Notice of Funding Opportunity
Application Cover Sheet / Submit to:
Michaela Jennings
Lifespan Health Services
DHHS
301 Centennial Mall South
PO Box 95026
Lincoln NE 68509-5026
RELEASE DATE
March 3, 2017
APPLICATION DEADLINE / POINT OF CONTACT
April 7, 2017, 5:00 p.m. / Michaela Jennings
This form is part of the specification package and must be signed and returned, along with application materials, by the application deadline.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
PURPOSE, PROJECT PERIOD and FUNDING SOURCENebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Lifespan Health Services, is providing notice of funds available for the purpose of awarding sub grants for Nebraska’s Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP).
Funding Source: Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Personal Responsibility Education Program in accordance with Section 513 of the Social Security ActCFDA #93.092
Pass through:Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Division of Public Health
Project Period: July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018
Issuing Office: Lifespan Health Services
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health
301 Centennial Mall South, PO Box 95026
Lincoln NE 68509-5026
michaela.jennings @nebraska.gov
(402) 471-0538 – local; (800) 801-1122 -- toll free
APPLICANT MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWINGBy signing this Application Cover Sheet, the Applicant guarantees compliance with the provisions stated in this Request for Application, the general terms and assurances discussed on page 17, and performance of the project as described in the approved application.
ORGANIZATION:
COMPLETE ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER: FAX NUMBER:
SIGNATURE:
TYPED NAME & TITLE OF SIGNER:
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Table of Contents
Section 1 – Description of Nebraska Personal Responsibility Education Program
1.01Background
1.01.1Context of Adolescent Health Program
1.02Funding Opportunity Description
1.02.1Federal Legislation and Purpose of Funding
1.02.2Funding Period and Availability of Funds
1.02.3Timeline for Proposal Process, Review, Notification
1.02.4Program Preferences and Requirements
1.05.1Questions and Communication with Staff
1.03Eligibility Information
1.03.1Eligibility
1.03.2 Cost Sharing/Matching
1.04Other Mandatory Requirements
1.05Application Submission Information
1.05.1Questions and Communication with Staff
1.05.2Proposal Submission Requirements
1.06Application Content and Format
1.07Application Review Information
1.08Amendments to the RFA
1.09Open Competition
1.10Withdrawal of Applications
Section 2 Terms and Assurances
2.01General
2.02Evaluation by DHHS
2.02.1Criteria and Scoring
2.02.2Reference Checks
2.02.3Protest or Grievance Procedure
Appendix 1: Statutory and Regulatory Compliance
Administrative and Audit Guidance
Appendix 2: Program Specific Allowances and Requirements
Appendix 3: Certifications
Appendix 4: National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS)
Appendix 5: Evaluation Criteria
Appendix 6: Sub-recipient Reporting Requirements for PY 2017-2018
Section 5 – Attachments
Attachment A: Application Requirement Checklist
Attachment B: Applicant Profile
Attachment C: Work Plan Timeline
Attachment D: Project Narrative
Attachment E: Personnel Detail
Attachment F: Contractor Information
Attachment G: 2017-2018 PREP Budget and Budget Justification
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Section 1 – Description of Nebraska Personal Responsibility Education Program
1.01Background
1.01.1Context of Adolescent Health Program
Adolescent Health and Development: Adolescence represents a special time in the life cycle. It is a time of great physical, emotional, mental and social change. During this stage, youth are building skills, accomplishing important tasks and making choices that will affect them during adulthood. They are setting the foundation for their health and well-being as adults.
Helping young people achieve their full potential is the best way to help them avoid unhealthy behaviors. Incorporating an understanding of the interconnectedness of youth risk behaviors and related protective factors into our programming strengthens our efforts and enhances the likelihood that our intervention and prevention programs will be successful. To be effective in addressing teen sexual risk behaviors we must also address correlating risk behaviors i.e. poor school performance, alcohol use, poor physical/mental health and social and economic disadvantages. A holistic approach to teen pregnancy and STD prevention, one that addresses the needs of the whole youth and not just a singular behavior, lays a foundation or framework from which all youth services and programs should evolve.
