Research and Recommend: Build Relationships and Decrease Loneliness (NoFA (RFP) (27IN1))

Research and Recommend: Build Relationships and Decrease Loneliness (NoFA (RFP) (27IN1)) is sponsored by Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). This Notice of Funds Available (NoFA) seeks proposals to research and recommend strategies for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) to invest in programs that decrease loneliness and build relationships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilit…

Notice of Funds Available - Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Next GCDD Council Meeting: January 21-22, 2027 (Virtual) Afrikaans Albanian Amharic Arabic Armenian Assamese Azerbaijani Basque Belarusian Bengali Bosnian Bosnian latin Bulgarian Burmese Cantonese traditional Catalan Cebuano Chinese simplified Chinese traditional Corsican Croatian Czech Dari Danish Dutch English Esperanto Estonian Fijian Filipino Finnish French Frisian Galician Georgian German Greek Gujarati Haitian creole Hausa Hawaiian Hebrew Hindi Hmong Hmong daw Hungarian Icelandic Igbo Indonesian Inuktitut Irish Italian Japanese Javanese Kannada Kazakh Klingon Khmer Kinyarwanda Korean Kurdish Kyrgyz Lao Latin Latvian Lithuanian Luxembourgish Macedonian Malagasy Malay Malayalam Maltese Maori Marathi Mongolian Nepali Norwegian Nyanja Odia Pashto Persian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Queretaro otomi Romanian Russian Samoan Scots gaelic Serbian Sesotho Shona Sindhi Sinhala Slovak Slovenian Somali Spanish Sudanese Swahili Swedish Tahitian Tajik Tamil Tatar Telugu Thai Tongan Turkish Ukrainian Urdu Uyghur Uzbek Vietnamese Welsh Xhosa Yiddish Yoruba Yucatec maya Zulu Notice of Funds Available A Notice of Funds Available (NoFA) is a competitive grant opportunity.

When GCDD issues a NoFA, it is posted to this page and on the DD Suite Grant Application website . The following NoFAs are open for applications.

NoFA (RFP) (27IN1) Research and Recommend: Build Relationships and Decrease Loneliness NoFA (RFP) (27IN2) Research and Recommend: Diverting and Deescalating Crisis NoFA (RFP) (27SA3) Research and Design: End the Transition Cliff NoFA (RFP) (27INF1) Research and Design: Supports and Services Navigation NoFA (RFP) (27IN1) Research and Recommend: Build Relationships and Decrease Loneliness Download a PDF of this NoFA Research and Recommend: Build Relationships and Decrease Loneliness Staff Responsible: Felicia Dillon, Program Manager, , (404) 821-7229 Application URL: https://ddsuite.

org/? nofa_id=2315 When sending the Application URL link to grantees, remind them to first login, and then paste the url string into their browser. Letter of Interest?

No LOI phase The purpose of this funding opportunity is to identify and recommend two to three evidence-based andexperience-based strategies for Georgians with IDD and their families to decrease loneliness and build relationships by 2031.

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule of Events: Applications Due By – November 15, 2027 Contracts Due By - December 18, 2027 Project Begins - January 1, 2027 Restrictions on Communication All questions about this NoFA must be submitted in the following format: Organization/Individual Name Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Questions must be directed in writing to the Program Manager, Felicia Dillon 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 Program Manager, 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.

Scope of Work-Request For Proposals Research and Recommend: Build Relationships and Decrease Loneliness 1. Project Purpose and Objectives Reducing loneliness and helping Georgians with IDD and their families build stronger community connections isa statewide priority for GCDD. In GCDD’s survey and town hall, community connections and relationships were identified as the second-highest priority.

Participants said they want meaningful friendships, peer support, leadership opportunities, and communities where they feel valued and included (GCDD, 2025). GCDD addresses this priority through GCDD's 5 Year Plan: Goal 1: Inclusion: By 2031, GCDD will support changes at the state or local level so Georgians with I/DD and theirfamilies can increase their inclusion in their communities and live self-determined lives.

