Solicitation 7571MN26R00028.pdf

SECTION A - Solicitation/Contract Form

NOTICE: System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

Pursuant to HHS FAR CLASS DEVIATION 2026-01, NOVEMBER 21, 2025.

A.1 PROPOSAL REQUEST

TO: All Task Order Contractors

SUBJECT: Solicitation for insert solicitation #7571MN26R00028 - Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Contract for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities

This solicitation is issued in accordance with FAR Part 16 for the acquisition of supplies and/or services under an authorized contract vehicle.

This solicitation does not obligate the Government to award a contract or order, nor to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a quotation or proposal.

Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to bind the Government.

A.2 GENERAL INFORMATION

• Solicitation Number: 7571MN26R00028

• Title: Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Contract for State Councils on

Developmental Disabilities

• Issuing Office:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL) Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS)

• Point of Contact:

Kaitlin White, Contract Specialist

• Kaitlin.White@hhs.gov Lydina Battle, Branch Chief

• Lydina.Battle@hhs.gov

A.3 CONTRACT ORDER ACCEPTANCE

mailto:Kaitlin.White@hhs.gov mailto:Lydina.Battle@hhs.gov

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the proposed contract and this non-commercial standalone contract *** TBD (hereafter referred to as “contract”), the contractor shall perform the work required in accordance with Section C, entitled, “TBD”.

Signature of the Contractor represents acceptance of this contract.

Signature Print Name/Title Date

NOTE: Only those contract sections which provide more detailed information specific to this particular contract are provided below. For those contract sections not identified below, all terms and conditions of the proposed Contract remain in effect.

SECTION B - Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

B.1 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The purpose of this contract is for the Contractor to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and performance-based T/TA to Councils. T/TA shall strengthen Council capacity to carry out their statutory responsibilities, maintain Federal compliance, demonstrate measurable impact, and address priority issues affecting individuals with I/DD and their families.

Specifically, Contractor activities shall support measurable progress towards the following outcomes:

1. Leadership and Systems Change: Councils serve as effective, recognized leaders driving systems change, advocacy, and capacity building at the national, State/Territory, and local levels.

2. Improved Dissemination and Reach: Councils increase their capacity to use strategic, accessible, and modern dissemination practices that strengthen awareness, engagement, and use of Council initiatives among individuals with I/DD, their families, policymakers, and community partners.

3. Increased Scalability and Sustainability of Effective Practices: Councils enhance their ability to design, replicate, adapt, and sustain evidence-informed and promising practices to achieve expanded systems-level impact across communities, states, and partner networks.

4. Impact and Outcomes: Councils measure, document, and communicate the outcomes and impact of their activities, demonstrating improved independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion for individuals with I/DD.

B.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT

The contract type awarded is a hybrid Firm-Fixed Price and Time and Material.

B.3 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs)

CLIN structure shall be provided in accordance with the applicable contract type and acquisition strategy.

Pricing shall not exceed the rates established in the underlying contract (if applicable).

B.4 NONSEVERABLE SERVICES

The services specified in each contract line item (CLIN) have been determined to be nonseverable services - a specific undertaking or entire job with a defined end product of value to the Government.

B.5 CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT (T&M – Separate Nonseverable Services Components – NONCOMMERCIAL)

In consideration of satisfactory performance of the work as described throughout this contract, the Contractor shall be paid in accordance with the fixed loaded hourly rates as shown herein for the specified categories of labor based on the number of actual hours incurred in the performance of the work specified. Fully loaded rates shall be all inclusive of direct labor, fringe benefits, applicable indirect costs, and any profit for each labor category. Additionally, the contractor shall be reimbursed for materials in accordance with FAR 52.232-7. If the options are exercised funding will be obligated by modification to the contract. The base period and option periods are priced as follows:

B.5.1

CLIN 1a - Base Year: 9/30/2026 – 9/29/2027 Time and Materials (TM)

Labor Categories Loaded Rates Estimated Hours Estimated Total Executive Director 208 Operations Director 353 Admin. Assistant 20

Labor Subtotal

Materials Subtotal

CLIN Ceiling (Not to Exceed)

CLIN 1b – Base Year: 9/30/2026 – 9/29/2027 Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

Labor Categories Loaded Rates Estimated Hours Estimated Total TA Director 2080 TA Administrator 2080

CLIN 2a – Option Year One: 9/30/2027 – 9/29/2028 Time and Materials (TM)

Executive Director 208 Operations Director 353 Admin. Assistant 20

Labor Subtotal

CLIN 2b – Option Year One: 9/30/2027 – 9/29/2028 Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

