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NOFAs (Notice of Funds Available) (2)

GCDD Announces New NoFA for Program Evaluation Consultant

23ADM1:  Program Evaluation Consultant

The purpose of this Notice of Funds Available (NoFA) is to solicit proposal from a Program Evaluation Consultant who will work to construct and execute a plan for both process and outcome evaluation across all GCDD activities. The consultant will assist GCDD in ensuring the agency is measuring impact in a way that is meaningful for our consumers and useful for Federal accountability.

Grant amount is $50,000. Applications for this grant are due by February 1, 2023. This notice was posted on December 1, 2022. The start date is March 1, 2023 and the end date is October 31, 2023.

Scope of Work

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting proposals from program evaluation firms and professionals to provide support to the organization members and staff as it relates to programmatic process and outcome evaluation. This will be an 8-month contract, eligible to renewed on an annual basis based on performance and agreement among staff and members that evaluation support is still required.

The Consultant will perform the services and responsibilities as outlined below:

  1. Develop a comprehensive evaluation plan that identifies annual process and outcome evaluation activities across all GCDD programs that provides meaningful data to both the consumer (people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families) and our Federal partners. Activities might include:
    1. Describing the programs and processes to be evaluated and developing the evaluation focus
    2. Identifying and collaborating with stakeholders
    3. Selecting models, methods or designs to support the evaluation that uses best practices found in the relevant literature
    4. Devising Data Collection Strategies to Support the Evaluation Questions and Design
    5. Emphasizing evaluation techniques that can be implemented “in-house” (by current GCDD staff) as well as evaluation techniques that may require outside contracting
    6. Ensuring the final evaluation plan is actionable and replicable
  2. Execute the developed evaluation plan by evaluating the process and outcomes of GCDD’s current projects. The evaluation of projects should consist of the minimum:
    1. Assisting the projects in improving their operations
    2. Assisting GCDD staff and Council members in determining the success of current projects and making decisions on how best to proceed with future project decisions
    3. Involving community members who are participating or have participated in the projects
    4. Assessing the projects’ processes, specifically how they are implementing the program
    5. Assessing the projects’ outcomes 

Restrictions on Communication

All questions about this NoFA must be submitted in the following format: Organization/Individual Name 1. Question Citation of relevant section of the NoFA 2. Question Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Questions must be directed in writing to the Operations & Contracts Director (OCD) Lisa Eaves at:

Questions must include the company name and the referenced NoFA section. From the issue date of this NoFA until a contractor is selected and the selection is announced, Applicants are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any State staff except through the OCD, or during the Applicants' conference, or as provided by existing work agreement(s). The State reserves the right to reject the proposal of any Applicant violating this provision. 

All questions concerning this NoFA must be submitted in writing by email to . Only written questions will be accepted (No phone calls please). No response other than written will be binding upon the State. All questions and answers will be responded to via email within 3 business days. Questions and answers will also be posted to the GCDD website: www.gcdd.org.


The DD Council

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is one of 56 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) makes funds available to fulfill its mission in accordance with its Five-Year Strategic Plan (pdf file) and in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Through its funding, GCDD works to increase the capacities and resources of public and private nonprofit entities and others to develop a comprehensive community system that responds to the choices, capabilities and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The purpose of GCDD grants is to expand best practices and contribute to system-wide changes that support the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their full inclusion as community members. Recipients of GCDD grants are expected to be ongoing partners in bringing about positive change.


Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various federally mandated partners and state agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.

GCDD is charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity, and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, project demonstrations, education and training, advocacy, and public information. The GCDD is a quasi-state agency, attached to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) for administrative purposes.

Schedule of Events

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule: 

  • Applications Due – February 1, 2023
  • Staff Application Review – February 3, 2023 – February 5, 2023 
  • Grants Selection Committee Review – February 5, 2023 – February 17, 2023 
  • Contract Negotiations and Signed Contracts – February 20, 2023 – February 28, 2023 
  • Start Date/Work Begins – March 1, 2023

APPLY AT: https://www.ddsuite.org/?nofa_id=2018

23ADM1 Evaluation Consultant NOFA Q&A

  1. Under the Scope of Work- Request for Proposals, the scope of work states that designing an evaluation plan is a deliverable. However, under the Application Submission & Evaluation section, one of the questions for criteria used includes this question: Does the evaluation plan satisfactorily describe both process and outcomes evaluation approaches?
    Is it expected that the proposal includes an evaluation plan or an estimate of what developing the plan in partnership with the GA Council would cost?