Increase awareness of national best practices for decreasing loneliness and building relationships. Increase awareness of replicable program models, as well as regional needs and gaps across Georgia. Identify two to three evidence- and experience-based strategies for GCDD to consider for investment.

Develop a plan for GCDD to support programs to decrease loneliness and build relationships for people withI/DD and their families in Georgia in years 2–5. The selected applicant shall perform the following activities: Review relevant research, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends related to reducing loneliness and helping people with I/DD and their families build relationships.

Use the findings to identify inclusive and culturally responsive strategies that can inform GCDD’s future investments. Review existing statewide programs, services, organizations, partnerships, and funding efforts related to reducing loneliness and building relationships. Identify current resources, gaps, and emerging opportunities.

Identify geographic, population, service, capacity, and funding gaps across Georgia. Use the findings to identify priority areas for investment. D.

Comprehensive List of Existing, Replicable and/or Modifiable Programs Develop an inventory of existing programs that have potential for replication, adaptation, or modification to address identified needs. Review how well programs reflect the cultures, languages, needs, and experiences of diverse communities and whether they can be adapted to be culturally responsive and inclusive. E.

Investment Recommendations Develop data-informed recommendations and implementation strategies based on identified needs, gaps, promising programs, and opportunities for impact. For each proposed strategy or program, provide an estimated investment range and a clear, well-supporteddescription of the resources needed to implement, and sustain the approach. Include anticipated costs, expected reach, possible outcomes.

When available, include potential cost savings, efficiencies, or other benefits, and identify the sources or assumptions used to develop the estimates. Develop recommendations for programs including investment for years 2-5. 3.

Project Requirements and Deliverables The selected applicant must: Develop all products and deliverables at approximately a sixth grade reading level and in plain language. Obtain meaningful input from people with I/DD and family members throughout the project. Ensure recommendations address the needs of people with I/DD, family members, and the whole family.

Participate in regular check-ins with GCDD program staff to discuss progress, findings, and emerging issues. Submit project outputs quarterly as part of the quarterly project reporting process. GCDD may request additional or interim outputs as needed throughout the project period.

Clearly document sources, methods, community input, and findings used to develop recommendations. 4. Mandatory cultural expectations: Cultural knowledge and consideration of the communities being scanned.

Cultural considerations of the gap analysis. Cultural considerations and guidance built into the final recommendations. Recommendations should use an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, or another appropriate community development model, and prioritize strengthening and supporting local community-based organizations, resources, and businesses.

5. Preferred Grantee Qualifications: Experience conducting research. Experience engaging people with I/DD and families as meaningful partners in research or community planning.

Knowledge of culturally responsive research and community engagement practices. Experience translating research findings into practical recommendations and implementation plans. ApplicationGuidelines & Instructions 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 attached) Additional Submission Requirements: Upload of copy of the Federal W-9 (attached to this NoFA) E-Verify Affidavit (attached to this NoFA) Most recent audit including cover letter and findings OR Year to Date Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement (waived for universities) Conflict of interest policy required Procurement policy and/or procedure required Insurance liability coverage certificate (waived for universities) Letters of Recommendation (optional) Resumes of Project Staff (optional) 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. 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. The Program Manager will screen each proposal.

The screening will consist of: 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; the budget is within the funding limits and includes the required match; the application is complete and all sections in DD Suite have responses; and, the required forms are attached.

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

Council Finance Staff: Harry Nelson, Deputy Director, , (470) 599-1890 Council Program Staff: Rena Harris, Chief Program Officer, Organizational type and contact information Please provide the following: Organizational type (nonprofit, governmental, university, tribal entity, etc.), and the Authorized signatory identification. Please outline the problem the project is trying to solve, and why it is important.

What impact do you hope the project will have on the people, groups, or communities it serves? Please provide the following: Goal, Objective, Activities, Outputs, Expected outcomes including method of measurement. Data Collection and Evaluation Methods Please explain how you will collect and use information to track the project’s progress, measure its impact, and determine if it is meeting its goals?