TA Director 2080

CLIN 3a – Option Year Two: 9/30/2028 – 9/29/2029 Time and Materials (TM)

Executive Director 208 Operations Director 353 Admin. Assistant 20

Labor Subtotal

CLIN 3b – Option Year Two: 9/30/2028 – 9/29/2029 Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

TA Director 2080

CLIN 4a – Option Year Three: 9/30/2029 – 9/29/2030 Time and Materials (TM)

Executive Director 208 Operations Director 353 Admin. Assistant 20

Labor Subtotal

CLIN 4b – Option Year Three: 9/30/2029 – 9/29/2030 Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

TA Director 2080

CLIN 5a – Option Year Four: 09/30/2030 – 09/29/2031 Time and Materials (TM)

Executive Director 208 Operations Director 353 Admin. Assistant 20

Labor Subtotal

CLIN 5b – Option Year Four: 9/30/2030 – 9/29/2031 Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

TA Director 2080

B.5.2 Base and All Options Value: $________

B.6 CEILING PRICE

The hours and total price per labor category are for budgeting purposes only. The number of hours actually used for each category may exceed or be less than the estimate by category as long as the ceiling price for the CLIN is not exceeded. The ceiling for each CLIN is identified in Section B. The Government shall not be obligated to pay any amount in excess of this ceiling price nor is the Contractor obligated to continue performance if to do so would exceed this ceiling price. In the event that the Government chooses to exercise optional CLINS, unused funds from a previous CLIN may not be used to fund any services taking place in a subsequent CLIN. The ceiling price may be modified by the Government if it is determined that the estimated hours or estimated materials are insufficient for the work required.

B.7 ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO LABOR CATEGORIES (Orders T&M)

It may be necessary to add or change labor categories during performance of this contract in order to carry out the services described in Section C. If new labor categories are added, or existing labor categories revised, the parties will negotiate the labor category(ies) prior to the incorporation into the contract. Any new labor rate proposed must be in accordance with the contract, and if necessary will be evaluated for reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.4.

SECTION C - Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Training and Technical Assistance

The Contractor shall perform the work described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

C.1 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

C.1.1 Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act

The Administration on Disabilities (AoD), within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), administers and implements the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) (42 U.S.C.

§15001 et seq.).

The DD Act authorizes Federal funding for states, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to advance independence, productivity, integration, and full inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities. It also ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have a meaningful role in shaping programs and receive access to services, supports, and assistance across the lifespan.

Under the DD Act, a developmental disability is defined as a severe, chronic disability attributable to mental or physical impairment, or a combination of impairments, that manifests before age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. This disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more major life activities, including self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

The DD Act authorizes and funds four core programs that together create a coordinated, nationwide system of support:

• State Councils on Developmental Disabilities;

• State Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems;

• University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs); and

• Projects of National Significance.

Through this integrated network, ACL strengthens service systems, builds community and organized capacity, and drives measurable improvements in outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

C.1.2 Performance-Based

This is a performance-based contract. The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated on its ability to achieve measurable outcomes in delivering coordinated, comprehensive, and specialized T/TA to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Councils). Performance will be assessed using defined performance standards, deliverables, acceptable quality levels, and surveillance methods.

The Contractor shall implement a results-oriented approach that aligns activities with defined outcomes and demonstrates measurable progress toward contract objectives. Performance will be evaluated using established metrics, including achievement of performance targets, quality and timeliness of deliverables, responsiveness to Council needs, and demonstrated effectiveness and impact of the T/TA provided.

The Contractor shall implement a structured T/TA performance monitoring and evaluation process to track outputs, assess outcomes, identify areas for continuous improvement, and report results throughout the period of performance.

C.1.3 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities

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

Councils are funded through formula grants authorized under the DD Act. They are Governor-appointed bodies composed of individuals with developmental disabilities; parents and family members; representatives of State agencies administering disability-related programs; and representatives of local and non-governmental agencies.

Pursuant to the DD Act, Councils are responsible for promoting systemic improvements that advance independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in community life. Councils implement activities such as advocacy, policy education, coalition development, training, and demonstration initiatives designed to improve service systems and expand opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

Each Council develops and implements a Five-Year State Plan based on a comprehensive analysis of services and supports available within the State. Councils are required to review and update the Plan annually and report progress using established performance measures.

There are 56 Councils serving the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Councils collaborate with other DD Act-funded entities within their States, including Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs).

C.1.4 Comprehensive T/TA

To effectively carry out advocacy, capacity building, and systems change responsibilities, Councils must maintain the flexibility to convene diverse stakeholders while remaining focused on their statutory mission. Supporting this work requires the provision of comprehensive T/TA that addresses a broad range of issues across advocacy, disability policy, leadership, and organizational management contexts.

