bidder’s experience evaluating partnerships, including identifying partners and stakeholders not currently represented

3. Provide a narrative of the bidder’s experience with evaluating the quality and implementation of strategic plan objectives and activities (e.g., state cancer plan, organizational strategic plan)

5. Describe how the bidder proposes to produce evaluation reports using existing and programmatic data. Provide an example of reports completed for previous work

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 2

Provide a narrative of how the bidder will work with NDHHS to provide technical assistance and support the revision of the Olmstead plan. The bidder may provide an example of previous work

Describe the bidder’s experience identifying systemic issues and developing inter-agency and statewide solutions

Provide a narrative of the bidder’s experience with creating documentation for disseminating results for a variety of audiences. This could include but is not limited to success stories, presentations, infographics, fact sheets, and health impact statements.

Provide an example completed for previous work

Describe bidder’s experience with survey / assessment tool development and focus group design. The bidder may provide an example of previous work

D. Detailed Project Workplan

Proposed Workplan

E. Deliverables & Due Dates

ADDITIONAL FILES FOR APPLICATION PACKAGE

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 3

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

A. Bidder Identification & Information Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc.

1701 South 17th Street, Suite 2A Lincoln, NE 68502 www.pievaluation.com

Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc. was first incorporated in 2006 as Schmeeckle Research Inc. When Mindy Anderson-Knott assumed ownership of the organization in 2022, the name was changed to Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc. The company has operated continuously since inception as an S-Corporation, maintaining financial stability and a strong reputation for evaluation services throughout Nebraska.

B. Financial Statements Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc. (PIE) is not a publicly held company. However, PIE has been financially stable since its inception, when it began as Schmeeckle Research in 2006. Key financial indicators include.

Average annual revenue of approximately $630,000 over the past ten years An average of 28 contracts served per year No financial liabilities held by the company Consistent growth and positive cash flow throughout company history

The company originally banked with Great Western Bank since its inception. After Great Western Bank was acquired by First Interstate Bank, the company transitioned its banking to First Interstate Bank. There have never been any judgments or litigations against Schmeeckle Research Inc. or Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc. by any client or contractor.

Banking Reference:

First Interstate Bank 3410 N. 27th St., Lincoln, NE 68521 402-743-6460

C. Change of Ownership No change in ownership or control of the company is anticipated in the twelve months following the submission of this RFP response.

D. Office Location PIE’s office is in Lincoln, NE at the following address:

Partners for Insightful Evaluation 1701 South 17th Street, Suite 2A Lincoln, NE 68502

This Lincoln location provides PIE with direct access to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services staff and the ability to facilitate and/or participate in any meetings held in person with NDHHS or key partners. Our Nebraska-based location ensures we understand the unique landscape, demographics, and challenges faced as they pertain to the Olmstead Plan implementation.

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 4

E. Relationship with the State In the previous ten (10) years, Partners for Insightful Evaluation has had extensive work with the State of Nebraska, including direct contracts and subcontracts with multiple state agencies. Our experience includes a variety of contracts with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (see Table 1) as well as the State of Nebraska (see Table 2). The tables are organized by program or office within that state agency, with projects listed in chronological order. They include contracts and subawards that were active on or after August 2016.

Table 1: PIE’s Contracts with NDHHS

Division/Program Project/Topic Duration Contract Number/ Identification

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Olmstead Plan Evaluation 9/1/23 – 6/30/25

85402 O4 DocuSign Envelope ID:

140FB423-40CC-4FBD-

A4DB-ADDE9975EE35

Division of Public Health – Chronic Disease Prevention & Control Program

1815 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Grant – EPMP revisions and onboarding

2/4/21 – 6/29/21

DocuSign Envelope ID:

DD935EA5-AD01-4DBE-

828B-2A118C5E50A5

1815 CDC Grant – Y3 Evaluation Reporting

7/28/21- 9/30/21

DocuSign Envelope ID:

39E04B90-FA88-49D4-

BA1C-BDDDDFF08123

Living Well Leader Trainings

5/23/22 – 6/29/22

DocuSign Envelope ID:

C37FEC48-BCC4-4681-

80F6-744C6B488EE7

Living Well Leader Training & Sustainability Evaluation

7/3/23 – 4/30/24

104963 O4

Living Well Workshops 10/1/24 – 3/3125

DocuSign Envelope ID:

BC967E42-1BD7-4DB4-

95CC-616608767D18

Living Well Leader Training Facilitation

3/1/26 – 9/30/26

115756 O4

Division of Public Health – Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Grant Year-End Success Story Development

3/1/22 – 6/29/22

99481 O4

Comprehensive Cancer Control Evaluation Plan Development

9/15/22 – 3/31/23

101412 O4

Comprehensive Cancer Control Evaluation and Facilitation/Development of 5-year Cancer Plan