Connection to theCouncil’s State Plan goal & objective Please explain how this project supports the Council’s State Plan Goal 1: Inclusion and how the project’s activities and expected impact will help advance it. Cultural and linguistic competence Explain how the project will make sure its activities respect the culture, language, and needs of the people and communities it serves.

Explain how will the project will reach and engage people and communities that may have limited access to services, resources, or opportunities. List types of fringe benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement). Provide the percentage or amount used to calculate the fringe benefits.

Explain how the fringe benefits are calculated, e.g.: Provide rationale for the fringe benefit rates used. List each position with a brief description of the role and responsibilities. Specify the salary or wage rate, percentage of time dedicated to the project, and total cost.

Provide a formula or calculation used to determine the total personnel cost. Consultant/Sub-ContractedServices Outline the services to be contracted, including scope and vendor. Provide the estimated cost of each service.

Include quotes or vendor estimates. Explain why the service is needed and how it supports project objectives. Outline the purpose of travel, destinations, and duration.

Detail the estimated costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and other expenses. Explain how travel costs are estimated, referencing per diem rates or quotes from travel agencies. Detail the types of supplies needed and their purpose.

Provide estimates for each type of supply. Explain the basis for cost estimates, such as bulk purchase prices or quotes. Participant Support Costs Please list costs that help participants take part in approved program activities, such as preapproved stipends, travel, registration fees, meals, and temporary dependent care.

Include any additional costs (e.g., publication costs, training). Provide estimates for each cost. Justify the cost estimates with relevant data or quotes.

Enter amount on match line only. GCDD Everify - Contractor Affidavit aka E-Verify (GCDD). pdf Federal W9 2024 Version - Federal W9 2024 Version.

pdf NoFA (RFP) (27IN2) Research and Recommend: Diverting and Deescalating Crisis Download a PDF of this NoFA Research and Recommend: Diverting and DeescalatingCrisis Staff Responsible: Felicia Dillon, Program Manager, , (404) 821-7229 Application URL: https://ddsuite. org/? nofa_id=2316 When sending the Application URL link to grantees, remind them to first login, and then paste the url string into their browser.

Letter of Interest? No LOI phase The purpose of this NoFA is to identify and recommend feasible systemic strategies that divert and de-escalatecrises for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), helping people remain safely in their ownhomes or family homes and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations in Georgia.

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule of Events: Applications Due By – November 15, 2027 Contracts Due By - December 18, 2027 Project Begins - January 1, 2027 Restrictions on Communication All questions about this NoFA must be submitted in the following format: Organization/Individual Name Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Questions must be directed in writing to the Program Manager, Felicia Dillon 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 Program Manager, 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.

Scope of Work-Request For Proposals Research and Recommend: Diverting and Deescalating Crisis Across GCDD’s statewide survey, 63. 22% of respondents identified services and supports as a priority for the2027–2031 State Plan, the highest of any issue area.

Participants emphasized the importance of meaningfulrelationships, peer support, leadership opportunities, and communities where people with IDD are recognizedand valued, while noting challenges accessing services and connections, particularly in rural communities.

(GCDD, 2025) These findings highlight the importance of strengthening community-based supports that promote inclusion,connection, and self-determination for people with IDD and their families.

GCDD addresses this priority through GCDD's 5 Year Plan: Goal 1: Inclusion: By 2031, GCDD will support changes at the state or local level so Georgians with IDD and theirfamilies can increase their inclusion in their communities and live self-determined lives.

The project will result In: Identification of evidence-based and systemic crisis diversion and de-escalation strategies that can help peoplewith IDD remain safely in their own homes or family homes. Examples include but are not limited to thefollowing, SMART teams, mobile crisis response, crisis navigation and care coordination.

An analysis of existing crisis response resources, services, and practices, including gaps, barriers, andopportunities for improvement. Recommendations for future implementation, including potential partners, resources, investment referencepoints, and possible outcomes.

The selected applicant shall perform the following activities: Conduct a comprehensive literature review of research, evidence-based practices, and promising systemicapproaches related to crisis diversion, crisis de-escalation, and preventing unnecessary emergency room visitsand hospitalizations for people with IDD.