The Contractor shall provide T/TA addressing, at a minimum, the following areas:

• The Council program, including statutory authority, the broader developmental disabilities movement, and key historical and emerging issues shaping the field, policy, and practice.

• Effective advocacy strategies to improve outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

• Key issues affecting individuals with I/DD in daily life and their connection to advocacy, capacity building, and systems change.

• Core Council functions, including individual and systemic advocacy, strategic planning, information dissemination, public engagement, and outreach.

• Performance measurement, evaluation, and assessment of Council effectiveness and impact.

• Administrative and operational functions, including activity planning, personnel management, governance, and financial management.

• Promising and evidence-informed practices in effective Council operations.

• Effective dissemination and outreach strategies to increase awareness, accessibility, and engagement with individuals with I/DD and their families, including plain language, digital platforms, and community-based approaches (e.g., non-traditional partners, faith-based organizations, public health, aging and youth, and rural or hard-to-reach populations).

• Strategies to strengthen collaboration and coordination with disability partners, including entities funded under the DD Act:

o Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems, o University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), and o Projects of National Significance (PNS).

The Contractor shall ensure that T/TA remains responsive to evolving Council needs and supports both foundational knowledge and advanced capacity across these areas.

C.1.5 Specialized T/TA

The 56 Councils form a federally authorized, Governor-appointed network established under the DD Act. These Councils play a distinct and statutorily defined role in advancing public policy, driving systems change, and cultivating leadership on behalf of individuals with I/DD. As designated entities, Councils are responsible for strengthening service systems, promoting advocacy, and advancing self-advocacy and leadership development nationwide.

To effectively support this complex mandate, the Contractor shall deliver highly specialized, expert-level training and technical assistance (T/TA) tailored to the unique statutory, governance, and operational responsibilities of DD Councils. This T/TA must reflect deep subject matter expertise and be specifically designed for Council members, Chairpersons, staff, and Executive Directors. It shall encompass advanced knowledge of Council governance, federal reporting and performance requirements, fiscal stewardship, and compliance frameworks under the DD Act.

Specialized T/TA shall include, at a minimum:

Governance, Roles, and Leadership

• Advanced guidance on the roles, responsibilities, and fiduciary duties of Council members, officers, and staff;

• Council governance structures, bylaws, and decision-making processes aligned with federal requirements;

• The statutory role and functions of the Designated State Agency (DSA) and its relationship to Council independence; and

• Targeted leadership development to strengthen the effectiveness of Council Chairs and members in driving systems change.

Fiscal Management and Compliance

• In-depth instruction on federal fiscal requirements, allowable costs, budget development, and financial oversight; and

• Specialized support on federal reporting obligations, including development and implementation of the Five-Year State Plan, annual work plans, amendments, and the Program Performance Report (PPR).

Performance, Evaluation, and Impact

• Advanced evaluation methodologies that rigorously link Council investments and activities to measurable systems change and outcomes; and

• Techniques for translating outputs into clear, outcome-driven impact statements for federal reporting, public communication, and policymaker engagement.

Communication, Policy, and External Engagement

• Strategic communications and public engagement approaches that effectively demonstrate Council impact and elevate the voices of self-advocates; and

• Ongoing analysis of federal and state disability policy developments and their implications for Council strategy and positioning.

Systems Change and Sustainability

• Evidence-informed strategies for scaling, replication, and long-term sustainability of effective practices; and

• Targeted approaches to advance financial capability, asset development, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with I/DD and their families, including ABLE accounts and related initiatives.

All T/TA shall be customized, intensive, and responsive to varying levels of Council capacity and organizational maturity. It shall be designed to strengthen compliance, enhance governance and leadership effectiveness, and improve performance accountability. The Contractor must demonstrate both deep subject matter expertise and the ability to deliver T/TA that results in measurable improvements in Council compliance, governance practices, and evaluation capacity over the period of performance.

C.1.6 Legislative Authority

Pursuant to Section 154 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), as amended (42 U.S.C. § 15064), the Secretary is authorized to provide technical assistance to entities funded under the Act, including State Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

This contract is issued under that statutory authority to provide specialized training and technical assistance necessary to support State Councils in fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with the DD Act and applicable federal requirements.

C.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is for the Contractor to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and performance-based T/TA to Councils. T/TA shall strengthen Council capacity to carry out their statutory responsibilities, maintain Federal compliance, demonstrate measurable impact, and address priority issues affecting individuals with I/DD and their families.

The Contractor shall deliver high-quality, timely, and results-driven T/TA that is responsive to emerging needs within the scope of this contract and as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All T/TA activities shall be designed to produce measurable outcomes and support continuous improvement across the DD Council network.