4/1/231 – 9/30/27

85402 O4 DocuSign Envelope ID:

58B13DEF-AEA8-42E8-

B59E-E7F4F2D14B2E

Division of Public Health – Drug Overdose

Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Evaluation – Year 1 Services

9/1/23 – 12/31/24

106761-O4

1 Date when project began. Official date listed on service contract award shows 3/15/19 as the start date.

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 5

Prevention Program

OD2A-S Program Performance Measurement and Evaluation

2/7/25 – 2/6/29

112074 O4

Division of Public Health – Injury Prevention Program

Core State Injury Prevention Program (SIPP) Evaluation – 2016-

7/9/2019 – 6/30/2021

85402 O4 awarded through an RFQ

CDC Core State Injury Prevention Program (SIPP) Evaluation – 2021-

2/2/22 – 9/30/26

85402 O4 DocuSign Envelope ID:

9D3DFDF1-1EEE-435F-

9EF1-5D2FF0E2C3D8

Division of Public Health – Office of Health Disparities & Health Equity

Scan and Plan Tool for Minority Health Initiative (MHI) Projects for State FY 2026-2027

10/18/24 – 12/31/24

DocuSign Envelope ID:

03690EA2-D42B-4084-

AC1B-6F736C0F25D7

Division of Public Health – Tobacco Free Nebraska

(TFN)

TFN Program Evaluation, Survey Data Collection & Reporting

2/14/22 – 9/30/26

85402 O4 DocuSign Envelope ID:

CB1CFACF-130D-49D1-

8DD0-EA561E7DC355

TFN Strategic Planning Services

2/28/23 – 4/28/24 with 4 additional one-year renewals

103371 O4

Table 2: State Contracts with Nebraska Department of Education

Office/Program Project Duration Contract Number/ Identification

Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation

(VR)

Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program Mentor State Grant

7/1/20 – 6/30/21 #41054

Traumatic Brain Injury State Demonstration Grant Program Evaluation

9/1/21 – 8/31/25 (annual awards)

#45074

Nebraska VR’s Supplemental TBI Public Health Workforce Grant

5/1/22 – 9/30/24 #43414

Office of Coordinated Student Support Services

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Infographics

8/1/20 – 7/31/21 #41087

1801 CDC Grant – Healthy Schools 7/31/21 – 8/31/22 #42102 1801 CDC Grant – Healthy Schools 3/31/23 – 8/31/23 #43381 1807 CDC Grant – School Health Profiles

3/31/23 – 8/31/23 #43140

1807 CDC Grant – School Health Profiles

10/25/23 – 9/30/24

#44155

YRBS Infographics - 13902234 CDC Health Surveillance & ESSER Funding

6/17/24 – 9/30/24 #44393

School Health Profiles Infographics, Nebraska Adolescent Health Report

6/17/24 – 9/30/24 #44393

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 6

Nebraska 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLCs)

1/2/2026 – 1/1/27 with 4 additional one-year renewals

#46214

The projects in Table 3 were funded by NDHHS to the University of Nebraska Lincoln, with PIE included as a subcontractor. It is also organized by division or program, with contracts listed in chronological order.

Table 3: State Contracts with UNL that Include Subawards to PIE

Division/Program Project Duration Contract Number/ Identification

NDHHS –

Division of Behavioral Health

Nebraska Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) 2018

1/7/19 – 9/29/23 (annul awards)

70279 Y3

Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Block Grant Evaluation

8/1/20 – 5/31/25 (annul awards)

DocuSign Envelope

ID: 95CF6B05-

4ACC-4467-B8BE-

DCF431FE1943

Nebraska Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) 2023

10/1/23 – 9/30/24 (pending new award through 9/30/25)

77287 Y3 3453

CLMS

NDHHS –

Division of Public Health – Chronic Disease Prevention & Control Program

1817 Innovative State and Local Public Health Strategies to Prevent and Manage Diabetes and Heart Disease and Stroke Grant

3/25/19 – 2/15/24 98033-O4

Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program 2320/2304 Evaluation

3/1/24 – 6/30/24 with 3 additional one-year renewals

107891-O4

NDHHS –

Division of Public Health – Office of Performance Management

State Health Assessment and Improvement Redesign

9/19/22 – 4/30/24 101394-O4

PIE also has contracts with the University of Nebraska, which is generally classified as a state entity. These are direct contracts between PIE and the University of Nebraska (outlined in Table

4) that do not necessarily pertain to projects being coordinated by NDE or NDHHS.

Table 4: PIE Contracts with University of Nebraska University Campus

Project Duration

UNL Rural Drug Addiction Research Center Grant 2024 – 2029 Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases through Dietary Molecules

2024 – 2029

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 7

Effectiveness of a Multilevel Rural Community Engagement model for Improving Children’s Dietary Intake in Family Child Care Homes

2024 – 2029

Fostering Student Successes in STEM through Early Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience

2023 – 2026

UNMC Cognitive Neuroscience of Development & Aging Center (CoNDA) CoBRE

2023 – 2025

PIE has maintained exemplary performance on all state contracts, with no instances of contract default, termination for cause, or negative performance evaluations. Our long-standing relationship with NDE makes us uniquely qualified to continue and enhance the evaluation services required by this solicitation.

