IDA Empowering Communities to Reduce Falls (CAPABLE)

The Iowa Department of Aging (IDA) is seeking a qualified bidder to implement the CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders) falls prevention program in Dallas and Polk counties. The Request for Proposal targets service providers who can deliver an evidence-based intervention for individuals age 60 or older and adults with disabilities who are at risk of losing independence due to fall risks. The selected contractor will be responsible for developing marketing strategies, creating program infrastructure, establishing partnerships, and providing 4 hours of weekly program administration. The program requires a multidisciplinary team consisting of one registered nurse, two occupational therapists, and a home modification specialist who will work collaboratively to improve participant safety and independence. Key deliverables include serving 6 participants by July 31, 2023, collecting and analyzing program data while maintaining HIPAA compliance, and working closely with partners like Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. The proposal was issued on January 3, 2023, with responses due on January 13, 2023, at 3:00 PM Central Time. The contract has an initial term of 7 months, beginning on the date of contract execution.

The program is funded through a grant from the Administration for Community Living (HHS-2020-ACL-AOA-FPSG-0372) and does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must be fully trained and certified by Johns Hopkins University to provide CAPABLE services, which may limit the pool of potential respondents. The successful bidder will need to bill occupational therapy services to consumer insurance when applicable and collaborate with key partners including Dallas County Hospital, League of Human Dignity, and Area Agencies on Aging. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the grant narrative indicates a comprehensive budget covering training, home modifications, equipment repairs, marketing, and salary costs. The total project aims to serve 320 individuals over a three-year period, with an 85% targeted completion rate. Contractors will be expected to develop a sustainable falls prevention model that can potentially be replicated across other Iowa counties.