Social Security Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, 1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21207-0696

B -- RESEARCH INTO EARLY INTERVENTION STRATEGIES DUE 012397 POC A. R. "Dick" Tokosch Tel: (410) 965-9492; FAX: 410-966-9310 SSA intends to negotiate with and issue a Sole Source order/contract to the George Washington University; Institute for Health Policy, Outcomes and Human Values for a Research Study to develop Early Intervention Strategies for SSA beneficiaries in order to return these individuals to the workforce at the earliest possible time. Background: Early intervention has been found to be a significant factor in maintaining or promoting work for persons with disabilities. We would like to explore the unique set of circumstances affecting groups of persons with mental and/or physical disabilities and their prospects of working. There may be instances where supports such as medical or vocational interventions are more important than cash benefits. Our goal is to develop a policy which properly integrates the range of services and benefits provided by Federal, State, local and private organizations in order to maximize work and reduce program cost. Scope of Work: Develop the policy framework necessary to reducedependency on benefits through early intervention. The contractor will: Define groups of SSI and DI applicants and beneficiaries who should be targeted for specific federal, state and private strategies to support work. Develop policy proposals to be further evaluated by the Social Security Administration in working with agencies serving the target populations. These proposals will focus on early intervention and provision of appropriate support specifically in the area of integrated benefits and services to maintain and promote work for people with disabilities. Develop a proposed policy development plan which will include consultation with persons with expertise on the characteristics and needs of the various categories of applicants and beneficiaries. Deliverables: Within 1 month -- develop schedule for meetings with experts on aspects of early intervention. Within 6 weeks define target populations. Within 3 months meet with experts. Within 6 months the contractor will provide a written report which includes an analysis and recommendations on a direction for the Social Security Administration related to the scope of work. The report will be evaluated by the Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning. With the approval of the Associate Commissioner, we can begin the next phase of the project which is to develop strategies to test the recommendations. The GWU Institute will utilize the services of Mr. Allen Jensen as their primary researcher. The technical expertise necessary to provide the analysis and recommendations for this report require very specialized experience. Mr. Jensen is uniquely qualified for this task because of his extensive work with both the Federal and state governments on programs geared to reform programs for persons with disabilities. Mr. Jensen has worked on several major initiatives affecting persons with disabilities. He was the primary staff person responsible for the SSI program including the work incentives provisions in SSI law and the child welfare, foster care and social services programs under the jurisdiction of the House Ways and Means Committee. He is the leading expert in this country on SSI work-related policies and the interconnection between SSI and Medicaid. Mr Jensen worked on a project with 9 states' to enable state and local policies and procedures to be modified so that persons with severe physical disabilities, mental illnesses or developmental disabilities can utilize work incentives through the SSI, DI, Medicaid and Medicare programs. He continues to be the primary resource for States and organizations in these areas. SSA has been exploring ways of integrating the benefits and services provided by a range of Federal State, and local organizations to provide persons with disabilities appropriate support. Mr. Jensen's established relationships with these organizations will greatly facilitate SSA's ability to make progress in this area. Most significantly, he is currently involved in demonstrations being conducted in the states of Wisconsin andvermont to test early intervention concepts. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND NO RFP WILL BE ISSUED. All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. No cost or pricing data is required or requested. Any organization which has comparable experience and expertise should submit a Technical Capability statement including experience, references, list of researchers with history, and any other relevant information for evaluation. The information should be sent to the address above for receipt by the closing date. REQUESTS FOR AN RFP WILL NOT BE HONORED OR ACKNOWLEDGED. (0007)

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