F. Bidder’s Employee Relations to State Mindy Anderson-Knott, the owner and President of PIE, is employed with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's (UNL's) Research Compliance Services on a part-time, on-call basis (<10 hours/month). Her responsibilities at UNL consist of reviewing UNL research protocols and are completely unrelated to this proposed project. Her role for the proposed Nebraska Olmstead Plan Evaluation is to provide oversight, quality assurance, and evaluation consultation to the PIE team. She may also assist with replicating a similar data collection and analysis process to the previous evaluation of the Nebraska Olmstead Plan. This part-time UNL role does not create any conflict of interest with the proposed NDHHS contract.

No other PIE employees named in this proposal have current or past employment relationships with NDHHS or any other Nebraska state agency within the previous 24 months. No NDHHS employees or employees of any Nebraska state agency are currently employed by PIE or serve as subcontractors to PIE.

G. Contract Performance Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc. has never had a contract terminated for default, either in the past five (10) years or at any time in the company's history. The company has never had a contract terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason.

PIE maintains an exemplary record of contract performance, consistently meeting or exceeding deliverable requirements and deadlines. Our reputation for quality, reliability, and professional service has resulted in multiple contract renewals and expansions with existing clients, including our long-standing relationship with Nebraska Department of Health and Human.

H. Summary of Bidder’s Corporate Experience PIE has extensive experience conducting evaluations and monitoring related to state strategic plans. The three projects described below were chosen for their similarity to this solicitation in size, scope, and complexity. PIE served as the prime vendor on all the projects.

Project 1: Olmstead Plan Evaluation PIE coordinated and led the evaluation of Nebraska’s 2023 – 2025 Olmstead Plan. The scope of work was similar that outlined in this RFP. During the 21-month project, PIE’s team conducted a comprehensive evaluation and offered recommendations not only based on what

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 8 was assessed regarding Nebraska’s progress, but also a literature review and analysis of Olmstead Plans from 22 other states and the District of Columbia.

Table 5: Summary of 2023-2025 Olmstead Plan Evaluation Time Period 9/1/23 – 6/30/25

Scheduled and Actual Completion Dates

The following deliverables were completed by their scheduled due date and within the proposed budget:

Data Collection and Evaluation Plan (January 15, 2024) Olmstead Plan Evaluation Report One-Time (October 15, 2024) Communications Plan and Supporting Materials (December 15, 2025) Olmstead Plan revision recommendation draft language (January

15, 2025) Summary of Technical Assistance and Final Recommendations for

Plan Revisions

Bidder’s Responsibilities

The scope of work for PIE included five deliverables with a total budget of $88,000. Key responsibilities included:

Developing an evaluation plan in consultation with NDHHS, including the collection and monitoring of evaluation indicators, providing updates on activities and assessments completed, and survey and assessment tool development and revision.

Conducting interviews and focus groups with program staff, partners, and stakeholders to evaluate plan successes, systemic challenges, and opportunities for plan revision.

Providing a draft evaluation report to NDHHS for consultation and coordinated revisions prior to submission.

Developing an analysis of the strategic plan and a report on the progress of the strategic plan and recommended changes or revisions for the Legislature.

Developing a communication plan and supporting materials to disseminate evaluation findings, including presentations, infographics, and fact sheets.

Providing technical assistance to NDHHS and Olmstead advisory committee in making recommended changes and revisions to the plan.

Attending and facilitating meetings with program staff, partner agencies, and stakeholders, as determined by NDHHS staff, as well as attending regular meetings with NDHHS to share insights and progress on project.

Customer Name

Colin Large Policy Administrator II NDHHS – Division of Developmental Disabilities Office: 402.853.1452 Colin.Large@nebraska.gov

Project 2: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Grant Evaluation PIE has been the evaluator for Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehab) through the Nebraska Department of Education as part of their TBI Grant for more than 15 years. In more recent years, PIE has taken on an expanded role with the Brain Injury State Plan, including a revision process in 2023 that revamped the structure and language used in the plan. PIE is currently

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 9 working collaboratively with Nebraska VR to update and transition the two-year state plan into a five-year plan.

Table 6: Summary of TBI Grant Evaluation

Time Period The initial contract for the current five-year grant was 9/1/21 – 8/31/22 and was renewed each year for the same fiscal year range.

Scheduled and Actual Completion Dates

All evaluation deliverables for the current five-year grant were completed on time, including:

Annual evaluation reports, documenting successes, progress, and barriers during each fiscal year.

All required data submission for the federal semi-annual reports, which were due in February and August each year.

