*****FOR INTERNAL AHS APPLICANTS ONLY*****

Call for Applications

COMMUNITY INNOVATION GRANT INITIATIVE

for People Affected by Dementia

A Person-Centred Approach

(the “Initiative”)

Call for Application Number:

AHS-2016-2076

ISSUED: July07, 2016

RESPONSE DEADLINE: 2:00:59PM MDT, August 4, 2016

  1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction and Background

Person-centred care is a philosophy that recognizes that individuals have unique values, personal history and personality, and that each person has an equal right to dignity, respect, and to participate fully in their physical and social environments. This approach acknowledges that persons living with dementia maintain strengths and abilities throughout the progression of the illness to both communicate preferences and emotions, to engage with others and to participate in activities they enjoy. People living with dementia experience optimal quality of life in an environment that is appropriately adapted to support those strengths and abilities, and responds as holistically as possible to the unique social, psychological, physical and environmental needs of the individual and their families.

Increasing knowledge and capacity to provide person-centred services for Albertans impacted by dementia (including people living with dementia and their family caregivers) is a key priority of the Alberta Health Services (AHS)Seniors’ Health Strategic Clinical Network). The Senior’s Health Strategic Clinical Network is looking to support innovation in person-centred dementia services for people who live independently in the community or in a Continuing Care setting.

By this Call for Applications, AHS is seeking applications (“Applications”) from programs within AHS (the “Applicants”) whose proposed programs or projects (“Proposed Projects”) meet the purpose and objectives of “Person-Centred Dementia Care Services” as described in the Project Objectives in Section 2 of this document.

This Call for Applications is also being issued externally but it is not being issued as part of a competitive procurement process and is not subject to any trade agreements or public procurement laws given that it is a procurement for health or social services and is otherwise exempt from applicable trade agreements as a result of being a legitimate objective.

Applicants will have the option to submit an Application for funding up to twelve (12) months.Applications should clearly identify the activities to be completed over the entire funding term. Subject to this Call for Applications, AHS is willing to fund initiatives that meet program budget criteria set out herein between a minimum amount of $25,000.00 and up to a maximum of $75,000.00. Applications must address and directly benefit AHS requirements as detailed in this Call for Applications.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

This Call for Applications is open to programs within AHS.

As noted above, in conjunction with this internal call AHS is also issuing a public call to interested and eligible community based organizations, recreation or arts and cultural organizations, continuing care and continuing care service providers, private, not for profit and for profit organizations and residential care providers. The internal Call for Applications is to run in accordance with applicable AHS policies and procedures but evaluated using the same criteria as set out in the external Call for Applications.

Application Timeline

The following tentative timetable shall apply to this Call for Application process:

Issue Date of Call for Applications / July 7, 2016
Applicant’s Deadline for Questions / July 26, 2016
AHS’ Deadline to Issue Responses to Questions / July 29, 2016
Submission Deadline for Applications / 2:00:59 PM MDTAugust 04, 2016
Notification to successful and unsuccessful Applicants / Week of September 19 to 23, 2016
Start Date / October1, 2016 (Tentative)

The above timelines are subject to change at the sole discretion of AHS and AHS mayat any time prior to the occurrence of a date or expiry of a particular deadline noted above, amend or extend such date or deadline, as applicable, for a reasonable amount of time. In the event a change is made to any of the above dates (a) prior to the Submission Deadline for Applications, AHS will post such change on the AHS Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) website or (b) after the Submission Deadline for Applications, AHS will notify Applicants in a timely matter of any such changes to or extensions to dates or deadlines via a reliable notification system (e.g., fax, e-mail with receipt confirmation, registered mail, etc.).

Where a change is made to extend any particular deadline or date above, all other deadlines and dates which follow thereafter will be deemed to have been extended by the same amount of time.

Submission of Applications

The Submission Deadline for Applications is 2:00:59 PM MDTon Thursday, August 4, 2016.The hard copy original submissions will be considered the official application.

Completed Application forms must be submitted in hardcopy form and electronic formas follows:

  1. One (1) hardcopy of the completed Application and other supporting documentation in a sealed envelope with the following information clearly visible on the envelope:
  • the Call for Application title and number (see cover);
  • the full name of the AHS individual or program andthe return address of the Applicant; and
  • the Application Submission Deadline date and time.

The Application must contain the following sections:

  • Schedule A: Proposed Project Approach Worksheet;
  • Schedule B: Work Plan Template;and
  • Schedule C: Budget Forecast.;
  1. One (1) electronic copy of the completed Application and other supporting documentation submitted on a compact disc (CD) or USB data stick (not DVD) marked with:
  • the Call for Application title and number (see cover); and
  • the full name of the AHS individual or program and the return address of the Applicant.

Applications must be submitted to AHS at the following address:

Alberta Health Services

Contracting, Procurement and Supply Management

Southport Tower 10301 – Southport LaneSW

Calgary, AB T2W 1S7

Attention: Carlos Herrera

In order to be accepted as properly submitted and be eligible for review, Applications must be received at the mailroom orreception desklocated on the main floor in the building indicated above by the Submission Deadline for Applications.

