RFP 270-22-0573 Attachment 1a PWS.pdf

RFP No. 270-22-0573

Attachment 1a

“National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare”

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

I. REQUIREMENTS

A. Background and Objectives

As part of the legislation creating the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997, Congress tasked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and

Families (ACF) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

(SAMHSA) with preparing a report to describe the scope of the problem of substance use disorders (SUD) in the child welfare population, the types of services provided to parents with substance use disorders, and the effectiveness of these services. This resulted in the report, “Blending Perspectives and Building Common Ground.” The full report can be viewed online at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/subabuse99/subabuse.htm.

A key objective of ASFA is to achieve faster permanent placements for children in foster care or other out of home care. As mentioned in “Blending Perspectives,” because of this objective, finding effective and timely methods to address the concurrent problems of SUD and child maltreatment is essential. Historically, parents have not always had prompt access to SUD treatment, and their progress in treatment may not have been adequate to meet the deadlines for permanency decisions introduced by ASFA. In order to better align the goals of ASFA and the substance abuse treatment needs of parents, the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child

Welfare (NCSACW) was created. NCSACW's goals are to collect, develop and disseminate information that helps child welfare, SUD treatment and court professionals to better serve the needs of families involved with the child welfare system because of parental SUD. The

NCSACW pursues these goals principally through the delivery of technical assistance and training activities.

First funded in 2002, the NCSACW has undertaken a wide range of activities to promote effective practices and system changes within organizations serving the target families experiencing substance misuse, and to identify the barriers and gaps. The program has been very successful in responding to thousands of technical assistance requests since 2002, and developing information and training materials for its intended audiences.

Awarded again in 2007, the NCSACW expanded its scope by providing programmatic technical assistance and training to grantees funded by ACF in a grant program awarded that year known as Regional Partnership Grantees (RPGs) that were authorized by the Child and Family Services

Improvement Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-288).

In 2011, the Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act (Pub. L. 112-34) includes a targeted grants program (section 437(f) of the Social Security Act), which directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve a specified portion of the appropriation for

Regional Partnership Grants (RPGs) to improve the well-being of children affected by substance abuse. The RPG projects are required to participate in a national cross-site evaluation. The authorizing legislation also includes programmatic technical assistance to be provided to grantees to support implementation and operation of their programs, which is provided through this contract.

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L.

111-320) provides federal funding to states in support of prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment activities and also provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, for demonstration programs and projects. CAPTA highlights the complexity of the issue of child maltreatment and notes that working on the issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the impact of

SUD. To this end, CAPTA provides for the provisions of technical assistance, cross-training opportunities, data collection and related dissemination efforts. In addition, CAPTA requires

States to have policies and procedures in place to notify child protective services (CPS) agencies of substance-exposed newborns (SENs) and to establish a plan of safe care for newborns identified as being affected by SUD or having withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure.

In July 2016, CAPTA was amended by Public Law 114-198, the Comprehensive Addiction and

Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA). Section 503 of CARA (Infant Plan of Safe Care) aims to help states address the effects of substance use disorders on infants, children, and families and brings attention to the rate of opioid misuse and dependence escalating in many communities, including amongst pregnant and parenting women. In addition, many communities are experiencing high rates of overdose deaths and treatment for substance use disorders. Substance use disorder treatment systems are reporting increases in the number of individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorders. Child welfare systems are reporting increases in caseloads, primarily among infants and young children coming into foster care, and hospitals are reporting increases of infants experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome associated with opioid use during pregnancy.

This new contract will continue most of the activities undertaken during previous contract periods as well as respond to emerging needs as they develop over the course of the award.

These include: 1) technical assistance, 2) training, 3) resource development, 4) information dissemination, and 5) maintenance and further development of a website. It also will provide support to grantees and support a number of optional tasks as needed.

While much progress has taken place over the last decade to address the needs of children in general and in particular those at risk of or involved with child welfare due to parental substance use disorders, there is still much more that needs to be done in order to help families thrive. The

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Substance Abuse Mental Health

Services Administration (SAMHSA) are committed to facilitating healing and recovery and promoting the social and emotional well-being of children who have experienced maltreatment, exposure to violence, and/or trauma due to parental substance misuse. Additionally, under the

Biden Harris Administration’s priorities, ACF and SAMHSA are committed to addressing the advancement of racial equity and support for underserved communities and improving access for special populations including Tribes. ACF, SAMHSA and collaborating federal partners are implementing a variety of programs and policies to address these aims. ACF and SAMHSA are committed to continuing our work with federal partners such as Health Resources and Services

Administration (HRSA), and Center for Disease Control (CDC) to address family strengths and needs and implement best practices in cross-system collaboration. In this contract, the

NCSACW mission will continue to address these priorities as well as the priorities of the current

NCSACW mission: to improve systems and practices for families with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders and child abuse and neglect who are involved with or at risk for involvement with the child welfare and family judicial systems by assisting local, state and tribal agencies.

