RFA_15-8274_Peer_Personnel_Training_and_Placement.pdf

Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development RFA No. 15-8274

REQUEST FOR APPLICATION - Multiple Awards

Peer Personnel Training and Placement

RFA # 15-8274

Notice to Prospective Applicants

March 30, 2016

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Application (RFA), entitled Peer Personnel Training and Placement. In submitting your application, you must comply with these instructions. Failure to comply with any of the requirements may result in rejection of your application. By submitting an application, your organization agrees to the terms and conditions stated in this RFA and your proposed Grant Agreement.

This solicitation is published online in the California State Contracts Register at https://caleprocure.com/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx. To ensure receipt of any addenda that may be issued, and answers to questions posed, interested parties must register online at https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/.

The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) deadline for receipt of application submission is May 17, 2016, no later than 3:30 p.m. All late, faxed, and/or emailed applications will be rejected and returned to the applicant. Applications must be received on or before the date and time specified herein (See Section E “Application Requirements and Information” for application submission details).

In the opinion of OSHPD, this RFA is complete and without need of explanation. However, if you have questions, notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies, or need any clarifying information, you must submit your questions via e-mail at OSHPD.MHSAWET@oshpd.ca.gov or directly to the CaleProcure website, no later than the date stated in Section E, Item 1 “Key Action Dates”.

Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum, or as answers to questions at the CaleProcure website.

Agreements entered into with non-State of California entities will be completed as Grant Agreements.

Agreements entered into with State of California agencies will be completed as Interagency Agreements and shall be governed by the Terms and Conditions, for Interagency Agreements Appendix 1.

Negotiation of either version of the State of California Terms and Conditions will not be allowed.

This solicitation may result in multiple awards of Grant Agreements. See Section E, Item 4 “Evaluation Process” for the evaluation criteria.

https://caleprocure.com/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ mailto:OSHPD.MHSAWET@oshpd.ca.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

A. Background 3

B. Purpose and Description of Services 3

C. Minimum Qualifications for Applicants 5

D. Developing an Application 6

E. Application Requirements and Information 10

1. Key Action Dates 10

2. Mandatory Pre-Application Conference 10

3. Submission of Application 11

4. Evaluation Process 13

5. Award and Protest 14

6. Disposition of Application 15

7. Agreement Execution and Performance 15

F. Required Attachments 15

1. Required Attachment Check List 16

2. Application/Applicant Certification Sheet 17

3. Applicant References and County/CBO Participation Verification 18

4. Required Application Components 1 and 2 as defined in Section D “Developing an Application”

5. Sample Rate Proposal Worksheet 22

6. Payee Data Record (STD 204) 26

7. Sample Grant Agreement 28

Section A. Definitions 28

Section B. Term of the Agreement 29

Section C. Scope of Work 30

Section D. Program Reports 30

Section E. Invoicing 30

Section F. Budget Detail 31

Section G. Budget Contingency Clause 34

Section H. Budget Adjustments 34

Section I. Terms and Conditions 34

Section J. Project Representatives 37

Appendix 1 Terms and Conditions for Interagency Agreements 39

Appendix 2 Participant Demographic Information Survey 41

Appendix 3 Peer Personal Training and Placement Progress Report

A. Background

In November 2004, California voters approved Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Sections 2 and 3 of the MHSA provide increased funding, personnel and other resources to support public mental health programs and monitor progress toward statewide goals for children, transition age youth, adults, older adults and families. The Workforce, Education and Training (WET) Program is one of the components of MHSA and is administered by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD).

The WET Program is charged with administering a $2,000,000.00 yearly appropriation outlined in the Budget Act of 2013 which states “shall be provided for peer support, including families, training in crisis management, suicide prevention, recovery planning, targeted case management assistance, and other related peer training and support functions to facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel”. In addition, The WET program is funded through appropriations in the State Budget and promotes among other things: (i) the employment of mental health consumers and family members in the Public Mental Health System (PMHS), and (ii) the inclusion of mental health consumers and incorporation of their viewpoints and experiences in training and education programs. This RFA will result in Grant Agreement(s) with public, private, and/or non-profit organizations, including faith based and community organizations to fund training and support that facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel. Activities funded shall include support, training and placement of individuals who are currently or seeking to be employed and/or volunteer as peer personnel including families; by engaging in recruitment and outreach, career counseling, training, placement, and support activities with a priority focus on peer personnel placement (employment or volunteer), or in the public mental health system (PMHS).

