The invisable wounds of war training initiative grant application

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) is seeking grant proposals from qualified non-profit organizations to administer the Invisible Wounds of War Training Initiative (IWWTI) program. The purpose of the program is to provide training to a broad spectrum of mental health service providers within Massachusetts on the recognition and treatment of invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury. DVS intends to allocate up to $650,000 in state fiscal year 2018 and will select one or more grantees through this competitive process. Responses are due by May 31, 2018, and the anticipated grant start date is June 29, 2018. The grant term is one year, with the possibility of six additional one-year extensions through June 30, 2025. Key requirements for respondents include being a private non-profit entity authorized to do business in Massachusetts, having significant experience administering large public programs and providing training to Massachusetts veterans, and the ability to implement training at diverse locations throughout the Commonwealth. Cost will be a factor in the evaluation, but not the sole determining factor.

The procurement process emphasizes participation from certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE) through the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP). Respondents are required to commit a specific percentage of the contract value to be spent with SDP partners, which will account for 10% or more of the total evaluation score. The Commonwealth's Standard Contract Form and Terms and Conditions will apply to the awarded grant agreement. While no incumbent contractors are listed, the maximum obligation for the grant program is $650,000 in state funding for fiscal year 2018.