The new contract for the NCSACW will consist of a base year and four Optional Years and will undertake tasks described in the requirements section that follows.

B. General

The Contractor shall account for project funding necessary to meet all requirements specified in

Section C, including but not limited to activities supporting information technology (IT) security and privacy, Section 508 compliance, and web content development, management, and migration.

1. Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, labor, equipment, software, services, materials, and supplies, except as otherwise noted specifically herein to perform the work set forth below.

2. All work under this contract/task order will be monitored by the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR).

For additional general requirements, please reference attachment 1B.

C. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

An overview of all the contract tasks:

Task 1: Project Management and Reporting

Task 2: Technical Assistance (TA)

Task 3: Training

Task 4: Information Dissemination

Task 5: Update and Maintain Web Site

Task 6: Contract Transition Plan

Optional Task 7: Technical Assistance for Regional Partnership Grantees

Optional Task 8: Technical Assistance to Grantees

Optional Task 9: In-depth technical assistance (IDTA)

Optional Task 10: Technical Assistance Support to Infants Prenatally Exposed and their

Caregivers

Optional Task 11: Policy Academy

Optional Task 12: Technical Expert, Summit, Focus Group or Special Interest-Area Meeting

Optional Task 13: Publication Development

Optional Task 14: Migration of Website

A. Tasks

1. Task 1 Project Management and Reporting

During the course of the contract the Contractor shall be in regular communication with the

Administration on Children, Youth and Families’ (ACYF), Children’s Bureau COR and staff from collaborating federal partners. Together they will develop priorities for organizing and conducting the work outlined in the defined tasks.

Specific Tasks:

1.1 Prepare and Update Project Work plans. The Contractor shall prepare a detailed work plan for each year organized by the tasks outlined in the PWS. The work plan shall be updated annually based on input from the COR taking into consideration pressing issues and emerging trends in the child welfare and substance use disorder and mental health fields. In the base year, the first workplan shall be submitted within 90 days of contract award and subsequent workplans (OY1-4) shall be submitted 7 days before year end with the annual report

1.2 Participate in Project Meetings Project meetings shall be scheduled monthly

(12/year), to take place either in person at the ACF/CB office in Washington

D.C., or by a virtual format. An agenda will be prepared in advance of each meeting by the contactor, and a summary of the meeting is due within 7 days after the meeting. The first meeting will be a kick-off meeting to be scheduled within 5 days of contract award and to be held within 14 days of contract award. NOTE

TO OFFEROR: For budget purposes, budget one (1) in-person meeting per year in Washington, DC at ACF. Plan for up to nine (9) staff (Project Director and other key staff) on site for a full day meeting. For budget purposes include travel expenses per person traveled as follows: Airfare at $600 roundtrip; Hotel at

$230/night for two nights; meals $70/day for two days; ground transportation at

$100/trip.

1.3 Bi-annual, Annual and Ad Hoc Reporting. To keep the COR aware of progress and problems in the implementation of the contract, the Contractor shall prepare

Bi-annual and Annual Reports.

i. A narrative Bi-annual report is due on the last day of each six-month period to the COR and Contracting Officer (CO), covering the reporting period. The report should describe major activities by task, problems encountered and their resolution, and activities planned for the next reporting period and should not exceed 20 pages. Products collected or developed during the reporting period should be attached and may exceed the 20-page limit.

ii. A narrative Annual report is due to the COR no later than seven days before the end of each contract year and should highlight the major activities and accomplishments included in the bi-annual reports as well as the work plan and work plan narrative for the subsequent year. The report should not exceed 40 pages.

iii. Ad-hoc Reporting. The Contractor shall respond to ad-hoc requests from the COR to prepare written reports on a quick turnaround basis (e.g. 24-48 hours) on activities pertaining to the contract. For budgeting purposes, the contractor should plan for up to 20 ad-hoc requests per year.

1.4 Financial Reporting. On a monthly basis (12/year), the Contractor shall submit a breakdown of costs by Task numbers and Sub-tasks indicating dollars spent and dollars available as part of the monthly voucher submission.

2. Task 2 Technical Assistance (TA)

During the first three contract periods to operate the NCSACW (the National Center) from 2002-

2020, the National Center provided a range of technical assistance and training to build collaboration among alcohol and drug treatment agencies, child welfare agencies, and the courts.