B. Purpose and Description of Services

The Budget Act of 2013 provided a yearly appropriation of $2,000,000.00 for peer personnel support and The WET Five-Year Plan 2014-2019 appropriated $8,000,000.00 for activities that aim to increase and support consumer and family member employment in the PMHS. OSHPD is issuing this RFA with a minimum of $2,000,000.00 to fund organizations to support, train and place individuals who are currently or seeking to be employed and/or volunteer as peer personnel by engaging in recruitment and outreach, career counseling, training, placement, and support activities with a priority focus on peer personnel placement in the PMHS. Training provided should be regarding issues that may include: crisis management, suicide prevention, recovery planning, targeted case management assistance and other related peer training and support functions to facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel.

For purposes of this RFA, peer personnel can be individuals with experience as a mental/behavioral health services consumer, family member, and/or parent/caregiver placed in designated peer positions within the PMHS as defined in the sample Grant Agreement, page 28 of this RFA. The goal of this RFA is to enter into Grant Agreement(s) that will engage the

Grantee in the implementation of a peer personnel training and placement program that shall contain all of the following components:

1. Recruitment and Outreach: The Grantee shall engage in activities to recruit individuals who are either currently employed/volunteering or are seeking employment/volunteering in the

PMHS as peer personnel to participate in Grantees’ training and support program.

Recruitment activities shall target individuals with lived experience who could address the cultural and language needs of the diverse community they will serve. Recruitment efforts may target individuals with lived experience in high schools, adult education programs, regional occupation programs, community colleges, and those already working and/or volunteering in the PMHS. Outreach tools may include but not be limited to presentations, personal outreach, information sharing sessions, and social media such as Facebook and

Twitter.

2. Career Counseling: The Grantee shall assist recruited participants in the development of individualized career plans that identify courses to take for a defined peer personnel position type/category and includes short-term and long-term goals for entering, re-entering or advancing in the public mental health workforce. The Grantee shall also assist participants by providing information on educational courses of study or training needed to advance in career plans and information on additional financial and training resources beyond those offered directly by the Grantee.

3. Training: The Grantee shall provide training to facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel. Training provided should be regarding issues that may include:

Crisis management;

Suicide prevention;

Recovery planning;

Targeted case management assistance; and

Other related peer training and support functions necessary to facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel.

Training shall include field work in the PMHS (such as internships, volunteer work experience, or other on-the-job training). Training shall reflect and align with the communicated needs of PMHS, provide exposure to PMHS and mental health careers, and align with MHSA’s vision of wellness, recovery, resilience, consumer and family member driven services, cultural competence, community collaboration, and integrated service experiences. The peer personnel training program shall be no longer than one academic year or nine consecutive months in length. Training of individuals shall be consistent with the identified career pathway/plan developed during career counseling. A Grantee may provide participants financial assistance to attend the training. Financial assistance shall only be provided for costs, other than tuition or admission fees, incurred by individuals to enable their participation in the activities sponsored by the proposing organization and may include, but not be limited to: transportation costs, uncompensated time-off, and child care.

4. Placement: For purposes of this RFA, “Placement” means assignment in a peer personnel position as an employee or volunteer that can be paid or un-paid in the PMHS. Placement activities are a priority focus in this peer personnel training and placement program.

Successful completion of the training program will enable entry into a peer personnel position in the PMHS as well as encourage career progression. The Grantee shall assist the training program participants in finding placement in the PMHS as peer personnel to provide an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel. Placement shall be in positions that match the skills provided by the Grantee’s peer personnel training program.

5. Support: The grantee shall continue to support placed participants for six months after placement by engaging in activities that may include mentorship, self-help/support groups, retraining, among other support activities. If program participants are unsuccessful in gaining and/or maintaining placement after six months following completion of training, the contractor shall work with the participants to develop a revised individual career plan to address shortcomings in the design or execution of prior individual career plan. The

Grantee(s) shall provide a detailed explanation as to the reasons for any inability of program participants to gain or maintain placement in the PMHS.

6. Evaluation: The grantee shall evaluate the peer personnel training and placement program at the completion of contract activities. Evaluation should include a summary of all program activities and outcomes using the progress report found in Attachment 7, sample Grant

Agreement, a comprehensive survey for program participants and employers where participants were placed, and highlight any major successes and/or challenges in completing all program activities.

While providing services to recruit, support, train, and place peer personnel who are currently or seeking to be employed or are volunteering in the PMHS, the Grantee shall:

Include individuals with lived experience including consumers, family members and parent/caregivers in the design and delivery of program activities.

