Notice of Funding Availability

DHHS Interpreting Services Vendor List (ISVL) Request for Applications (RFA)

Hearing Aid Provider Services

​NC National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) Trainer Vendor List Applications (RFA)

DHHS Division/Office issuing this notice:
Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.

Date of this notice:
August 15, 2016

Working Title of the funding program:
NC National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) Trainer Vendor List Applications (RFA).

Purpose:
The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to create a list of qualified individuals interested in providing assistive technology training services to Deaf-Blind consumers that have received equipment through the NDBEDP.

Description:
The provision of assistive technology training is specific to eligible Deaf-Blind individuals. This service gives Deaf-Blind individuals the skills to utilize equipment that meets their telecommunication and distance communication needs, making it possible for them to make a phone call, send an email message, or access the Internet. Consultation and training services may also be provided to agencies and service providers for Deaf-Blind consumers.

DSDHH is responsible for the application and assessment process pertaining to NDBEDP rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission.

This list is designed to:
a) Provide an in-house list of individuals knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified to provide assistive technology training and consultation as needed.

b) Provide NDBEDP Trainers that are available statewide for assistive technology training pertinent to Deaf-Blind individuals as well as serve as trainers/consultants to service providers and agencies that serve Deaf-Blind consumers as needed.

c) Establish standards including rate of pay and the use of Driver/Support Service Providers and interpreters as needed for contractors on the Trainer list.

Eligibility: At a minimum, an applicant should:
a) Possess knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through at least two (2) years of personally using and/or training others to use assistive technology pertaining to Deaf-Blind needs. This type of experience will assist the Trainer in organizing the training so that it is specialized to the characteristics and individualized needs of the Deaf-Blind consumer.

b) An ability to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of communication access requirements such as sign language interpreting services would be an attribute for the Applicant, but not a requirement.

c) An ability to provide technical guidance and feedback to help individuals develop the skills needed to maximize the use of equipment.

d) Evidence of being a high school graduate.

e) Provide materials/credentials in his/her application that substantiate ancillary training in the field of working with Deaf-Blind individuals in a classroom setting or in a hands-on environment.

f) An applicant must list all characteristics of his/her knowledge, skills, and abilities that are commensurate with, but not limited to, the following in his/her application:

          (1) Experiences and knowledge in personal computer workstations, both stationary and mobile to include laptops and iPads;

          (2) Experiences and knowledges in software systems/applications and hardware components that were developed and designed to assist and support users that are Deaf-Blind. Examples of these systems/applications and hardware components are:

               i. Refreshable braille displays or braille terminals;

               ii. CCTV (closed circuit television systems) video magnifier tools; and,

               iii. Screen reading applications/aids such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech), Window Eyes, NVDA (nonvisual desktop access), Voiceover, and Zoomtext.

g) Have clearance from Human Resources determined by results of drug testing and criminal background check. DSDHH shall have on file a consent and clearance of drug test and criminal background results valid from date the Contractor is approved to be an assistive technology equipment trainer through June 30, 2019. The Contractor shall submit to these tests by signing authorization forms (Attachments G, H, & I) and returning the signed documents with this RFA to the NDBEDP Administrator.

How to Apply:

1. Contact jeff.mobley@dhhs.nc.gov or the Administrative Office of the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing to request the RFA;

2. Read the RFA (PDF format/sample);

3. Return application and all required documentation to NC Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing for approval.

Applications may be received prior during the service period of August 15, 2016– June 30, 2019.

How to Obtain Further Information:
Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
Attn: NDBEDP Trainer Contracts Administrator
2301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2301
Phone: (919) 874-2239
Email: jeff.mobley@dhhs.nc.gov

Physical Address:
NC DSDHH
1100 Navaho Drive, Woodoak Building, GL-3 Raleigh, NC 27609

DHHS Driver/Support Service Provider Vendor List Applications (RFA)

DHHS Division/Office issuing this notice:
Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing

Date of this notice:
June 22, 2016

Working Title of the funding program:
DHHS Driver/Support Service Provider Vendor List Applications (RFA)

Purpose: The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to create a list of qualified individuals interested in providing driver and support services to Department of Health and Human Services on an as needed basis.

Description: DHHS a have issued this RFA to satisfy the demands of the State and Federal laws, Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the DHHS Communication Accessibility Provision to benefit their clients, consumers and staff in providing reasonable accommodations which include drivers and support services.

This list is designed to:
• Provide a vendor list of qualified Driver/Support Services Providers that can provide statewide services pertinent to Deaf-Blind consumers, clients, or staff, including mixed group (hearing, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, Deaf) meetings.
• Establish standards including rate of pay for vendors wishing to be on the list to provide D/SSP services.

Each DHHS Division and Office can utilize the DSSVL list to easily identify and secure qualified services for Deaf-Blind consumers, clients, or staff and/or mixed group meetings, trainings, community forums, or public hearings and other Division or Office events, in the shortest amount of time possible at a standard hourly rate.

Eligibility:
• Application proves individual or agency can perform services stated in the scope of work;

• Applicant must be 18 years or older and possess a valid NC driver’s license for a minimum of two years and possess a good driving record as verified through the NC Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to Apply:
1. Contact ashley.benton@dhhs.nc.gov or the Administrative Office of the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing to request the RFA;

2. Read the RFA (PDF format/sample);

3. Return application and all required documentation to NC Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing for approval.

DSSPVL applications may be received prior to July 1 or during the service period of July 1, 2016– June 30, 2019.

How to Obtain Further Information:
Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
Attn: DSSPVL Contracts Administrator
2301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2301
Phone: (919) 8741-4511
Email: ashley.benton@dhhs.nc.gov

Physical Address:
DSDHH
1100 Navaho Drive, Woodoak Building, GL-3 Raleigh, NC 27609

Captioning Services Vendor List (CSVL)

Division Issuing Notice: Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing

Date of Notice: April 22, 2016

Working Title of the funding program: DHHS Captioning Services Vendor List (CSVL)

Purpose: The objective of this Request for Application (RFA) is to create a list of qualified vendors that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) staff can use when obtaining Captioning services. This vendor list will be used by all employees of DHHS Divisions, Institutions and Offices to secure Captioning services to facilitate communication access needs for both staff and consumers on an as needed basis.

Description: DHHS and its Divisions and Offices have issued this RFA to satisfy the demands of the Communication Accessibility Provision and the American with Disabilities Act in addition to benefiting their clients, consumers and staff in providing reasonable accommodation. By offering captioning services in addition to other ways to communicate such as Sign Language Interpreter Services, functional equivalency is achieved.  All parties using this service will rightfully and equally obtain and share information, better express ideas, issues, and concerns without the constraints of communication/language barriers.  This promotes a positive environment in the care, concern and wellbeing of all DHHS clients, consumers and staff.

This list is designed to:

• Provide a vendor list of qualified companies that can provide statewide captioning services to all of DHHS as needed.
• Establish standards including rate of pay for companies wishing to be on this list to provide Captioning Services.

Each DHHS Division and Office can utilize the Captioning Services list to easily identify and secure qualified Captioning services for meetings, staffing, client needs, trainings, and community forums, public hearings and other Division or Office events, in the shortest amount of time possible at a standard hourly rate. 

Eligibility: Vendor staff are expected to wear appropriate attire for the environment where they are to work. Vendor staff are expected to act in a professional manner and adhere to ethical standards in line with the work of captioners certified through the National Court Reports Association: http://www.ncra.org/About/content.cfm?ItemNumber=9430.

Vendor staff, especially the working captionists, are expected to possess basic knowledge of hearing loss. If Vendor staff fails to report for any scheduled services multiple times the state may choose to remove the Vendor from the approved list. DHHS reserves the right to request reassignment or a substitution for any captioning provider that does not meet the standards of performance of the assignment or who is otherwise unacceptable to the user.
 

CART Providers: CART Captioners must transcribe with a minimum accuracy of 96% at the speed of at least 180 words per minute sustained for no less than 55 minutes without a break.

CART Vendor staff are expected to work collaboratively with the Hiring Agency and the consumer(s) to ensure communication needs are met.

CART Vendors are expected to be qualified for the assignment. This includes but is not limited to possessing one of the following certifications issued by the National Court Reporter Association: Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), Certified CART Provider (CCP), Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), and Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR).

Computer Assisted Notetaking (CAN): CAN Captioners must type with a speed of at least 65 wpm and possess a minimum of 12th grade level spelling and keep up with the verbal message with a minimum of 12th grade English.

Vendors are expected to work collaboratively with the Hiring Agency and the consumer(s) to ensure communication needs are met.

CAN Captioners are expected to be qualified for the assignment. This may include but is not limited to possessing one of the following certifications issued by the National Court Reporter Association: Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), Certified CART Provider (CCP), Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), and Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR).

Transcription Services Providers: Transcription services are expected to be provided with 100% accuracy.

Transcriptionists are expected to be qualified for the assignment.  This may include, but is not limited to, possessing one of the following certifications issued by the National Court Reporter Association:   Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), Certified CART Provider (CCP), Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), and Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR).

If required, possess the skills and equipment necessary to encode the text into the video stream as either Closed or Open Captioning. Closed captioning allows the text to be turned on or off by the viewer. Open captioning cannot be turned off and is similar to subtitling.

How to Apply: Please write or contact Jeff Mobley to request an application and a copy of the Request For Applications.  Contact information is listed below. 

How to Obtain Further Information:
Jeff Mobley, Contract Administrator
2301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC  27699-2301
Phone (Voice & TTY): (919)874-2239
Phone (Voice & TTY) Toll Free:(800)851-6099
Fax: (919)855-6872
Email: Jeff.Mobley@dhhs.nc.gov
Physical Address: 1100 Navaho Drive - GL 3, Raleigh, NC 27609