Request for Proposals Assertive Community Treatment Team Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team CONTENTS 1.0. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.................................................................................................................. 2 2.0. RFP SUBMISSION............................................................................................................................... 3 2.1. Document Checklist ...................................................................................................................... 3 2.2. Submission Deadlines ................................................................................................................... 3 2.3. Submission Details ........................................................................................................................ 4 2.4. Inquiries ........................................................................................................................................ 4 3.0. GENERAL TERMS ............................................................................................................................... 5 3.1. Terms and Conditions ................................................................................................................... 5 3.2. Confidentiality and Security .......................................................................................................... 6 3.3. Service Provider Information and Requirements.......................................................................... 7 3.4. General.......................................................................................................................................... 8 4.0. THE ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT PROJECT ..................................................................... 11 4.1. Background ................................................................................................................................. 11 4.2. Program Model ........................................................................................................................... 11 5.0. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................ 16 5.1. Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 16 5.2. Budget ......................................................................................................................................... 16 5.3. Proposal Evaluation .................................................................................................................... 18 5.4. Required Documentation............................................................................................................ 18 1 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 1.0. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is inviting qualified applicants to submit a proposal to deliver the following program: Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team This Request for Proposals (RFP) is intended to identify a vendor to provide Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services that will house and support high-acuity homeless persons in Edmonton. The proponent must provide multi-disciplinary professional services that include housing outreach, community-based psychiatric treatment, and rehabilitation. Vendors are invited to propose a staffing and service model, as well as a budget to address the requirements outlined in this RFP. Included in this package are the following Documents: 1. 2. 3. 4. RFP Application Form Signature Page Budget Template 2 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 2.0. RFP SUBMISSION 2.1. Document Checklist This section defines the proposal preparation and submission procedures which are to be followed by all Service Providers. Service Providers are cautioned to carefully read and follow the procedures required by this RFP, as any deviation from these requirements may be cause for rejection. Those interested in providing a submission for consideration are asked to provide a proposal in electronic format to Homeward Trust Edmonton at proposals@homewardtrust.ca by March 27, 2015. In addition a proposal (see Section 5 for requirements), the submission must include the following documents: A Cover letter summarizing the proponent’s suitability to deliver the service model. A complete RFP Application Form. An electronically signed or scanned signature page A completed budget template Corporate Certificate of Insurance Proof of non-profit status, if applicable (registration as a Not For Profit Society in the Province of Alberta and/or Canada Revenue Agency as a Charitable Organization). Certificate of Incorporation, if applicable. Audited financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years, including any management letters and responses to the same (if applicable). 2.2. Submission Deadlines Homeward Trust Edmonton reserves the right to change the RFP schedule as needed. Deadline for Questions March 12, 2015 HTE Responses to Questions (posted on website, if submitted prior to above deadline) March 16, 2015 Deadline for Proposal Submissions 12:00 PM (Mountain Time) on March 27, 2015 Notification of Awards Issued April 25, 2015 Project Start Date May 1, 2015 3 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 2.3. Submission Details Proposals should be submitted in electronic format to HTE, to the attention of: Susan McGee, Chief Executive Officer Homeward Trust Edmonton 6th Floor, 10242 105 Street Edmonton AB T5J 3L5 Email: proposals@homewardtrust.ca All proposals received by HTE shall be opened by a representative of HTE. Please note that late proposals will not be accepted. 