Description (Exhibit A)
The Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS) requires the timely execution of all initial and amended contractual agreements. The Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) will have 14 business days to sign and return the required contract documents issued by the State, which may include one or more of the following: initial contract signature page, amendment page, Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest, Standard Certifications, and the Taxpayer Identification Page. Non-compliance may result in a modified start date of the contract to align with the CRPs submission of the required execution documents. The CRP will not be reimbursed for services provided in advance of the modified start date. When a contract amendment is issued to reduce the value of the contract, non-compliance may result in the full de-obligation of the contract balance regardless of the amended amount.
This contract is for purchase of services related to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program between IDHS-DRS and the CRP, Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center, thereafter, referred to as CRP.
The services provided by the CRP are only available to participants in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services from the designated state unit, and in accordance with those who are eligible with an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The Intern Program is a unique program under the direction of the IDHS- DRS VR Program. It is a business-led training program that takes place at the workplace, which includes internships to increase skills necessary to maintain competitive integrated employment.
This program assists individuals with various disabilities in obtaining and maintaining community based competitive integrated employment and measures success at 90 days of competitive integrated employment, which is the goal for each individual.
VR regulations established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and subsequent guidance from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) find that there are three key components to determining whether a given job meets the criteria of competitive integrated employment: competitive wages and benefits; integrated location, which means that it is a job that is "typically found in the community"; and opportunity for advancement. Competitive integrated employment is employment within the community which pays the Customer (employee) at least minimum wage or a wage commensurate to the prevailing wage and applicable fringe benefits. The CRP uses job matching techniques to assist individuals in identifying specific jobs or potential employers that are available and accessible in the community.
The CRP is expected to employ a variety of techniques and services necessary in obtaining and maintaining community based competitive employment consistent with the employment outcome goal identified on the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Services and training may include but are not limited to assessments and evaluations of job readiness, specialized training, career development services, trial work, transferable skills, social and personal characteristics, vocational skills, computer skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, employment preferences, and job seeking skills. Job retention services, including observation and monitoring. As well as direct on-the-job supports including job coaching are also included and designed as follow- up services to ensure job stability and job performance.
To achieve this goal, there are strategically designed internships in real-life work settings that allows the individual to gain relevant job skills and explore career options prior to employment. This includes but is not limited to interviewing for the position, participating in the initial job orientation, training, shadowing other employees, taking normal breaks, eating lunch with peers, clocking in and out, wearing the correct uniform, if required, working with a supervisor, and being evaluated on acquisition of skills, performance, pace, and productivity.
Within this contract, there are two tracks of available services. Track determination is based upon the individualized needs of the customer and identified on the IPE. Track determination will be determined through discussions between IDHS-DRS counselor and customer/guardian. This service will be put on the IPE and shared with the CRP. All placements should be based on the customer's unique strengths, priorities, concerns, abilities, resources, capabilities, career interests, and informed choice. Movement within the tracks is not allowed.
The first track is for those individuals that require more extensive work skills training before obtaining employment. Customers will complete two internships and then be assisted with obtaining and maintaining stable competitive integrated community employment for a minimum of 90 days.
The second track is for individuals who have some work skills but are still in need of improving said skills before finding employment. They will participate in one internship and then be assisted with obtaining and maintaining stable competitive integrated community employment for a minimum of 90 days.
Monthly progress notes will be submitted to the IDHS-DRS counselor with the billings.
Staffing to discuss progress, concerns, or success towards goals will occur at a minimum every eight weeks, from the time of referral to the CRP, and continue throughout the lifetime of the case. These will include at minimum the customer/guardian, CRP, and IDHS-DRS. Others may join as requested by the customer. The staffing reports must be submitted by fax or e-mail to the IDHS-DRS counselor every eight weeks and contain the customer signature, CRP signature, and IDHS-DRS counselor signature. Once signed, the IDHS-DRS counselor will return the final staffing report with signature to the CRP to be maintained in the Provider files.
Milestones/Deliverables (Exhibit B)
Customers will participate in internships to increase employability skills through real-life work experiences. This contract allows for participation in one or two ten-week long internships. The ultimate goal is competitive integrated community employment. With success measured at 90 days of stable competitive integrated employment.
Outcome Based Measures
- Customers participating in the First internship.
- Customers participating in the Second internship.
- Customers achieving 90 days of competitive integrated community employment.
The CRP is expected to employ a variety of services to assist the individual in achieving competitive integrated employment.
Designated Activities:
- Assessment - Assess the individual through the observation of job readiness, transferable skills, social and personal characteristics, vocational interest, employment preference, and retention and coping skills, and develops a job match profile.
- Job Coaching - Supports an individual in maintaining satisfactory work output once employed. Job Coaching may involve one-on-one personal training while the individual is working, observation of the individual with only limited direct intervention, one-on-one meetings with the individual to discuss work-related progress or issues, suggestions for enhanced efficiency and productivity, creative use of pictorial or other cues to direct task completion, development of natural supports in the workplace, and any other tools or techniques deemed appropriate in the helping an individual to achieve satisfactory work output and to maintain or retain employment.
- Job Development and Placement - Uses job match techniques and assists the individual in identifying specific jobs that are available and accessible in the community. Job readiness, job seeking, and retention skills training can be used to develop necessary skills to enable the individual to secure the job and to develop an understanding of how to keep the job.
- Job Retention - Is provided to the customer if he or she needs training, monitoring, or job coaching for specific tasks associated with the job. Services may also involve working with the employer, co-workers, and family members to enhance the customer's job stability. These services are expected to decrease in frequency and eventually be discontinued as the individual's performance on the job is stabilized.