    It is not expected that the proposal would include a fully developed evaluation plan. The proposal would primarily serve as an overview of the work the grantee would propose doing, what the activities, outcomes, and overall timeline would look like, and how much that would cost. We will be looking to the experts in this area to help us best develop an evaluation plan and would like proposals to help us assess how someone might go about that work.

  2. Under Specifications, who is providing the $12, 500 match or is the consultant expected to contribute to the match requirement?

    The match is provided via the consultant; however, that match can be comprised of staff time, rent & utilities, etc.

  3. CES used a participatory approach and typically involve key stakeholders include those with lived experience. Under the Scope of Work- Request for Proposals - #2 Execute the developed evaluation plan, it is mentioned:  2. Assisting GCDD staff and Council members in determining the success of current projects and making decisions on how best to proceed with future project decisions; and 3: Involving community members who are participating or have participated in the projects.
    To what extent of staff, council members and people with lived experience been included in past evaluation work? Is there an internal group that would be tasked to working with the evaluation consultant?

    Work focusing on how best to evaluate the Council’s initiatives has not been conducted while I have been staff. We do have a committee of council/staff members who are focused on improving this area and would be available to work with the consultant. GCDD’s staff that would be closely involved with the ongoings of this work would be myself, Lisa, and our Executive Director D’Arcy.

  4. Application Submission and Evaluation, Financial Cost Proposal Evaluation
    According to https://www.ojp.gov/tfsc/matching_or_cost_sharing_requirements_guide_sheet_508#:~:
    text=An%20in%2Dkind%20match%20may,allowable%20under%20that%20federal%20program
    , third-party in-kind matching includes, but is not limited to, "the valuation of non-cash contributions provided by a third party. An in-kind match may be in the form of services, supplies, real property, and equipment. The value of the service may be used for the matching requirements, if the services are necessary, reasonable, and allowable under that federal program. Grantees are allowed to use unrecovered indirect costs for matching or cost sharing requirements; however, this requires prior approval of the federal awarding agency."
    I want to use the value of the service for the matching requirement, meaning I would like to  provide 100 hours of my time at $125/hour at no cost to the project - is this acceptable?

    YES, value of service is an acceptable form of match.

  5. Supporting Documents, GCCD Grant Application Process: A Guide to DD Suite.
    On page 6 of the Guide to DD Suite, in the section called PEOPLE, it states "GCDD asks that each application include no less than three (3) key individuals related to the project. This includes the Project Director, the Project Financial Officer, and the Organization Director."
    I am an independent evaluation consultant and I manage all projects and financial and administrative aspects of my company and the work. Can these three individuals be the same person (e.g. me)?

    YES. Enter your name into DD Suite for each role.

  6. Is the match something in all our RFPs? Do you have a sample budget of how a match is documented within a selected grant application?

    Cost sharing or matching means the portion of project costs not paid by Federal funds/GCDD Funds.

    Match is required by the DD Act and supported in regulations and instructions and is also a term and condition for accepting federal funds.

    There are some exceptions where matching funds are not required.

    Match Funds are required for this grant!

    What kind of things can be considered in-kind match?

    Your in-kind match may include expenses that are:
    • allowable under federal guidelines and Council policies;
    • necessary for your project;
    • not paid by federal funds (ours or those of another agency); and
    • not already being used as match for another federal grant.

    Some examples include office space, utilities, volunteer time (including members of your Project Advisory Committee), printing costs, consultants (if not paid through the grant), or staff not paid for through the grant. We do not currently provide samples of completed applications.

  7. Is there the potential for related evaluation work to carry over into next year's budget? Would that be a continuation or new grant application process?