Specifically, Contractor activities shall support measurable progress towards the following outcomes:

1. Leadership and Systems Change: Councils serve as effective, recognized leaders driving systems change, advocacy, and capacity building at the national, State/Territory, and local levels.

2. Improved Dissemination and Reach: Councils increase their capacity to use strategic, accessible, and modern dissemination practices that strengthen awareness, engagement, and use of Council initiatives among individuals with I/DD, their families, policymakers, and community partners.

3. Increased Scalability and Sustainability of Effective Practices: Councils enhance their ability to design, replicate, adapt, and sustain evidence-informed and promising practices to achieve expanded systems-level impact across communities, states, and partner networks.

4. Impact and Outcomes: Councils measure, document, and communicate the outcomes and impact of their activities, demonstrating improved independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion for individuals with I/DD.

Progress toward these outcomes shall be assessed in accordance with the performance standards, reporting requirements, and evaluation framework outlined in Section 3.1. All Contractor activities, deliverables, and performance measures shall align with and advance the achievement of these outcomes.

C.3 TASKS AND ACTIVITIES – Non-severable Services

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

The Contractor shall provide coordinated, comprehensive, and specialized T/TA at a national scale to all State and Territory Councils concurrently. The Contractor shall demonstrate the capability to manage enterprise-level operations, including the use of integrated systems and staffing structures necessary to deliver multiple, simultaneous T/TA activities while maintaining consistency, quality, and timeliness across the entire Council network. T/TA shall address both Council-specific needs and cross-cutting priorities affecting the national network.

All work under this contract shall be organized, managed, and executed within the following functional areas:

1. Project Management and Evaluation

2. Knowledge Development and Performance

3. Collaboration

4. Information Management

The Contractor shall ensure that all tasks are data-informed, outcome-driven, and aligned with the contract’s performance standards and measurable expectations. The Contractor shall demonstrate measurable progress toward intended outcomes and continuous improvement in the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of T/TA delivered.

Performance shall comply with, and be evaluated against, the reporting requirements, evaluation framework, and performance standards set forth in Section 3.1 and related provisions of this Performance Work Statement. The Contractor shall ensure that all activities, deliverables, and outputs are clearly linked to performance measures and contribute to the achievement of contract outcomes.

C.3.1 Project Management and Evaluation

The Contractor shall implement and maintain a structured, data-driven project management approach to ensure timely delivery of all T/TA activities and measurable progress toward required outputs and outcomes. At a minimum, the Contractor shall execute a Five-Year Strategic Plan, conduct routine performance monitoring, and submit accurate monthly and annual reports in accordance with contract requirements and COR direction.

The Contractor shall manage all work under this contract using an integrated, enterprise-level approach that ensures coordination, consistency, and performance across all activities. The Contractor shall demonstrate the capacity to manage high-volume, concurrent T/TA activities across multiple Councils while maintaining quality, consistency, and timeliness.

The Contractor shall establish and maintain an active working relationship with OIDD to support coordinated implementation and accountability for performance outcomes. The Contractor shall:

• Participate in regularly scheduled coordination meetings with OIDD, at a minimum monthly, unless otherwise directed by the COR;

• Provide timely and complete information and documentation requested by the COR to support oversight, monitoring, and reporting requirements;

• Identify and elevate emerging issues, risks, and systemic trends affecting Council performance;

and

• Coordinate major T/TA initiatives and public-facing activities with OIDD prior to implementation.

All Federal collaboration activities shall reflect proactive communication, responsiveness to oversight, and alignment with ACL priorities.

The Contractor shall be accountable for development and delivery of all required outputs, including T/TA events, tools, reports, and information management systems, and shall ensure that all deliverables meet established timelines and quality standards.

The Contractor shall design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive T/TA measurement framework that assesses, at a minimum:

• Quality and fidelity of T/TA content and delivery;

• Participant engagement and satisfaction;

• Knowledge and skill acquisition;

• Application of learning in practice (target: at least 70 percent of participants); and

• Organizational and systems-level outcomes, such as improved State Plan implementation, reporting compliance, and collaboration.

Performance management shall be explicitly tied to the logic model and shall demonstrate progress toward both short-term and long-term outcomes, including participant satisfaction, knowledge application, leadership engagement, and measurable improvements in Council performance and systems change.

