FY’01 INDEPENDENT SUPPORTED LIVING ARRANGEMENT (ISLA)

SERVICE EXPANSION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SYNOPSIS

The Productive Living Board has set aside approximately $165,000 to expand Independent Supported Living Arrangement (ISLA) services for St. Louis County residents with developmental disabilities for the period October 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001. The PLB will set aside approximately $220,000 for this project for FY’02 (July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002). Renewal funding is subject to achievement of project outcomes and cost efficiency.

Closing Date: An original and 13 copies of the completed proposal must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. CST on August 17, 2000.

Place Due: Productive Living Board

121 Hunter Avenue, Suite 200

St. Louis, MO 63124

Contact: Diane M. Bush, Director Residential/Transportation Services

Direct Line: 314/726-2606, extension 213

Fax: 314/726-1907

Pre-Application Technical assistance is limited to answering questions regarding

Submission clarification of RFP instructions, definitions, or terms, and will be

Conference: available as follows:

July 24, 2000 at 2:00 PM, at the PLB Office

FY’01 INDEPENDENT SUPPORTED LIVING ARRANGEMENTS (ISLA)

SERVICE EXPANSION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

I. Background

The Productive Living Board for St. Louis County Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (PLB) was established in 1979 when voters approved a special property tax to fund services for St. Louis County citizens with developmental disabilities. (Developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and learning disabilities related to brain dysfunction). Increased in 1989, the present tax is set at 8.5¢ per $100 assessed value and generates approximately $13.3 million annually for the provision of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.

The PLB does not provide any services directly. Instead the PLB oversees the distribution of funds to approximately 54 local agencies. These agencies provide supports and services for nearly 4,600 individuals in the areas of residential and vocational services.

The PLB’s ISLA program provides funding to approved agencies to coordinate a system of supports, both paid and non-paid, to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to live safely and successfully in the St. Louis County community. Supports are individualized based on the individual’s needs and desires. Supports may include but are not limited to assistance with securing an apartment or house, negotiation of leases, choosing a housemate(s), learning or enhancing skills related to independent living, developing social relationships and using community resources.

At the present time, the PLB provides funding in the amount of $3,100,000 for ISLA supports for approximately 430 individuals.

II. Statement of Purpose

The PLB is aware of ever increasing referrals and waiting lists to provide supports for individuals who require a limited amount of paid supports to live in the community. The PLB desires to expand residential services during FY’01 by increasing the number of individuals who receive supports to live independently with housemates and in housing of their choice.

III. Scope of Project

The PLB seeks proposals to expand the Individualized Supported Living Arrangement program (ISLA) to provide training and support for Individuals who currently live with family members to live independently in the community. Individuals eligible for this service shall be active clients of the St. Louis Regional Center and require no more than 350 hours of paid supports per year. It is the expectation that, as individuals learn skills and are less reliant on paid supports, an increased number of individuals will be served in the second year of this project without an increase in PLB funds. PLB funds in an amount not to exceed $165,000 have been provisionally allocated for these projects for the nine-month period October 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001.

Funding in the amount of $220,000 for FY’02 (July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002) will be available for these expansion projects. Renewal funding is subject to the achievement of project outcomes and cost efficiency.

IV. Instructions to Applicants

Proposal Content Requirements: Exhibit A represents the format that must be utilized to respond to this Request for Proposals.

Exhibit C contains the PLB Independent Supported Living Arrangement (ISLA) Program Guidelines and Policies for applicants’ reference.

1. Application for ISLA Service Expansion: Complete the Application for ISLA Service Expansion, as found in Exhibit A.

2. Corporate Information: If the applicant is not currently funded by the PLB, all documents and information requested in Exhibit B, to include Corporate Information and Program standards, must be submitted with this application.

3. Letters of Support: Provide a minimum of three letters of support that document the need for the proposed ISLA service expansion and the applicant's ability to implement the proposed project. It is suggested that a letter of support from a primary funding source, and/or quality review organization be obtained. In the event that the PLB will not be the sole funding source for this service/support, written commitment from the other funding source(s) must be provided.

4. Proposal Guidelines: Proposals must be completed within the guidelines of the RFP. All proposals received will be considered to be in final form. Supplemental information will not be considered after the deadline for submission of proposals unless requested by the PLB. Since this is a competitive process, PLB personnel will not discuss or provide technical assistance to applicants responding to this RFP.

