REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (FDDC #2007-HC-5200)

Cultural and Linguistic Competency

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) announces the availability of a Request for Proposals (RFP). 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.

Extensive research has been and continues to be conducted to examine various approaches to addressing disparities in health outcomes and the implementation of cultural and linguistic competency standards, including the identification of evidence based practices. Considerable literature is now available to assess the potential benefits of cultural and linguistic competency training and the most effective methods of achieving positive outcomes. Numerous training programs are available, along with written materials, including web-based instructional opportunities.

The purpose of this project is to identify and disseminate information on cultural and linguistic competency evidence based practices or best practice in training and service provision. The provider will review literature, existing data, and anecdotal information to describe major cultural and linguistic issues concerning Floridians with specific attention to those issues of concern to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The provider will examine a variety of existing cultural and linguistic competency resources to identify those that are evidence based or based on best practice for their potential use in Florida.

Based on the review of available resources, the provider will draft a report for the FDDC Health Care Task Force, including recommendations of those resources determined to have the greatest potential benefit for use with Florida health care providers, with a focus on issues of concern to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Data regarding the number of health care providers to receive each recommended resource, the cost per person, and total cost projection should also be presented. Further, the provider should describe how best to disseminate this information to the health care providers, including any potential additional cost associated with the dissemination.

The provider will present this information to the Health Care Task Force, facilitate a discussion of the issues, and assist the Task Force to develop and adopt a plan for dissemination of cultural and linguistic competency information to all Florida health care providers. Based on the direction of the Task Force, the provider will proceed to purchase those materials for which funds are available. The provider will disseminate the materials purchased. The provider will prepare and print a final report based on the direction provided by and approval of the Council.

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 1(888)488-8633. The deadline for submitting letters of intent and written questions is prior to 4:00 p.m. (EST), on December 11, 2006. The deadline for submitting proposals is prior to 2:00 p.m. (EST), on January 22, 2007. Letters of Intent will only be accepted by fax, mail, or hand delivery. Letters of Intent by e-mail will not be accepted.

THE ABOVE ANNOUNCEMENT WILL APPEAR IN THE F.A.W. AND THE FDDC WEB PAGE (fddc.org) ON NOVEMBER 9, 2006.

PLEASE FORWARD ALL REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF THE RFP TO MISTY.

QUESTIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN WRITTEN FORMAT ONLY. THIS IS A LEGAL PROCESS; WE CANNOT ANSWER QUESTIONS VERBALLY.