Reaching People with Disabilities through Healthy Communities

COLLABORATIVEState Health Department andLocal Community

Request for Fundingand Technical Assistance

Applications due: December7, 2015 by 11:59 pm ET to Karma Edwards by email at .

  1. PURPOSE

The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Human Development and Disability, Disability and Health Branch (DHB) seeks collaborative applications from State Health Departments (SHD) or their bona fide agent for their State Disability and Health (D&H) Program, herein referred to as the CDC D&H State Program Partner, and local communities to support a five-phased project that will support disability inclusion strategies that make healthier choices the easier choices for all people in areas where they may live, learn, work, play, pray, and receive care.

The project purpose is toaccelerate disability inclusion policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) improvements that increase access and opportunities for healthier eating and physical activity and prevent tobacco use and exposure for people living with disabilitiesacross community settings—with a principalfocus on disability inclusion and accessibility.

  1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

To mitigate some of the health disparities and inequities faced by people with disabilities, NACDD and CDC will partner with five states and 10 local communities to achieve disability-focused PSE outcomes that promote healthier living for all people.

NACDD seeks collaborative applications from CDC D&H State Program Partnersand local communities to support a five-phase Healthy Communities (see below) project seeking development and implementationof disability inclusion PSE improvements that will support making healthier choices the easier choices for all people. States that currently receive CDC Disability and Health funding are eligible to apply using this RFA process. Applications must be submitted on behalf of the applicant CDC D&H State Program Partner, and must include two identified local communities as project partners who possess the current readiness and commitment to participate in the entire project.

Since the application process is a collaborativeapplication submitted by the CDC D&H State Program Partner with its two identified local communities, it is anticipated that relationship building and initial partnership and commitment activities between the state partner and local communities will commence during the application process. Upon selection, the CDC D&H State Program Partner Contact, herein referred to as the state“Expert Advisor” to the local communities during the project, will advise and assist its two local communities throughout the project phases on disabilities and health assessment tools and frameworks that might be advantageous for review and use. Each local community will designate two local coordinators to be “Lead and Partner Coaches” throughout the project. It is encouraged that Lead and Partner Coachesrepresent public health and/or disabilities, or must havethese representativesas active members of the local community coalition.

  • A public health representative is defined as a person employed by a localpublic health department or similar entity with an education in public health, community health, community health promotion or a related field and work experience that focuses on community wide health initiatives.
  • A disabilities representative is defined as a person with a disability or a person representing an organization that serves/advocates for persons with disabilities.

The five CDC D&H State Program Partner awardees will each receive a total of $18,200; the 10 local communities (two from each state) will each receive a total of $22,800. Payment of funds will occur through a series of scheduled invoices as determined by NACDD.

  • The project requires travel to one in-person training “Summit” meeting in location TBD. Travel funds not exceeding the amount of $1,167 per person for applicant CDC D&H State Program Partners will be maintained through NACDD and is NOT included in the overall award. Travel funds ARE included in the overall award for local communities, not exceeding the amount of $1,167 per person for Lead/Partner Coaches (totaling $2,334).

Thefive phases of the proposed project[1] are as follows:

  1. Phase 1 (Assessment Phase): States and communities will attend virtual (webinars) and in-person (Summit Training Meeting) trainings on the use of NCHPADs assessment tool, theCommunity Health Inclusion Index (CHII), to assess community readinessfor implementingdisability inclusionPSE changes;
  2. Phase 2 (Prioritization and Planning Phase):Using information obtained from the in-person Summit Training Meeting, pre- and post-Summit webinars, and the completion of the CHII assessment, communities (with assistance from SHD Expert Advisor and after receipt of training from NCHPAD) will use the Guidelines, Recommendations, Adaptations Including Disability (GRAIDS) framework to prioritize CHII results and develop a project action plan indicative of inclusion PSE strategies;
  3. Phase 3 (Implementation Phase):In conjunction with ongoing training and technical assistance (TA) provided by NACDD, communities (with assistance from state Expert Advisor) will implement and achieve recognizable outcomes during remainder of the project period;
  4. Phase 4 (Evaluation Phase): States and communities will engage in required evaluation, progress review, and sustainability planning efforts to continue project implementation beyond the project period; and
  5. Phase 5 (Dissemination Phase): NACDD will assist states and communities with communicating and disseminating successes on each the national, state, and local levels using innovative and cost-effective methods.

NACDD will provide stateand local community awardees with TA, support, and linkages to national experts throughout the project’s duration.

  1. ELIGIBILITY

States that currently receive CDC Disability and Health funding are eligible to apply using this RFA process (Appendix A).

  1. ANTICIPATED TIMELINE AND DESCRIPTION

The anticipated project timeline and description for this 18-month project is detailed in Appendix B. Collaborative application award notices will be announced by December 22, 2015 (anticipated) for a project period spanning 18 months, beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2017.

