STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES Peter H. O’Meara COMMISSIONER

M. JODI RELL GOVERNOR

Kathryn du Pree DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

TO:

Private Providers

FROM:

Chris Rich, Assistant Regional Director Private Administration – South Region

DATE:

November 1, 2007 - Answers to Questions

RFP Questions to RFP Issued 10/12/07 (revised 10/15/07) Question: What is a more precise geographical area in which the residence needs to be? Answer:

We would probably like the home to be in the greater New London area ~ at least a reasonable commute to New London. Question:

Are day programs needed and if not, where is each individual attending or is there an RFP for day programs forthcoming? Answer:

Day programs will be decided on an individual basis. Individuals may have a day program that they will continue in or may want to take their funding and purchase a program that would be more convenient to their new residential setting if needed. If they do not have a program, they will have funding to purchase one and may “shop” for the program of their choice. There will not be a day RFP issued. Question:

I understand that you have to be on the DDS approved vendor list in order to respond to an RFP, however, do you need to have a specific designation of supports or services? Answer:

You may respond to RFP’s as long as you are on the DDS approved vendor list. You do not have to have any specific designation. Question:

Is the funding outlined in the RFP strictly service dollars? Answer:

It is amount of funding available to cover the agency’s cost for providing the supports and services to the individuals. It does not include housing costs.

Phone: Voice 860 418-6000 TDD 860 418-6079 460 Capitol Avenue . Hartford, Connecticut 06106 An Equal Opportunity Employer

Question:

Does the RFP need to identify the location of the home? Does housing need to be discussed at all? Answer:

The location of the home does not need to be discussed. When the RFP is awarded, it is expected that the agency will begin to look for appropriate housing within the geographical area described in the RFP. However, the type of housing or type of location (urban/rural) may need to be discussed as it relates programmatically to providing services for the individuals outlined in the RFP. Question:

When are housing issued addressed? Answer:

DDS South Region will provide direction and support regarding obtaining appropriate housing to the agency that is awarded the RFP. Question:

The RFP requires that the Operational Plan format be used to present the budget. Where can you find this format? Answer: The format for the Operational Report is found on the DDS web site. Go to www.ct.gov/DDS, on the right side click on “For Providers”, scroll down the list to “Operational Report”. Question:

Where can you obtain the Regional Protocol for Selection of Private Providers? Answer:

Unfortunately, the link for this on our web site is under construction. If you would like a copy you can request it through Karen Sticklin. Her e-mail and phone number are noted in the RFP under “Client Information”. Make a specific request for the Protocol and leave your address and one will be mailed to you.

SUBJECT:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Department of Developmental Services wishes to announce a request for proposals for the development of a residential program for three men. We are seeking creative proposals to develop shared support services for these three individuals that does not necessarily require all of them to share the same living space. This residential program needs to be located in the southeastern part of the state. Proposals should include specific services to meet individual needs. These individuals currently have DDS funding. Support plans should be creative, realistic, and demonstrate best use of available resources in addressing the needs of these individuals. Providers need to adhere to all DDS policies and procedures. Funding is limited; therefore, budgets must be cost effective in their design. Client Information Packets will be available only to DDS approved Vendors. If you are not an approved vendor, you may contact Peter Mason at 860-418-6077 for application information. If you would like to receive information packets, the request should be made to the contact listed below: Karen Sticklin at (203) 294-5147 or [email protected]

Informational Questions Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to the South Region Resource Administrator by October 26, 2007. No questions will be taken after this date. All questions and answers will be posted as a written amendment to the RFP by October 31, 2007. Questions should be directed to the Regional Resource Administrator: Jeannine Pettinico at (203) 294-5149 or [email protected]

Funding Available • • •

Budgets must be cost effective and providers will need to be creative in the development of their plans to support these individuals. Funding will be available when supports begin. Annualized funding available to support this development is $449,193 (note amount change).

Proposal Requirements Submit one original and five (5) copies of the proposal Proposal Contents

Proposal should include a descriptive narrative and detailed budget that must include all expenses related to staffing, benefits, supplies, and Administrative and General Support. 1.

Statement of Intent/Project Summary: •

2.

List the individuals proposed to serve and any special consideration. Organization including:

• • •

• • 3.

Mission statement or philosophy of organization Provider’s experience and qualifications that directly impact the ability to provide the desired service Letters of support or references from current or past entities for which the provider has conducted similar projects and a minimum of three phone numbers and addresses of individuals who can be contacted to provide information on the provider’s experience Table of organization or current structure Board composition that includes their profession, parent of a disabled child, etc. Detail Design including:

• • • • • • 4.

Description of services to be provided, at minimum: residential, behavioral, nursing, leisure, and recreational Clinical support and service delivery. Specific information relating to the personnel to be assigned to the project including job descriptions of program managers and supervisors. Use of community resources Plans to meet the needs of individuals and their families Staffing Patterns for all shifts Implementation plan detailing and demonstrating an understanding of its impact on the individuals and families. Please include time frames. Financial

• • • •

A detailed budget that shows estimated annual operational costs including all service costs and room and board costs. Please provide a breakdown of all costs by A & G, salary, benefits, non- salary, etc. Use Operational Plan format to present your budget. Evidence to support maintenance of efficient and effective financial management systems Evidence of sufficient capital to operate

Selection Process The Selection process will involve a review of the proposals by persons who represent the interests of the individuals, as well as, regional staff. Once all proposals have been reviewed, recommendations for award selection will be forwarded to the Regional Director for final approval. Proposals may be used as the basis for negotiations. Please refer to the Regional Protocol for Selection of Private Providers for additional information.

Proposals are to be submitted to: DSS South Region: Jeannine R. Pettinico, 104 South Turnpike Rd., Wallingford, CT 06492, Phone: (203)-294-5149 Time Frame October 12th, 2007

RFP posted on DAS contract portal and DDS Web site.

October 26th, 2007

Last day to submit questions about the RFP

October 31st, 2007

Questions and answers posted

November 26th, 2007

Proposals due in DDS South Region by 4:30 p.m.

November 27 December 14, 2007

Proposals evaluated. Recommendation for award shared with Regional Director.

December 21st, 2007

Project awarded. Residential placement to occur by 5/1/08.