Park County is currently soliciting Requests for Information (RFIs) for community-based programs that serve and support goals of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF is the federal program established by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193) and is known in Colorado as Colorado Works. Colorado County Departments of Human Services have flexibility to utilize a portion of the available funds by contracting with community partners that provide services that meet at least one of the four federal purposes of TANF. This Request for Information process seeks to engage community partner non-profit organizations in Park County, Colorado who provide services through various programs to residents who meet eligibility criteria set forth by the federal program. Successful applicants will propose programs that strengthen families, assure safety, promote self-sufficiency, eliminate poverty, and improve the quality of life in Park County.
Funding is expected to be made available on or shortly after October 1, 2013, pending availability of funds to Park County. All programs should be designed to begin immediately and be completed by September 30, 2014. No matching funds are required to receive TANF funds, although there is a very limited amount of funding available for programs, likely less than $100,000 total. Applications selected for funding may receive less than the requested amount, and no award will exceed $40,000. By applying, funding is not guaranteed to any agency or program. Applicants for funding must be a public entity in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. Preference may be given to agencies with existing TANF contracts with Park County and/or agencies supported by local/regional councils.
Eligible Recipients Served By Programs
Proposed programs and services must address at least one of the following four TANF purposes as defined the in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA):
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Providing assistance to needy families so those children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
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Reduce the dependency of needy parents (on government benefits) by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
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Preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
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Encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Applicants must be able to comply with all federal rules and regulations associated with TANF funding. To be eligible for services, Park County residents under TANF purposes #1 and #2 must have an annual household income less than $75,000, have lawful presence in the United States of America, and have at least one minor child. Services provided meeting purposes #3 and #4 may be provided to anyone without regard to income or family composition, however all recipients must have lawful presence in the United States of America.
Program costs will only be reimbursed to agencies by Park DHS for the percentage of the budget intended for use equal to or less than the percentage of TANF eligible clients served in the proposed program. Detailed record keeping and documentation is required to meet state and federal audit requirements.
Application Development, Review and Funding Determinations
Applicants should submit a one page application statement that realistically details the program deliverables for the funds requested. Applications should address the following items: TANF goal identified, population served, location of program, cost, and measures and outcomes that will be tracked and attempted. Consideration will be based on some or all of the following criteria: how the service would meet one or more of the four purposes of TANF, the efficiency of use of TANF funds to serve the eligible population, the agency’s experience, the agency’s fiscal sustainability, and the program’s measurable outcomes and cost effectiveness.
Review, Compliance, and Contracting
Each qualified funding request will be individually reviewed by a selection committee and one or more recommendations will presented to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Each approved program will require a Professional Services Agreement between the agency and Park County BOCC. PSAs contain provisions requiring all programs and responsible agencies to comply with all local, state, and federal regulations related to this funding source. Again, final programs may need to be adjusted based on available funding and the award.
Funds are released against the monthly submission of an invoice and all required back-up documentation for the month prior. Reimbursement funding will be contingent on successful performance and mandatory monthly outcomes reporting. The outcome measures will be reflective of the application and DHS requirements.
Programs will be monitored locally through site visits, monthly review of submitted documents for payment approval, and formal file review both by the contract management staff and any state and/or federal audit and compliance staff.
Funding Timeline and Contact Information
Applications are due Thursday, August 29, 2013 by 4:30 p.m. to Joe Homlar, Park County Human Services Director, at . Any questions regarding this application process should be directed to Joe Homlar at (303)816-5930 or .