Applicants should limit their responses to the length mentioned on each section; any additional information beyond those limits may not be considered or evaluated.

Applications which, at the Submission Deadline, are received at any other building other than the address indicated above will be considered late. AHS recommends that Applicantsensure that sufficient time is set aside and all proper steps are taken to ensure Applications are received at the right location well in advance of the Submission Deadline.

AHS suggests that the hardcopy of the Application be sent via courier to ensure delivery and written confirmation of sent and received.In this respect, Applicants should be aware of the possibility of a Canada Post mail/service disruption.

Communication & Questions and Amendments to Call for Applications

Applicants may askquestions or seek additional information, by email (with the Call for Application number and description in the subject line) on or before the Applicant’s Deadline for Questions July 27, 2016. AHS shall make a reasonable effort to provide written responses to prospective Applicants’ questions within three(3) business days (excluding weekends and statutory holidays) of receipt of a question.

AHS will communicate all such questions and responses in writing to all prospective Applicants. including external Applicants, provided that the identity of the prospective Applicant submitting a question shall not be disclosed by AHS. AHS reserves the right tonot answer questions that do not pertain directly to the subject matter of this Call for Applications.

Questions can be directed to:

Attn: Carlos Herrera

Contract Coordinator, Addiction and Mental Health Contracts

Contracting, Procurement & Supply Management

Alberta Health Services

This Call for Applications may be amended by an addendum. If AHS, for any reason, determines that it is necessary to amend or provide additional information relating to this Call for Applications, such information will be communicated to all prospective Applicants by written addenda, which will be posted on the AHS Seniors Health SCN website. Each addendum shall form an integral part of this Call for Applications.

AHS shall post the answers to Applicants’ questions on the AHS Seniors Health SCN website. It will be the responsibility of Applicants to regularly check the AHS Seniors Health SCN website for updates to this Call for Applications. AHS will not be advising Applicants when new postings are added to the website.

It is each Applicant’s responsibility to avail itself of all the necessary information to prepare an Application in response to this Call for Applications.

2. Project Objectives

1.1

2.1Purpose & Objectives of the Community Innovation Grant for People Affected by Dementia

The purpose of this Initiative is to provide an opportunity to increase capacity within organizations and/or programs to develop innovative approaches to person-centred services for Albertans impacted by dementia.

This Initiative provides funding to support community and health service providers to develop and implement innovative projects and/or introduce or build on new and creative approaches to person-centred dementia services in Alberta.

Objectives of the Initiative include:

  • increasingcommunity and social engagementfor Albertans impacted by dementia;
  • improving quality of life by reducing stigma for Albertans impacted by dementia;
  • buildingon best and promising practices in person-centred dementia services;
  • supportingthe development of partnerships among service providers in the community and health sectors;and
  • encouragingparticipation of a broad range of community and health sector service providers across Alberta (including in rural, regional and large urban areas) to develop innovative person-centred services. (Note that geographic distribution of successful projects will be considered, to help ensure representation from rural and regionally-based applications, as well as urban.)

2.2Scope of Work

2.2.1Project Considerations

Applicants’ proposed projects(a “Proposed Project”) should meet the following project considerations:

  • describe clear and measurable goals and objectives (see Section 2.1 - Project Objectives);
  • describe how the Proposed Project supports the principles of a person-centred approach to service provision;
  • demonstrate a clear understanding of the subpopulation of people impacted by dementia to be served (e.g. early or late stage, early onset, family caregivers);
  • demonstrate how the Proposed Project is informed by promising practices and evidence regarding person- centred dementia services;
  • describe how the Proposed Project will demonstrate linkages and/or collaboration between services or partner organizations;
  • dutline how the results of the initiative wouldcarry on after the funding contemplated hereunder is completed; and
  • describe how results will be shared and identify if the initiative can potentially be implemented elsewhere.

2.2.2Priority Areas

Important: The Application must addressall threeof the priority areas below.

  1. The Proposed Project mustdemonstrate that the service isdesigned, implemented and evaluated collaboratively with people affected by dementia. (As an example, a useful methodology might be Experience-Based Co-Design
  2. The Proposed Project mustdemonstrate how it will support meaningful engagement and participation of people impacted by dementia in their communities to increase socialinclusion, integration, and address stigma.
  3. The Proposed Project mustenhance the ongoing ability of services to support one or more of the following areas:

a)responding to social or emotional needs of individuals and families affected by dementia;

b)providing opportunities for physical activity and recreation (may also include arts and cultural opportunities, among others);

c)developingsupports that provide respite (some practicalexamples include support such as shopping, transportation, housework, physical needs, short periods of time out, help at night, getting to appointments); and/or

d)supportingfamilies to plan in more difficult times and to look ahead and plan for future.

3. Funding Rules(“Funding Rules”)

All funding awards with selected Applicants are subject to AHS policies and procedures and the Applicant confirming compliance with the Funding Rules provided to the Applicant. If an Applicant is selected and confirms compliance with the Funding Rules funding is expected to commence on or about October1, 2016. Funds will not be released as a one-time lump sum. Release of funds will be staggered throughout the term with 90% of the total funds to be released when Funding Rules are confirmed and the final 10% to be released after the final report (as described in Section 5 below) has been received.