5. The original and 13 copies of the proposal shall be submitted to:

Joyce Prage, CPA

Executive Director

Productive Living Board

121 Hunter Avenue, Suite 200

St. Louis, MO 63124

Proposals are due in the PLB office no later than 3:00 p.m. CST on

August 17, 2000

V. Review of Proposals

A. A review team designated by the Executive Director will evaluate all proposals and formulate recommendations to a committee of the PLB.

B. The PLB Committee may request a meeting with those individuals whose proposal(s) best represent the needs as described in this RFP.

C. The PLB Committee will forward to the full Board a recommendation regarding which proposal(s) should receive funding.

A final decision is expected to be made no later than September 18, 2000.

Proposals will be evaluated for completeness of submission. Proposals that fail to follow instructions or fail to include all required elements will be deemed non-responsive and removed from further consideration.

Completed proposals from eligible applicants will be reviewed by the PLB in accordance with the following five criteria:

1. Competitiveness and reasonableness of the proposed budget and the extent to which the applicant has used innovative models that extend the purchasing power of the PLB

2. The extent to which the proposal demonstrates coordination and collaboration with stakeholders

3. Applicant’s approach to the PLB’s “Scope of Work,” as contained in this RFP

4. Ability of key individuals to accomplish proposed results as judged by their relevant knowledge, skills, experience and contribution

5. Letters of support

VI. Conflict of Interest

Applicants agree that they or their employees do not currently have, nor will they have, any conflict of interest between themselves and the PLB or PLB-funded agencies. Any perceived or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed in the proposal.

VII. Contractual Agreement

A. The PLB will issue a contract with the selected applicant(s).

B. Reimbursement for services will be made on a monthly basis pending receipt of the PLB’s Invoice of Expenditures and required support documentation.

VIII. Rights Reserved to the PLB

The PLB reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to waive any irregularities and omissions if, in its judgment, the best interest of the PLB will be served.

PRODUCTIVE LIVING BOARD FOR ST. LOUIS COUNTY CITIZENS

WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

APPLICATION FOR ISLA SERVICE EXPANSION

I. APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name of Applicant

Address

Phone Number_ Fax Number___

Name of Principal Contact Person

Person Authorized to Execute Contract

Does this organization currently receive funding from the PLB?

Yes_ No

Is this proposal for a new project or expansion of an existing project?

New____ Expansion ___

II. APPROACH TO STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Instructions

The following categories (A through F) MUST be addressed in writing in the body of your application. Use the statements provided under each category to complete your narrative response.

A. Description of Project

· Describe how this program will address one or more of the following criteria:

1. A program which provides a controlled work environment or

2. A program designed toward enabling a handicapped person to progress toward normal living or

3. A program designed to develop his or her capacity, performance or relationships with other persons or

4. A program which provides services related to a place of residence or social centers

· Describe the intensity (amount of time) and duration (length of time) of the service/support.

· Identify specific core features that describe services/supports for the consumers that are different from others offered.

· State the demand for this service/support from your agency.

· Identify the barriers to providing this service/support, e.g. lack of flexible funding, transportation issues, or a new trend.

B. Description of Consumers

Within the broad population of St. Louis County residents with developmental disabilities, describe consumers for whom your approach to services/supports is best suited and the number of consumers who will be served/supported.

C. Outcomes to Be Achieved by Project

Utilizing criteria #1 – 4 in A “Description of Project”, describe the ideal benefit(s) for consumers of this service/support from a consumer’s perspective.

D. Performance Targets

A performance target represents a change in behavior or condition for the consumer that is an improvement over an existing behavior or condition. Performance targets are indicators of progress toward achievement of outcomes. It is always defined in terms of the consumer, not in terms of the service/support activities. State the performance targets in measurable terms and indicate by when and to what extent changes will occur.

E. Measurement of Performance Target

Describe the measurement approaches and tools to be used to evaluate the consumers’ achievement of outcomes.

F. Key Implementers

List the key individuals responsible for project management and implementation. Provide their names (if known) and functions; briefly describe special skills and experience they bring to the program.

III. PROGRAM BUDGET

It is the preference of the PLB to purchase services (POS) that are defined as a unit with a unit cost. However, the PLB recognizes that some projects may not conform to a POS methodology for reimbursement. For these projects, the PLB will consider funding grants with adequate justification.