Ensure there is continued engagement and coordination with other County, CBO

(Community Based Organizations), and education institutions/entities partners included in the application.

Ensure County, CBO, consumers and family members are part of the development of peer personnel position types and training required for each type.

Ensure focus on innovative, evidence-based and community-identified strategies to achieve the goal of training and placing peer personnel in the PMHS.

Ensure all program activities are consistent with MHSA values and priorities including wellness, recovery and resiliency principles.

The Grantee(s) shall use the progress report template in Attachment 7 “Sample Grant Agreement” when reporting their outcome data on a no more than quarterly basis.

Subject to the availability of funds, the period of this Grant Agreement will be from June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2018.

Carefully review and consider the Scope of Work located in Attachment 7 “Sample Grant Agreement” in order to complete your application.

C. Minimum Qualifications for Applicants

Applications are invited from the following:

1. A County, or a group of counties (with one of the counties identified as the fiscal sponsor), that are: (i) able to identify Peer Personnel needs within the PMHS, (ii) able to identify partner educational institution(s), or training organization(s), and (iii) able to provide training that will prepare Peer Personnel to qualify for and obtain placement in positions within the

PMHS.

2. A Community Based Organization (CBO) or a group of CBOs within the PMHS (with one of the CBOs identified as the fiscal sponsor) that are: (i) able to identify Peer Personnel needs within the PMHS, (ii) able to identify partner educational institution(s), or training organization(s), and (iii) able to provide training that will prepare Peer Personnel to qualify for and obtain placement in positions within the PMHS.

3. An educational institution or training organization(s) that: (i) are able to identify Peer

Personnel needs within the PMHS (ii) can provide the required training for Peer Personnel,

(iii) can partner with identified county(ies) or CBO(s) to place Peer Personnel in positions within the PMHS.

Additionally, applicants and/or their sub-contractors must have demonstrated experience in training and supporting individuals with lived experience as consumers, family members, and parents/caregivers.

D. Developing an Application

In order to develop a successful application, applicants will be required to be responsive to this RFA in its entirety; however, emphasis should be placed on providing the following:

1. Executive Summary: Provide an overview of your ability to provide the services detailed in

Section B, “Purpose and Description of Services”.

2. Detailed Work Plan and Schedules: As a part of Attachment 4, on page 21 of this RFA, the detailed work plan and a schedule for task completion should include a description of how all the program elements below will be addressed. In the work plan, the applicant shall include, in this exact order, and using the templates provided, as follows:

a. The number of individuals the applicant proposes to be trained, placed, and supported by this program. (Please note that this number will be included in the contract and will be used to determine prorated payments across budget categories if awarded, as outlined in the rate proposal worksheet)

b. List all the organizations within the PMHS (which include but are not limited to: counties, community based organizations, others) and/or education institutions/training organizations the applicant proposes to partner with to accomplish program activities which can include recruitment and outreach, career counseling, training, placement, and support using the following table. Participation verification forms found in Attachment 3 must be submitted for every County and CBO listed below.

Type of Organization (County, CBO, Training entity)

Name of Organization

Organizations Geographic Location (County)

Description of Program Activities Partner Organization Will Support (i.e.

recruitment and outreach, career counseling, training, placement, and support) Description should be no more than 6 sentences per organization.

Summary of Peer Personnel Needs (for County and CBO) as Identified in Attachment 3, Participation Verification Form

c. Identify all activities the contractor proposes to engage in to recruit participants for your peer personnel training program that meet elements detailed in Section B, “Purpose and

Description of Services” using the following table.

Description of Recruitment/Outreach Activity Proposed

Population/Community that will be Targeted

Approximate Number of Individuals that will be Reached

d. Provide a description of all Career Counseling activities the applicant proposes to engage program participants in that meet elements details outlined in Section B, “Purpose and Description of Services”.

e. Provide a description of the different peer personnel position types/categories the proposer can provide training for and support placement within the PMHS.

Peer Personnel Position Type/ Category Title

Population(s) that can be served by position type/category (children, transition age youth, adults, and/or older adults)

Position Minimum Qualifications

Description of Services Position can Provide (No more than 6 sentences)

Description of how Peer Personnel Position Type/Category was Developed (i.e. existing position, discussion with Counties and CBO, etc.)

f. The applicant shall provide a description of the proposed training curricula to be used to facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel as outlined in Section B, “Purpose and Description of Services”.

