Memo To Potential Bidders

FLORIDA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL, INC.

124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, Florida 32301-2981,

(850) 488-4180, FAX (850) 922-6702, TDD (888) 488-8633

MEMORANDUM

TO: Assistive Technology/Rehabilitation Professionals

FROM: Latarsha Williams, Program Manager

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.

RE: Request for Proposals- Assistive Technology Research Project

DATE: January 14, 2009

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is seeking professional research, writing and editing services for our Assistive Technology Feasibility Study project. The primary purpose of this project is to conduct an assistive technology feasibility study that analyzes the use of assistive technology as it applies to the daily lives of individuals with disabilities living in Florida. A secondary purpose of this project is to develop a proposed outline for the development of an assistive technology pilot project that can be submitted to the Council for consideration.

Through this project, the Council wishes to gain the ability to determine whether or not the use of assistive technology and assistive devices can successfully assist people on Florida’s Home & Community Based Waiver waiting list as well as those who are currently receiving Med Waiver services.

A synopsis of the project Statement of Work is listed below. Please refer to the “Request for Proposals- Assistive Technology Research Project” link for project specifics (including project schedule of events and deadlines).

Statement of Work (synopsis):

This project will consist of two core components a) the research and development of a comprehensive written feasibility report that will be useful in providing verifiable information and recommendations to key state decision makers such as the Governor, the Legislature and the state Med Waiver Programs and b) the development of an implementation plan as well as the development or identification of an assessment tool that can be used to determine whether or not the use of assistive technology and assistive devices can successfully assist individuals with developmental disabilities on the waiting list and/or those who are currently receiving services.

The major components of the feasibility study should include a) an analysis of existing research and literature regarding identification of the current status of the use of assistive technology as it affects mobility, employment, transportation and environmental controls and the impact that assistive technology may have on the skills, abilities, independence and productivity, employment opportunities, manageability of activities of daily living, and overall health of individuals with disabilities; b) clear and concise analysis of specific barriers that individuals with disabilities may have in accessing assistive devices and services; c) information on the correlation of the use of assistive technology and the reduction of the need for paid and unpaid supports- to include a comparison of costs/cost analysis of before and after the assistive technology device and/or service is introduced; d) identification of any nationally recognized best practices of providing assistive technology to people with disabilities; e) detailed information on the feasibility of developing an assistive technology pilot project in Florida that will include the assessment, access to or delivery of assistive technology, as well as training for end users and their supports; f) a proposed pilot project implementation plan, with a time table, for a feasible approach; the pilot project implementation plan must also include a proposed project assessment tool g) identification of other issues or challenges that must be addressed for this proposed pilot project to be successful and h) recommendations on additional strategies the Council can undertake to increase and improve the availability of assistive technology devices and services for people with disabilities in Florida.

The proposal should include:

A Research Plan to include a description of the research methodology and how the data that is collected will be compiled and analyzed. The research plan should also include a minimum of three (3) different methods to be used to during the research process (i.e. literature reviews, focus groups, surveys, etc.).

A Writing/Editing plan that indicates the steps to be taken to produce a written report that at a minimum is a) user friendly, b) presented in a positive manner, c) contains current organizational/agency contact information where appropriate, d) contains current and correct information related to the issue, e) uses current terminology and f) is culturally sensitive. The report should also include an Annotated Bibliography.

A plan for addressing the layout and graphic design aspects for all chapters and covers of the feasibility report.

An estimated number of printed copies of the report that the offeror will submit to the Council upon completion of the project.

A proposed outline of the type of information that should be included in the assistive technology pilot implementation plan.

A plan for addressing the design and development of the assistive technology assessment tool.

A detailed project work plan should be included to chart the progress of the actions to be undertaken. For each major activity included in the work plan, the time frames for completion and the person(s) responsible should be identified.

A description of the proposed project staff. The description should include: a) who will be employed or contracted by the provider and their qualifications; b) a synopsis of the corporate or individuals qualifications, indicating ability to manage and successfully complete the functions required of this project; c) brief listing/description of any past or current projects similar to the functions of this proposal; d) demonstration of experience in the area of conducting feasibility studies and/or providing assistive technology/ design technology services or knowledge in assistive technology systems.

A detailed line item budget and budget narrative. The budget narrative must explain and demonstrate that each entry on the line item budget sheet is allowable, reasonable and necessary. The budget and budget narrative must present a cost-effective funding level for achieving the purpose of the project (refer to Attachment I).

A project Evaluation Plan. The plan should include a brief description of the quality assurance

Schedule of Events & Deadlines

THIS IS A SECOND RELEASE OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND AS A RESULT, THE PROJECT IS ON AN ACCELERATED TIME SCHEDULE!

Sealed Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s office in Tallahassee, Florida and should be mailed to:

Attention: Lisa Taylor, Chief Financial Officer

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.

124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Those submitting sealed proposals must indicate on the outside of the envelope in the lower left-hand corner that it is a sealed proposal for the “Assistive Technology Feasibility” project and the name of the organization/individual submitting the proposal. It is the responsibility of the organization/individual to insure that the proposal is received by the Council by the date and time specified above.

Questions regarding the requirements of this project and/or necessary information for the proposal may be faxed to Lisa Taylor at (850) 922-6702. Please refer to the “Request for Proposals- Assistive Technology Research Project” link for project specifics (including project schedule of events and deadlines).

It is anticipated that the contract for this project will be in effect between March 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 (12 months). The Council reserves the right to negotiate with the bidder awarded the contract a final project budget and scope of work. FDDC may approve up to two continuation contracts for two subsequent twelve-month periods.

/llw

Attachment

Cc: Allison Cruz Mitchell, FDDC Deputy Director of Programs

Lisa Taylor, FDDC Chief Financialcer