Identify strategies that support people with IDD to remain safe in theirown homes or family homes, including culturally responsive approaches and considerations for the diversecultures, communities, and experiences of people with IDD and their families. Identify relevant outcomemeasures, data sources, and evidence gaps to inform subsequent activities and recommendations.

Conduct a statewide and national environmental scan of existing crisis response systems, services, resources,partnerships, and funding efforts relevant to people with IDD. Identify strengths, gaps, barriers, opportunities,and promising practices. Incorporate available data on emergency room visits, hospitalizations, crisis events,and other relevant outcomes.

C. Comprehensive Inventory of Existing, Replicable, and/or Modifiable Programs Develop an inventory of existing programs and approaches that support crisis diversion and de-escalation forpeople with IDD, including current State of Georgia programs and initiatives. Assess program components,populations served, geographic reach, outcomes, costs and resources, and potential for replication, adaptation,or modification.

D. Investment Recommendations Develop evidence-informed recommendations for GCDD based on findings from the literature review,environmental scan, program inventory, and available data.

Recommendations should identify feasiblestrategies, potential partners, resources, possible outcomes, and opportunities to reduce unnecessaryemergency room visits and hospitalizations while supporting people with IDD to remain in their own homes or family homes.

Engage people with IDD and their families to provide feedback on the feasibility, accessibility, culturalresponsiveness, and potential impact of proposed recommendations and incorporate their feedback into thefinal recommendations. For each recommended strategy, provide an estimated investment range or otherreasonable reference points, including the assumptions and resources used to develop the estimate.

Recommendations should incorporate findings regarding the cultural, geographic, and demographiccharacteristics, needs, and experiences of the communities and provide guidance for culturallyresponsive implementation and adaptation. E.

GCDD Years 2–5 Investment Plan Develop a practical Years 2–5 plan for GCDD that prioritizes recommended strategies and identifies potentialsequencing, investment reference points, partnerships, possible outcomes. Consider cultural consideration andresponsiveness, community-specific needs, sustainability, scalability, and opportunities to leverage existing Stateof Georgia initiatives and community resources. 3.

Project Requirements and Deliverables The selected applicant must: Develop all products and deliverables at approximately a sixth grade reading level and in plain language. Meaningfully engage people with IDD and their family members throughout the project and, when allowable,provide appropriate compensation for their time, expertise, and participation.

Ensure recommendations address the needs of people with IDD, family members, and the whole family. Participate in regular check-ins with GCDD program staff to discuss progress, findings, and emerging issues. Submit project outputs quarterly as part of the quarterly project reporting process.

GCDD may requestadditional or interim outputs as needed throughout the project period. Clearly document sources, methods, community input, cultural considerations, and findings used to developrecommendations. 4.

Mandatory cultural expectations: Cultural knowledge and consideration of the communities being scanned. Cultural considerations and guidance built into the final recommendations. Experience engaging people with IDD and families in research, evaluation, or program design.

Research experience, including qualitative and/or quantitative data collection, analysis, and evaluation. ApplicationGuidelines & Instructions 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 attached) Additional Submission Requirements: Upload of copy of the Federal W-9 (attached to this NoFA) E-Verify Affidavit (attached to this NoFA) Most recent audit including cover letter and findings OR Year to Date Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement (waived for universities) Conflict of interest policy required Procurement policy and/or procedure required Insurance liability coverage certificate (waived for universities) Letters of Recommendation (optional) Resumes of Project Staff (optional) 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. 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. The Program Manager will screen each proposal.

The screening will consist of: 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; the budget is within the funding limits and includes the required match; the application is complete and all sections in DD Suite have responses; and, the required forms are attached.

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

Council Finance Staff: Harry Nelson, Deputy Director, , (470) 599-1890 Council Program Staff: Rena Harris, Chief Program Officer, Organizational type and contact information Please provide the following: Organizational type (nonprofit, governmental, university, tribal entity, etc.), and the Authorized signatory identification. Please outline the problem the project is trying to solve, and why it is important.