2.4. Inquiries All questions shall be submitted in writing by email to Renee Iverson at Homeward Trust Edmonton prior to March 12th. Both questions and answers will be posted on the Homeward Trust Website and be viewable by all proponents. Renee Iverson Manager, Housing First E-mail: riverson@homewardtrust.ca 4 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 3.0. GENERAL TERMS 3.1. Terms and Conditions 3.1.1. Inquiries All inquiries to this Request for Proposal are to be directed, in writing to the contact listed in Section 2.4, by March 12, 2015. Information obtained from any other source is not official and may be inaccurate. Inquiries and responses will be recorded and will be posted on HTE website by March 16, 2015. 3.1.2. Notification of Changes Any changes to the RFP will be posted on the Homeward Trust Website (www.homewardtrust.ca) by March 12, 2015. It is the responsibility of the Service Provider to check the HTE website to check for any posted changes or responses. 3.1.3. Changes to Proposal Wording The Service Provider shall not change the wording of the proposal after submission and no words or comments shall be added to the general conditions or detailed specifications unless requested by Homeward Trust Edmonton for purposes of clarification. 3.1.4. Ownership of Proposals All documents submitted to Homeward Trust Edmonton become the property of Homeward Trust Edmonton. 3.1.5. Service Providers’ Expenses Prospective Service Providers are solely responsible for their own expenses in preparing a proposal and subsequent negotiations with Homeward Trust Edmonton, if any. 3.1.6. Acceptance of Proposals This RFP should not be construed as a contract to purchase goods or services. Homeward Trust Edmonton is not bound to accept the lowest price or any proposal of those submitted. Proposals will be assessed in light of the evaluation criteria described herein. Neither acceptance of a proposal or execution of an agreement shall constitute approval of any activity or development contemplated in any proposal that requires any approval, permit or license pursuant to any federal, provincial, regional district or municipal state, regulation or by-law. 5 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 3.1.7. Clarification Homeward Trust Edmonton reserves the right to seek proposal clarification with the Service Providers to assist in making evaluations. 3.1.8. Definition of Contract Notice in writing to a Service Provider of the acceptance of its proposal by Homeward Trust Edmonton and the subsequent full execution of a written agreement shall constitute a contract for the services, and no Service Provider shall acquire any legal or equitable rights or privileges whatever relative to the services until the occurrence of both such events. 3.1.9. Acceptance of Terms All the terms and conditions of this RFP are assumed to be accepted by the Service Provider and incorporated in its proposal. 3.1.10. Compliance with Laws The Service Provider shall comply with all the laws applicable to the work or the performance of the contract. The law applicable to the proposal shall be the law in effect in the Province of Alberta. 3.1.11. Right Homeward Trust Edmonton reserves the right to: a) Revise the RFP and / or to issue amendments to the RFP; b) Reject, cancel, or reissue the RFP in whole or in part, if it is deemed in Homeward Trust Edmonton’s best interests, with no penalty, prior to the execution of an Agreement. 3.2. Confidentiality and Security 3.2.1. Authority All proposals shall be signed by a legally authorized employee or Board member. The Form of proposal provided in the proposal documents is to be executed as a specialty instrument and once the proposals have been officially opened, the proposal shall be irrevocable until it is considered and awarded by Homeward Trust Edmonton. 6 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 3.2.2. Use of Documentation This document or any additional information may not be used for any purpose other than the submission of proposals. 3.2.3. Confidentiality Information pertaining to Homeward Trust Edmonton obtained by the Service Provider as a result of participation in this project is confidential and must not be disclosed without written authorization from Homeward Trust Edmonton. 3.2.4. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act All documents submitted to Homeward Trust Edmonton are subject to the protection and disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. While this Act allows persons a right of access to records in Homeward Trust Edmonton’s custody or control, it also prohibits Homeward Trust Edmonton from disclosing your personal or business information where disclosure would be harmful to your business interests or would be an unreasonable invasion of your personal privacy as defined in sections 15 and16 of the Act. Applicants are encouraged to identify what portions of their submissions are confidential and what harm could reasonably be expected from its disclosure. The purpose for collecting the personal information required to be provided in their bid request is to enable Homeward Trust Edmonton to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the proposal, and to enable Homeward Trust Edmonton to evaluate your response to this bid request and for other related program purposes of Homeward Trust Edmonton. You may contact Homeward Trust Edmonton at 6th Floor, 10242 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta (780) 496-2630 if you have any questions about the collection of information pursuant to this bid request. 3.3. Service Provider Information and Requirements 3.3.1. Service Provider Representation Each Service Provider, by submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, represents that the Service Provider has read and understands the proposal documents, and has familiarized itself with all federal, provincial, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations that in any manner may affect the cost, progress, or the performance of the work. The failure or omission of any Service Provider to receive or examine any form, instrument, addendum, or other documents, or to acquaint itself with conditions, existing at the site, shall in no way relieve any Service Provider from any obligations with respect to its proposal or to the resulting contract. 