Course Title

Hours Required Course (x) (if required only for certain peer personnel position types/ categories please indicate)

Elective Course

(x) (if elective only for certain peer personnel position types/ categories please indicate)

Description of Course including Learning Objectives and course teaching methods

How Course Addresses MHSA values and principles

g. The applicant shall identify how this curriculum and how these courses were developed and how they will meet the needs identified by counties and CBO’s in the respective

Participant Verification forms.

h. The applicant shall identify the mechanism that will be used to determine successful completion of courses and entire curricula.

i. The applicant shall identify the type of field work training that will be provided and mechanism that will be used to identify and match participants to appropriate field work training.

j. The applicant shall identify the steps the applicant will engage in to assist participants in finding placement in peer positions within the PMHS as outlined in Section B, Purpose and Description of Services.

k. The applicant shall identify the steps and activities the applicant will engage in to support all program participants including those who are unsuccessful in gaining and/or maintaining placement.

l. The applicant shall identify steps and methods that will be used to evaluate the peer personnel training and placement program at completion of program activities.

3. Project Personnel: The Applicant will submit the titles, job descriptions, and roles of all personnel proposed to work on this project and:

a. Identify any sub-contractors that are planned to assist in accomplishing the Scope of

Work, including their roles, abilities to provide services, and applicable qualifications.

The Grantee will clearly state the projected number of hours the sub-contractors will spend on the project.

b. Identify project personnel including sub-contractors with lived experience and/or that have a proven track record of working with individuals of lived experience.

4. Professional References: Any application must be accompanied by: Two professional references as provided in Attachment 3 (Applicant References) that describe the applicant’s ability to engage in activities outlined in Section B, “Purpose and Description of Services”.

5. Cost Detail Format and Requirements:

a. The total cost of all tasks throughout the duration of the Grant Agreement for FY

2015-16, 2016-17, and FY 2017-18 cannot exceed $500,000. A prospective Grantee may, consistent with its work plan, rate proposal, and budget category limitations, request the distribution of grant funding under this RFA, but in no event shall total funding for a Grantee under this RFA exceed $500,000.

b. Applicants shall use Attachment 5 (Rate Proposal Worksheet) to prepare the cost detail for submission. The Rate Proposal Worksheet shall be consistent with the rate structure in Attachment 5.

c. The major budget categories under this RFA shall be (i) Recruitment and Outreach; (ii)

Career Counseling; (iii) Training; (iv) Financial Assistance (v) Placement; (vi) Support;

(vii) Evaluation, and (viii) Indirect Program costs, which are defined below. Additionally, this is a performance based contract in which, if awarded, the contractor will be reimbursed based on completion of services per budget line item as identified in each respective budget line item section below.

i. “Recruitment and Outreach Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of recruitment and outreach services which can include, but not be limited to: salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Recruitment and Outreach shall be no more than 5 percent of total proposed budget. If awarded, payments will be made on a prorated rate based on the number of individuals that have been recruited to the program and consistent with the number of individuals identified in the application that will be trained and supported.

ii. “Career Counseling Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of Career Counseling services which can include but not be limited to salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Career Counseling costs shall be no more than 20 percent of total proposed budget. If awarded, payment will be made on a prorated rate, based on completion and submittal of individualized career plans for each individual and consistent with the number of individuals identified in the application that will be trained and supported.

iii. “Training Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of training services which can include but not be limited to:

salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Training costs shall be no more than 40 percent of total proposed budget. If awarded, payment will be made on a prorated rate based on individual’s completion of the entire training, including field work and be consistent with the number of individuals identified in application that will be trained and supported.

iv. “Financial Assistance Costs” is defined as financial assistance for program participants to attend training which shall only be provided for costs, other than tuition or admission fees, incurred by participants to enable their participation in the activities sponsored by the proposing organization and may include, but not be limited to: transportation costs, uncompensated time-off and child care. Financial Assistance costs shall be no more than

10 percent of total proposed budget.

v. “Placement Achievement Incentive” is defined as an incentive to the completion of Placement services. Placement costs/incentives shall be no less than 35 percent of total proposed budget. If awarded, payment will be made on a prorated rate based on successful placement of participants in a position within the PMHS and the number of individuals identified in the application to be trained and supported. Contractor will receive full funding based on successful placement of individual participants in a position within the PMHS. However, Contractor will receive full funding for placement category if at least 80% of participants are placed by end of contract term and justification is provided, and accepted by OSHPD, as to why the remainder were not able to find placement.

vi. “Support Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of post training/placement support services which can include, but not be limited to: salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Support costs shall be no more than 20 percent of the total proposed budget. If awarded, payment will be made on a prorated rate based on the number of participants that have been receiving support during the 6 months after placement and for those that have not gained or maintained placement after 6 months following completion of training, payment will be provided based on completion of revised individual career plan to address shortcomings in the design or execution of prior individual career plan.

vii. “Evaluation Costs” is defined as cost to evaluate the peer personnel training and placement program at the completion of program activities.