The National Center also helped these agencies develop new practices and strategies to serve families involved with or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system because of parental substance use disorders. TA activities include responding to telephone inquiries, creating and disseminating written materials, conducting conference calls, making in-person, one-time presentations to groups or at conferences, and delivering technical assistance to state teams over a sustained length of time, usually extending for multiple years. The content of the TA generally addresses part of a ten-part framework of collaboration (see “Framework and Policy Tools for

Improving Linkages Between Alcohol and Drug Services, Child Welfare Services and

Dependency Courts.” Please refer to https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/NewFramework.pdf.) The

Contractor shall continue to provide this range of service while continuing to develop new ideas and strategies to address the target audience and to respond to emerging issues and concerns

(including the agencies’ priorities on trauma, co-occurrence of mental health, opioid use, and child well-being and plans of safe care for children and parents). Recipients of TA can be expected to continue to include public agencies, private organizations, as well as American https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/NewFramework.pdf

Indian/Alaska Native communities and organizations. In addition, all TA under Task 2 shall be available to current ACF and SAMHSA grantees as needed. All IDTA sites shall be approved by the COR.

2.1 Provision of Short-term Technical Assistance. The contractor shall respond to approximately 600 TA requests per year (such as responding to telephone inquiries, mailing out information, identifying needed resources, making referrals, etc.) and require approximately 3 FTE’s to fulfill: the remainder involved multiple contacts and on-going involvement with the TA recipient. The demands for short term TA is expected to be approximately 600 requests. NOTE TO OFFEROR: for budget purposes, assume a consultant rate of $500 per day ($62.50 per hour) approximately fifteen (15) days (120 hours).

2.2 Provision of In-Depth Technical Assistance (IDTA). The contractor shall provide

IDTA services to sites approved by the COR. A Change Leader (CL) from the contracting staff will be assigned to work with each site to provide ongoing facilitation and support to assist the site in meeting their identified goals and objectives within this initiative. CLs provide technical assistance to TA recipients at each site through weekly or bi-weekly calls and regular email correspondence. Other

Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) activities include but are not limited to:

leadership coaching; monthly webinars, peer-to-peer networking and cross-site calls;

literature searches and development of comprehensive resource packages; and planning and facilitating in-person meetings. During the IDTA, the CL will help sites to identify and engage essential partners; clarify goals and objectives; develop their leadership structure and workgroups; identify data needed to measure progress;

identify gaps/barriers and needed strategies to overcome these barriers; conduct resource mapping; and other steps as needed to meet goals for the project. During this contract period, up to four (4) in-depth TA sites (including Infants Prenatally

Substance Exposed (IPSE-IDTA) will be supported at the same time, by a consultant for 20 to 25% time of a full-time staff equivalency. IDTA sites are expected to last approximately 12 months. Follow up IDTA activities may be provided as needed depending on the availability of future option year funds. Additional IDTA may be exercised on a per site basis and will be funded by exercising Optional Task 9. Tools and products developed for the program of IDTA, including IPSE-IDTA, during the

NCSACW contract years 2002-2021, as well as those created during this contract period, will be used to support TA requests (i.e. use of protocols, training plans, strategic plans, MOUs, etc. see https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/technical/idta.aspx.) IDTA includes travel by contractor staff or consultants to the site. Virtual site visits may be approved at the discretion of the COR. NOTE TO OFFEROR: For budgeting purposes, assume each IDTA engagement will include up to one (1) site visit per year

(up to 4 sites) that may involve one (1) expert consultant who shall estimate at two and a half (2.5) days per visit including travel and onsite time; all site visits include two (2) additional days for post-visit report writing, document review and site visit https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/technical/idta.aspx preparation time. Assume per person $600 for airfare, $230 per day for lodging, $70 for per diem, $100 for ground transportation, and a consultant fee of $500 per day for a total of 18 days (144 hours).

2.3 TA Tracking, Monitoring, and Evaluation. The type, content, and outcome of TA provided should be monitored and tracked by the Contractor. The Contractor shall propose a process for real-time tracking and monitoring of all TA requests (completed in-process and planned). In addition, the Contractor shall provide a process for obtaining feedback from TA users on their satisfaction with the TA as well as any results that can be directly attributed to the receipt of TA. This information shall be included in bi-annual report within 15 days of the end of the six-month period and yearly reports seven (7) days before year end to the COR as required in Task 1.

Contractor shall attempt to determine if TA user is a SAMHSA grantee. The frequency of any and all identified SAMHSA grantee TA users should be captured and reported within the monthly project meeting and summary included in Task 1.2.

3. Task 3 Training

While training can be considered a form of TA, it is distinguished from TA here to more clearly delineate the expectations of tasks to be undertaken by the Contractor.