  1. PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The CDC D&H State Program Partner deliverables include:

  1. Appointment of a state Expert Advisor to collaborate with NACDD and Lead and Partner Community Coaches on the provision of state-based technical assistance and consultation for disability inclusion PSE strategies for all people in places where they live, learn, work, play, pray, and receive care.
  1. Participation in a grouporientationwebinar scheduled post grant announcement in January 2016 (exact date TBD).
  1. Participation in individual conference calls with NACDD and selected communities in January 2016(exact date TBD).
  1. Participation in Group Webinar #2 in February 2016 (second week of February; exact date TBD)to begin receipt of training on CHII assessment and GRAIDS framework.
  1. Participation in a one-two-day training “Summit” in early March 2016(exact date TBD) to learn more about Healthy Communities, Disability Inclusion, the community change process, CHII assessment and GRAIDS framework processes,required action planning templates, required evaluation activities, and receive additional tools and strategies to assist with the project process.
  1. Participation in post–Summit webinar (Group Webinar #3) in April 2016 (exact date TBD) as a check-in for the CHII, GRAIDS, and action plan development processes.
  1. Assistance to two local communities in a community/organizational assessment process (CHII) that describes disabilities aspects, needs, and assets.
  1. Assistance to two local communities in prioritization and planning of CHII results, use of the GRAIDS framework, and development of community action plan.
  1. Assistance to two local communities in implementation of disability-related PSE change strategies at the local level that will support and sustain the abilities of community members with one or more disabilities to access healthier lifestyle choices as the easy choices in areas where they live, learn, work, play, pray, or receive care.
  1. Participation in bi-monthly technical assistance webinars with local communities and NACDD on related project topics/activities beginning July 2016 and ending in May 2017.
  1. Participation in scheduled conference calls with the communities and NACDD as needed for the duration of the project.(This includesthe bi-monthly technical assistance calls, learning webinars, progress updates, or other organizational sessions TBD).
  1. Participation in state/community site visits with NACDD during project period (exact date TBD).
  1. Participation in quarterly progress monitoring for NACDD for the anticipated months of March 2016, June 2016, September 2016, December 2016, March 2017, and May 2017.
  1. Participation in NACDD invoicing procedures, as guided by NACDDs Finance Office.
  1. Completion of at least one project success story using NACDDs What’s Working Database platform.

The Local Community deliverables are:

  1. Appointment of a Lead Coach and Partner Coach to collaborate with NACDD and the state Expert Advisor on full project participationfor disability inclusion PSE strategies for all people in places where they live, learn, work, play, pray, and receive care.
  1. Participation in a grouporientationwebinar scheduled post grant announcement in January 2016 (exact date TBD).
  1. Participation in individual conference calls with NACDD and state Expert Advisor in January 2016 (exact date TBD).
  1. Participation in Group Webinar #2 in February 2016 (second week of February; exact date TBD)to begin receipt of training on CHII assessment and GRAIDS framework.
  1. Participation in a one-two-day training “Summit” in early March 2016 (exact date TBD) to learn more about Healthy Communities, Disability Inclusion, the community change process, CHII assessment and GRAIDS framework processes,required action planning templates, required evaluation activities, and receive additional tools and strategies to assist with the project process.
  1. Participation in post–Summit webinar (Group Webinar #3) in April 2016 (exact date TBD) as a check-in for the CHII, GRAIDS, and action plan development processes.
  1. Implementation and completion of the CHII community/organizational assessment process by May 31 2016 that describes disabilities aspects, needs, and assets.
  1. Completion of prioritization and planning of CHII results and use of the GRAIDS framework by May 31 2016.
  1. Use CHII results and the GRAIDS framework to develop community action plan to be submitted for NACDD approval by June 15 2016, and finalized no later than June 30 2016.
  1. Implementation of disability-related PSE change strategies at the local level that will support and sustain the abilities of community members with one or more disabilities to access healthier lifestyle choices as the easy choices in areas where they live, learn, work, play, pray, or receive care.
  1. Participation in bi-monthly technical assistance webinars with NACDD and SHD Expert Advisor on related project topics/activities beginning July 2016 and ending in May 2017.
  1. Participation in scheduled conference calls with NACDD and SHD Expert advisor as needed for the duration of the project.(This includes the bi-monthly technical assistance calls, learning webinars, progress updates, or other organizational sessions TBD).
  1. Participation in state/community site visits with NACDD during project period (exact date TBD).
  1. Participation in quarterly progress monitoring for NACDD for the anticipated months of March 2016, June 2016, September 2016, December 2016, March 2017, and May 2017.
  1. Completion of at least one project success story using NACDDs What’s Working Database platform.
  1. APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

CDC D&H State Program Partnerapplications for this RFA include completion of the required “DHC RFA Application Form,” as well as the two required letters of commitment from each identified local partner communityand a draft budget for the CDC D&H State Program Partner and the two local communities (total of three budget documents).

