SummaryThis memo outlines a request for applications (RFA) from educational agencies with statewide reach in Wisconsin (e.g., CESAs, UW-Extension). Applications in response to this RFA must be submitted online using this application survey. The deadline to apply for this funding opportunity is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday February 15, 2024. Questions related to this RFA must be submitted in writing to Rebecca.gonnering@dhs.wisconsin.gov and may be submitted through February 2, 2024. This funding announcement, a courtesy copy of the application, and question/answer document can be found on the Public Notices website https://publicnotices.wisconsin.gov/NoticeView.asp?lnid=1537470.
Do not include personally identifiable information (PII) or protected health information (PHI) in your responses.
Background
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Public Health (DPH) announces the availability of funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Comprehensive Suicide Prevention (CSP) Program. The aim of the CSP Program is to a) create a multi-sectoral partnership, b) use existing data to select disproportionately-affected populations (DAP) at risk for suicide death and self-harm injuries, c) create an inventory of existing suicide prevention programs and identify areas for growth to reach vulnerable populations, d) engage community resources to increase and expand strategies identified in the CDC Suicide Prevention Resource for Action toolkit, and e) develop and implement a communication plan to share results and improve coordination of providers and resources which serve the identified populations. Further, this project will ensure rigorous evaluation of selected strategies and the success of comprehensive suicide prevention while building sustainable infrastructure to reduce suicide mortality and morbidity through an effective public health approach.
Funding opportunity
The Wisconsin DHS, DPH seeks applicants for implementing Sources of Strength, a school-based suicide prevention program designed to increase wellbeing, help-seeking, resiliency, healthy coping, and belonging. Sources of Strength (SOS) is a supported strategy by the CDC’s CSP program as it promotes connectedness and positive peer norms. The aim of this funding is to increase implementation and support sustainability of SOS programming in Wisconsin. Funding will go towards an educational organization with statewide reach to coordinate SOS train-the trainer (T4T) certification for school staff within multiple school districts, serving a variety of locations statewide to support sustainability of SOS programming in Wisconsin schools. Additionally, the selected educational organization is expected to provide technical assistance to schools implementing SOS and convene a community of practice supporting SOS in schools. The awarded agency will also engage in a multi-sectoral partnership, led by Wisconsin DHS, designed to support comprehensive suicide prevention efforts throughout Wisconsin. Selected applicants will work closely with DHS staff and the contracted evaluation partner to ensure evaluation of implemented activities.
Funded agencies will help advance the following priorities:
- Ten percent reduction in suicide and/or self-harm among adolescents aged 10-19 living in Wisconsin
- Increase partnership and collaboration related to suicide prevention statewide
- Address shared risk and protective factors (i.e., factors increasing risk for suicide or preventing suicide)
Funding terms and conditions
This application is for an initial award period from February 1, 2024–September 14, 2024. Contracts will be awarded annually with the possibility of three contract renewals based on the availability of funds, and the ability of the grantee to meet all contractual objectives. Applicants should plan and budget for one year of funding. Carryover of funds into a second year may be possible based on the availability of funds and vendor performance.
DHS reserves the right to increase or decrease award levels and scope of individual contracts during the contract period, and/or reconfigure the program model at any time during the funding cycle based on the conditions noted above or a lack of adequate performance on the part of the grantee.
DHS may negotiate the terms of the award, including the award amount, with the selected applicant(s) prior to entering into a contract. If contract negotiations cannot be concluded successfully with a recommended applicant, DHS may terminate contract negotiations with that applicant.
The contracts resulting from this request for applications will be between DHS and the awarded applicant(s). Grantees using subcontractors will be responsible for ensuring subcontractors abide by all terms and conditions of the grant.
There is no match requirement for this grant.
Expected 12-month grant period
Year 1 (FY24): February 1, 2024 – September 14, 2024 (initial award)
Year 2 (FY25): September 15, 2024 – September 14, 2025 (contract renewal)
Year 3 (FY26): September 15, 2025 – September 14, 2026 (contract renewal)
Year 4 (FY27): September 15, 2026 – September 14, 2027 (contract renewal)
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000 annually
Number of Awards: one award
Eligibility
Eligible organizations include:
- Regional or state educational organizations in Wisconsin with the ability to work with school districts statewide.
Eligible organizations will practice inclusion and may not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, or national origin in their staffing policies, use of volunteers or provision of services.
Preference will be given to organizations that:
- Demonstrate knowledge of or experience with supporting implementation of SOS programming in schools.
- Demonstrate previous experience implementing and monitoring suicide prevention programs for adolescents aged 10-19
Expectations
Organizations receiving this award will be expected, at a minimum, to perform the following activities:
- Coordinate, fund, and host SOS T4T certification for school staff within multiple school districts, serving a variety of locations statewide.
- Provide technical assistance to support the implementation of SOS in schools throughout Wisconsin.
- Convene a community of practice supporting schools that implement SOS.
- Partner with at least five schools or school districts to expand implementation of SOS in Wisconsin.
- Attend regular grantee calls with DHS staff.
- Provide quarterly progress reports related to strategy implementation and grant deliverables.
- Participate in quarterly CSP partnership meetings.
- Work closely with the Evaluator and Injury Epidemiologist to assess progress on strategy implementation.
- Participate in annual progress reporting to the CDC for completeness and accuracy.
- Invoice DHS monthly.
- Provide input on changes or improvements to strategy implementation as appropriate.