Teen pregnancy and teen birth rates in Nebraska have declined in recently years and are lower than the national rates. Nonetheless, according to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 35 percent of Nebraska youth ages 15-19 have had sex at least once. By the 12th grade, that percentage increases to 53 percent.Moreover, the rate of unintended pregnancies for women under 20 years old was 75 percent in 2011.
Rates of some sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia have increased overall across the state and some counties show significant rate increases.Data also show significant disparities among our racial and ethnic minority youth populations. The purpose of this sub grant opportunity is to impact these negative outcomes and adolescent health and development in general by providing for holistic teen pregnancy and STD prevention programming throughpositive youth development principles.
Positive Youth Development: The phrase “Positive Youth Development” has several implications dependent on how the phrase is applied or used. The most common or obvious inference is to the process of adolescent physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual growth, i.e. development. The process lasts as long as life and the experience is different for every youth. The goal or objective of all who work with youth is to support and assist them in a way that provides for a positiveexperience.
Positive Youth Development (PYD) can also be used to mean the way in which we support, provide and work with youth. PYD is an approach that emphasizes building competencies, life skills and fostering the sense of belonging and empowerment in youth rather than putting all our energy into “fixing” existing negative behaviors. PYD approaches incorporate a spectrum of developmental principles to achieve optimal outcomes in a broad range of practices within programs, organizations and initiatives. Research has shown that linking the developmental “process” to approaches that support PYD principles and practices is the most effective way to impact youth behaviors and positive outcomes. In short PYD is a practice based on the belief that adolescents are resources to be nurtured rather than problems to be fixed. The Nebraska Adolescent Health Program advocates for Positive Youth Development approaches in all services, programs and initiatives affecting adolescents in ways that support the following principles:
- Ensure young people have healthy relationships with caring, supportive adults.
- Provide safe, stable and supportive surroundings to succeed and grow.
- Offer opportunities for youth to develop life skills.
- Promote clear expectations and high standards for all youth.
- Provide youth meaningful opportunities to participate in their community.
1.02Funding Opportunity Description
1.02.1Federal Legislation and Purpose of Funding
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health announces the availability of funds as a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Pub.L. 111-148 which adds a new Section 513 to Title V of the Social Security Act, to be codified at 42 U.S.C. § 713, authorizing a new formula grant for the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP). Funds must be used for a program designed to educate adolescents on both abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and at least three adulthood preparation subjects. PREP funding was extended into FY 16 and FY 17, allowing for at least two additional years of PREP.
Nebraska’s priority needs remain centered on reducing the rates of pregnancy, out-of-wedlock births and sexually transmitted infections and disease (STI/STD) among the youth population. A continued focus will be placed on those populations and areas of the state identified in greatest need and/or at highest risk. Identification of these groups and locations was made based on the data drawn fromextensive needs assessment processes conducted within the Department on behalf of related MCH programs when this funding stream initiated in 2010.
1.02.2Funding Period and Availability of Funds
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health requests proposals for two twelve (12) month periods beginning July 1, 2015. These awards are made possible by an extension of the federal Personal Responsibility Education Program in Federal Fiscal Year 2017. Subsequent funds under this program are not presently awarded or approved by the federal government. As such, continuation awards are not expected. Sub-awards will be based upon the proposed program plan and supportive budget.
Federal Fiscal Year / State Project Year / Sub Grant PeriodFY 2016 / Year 1 / July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018
FY 2017 / Year 2 / July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019
The projected amount of funds available for the first twelve (12) month period (FY 16) is $200,000 and for the second twelve (12) month period (FY 17), $180,000 are available to fund program sites. There is not a guaranteed per-club allotment. Awards will depend upon proposed budgets submitted. Actual award(s) number(s) and funded amount(s) will be determined based on the application’s response to the funding priorities and requirements including proposed budget and work plans. Grant funds may be used to enhance/expand/initiate existing, new or corresponding programming and related activities. Grant funds may not be used to supplant (replace) existing funds in place to support current programs and related activities.