    Funds have been approved for Fiscal-Year 2023. The next phase of the evaluation has not yet been determined. It is hoped that the selected Evaluation Consultant will assist with recommendations for the next phase. Evaluation is an important part of our 5-year strategic plan, and we anticipate that additional funds will be made available. However, the amount is to be determined. Each year between July and October the Council votes on a budget for the next year.

    Applicants must re-apply each year for continuation of funds. Renewal applicants will not have to compete for continued funding but a simplified application and work plan for the next phase of the project is expected.

  8. Is there any flexibility on the deadline?

    The original deadline was 1/3/2023. The NoFA was reposted, and the application deadline was extended to 2/1/2023. Applications receive by the deadline will be evaluated. Late applications will not be accepted. The Council may decide to repost the NoFA or extend the deadline if a qualified applicant is not selected.

    It is our hope that this project will start 3/1/2023 so that we will have a good evaluation plan in place by our next fiscal year (October 1, 2023).

  9. I noticed in the RFP that there is a match of funds for $12,500 and in your email above, line 6 and 7; can the match requirement be in labor provided in the scope of work and do we necessarily need to have match funds from a contributor. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Yes, labor can be used towards match funds. No, match does not have to come from an outside contributor. See the above responses for a more detailed description of match funds.

NOFAs (Notice of Funds Available)

Currently GCDD has two Notice of Funds Availabile (NoFA) open for applications.


GCDD Announces NoFA: The Initiative for Equity in Tech Jobs

24SC12:  The Initiative for Equity in Tech Jobs

See the complete NOFA and apply at https://www.ddsuite.org/?nofa_id=2115

Purpose 

The Initiative for Equity in Technology White Paper will generate research and environmental scans that illustrate barriers, trends, needs, national comparisons, and recommended solutions for how GCDD can increase career pipelines and employment access for African American men w/DD in the field.

Grant amount is $30,000 with $3,000 match. Applications for this grant are due by March 31, 2024. This notice was posted on January 31, 2023. 

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule:

  • Applications Due – March 31, 2024
  • Staff Application Review – April 1, 2024 – April 15, 2024
  • Grants Selection Committee Review – April 16, 2024 – May 7, 2024
  • Council Approval – By May 17, 2024
  • Contract Negotiations and Signed Contracts – May 20 – May 27, 2024
  • Start Date/Work Begins – June 1, 2024

Scope of Work

GCDD works in partnership with allies, advocates, stakeholders and communities, to ensure people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families have increased access to and benefit from equitable, quality supports and services, and healthy communities that increase self-determination and meet their needs and preferences.

GCDD’s goal is for its activities and collaborations to increase access of to education, housing, employment, and healthcare for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who are racial and ethnic minorities and/or who live in rural areas. Annually, we will strengthen capacity by investing resources in housing, employment, transportation, and healthcare projects that are sustainable and can be replicated.

GCDD intends to increase access to employment in the tech industry for African American males with developmental disabilities by 2027. The Initiative for Equity in Technology Jobs White Paper is a foundational step towards that aim and will support the collection and analysis of data that will provide the Council, Advocates, and tech industry employers with objective analysis and conclusions that promote systemic change and build capacity to improve career opportunities for African-American males w/DD in Georgia’s technology industry.

BACKGROUND:

In the current era of the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, of which President Obama said WIOA "will help workers, including workers with disabilities, access employment, education, job-driven training, and support services that give them the chance to advance their careers and secure the good jobs of the future," expertly delivered supports are still the key for successful employment. This initiative is aimed at meeting the demands of the ever-growing Tech Industry through supporting the training, employment preparation and hiring of historically marginalized young, black, neurodivergent males who are disproportionately segregated in schools, jails, services, and prisons.

