Request for Proposals (RFP)

Increasing Access to Post Secondary Experiences

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) announces the availability of a Request for Proposals (RFP). Interested parties should obtain a copy of RFP #2007-ED-6200 for specific information related to funding amounts. Copies of the RFP can be downloaded for the FDDC website (www.fddc.org) or copies may be requested by writing FDDC at 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, FL 32301, or calling (850)488-4180, (800)580-7801 (Toll Free), 1(888)488-8633 (TDD). To register to receive electronic mail (email) notices of future RFPs, please visit our website (www.fddc.org) and click on the “RFPs” button near the top of the page, then click on the “sign up” button and follow the directions.

Students with disabilities have had limited success in Florida in graduating from high school and transitioning to post-secondary education, training or employment. Students with disabilities must have the opportunity to fully participate in university or community college curriculums, as well as the opportunity to live on campus so that they are educationally and socially better prepared for independent living and employment by living and learning in the same post-secondary educational environments as their peers without disabilities.

The project will encompass conducting a comprehensive research and analysis of current post-secondary opportunities for students with disabilities, particularly those who have earned or are working toward a special diploma. Following this research and analysis, a workgroup of stakeholders will be brought together to create an action plan for Florida. Research and analysis will be completed prior to workgroup meetings. A total of four meetings are anticipated, with supplemental conference calls, if needed. Twenty-five to thirty stakeholders will make up the workgroup, with meeting location(s) to be determined in collaboration with the Council. A final report will accompany the action plan, to be endorsed by the Council.

Submission of written questions and letters of intent are encouraged of all prospective proposers. The deadline for submitting written questions and letters of intent for this RFP is Friday, July 6, 2007, by 4:00 p.m. (EDT). Letters of intent will only be accepted by fax, mail, or hand delivery. Letters of intent by email will not be accepted. All answers to written questions will be posted on the FDDC website during the week of July 23, 2007. The deadline for submitting proposals for this RFP to FDDC is Friday, August 24, 2007, by 2:00 p.m. (EDT).