In the event a selected Applicant does not confirm their acceptance of the Funding Rules AHS reserves the right to disqualify the Applicant and adjust all rankings accordingly such that an Application (including an external Application) which was initially ranked insufficiently high to obtain an award may become eligible for an award.

AHS reserves the right to select more than one Applicant and it may select Applicants internal and external to AHS.

4. Evaluation Criteria

The Application will be evaluated based on the criteria listed in the table below. Certain sections of the Application will be weighted more heavily than others.

Criteria / Question Weight / Section Weight / Overall Weight
  1. Organizational Description (up to maximum length)
-General description of organizational capabilities experience / 5% / 5% / 85%
  1. Description of the Proposed Project to include:
Purpose, Goals and Objectives
  • Describes clear and measurable goals and objectives (see Project Objectives section of this document).
  • Target population
  • Describes a clear understanding of the subpopulation of people impacted by dementia to be served (e.g. early or late stage, early onset, family caregivers etc.).
  • Proposed timeline
  • Setting
/ 10% / 36%
Alignment with Initiative purpose and objectives (See Section 2.1)
  • Demonstrate how the Proposed Project is informed by promising practices and evidence regarding person-centred approaches to service provision.
/ 8%
Describe how the Proposed Project supports the principles of a person-centred approach to service provision / 8%
Describe how the Proposed Project will demonstrate linkages and/or collaboration between services or partner organizations / 10%
  1. Alignment with the Three Priority Areas:
3.1.The Proposed Project should demonstrate that the service was designed, implemented and evaluated collaboratively with people affected by dementia. / 8% / 24%
3.2.The Proposed Project must demonstrate how it will support meaningful engagement and participation of people impacted by dementia in their communities to increase social inclusion and integration, and address stigma. / 8%
3.3.Proposed Projects should enhance the ongoing ability of services to support one or more of the following areas:
a)Responding to social or emotional needs of individuals and families affected by dementia;
b)Providing opportunities for physical activity and recreation;
c)Developing supports that provide respite (some practical examples include support such as shopping, transportation, housework, physical needs, short periods of time out, help at night, getting to appointments); and/or
d)Supporting families to plan in more difficult times and to look ahead and plan for future / 8%
  1. Project Evaluation, Sustainability and Spreadability
/ 20% / 20%
Total (Sections I, II, III and IV representing 85% of total Scoring) / 100%
  1. Budget
/ 100% / 15% / 15%
Total (Section V. representing 15% of total scoring) / 100%
Overall Total Percentage / 100%

The evaluation of Applications will be conducted on the basis of the members of acommittee(the “Evaluation Committee”) arriving at a consensus. The Evaluation Committee will include cross sector representation and will include external consultants and advisors to AHS. AHS members on the Evaluation Committee will not evaluate internal proposals. Note that this Evaluation Committee (with the AHS members) will also be evaluating the external Applications

Applications that are reviewed and evaluated will receive a score based on the criteria and weighting indicated above.Scoring and geographical distribution of applications will be considered by the Evaluation Committee, and decisions will be made by consensus. As such, all else being relatively equal following scoring by the Evaluation Committee, consideration will be given to geographic distribution of award through this consensus process.

The number of funding awards and service arrangements will be subject to AHS’s budget forecast.

Specifically, AHS is willing to fund initiatives that meet program budget criteria between a minimum amount of $25,000.00 and up to a maximum of $75,000.00. Applications must address and directly benefit AHS requirements as detailed in this Call for Applications.

Projects will not receive funding to cover rent, utilities, physical renovations to space, staff replacement costs, equipment purchases, clinical time for physicians or other health care professional fees.

AHS makes no representation or guarantee regarding the minimum number of Applicants who will be selected.

5. Reporting

Successful Applicants who are selected and who have agreed to the Funding Rules will be required to monitor the performance of their person-centred dementia servicesProject throughout the term of the Project. Monthly updates and midpoint and final reports will be submitted. Midpoint and concluding interviews will be held with members of the AHS steering committee for the Initiative. Standardized reporting templates will be provided to successful Applicants for monthly updates, midpoint and final reporting purposes.

Frequency of updates will be determined by AHS.

6. Legal Matters

Submissions Property of AHS

All eligible Applications which are reviewed by AHS, including any accompanying documentation submitted by any Applicants, shall become the property of AHS and shall not be returned to the Applicants.

General Rights of AHS

In addition to any other express rights or any other rights which may be implied in the circumstances, AHS reserves the right to:

(a)make public the names of any or all Applicants;

(b)request written clarification or the submission of supplementary written information from any Applicant;

(c)waive formalities and accept Applications which substantially comply with the requirements of this Call for Applications;

(d)verify with any Applicant or with a third party any information set out in an Application including rejecting any Applicant statement, claim or representation if such statement, claim or representation is patently unwarranted or is questionable;

(e)disqualify any Applicant whose Application contains misrepresentations or any other inaccurate or misleading information;