The program evaluation should include a summary of all program activities and outcomes using the progress report found in Attachment 7, Sample

Grant Agreement, a comprehensive survey for program participants and employers where participants were placed, and highlight any major successes and/or challenges in completing all program activities.

Evaluation cost shall be no more than 5 percent of total proposed budget.

viii. “Indirect Program Costs” is defined as costs that are indirectly attributed to the completion of all other program services identified above which can include, but not be limited to: Utilities, Rent, and Administrative service/payroll staff. Indirect program costs shall be no more than 10 percent of total proposed budget. If awarded, payments will be made by calculating the percentage of total indirect costs incurred that quarter based on the percentage of the direct program cost invoiced that quarter.

E. Application Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates:

Event Date Time

RFA available to prospective Applicants

March 30, 2016

4:00 PM PDT

Written Question Submittal Deadline

April 5, 2016

Written responses, if any, to be posted

April 12, 2016

5:00 PM PDT

Mandatory Pre-Application Conference Date

April 14, 2016

3:00 PM PDT

Questions & Answers from Mandatory Pre-Application Conference Posted

April 20, 2016

Final Date for Application Submission

May 17, 2016

3:30 PM PDT

Notice of Intent to Award

May 31, 2016

Proposed Grant Agreement Start Date

June 30, 2016

N/A

2. Mandatory Pre-Application Conference:

a. A mandatory pre-application conference is scheduled on April 14, 2016 3:00 PM, PDT for the purpose of clarifying the content of this RFA. The mandatory pre-application conference will be available through conference call: (888) 278-0296, Code 233068 or in the OSHPD Sacramento, California office:

OSHPD Offices 400 R Street, Suite 330

Sacramento, California 95811

b. Only one authorized representative from each potential applicant is required to attend the mandatory pre-application conference. In the event a potential applicant is unable to attend the mandatory pre-application conference, an authorized representative may attend on their behalf. Subcontractors may not represent a potential applicant at a mandatory pre-application conference. No application will be accepted unless the applicant or his/her authorized representative is in attendance.

The representative may only sign in for one potential applicant.

c. Assistance for applicants requiring reasonable accommodation due to a physical, mental or emotional impairment for the mandatory pre-application conference will be provided by OSHPD upon request. The applicant(s) must call OSHPD at (916) 326-3781 no later than the fifth working day prior to the scheduled date and time of the mandatory pre-application conference to arrange for reasonable accommodation.

3. Submission of Application:

a. Applications should provide straightforward and concise descriptions of the applicant’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFA. The application must be complete and accurate. Omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements may be cause for rejection of an application.

b. All applications must be submitted under sealed cover and received by OSHPD by the date and time shown in Section E “Application Requirements and Information”, Item 1 “Key Action Dates”. Applications received after this date and time will not be considered.

c. A minimum of one (1) original must be submitted. The original proposal must be marked "ORIGINAL COPY". All documents contained in the original application package must have original signatures and must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the applying entity. All additional application sets may contain photocopies of the original package. In addition, applicant MUST submit an electronic copy of the application either by e-mail to Wesley.Salter@oshpd.ca.gov or include a CD of the application with the submission materials.

d. Due to limited storage space, the application package should be prepared in the least expensive method (i.e., cover page with staple in upper left-hand corner, no fancy bindings: spiral binding, 3-hole punch, etc.).

e. The application envelopes must be plainly marked with the RFA number and title, your firm name and address, and must be marked with "DO NOT OPEN", as shown in the following example:

Attn: Wes Salter, Program Analyst

Healthcare Workforce Development Division 400 R Street, Suite 330 Sacramento, CA 95811

RFA #15-8274

DO NOT OPEN

mailto:Wesley.Salter@oshpd.ca.gov

f. You are advised that you are responsible for ensuring that your application is received by the above listed contact person by the time and date required. Any application reaching the contact person after the deadline date and time will be returned unopened.

g. If the application is made under a fictitious name or business title, the actual legal name of applicant must be provided.

h. Applications not submitted under sealed cover and marked as indicated may be rejected.

i. All applications shall include the documents identified in Attachment 1, Required Attachment Checklist. Applications not including the proper required attachments shall be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive application is one that does not meet the basic application requirements.