Data collection activities, including the ongoing collection of the TBI Registry mailing caller survey.

Current evaluation activities are proceeding on schedule with established timelines for data collection in the final year of the grant.

Bidder’s Responsibilities

The scope of work for PIE included five deliverables with a total budget of $32,000. It included the following:

Act as the central point of contact for all of Nebraska VR’s TBI grant data collection activities, including: 1) Semi-annual performance report data; 2) Key outcomes and indicators for each project activity as described in the grant documents and evaluation plan.

Implement the evaluation plan developed for each of the project activity teams and meet as needed to discuss data collection efforts and results.

Create secure and user-friendly data collection tools as needed, which may include training evaluations or surveys to solicit feedback from workgroups, advisory councils and/or committees.

Perform data analysis on Nebraska VR ABI Interviews to produce a brief report for each semi-annual performance report to ACL and a comprehensive annual report for Nebraska VR purposes. Provide a brief progress report to the Brain Injury Advisory Council twice per year.

Collaborate with Nebraska VR and the Brain Injury Advisory Council to assist with updating the Brain Injury State Plan to reflect the five-year time period and monitoring indicators. PIE will coordinate the implementation of State Plan activities assigned to the Brain Injury Data Workgroup.

Produce reports, infographics, and data handouts as needed to highlight project data and outcomes, including key results from the evaluation plan.

Meet quarterly to review and document progress toward outcomes.

Customer Name

Keri Bennett Program Director for Acquired Brain Injury Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) – NDE Office: 308-224-7571 Keri.Bennett@nebraska.gov

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 10

Project 3: Evaluation of Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NECCCP) The evaluation work carried out for the NECCCP includes federal reporting for the CDC grant as well as annual updates as part of the State Cancer Plan.

Table 7: Summary of NECCCP Evaluation Time Period 4/1/23 – 6/29/27

Scheduled and Actual Completion Dates

Each year the scheduled deliverables were completed by the anticipated due dates. This included:

Evaluation report, due at the end of September.

Annual performance measurement report, due at the end of

September.

Annual evaluation and performance measurement plan, due at the end of each September.

Annual review of the Nebraska State Cancer Plan, done through the facilitation of a meeting in June or July depending on the meeting cadence of the Nebraska Cancer Alliance.

Bidder’s Responsibilities

The scope of work and budget varied slightly each fiscal year based on the federal reporting requirements. The budget is generally around $52,000 each year. The key responsibilities include:

Implementation and revision of an annual evaluation plan, to include evaluation of partnerships and the state cancer plan

Conducting interviews and focus groups with program staff, partners, and coalition members

Survey and tool development and revision (as needed) Conducting data collection and analysis Performance measure monitoring and reporting Reviewing program records and subrecipient reports Preparing reports and dissemination documents for publication, and for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant reporting

Conducting quality improvement on the implementation of assessment and reporting tools and processes to ensure information collected is contributing to the positive advancement of the grant outcomes

Customer Name

Julie Chytil Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Coordinator NDHHS – Division of Public Health Office: 402-670-4854 Julie.Chytil@nebraska.gov

I. Summary of Bidder’s Proposed Personnel/Management Approach Management Approach PIE's management approach for the Olmstead Plan evaluation is based on our proven model refined over the past several years of successful performance on similar work implemented, including in collaboration with NDHHS. Our approach emphasizes:

Dedicated Project Leadership. One senior PIE staff member serves as project lead with primary responsibility for all deliverables, coordination, and collaboration with

NDHHS.

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 11

Team Support Structure. The project lead is supported by other PIE staff members with specialized skills and expertise in data analysis, qualitative research, and continuous quality improvement.

Regular Internal Coordination. The team holds weekly meetings to review all projects to identify support needs and ensure quality and timeliness of products.

Proactive Communication. Regular check-ins are facilitated with NDHHS staff, prioritizing prompt response to requests and transparent reporting of progress and challenges.

Quality Assurance. Multiple reviews of all deliverables are conducted before submission to ensure accuracy, completeness, and professional quality.

Proposed Team Structure & Personnel The proposed team structure for this project builds on our existing successful model used for other projects, including the most recent Olmstead Plan evaluation. There are three PIE staff members who will be regularly involved with the project if awarded the contract, with other PIE staff available to assist as needed (see Table 8). Resumes for those three individuals are submitted as attachments to further demonstrate the skill for carrying out the project requirements.

