REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (FDDC # 2006-CD-3500)

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) announces the availability of a Request for Proposals.  This RFP is being issued to enhance the information base necessary for the FDDC continued efforts to improve the delivery of services to the state’s children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The Council recognizes that families and teachers of children with developmental disabilities consistently report a need for social opportunities and social inclusion. In fact, qualitative impairments in social interactions are one of the defining characteristics of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Many children with developmental disabilities do not use spontaneous communication or offer information to those in their environments.  The Social Inclusion Project (SIP) was initiated three years ago by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council in thirteen Florida counties to foster the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular social and/or educational settings.

The primary objective of this project is to conduct a retrospective study to evaluate and provide information on the impact of SIP in inclusive practices within the targeted schools as well as to identify the effective components of the project.  This information will enable FDDC to modify the existing SIP project to make it more successful in the participating counties as well as with future expansion projects. The provider will present a comprehensive detailed report evaluating SIP and the impact of SIP on inclusive practices within the targeted sites.  The report will include recommendations for future modifications of the SIP project.  The study must meet all of the professional standards of a retrospective study and must include, but is not limited to, the following components:

·         An executive summary

·         A general overview of SIP with identification of all the counties implementing SIP;

·         Identification of which school(s) within each of the targeted counties are implementing SIP;

·         Identification of the types of settings in which the SIP activities are occurring (i.e. during the school day, after school, extra curricular activity, etc.);

·         Identification and deion of the implementation of SIP activities in each targeted county;

·         Identification of the number and amount of time students with developmental disabilities spent in general education classes (academic, electives/specials/wheel) before and after the SIP project? For what duration of time (days, weeks, and months) did such students remain in the general education classes (academic, electives/specials/wheel) before and after the SIP project?

·         Deion of how participation in SIP has been beneficial for all involved (academically, socially, etc.)

·         Deion of how SIP has enhanced inclusive practices in the school and county;

·         Deion of how the implementation of SIP has increased inclusive practices within the school and county;

·         Identification of the factors that have contributed to the success of SIP in the school and county;

·         Identification of  the factors that have hindered the effective implementation of SIP in the school and county;

·         Identification of the barriers in the operation of SIP;

·         Deion of how parent involvement is addressed in SIP; and

·         A summary of the feedback and impressions from teachers, administrators, students and parents that have been involved with SIP.

·         Recommendations for the future of SIP.

Individuals, not-for-profit and for-profit agencies may submit proposal in response to this RFP.  The approximate amount of funds available for project awarded based on this RFP will be up to $10,000. The exact amount of this contract will be developed during contract negotiations.

Copies of this RFP will be available from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, Fl 32301, (850) 488-4180 or Toll Free 1-800-580-7801 or TDD Toll Free (888) 488-8633. The deadline for submitting letters of intent and written questions is prior to 4:00 p.m. EST on March 17, 2006. The deadline for submitting proposals is prior to 4:00 p.m. DST on May 1, 2006.  Letters of Intent will only be accepted by fax, mail, or hand delivery.  Letters of Intent by e-mail will not be accepted.