Specific Tasks

3.1 Webinars. In consultation with the COR the Contractor shall develop and implement eight (8) webinars per year. Content shall be approved by the COR and address agency priorities. For example, one (1) webinar shall cover contingency management in the base year. The contractor shall be responsible for development of and all logistics and technical aspects of the webinars. A summary report on the webinars will be provided within 30 days of the event and will be included in the biannual/annual report. NOTE TO OFFEROR: assume a consultant fee of

$500 a day or $62.50 per hour. Consultant time should include any preparation work and post-event follow up at approximately two (2) days or sixteen (16) hours per event.

3.2 Web-based Tutorials. The Contractor shall maintain the three (3) NCSACW

Web-based training curricula, update the curricula as needed and shall report on the use of the curricula (curricula accessed, completed, and evaluation reports) in the biannual/annual report. Please refer to:

https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/training/default.aspx. The Contractor can propose possible improvements to the Web-based curricula, based on changes in use of electronic media and platforms for hosting courses; however, costs should be kept in mind when proposing revisions.

3.3 On-line Training. A training program for child welfare program staff concerning substance use disorders and mental health issues facing families involved with or at risk for involvement with the child welfare system is posted on the NCSACW https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/training/default.aspx website. The training is a web-based product that can be used by trainers looking for materials on these topics. During this contract the Contractor shall update the content and usability of the trainings as directed by the COR. The Contractor shall actively market the availability of this resource to intended audiences such as the community colleges that conduct training for child welfare staff, schools of social work, the CB’s Capacity Building Collaborative and other related CB partners, and other relevant organizations as designated by the COR.

3.4 Tracking, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Training. The type, content, and outcome of training provided should be monitored and tracked by the Contractor.

The Contractor shall propose a process for real-time tracking and monitoring of all training requests (completed in-process and planned.) In addition, the

Contractor shall provide a process for obtaining feedback from training recipients on their satisfaction with the training as well as any results that can be directly attributed to the training. This information shall be included in biannual (on the last day of each 6-month period) and annual reports (due 7 days before year end) as required in Task 1.

4. Task 4 Information Dissemination

In addition to providing technical assistance and training, the Contractor shall undertake activities outlined below to promote awareness of the concerns addressed by the National

Center. These activities are directed toward the general public as well as the target audience of the National Center including but not limited states, agencies, organizations, courts and

Tribes who seek information or who are sought out by the National Center as an important audience for the National Center’s messages and work.

4.1 Conference and meeting presentations and exhibiting. The Contractor shall identify conferences and meetings where information about the work of the

National Center could be shared through presentations and exhibits. The contractor will prepare a plan within 60 days of contract award and make updates on an on-going basis for the base and each Option Year. The exact number and events cannot always be anticipated because workshop proposals need to be accepted, and requests to present at conferences need to be negotiated. However, for purposes of this procurement, assume that up to 15 meetings or conferences will be supported per year. Support will include contractor staff time to prepare a presentation, including power point slides, and attendance at the conference.

Power Point presentations or poster sessions (as appropriate) shall be prepared for each presentation and submitted to the COR within 14 business days of the meeting for final approval. The Contractor shall also identify opportunities to exhibit information from ACF and others as designated by the COR at conferences where presentations are being made by staff, or at other conferences

(included as part of the 15 conferences per year.) (Note: An exhibit backdrop, approved by ACF, identifying the National Center as an ACF and SAMHSA funded program shall be required for this purpose.). Where possible, requestors will be asked to help support the direct costs such as airfare, and lodging, of

National Center staff invited to make conference presentations. NOTE TO

OFFEROR: For budgeting purposes, assume fifteen (15) in-person conferences or meetings, one (1) staff or consultant to travel for a two (2) day meeting. Assume per person $600 for airfare, $230 per day for lodging, $70 for per diem, $100 for ground transportation, and a consultant fee of $500 per day for a total of 30 days

(240 hours).

4.2 Written materials. During this contract, an emphasis shall be placed on packaging existing and newly developed NCSACW materials in new ways to reach diverse audiences these products are described at https://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov. An example would be placing information in newsletters, publications, or electronic media of organizations involved in work related to the mission of the NCSACW. In addition, the Contractor should plan to develop 3-4 fact sheets, infographics, journal articles, or other similar products per year. Materials (1-4 products) for promoting the availability of TA and training from the National Center shall be updated within 150 days of contract award, as well as on an ongoing basis, and will be widely disseminated.

Additional new materials will be funded by exercising Optional Task 13.

NOTE TO OFFEROR: For budgeting purposes, assume a consultant fee of $500 per day or $62.50 per hour for approximately 20 days (160 hours).

5. Task 5 Update and Maintain Web Site

During previous NCSACW contract years, a website for the National Center was created (see https://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov) that included information about National Center products, TA, training, tutorials, resources, presentations, conferences and related links. The Website receives approximately 145K visits per year.