j. Applications must be submitted for the performance of all the services described herein. Any deviation from the work specifications will not be considered and may cause an application to be rejected.

k. An application may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all applications and may waive an immaterial deviation in an application. The State's waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify the RFA document or excuse the applicant from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the Grant Agreement.

l. Costs incurred for developing applications and in anticipation of award of the Grant Agreement are entirely the responsibility of the applicant and shall not be charged to the State of California.

m. An individual who is authorized to bind the applying firm contractually shall sign the Application/Applicant Certification Sheet, Attachment 2. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned application may be rejected.

n. An applicant may modify an application after its submission by withdrawing its original application and resubmitting a new application prior to the final date for application submission as set forth in the Key Action Dates. Application modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

o. An applicant may withdraw its application by submitting a written withdrawal request to the State, signed by the applicant or an authorized agent in accordance with (c) above. An applicant may thereafter submit a new application prior to the application submission deadline. Applications may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to application submission deadline.

p. OSHPD may modify the RFA prior to the date fixed for submission of application by the issuance of an addendum to all parties who received an application package.

q. OSHPD reserves the right to reject all applications. OSHPD is not required to award an Grant Agreement and will not award an Grant Agreement if budget authority is not granted.

r. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, applicants should review, correct all errors and comply with the RFA requirements.

s. Where applicable, the applicant should carefully examine work sites and specifications. No additions or increases to the Grant Agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of work sites and specifications.

t. The State does not accept alternate Grant Agreement language from a prospective Grantee. An application with such language will be considered a counter offer and will be rejected. The Terms and Conditions outlined in Attachment 7, Sample Grant Agreement are not negotiable.

u. No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party.

4. Evaluation Process:

Multiple Grant Agreements may be awarded under this RFA. Final award by OSHPD will include consideration of the following elements:

a. At the time of application opening, each application will be checked for the presence or absence of required information in conformance with the submission requirements of this RFA.

b. Applications that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references which do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the applicant may be rejected.

c. The final awards will be to the highest scored applications. OSHPD intends for this RFA to support multiple Counties in California by providing a distribution of awards throughout the State. Applications seeking to support underserved geographic regions, which are not addressed by other similarly scored applications, may receive preference. The following evaluation tool will be used to score applications:

Evaluation Tool

Technical Merit Scoring Criterion

Maximum Points

Strength of the Program Explain and/or demonstrate how the program will be/has been created and/or strengthened to support, train, and place individuals in peer personnel positions to be an effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel.

Priority areas include:

Identifying training curricula that will used to facilitate the deployment of peer personnel as effective and necessary service to clients and family members, and as triage and targeted case management personnel.

Identifying how the program will meet the peer personnel needs of PMHS employer partners.

Identifying actions proposer will engage in to assist participants in finding placement in the PMHS.

Identifying steps and activities the proposer will engage in to support all program participants including those who are unsuccessful in gaining and/or maintaining placement in the PMHS.

Detailed Work Plan and Schedules Identify how the Work Plan (tasks the applicant would be implementing) is consistent with services as described in the Scope of Work of this RFA and the schedule (time frame) for task completion is sufficient to effectively accomplish the tasks.

Project Personnel

Identify the titles, job descriptions, and roles, of each of individual/contractor/sub-contractor proposed to be working on the project.

Identify the extent to which the listed personnel proposed to work on the project have lived experience and/or a proven record of effectively working with individuals that have lived experience.

Budget Rates

OSHPD will score the cost effectiveness to effectively and successfully implement and administer the Peer Personnel program in relation to how many individuals are proposed to be trained and supported and activities that are proposed to engage them.

References References will verify the applicant’s capacity to provide the services described in Section B “Purpose and Description of Services” and the applicant’s ability to:

Work in partnership with a set of counties, community-based organizations, and other PMHS employers, and training organizations.

Total Possible Points

Final selections will be made by OSHPD on the basis of which applications best fit the criteria above and provide a geographic representation of awardees across the state of California.