Table 8: Proposed Staffing and Expertise of PIE for Project Professional Title Education, Credentials & Relevant Experience Liz Gebhart- Morgan

Vice President

Master of Public Health (MPH), University of Missouri Master of Public Administration (MPA), University of Missouri Served as lead for the 2023 Olmstead Plan evaluation project Expert in mixed-methods evaluation approaches combining quantitative and qualitative data Extensive experience with continuous quality improvement and monitoring state plan progress Adept at creating user-friendly data visualizations

Catherine Brown

Evaluator PhD, Public Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology, University of Kentucky Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Vice President of Research & Evaluation, overseeing the evaluative component of $18M+ in federal and state grants spanning cradle to career (2015–2021)

US Government Accountability Office (GAO) Senior Analyst, producing reports for Congress and related testimony (2004- 2009)

Catherine Brown Evaluation Services, LLC Founder and CEO, providing evaluation, project management, data visualization, and facilitation services to clients who are committed to advancing the public interest, value inclusion, and appreciate the power of data (2021-Present)

Expert in mixed-methods evaluation, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, content analysis, outcomes harvesting, and social network analysis

Mindy Anderson- Knott

President Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology, University of Nebraska Lincoln

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 12

Certificate of Evaluation Practice (CEP), George Washington University

20+ years conducting evaluation research for government, education, and nonprofit clients

Expertise in research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis and reporting

10+ years of experience with substance abuse programs including opioid initiatives

To ensure effective implementation of the project, initial division of roles and responsibilities have been outlined among the PIE team. Table 9 outlines the anticipated scope of work for each team member. Additional PIE staff may assist as needed.

Table 9: Proposed Roles of PIE Staff for Project PIE Staff Member

Olmstead Plan Evaluation Roles & Tasks

Liz Gebhart- Morgan

Liz, committing an estimated 15 hours/month throughout the two-year contract, will serve as the project lead. In this role, she will maintain overall responsibility for project management, coordinate with NDHHS, and ensure all deliverables meet requirements and deadlines. Her key roles will include:

Overall project management and communication with NDHHS staff Oversight of data collection and analysis plan Leading the development of all evaluation and communication products, including the evaluation report Oversight and delivery of technical assistance

Catherine Brown

Catherine, committing an estimated 13 hours, will serve as the qualitative data expert. She brings the ideal blend of technical rigor, strategic insight, and relationship-centered leadership needed for this project. Her key roles will include:

Internal coordination, facilitation and analysis of interviews and focus groups

Assistance with reviewing subrecipient reports and administrative records

Integrating qualitative data results into evaluation report and development of recommendations based on data

Assistance with developing supporting materials as part of the Communications Plan, ensuring ADA and/or 508 compliance

Mindy Anderson- Knott

As PIE's President, Mindy provides strategic oversight, quality assurance, and expert evaluation consultation for the project. She is estimated to commit 75 hours to the project throughout the contract period. Her key roles on this project include:

Quality assurance review of all deliverables Advanced data analysis support including qualitative analysis Review of data collection tools, survey instruments and evaluation processes Conducting interviews and focus groups as needed Strategic guidance and problem-solving support

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 13

J. Subcontractors PIE does not intend to subcontract any portions of the performance required by the contract.

TECHNICAL RESPONSE

Partners for Insightful Evaluation Inc. is uniquely qualified and prepared to lead the Nebraska Olmstead Plan evaluation. Our previous experience with evaluating the Olmstead Plan, combined with our deep understanding of developing, reviewing, and monitoring state strategic plans, positions us to strategically and intentionally evaluate the 2026-2031 Olmstead Plan to drive meaningful reporting and recommendations.

A. Understanding of Project Requirements Based on the Request for Proposal and subsequent clarifications from NDHHS, our team understands that this contract encompasses comprehensive evaluation services for the Olmstead Plan.

Data Collection and Evaluation Plan PIE is prepared to develop an evaluation plan in conjunction with NDHHS to systematically and effectively assess progress on the Olmstead Plan. The plan will be created within the first 90 days of the contract and based on experience with the previous Olmstead Plan evaluation. It will focus on the compilation of information for pertinent evaluation indicators and a goal of summarizing updates within each of the goal areas. The plan will focus on a mixed methods approach to integrate quantitative and qualitative data, including interviews and focus group with staff, partners and stakeholders. This will allow for a more comprehensive assessment of successes, barriers, and opportunities for improvement related to the current Olmstead Plan.

This deliverable also encompasses the collection of data, which will include focus groups, interviews and/or surveys to ensure consistent evaluation approaches.

Evaluation Report A thorough analysis of a range of data – including program records, subrecipient reports, performance measure monitoring, transcripts, etc. – will be conducted to aid in the development of a comprehensive evaluation report. The analysis plan will be outlined through the evaluation plan to ensure buy-in from NDHHS staff. A full draft of the report will be provided a few months prior to the final deliverable being due to allow ample time for NDHHS staff to review and provide input. The final report will be available by May 2028 for submission to the legislature.

Communications Plan and Supporting Materials Using the Communications Plan from the previous Olmstead Plan evaluation as a basis, PIE will work collaboratively with NDHHS to craft a comprehensive Communications Plan for this project. This may include success stories, presentations, infographics, fact sheets, and other summary reports to highlight and effectively disseminate evaluation findings. During the development of the plan and supporting materials, PIE will ensure final products meet ADA and/or 508 compliance. This has been a requirement of PIE’s work with Nebraska VR on the TBI Grant, which makes the team prepared to meet the some requirements for the Olmstead Plan evaluation.