Successful submissions will address:

  • Collaborating with technology focused companies, inclusive training curriculum developers and other thought leaders in the technology employee recruitment to address spaces where African American males with developmental disabilities have low representation and/or opportunities.
  • Identifying existing inclusive technology career recruitment pipeline programs.
  • Developing or implementing an existing training and technical assistance approach to support tech industry employers in educating, recruiting, hiring, supporting, retaining, and advancing African American males with developmental disabilities.
  • Evaluating the sustainability of existing best practices for the Georgia job market

Potential activities include:

  • Partnering with employers and other placement entities committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and support the process of ensuring identified job seekers receive consideration.
  • Implement robust tech job preparatory training for identified participants using inclusive universal design for learning strategies and supports

Expected Outcomes

  • Detailed summary of activity results along with clear, action-oriented recommendations regarding pipeline creation, inclusive education, and employer supports that the Council can act on during the current 5-year plan.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Experience managing tech or equity initiatives.
  • Capacity for reaching potential employees and employers.

Performance Measures to include:

Output Measures:

IFA 1.1 - The number of people with developmental disabilities who participated in Council supported activities designed to increase their knowledge of how to take part in decisions that affect their lives, the lives of others, and/or systems

IFA 1.2 - The number of family members who participated in Council supported in activities designed to increase their knowledge of how to take part in decisions that affect the family, the lives of others, and/or systems

Policy and/or Procedure Changes:

SC 1.3.1- The number of promising practices created

SC 2.1.3 - The number of promising and/or best practices improved as a result of systems change activities

Proposal Requirements:

The white paper should include, but it’s not limited to

(1) public input from people with developmental disabilities and their families,

(2) input from relevant tech industry employers and inclusive employment organizations,

(3) an analysis of current technology career pipeline systems, and inclusive education, resources, supports and services available in Georgia including the differences among African-American men w/DD and their white counterparts,

(4) an analysis of trends in disparity by race/ethnic city and socio-economic status,

(5) any challenges and barriers that might exist for African-American men w/DD in accessing careers in the technology field,

(6) a review of best practices from other states, emphasizing states in the Southeast,

(7) clear, action- oriented recommendations regarding pipeline creation, inclusive education, and employer supports that the Council can act on during the current 5-year plan.

The grantee is ultimately responsible for detailing their plans for successful implementation and completion of the Diversity in Technology white paper; however, some activities that should be included in the work plan include:

1. Develop a questionnaire and/or survey to interview African American participants with developmental disabilities and their families. Some combination of survey methods and focus group methods should be considered. These tools will be used to identify participants' needs and issues related to access to careers in technology.

2. Develop a questionnaire and/or survey to interview participants who have insight into technology career opportunities available to people with developmental disabilities and the availability of or barriers to accessing technology. Some combination of survey methods and focus group methods should be considered. These tools will be used to identify the participants' perspective on the topic area.

3. Identify and recruit African American men with developmental disabilities and their families to participate in the project. Justify the number of participants, assuring it is sufficient to fully represent the issue. Participants must represent urban, suburban, and rural areas of Georgia and mirror the socio-economic strata of the community.

4. Identify and analyze technology companies in Georgia that currently have inclusive career pipeline programs in place that address or are impacted by disparities in candidate diversity and if these types of resources are missing.

5. Compile, review and analyze accessible, plain language technology trainings and career pipeline issues identified by African American men with developmental disabilities and their families and if these resources are missing.

6. Review best practices of corporations, technology educational institutions, NGOs in other states, including state councils, for addressing barriers to technology careers for African American men with developmental disabilities and identify them to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

7. Deliver a final report to the Council that includes the information listed above.

Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in research, human resources or related field required; master’s degree preferred
  • Extensive and proven experience in field of technology or human resource diversity program development
  • Knowledgeable in various research and testing methodologies
  • Experience using statistical analysis software
  • Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite
  • Always performs objective and ethical research
  • Effective communicator, both orally and written

Application Submission & Evaluation

The Applicant must submit a complete application in DD Suite which includes a Project Outline, a Project Work Plan and a Project Budget.

Applications must be submitted online via https://www.ddsuite.org, prior to the published deadline. No hard copies will be accepted. Applicants must have or create a DD Suite user account and an organization account in order to submit an application. Go to https://www.ddsuite.org and click on "HELP TAB" for detailed instructions on creating DD Suite user and organization accounts. (See complete application process and Guide to DD Suite)

Additional Submission Requirements:

1) Upload of copy of the Federal W-9 

2) Two written professional references who can speak to your qualifications and experience. 