Over the course of the next contract period, the NCSACW website will be undergoing significant changes including the transition of systems to ACF. The change requirements are described in the General Requirements section of the SOW.

5.1 Maintain Website: The Contractor shall continue to maintain the Center-specific Website and review it on an on-going basis to ensure that information remains current, links are appropriate and operational, and that visitors will frequently find fresh information. New materials created by communities participating in the National Center TA activities or in grant program may be identified and when possible and with permission, be added to the National Center website (with or without any adaptations.) As needed, new information will be submitted to the COR for approval and old information will be deleted. Changes to the Website shall be coordinated by the Contractor with the ACF Webmaster.

Levels of use of the Website shall be reported in the bi-annual reports https://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/ https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/

5.2 Plan for website improvements. Within 120 days of contract award, the

Contractor shall provide suggestions to the COR in the overall appearance and navigation of the website while keeping within the general specifications of the

ACF Website policy. Within the subsequent 60 days the Contractor shall make any agreed upon improvements.

5.3 Work with the Child Welfare Information Gateway. The Contractor, as directed by the COR and ACF staff shall work in coordination with the Child

Welfare Information Gateway (Gateway) to assist in the updating of relevant content and products on the Gateway website, including, but not limited to the

Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder subsection.

6. Task 6 Contract Transition Plan

In the event that the contract is re-bid and awarded to an entity other than the incumbent at the end of the contract (regardless of cause of contract termination.), the Contractor shall develop a plan to assure a smooth transition for the continuation of the contract. Should the Government discontinue the contract without re-awarding a new contract, the Contractor should prepare a transition to the COR.

6.1 Turnover at the end of Contract. The contractor shall provide, no later than

90 days prior to the end of the final performance period, copies of plans for the transfer of the project should a new contractor be selected. If necessary, the contractor shall initiate transition activities 60 days prior to the expiration of the contract. These activities include providing complete documentation and all materials and transfer of all software developed for the website and data acquired with contract funds, or under the contractor’s control as Government Furnished

Property or Materials to ACF or the new contractor at the direction of the COR, as well as participating in meetings and assisting with the development of a project transition plan.

The transition period shall not exceed one month. All products and software programs acquired or developed under this contract become the sole property of the government and shall be provided to the COR and/or a successor at the termination of the contract period. This transition includes information gained under this contract, including all materials, files, programming, codes, tools, databases, reports, and all other features and supporting documentation prepared for or purchased. Per the Rights in Data Clause (FAR Clause 52.227-17), the

Contractor shall provide all software, databases, interfaces, and data under a no-cost, no strings license to another in case this contract is terminated. As part of a transition, the Contractor shall prepare and deliver to the COR, 90 days prior to the end of the final performance period, a web content disposition plan, if appropriate, that provides for the disposition of all web content developed under the contract. The plan should include recommended lifespan or life-cycle support needed for all web content. 30 days prior to the end of the final performance period, the Contractor shall provide training to SAMHSA/ACF staff and others designated by the COR to facilitate smooth transfer of operations so that ACF is able to manage the operation of all databases and websites, or other deliverables after the contract ends.

7. Optional Task 7 Technical Assistance for Regional Partnership Grantees

Currently CB has awarded a set of targeted grants, entitled “Regional Partnership Grants to

Increase the Well Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by

Opioids and Other Substance Abuse” (or Regional Partnership Grantees, RPG, for short). These targeted grants were awarded to regional partnerships that provide, through interagency collaboration and integration of programs and services, activities and services that are designed to increase the well-being of, improve permanency outcomes for, and enhance the safety of children who are in out-of-home placements or are at risk of being placed in out-of-home placements as a result of a parent's or caretaker's substance use disorder.

Currently, funds are set aside for $20 million annually in title IV-B, subpart 2 funds for RPG projects. These targeted grants will be awarded to regional partnerships that provide, through interagency collaboration and integration of programs and services, activities and services that are designed to increase the well-being of, improve permanency outcomes for, and enhance the safety of children who are in out-of-home placements or are at risk of being placed in out-of-home placements as a result of a parent's or caretaker's substance use disorder, as well as a second set of grants targeted to this work in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. The

Contractor must become familiar with the grantees and their respective target populations, substance use disorder treatment, child welfare systems, and collaborative practices. The

Contractor will work in conjunction with the anticipated CB Evaluator of the RPGs and other technical assistance providers to support the grantees and to coordinate knowledge management of project findings.

The following tasks identified as “optional” allows for additional assistance to existing and anticipated new grantees when requested by the Government. For the purposes of this procurement, the Offeror should separate out a budget for this task, basing the cost estimate on the following cost parameters. This optional task can be exercised at any time in the base year and each option year of the task order up to three (3) times.