Chart of Accounts	CURRENT OPERATING BUDGET (Only if Project is Currently Funded by PLB)		PROPOSED BUDGET (To be Completed by All Applicants)
Chart of Accounts	Total	Grants Only (Not Applicable for POS) PLB Portion	Total	Grants Only (Not Applicable for POS) PLB Portion
Total Personnel Costs	$	$	$	$	%
Total Communication	$	$	$	$	%
Total Office Equipment/Supplies	$	$	$	$	%
Total Consumable Program Equipment/Supplies	$	$	$	$	%
Total Food Costs	$	$	$	$	%
Total Staff Training	$	$	$	$	%
Total Staff Travel	$	$	$	$	%
Total Vehicle Operating Costs	$	$	$	$	%
Total Professional Services/Fees	$	$	$	$	%
Total Client Assistance	$	$	$	$	%
Total Facility Costs	$	$	$	$	%
Total of Program/Project Direct Expenses	$	$	$	$	%
Agency Administrative Allocation	$	$	$	$	%
GRAND TOTAL OF PROGRAM/PROJECT EXPENSES	$	$	$	$	%

IV. PROJECTED PROGRAM INCOME

Instructions: Please complete this form only if the PLB is not the sole funding source for this project. If program income is in the form of a grant, complete the “Total Amount” column, by funding source. If the program has a unit cost, complete “Total Amount and “Unit Cost” columns, by funding source.

SOURCE	TOTAL AMOUNT	UNIT COST
PLB
Office for MR/DD Resources
DDRB
DMH
DESE
United Way
Vocational Rehabilitation
Parent/Program Fee
Other - (Please specify):




TOTAL:

V. APPLICATION SIGNATURE

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT BELOW:

__________________________________________ ____________________________________

Name (Person Completing Application) Title or Relationship to Agency

__________________________________________ ____________________________________

Agency Date

Signature of Applicant:

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Please submit the following only if your organization does not currently receive PLB funding. Please indicate which documents are included with this packet and which if any, are not applicable (N/A) for your organization:

Agency Name
Address

Phone/Fax
Agency Executive Director
Financial Contact Person
Agency Board President

Corporate Documents

Agency By-Laws

Articles of Incorporation

Certificate of Corporate Good Standing

Board Roster (List of Board members including their names/addresses and relationship/affiliations with individuals with developmental disabilities, if any)

Mission Statement and Strategic Plan

Annual Report

IRS 501c (3) Status Letter

Fidelity bond in an amount equal to or greater than the total amount of funds in this proposal

Financial Documents

Current Operating Budget

Current Balance Sheet

Current Year-To-Date Statement of Income and Expenses

Most Recent Audit, Including Management Letter

Program Standards

List ALL licensing, accreditation, and certification credentials currently held by your organization (include all local, state, and federal or national entities) for each of the following categories:

Health, Safety & Welfare (e.g. DESE Sheltered Workshop Certification; local Fire Marshall Inspection; Department of Health, etc.)

Issuing Agency_________________________________________________________________

Type/Name of Credential_________________________________________________________

Effective Dates: ______________________________ through ___________________________

COPORATE INFORMATION

Page 2 of 2

Service Quality (e.g. Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities – CARF; Council on Quality & Leadership; American Camping Association; Medicaid Certification, etc.)

Issuing Agency_________________________________________________________________

Type/Name of Credential_________________________________________________________

Effective Dates: ______________________________ through ___________________________

Staff Credentials for Projects(s) to be Funded by the PLB

______ (e.g. Licensed Clinical Social Worker – LCSW, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation, etc.)

Issuing Agency__________________________________ No. of Staff with Credentials_________

Type/Name of Credential_________________________________________________________

Effective Dates: ______________________________ through ___________________________

*Please check your response to the following question:*	*YES*	NO

Are you aware of any conflicts of interest between board members or staff and your agency?

If yes, please describe the conflict of interest:

________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________

Signature of Person Completing these Forms Date

__________________________________________

Phone Number

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The PLB reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to waive any irregularities and omissions if, in its judgment, the best interest of the PLB will be served.

APPLICATION FOR ISLA SERVICE EXPANSION

I. APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name of Applicant

Address

Phone Number_________________ Fax Number___________________

Name of Principal Contact Person

Person Authorized to Execute Contract

Does this organization currently receive funding from the PLB?

Yes___ No __

Instructions

A. Description of Project

B. Description of Consumers

C. Outcomes to Be Achieved by Project

D. Performance Targets

E. Measurement of Performance Target

F. Key Implementers

It is the preference of the PLB to purchase services (POS) that are defined as a unit with a unit cost. However, the PLB recognizes that some projects may not conform to a POS methodology for reimbursement. For these projects, the PLB will consider funding grants with adequate justification.

IV. PROJECTED PROGRAM INCOME

SOURCE

TOTAL

AMOUNT

UNIT COST

V. APPLICATION SIGNATURE

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Phone Number_ Fax Number___

Yes_ No