7 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 3.3.2. Modification of Proposals A proposal may be modified or withdrawn by the Service Provider any time prior to the submission deadline. The Service Provider shall notify Homeward Trust Edmonton in writing of its intensions. If a change in the proposal is requested, the modification must be so worded by the Service Provider as to not reveal the original cost of the proposal. Modified and withdrawn proposals may be resubmitted Homeward Trust Edmonton prior to the submission deadline. No proposal can be withdrawn after the submission deadline, and for ninety (90) days thereafter. 3.4. General The following terms will be enforced if the Service Provider is successful in securing an agreement under the RFP. Service Providers submitting a proposal agree to the following terms as a condition of their submission: 3.4.1. Occupational Health & Safety The Service Provider shall comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Statues of Alberta, 2000, Chapter 0-2, and amendments there to and regulations there under, and shall at all times ensure that all equipment and manpower at the work site shall comply with the requirements of the said Act and regulations there under. This includes Work Place Violence and Working Alone Policies. 3.4.2. Workers’ Compensation Board The Service Provider shall provide evidence to Homeward Trust Edmonton that an account has been opened with the Workers’ Compensation board and that all fees are paid in compliance with the Board; and that the coverage is maintained for the duration of an agreement for any persons working for or employed by the Service Provider on an agreement; or evidence of exception from WCB. No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be employed under the terms of an agreement. 3.4.3. Insurance The Service Provider shall provide the following insurance, to be placed with a company and in a form as may be acceptable to Homeward Trust Edmonton. The insurance shall remain in force until the date of the project completion, unless otherwise stipulated, and shall provide for thirty (30) days prior notice of cancellation, lapse or material change. 8 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team Comprehensive Insurance Comprehensive General Liability Insurance protecting the Province, Homeward Trust Edmonton, the Service Provider and their respective servants, agents or employees against damages arising from personal injury (including death) and claims for property damage which may arise out of the operations of the Service Provider, its subcontractors, and their respective servants or employees under an agreement. This insurance shall be for the amount of not less than Five Million dollars ($5,000,000.00) inclusive per occurrence and shall include a standard form of cross liability clause. Complete operations coverage shall be maintained for at least Twenty-Four (24) months after the date of the project completion. The Service Provider shall maintain automobile liability insurance on all vehicles owned, operated or licensed in its name in an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). This applies to all personal vehicles driven by staff for employment. 3.4.4. Licensing The Service Provider is responsible to ensure that all the licenses that are required by any and all regulatory bodies are applied for, approved and maintained in compliance with the appropriate legislation. 3.4.5. No Subcontract The selected Service Provider(s) will provide all services and will not subcontract or otherwise assign any of the work awarded through the Agreement without formal, written consent from Homeward Trust Edmonton. 3.4.6. Funding Duration The contract duration will begin on May 1, 2015 and end on April 31, 2016 with the possibility of renewal at the discretion of Homeward Trust Edmonton. 9 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 3.4.7. Discrimination Practices in Hiring Discrimination in practice makes distinctions between individuals or groups as to disadvantage some people and advantage others on the basis of attributes which separate one group from another. In accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Act (2000) “No employer shall refuse to employ or refuse to continue to employ any person or, discriminate against any person with regard to employment or any term or condition of employment because of the race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, or sexual orientation” (Alberta Human Rights Act: RSA 2000 cH-14 s7;2009 c 26 s6). Agencies contracted to deliver Housing First Services will not engage in discrimination of clients and will not prevent individual from attaining employment with a Homeward Trust funded housing team. 10 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 4.0. THE ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT PROJECT 4.1. Background Homeward Trust Edmonton works on behalf of community and in partnership with government and agencies to end homelessness in Edmonton. This work is guided by A Place to Call Home: Edmonton’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, as well as the province-wide framework A Plan for Alberta: Ending Homelessness in 10 Years. At the heart of our efforts to end homelessness in our community is the Housing First philosophy. “Housing First” as a philosophy is the approach for all of HTE’s efforts to end homelessness in Edmonton: a) As a philosophy, housing first focuses on any attempt to help people who have experienced homelessness to access housing without preconditions, and then supporting individuals to remain housed and address other life issues. b) The long-range goal is to move clients toward the highest level of self-reliance possible, and housing retention is a cornerstone of that goal. c) Based on this philosophy, Housing First programming includes a recovery orientation, a harm reduction approach to services, and a client-driven approach to ensuring rehabilitative services are successful. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is one of several supports available to help homeless clients sustain housing and address underlying causes of homelessness. Those individuals served by an ACT team face substantial barriers to housing, including in particular a history of chronic and persistent mental health issues. 4.2. Program Model The contracted proponent will provide ACT services as described below. The proponent must deliver these services either directly through new funded positions, or through funded caseload capacity among existing professional or clinical staff. ACT team members must be able to apply the tools, education and rehabilitative services to keep clients housed successfully. Target Population Clients to be served must be living in Edmonton and experiencing homelessness. The ACT team will serve a priority population with a primary diagnosis of serious and persistent mental illness, which can include schizophrenia as well as other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or other significant functional impairments. Clients may also have brain injury; however, brain injury will not be the primary diagnosis. Other client characteristics may include substance abuse disorders or Axis II disorders (again, these will not be the primary diagnosis). The client’s primary diagnosis will present a barrier for which ACT services would be required to keep that individual living independently. In 11 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team addition, appropriate clients are likely to have a history of incarcerations or frequent contact with the legal system and/or a history of psychiatric hospitalizations. According to Edmonton’s most recent Homeless Count, approximately 47% of the homeless population in the city identifies as Aboriginal, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. A rehabilitative program that serves the homeless community must at a minimum reflect that proportion. The ACT team would be required to ensure that half of clients served identify as Aboriginal. Core Team ACT is a clinical intervention. The team’s ability to monitor and respond quickly and efficiently to the client’s psychiatric needs is core to the program. This ability provides immediate support to the client in crisis as well as assistance to a client just starting to effectively manage symptoms of mental illness. The team will have a psychiatrist as an active member of the team. At least 1.0 FTE Registered Nurse positions per 35 clients (scaled to team size and caseload). All mental health services will be provided through the team. The successful proponent will make a commitment to ensure these services are provided directly by the team, or through transfer to a more appropriate mental health care provider. Specialist Team Successful ACT teams have skills which support a model of rehabilitation. These skills are often specific to substance abuse and co-occurring disorder, peer support, and being able to support clients vocationally. Core Practices ACT core practices provide the backbone for the entire program. These are the elements which separate ACT from case management and define it as a clinical model. Crisis services available to clients 24 hours, 7 days a week. Psychiatric services. Psychiatric rehabilitative services . Operations and Structure ACT is an intervention. In order for that intervention to be successful, ACT requires intensive client support and strong communication within the team. The team must also have a clear definition of the client group they will serve, and communicate that definition to referral sources, the client’s natural support system, and other stakeholders. ACT operations include: Client to worker ratio no higher than 10:1 for direct service staff. ACT team members will meet with each client on a regular basis. Team availability to clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 95% of client caseload will be retained over a 12-month period. Openings on caseload are filled when openings come available. 12 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team In some cases the client will be transferred gradually to services that will be more appropriate. The ACT team will be an interactive part of monitoring this process to ensure continuity of care. The team may be involved in psychiatric hospitalization of clients. Daily team meeting to discuss client caseload, worker schedule, current crises, clinical review, or other issues which may impact the team The Team will have an administrative position specifically dedicated to office-based program support. Evidence Based Practices Evidence Based Practices are those tools which have been proven through research to be effective. In order to give a client the best chance at success it is critical teams utilize these tools. The team will be educated in and assume full responsibility for the following: Treatment of concurrent disorders including screening, assessment, and interventions. Vocational services including engagement, assessment, job development, and job placement. Wellness management and recovery services such as (WRAP) or Illness Management and Recovery (IMR). Use of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral principals in interactions with clients. Treatment model that is stage wise, non-confrontational, and client centered. Supportive employment to clients expressing interest in being employed. Engagement with the client’s natural supports to provide psychoeducation. Empirically supported psychotherapy. Access to affordable and safe housing based on choice. Person Centered Planning The catalyst to a client reaching a goal is investment. Investment is fostered through client selfdetermination which comes when it is the client who creates a goal, not the worker. The client is more likely to reach that goal because they are truly invested in the outcome. Treatment plans will be based on client strengths and resources (as opposed to deficits). Client centered treatment approach will be dictated by client’s goals and preferences. Interventions will target all relative life domains. Interventions will be based in self-determination and will be meant to facilitate greater independence for the client. Housing First Service Orientation The ACT services described in this RFP will be delivered under a “Housing First” philosophy. Clients served under the Housing First model are given the tools, resources, and the services to attain sustainable housing. 