Plan Revision Recommendation Draft Language Once the evaluation report and recommendations are developed, PIE will offer technical assistance to NDHHS and the Olmstead Advisory Committee to begin making recommended changes and revisions to the plan.

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 14

Technical Assistance and Final Recommendations Similar to other projects at NDHHS, the project lead at Partners for Insightful Evaluation will facilitate regular check-in meetings with NDHHS staff. This will include developing an agenda and providing minutes for each meeting. Beyond meeting with staff, PIE is committed to attending Omstead Advisory Committee and workgroup meetings as needed. Being in Lincoln provides an opportunity for participating in meetings in person as needed. A final report summarizing all meetings, presentations and support provided to NDHHS and partners will be submitted at the end of the project.

B. Proposed Development Approach Partners for Insightful Evaluation is exceptionally prepared to meet the requirements as outlined in the solicitation. The proposed development approach is based on the experience gained through the evaluation of the previous Olmstead Plan. To ensure PIE can meet the requirements as outlined, PIE staff reviewed the request for proposal, assessed capacity of each PIE team member, and discussed expected deadlines for the project. The workplan was developed with those elements in mind and can be modified as needed in conjunction with

NDHHS.

If awarded, PIE will facilitate a kickoff meeting with NDHHS to review the proposed work plan and discuss any additional project expectations. Through internal PIE meetings and monthly meetings with NDHHS, there will be ample opportunity to troubleshoot barriers, discuss data collection efforts, and ensure reporting deliverables sufficiently met. All products and tools developed will be shared with NDHHS in advance to ensure approval before materials are disseminated publicly.

C. Technical Requirements Below are the responses to the technical requirements included in Attachment A of the RFP.

1. Provide a narrative of the bidder’s experience evaluating state Olmstead plans or similar, including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods as well as using continuous quality improvement approaches or processes to achieve better results.

The team at Partners for Insightful Evaluation (PIE) has ample experience with state and strategic plans, including the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of state plans. This includes the evaluation of the 2023-2025 Nebraska Olmstead Plan. In addition to collecting and analyzing data from NDHHS and key partners, the Olmstead Plans from other states were also reviewed to guide the evaluation and recommendations of Nebraska’s plan.

PIE’s experiences with evaluating Nebraska’s Olmstead Plan was based on, among other projects, the development and monitoring of the five-year Nebraska Tobacco Control State Plan. This was done in partnership with the Tobacco Free Nebraska (TFN) program in the Division of Public Health (DPH) at NDHHS. As part of that process, quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analyzed by PIE to assess progress on the previous five-year state plan.

This was done through the development and dissemination of a survey among key partners, analyzing secondary data from sources such as the Youth Tobacco Survey, and conducting and coding 10 interviews. Key results were presented during the first strategic planning session to help inform the development of the new state plan. Data and findings focused on elements such as progress on previous state plan objectives, barriers and challenges within each of the four priority areas, key drivers for success, and recommendations on what should be included in the new state plan. PIE provides an annual update to key stakeholders. They were also approached

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 15 by the Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to carry out similar work for the Nebraska Cancer Plan.

Another key state plan that is assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods is the Nebraska Brain Injury State Plan, which is done in conjunction with the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) through Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehab). To make the Brain Injury State Plan more user-friendly and actionable, PIE lead a quality improvement effort by coordinating a small workgroup of BIAC members to revise the state plan. This included updating activities as well as identifying process indicators to ensure progress can be measured on at least a bi-annual basis.

It was also determined that, to achieve better results, there would be two documents for the state plan. One document will serve as a public-facing file that provides a high-level overview of the state plan for all partners and stakeholders to understand what the plan entails. The second file is a working document primarily for the BIAC, which outlines the key entities responsible for each activity, the process indicators within each goal area, and a status update for each of the state plan activities.

Beyond state plans and evaluation plans for state or federal grants, the PIE team has more than a decade of experience with using continuous quality improvement (CQI) approaches and processes to achieve better results. Nearly all projects have a CQI component, which is driven by evaluation results. One such project is being done as part of two CDC-funded grants (CDC- RFA-DP18-1815 and CDC-RFA-DP18-1817) with the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program at NDHHS. A data collection tool being used for both grants is the Scan & Plan Tool, which is an interactive excel file meant to help health care organizations and community-based organizations carry out a self-assessment and develop an action plan. Beyond evaluating the impact of the work carried out by the agencies, the PIE team is also evaluating the tool.

Throughout the last four years, the PIE team has conducted more than 30 interviews and focus groups as well as reviewed administrative records (such as progress reports and check-in calls notes) to assess the utility of the tool. This has led to significant enhancements of the Scan & Plan Tool, which is still used for their most recent CDC funding cycles. Deliverables of these analyses have included writing up results in a case study, evaluation reports, health impact statements, and drafts of manuscripts.