Optional Task 7.1 Provide programmatic technical assistance to grantees and to anticipated new RPG round VII projects in 2022 up to 5 projects.

Technical assistance to these grantees is to include the following specific tasks:

Optional Task 7.1.1 Technical assistance shall be tailored to the specific needs of individual RPG projects as well as address the needs of all

RPG projects when appropriate.

Technical assistance may include responding to requests for information, disseminating written materials, conducting webinars/conference calls, and in person TA visits. (For budgetary purposes, TA shall include a 2.5 day site visit to each grantee in the base year

(estimate up to 5 grantees.) In each Option Year, the TA provider, in collaboration with

RPG Task Lead will identify up to 5 projects that have the greatest need for an on-site

TA visit and conduct said visits for 2.5 days. If in person travel is not possible, virtual site visits can be an alternative method for meeting this deliverable with the approval of the COR. Programmatic technical assistance shall cover a broad range of needs for families involved with both substance use disorder treatment and the child welfare system. The contractor shall review Information Memorandum (IM) ACYF-CB-IM-11-

06 for more information on the legislation which authorizes the regional partnership grants to improve the well-being of children affected by substance abuse. NOTE TO

OFFEROR: For budgeting purposes, assume each RPG TA engagement will include up to one (1) site visit per site (5 sites) that may involve one (1) staff who shall estimate at two and a half (2.5) days per visit; all site visits should include travel time, onsite time, post-visit report writing, document review and site visit preparation time. Assume per person $600 for airfare, $230 per day for lodging, $70 for per diem, and $100 for ground transportation.

Optional Task 7.1.2 Review program announcement, successful grant applications and websites.

Upon the exercise of Optional Task 7, the COR will provide copies of the applications of all grant awardees to the Contractor. The Contractor shall review the successful applications (up to 5) and the corresponding funding opportunity announcement (1 funding announcement). The Contractor shall review information about the CB

Training/Technical Assistance (T/TA) network via the Child Welfare Information

Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov/) and become familiar with the information and resources contained on the Websites of each of the T/TA network members that will be useful in its work with the RPG awardees. This task is for the Base year and is due within four weeks of grant awards.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2011/im1106.pdf http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2011/im1106.pdf tel:541-734-2410

Optional Task 7.1.3 Review semi-annual progress reports, products and other written materials.

In addition to the review of successful grant applications and the RPG funding opportunity announcement, the Contractor will be expected to remain conversant in the

RPG target population(s) and geographical jurisdiction(s), the implementation of project activities as designated in the grantees project plans, the day-to-day operations of the grantees, project achievements and challenges, and the overall building of knowledge by the grant projects. The Contractor will obtain copies of the RPG semi-annual progress reports from CB and review these reports to identify technical assistance needs for and review the progress of each individual grantee, as well as across RPGs. The Contractor shall do this jointly with CB RPG CORs. The Contractor will also coordinate with other

T/TA providers, as indicated and appropriate to meet grantees’ TA needs.

The Contractor shall work collaboratively with the RPG projects and related technical assistance providers as they develop products, policies, procedures, training manuals, and other written materials though the course of the project. The Contractor shall tailor materials for specific audiences, review and provide input and feedback on the materials and strategically disseminate materials to the appropriate audiences.

Optional Task. 7.1.4 Development of Grantee Profiles.

Using information gathered from the review of the aforementioned materials, the

Contractor shall develop profiles of each of the RPG projects. Within 45 days of the exercise of this Optional Task, the Contractor shall produce a standardized profile template, in a file format that can be used by CB (e.g., MS Word). The elements to be included in the template should include, but are not limited to, the target population, project abstract, the program strategies and interventions, a description of technical assistance needs, description of the administrative structure for the project, description of key personnel and their roles, description of target outcomes, key local evaluation findings, dissemination activities, description of partnerships with appropriate agencies, and sustainability activities.

Drafts of the grantee profiles shall be submitted to the Task Lead for review and approval within 90 days grant awards. The drafts will be returned to the Contractor within one month of receipt, with comments and for revision, as necessary. Final profiles shall be delivered within 7 days of comments. Using the RPG semi-annual reports, the

Contractor shall update the profiles as necessary; the Contractor shall also inform the

Task Lead of significant changes in the conduct of the grant. The Contractor shall anticipate receiving evaluation-related materials from the CB supported Evaluator on a semi-annual basis to be included in the grantee profiles. At the end of each grant project period, grantee profiles should be updated to included, but not limited to, updated grantee information, select evaluation-related information from the CB supported Evaluator, as well as outcome information grantee file reports.

Optional Task 7.1.5 Information dissemination.