5. Award and Protest:

a. A minimum of $2,000,000.00 shall be available for the Peer Personnel Training and

Placement program for FYs 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18.

b. Multiple applicants may be awarded a Grant Agreement under this Peer Personnel

Training and Placement RFA. The total costs of all tasks and milestones cannot exceed $500,000.00 per Grant Agreement.

c. OSHPD reserves the right to determine the number of Grant Agreement(s) to be awarded.

d. In accordance with Government Code section 11256, OSHPD reserves the right to enter into an Interagency Agreement with a Grantee if the Grantee is a State agency.

e. Notice of the proposed award shall be posted in a public place in the offices of OSHPD, 400 R Street, Room 359, for five (5) working days prior to awarding the Grant Agreement.

f. Protest Procedures

i. A Letter of Protest must be received at the following address not later than five (5) working days (excluding the first day and including the last day) from the date of the posting of Notice of Intent to Award:

RFA # 15-8274

Letter of Protest

Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development 400 R Street, Suite 330 Sacramento, CA 95811

Attn: Wes Salter

ii. The only acceptable delivery method for the Letter of Protest is by a postal service (United States Post Office, Federal Express, etc.). The Letter of Protest cannot be hand delivered by the applicant, faxed, or sent by electronic mail. Any letter received without an original signature and/or by a delivery method other than a postal service will not be considered.

iii. The Letter of Protest must describe the factors which caused the applicant to conclude that the Evaluation Committee did not follow the prescribed rating standards, explain why the score is in conflict with the rating standards or the Grant Agreement award process described in the RFA, and identify specific information in the application that the applicant believes was overlooked or misinterpreted. The Letter of Protest may not provide any additional information that should have been included in the original application.

iv. If any applicant files a Letter of Protest, the Grant Agreement shall not be awarded until OSHPD has reviewed the protest.

v. OSHPD’s decision will be rendered within five (5) working days of the receipt of the Letter of Protest and will be considered final.

6. Disposition of Application:

Upon application opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFA will become the property of the State of California, and will be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and subject to review by the public.

7. Agreement Execution and Performance:

a. It is anticipated that the performance of the Grant Agreement will begin on June 30, 2016. No work shall begin until all approvals have been obtained.

b. Should the Grantee fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, OSHPD, upon five (5) days written notice to the Grantee, reserves the right to terminate the Grant Agreement.

c. All performance under the Grant Agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Grant Agreement.

d. OSHPD will evaluate the Grantee(s)’ performance to determine whether and to what extent they are meeting the deliverables.

e. OSHPD reserves the right to cancel the Grant Agreement should the deliverables not meet OSHPD’s expectations.

F. REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

The following pages contain additional Attachments that are a part of this RFA.

Attachment 1 Required Attachment Check List Attachment 2 Application/Applicant Certification Sheet Attachment 3 Applicant References and County/CBO Participation Verification Attachment 4 Executive Summary and Detailed Work Plan Attachment 5 Sample Rate Proposal Worksheet Attachment 6 Payee Data Record (STD 204) Attachment 7 Sample Grant Agreement has been included for your reference only. Grant

Agreements, if any, may be entered into only with successful applicant(s), after the award determination is made. Entry into, and the terms of, any Grant Agreements(s) shall be at the sole discretion of OSHPD.

ATTACHMENT 1

REQUIRED ATTACHMENT CHECK LIST

Applicant Name: _____________________________________________________________

A complete application or application package will include the items identified below. Complete this checklist to confirm the items in your application. Place a check mark or “” next to each item that you are submitting to the State. For your application to be responsive, all required attachments must be returned. This checklist must be returned with your application package also.

Attachment Attachment Name/Description

_____ Attachment 1 Required Attachment Check List

_____ Attachment 2 Application/Applicant Certification Sheet

_____ Attachment 3 Applicant References and County/CBO Participation

Verification

_____ Attachment 4 Executive Summary and Detailed Work Plan

_____ Attachment 5 Sample Rate Proposal Worksheet

_____ Attachment 6 Payee Data Record (STD 204)

ATTACHMENT 2

APPLICATION/APPLICANT CERTIFICATION SHEET

This Application/Applicant Certification Sheet must be signed and returned in duplicate with original signatures.

Do not return Section E “Application Requirements and Information” or the "Sample Agreement" at the end of this RFA.

The signature affixed hereon and dated certifies compliance with all the requirements of this application document. The signature below authorizes the verification of this certification.

An Unsigned Application/Applicant Certification Sheet May Be Cause for Rejection

Company Name Telephone Number

Address Fax Number

Name Title

Signature Date

ATTACHMENT 3

APPLICANT REFERENCES AND COUNTY/CBO PARTICIPATION VERIFICATION

Submission of this Attachment is mandatory. Failure to complete and return this Attachment with your application will cause your application to be rejected and deemed nonresponsive.

List below two (2) references of similar types of services performed for other entities within the last four (4) years. If two references cannot be provided, please explain why on an attached sheet of paper.

REFERENCE 1

Name of Firm

Street Address

City State Zip Code

Contact Person Telephone Number

Email Address

Dates of Service Value or Cost of Service

Narrative of Service Provided (include timeline and outcomes)

What is the role of the reference/firm?