What impact do you hope the project will have on the people, groups, or communities it serves? Please provide the following: Goal, Objective, Activities, Outputs, Expected outcomes including method of measurement. Data Collection and Evaluation Methods Please explain how you will collect and use information to track the project’s progress, measure its impact, and determine if it is meeting its goals?

Connection to theCouncil’s State Plan goal & objective Please explain how this project supports the Council’s State Plan Goal 1: Inclusion and how the project’s activities and expected impact will help advance it. Cultural and linguistic competence Explain how the project will make sure its activities respect the culture, language, and needs of the people and communities it serves.

Explain how will the project will reach and engage people and communities that may have limited access to services, resources, or opportunities. List types of fringe benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement). Provide the percentage or amount used to calculate the fringe benefits.

Explain how the fringe benefits are calculated, e.g.: Provide rationale for the fringe benefit rates used. List each position with a brief description of the role and responsibilities. Specify the salary or wage rate, percentage of time dedicated to the project, and total cost.

Provide a formula or calculation used to determine the total personnel cost. Consultant/Sub-ContractedServices Outline the services to be contracted, including scope and vendor. Provide the estimated cost of each service.

Include quotes or vendor estimates. Explain why the service is needed and how it supports project objectives. Outline the purpose of travel, destinations, and duration.

Detail the estimated costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and other expenses. Explain how travel costs are estimated, referencing per diem rates or quotes from travel agencies. Detail the types of supplies needed and their purpose.

Provide estimates for each type of supply. Explain the basis for cost estimates, such as bulk purchase prices or quotes. Participant Support Costs Please list costs that help participants take part in approved program activities, such as preapproved stipends, travel, registration fees, meals, and temporary dependent care.

Include any additional costs (e.g., publication costs, training). Provide estimates for each cost. Justify the cost estimates with relevant data or quotes.

Enter amount on match line only. Federal W9 2024 Version - Federal W9 2024 Version. pdf GCDD Everify - Contractor Affidavit aka E-Verify (GCDD).

pdf NoFA (RFP) (27SA3) Research and Design: End the Transition Cliff Research and Design: End the Transition Cliff Staff Responsible: Felicia Dillon, Program Manager, , (404) 821-7229 Application URL: https://www. ddsuite. org/?

nofa_id=2317 When sending the Application URL link to grantees, remind them to first login, and then paste the url string into their browser. Letter of Interest?

No LOI phase The purpose of this NoFA is to identify and recommend feasible systemic strategies that divert and de-escalatecrises for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), helping people remain safely in their own homes or family homes and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations in Georgia.

This Request for Proposals will be governed by the following schedule of Events: Applications Due By – November 15, 2027 Contracts Due By - December 18, 2027 Project Begins - January 1, 2027 Restrictions on Communication All questions about this NoFA must be submitted in the following format: Organization/Individual Name Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Citation of relevant section of the NoFA Questions must be directed in writing to the Program Manager, Felicia Dillon 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 Program Manager, 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.

Scope of Work-Request For Proposals Research and Design: End the Transition Cliff Council members identified self-advocacy and economic security as priorities for advancing self-determination among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This project will address the “transition cliff” by helping Georgians with IDD move from high school to competitive, integrated employment or continuing education, strengthening advocacy skills and economic opportunities that support self-determined, economically secure lives.

GCDD addresses this priority through GCDD's 5 Year Plan: Goal 2: Self-Advocacy: By 2031, GCDD will support at least 1,000 Georgians with IDD to grow their advocacy and live self-determined, economically secure lives, through sustainable efforts designed to expand statewide.

The project will result in: An assessment of transition outcomes for Georgians with IDD who graduate from or complete high school, including transitions to competitive, integrated employment, continuing education, or no identified postsecondary plan. A step-by-step plan design that is informed by assessment findings and designed to strengthen pathways from high school to competitive, integrated employment or continuing education.