The Contractor shall routinely analyze performance data, stakeholder feedback, and evaluation findings to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. The Contractor shall prepare and submit an annual performance summary that synthesizes findings across Councils and includes:

• Evaluation-related trends;

• Demonstrated capacity improvements;

• Persistent gaps and priority T/TA needs; and

• Actionable recommendations to inform T/TA planning and resource development

The Contractor shall use these findings to inform annual T/TA priorities, planning, and continuous quality improvement (CQI). The Contractor shall implement and document CQI actions and demonstrate that adjustments to T/TA strategies result in improved performance over time and continued alignment with ACL priorities and expected outcomes.

By the end of the period of performance, the Contractor shall demonstrate measurable achievement of contract outcomes consistent with the logic model, including evidence of participant knowledge application, increased leadership engagement, strengthened Council performance, and progress toward systems-level improvements.

Project management and evaluation responsibilities under this section apply solely to the Contractor’s internal performance and accountability and are distinct from evaluation capacity-building activities provided to Councils under Section 3.2.2(a).

Acceptable quality levels (AQLs) shall be defined through performance metrics, including achievement of established targets, timeliness of deliverables, and satisfaction and outcome indicators identified in this PWS. Failure to meet established performance targets may result in corrective action plans, increased oversight, or other remedies as determined by the Contracting Officer (CO), based on performance monitoring and recommendations provided by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

C.3.2 Strategic Planning and Accountability

Within 60 calendar days of contract award, the Contractor shall submit a Five-Year Strategic Plan to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review and recommendation to the Contracting Officer (CO) for approval. The plan shall operationalize all contract requirements by establishing an integrated framework for implementation, performance measurement, and accountability across all functional areas. It shall clearly define deliverables, implementation approaches, and performance measures.

At a minimum, the plan shall:

• Include clear goals and measurable objectives aligned with required contract outcomes, including performance targets (e.g., at least 70 percent of participants apply learning, 85 percent report satisfaction, and 50 percent of leaders report improved engagement);

• Establish baseline measures, benchmarks, and performance indicators to measure short-term and long-term outcomes, including improved skills, strengthened Council performance, and at least 85 percent of Councils meeting Federal reporting timelines;

• Describe integrated activities and strategies across all required functional areas defined in this

PWS;

• Identify the staffing model, infrastructure, and resources required to deliver all required outputs (including webinars, national events, T/TA reports, and data systems such as dashboards and resource repositories);

• Identify risks to successful performance and specify mitigation strategies and contingency approaches; and

• Define processes for tracking, analyzing, and reporting performance using data systems, dashboards, and established targets.

The Contractor shall incorporate applicable Administration for Community Living (ACL) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) priorities, including cross-agency initiatives (e.g., Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) and ACL operational drivers), and demonstrate how T/TA activities advance these priorities for individuals with I/DD and their families. The Contractor shall adjust activities, as directed by the COR, to remain responsive to emerging priorities while maintaining progress toward required performance targets.

The Contractor shall update the Five-Year Strategic Plan annually by October 31, or as otherwise directed by the COR. Each update shall:

• Report on performance against established targets, including progress toward outcome thresholds;

• Reflect evaluation findings, stakeholder input, and emerging Council needs; and

• Describe proposed updates to strategies or activities and demonstrate continued progress toward required end-of-contract outcomes.

Annual updates are subject to COR review and recommendation and require CO approval.

C.3.3 Monthly and Ongoing Reporting

The Contractor shall submit a Monthly Progress Report no later than the 15th calendar day of each month, summarizing activities completed during the preceding month. Each report shall include:

• A summary of T/TA activities conducted;

• Progress toward performance benchmarks;

• Emerging trends and identified needs;

• Corrective actions taken or proposed;

• An analysis of performance data; and

• Planned activities for the next reporting period.

The Contractor shall maintain a secure, interactive, real-time performance management and reporting system to track, manage, and report all T/TA services delivered under this contract.

The system shall support performance monitoring, transparency, risk identification, and continuous quality improvement, and shall provide comprehensive visibility into service delivery across the national Council network. At a minimum, the system shall display information such as service volume, topic distribution, timeliness, intensity, and national and Council-level engagement.

The system shall be implemented using commercially available or Contractor-developed tools appropriate to the scale and complexity of this contract and shall fully integrate and aggregate data across all T/TA activities. The system shall enable real-time monitoring and support analysis of trends, performance, and outcomes at both the national and Council levels. The COR and applicable Federal program staff shall have full, unrestricted access to the system.

The Contractor shall use the system to:

• Track the development, updating, dissemination, and use of T/TA tools and infrastructure, including tools and resources produced, reviewed and updated at least annually, archived materials, website repository inventory, and usage analytics, where available;

• Categorize and display core T/TA services to demonstrate how time and effort are allocated across Councils, including service type, topic area, modality, and level of effort; and

• Provide end-to-end visibility of customized and responsive T/TA, including request intake, review and approval, defined scope, delivery, follow-up, and closure, and display metrics related to service type, intensity, delivery mode, response time, completion timeliness, emerging issues, recurring barriers, and high-demand topics.