In addition to using evaluation results through PIE to facilitate continuous quality improvement, the staff focus on developing tools, templates, and frameworks for other organizations to lead their own CQI work. A key example of that, which was based on the initial work with the Scan & Plan Tool noted above, is with the U.S. Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program. The PIE team developed and recently launched an Action+ Tool, which serves as a resource that helps grantees turn data into actionable plans for continuous improvement. This will be utilized by nearly 125 sites across Nebraska to ensure data is being used to identify and guide quality improvement efforts.

2. Describe the bidder’s experience evaluating partnerships, including identifying partners and stakeholders not currently represented.

Partnerships are a key component of nearly all evaluation projects carried out by PIE. The team has many years of experience in developing and implementing tools to track partnership outcomes, including partner surveys and stakeholder or key partner interviews.

The Nebraska Injury Prevention Program (NIPP) within Division of Public Health at NDHHS is finishing a five-year CDC grant (CDC-RFA-CE21-2101) where strengthening strategic collaborations and partnerships is one of three grant objectives. During the first year, PIE

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 16 worked with NIPP to develop a partnership log to monitor efforts throughout the five-year period.

On an annual basis, PIE utilizes data and feedback from NIPP to track the level of engagement, amount of funding, and what role each partnering organization has with grant efforts. Additional descriptive data is included in the partnership log, such as the type of organization and number of years the entity has been a partner. There is also a section to monitor which partners or stakeholders are missing and to what degree outreach has been done to engage those organizations. All this data is analyzed for annual reporting to CDC.

Another component of NIPP’s partnership evaluation is conducting a partner survey, which included questions related to partner satisfaction, level of engagement, and needs. A baseline survey was disseminated early in the second year of the grant and will be conducted again during the final year of the grant. Data collected from the partners is compared to the partnership log data as a way to triangulate the information and enhance the understanding of the partnerships. Findings from the survey were shared with NIPP to discuss recommendations for enhancing relationships and develop a plan for outreach among partners or sectors that are missing.

The evaluation efforts utilized with NIPP are similar to approaches utilized by PIE to evaluate partnerships within the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program (CDPCP) and Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. One tool that has been used for a variety of projects within the CDPCP is the Circle of Involvement. This allows partners to self-identify their role within certain programs or plans, after which PIE can assess changes and impacts throughout the implementation period. This also prompts focused conversations with the CDPCP regarding where there are gaps, either in terms of partnerships or levels of involvement for work to be successful. RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consult, and Inform) Charts, while typically used for project management, have also been used as evaluation tools to determine where there may be misalignment among partners.

In addition, PIE has conducted coalition capacity surveys over the past 10 years for the NDHHS’s Division of Behavioral Health (DBH). Assessing the strengths of partnerships and identifying stakeholders not represented on the coalition are key aspects of the capacity survey.

Those results are shared with each coalition and DBH through user-friendly infographic reports to show how their partnerships and coalition memberships have changed over time.

3. Provide a narrative of the bidder’s experience with evaluating the quality and implementation of strategic plan objectives and activities (e.g., state cancer plan, organizational strategic plan).

The PIE team has extensive experience evaluating the quality and implementation of objectives, goals, and activities across a wide variety of projects, including many with NDHHS and other state agencies. PIE begins projects by developing evaluation plans so that a structured and objective approach can be utilized to assess progress and quality of efforts. This includes identifying appropriate evaluation questions, indicators, and data sources in conjunction with the partnering organization(s). To carry out the evaluation plans, PIE has developed and implemented several data collection tools, including surveys, interviews, progress report templates, surveys, and facilitated discussions. In addition to understanding to what degree efforts have been implemented, that data also helps identify barriers and facilitators that occurred during implementation efforts, helping programs revise and adapt plans to better fit their current needs.

As noted, PIE has been involved with Tobacco Free Nebraska’s state plan efforts. That included data collection and reporting on the progress made on four priority areas included in the 2016 –

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 17

2020 plan, which covered 10 objectives and more than 12 strategies. Data briefs were developed for each of the four priorities areas to highlight accomplishments and potential areas for additional or expanded work. For the 2023 – 2028 plan, PIE provides annual updates to the Nebraska Tobacco Control Program on the 15 objectives. This is complemented by process indicators that are developed by PIE to provide context on the progress, such as outputs, deliverables, barriers, and facilitators to strategy implementation.

Another DPH program where PIE serves as the lead evaluator is the Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NECCCP). In addition to leading the evaluation efforts for their current federal funding (CDC-RFA-DP22-2022), PIE coordinated the development of and continued monitoring of the State Cancer Plan. Each year, PIE facilitates a portion of an annual update meeting for the Nebraska Cancer Alliance to share updates on the state plan objectives and report on results from an annual partner survey.