3) 2 sample work products related to this proposal 

Each proposal should be prepared simply and economically, avoiding the use of elaborate promotional materials (unless materials have been requested) beyond those sufficient to provide a complete presentation. If supplemental materials are a necessary part of the proposal, the Applicant should reference these materials in the technical proposal, identifying the document(s) and citing the appropriate section and page(s) to be reviewed.

Any proposal received after the due date and time will not be evaluated.

Evaluation Process

The evaluation of proposals received on or before the due date and time will be conducted in the following phases. Any proposal received after the due date and time will not be evaluated.

Administrative Review

The Operations & Contracts Director will screen each proposal. The screening will consist of:

(1) determining if the Applicant is eligible to receive Council funds including determining if the Applicant meets eligibility requirements and is registered to do business in Georgia;

(2) the budget is within the funding limits and includes the required match;

(3) the application is complete and all sections in DD Suite have responses; and,

(4) the required forms are attached.

DD Suite will issue an automatic reply acknowledging receipt of your proposal immediately after successful submission.

There will be no debriefing for applicants who are not selected. All applicants who respond to this NOFA will be notified of the outcome of their application (awarded, application modifications requested, or denied) by email through DD Suite.

Proposal Evaluation

The GCDD Chairperson will appoint a selection committee and may consider individuals other than Council member or advisory members. No one may evaluate proposals in which there is, or there is an appearance of, a conflict of interest. They will recuse themselves from all parts of the grant evaluation and award process.

The Selection Committee may meet twice within 30 days of proposal due date. Before the first meeting, staff will send proposals and the Solicitation Evaluation Form. The first meeting may be either in person or virtual and members will review, rank, and narrow down proposals to the top 2 or 3 for consideration as finalist. Staff will collect and file all completed Solicitation Evaluation Forms.

Using the Solicitation Evaluation Form, members will identify the most critical factors contributing to the value or success of the proposed solutions to the issues identified. Among the criteria used are the following:

1. Does the outline clearly state goals and major activities?
2. Is applicant qualified or experienced to complete the goals and activities?
3. Does the application satisfactorily describe the impact of activities of the project will have on people with developmental disabilities?
4. Is each required goal and outcome addressed? Are the goals and outcomes satisfactory?
5. Does the application adequately describe who will be responsible for each activity and a timeframe for completion?
6. Is the proposed budget consistent with the goals and activities identified in the project?
7. Does the budget justification for each item include how amounts were determined?
8. Does the evaluation plan satisfactorily describe both process and outcomes evaluation approaches?

The criteria are scored by each member of the selection team and a proposal is eligible to receive a maximum of 1000 points. Each criteria is rated either Exceptional (receives full points), Acceptable (receives half points), Not Acceptable (Receives no points). For example, if the criterion Organizational Ability has a maximum points value of 75. An Exceptional Rating gets 75 points, Acceptable gets 37.5 and Not Acceptable gets 0. If there is more than one proposal, only those that have a score of at least 700 (70% ) will have their applications forwarded to the Council’s Grants Selection Committee.

Oral Presentations

GCDD reserves the right to conduct site visits or to invite Applicants to present their proposals between April 1 to April 11, 2024 at 2Sloppy Floyd Building, West Tower, 200 Piedmont Avenue SE, Suite 426, 4th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30334 or by video conference (Zoom) virtually during this time.

Financial (Cost) Proposal Evaluation

The Successful Applicant submit a proposed budget for this initiative. The Financial Proposal will provide a 10% match (in-kind or funds) to augment the federal grant. The 10% match may be in the form of matching dollars, and/or in-kind costs, on an annual basis. Match funds must be documented by submitting a Report of Certified or In-Kind costs at each reporting period.

What kind of things can be considered in-kind match?

Your in-kind match may include expenses that are:

  • allowable under federal guidelines and GCDD policies;
  • necessary for your project;
  • not paid by federal funds (ours or those of another agency); and
  • not already being used as match for another federal grant.

Some examples include office space, utilities, volunteer time (including members of your Project Advisory Committee), printing costs, consultants (if not paid through the grant), or staff not paid for through the grant.