13 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team As a part of the Housing First network of services in Edmonton, the ACT team will have access to resources, including but not limited to: Furniture, funding, and start-up supplies as necessary to house and to re-house clients; Sharing of information and practice among teams working to end homelessness; and Training on the components of Housing First, including harm reduction, and client-centered case management. In adhering with the Housing First philosophy, the proponent must commit to the following in the delivery of services described above: A core tenet of Housing First is that individuals should first be housed in order to work effectively to address the causes of their homelessness. This means that no programming, eligibility criteria or assessments are used as prerequisites for access to housing. Ensuring all clients have the opportunity to make an informed choice to commit to participation in programming and supports. Services are voluntary. Providing client-centered service delivery, based in a harm reduction philosophy that reduces the negative consequences of drinking and drug use as well as other potentially high-risk behaviors – but does not withhold or deny services because of them. Primarily delivering and brokering services in the homes and communities of clients, as opposed to expecting participants to come to the service provider’s location. Services which are strength-based to support greater independence, recovery, and long-term self-sufficiency. Working with HTE to re-house any clients who lose their housing, and to continue or augment support services should that occur. Services must be recovery-oriented and must always assume the client has the ability to recover. The ACT team will ensure all clients have the opportunity to be educated on their rights and responsibilities as a tenant as per the Residential Tenancy Act (2004), current as of February 1, 2012. Culturally Informed Supports The successful proponent must ensure ACT services are not just culturally competent, but that services reflect the community that they serve. In this effort, the team must employ at least 1 staff member with lived experience as well as someone of Aboriginal decent. This may be one or two positions. This position(s) will be able to speak to issues of cultural competency as well as assisting the team in integrating cultural programing. In addition, this position(s) may educate clients and team members. The chosen proponent will also ensure staff are aware of and understand cultural issues related to individuals who identify as LGBTQ, as well as other marginalized groups represented within the client caseload. In turn, staff will be able to deliver services appropriate to the client caseload and will be able to connect clients with culturally appropriate services and resources. 14 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team Discrimination in Service Provision Agencies contracted to deliver Housing First Services will not engage in discrimination (see definition in Discrimination Practices in Hiring section 3.5.7) of individuals and families and will not prevent individuals and families from attaining services from a Housing First program based on discrimination (Alberta Human Rights Act: RSA 2000, cH-14 s4; 2009 c26 s4). Tool for Measurement of ACT Services The chosen proponent will be evaluated yearly using the self-assessment Tool for Measurement of ACT (TMACT).1 This tool measures the fidelity of an ACT team based on 6 separate subscales. The subscales look at the team activities and components which are most likely to provide a venue for a client’s success. 1 Monroe-DeVita, M., Moser, L.L. & Teague, G.B. (2013). The tool for measurement of ACT(TMACT). In M. P. McGovern, G. J. McHugo, R. E. Drake, G. R. Bond, & M. R. Merrens. (Eds.), Implementing evidence-based practices in behavioral health. Center City, MN: Hazelden. 15 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team 5.0. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS Proposals submitted should be no more than seven (7) pages in length, exclusive of the Application Form, Declaration Form, budget template, and supplementary documentation described in Section 5.4, below. 5.1. Contents Proposals should include specific sections that address each of the key components identified in the list below. the proponent should demonstrate the following through the proposal: Service Model: Describe a clinical and support services and staffing model that is able to provide core services within the team, 24/7 crisis support, and specialized services as described above. This description should also include the proposed approach to securing sustainable housing. The service model should outline how the proponent will provide supports for co-occurring disorders, as well as for transitioning to work, volunteering, or education. Finally, there must be a representation within the staffing model of both individuals with lived experience as well as the Aboriginal community. Organizational Credentials and Capacity: Proponents should describe existing programming and resources, as well as operational