An additional important task of the project is to support information utilization and dissemination to ensure that knowledge generated from this group of grants and from the work of the contractor with the grantees is available and can be fully used to improve services, opportunities, and conditions for children in families with parental or caretaker substance use disorders. In general, dissemination will involve sharing knowledge about practices within the child welfare and substance use disorder treatment, children’s mental health, family drug courts, maternal and child health community and related fields and to integrate that knowledge into real-world practice as effectively and efficiently as possible. The Contractor shall develop contacts with other federal agencies and national organizations and an active dialogue to support knowledge and expertise transfer activity from the RPG projects. The contractor shall prepare a plan to disseminate this information within 90 days of contract award and updated annually.

Optional Task 7.1.6 Establish coordination and communication protocols with

RPG projects and the CB supported RPG Evaluator.

Protocols that outline roles and responsibilities and communication guidelines must be developed to ensure seamless coordination of all parties and provision of TA to the grantees. The TA Contractor shall participate in a workgroup facilitated by CB that includes the anticipated CB supported RPG Evaluator and successful RPG projects. The protocols shall address, at a minimum, the roles, functions, and responsibilities of the TA

Contractor staff, the CB supported RPG Evaluator, and the grantees for the full period of the agreement; involvement and support of RPG collaborative partners; and related CB

Capacity Building Centers and other CB TA related entities as appropriate.

Using the approved format developed by the workgroup, the Contractor shall submit a draft of each of the protocols to the grantees within 4 weeks of meeting to the year that the new RPG projects are awarded. Such written protocols shall be entered into and signed by all necessary parties as quickly as possible and in most cases within 60 days following agreement by the RPGs to participate in T/TA activities, unless special circumstances warrant more time, as approved by the RPG COR. Copies of the final signed protocols shall be submitted to the COR two weeks after each RPG has signed them.

Optional Task 7.1.7 Provide support for grantee meetings.

The contractor shall assist in the planning of and participation in the initial 2-day kickoff meeting, either in person or virtual, for newly funded RPG grants and subsequent annual meetings for the Regional Partnership Grantees hosted by the CB. The Contractor shall assist in developing the training agenda, identifying, and inviting speakers (120 days prior to the meeting), participating in the meetings and covering expenses for up to 6 outside speakers at each meeting. More specifically, the contractor will provide the following: The Contractor shall provide agenda development, logistical and administrative support, including travel for approved non-Federal participants.

Upon approval of the COR and Task Lead the Contractor shall proceed to arrange for the meeting to include:

- Agenda development in consultation with the COR, provided 120 days prior to the meeting.

- Develop background materials for pre-meeting and onsite, as necessary

- Recording of meeting notes

After the meeting and within 45 days, the Contractor shall provide a summary report of the meeting, including meeting highlights, discussions, recommendations, and participant evaluations of the meetings.

Grantee attendance at kick-off and annual RPG project meetings will be supported by grant funds, including travel and lodging. Logistical support for the RPG project kick-off and annual meetings will be provided through an ACF logistics contract. Logistical support includes: scheduling a meeting site and all necessary arrangements, including payments to secure the site; arranging for audio/visual and other equipment needs at the meeting; coordination of meeting registration; meeting preparation to include name plates and other necessary meeting materials; and resolving on-site logistical problems that may arise. The contractor for the NCSACW contract is not responsible for these expenses.

NOTE TO OFFEROR: For budgeting purposes, assume one (1) annual in person grantee meeting up to ten (10) staff and up to six (6) consultant speakers to travel for a two (2) day meeting. Assume per person $600 for airfare, $230 per day for lodging, $70 for per diem, $100 for ground transportation, and a consultant fee of $500 per day or $62.50 hourly (total of 12 days or 96 hours).

Optional Task 7.2 Provide programmatic technical assistance to the existing 34 RPG

Round IV, V, and VI grantees.

Technical assistance to these thirty-four (34) grantees is to include the following specific tasks:

Optional Task 7.2.1 Technical assistance shall be tailored to the specific needs of individual RPG project as well as address the needs of all RPG projects when appropriate.

written materials, conducting webinars/conference calls, and in person TA visits. In the

Base and Option Year 1, the TA provider, in collaboration with RPG Task Lead will identify up to two grantees with the greatest need for an on-site TA visit and conduct said visits for 2.5 days. If in person travel is not possible, virtual site visits can be an alternative method for meeting this deliverable with the approval of the COR.

Programmatic technical assistance shall cover a broad range of needs for families involved with both substance use disorder treatment and the child welfare system. The contractor shall review Information Memorandum (IM) ACYF-CB-IM-11-06 for more information on the legislation which authorizes the regional partnership grants to improve the well-being of children affected by substance abuse. NOTE TO OFFEROR: For budgeting purposes, assume each RPG TA engagement will include up to one (1) site https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-11-06 visit per site ( up to 2 sites) that may involve one (1) staff or expert consultant who shall estimate at two and a half (2.5) days per visit; all site visits include two (2) additional days for travel time, post-visit report writing, document review and site visit preparation time. Assume per person $600 for airfare, $230 per day for lodging, $70 for per diem, and $100 for ground transportation and a consultant fee of $500 per day or $62.50 per hour for a total 9 days (72 hours).

