BALTIMORE SUBSTANCE ABUSE SYTEMS, INC

RECOVERY COMMUNITY CENTER

AND/OR

BALTIMORE RECOVERY CORP

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

FISCAL YEAR 2013

PROGRAM EMPHASIS

Baltimore Substance Abuse System, Inc. is issuing this call for proposals to develop and operate a Recovery Community Center and a Peer Volunteer Workforce Initiative (Baltimore Recovery Corps) in Baltimore City.The offeror can choose to submit a proposal for the Recovery Community Center and the Baltimore Recovery Corp or the offeror can choose to submit a proposal for just one of the above initiatives. Services funded through this grant cannot be subcontracted by the awardee.

Recovery Community Center (RCC)

The Recovery Community Center must be located in Baltimore City and must be an easily accessible, clean and welcoming public space that will allow adults with chronic substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders to assemble with their peers in a safe and supportive alcohol and drugfree environment that promotes recovery. The Recovery Community Center will honor and respect all diverse pathways to recovery and promote person-centered and peer-based services.

The services offered should include, but not be limited to, vocational and educational training, self-care and social skills development, peer recovery support, recovery support groups, referral to substance abuse treatment and other support services, resource linkages, volunteer and service opportunities, recovery related workshops, and family friendly events.

Recovery Community Centers rely on both paid and volunteer staff. Many of the staff members are peers, meaning they are individuals in recovery from addiction. Volunteers are routinely recruited from participants that utilize the RCC and BRCactivities. Both the paid and volunteer staff participates in trainings to ensure they have appropriate knowledge and skills to develop and lead activities and support groups.

Recovery Community Centers espouse a strengths-based, person-centered approach to recovery that is an integral part of peer recovery support services. The focus of the RCCs is to support and promote recovery in a way that respects the individual’s pathway and encourages independence.

Baltimore Recovery Corps (BRC)

The Baltimore Recovery Corps will identify, train and place individuals who have sustained recovery from addiction for a minimum of two years into services agencies as volunteer peer recovery advocates to provide support to individuals who are in or seeking recovery.

Potential Recovery Corps members will receive training based on curriculum developed by the internationally recognized Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR). Once trained, the corps members will be placed in human service agencies covering different geographical areas of the city.

As volunteer peer recovery advocates, BRC memberswill first and foremost establish relationships with people in treatment, acting as living examples and conveying to those they’re serving that treatment works and recovery is possible; help people in treatment connect successfully to and follow-up with important supports in the community including family, healthcare, employment, education, social services, legal, faith, and other recovery resources; and help people in treatment adhere to their recovery plans.

The main goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of life for both the volunteer recovery advocates and the people seeking recovery who the advocates are helping.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

For funding consideration, applicants must submit a proposal to include the following elements. Separate proposals must be submitted for RCC and BRC initiatives respectively. Each proposal should be no more than 10 pages (not including appendices).