C.3.4 Annual Evaluation Submission

The Contractor shall submit an Annual Summative Evaluation Report each contract year, no later than the date specified by the COR. The report shall assess and document measurable progress toward contract outcomes and shall clearly distinguish outputs from outcomes.

At a minimum, the evaluation shall:

• Assess improvements in Council performance, including compliance with Federal requirements, governance practices, and demonstrated impact;

• Analyze the extent to which T/TA activities contribute to observed outcomes and system-level improvements;

• Evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and reach of T/TA delivered during the reporting period;

• Assess the cost-effectiveness of selected T/TA activities, including consideration of resource utilization relative to outcomes achieved; and

• Provide actionable, data-informed recommendations to support continuous quality improvement and inform future T/TA planning.

The evaluation shall incorporate quantitative and qualitative data, including performance metrics, participant feedback, and other relevant data sources. Findings shall be used to inform annual updates to the Five-Year Strategic Plan and ongoing T/TA delivery.

C.3.5 Performance Accountability

All project management activities shall be outcome-driven and supported by clearly defined performance metrics aligned with contract requirements. The Contractor shall collect, analyze, and use performance data and stakeholder feedback to monitor progress, inform CQI, and identify areas requiring corrective action.

The Contractor shall implement corrective actions, as directed by the CO or as recommended by the COR, to address identified performance deficiencies and improve results.

C.3.6 Knowledge Development and Performance

The Contractor shall deliver foundational and specialized T/TA designed to strengthen Council knowledge, operational capacity, and systems-level effectiveness. Activities shall address both network-wide priorities and Council-specific needs and support measurable improvements across three tiers:

• Tier I – Foundational Knowledge and Competency (Immediate Outcomes)

• Tier II – Operational Excellence and Performance Improvement (Intermediate Outcomes)

• Tier III – Systems-Level Leadership and Impact (Long-Term Outcomes)

To accomplish this work, the Contractor shall:

A. National T/TA Resource Development, Infrastructure, and Dissemination

• Develop and disseminate T/TA tools and resources tailored to Councils, including Council members, staff, Executive Directors, Council Chairs, and relevant stakeholders.

• Maintain the quality and relevance of all resources by reviewing and updating existing tools at least annually to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with current ACL priorities and Council needs.

• Develop, maintain, and regularly update a high-quality, accessible T/TA website that serves as the primary, centralized repository for all contract-supported materials and resources.

• Disseminate information and resources through structured communication mechanisms (e.g., newsletters, targeted email distribution, webinars, peer forums, and website updates) to ensure timely and equitable access for all intended audiences, including Council members, staff, Executive Directors, and Chairs.

• Deliver coordinated national T/TA activities to build knowledge and skills across the network, including:

o At least one (1) national T/TA event annually;

o New Executive Director Orientation at least annually, and more frequently as needed based on turnover;

o Chair and Council member leadership training at least annually; and o A minimum of twelve (12) live webinars per contract year, with recordings archived for on-demand access.

• Provide consistent, timely communication to the network by:

o Distributing monthly information digests that include training opportunities, funding announcements, policy updates, and relevant resources; and o Publishing a monthly Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) summary based on rapid response inquiries and emerging Council needs.

B. Core Capacity-Building Content Areas

The Contractor shall deliver foundational knowledge development activities that, at a minimum, address the following areas:

• Statutory responsibilities and governance requirements under the DD Act, including the roles of Council members, Chairs, and Executive Directors;

• Fiscal management, stewardship, and compliance with applicable Federal requirements;

• Designated State Agency (DSA) roles, responsibilities, and effective engagement and oversight;

• Strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Five-Year State Plan;

• Federal reporting requirements, including expectations for timeliness, accuracy, and completeness;

• Leadership development for Council members, Chairs, Executive Directors, and staff;

• Evaluation and performance measurement practices, including the use of data to assess outcomes and improve performance;

• Plain-language communication principles and practices to ensure information is understandable and accessible to individuals with I/DD and their families;

• Outreach and public awareness strategies to support effective communication of Council roles, activities, and impact to stakeholders, including individuals with I/DD, families, policymakers, and community partners; and

• Key community living priorities affecting individuals with I/DD (e.g., housing, employment, education, transportation, and healthcare), while avoiding duplication of services provided under other federally funded T/TA efforts.