Applicant should provide a detailed annual plan explaining how it will generate the required match and how much, i.e., the percentage that will be provided. The plan must show in detail what will be done, how it will be done, and what specific commitment the Applicant is willing to make as a match.

Restrictions on Communication

All questions about this NoFA must be submitted in the following format:

  • Organization/Individual Name
  • 1. Question (Citation of relevant section of the NoFA)
  • 2. Question (Citation of relevant section of the NoFA)

Questions must be directed in writing to the Operations & Contracts Director (OCD) Lisa Eaves at:

Questions must include the company name and the referenced NoFA section.

From the issue date of this NoFA until a contractor is selected and the selection is announced, Applicants are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any State staff except through the OCD, or during the Applicants' conference, or as provided by existing work agreement(s). The State reserves the right to reject the proposal of any Applicant violating this provision. All questions concerning this NoFA must be submitted in writing by email to . Only written questions will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon the State.

The DD Council

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is one of 56 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) makes funds available to fulfill its mission in accordance with its Five-Year Strategic Plan (pdf file) and in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Through its funding, GCDD works to increase the capacities and resources of public and private nonprofit entities and others to develop a comprehensive community system that responds to the choices, capabilities and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The purpose of GCDD grants is to expand best practices and contribute to system-wide changes that support the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their full inclusion as community members. Recipients of GCDD grants are expected to be ongoing partners in bringing about positive change.

Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various federally mandated partners and state agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.

GCDD is charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity, and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, project demonstrations, education and training, advocacy, and public information. The GCDD is a quasi-state agency, attached to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) for administrative purposes.

See the complete NOFA and apply at: https://www.ddsuite.org/?nofa_id=2115


GCDD Announces NoFA: Get Out the Vote/Civic Engagement 

Project Name: Get Out the Vote/Civic Engagement

Purpose: The purpose of this Notice of Funds Available (NoFA) is to fund grassroots efforts to promote local civic engagement in historically marginalized and underrepresented communities or rural areas.

Project Number: 24DIV4

Start Date: June 1, 2024

End Date: November 30, 2024

Council Funds: $15,000

Match: $5,000

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) announces notice of funds available for 24DIV4 Civic Engagement in Rural Georgia - Get Out the Vote (GOTV). The purpose of this grant is to fund grassroots efforts to promote civic engagement of those living in historically marginalized communities or rural areas across Georgia. The work will collaborate with existing grassroots coalitions and organizations to foster understanding of/engagement in civic engagement at all levels of government and to drive home the message that every vote counts. Participants will understand their voting influence on legislation and policies that affect their everyday lives with the result being a robust network of advocates that work to strengthen community led change throughout Georgia.

Ideal grantees will have proven experience with and knowledge of grassroots organizing, Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, Georgia’s election/voter registration processes as well as existing barriers to full participation in both, voter rights, cultivating relationships with partner organizations and community groups, working with historically underrepresented and/or historically marginalized communities, particularly in political and organizing settings.

Scope of work

The purpose of this Notice of Funds Available (NoFA) is to fund grassroots efforts to promote civic engagement of those living in historically marginalized communities or rural areas across Georgia. The work will collaborate with existing grassroots coalitions and organizations to foster understanding of/engagement in civic engagement at all levels of government and to drive home the message that every vote counts. Participants will understand their voting influence on legislation and policies that affect their everyday lives with the result being a robust network of advocates that work to strengthen community led change throughout Georgia.

Grantees will have proven experience with and knowledge of grassroots organizing, Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, Georgia’s election/voter registration processes as well as existing barriers to full participation in both, voter rights, cultivating relationships with partner organizations and community groups, working with historically underrepresented and/or historically marginalized communities, particularly in political and organizing settings.

Sample activities grant awardees can lead include but are not limited to:

  • Providing transportation to participate in voting process
  • Lead webinars/create collateral materials to educate the public about:
  • Voting laws and rights,
  • Voter ID and additional eligibility requirements
  • Understanding candidates and referendums that will appear on ballots
  • Organizing volunteers to build community civic engagement and understanding

Requirements:

The GCDD is seeking an experienced civic minded organization with a track record of supporting people who are members of one or more of the following demographics:

  • Reside in rural areas.
  • Aren’t native English speakers.
  • Members of a historically civically underrepresented populations.
  • Members of historically marginalized populations.
  • People with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or their family members.