  1. RFP Cover Sheet – Complete and submit cover sheet (See below Attachment 1).
  1. Program of Interest- Please specify which program you are submitting a proposal for- Recovery Community Center and/or Baltimore Recovery Corps.
  1. Organizational Structure- A listing of all current programs operated by the applicant, and describe the organizational management structure including staffing responsible for facilities management, financial management, and programmatic service delivery. Indicate whether the organization is non-profit, for-profit, or other type of legal entity. Include an organizational chart asProposal Appendix 3
  1. Facility- Describe the space available to operate the programs(s), including the physical address. If the chosen facility currently houses treatment services, the Applicantmust demonstrate how the treatment services and recovery services will be separately organized and delivered. Include building lease, mortgage or deed as Proposal Appendix 4.
  1. Provider Philosophy- A brief description on the mission, vision and values of the provider and how these apply to the provision of services and the role of quality assurance in the agency.
  1. Provider Experience – Describe current or previous services provided that are similar to those required in this RFP. Describe how success was determined and include participant outcome data if available.
  1. Overview of Methods and Procedures- A description of how the provider would implement the scope of service for the RCC and/or BRC (See Scope of Services in RFP Attachments 4 & 5.)Description of how provider will collaborate with key partners, such as treatment agencies, workforce development programs, drug treatment courts, mental health providers, etc. Include copies of written memorandum of understanding, referral agreements, and/or letters of partnership as Proposal Appendix 5.
  1. Program Evaluation Methods- A description of how the provider will evaluate success including expected outcomes in measureable terms and measurement procedures.
  1. Staffing Pattern: Describe the proposed staffing pattern. Each program will require a Program Coordinator; other staffing must include, but is not limited to Peer Specialist(s).
  1. Sample Activity Schedule- Please attach a sample as Proposal Appendix 4.
  1. Referral Path(s):Description of established referral sources and current MOU’s with existing agencies. Referral sourcesare anticipated to be treatment agencies, criminal justice system,supportive housing providers, etc.
  1. Engagement Strategy: Description of how your agency will outreach to the intended population and what strategies will be employed to engage the recovery community, or individuals contemplating recovery, to utilize the RCC and/or BRC?
  1. Operational Costs: Please complete Attachment 1 and Attachment 2- Cost Proposal Forms.
  1. Program Start Date: The program would be expected to begin providing services by March 2013. Indicate if program can start by that time or offer an alternate date if necessary.
  1. Number of Clients to be Served: Provide an estimated number of clients to be served daily, and estimated number of clients to be served yearly.
  1. Facility Ownership – Submit a copy of facility lease, mortgage or deed as Proposal Appendix 6.
  1. Insurance – Submit copies of professional and liability insurance certification for the organization as Proposal Appendix 7.
  1. Independent Financial Audit-Submit copy of most recent independent financial audit. If an independent audit is not routinely performed, applicant should submit most recent financial statements (audited statements preferred).

Appendices:

  1. RFP Cost Proposal
  2. RFP Salary Structure
  3. Organizational Chart
  4. Sample Activity Schedule
  5. Partnership letters
  6. Lease/Mortgage/Deed to property location
  7. Professional and Liability insurance certification
  8. Recent Independent Financial Audit

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

BSAS will evaluate proposals and select the most qualified vendor(s). Qualifications will include: history of successfully providing similar services; location and condition of facility; staffing pattern to meet the needs of clients; comprehensive yet realistic plan for service delivery; quality of community linkages/partnerships; likelihood vendor will recruit ample number of participants; reasonable operating costs;

APPLICATION DEADLINE

If interested in submitting a proposal to establish a Recovery Community Center and/or the Baltimore Recovery Corp please submit to Manuel Irving, Contract Officer, by 4 p.m. Thursday, February 14th, 2013. If you have questions regarding this project, please submit these questions via email to Ryan Smith, Director of Recovery Services, .

Attachment 1

BALTIMORE SUBSTANCE ABUSE SYSTEMS

RFP COVER SHEET

Recovery Community Support Center

and

Baltimore Recovery Corps Volunteer Initiative

Program Name:

National Program Identification (NPI) Number:

Address:

Contact person:

Telephone number:

Fax number:

E-mail:

Program website:

I attest that the prices quoted in this proposal are valid and shall remain in effect for the duration of the contract period.

Authorized Signature:______

Printed name:

Position:

Date:

PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FEBRUARY 15 AT 4:00 P.M TO:

Manuel Irving, Contract Officer

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

One North Charles Street, Suite 1600

Baltimore, MD 21201

Attachment 2

BALTIMORE SUBSTANCE ABUSE SYSTEMS

RFP COST PROPOSAL

Program Name:Date:

Total Annual Cost (RCC):Total Annual Cost (BRC):

ANNUALIZED BUDGET SUMMARY: Complete the chart below indicating the line item costs that were used to calculate the above “Total Annual Cost”.

