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WCAAA issues new RFP for Senior Centers

July 23rd, 2018


REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) – SENIOR CENTERS

 

BACKGROUND

The Western CT Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (WCAAA) is one of five designated Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut. The WCAAA’s mission statement is as follows: The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, Inc. develops, manages and provides comprehensive services through person centered planning for seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities in order to maintain their independence and quality of life”.

 

The WCAAA is interested in receiving applications from western area senior centers located in any of the WCAAA’s 41 service area towns to implement 1-2 pilot programs focused on the “highest level evidence based health promotion activities”. All services must be targeted to western area residents age 60+. Although this RFP is intended to provide one year’s implementation funds, it is possible that funding will be able for FFY 2020.

 

Funding for this initiative is primarily derived from Older Americans Act Title III D funds but eventual funding may include Titles III B and D of Older Americans Act funding. Title D funds are generally targeted to promote healthy lifestyles among older adults and prevent or delay chronic conditions (CT State Plan on Aging, October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2020). Title III B funds are generally awarded for social service programs such as chore, transportation, senior centers, legal assistance.

 

The operational funded period is expected to be October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019. No expenses may be charged to the approved Older Americans Act Title III funding before or after that time period. The application form is intentionally brief in that 1-2 successful applicants will receive forms such as lobbying and other required certifications upon notice of funding. Applicants may propose a single town based program but a small grouping of towns is encouraged. The anticipated funding range is $5,000 - $10,000. The State Plan on Aging has included references through goals and objectives of  evidence based programs for focusing on issues such as caregivers, nutrition, physical activities, depression management and general mental health.

 

PURPOSE

The federal Administration on Aging, Administration for Community Living (ACL) and State of Connecticut State Unit on Aging (SUA) have established evidence based health promotion programs as a major priority for the next few years. According to the National Council on Aging, evidence based programs offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits. In short, these programs can demonstrate and measure reliable and positive changes in seniors’ health.
 

A listing and description of evidence based programs can be found on NCOA’S website which is www.ncoa.org. NCOA is the National Council on Aging. That site also includes a discussion by the Administration for Community Living. Conceptual issues and beginning an evidence based program can be found on the Evidence Based Leadership Council website which is eblcprograms.org/.
 

The following are the guiding principles to be utilized by the WCAAA Board of Directors and others in reviewing proposals:

  1. Proposals must represent the highest level of evidence based programming as noted on the NCOA website. It is possible that programs are evidence based but not cited on the NCOA website. Applicants must then provide a citation showing the basis for evidence based designation.
     
  2. Single towns may be the focus of a proposal. However, applicants proposing to include several towns may be considered more favorably.
     
  3. Evidence based efforts that build on current senior center activities will be of particular interest to the WCAAA.
     
  4. Proposals that focus on the wider senior community in the targeted area are encouraged. While the WCAAA supports senior centers, persons who are not senior center attendees should be drawn into the project through outreach and networking.
     
  5. The WCAAA strongly recommends consolidation of any of the following evidence based example programs that appear on the NCOA website: Tai Chi, Pearls, Matter of Balance, at Smart, Move More, Weight Less, Falls Talk, Fit & Strong, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, On the Move, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, SHARE. See the NCOA website for other evidence based programs.

 

TIMETABLE

The following is the anticipated timetable for this project:
September 4, 2018 (4PM)   Application due date (absolute – no extensions)
September 5 – 10, 2018   Review of proposals to include one representative from SUA
September 13, 2018   WCAAA Advisory Council meeting
September 21, 2018   WCAAA Board of Directors meeting (award decision/s); notification to successful applicant(s)

 

REQUIRED APPLICATION FORMS

The intent of this application process is to streamline requirements and required information. Please limit your response to application questions to five pages. The budget form is separate and consists of two pages. In total, the maximum number of pages to be completed and received by the WCAAA by September 4, 2018 (4pm) is 7. Completed applications must be received at the WCAAA office, 84 Progress Lane, Waterbury by September 4, 2018 (4pm) and may be faxed, hand delivered, mailed or emailed to Christina Fishbein, Executive Director at cfishbein@sbcglobal.net. Fax # is 203-757-4081.

eblcprograms.org       ncoa.org       

NOTE: THE 3 FORMs MAY BE PRINTED AND REPRODUCED. PLEASE DO NOT MODIFY THE QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.

Form 1 - Application       Form 2 - Narrative/Resource List      Form 3 - Budget Overview

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