1.02.3Timeline for Proposal Process, Review, Notification
Request for Application issuedMarch 3, 2017
Proposal deadlineApril 7, 2017
Proposal reviewApril 7 – 21, 2017
Notification of sub grant awardsMay 5, 2017
Sub awards issuedJune 1, 2017
Project period beginsJuly 1, 2017
NOTE:All dates are approximate. * If applicant is new to the TOP® program, efforts will be made to make an award with a start date of July 1, 2015 to allow for support from the award for TOP® Facilitator training and associated travel.
1.02.4Program Preferences and Requirements
The State of Nebraska opts to promote evidence-based programming that implements positive youth development principles, while also having demonstrated impacts on sexual activity.
Required Curriculum
The FY 16 and FY17 PREP will support the implementation of Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program ® (TOP®). The TOP®curriculum is owned by Wyman Center, Inc., which manages its replication as a youth development approach to build teens’ potential through knowledge, skills and confidence that help them achieve success. TOP® takes a long term, comprehensive, and positive developmental approach. As youth develop their knowledge, skills and confidence through activities and reflection, judgment and choice making skills are strengthened, which also pays dividends in the arena of risk avoidance. TOP®’s documented outcomes include dramatic reductions in teen pregnancy and course failure and school suspension rates. More information about The Wyman Center and the development of the modern-day Teen Outreach Program ® can be found in Appendix 2.
Wyman has completely renewed the TOP® curriculum and starting with the 2017-2018 program year all TOP® clubs will begin using this new curriculum. The existing Changing Scenes© curriculum will no longer be used. All applicants should include purchase of, at minimum, one new set of curriculum. However, one per active facilitator is reasonable.Each set of curriculum will cost of $595 plus shipping per set, which is assessed at 10% for orders $0-$999, and 5% for orders $1,000-$4,999.
The new TOP® curriculum lessons represent both revisions to previous content and new content. Lessons are organized by the experiential learning cycle and section are labeled with B, E, R, D, and A. The new curriculum is divided into three levels: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced. Lessons make sue of reflection activities, group formers, and facilitation strategies that are shared among lessons. Scenarios have flexibility for facilitators to customize character names and other details to the needs of the group.
Overall, the aims of the TOP® curriculum revision were to: 1) update content to align with current research on promoting positive outcomes for teens, and 2) to ensure that lessons were engaging, experiential and empowering. The curriculum revision enhances and deepens lesson material, particularly in the areas of social emotional learning and identity development. Please be aware that while the curriculum has been revised, TOP®’s approach has not changed, and the revision does not impact TOP®’s status as an evidence-based model. TOP®’s historical and current research findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the model that is inclusive of curriculum-guided, interactive weekly peer group meetings and community service learning facilitated by trained adults. ”
The expectation is to slowly transition to using the new curriculum during the 2017-2018 program year. It will be required beginning in the 2018-2019 program year. The manner in which Nebraska’s network will transition is not defined at this time. Due to timing of the curriculum roll-out and training for Coordinators by Wyman from mid-summer through early fall, a Nebraska-specific training schedule is not yet available.The Nebraska TOP® Coordinator will work with all awardees to ensure new facilitator training as needed and/or training for already-trained facilitators in the new curriculum.
TOP® Club Expectations
Continued use of the TOP® approach and is based on the fulfillment of certification criteria annually. Below is a list of TOP® club requirements and expectations based on this criteria:
- The provider must ensure all clubs meet over a 9 month period for a minimum of 25 weekly meetings. Clubs may meet more often than weekly but must still meet over a 9 month period.