Recovery Community Center / Amount / Baltimore Recovery Corp / Amount
Personnel / $ / Personnel / $
Fringe / $ / Fringe / $
Consultants / $ / Consultants / $
Rent/Mortgage / $ / Rent/Mortgage / $
Utilities / $ / Utilities / $
Equipment / $ / Equipment / $
Supplies / $ / Supplies / $
Purchase of Services / $ / Purchase of Services / $
Building repairs/maintenance / $ / Building repairs/maintenance / $
Staff training / $ / Staff training / $
Participant incentives / $ / Volunteer incentives / $
Other (specify) / $ / Other (specify) / $
Total Direct costs / $ / Total Direct costs / $
Indirect costs (maximum 10% of personnel and fringe) / $ / Indirect costs (maximum 10% of personnel and fringe) / $
Total Direct & Indirect Costs / $ / Total Direct & Indirect Costs / $
TOTAL COSTS / $ / TOTAL COSTS / $

1

Attachment 3

RFP Salary Schedule

RCC Position Title / Staff name / Certification/
Licensure
(if applicable) / Hours per week / % of FTE on this grant / Annualized salary / BSAS funded salary
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
BRC Position Title / Staff name / Certification/
Licensure
(if applicable) / Hours per week / % of FTE on this grant / Annualized salary / BSAS funded salary
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

1

Attachment 4

BALTIMORE SUBSTANCE ABUSE SYSTEMS

RECOVERY COMMUNITY CENTER (RCC)

SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR FY 2013

Administrative Services to include:

Provider will:

  1. Develop and implement a protocol for supervision of the recovery community center services and adherence to the scope of service deliverables.
  1. Provide services in a culturally competent and gender appropriate setting and manner.
  1. Participate and engage in technical assistance regarding this project with BSAS.
  1. Make all documents pertinent to this program available for inspection/evaluation to entitled federal, state, and city officials.
  1. Participate in regular program monitoring by BSASthat will include compliance with conditions of award, health and safety reviews, and quality management of service processes. Fiscal reviews, and data integrity reviews are also part of the program monitoring.
  1. Participate in unscheduled and random site visits if a participant or staff complaint is received or if concerns arise regarding patient safety or fiscal management of public dollars.
  1. Create an RCC Advisory Council that is made up primarily of individuals from the local recovery community.
  1. Be volunteer driven, member inspired, and premised on peer support.
  1. Create policies and procedures, which will be made available to members and reviewed/revised yearly.
  1. Post rules of conduct for members.

Performance and Deliverables:

Provider will:

  1. Develop and implement a comprehensive program of recovery support services that promotes improving quality of life, preventing relapse, and sustaining recovery.
  1. Programing will focus on supporting recovery and establishment of a life in the community by assisting those who are seeking to achieve and maintain recovery.
  1. Offer the following recovery support services, but not be limited to:
  • Recovery support meetings,
  • Screening and referral to substance abuse treatment and other ancillary support services,
  • Group and individual peer counseling,
  • Family education groups/services,
  • Health and wellness services to assist individuals to improve their mental and physical wellbeing,
  • Therapeutic recreation,
  • Volunteer training opportunities, and
  • Other services designed to meet the needs of clients in recovery.
  1. Maintain a structured schedule where recovery related workshops, meetings, services, trainings, and social events are delivered.
  1. Publish a monthly schedule of recovery community center activities, in which no less than one support group or educational groups is held daily.
  1. Specific services and activities should include, but not be limited, to:
  • 12 step meetings
  • Other recovery groups and meetings
  • Men’s groups
  • Women’s groups
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Ta-Chi
  • Coffee Hour
  • Family Night
  • Community Meals
  • Recreation Activities
  • Smoking Cessation Activities
  • HIV/AIDS education
  • Sexuality and Health education
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Job Search Assistance
  • Veterans Assistance
  • Internet Access
  • Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)
  1. Target people in recovery, family members, and friends to serve as volunteers.
  1. Conduct outreach to encourage new participants to attend the RCC.
  1. Offer recovery support services at non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends when there is highest demand and as agreed upon by provider and BSAS.
  1. Deliver care so that it addresses needs holistically and addresses the life domains of importance to each recovering person so that he or she is able to attain the best quality of life he or she can achieve.
  1. Expand array of services and use creative scheduling to best engagepeople in or seeking recovery.
  1. Develop referral relationships with substance abuse treatment providers and other community service providers to whom provider may refer participants in need of various recovery support services/activities.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to provide a mix of therapeutic and recovery oriented interventions based upon the needs of people in recovery and the expressed desires of those individuals for service and supports.
  1. Solicit input from clients and clients’ families on service needs and satisfaction with the RCC services; and incorporate that input into service development and service delivery.
  1. Notify BSAS of all media coverage regarding BSAS supported services. Providers will notify BSAS in advance whenever possible.
  1. Communicate and collaborate with BSAS and other BSAS funded Recovery Supportive Service providers to develop new services, assist other sites to plan and implement new services, identify funding opportunities, submit funding proposals, and share information about recovery resources for clients and families.
  1. Collaborate with BSAS to develop and implement services in Baltimore City that are consistent with a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC).
  1. Become a part of developing a recovery framework, particularly in terms of approaches to care, by creating communities of recovery in and around the recovery community center through the establishment and maintenance of linkages to the community. Services must build on the capabilities of the provider organization and its staff in recognizing the needs of individuals that the provider typically serves or chooses to target.
  1. Seek to empower RCC participants, allowing them to exert control over their lives and exercise the maximum level of self-determination.
  1. Ensure that at least two staff persons or one staff person and one volunteer oversee the program during night time hours.
  1. Train volunteers to provide childcare support services for parents involved in RCC activities.
  1. Promote employment support to RCC members to help participants obtain vocational training and/or employment.
  1. Promote supportive and appropriate relationships between individuals who are new to recovery with individuals with longer term recovery.
  1. When necessary, provide interventions for individuals who may need professional, clinical treatment or other behavioral health services.
  1. Begin servicing the community by April 1st, 2013.
  1. Serve approximately 5,000 individuals per year.