Measurable strategies and outcomes that advance self-determination and economic security for Georgians with IDD. The selected applicant shall perform the following activities: Conduct a literature review to identify research, evidence-based practices, emerging trends, promising approaches, and gaps related to transitioning individuals with IDD from high school to competitive, integrated employment or continuing education. B.

Environmental Scan and Gap Analysis: Conduct an environmental scan and gap analysis of existing plans, services, resources, partnerships, and systems supporting transitions from high school to competitive, integrated employment or continuing education.

Incorporate available transition outcome data for Georgians with IDD, including transitions to employment; competitive, integrated employment; continuing education; or no identified postsecondary plan. Identify strengths, gaps, barriers, promising approaches, emerging trends and opportunities for coordination, replication, adaptation, or modification, with consideration of cultural, geographic, and demographic differences.

Findings will inform the plan design and recommendations. C. Comprehensive List of Existing, Replicable and/or Modifiable Programs Develop an inventory of existing programs that support the transition of Georgians with IDD from high school to competitive, integrated employment or continuing education.

The inventory will assess plan components, populations served, reach, outcomes, costs and resources required, cultural competence, and potential for replication, adaptation, or modification; identify promising plans; and inform the plan design. D.

Community and Partner Engagement: Conduct stakeholder consultations with schools, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), people with IDD and their families, employers, postsecondary education providers, and other community services to identify needs, resources, barriers, and opportunities.

Use findings to inform the design of a scalable and replicable plan that supports Georgians with IDD who graduate from or complete high school in transitioning to competitive, integrated employment or continuing education. When allowable, provide appropriate compensation to people with IDD and their family members for their time, expertise, and participation in stakeholder consultations. E.

Identifying Key Findings and Priorities Synthesize findings from the literature review, transition outcome data, environmental scan and gap analysis, program inventory, and community and partner engagement. Identify key findings, priority needs, gaps, promising approaches, and opportunities related to transitions to competitive, integrated employment and continuing education.

Identify the most significant factors that should be addressed through the program design by the research, data, and community input. Validate key findings and priorities with people with IDD, families, and relevant community and system partners.

Develop a comprehensive plan and final recommendations based on findings from the literature review, environmental scan and gap analysis, existing plan inventory, stakeholder consultations, and transition outcome data.

The final plan will define the target population; map the process and steps for implementation; identify measurable outcomes; delineate responsible agencies; determine evaluation measures; estimate implementation costs and resources required; outline a sustainability plan; and include recommendations for replication, scaling and statewide implementation.

The plan will incorporate findings regarding the cultural, geographic, and demographic characteristics, needs, and experiences of the communities studied and provide guidance for culturally responsive implementation and adaptation. The selected applicant must: Develop all products and deliverables at approximately a sixth grade reading level and in plain language.

Obtain meaningful input from people with I/DD and family members throughout the project. Participate in regular check-ins with GCDD program staff to discuss progress, findings, and emerging issues. Submit project outputs quarterly as part of the quarterly project reporting process.

GCDD may request additional or interim outputs as needed throughout the project period. Clearly document sources, methods, community input, and findings used to develop recommendations. GCDD funds may not be used for direct services.

The project must identify potential resources, partners, and funding strategies for future implementation. 4. Mandatory cultural expectations: Cultural knowledge and consideration of the communities being scanned.

Cultural considerations of the gap analysis. Cultural considerations and guidance built into the final recommendations. Research experience, including data collection, and analysis.

Knowledge of best practices related to competitive, integrated employment and postsecondary transitions for people with IDD. Experience with program research, program design, and program evaluation is preferred. ApplicationGuidelines & Instructions 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 attached) Additional Submission Requirements: Upload of copy of the Federal W-9 (attached to this NoFA) E-Verify Affidavit (attached to this NoFA) Most recent audit including cover letter and findings OR Year to Date Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement (waived for universities) Conflict of interest policy required Procurement policy and/or procedure required Insurance liability coverage certificate (waived for universities) Letters of Recommendation (optional) Resumes of Project Staff (optional) 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. The evaluation of proposals received on or before the due date and time will be conducted