Grant Details

The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) typically provides project funding through a formal Request for Proposals process. Research conducted by DDPC staff and/or workgroups examines the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and identifies projects that have the potential to spur capacity building and/or systems change. The current DDPC State Plan drives all activities. Once a worthwhile project has been researched and assessed for its systems change or capacity building potential, the framework of the initiative is developed, and the RFP process begins. The following list outlines the RFP process for choosing the organizations to implement a DDPC funded project.

• The DDPC defines a funding opportunity and sets aside sufficient funds to support a targeted initiative consistent with objectives in the current DDPC State Plan.
• Based on comprehensive research, and the resulting needs identified, an RFP is developed by DDPC members, staff and key system stakeholders. Stakeholders who might want to apply for such an opportunity are precluded from working with the DDPC on the RFP development. 
• Once completed, the RFP is sent out to a targeted mailing list of agencies, regionally or statewide, that meet the eligibility criteria for the specific RFP. The RFP is also posted in the New York State Register and on the DDPC website. Key system stakeholders are encouraged to disseminate the RFP and provide web-links to interested and appropriate agencies. 
• Letters of intent are typically requested from agencies that are interested in applying for the grant. The number of letters of intent received helps DDPC staff select the appropriate number of reviewers, including council partners and consumer members.
• Proposals are distributed to reviewers. A minimum of three reviewers, with knowledge in the field relevant to the project, read and rate each proposal. Reviewers are asked to provide comments about the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. The points are totaled from all four sections resulting in a composite score. 
  
  • Four sections of the proposal are considered and scored by the reviewer: 
    • Plan of Action
    • Project Evaluation, Dissemination and Sustainability 
    • Applicant Capability, Personnel and Resources
    • Proposal Budget and Cost 
• The scores produced by the reviewers for one particular proposal are then averaged. This averaging is done for all proposals received. The DDPC has noted over time that proposals rated below 80 are unlikely to produce the desired results and are unlikely to be funded. 
• The Strengths and weakness of the higher-scoring projects are considered among all the readers until consensus is reached on which proposals are to be recommended to the DDPC for funding. 
• The DDPC typically considers fidelity to RFP concept, geographic diversity and long-term sustainability in making final funding recommendations and awards. 
• The applicant(s) with the highest score(s) are then reviewed and approved by the DDPC Standing Committees, Executive Committee and full Council at their respective quarterly meetings.