Staffing Requirements;

Provider will:

  1. Hire, train and supervise staff needed to accomplish positive client outcomes and goals. Staff will include peer counselors who at minimum possess a history of a substance use disorder with at least two years of recovery; ability to communicate clearly; ability to understand and communicate to others the components of the substance abuse treatment system in Baltimore City and the needs of clients seeking recovery from addiction; and the ability to follow safety protocols established by the provider to help ensure the safety of clients and other staff.
  1. Ensure that RCC staff demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Understanding of Wellness and Recovery principles.
  • Ability to assist members in making informed choices and decisions managing their own recovery.
  • Ability to provide non-judgmental and impartial support to individuals, families, and significant others effectedby addiction disorders.
  • Ability to use strength-based approached to develop and apply strategies to support individuals in or seeking recovery.
  • Ability to promote self-determination, hope and empowerment.
  • Ability to connect individuals with their natural communities, including recovery community.

Data Management:

Provider will:

  1. Submit monthly program related data and reports as required by BSAS.
  1. Track participation by individuals both in attending the center, as well as participation in programming.
  1. Conduct on-going evaluation of the usefulness of RCC programming.
  1. Report on consumer feedback and how feedback is incorporated into service delivery.

Attachment 5

BALTIMORE SUBSTANCE ABUSE SYSTEMS

BALTIMORE RECOVERY CORP

SCOPE OF SERVICE FOR FY2013

Administrative Services to include:

Provider will:

  1. Develop and implement a protocol for supervision of the Baltimore Recovery Corp (BRC) services and adherence to the scope of service deliverables.
  1. Develop a training curriculum to provide Peer Recovery Advocate’s (PRA) with knowledge and skills necessary to provide every service listed on the service log.
  1. Provide services in a culturally competent and gender appropriate setting and manner.
  1. Name a “Program Director” for the program. This person will interface with BSAS, and must have decision-making authority in the provider’s organization.
  1. Participate and engage in technical assistance regarding this project with BSAS.
  1. Make all documents pertinent to this program available for inspection/evaluation to entitled federal, state, and city officials.
  1. Participate in regular program monitoring by BSASthat will include compliance with conditions of award, health and safety reviews, and quality management of service processes. Fiscal reviews, and data integrity reviews are also part of the program monitoring.
  1. Participate in unscheduled and random site visits if a patient or staff complaint is received or if concerns arise regarding patient safety or fiscal management of public dollars.
  1. Respond to action items identified by BSAS, in a timely matter.

Performance and Deliverables: