National and Tribal Evaluation of the 2nd Generation of the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG)

This acquisition is for a multi-component evaluation of new grants that will be awarded by ACF under the extension of the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program. HPOG is a federal grant program that funds education and training programs in high-demand, healthcare professions that are targeted to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other low-income individuals. Under this acquisition, the new grants will be rigorously evaluated in order to expand the career pathways evidence base and build on what has been learned to date about how to design and implement successful career pathways programs for low-income and low-skilled individuals, and improve the outcomes of individuals who participate in these programs. The evaluation will include several key components: (1) conduct an impact evaluation; (2) design and conduct a coordinating comprehensive implementation evaluation; (3) design and conduct an evaluation of the Tribal HPOG grants; (4) design and conduct case studies and draft site-specific impact reports; (5) design and conduct cost benefit analyses; (6) design and conduct follow-up studies at 36 months with grantees participating in the impact study to rigorously evaluate the longer-term effectiveness of HPOG; (7) consult experts, as needed, to provide specialized advice and guidance on any aspect of the work conducted under this project; and (8) generate and release a series of briefs, reports, and other products to disseminate findings to a wide range of stakeholders.

Responses to the Request for Proposal package will be due within 60 calendar days following the actual date of issuance of the RFP. Award of this requirement is anticipated by September 30, 2015.