REFERENCE 2

Name of Firm

Street Address

City State Zip Code

Contact Person Telephone Number

Email Address

Dates of Service Value or Cost of Service

Narrative of Service Provided (include timeline and outcomes)

What is the role of the reference/firm?

COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH/COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION DIRECTOR or

AUTHORIZED DESIGNEE PARTICIPATION VERIFICATION FORM

Date:

County/Community-Based Organization:

The Applicant Organization (see below) intends to apply for a grant from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) to provide training and support for individuals to be deployed as peer personnel in the Public Mental Health System (PMHS).

The purpose of this participation verification form is to ensure OSHPD that the applicant organizations contacted a County or CBO (Community Based Organization) prior to submission of an application and plan to engage and collaborate with Counties or CBOs in their program area. Additionally, this allows the applicant to develop a program that meets County/CBO specific needs. By signing the letter, the County or CBO is agreeing that where applicable, the County will collaborate and engage with the applicant organization if they are awarded a grant.

OSHPD encourages the County and/or CBO Director to sign only if they do plan to collaborate and engage with this organization in a manner consistent with what is described below.

To better assess the peer personnel needs in your County Mental Health Program/CBO, to the extent possible please complete the following questions:

1. Provide the number of positions that are currently filled by Peer Personnel in your organization:

2. Provide the number of open Peer Personnel Positions that are not filled in your organization:

3. Provide the number of trained Peer Personnel needed in your organization over the next year:

4. Please identify the main skills, competencies, and qualifications needed by peer personnel to obtain placement as peer personnel within your organization.

5. Please identify how your organization plans to collaborate and engage with the applicant organization.

By signing below, I confirm that _____________ (Applicant Organization) has contacted my organization, my organization is part of the PMHS and, where applicable, my organization will engage with ___________ (Applicant Organization) as they recruit, train, place, and support individuals with lived experience in peer personnel positions within the PMHS.

Director (or authorized designee), County Mental Health Program/Community-Based Organization (Print)

Director (or authorized designee), County Mental Health Program/ Community-Based Organization (Signature)

Date

ATTACHMENT 4

Required Application Components 1 and 2 as defined in Section D “Developing an Application”

(Attachment 4 should include the Executive Summary, Detailed Work Plan and Schedule for Task Completion)

ATTACHMENT 5

SAMPLE RATE PROPOSAL WORKSHEET

Applicant Name: ______________________________________________________________

Applicant hereby proposes to furnish all services and to perform all work required in accordance with the conditions and scope of services as set forth in the Scope of Work, and in applicant’s application. If awarded, the rates and budget line items outlined in this proposal worksheet shall be contractually binding and used when invoicing OSHPD for services provided under the Agreement.

Total Proposal Budget $____________________________________________________

1. Summary of Costs by Budget Line Item:

The major budget categories under this RFA shall be (i) Recruitment and Outreach; (ii)

Career Counseling; (iii) Training; (iv) Financial Incentive; (v) Placement; (vi) Support; (vii)

Evaluation and (viii) Indirect Program costs, which are defined as shown below. Please use the table on the next page to provide a budget for each line item within the limitations provided below.

a. “Recruitment and Outreach Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of recruitment and outreach services which can include but not be limited to salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Recruitment and

Outreach shall be no more than 5 percent of total proposed budget.

b. “Career Counseling Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of Career Counseling services which can include but not be limited to salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Career Counseling costs shall be no more than 20 percent of total proposed budget.

c. “Training Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of training services which can include but not be limited to salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Training costs shall be no more than 40 percent of total proposed budget.

d. “Financial Assistance Costs” is defined as financial assistance for program participants to attend training which shall only be provided for costs, other than tuition or admission fees, incurred by participants to enable their participation in the activities sponsored by the proposing organization and may include, but not be limited to: transportation costs, uncompensated time-off, and child care. Financial

Assistance costs shall be no more than 10 percent of total proposed budget

e. “Placement Achievement Incentive” is defined as an incentive to the completion of

Placement services. Placement costs/incentive shall be no less than 35 percent of total proposed budget.

f. “Support Costs” is defined as costs that can be more directly attributed to the completion of post training/placement support services which can include but not be limited to salaries for program staff, materials/supplies required for a program activities, program consultants/contractor, and travel. Support costs shall be no more than 20 percent of total proposed budget.

g. “Evaluation Costs” “is defined as cost to evaluate the peer personnel…