C. Council Dissemination Capacity and Public Awareness of Council Roles and Contributions

The Contractor shall strengthen Councils’ ability to clearly and effectively communicate their roles, responsibilities, funding opportunities, advocacy efforts, and systems-change results.

To accomplish this, the Contractor shall:

• Provide T/TA to support the development of written communication and information dissemination plans aligned with each Council’s Five-Year State Plan;

• Assist Councils in identifying target audiences, key messages, and effective communication channels;

• Support Councils in describing their activities, results, and impact using clear, plain, and results-focused language;

• Ensure communication practices are accessible and meet Section 508 and universal design requirements;

• Provide guidance on the effective use of websites, social media, community outreach, and partnerships;

• Assist Councils in establishing measurable indicators to assess communication effectiveness (e.g., awareness, engagement, participation, or use of Council-supported initiatives); and

• Incorporate communication and public awareness strategies into peer learning opportunities and communities of practice, as appropriate.

Performance under this section shall be demonstrated by improved public understanding of Council roles, increased stakeholder engagement, and clearer communication of measurable outcomes.

D. “Trace the Line” Framework: Demonstrating Impact for Individuals with I/DD and Their Families

The Contractor shall develop and implement a structured “trace the line” framework that clearly links statutory authority to Council goals, activities, and measurable outcomes, demonstrating direct impact on individuals with I/DD and their families.

To accomplish this, the Contractor shall:

• Provide T/TA to support Councils in applying the framework to planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting;

• Develop practical tools and templates to help Councils map how funding decisions and activities lead to individual- and system-level outcomes;

• Integrate the framework into core T/TA services, including strategic planning, evaluation, Federal reporting, and communication support;

• Assist Councils in identifying meaningful performance indicators that demonstrate progress from activities to outcomes to impact, including both quantitative and qualitative measures;

• Provide targeted T/TA to Councils with compliance findings or to those needing additional support to align activities with State Plan objectives or demonstrate systems change; and

• Develop clear guidance to help Councils communicate how investments result in improved outcomes for individuals with I/DD and their families.

Successful performance under this section shall result in clear alignment among statutory requirements, Council investments, measurable outcomes, and demonstrated impact.

E. Targeted and Responsive Technical Assistance

The Contractor shall provide customized support to address identified Council-specific needs, including:

• Conduct onsite or remote targeted T/TA visits, as requested or approved by the COR.

Each visit shall include a written pre-visit scope and a post-visit summary report submitted within 15 business days of completion;

• Develop innovative and targeted tools to address barriers faced by individuals with I/DD and their families. All materials shall be made accessible through the T/TA website and other approved dissemination channels; and

• Develop and maintain a tiered, modular, web-based training library (basic through advanced levels) that is accessible on demand and reviewed for content updates at least annually.

C.3.7 Council Evaluation Capacity and Continuous Performance Improvement

The Contractor shall provide specialized evaluation support to strengthen Councils’ ability to assess performance, demonstrate measurable impact, and improve the implementation of their Five-Year State Plans. This support is intended to build Council evaluation capacity and is distinct from the Contractor’s internal performance measurement responsibilities described in Section 3.1.

A. Evaluation Expertise and Technical Support The Contractor shall ensure that qualified evaluation expertise is available to support Council performance measurement and program evaluation capacity. A dedicated full-time evaluation position is not required; however, timely access to appropriate expertise shall be maintained.

In consultation with the COR, the Contractor may engage internal or external evaluation consultants to provide targeted assistance. The Contractor shall respond to evaluation-related requests within ten (10) business days, unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Evaluation support may include:

• Developing and refining performance indicators aligned with Council Five-Year State Plans;

• Designing practical data collection and reporting strategies;

• Assessing implementation progress against established targets;

• Conducting quality assurance reviews; and

• Identifying lessons learned and performance improvement strategies.

All evaluation assistance shall be practical, capacity-building in nature, and aligned with statutory reporting and accountability requirements under the DD Act.

B. Evaluation Tools, Templates, and Capacity-Building Resources

The Contractor shall develop and maintain practical tools, templates, and guidance documents to strengthen Council evaluation practices. These materials shall be reviewed at least annually and updated as needed.

C.3.8 Peer Learning, Knowledge Exchange, and Network Collaboration

The Contractor shall strengthen knowledge exchange and leadership development across the Council network through structured peer engagement mechanisms.

A. Structured Peer Engagement and Communities of Practice

The Contractor shall facilitate structured peer engagement opportunities designed to strengthen knowledge exchange, leadership development, and operational effectiveness across the Council network. These activities shall be tailored to include key Council roles, including Executive Directors, Council Chairs, Council members, Council staff, and other relevant partners, as appropriate.

At a minimum, the Contractor shall:

• Facilitate four (4) topical peer-to-peer forums or communities of practice annually, with content and participation structured to address the needs of specific roles or mixed-role cohorts, as appropriate;

• Facilitate additional cohort-based engagements (e.g., Executive Director cohorts, Chair leadership groups, and staff functional groups such as program, fiscal, or evaluation staff) as identified in consultation with the COR; and

• Facilitate structured discussions among Councils regarding technology platforms used for Federal reporting, staff development, Council member engagement, and operational efficiency. Technology-focused discussions may be incorporated as one of the required peer-to-peer topics.

Peer engagement activities shall include clear objectives and defined topic areas; documented participation by role and State; and the capture of key themes, promising practices, and actionable strategies.

The Contractor shall report measurable increases in cross-state collaboration, peer engagement, and resource sharing on at least a quarterly basis.

C.3.9 Advancing Self-Advocacy

The Contractor shall provide T/TA that strengthens Council capacity to promote authentic self-advocacy, leadership development, and inclusive participation consistent with the DD Act.

A. Evidence-Informed and Outcome-Driven Self-Advocacy T/TA

Self-advocacy-related T/TA shall:

• Be informed by current research or promising practices;

• Incorporate measurable goals and outcomes;

• Include sustainability considerations;

• Be refined based on documented impact; and

• Reflect participant-centered values and preferences.

The Contractor shall document how self-advocacy activities contribute to measurable Council outcomes.

B. Meaningful and Measurable Inclusive Participation

Self-advocates shall be actively engaged in training, advisory, or peer-learning activities.

Participation rates shall be tracked and reported.

C. Accessible, Plain-Language, and Compliant Resource Development

The Contractor shall develop plain-language, accessible materials and toolkits to support self-advocacy efforts and ensure compliance with Section 508 requirements.

D. Cross-Disability and Lifespan Focus

The Contractor shall provide T/TA to support cross-disability leadership collaboration and advocacy skill development across the lifespan, including youth, transition-age individuals, adults, and older individuals with I/DD.

E. Measurement of Self-Advocacy Outcomes

The Contractor shall assist Councils in establishing baseline measures and strengthening longitudinal tracking of self-advocacy and leadership outcomes. Demonstrated improvement shall be reflected in increased engagement of individuals with I/DD in Council activities and improved documentation of advocacy-related outcomes.

C.3.10 Collaboration

The Contractor shall establish and maintain structured collaborative relationships to strengthen Council performance, enhance coordination across the DD Network, and advance measurable systems-level outcomes. Collaboration under this section shall support transparency, accountability, alignment of priorities, and the avoidance of duplication across Federal and network partners.

All collaborative activities under Section 3.3 shall be documented and summarized in required progress reports. Reporting shall identify:

• Key coordination activities conducted;

• Participating entities;

• Outcomes or decisions resulting from the collaboration; and

• Opportunities for improved alignment or systems-level impact.

C.3.11 With State Councils

The Contractor shall maintain consistent and structured engagement across the national network of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities to support coordinated improvement in operations, compliance, and performance.

The Contractor shall:

• Establish and maintain regular communication mechanisms that engage the full Council network, including scheduled network-wide calls, learning sessions, and forums;

• Facilitate cross-state collaboration by creating opportunities for Councils to share best practices, lessons learned, and operational solutions;

• Provide T/TA that strengthens governance practices and supports consistent adherence to statutory requirements across the Council network; and

• Promote leadership development and systems-change capacity across Councils, with the goal of strengthening performance and impact at both the individual Council and network levels.

If directed by the COR, the Contractor shall establish and support a multi-stakeholder advisory group to provide input into the design and implementation of T/TA activities. The structure, scope, and membership of any advisory group shall be subject to written Federal approval.

C.3.12 With Other Key Stakeholders

The Contractor shall coordinate with other DD Act-funded entities and ACL-identified partners to strengthen network alignment and avoid duplication of effort.

The Contractor shall:

• Establish and maintain working relationships with Protection and Advocacy (P&A) and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) T/TA contractors;

• Coordinate with ACL-funded contractors and grantees whose work intersects with Council priorities (at a minimum, Independent Living Programs);

• Share relevant resources and information that support cross-program alignment; and

• Serve as a liaison to facilitate the timely dissemination of information between ACL partners and the Council network.

C.3.13 Information Management

The Contractor shall establish and maintain secure, accessible, and reliable information management systems that support communication, knowledge dissemination, reporting, and performance monitoring for the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Councils). All activities shall be conducted in accordance with the COR’s direction and applicable Federal requirements.

C.3.14 T/TA Website

The Contractor shall develop,…