PIE has also been involved with the development and implementation of DBH’s strategic plan.

Staff were actively engaged in providing input on the recent plan developed and are currently evaluating many of the objectives and activities through the evaluation of the Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Block Grant project.

As mentioned in the first technical response questions, a project through the TBI grant with Nebraska VR was the revision of Nebraska’s Brain Injury State Plan. PIE facilitated recurring meetings for a small team to review and revise (as needed) each state plan activity to ensure a “SMART” (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goal format was used.

As part of the revision process, PIE used coding technique to ensure all SMART components were achieved. PIE also helped develop a scale to create a consistent way of reporting on the status of each of the activities on a quarterly basis, ranging from not started to complete. This is supplemented by progress indicators to further evaluate the implementation of the state plan activities and goals.

5. Describe how the bidder proposes to produce evaluation reports using existing and programmatic data. Provide an example of reports completed for previous work.

To first ensure the evaluation is designed to collect appropriate data and answer relevant questions, the PIE team will work with NDHHS to develop an evaluation plan within the first 90 days of the contract. The plan will outline pertinent evaluation indicators and data collection approaches, which will include interviews and/or focus groups. Potential indicators may include the number and type of barriers to implementation, perceived level of progress on goals and focus areas, and key successes or impacts identified among partners.

A formal report summarizing all evaluation activities and key findings will be produced by the specified time frame. The report will be in direct response to the evaluation plan and developed by PIE with input and consultation from NDHHS. It will be inclusive of all data collection efforts and denote any changes to the initial timelines and workplan activities to denote how implementation may have deviated from the original approach.

Although a formal report is anticipated, there will also be informal reporting will be done by PIE in a variety of ways, including: 1) updates during the regular check-in meetings with NDHHS and 2) presentations and sharing updates during partnership meetings. Results for the informal reporting may be shared verbally, via PowerPoint slides, infographics, or other visuals.

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number 125999 O3 Nebraska Olmstead Plan pg. 18

Beyond that, additional materials will be developed as needed and requested by NDHHS.

These documents will include, but are not limited to, success stories, presentations, infographics, fact sheets, and impact statements. All dissemination documents will be developed in conjunction with and at the request of NDHHS. Samples of such reports are included with PIE’s submission as part of the Evaluation Reports attachment (File 8 of 10):

Nebraska Olmstead Plan Evaluation Report FY24-25 Brain Injury Assistance Act Report Maine BI Pilot Project Eval Report 2024 Nebraska Brain Injury Needs Assessment Executive Summary 2025 Adolescent Health Report

The PIE team utilizes data visualization techniques to develop evaluation reports that are easy to understand by a wide range of audiences. All PIE staff have participated in Stephanie Evergreen’s Data Visualization Trainings.

Provide a narrative of how the bidder will work with NDHHS to provide technical assistance and support the revision of the Olmstead plan. The bidder may provide an example of previous work As an external evaluation consultant, PIE has served in technical assistance and support roles for a variety of projects. Staff have a strong background with project management as well as facilitation, including Technology of Participation (ToP) Facilitation and HueLife trainings on strategic planning. The PIE team will draw on their experience with projects done to date, including the previous revision process for Nebraska’s Olmstead Plan. In PIE’s role in serving as the evaluator for the previous Olmstead Evaluation, PIE presented the evaluation results to the Olmstead Advisory Committee and facilitated two meetings with each of the five workgroups. Content and slides presented to the Transportation workgroup are included as a sample (File 9 of 10).

In 2023, PIE also supported the development of the Nebraska Tobacco Control State Plan.

Throughout the project, PIE met regularly with Tobacco Free Nebraska to plan the strategic planning process and the development of the state plan, including a sustainability plan. To lead the work, PIE facilitated two half-day sessions with partners and stakeholders to obtain input on the state plan. PIE also conducted a half-day in-person meeting with TFN staff to facilitate the development of the sustainability plan. Preliminary drafts were provided to the TFN team for revisions, and the plan was finalized through a collaborative process. This process was then replicated with the Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program two years later after seeing the success of the process with the state tobacco plan.

In 2026, PIE began evaluating Nebraska's 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC).

A key component of launching this project was a strategic review of the state's current policies and evaluation processes, which included an intensive data collection effort drawing on input from a variety of project stakeholders. Building on this review, PIE provided the Nebraska Department of Education with technical assistance to revise and update its state policies and evaluation processes. In addition, PIE developed a novel process and tool to provide CCLC grantees with user-friendly infographic reports, enabling them to translate the data into actionable, data-driven decisions for continuous improvement

With all projects, the level and type of technical assistance provided will be determined by the contractor. Although PIE coordinates and leads the development of products, resources, processes, and/or document revisions, it is all done in conjunction with the partner. Technical

PIE – Response to RFP Solicitation Number…