One Stop Service Center Initiative

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) announces that this Request for Proposals (RFP #2009-EM-8000) is released in order to fund research and development that will address barriers to serving individuals with disabilities at the One Stop Service Centers in Florida. FDDC has set aside federal funds for a period not to exceed one (1) year for fiscal support of this RFP. Interested parties should obtain a copy of RFP #2009-EM-8000 for specific information related to funding amounts.

There are key challenges and impediments to providing individuals with disability services through the One-Stop System. The Workforce Innovation Act (WIA) One Stop Service Center is an Employment Center that specializes in providing employment related services at no cost, to businesses and all employment seekers. Services are publicly funded and remain driven by the needs for the local business community. Some issues that present challenges to the One Stop Service Centers affect creating a seamless and effective One-Stop Workforce development system for all employment seekers.

Moreover, research shows that the WIA One-Stop Service System model is not designed to address the need for a wide array of accommodations and other supports that people with disabilities may need to achieve employment, or to work with individuals along a long-term career path, complete with long-term supports. This means that without collaboration with entities that possess disability expertise, the ability for One-Stop Career Centers to increase their capacity to serve those with disabilities is constrained.

Given the research, the Council anticipates funding an initiative to support an employment initiative that will address barriers to serving individuals with disabilities at the One Stop Service Centers in Florida through collaborative efforts and education. More specifically, the initiative will address, and support efforts for equal access to employment services and awareness for individuals with disabilities.

Copies of this RFP can be downloaded from the FDDC website (www.fddc.org) or copies may be requested by writing: FDDC, 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 201, Tallahassee, FL 32301 or calling (850)488-4180 or Toll Free 1(800)580-7801 or TDD Toll Free (888)488-8633.

The deadline for submitting written questions and letters of intent for this RFP is Friday, May 8, 2009, by 4:00 p.m. (EST). Letters of intent are encouraged but not mandatory. 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 May 25, 2009. The deadline for submitting proposals for this RFP to FDDC is Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by 2:00 p.m. (EST).

THE ABOVE ANNOUNCEMENT WILL APPEAR ON THE FDDC WEB PAGE (WWW.FDDC.ORG) ON April 10, 2009.

PLEASE FORWARD ALL REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF THE FRP TO: Misty Grimm.