Additionally they will have proven experience with and knowledge of grassroots organizing, Georgia’s election/voter registration processes as well as existing barriers to full participation in both, voter rights, cultivating relationships with partner organizations and community groups, building civic understanding and political action capacity across various communications platforms.

Applicants must provide summaries, websites, or program summary examples of past civic leadership work.

Expected Outputs

Increase the number of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and family members who vote.

Increase the number of people running for office who are educated about the issues important to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.

Performance Measures:

IFA.1.1   The number of people with developmental disabilities who participated in Council supported activities designed to increase their knowledge of how to take part in decisions that affect their lives, the lives of others, and/or systems.

IFA.1.2   The number of family members who participated in Council supported activities designed to increase their knowledge of how to take part in decisions that affect the family, the lives of others, and/or systems.

IFA.2.1A   After participation in Council supported activities, the number of people with developmental disabilities who responded to follow up inquiries about increasing their advocacy.

IFA.2.2   After participation in Council supported activities, the percent of family members who report increasing their advocacy as a result of Council work.

IFA.2.3   The percent of people who are better able to say what they want or say what services and supports they want or say what is important to them.

IFA.3.1B   The number of people with developmental disabilities satisfied with a project activity.

IFA.3.2B   The number of family members satisfied with a project activity.

Schedule

The schedule of events for proposals is as follows:

  • NoFA Posted in DD Suite- March 1, 2024
  • Applications Due – April 1, 2022
  • Staff Application Review - April 1 - April 15, 2024
  • Grants Selection Committee Review - April 15 – April 30, 2024
  • Council Approval – May 14, 2024
  • Award Recipients Announced – May 17, 2024
  • Contract Negotiations and Signed Contracts – May 17, 2024 – May 24, 2024
  • Start Date/Work Begins – June 1, 2024

For more details: https://www.ddsuite.org/?nofa_id=2120

About the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is the State's leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for the wide spectrum of diverse people/persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in their communities. For more information, visit at www.gcdd.org.

DD Network

The DD Network consists of three partners in each state and territory authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act) and administered by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD): University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), State Developmental Disabilities Councils (DD Councils), and State Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As).
 
Georgia's DD Network includes:
 
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities logoThe Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is the state's leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to promote public policy that creates an integrated community life for persons with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, neighbors and all who support them. We achieve this mission by sharing information, coordinating public outreach and implementing strategic legislative advocacy.
The Center for Leadership in Disability logoThe Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at Georgia State University (GSU) since 2008. CLD is located within the Center for Healthy Development and the School of Public Health. Our mission is to translate research into sustainable community practices that contribute to independent, self-determined, inclusive, and productive lives for people with disabilities and their families.
The Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) logoThe Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), designated as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), is part of a national network of 68 university centers. IHDD operates with the support and advice of our Community Advisory Council. IHDD can be envisioned as stretching across Georgia, with educational programs and outreach projects touching every corner of the state. IHDD core funding is provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. IHDD projects are funded by multiple grants, contracts, and private scholarships.
Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc.  logoGeorgia Advocacy Office, Inc. (GAO) is a private nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to work with and for oppressed and vulnerable individuals in Georgia who are labeled as disabled or mentally ill to secure their protection and advocacy. GAO’s work is mandated by Congress, and GAO has been designated by Georgia as the agency to implement Protection and Advocacy within the state.
 

New Five Year Strategic Plan (2022-2026)

5 Year Strategic Plan Graphic5 Year Strategic Plan Graphic created by Gabby Melnick

 

Last year, many of you participated in our townhalls to help GCDD develop its next Five Year Strategic Plan (2022 - 2026). Based on your input, GCDD drafted its Five Year Strategic Plan with three goals and their objectives to determine what GCDD will work on to build a more inclusive, integrated state for people with disabilities.