- The TOP® Curriculum or TOP® Community Service Learning (CSL) activities are used for a minimum of 80% of the total weekly meetings.
- Clubs are planning and implementing Community Service Learning opportunities that foster the achievement of a minimum of 20 CSL hours. A minimum of 80% of teens who complete the 9 month TOP® dosage need to complete a minimum of 20 meaningful CSL hours.
- Ensure that TOP® clubs are facilitated by TOP® trained facilitators. All TOP® facilitators must be trained by trainers who have completed the Wyman TOP® Training of Trainers. Other adults without TOP® facilitator training may assist in support roles but should be given an orientation to the program and should fully understand and support TOP’s® values neutral approach.
- The ratio of teens to TOP® trained facilitator must not exceed 25:1. Stronger ratios of 25:2 and 25:3 are acceptable and encouraged.
- TOP® facilitators should consistently strive to maintain levels of physical and emotional safety. Post-surveys measure teens’ level of physical and emotional safety. Outcome reports should show that 75% or more of teens report feeling physical safe and 70% or more feel emotionally safe.
- Clubs must complete teen pre- and post- surveys within designated window (4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks following the start and end dates).
- Each active club facilitator must complete an end-of-year facilitator survey
- Schedule an annual on-site club observation visit.
- Club facilitators must collect consent permissions from each teen taking surveys.
Adaptations:
Minor adaptations will be considered if the purpose is to better serve one of the target groups listed below. A minor adaptation is one that alters the time frame of the club but does not alter the dosage of 25 meetings and 20 hours of Community Service Learning. For example, a minor adaptation might be to convene a TOP club twice a week for 1-2 hours for 4 months, instead of once a week over 9 months. A formal application to request a minor adaptation will be required and must be approved by Wyman prior to the start of the club. If an applicant wishes to include a proposal for a minor adaptation, please contact Michaela Jennings, or 402-471-0538 for the TOP® Adaptation Application Form.
Staffing for Facilitation:
While not an absolute requirement to meet fidelity standards, co-facilitation is a best practice for the effective delivery of the TOP® program. Co-facilitation provides opportunities for facilitators and youth to have more robust experiences during the course of the TOP® club. Not only does this practice offer “back-up” for a lead facilitator, but it also can offer opportunities for more effective behavior management, enhanced content knowledge in the club environment, increased likelihood of youth connecting to a caring adult, and can be a platform to model professional opportunities for minority youth. Co-facilitation is preferred and strongly encouraged. Bonus points will be awarded to applications that include a plan for co-facilitation.
Project Requirement #1 - Target population: Nebraska has identified the following target youth population groups and locations for FY 16 FY 17 programming:
- Vulnerable and Disconnected Youth (ages 11-19)
-Youth at-risk of or experiencing homelessness (looking for indicators such as higher than state drop out or expulsion rates, high rates of child maltreatment or neglect, or other reasonable indicators presented by applicant);
-Youth in foster care (ages 11-19); and/or
-Youth at-risk for commercial or sexual exploitation (ages 11-19)
- Youth residing in any Nebraska county where county data for teen birth and STD/STI rates supports a need for prevention and intervention programming. (ages 11-19)
- Youth residing in census tracts with the “high concentrated disadvantage” designation any of the Nebraska counties where this designation exists. (ages 11-19)
- Youth residing in any Nebraska county where disparities in teen birth rates and/or STD/STI rates are documented. (ages 11-19)
While the PREP target ages spans from 11 to 19, the intention is to allocate PREP dollars to TOP® clubs focusing on the older segment or teens or vulnerable and disconnected youth. Programming focused on younger teens should seriously consider applying under the AEGP RFA that also supports TOP® programming.
Project Requirement # 2 - State goals and objectives: Nebraska has identified the following goals and objectives for the state’s PREP program for FY 16 and 17.
Nebraska’s Overarching Goal Statement: