this rfp

2009 Request for Proposals (RFP)

Highmark Healthcare Academic Program Development

PASSHE FoundationDixon University Center

2986 North Second StreetHarrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110

Submission deadline:

4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Release date: February 26, 2009

PASSHE Foundation Highmark Healthcare Academic Program Development, 2009

Contents

A. Purpose.....................................................................................3

B. Funding Levels; Cost Share........................................................3

C. Eligible Academic Programs.......................................................3

D. Use of Funds..............................................................................3

E. Budget Instructions....................................................................4

F. Submission Requirements...........................................................4

G. Funding Priorities, Awards and Notifications...............................6

H. Post-Award Requirements..........................................................7

H. Other Information......................................................................7

J. Proposal Forms

Proposal Cover Page...............................................................9

Proposal Abstract Form.........................................................10

Proposal Narrative Instructions..............................................11

Budget Request.....................................................................12

Appendix 1. Project Report Form....................................................13

Appendix 2. Budget Report Form....................................................14

2


Introduction

A. Purpose

This Request for Proposals seeks University proposals for initiatives that develop academic programs in healthcare. This initiative is intended to address the high-demand occupations of nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy and more. The goal is to enable PASSHE Universities to expand or upgrade existing programs, start new programs, enhance student services and community outreach.

B. Funding Levels; Cost Share

Funding support will be considered and determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, individual proposals will be allocated a maximum of $15,000. No more than five grants will be awarded.

The PASSHE Foundation will NOT require a specific cost share from the University. However, University funding and support will be one factor among several in the selection and award of the funds. Universities can identify cash and/or in-kind support. University resources must be committed during the time frame of the project.

C. Eligible Academic Programs

Eligible academic programs include, but are not limited to majors, minors, concentrations or certificates that fall within the 51.XXXX CIP codes such as nursing, pre-physician assistant, pre-medicine, biology, health science, audiology, speech pathology, medical imagery, physical therapy, exercise science, health education, health services administration, mental health, environmental health, public health. Allied health programs are also eligible. Programs within the following CIP codes involving counseling psychology, nutrition or toxicology are also eligible: 19.0501, 19.0504, 26.10, 30.19,31.0505 or 42.06

For confirmation of a specific program’s CIP code or eligibility, please contact: Laurie Wasilition at 717-720-4222, or [email protected].

Collaborative proposals involving two or more System Universities are particularly encouraged. In collaborative proposals one University must be the lead applicant and letters of commitment from the other collaborating Universities must be included. The collaborating Universities must have an active role in the project.

3

mailto:[email protected]


D. Use of Funds

This grant will support the following types of projects:1. Curriculum development (including revision or upgrades)2. New program start-up, for which a letter of intent has been approved.3. Academic program expansion and related community outreach.

Examples of community outreach include establishing off-campus locations for the program, establishing new clinical sites, creating partnerships with existing community clinics.

4. Student support services (e.g., tutoring, et al) which prepare students to pass professional exams.

Specific eligible costs include faculty time, instructional equipment (when deployed in a new program or in an existing program AND needed to provide instruction on current technologies), equipment for community clinics, training of faculty related to curriculum or equipment.

Ineligible costs include the following: faculty and student travel (other than for specific curriculum development), international travel, tuition assistance (other than GA compensation), textbooks, library books, and University indirect or overhead costs, food for events.

E. Budget Instructions and Limitations

All applicants must use the budget form provided. All applicants must provide a narrative budget explanation. All individuals receiving salary, compensation and honoraria must be

named on the budget form or in the budget narrative. Compensation shall be itemized for each person and/or position. In the event names are not known at the time of proposal submission, the proposal must itemize compensation by position and identify the number of positions in each category, e.g. student workers: 5 @ $500 each; workshop presenters: 2 @ $100 each.

Applicants can and should value in-kind contributions from their University or third parties, including it in “University Funding” or “Other Grant or Revenue Funding’.

Release time or additional stipends to faculty require extensive justification. Grant funds may not be requested for typical or expected University service, community service and department service. Faculty members are expected to contribute to the on-going success of the University.

4


F. Submission Requirements

Due Date: System Universities shall establish procedures to select one proposal for submission to the Foundation Office. Universities should screen proposals for the selection criteria (contained in Section G). Proposals must be received at the PASSHE Foundation Office no later than 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 ,2009.

Submission Format: All proposals must be submitted in electronic form only. One (1) electronic copy of the proposal is required and must be submitted as a WORD document. The signed “Proposal Cover Page”, appendices and attachments should be scanned and submitted as one PDF file. As an alternative, the signed “Proposal Cover Page” may be submitted by fax to 717-720-7082. No other documents may be faxed. All electronic copies must be submitted to the following mailbox: [email protected]

Each proposal should include the following CONTENTS:

The Proposal Cover Page endorsed by the University’s Project Director, Dean, Grant Office and the President or Provost (form provided). If any signatures are omitted, the proposal will NOT be reviewed.

Project Dates must be included on the “Proposal Cover Page”. Start and end dates must be a specific day, month and year. The project must start by August 1, 2009 and be completed by October 1, 2010.

An Abstract (form provided). Be succinct and specific with problem/need statement, goals, objectives and assessment strategies. The assessment strategies should relate directly to the project scope and objectives. Assessments should establish a baseline for conditions at the start of the project and use both qualitative and quantitative factors to measure outcomes of the project.

A Narrative Description of the project. Include all topics listed below. Limit the narrative to five (5) pages in font no smaller than 11 point.

1. Describe the Program’s Scope and/or Methodology. 2. Demonstrate the significance and impact of the project. How will this project improve the program? Identify current enrollments. Identify expected enrollments and/or other program participants during the grant period and three years out.

5



3. Explain the project’s link to high demand occupations in the healthcare industry. Identify any healthcare industry partners and their input or role. 4. Describe how the project collaborates with or complements other University services and programs.5. Describe how the project will become self-sustaining and the University will institutionalize the program.

A Budget (form provided) and a Budget Narrative that provides the expense details for the grant amount requested and University and Other funds. See Budget Instructions, Sections D and E, on pages 3-4. The budget narrative may not exceed one page and should clarify how specific costs meet the eligibility requirements.

For collaborative proposals of any kind, submit letters of support from the participating Universities, signed by the appropriate Vice President.

Exhibits, Appendices and Attachments are limited to five pages total.

o Given the time constraint on review of proposals, lengthy documentation is not reviewed and should not contain critical information. Include only exhibits, appendices and attachments that directly address the eligibility and selection criteria that are outlined elsewhere in this RFP, such as detailed project schedules, commitments of other funding, equipment quotes, and commitment of the University match.

o General letters of support are NOT to be included.o Resumes/bios of the project director should be included and

must be limited to two pages.

University Approvals: The Grant Officer’s signature on the Proposal Cover Page will verify that all University procedures were followed. The Provost/Presidents signature will confirm the commitment of other University resources as shown on the budget. The Foundation Office will NOT review proposals that lack any of the required and proper endorsements.

G. Funding Priorities, Awards and Notifications

Funding decisions regarding program proposals are based on the merits of the proposals, including but not limited to the following factors:

1. Project Goals and Objectives are clearly stated, measurable and realistic.

6


2. Assessment Strategies are appropriate and succinct; assessment strategies include a baseline determination plus qualitative and quantitative elements; metrics should relate to the objectives of the project.

3. Proposal Scope and/or Methodology are complete and demonstrate that the project is well thought and comprehensively planned; the schedule is realistic.

4. The project will have a substantial or sustained impact on academic programs.

5. The project addresses a high demand occupation in the healthcare industry.

6. The project utilizes and maximizes collaboration within the University; it complements other programs/services.

7. The project’s sustainability and future institutional support is assured.

8. The Budget is sound; costs are reasonable, necessary and appropriate.

9. The project has Other Resources, including in-kind or cash committed.

All proposals will be reviewed and scored on the above criteria by an internal review committee. A proposal will be rejected without review if:

It is submitted on the incorrect forms or format. It exceeds the page limits for each section. It violates the budget instructions and limitations. It does not include required components, including narrative

requirements and budget justification, letters and signatures.

Award decisions will be communicated to applicants and University officials approximately 60 days from the due date for submission. To expedite paperwork, notifications are simultaneously to the Project Director, Grant Office, and President of each University.

Awards may fund a proposal in whole or in part. Award Notifications include an Award Letter and Instructions for completing Budget revisions and the Final Narrative and Budget Reports. These documents are sent to the Grant Office for distribution and processing. If a proposal is partially funded, the Project Director should develop and return, via the University Grant Office, a revised budget to the PASSHE Foundation. The University should take steps to ensure that other required project funding is available prior to accepting the award.

H. Post-Award Requirements

7


Proposal Revisions: The Award requires that the project be implemented as proposed. Major changes to the scope of services or personnel must be submitted to the PASSHE Foundation for approval.

Budget Revisions: Universities may revise their budgets up to a maximum of 10% of the original award amount without PASSHE Foundation approval. For example, a grant of $6,500 may have cumulative revisions up to and including $650.00 with only notification to their campus’ grant and accounting offices.

Budget revisions that exceed 10% must be submitted to the PASSHE Foundation for approval. Please note that ANY budget revision may not exceed the limitations listed in the budget instructions above. Requests for revisions should include an explanation of the reasons for budget revisions and the impact on the project.

Extensions: Projects are typically approved for the period identified in the Proposal. Requests for extensions must be submitted to the PASSHE Foundation with a justification of the need for such an extension.

Final Report: An end of project report including a Final Expenditures Report from the University Grants Accounting Office must be submitted to the PASSHE Foundation within 60 days of the conclusion of the project. All reports must be submitted by the due date. The format of the Project Report is attached as Appendix A; the format of the Expenditure Report is attached as Appendix B. Any funds not used by the end of the project must be returned to the PASSHE Foundation with the final report.

I. Other Information

Questions: Questions regarding the administrative requirements of this RFP should be directed to Angela C. Smith-Aumen, Director of Sponsored Programs, at 717-720-4018 or [email protected].

Revisions: Any revisions to this RFP will be issued by the PASSHE Foundation in writing and distributed to Universities.

Permissions: By submitting a proposal the author gives permission to the PASSHE Foundation to, upon award of funds, distribute summary information from the proposal, including but not limited to: Project Title, Director, and Abstract. The author also gives permission to the PASSHE Foundation to a) post the Proposal on its website, with proper credit to the author and b) distribute the Proposal, Final Reports and outcomes to personnel and third parties, again with proper credit. The author retains all rights to publish and present the outcomes in professional venues.

8



Proposals that are not funded by the PASSHE Foundation are not publicized and are held in confidence. Any printed copies of unfunded proposals are shredded.

9


For Foundation Office use only Proposal # _____

2009 Highmark Healthcare Proposal Cover Page

Project Title:

University:

Project Date(s): ________ to __________________ Provide dates as a specific month, day and year (xx/xx/2006); NOT “Fall 2007”

Amount Requested: $ ________________________

Project Director: Name:

Position:

Department:

Email: ____________________________________

Phone:

Fax:

If this is a Collaborative Proposal check here____ and list participating

Universities:

__________________________________________________________________

Name of the academic program:______________________________________

Check one: Graduate _____ Undergraduate____

Check the correct Project Type for this proposal ______Curriculum development ______New program start-up______Program Expansion/Community outreach (incl. new program sites)______Student support services

Endorsement: Endorsement: Project Director Dean

Endorsement: Endorsement:

10


Grant Officer University President or Provost

11


PROPOSAL ABSTRACT FORM

Complete the abstract form as comprehensively as possible. The abstract should explicitly state the need, goals of the project and the activities that support them. The abstract should also include how the program will be assessed to determine whether these goals are met.

Project Title:

University:

Project Director: Name: ______ ______

Phone: ______ ______

Email:________________________________________________

NEED: Answer: Why are you doing this project? What

problem/need/deficiency does it address?

_____

___________

____________________________________________________________________________

Proposal Goals: What do you hope to achieve with these funds?

1.

2.

Assessment: How will you know when you are successful in achieving your goals? What will you do to gather the data needed?

1.

2.

12


Use additional page if necessary

13


Proposal Narrative Instructions

Review all Instructions in pages 1-7. Address the Selection Criteria and the following points:1. Describe the Program’s Scope and/or Methodology. 2. Demonstrate the Significance of or impact of the project. How will this project improve the program? Identify current enrollments. Identify expected enrollments and/or other program participants during the grant period and three years out.3. Explain the project’s link to high demand occupation in the healthcare industry. Identify any healthcare industry partners. 4. Describe how the project collaborates with or complements other University services and programs.5. Describe how the project will become self-sustaining and the University will institutionalize the program.Please keep Narrative to five (5) typewritten pages

14


Proposal Budget RequestInstructions: Please itemize each anticipated expenditure and its funding source in the appropriate column. Please include all expenditures associated with the program including travel, student salaries, food, facilities usage and other operating expenses. You must provide a narrative explanation on an additional page.

DOUBLE CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE BUDGET TABLE TO OPEN AN EXCEL WORKSHEET AND TO ENTER DATA ELECTRONICALLY. Budget restrictions and requirements are outlined in Sections D and E.

Total Request From PASSHE ____________________________

15


Appendix 1Project Report for COMPLETED Highmark

Healthcare Academic Program GrantsProject Name:_____________________________________________ Project Director:_____________________University__________________________ Email: _____________________________

Number of participants or enrollments______University Students ______Faculty ______Employees other than Faculty______High School Students _____ Others

Report the number of those involved in a substantive way in the planning and/or implementation of the project:

______University Students ______Faculty ______Employees other than Faculty______High School Students ______Others

Summary of project activities – Summarize the activities in a comprehensive manner, using non-technical language, so that individuals who are not familiar with the activities or discipline can understand the activities undertaken and the services provided.

Assessment:

List the top 2-3 project goals and report on achievement of, or progress on each goal, including areas needing improvement or strategies that did not achieve their intended effect. (Use the following format.) List specific, tangible outcomes of the project. Provide assessment of intermediate impact of program on university’s equity goals. Provide data to document your conclusions.

FORMATGoal 1. [type goal here]a. Progressb. Outcomes of projectc. Impact d. Data

Goal 2 [type goal here]a. Progressb. Outcomes of project

16


c. Impact d. Data

Appendix 2Budget Report for COMPLETED Highmark

Healthcare Academic Program Grants

Instructions: Please report expenditures according to their funding source in the appropriate column. Include all expenditures associated University and other funding. Please explain any significant (more than 10%) departures from the items included in your original PASSHE grant budget. Unexpended grant balances must be returned to the PASSHE Foundation.

Project Name:_____________________________________________ Project Director:_____________________University__________________________ Email:_____________________________

DOUBLE CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE TABLE TO OPEN AN EXCEL WORKSHEET AND ENTER DATA ELECTRONICALLY.

17

this rfp

Documents

enter data electronically

university email

high demand occupation

identify current enrollments

identify expected enrollments

healthcare industry partners

project director

proposal cover page