GCDD 5YP Goals Logo

Goals & Objectives

Goal 1: Systems Change

With support from allies, advocates, stakeholders and communities, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families, will have increased access to and benefit from equitable quality supports and services that increase self-determination and meet their needs and preferences.

Objective 1:  By 2024, GCDD will conduct four assessments of different ecosystems comprising housing, employment, transportation, and healthcare in urban, suburban and rural Georgia and produce reports with recommendations for plans with outcomes that reflect equitable access to services and healthy communities. (“Ecosystem” refers to groups of people, organizations, government, geography and systems that either live in a specific area or work together around a specific issue.)

Research should include:

  • Gather baseline data for housing, employment, transportation and healthcare.
  • Determine existing barriers to access, quality and equity in housing, employment, transportation and healthcare.
  • Identify which barriers to address and in which order.
  • Outline agency/division to contact for information/support.
  • Outline services provided in each agency and eligibility for services.
  • Explore intersection of systems, legal pathways, data collection, and planning around certain issues.
  • Design program evaluation to determine how to build upon federally mandated data that GCDD collects.

Objective 2:   By 2027, GCDD will increase the number of rural and historically marginalized communities that bring people with and without disabilities together to address housing, employment, transportation and healthcare.

Objective 3: Annually, GCDD will increase identification, advocacy and/or sponsorship of legislative, regulatory, policy, procedure and/or practice changes at state and local levels that build capacity in in four areas of the publicly funded systems of housing, employment, transportation, and healthcare to produce outcomes that reflect equitable access to services and healthy communities.

Objective 4:  Annually, GCDD will increase the numbers of new state and local advocates to at least 2000 by 2027 who build efforts around housing, employment, transportation and healthcare to produce outcomes that reflect equitable access to services and healthy communities.


Goal 2: Self-Advocacy

GCDD will provide more opportunities for the voices of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to be heard by strengthening capacity among Georgia self-advocacy organizations and initiatives, supporting cross disability coalitions and leadership development programs for and by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Objective 1: Annually, GCDD will increase the number of state and local self -advocacy organizations led by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, focusing on the development of two local self-advocacy organizations in regions four and five by 2027.

Objective 2: By 2027 GCDD will increase the number of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who participate in leadership trainings led by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. 

Targeted Disparity and Diversity Goal:  The Council’s activities and those done in collaboration will be conducted with a focus on equity that increases the access of marginalized communities with particular emphasis on racial and ethnic minorities and those in rural areas.

Objective 1: By 2027, GCDD will partner with the DD Network, civil rights, and other organizations throughout Georgia to increase the number of counties that develop and implement activities that addresses the School to Prison Pipeline in four counties.

Objective 2:  By 2027, GCDD will increase access to technology for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in rural and underserved areas which impacts access to employment, housing, transportation and healthcare.

Objective 3:  By 2027, GCDD will partner with state and local civic engagement organizations so that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in rural and historically marginalized communities will have increased access to opportunities to participate in civic engagement including voting.


Goal 3: Effective and Efficient Organization

GCDD will continue to improve its operations while meeting the requirements of the Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and Assistance Act

Objective 1:  Annually, GCDD members set the strategic direction of the organization, recruit and orient new members, and assess implementation of the strategic plan.

Objective 2: GCDD members and staff will participate in training and learning journeys on the local, state and national levels.

Objective 3: By 2023 GCDD will perform an internal audit to ensure that both Council internal and external operations adopt diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.

Objective 4:  GCDD will continuously examine and make recommendations about emerging trends.

About the Five Year Strategic Plan

The Five Year Strategic Plan determines how the Council will allocate funding to create systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members through advocacy and capacity building activities.

The plan is the foundation of how the Council does its work across the state. By hearing from individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, siblings and the community-at-large, it set the course of what the Council has to work on for the next five years.

All GCDD efforts aim to ensure that people with disabilities are independent and interdependent, have greater economic self-sufficiency, are integrated and included in their respective communities and self-determined in their lives.

Currently, the Council is working off the 2017-2021 plan that focuses on five goals: Education, Employment, Formal and Informal Supports, Real Communities and Self-Advocacy.

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