expertise and capacity to facilitate successful outcomes for clients. Experience and expertise working with the target population(s) would be considered an asset. In addition, the proponent should describe additional resources, partnerships or capacity that would enhance services and supports available to clients. The proposal should also outline experience with evidence-based tools for client care and rehabilitation (as described above). Alignment with Program Philosophy and Practice: Organizational and program alignment with the philosophy and practice under a Housing First model. A comprehensive submission will also illustrate the proponent’s experience with and/or approach to the following: o Harm reduction; o Client-centred care; and o Working with landlords. Inclusive Services: Experience, capacity, connections, and/or history related to delivery of inclusive and culturally-appropriate services. In particular, Service Providers should describe their ability to ensure services provided to Aboriginal people are relevant, respectful and effective in helping to secure and sustain housing. Demonstrating the ability to work with marginalized populations (e.g., chronically homeless, LGBTQ, street-involved, etc.) is important. Budget: A clear and complete projection of total costs must be required, as well as costs within each of the categories provided in the attached budget template. Additional detail on completing the budget is included below. 5.2. Budget Service Providers are invited to propose a comprehensive budget, inclusive of all personnel, administration, taxes, client costs, and program start-up costs to deliver the services described. Proposed budgets should not exceed $1,000,000 for the one-year funding term described in this RFP. 16 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team In addition, proposals may identify how the successful proponent could utilize additional funding to enhanced supports provided through the ACT team. HTE will consider cost as one of several criteria for evaluating proposals and selecting a vendor. For the purposes of comparison, a budget template is included with this RFP, and proposals must include a completed budget using this template. In completing the template, please note that proponents are only required to enter costs for staffing and one-time program start-up, as well as to enter a number of direct service staff. This latter number will allow the budget template to calculate team caseload, as well as client start-up costs (housing) and direct client costs. Administration and benefits will calculate automatically. Taxes, if applicable, must be entered and calculated by the proponent. For clarification, the following descriptions are provided of the categories within the budget: Project Costs These are staffing and clinical costs to deliver services. Cost of staff benefits is calculated at 16%. This is standard practice for HTE as a funder. Staff Operating Costs These costs include: Technology Phones Mileage Parking Professional Development Client Start-up Costs These are costs associated with getting an individual set up in housing. For budget purposes, these costs are standardized for HTE ACT programs, and calculated based on the number of new clients expected. These costs include the following: Rents & Security Deposits Utility Costs Household Items Apartment Insurance Bus Tickets Food Purchases Client Identification Start Up Re-Housing Costs Direct Client Costs These are costs associated with meeting with clients in community. These costs are calculated based on the number of clients expected to be served, using cost modifiers consistent across HTE ACT programs. 17 Request for Proposal Assertive Community Treatment Team This category includes meeting activities and meals, client costs after 90 days in the program, as well as a small allowance for transitional housing in emergencies. Administration Administrative costs are not to exceed 15% of total project budget Administration is paid on Personnel Costs, Client Start-up Costs, and Direct Client Costs. Office space for staff is eligible as an administrative cost Program Start-up Costs One-time program start-up costs should be included. If required, these costs can be described in greater detail in the body of the proposal. Additional Costs All applicable fees and taxes should be included in the budget. 5.3. Proposal Evaluation Homeward Trust administration will review submissions to the RFP to ensure completion and determine whether the submission meets RFP requirements. Next, the administration will score each proposal by assigning a score to each of the content areas outlined in 5.1, above. Both proposals and scoring will be submitted for review by HTE’s Project Review Committee (PRC) and Aboriginal Advisory Council (AAC). The PRC and AAC will provide advice for review and decision by the HTE Board of Directors in April of 2015. Homeward Trust is a community-based organization and therefore all submissions are subject to this review process. Scoring of proposals is used to inform the PRC, AAC, and Board of Directors, but does not bind these groups in making recommendations or decisions. 5.4. Required Documentation Submissions must include the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. A Cover letter summarizing the proponent’s suitability to deliver the service model. A proposal that addresses the requirements defined in Section 5 of this RFP. A complete RFP Application Form. An electronically signed or scanned signature page. A completed budget template. Corporate Certificate of Insurance. Proof of non-profit status, if applicable (registration as a Not For Profit Society in the Province of Alberta and/or Canada Revenue Agency as a Charitable Organization). Certificate of Incorporation, if applicable. Audited financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years, including any management letters and responses to the same (if applicable). 18