The DHC RFA Application Form will consist of a writable Word document with scoring sections, and will include designated space on the cover page(s) to identify the names and contact information of the state Expert Advisor, CDC D&H State Program Partner Fiscal Agent, and the names of the identified local communities, including Lead and Partner Coaches and Fiscal Agents for each community. The application form cannot exceed a combined 10 pages, and must be typed using Calibri size 11 font.

  • The two required letters of commitment do not count towards the page limit.
  • The cover page(s) identifying the names of the state Expert Advisor, state Fiscal Agent, and the names of the identified local communities, including Lead/Partner Coaches and Fiscal Agents do not count towards the page limit.
  • The signature sheet does not count towards the page limit.
  • The three draft budgets do not count towards the page limit.
  • If the State Chronic Disease Director does NOT directly supervise the state Expert Advisor and/or the state’s D&H Program, then the applicant state Expert Advisor must inform the SHD State Chronic Disease Director of the application and the application form must be signed by the direct supervisor of the state Expert Advisor, with acknowledgement that the SHD Chronic Disease Director has been informed.
  • If the State Chronic Disease Director DOES provide direct superviosion to the SHD Expert Advisor and/or the State’s D&H Program, then the State Chronic Disease Director must sign the application form.
  • Applications not using the appropriate form, or applications without all sections completed, will not be reviewed.

The two letters of commitment must be signed by both the Lead and Partner Coaches, as well as must be written on the representative agency letterhead of the Lead Coach, indicating full commitment and participation in all project processes and activities, in collaboration with the state Expert Advisor and NACDD.

  • As part of the application process, each application must have a letter of commitment from each of the two proposed local community partners and must be signed by each of the prospective Lead and Partner Coaches on the Lead Coach’s agency letterhead, demonstrating state-local support of all aspects of the project.
  • Commitments to the following actions must be represented in the accompanying letter of commitment from each community:
  • Commitment to collaborate with the state Expert Advisor through all project phases (Section B above);
  • Commitment to accomplish stated project deliverables (Section D above) and timeline (Section C above and Appendix A) with state Expert Advisor;
  • Agreement to execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the local community and the CDC D&H State Program Partner within the first two months of the project, to be signed by the state Expert Advisor, Lead and Partner coaches, and local fiscal agent. This MOU must be sent electronically to Karma Edwards of NACDD once fully executed.
  • Failure to submit both communities’ letters of commitment with Lead and Partner Coach signatures results in an incomplete application that will not be reviewed.

A draft budget must be submitted by the applicant CDC D&H State Program Partner and the two local communities, reflecting the award amounts of $18,200 and $22,800, respectively. (Please refer to Section B, page 2 above for details pertaining to required travel and required travel funds).

  • The draft budget can be represented in either Word or Excel format, and can be a high-level estimate of use of project funds and/or expenses.
  • Per NACDD policy, there is an indirect cap percentage rate of 20%.
  • NACDD reserves the right to negotiate budget drafts within the first 45 days of notification for selected CDC D&H State Program Partners and communities.

In one email message, please attach the following and send via email to Karma Edwards, NACDD Disabilities and Healthy Communities Project Lead, by 11:59 pm ET on December 7, 2015 to :

  • One PDF document consisting of the Disabilities and Healthy Communities RFA Application Form, the two letters of commitment, and the three draft budget documents (as described above).

Please use the following subject linefor your message:

  • DHC 2015(insert name of state in ALL CAPS) Expert AdvisorRFA
  • Example: DHC 2015 UTAH Expert Advisor RFA

All applications sent by the deadline will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application by NACDD. Applications submitted after 11:59 pm ET on December 7, 2015 will not be reviewed.

  1. SELECTION PROCESS

CDC D&H State Program Partner applicants must be able to demonstrate how they will support the disability inclusion Healthy Communityefforts with its two identified local communities, and provide state-based technical assistance throughout each of the five phases of the project. The state Expert Advisor will ensure disability inclusion PSE foci among Lead and Partner Community Coaches and their respective community coalitions as a method of augmenting communities’ current and past efforts of making healthy choices the easy choices in areas where all people live, learn, work, play, pray, and receive care. The state Expert Advisor must also affirm that he/she will be able to carry out the expected activities as described in Section E above, and throughout the RFA.If the State Chronic Disease Director does NOT directly supervise the state Expert Advisor and/or the state’s D&H Program, then the applicant state Expert Advisor must inform the State Chronic Disease Director of the application and the application form must be signed by the direct supervisor of the State Expert Advisor, with acknowledgement that the State Chronic Disease Director has been informed.

Local community partners identified in the CDC D&H State Program Partner’s application will demonstrate past or current evidence of coalition development and mobilization, disability representation (Lead or Partner Coach, or active community coalition member), and success with PSE achievement, whether through Healthy Communities, related, or other efforts. A total of two letters of commitment (one from each partnering community) must be submitted as attachments to the application on the Lead Coach’s agency letterhead and signed by each representative Lead and Partner Coach.