Optional Task 7.2.2 Review semi-annual progress reports, products and other

The Contractor will be expected to remain conversant in the RPG target population(s) and geographical jurisdiction(s), the implementation of project activities as designated in the grantees project plans, the day-to-day operations of the grantees, project achievements and challenges, and the overall building of knowledge by the grant projects. The Contractor will obtain copies of the RPG semi-annual progress reports from CB and review these reports to identify technical assistance needs for and review the progress of each individual grantee, as well as across RPGs (approximately 34 sites).

The Contractor shall do this jointly with CB RPG CORs. The Contractor will also coordinate with other T/TA providers, as indicated and appropriate to meet grantees’ TA needs.

The Contractor shall work collaboratively with the RPG projects and related technical assistance providers as they develop products, policies, procedures, training manuals, and other written materials though the course of the project. The Contractor shall tailor materials for specific audiences, review and provide input and feedback on the materials and strategically disseminate materials to the appropriate audiences.

Optional Task 7.2.3 Updating Final Grantee Profiles.

At the end of each individual grant project period, grantee profiles should be updated to included, but not limited to, updated grantee information, select evaluation-related information from the CB supported Evaluator, as well as outcome information from grantee file reports, including the grantee final report. Drafts of these documents shall be submitted to the Task Lead for review and approval within 180 days of the end of the individual grant period. The drafts will be returned to the Contractor within one month of receipt, with comments and for revision, as necessary. Final products should be delivered within 10 days of comments.

Optional Task 7.2.4 Information dissemination.

The contractor shall include the work of the existing RPG projects as a part of the information dissemination plan they develop and implement as described in the Subtask

7.1.5.

Optional Task 7.2.5 Maintain coordination and communication protocols with

RPG projects and the CB supported RPG Evaluator.

The RPG projects must participate in a national cross site evaluation per the conditions of the grant. The CB anticipates that the contractor will coordinate with the CB funded cross site evaluation contractor to ensure successful completion of the tasks outlined in this

PWS.

Optional Task 7.2.6 Provide support for grantee meetings.

The contractor shall assist in the planning of and participation in annual meetings for the

Regional Partnership Grantees hosted by the CB that are described in the Subtask 7.1.7.

Optional Task 7.3 Provide follow-up technical assistance to grantees in no-cost extensions for up to 12 months.

Technical assistance to these grantees if no-cost extensions are needed for up to one (1) year is to include the following specific tasks (approximately 15 grantees):

Optional Task 7.3.1 Technical assistance shall be tailored to the specific needs of individual RPG projects as well as address the needs of all

RPG projects when appropriate.

written materials, conducting webinars/conference calls. Approximately 15 grantees.

Optional Task 7.3.2 Review semi-annual progress reports, products and other

The Contractor will be expected to remain conversant in the RPG target population(s) and geographical jurisdiction(s), the implementation of project activities as designated in the grantees project plans, the day-to-day operations of the grantees, project achievements and challenges, and the overall building of knowledge by the grant projects. The Contractor will obtain copies of the RPG semi-annual progress reports (1 per site) from CB and review these reports to identify technical assistance needs for and review the progress of each individual grantee, as well as across RPGs. The Contractor shall do this jointly with CB RPG CORs. The Contractor will also coordinate with other

T/TA providers, as indicated and appropriate to meet grantees’ TA needs.

Optional Task 7.3.3 Updating Final Grantee Profiles.

At the end of the each individual grant project period, grantee profiles should be updated to included, but not limited to, updated grantee information, select evaluation-related information from the CB supported Evaluator, as well as outcome information from grantee file reports, including the grantee final report. Drafts of these documents shall be submitted to the Task Lead for review and approval within 180 days of the end of the individual grant period. The drafts will be returned to the Contractor within one month of receipt, with comments and for revision, as necessary. Final products should be delivered within 10 days of comments.

Optional Task 7.3.4 Information dissemination.

The contractor shall include the work of the existing RPG projects as a part of the information dissemination plan they develop and implement as described in the Subtask

7.1.5.

Optional Task 7.3.5 Maintain coordination and communication protocols with

RPG projects and the CB supported RPG Evaluator.

The RPG projects must participate in a national cross site evaluation per the conditions of the grant. The CB anticipates that the contractor will coordinate with the CB funded cross site evaluation contractor to ensure successful completion of the tasks outlined in this

SOW.

8. Optional Task 8 Technical…