- Career Development Services - Supports an individual in developing a clear vision regarding the individual's preferred employment outcome, establishes the steps needed to achieve this outcome, and supports the individual in navigating each of these steps. Career Development supports an individual in directly connecting with appropriate identified community-based employment opportunities.
The following billing and reporting requirements apply:
1. The CRP must submit to both the IDHS-DRS Local Office(s), where the customers are served, and the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor the Monthly Group Billing Sheet and progress notes by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail within 5 working days of the beginning of the month. Billing sheet must include Customer name, last four of the SSN, and the service being billed. Identification of month/year, IDHS-DRS Office location being billed, and the CRP demographic information will also be included.
2. If there is no billing for that month, an e-mail will be sent stating that to the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor and Local IDHS-DRS Office, where the customers are served.
3. A roster of customers served on the contract for the Fiscal Year (FY) will be sent with the billing to the Local IDHS-DRS Office and the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor. This will assist with forecasting utilization needs on the contract.
4. Verification of employment will be submitted with all Milestone billing to the Local IDHS-DRS Office and the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor. This will include wage records, or paycheck information. This may then be reviewed by IDHS-DRS Quality Assurance as requested.
5. Signed staffing reports must be submitted to the IDHS-DRS Local Office that serves that customer by fax, email, and/or regular mail following the eight-week staffing. IDHS-DRS counselor will sign and return to the CRP to maintain in the Provider file.
6. On-site reviews of contractual requirements, including Provider files, will be performed once every three years. Based on findings, a Corrective Action Plan may be issued, with a return visit within a six-month time frame to assess compliance.
7. IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor will conduct quarterly meetings to review utilization of the contract and reconcile billings with the CRP. This will include an additional layer of verification to the monthly review.
8. The Final Reconciliation of a contractual agreement will follow prescribed timeframes communicated annually, or final payment could be delayed, or even denied.
The following information is critical to ensure timely payments and program operations:
1. Incomplete, inaccurate forms required for payment will result in delayed payments.
2. Non-compliance per the contract section Provider Responsibilities/Assurances may result in suspension of payments until DHS/IDHS-DRS is satisfied that compliance concerns have been addressed.
Program Standards:
Accreditation -- Per IDHS-DRS Rules found at 89 IL Adm. Code 530.5 part 530 Criteria For The Evaluation Of Programs Of Services In Community Rehabilitation Agencies : Sections Listing
Per Administrative Rule 530, detailed above if accreditation is required, the CRP must submit a copy of the most recent national accreditation survey report and certificate to Transition and Community Rehabilitation Services (TCRS) by email to (DHS.CommunityResources@illinois.gov) or regular mail within 30 days of receipt.
eCFR :: Appendix II to Part 200, Title 2 -- Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards
In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity, all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable.
(A) Contracts for more than the simplified acquisition threshold, which is the inflation adjusted amount determined by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 1908, must address administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and provide for such sanctions and penalties as appropriate.
(B) All contracts in excess of $10,000 must address termination for cause and for convenience by the non-Federal entity including the manner by which it will be effected and the basis for settlement.
(C) Equal Employment Opportunity. Except as otherwise provided under 41 CFR Part 60, all contracts that meet the definition of "federally assisted construction contract" in 41 CFR Part 60-1.3 must include the equal opportunity clause provided under 41 CFR 60-1.4(b), in accordance with Executive Order 11246, "Equal Employment Opportunity" (30 FR 12319, 12935, 3 CFR Part, 1964-1965 Comp., p. 339), as amended by Executive Order 11375, "Amending Executive Order 11246 Relating to Equal Employment Opportunity," and implementing regulations at 41 CFR part 60, "Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor."
(D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, "Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction"). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. The non-Federal entity must place a copy of the current prevailing wage determination issued by the Department of Labor in each solicitation. The decision to award a contract or subcontract must be conditioned upon the acceptance of the wage determination. The non-Federal entity must report all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency. The contracts must also include a provision for compliance with the Copeland "Anti-Kickback" Act (40 U.S.C. 3145), as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 3, "Contractors and Subcontractors on Public Building or Public Work Financed in Whole or in Part by Loans or Grants from the United States"). The Act provides that each contractor or subrecipient must be prohibited from inducing, by any means, any person employed in the construction, completion, or repair of public work, to give up any part of the compensation to which he or she is otherwise entitled. The non-Federal entity must report all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency.
(E) Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-3708). Where applicable, all contracts awarded by the non-Federal entity in excess of $100,000 that involve the employment of mechanics or laborers must include a provision for compliance with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). Under 40 U.S.C. 3702 of the Act, each contractor must be required to compute the wages of every mechanic and laborer on the basis of a standard work week of 40 hours. Work in excess of the standard work week is permissible provided that the worker is compensated at a rate of not less than one and a half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the work week. The requirements of 40 U.S.C. 3704 are applicable to construction work and provide that no laborer or mechanic must be required to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous. These requirements do not apply to the purchases of supplies or materials or articles ordinarily available on the open market, or contracts for transportation or transmission of intelligence.
(F) Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement. If the Federal award meets the definition of "funding agreement" under 37 CFR § 401.2 (a) and the recipient or subrecipient wishes to enter into a contract with a small business firm or nonprofit organization regarding the substitution of parties, assignment or performance of experimental, developmental, or research work under that "funding agreement," the recipient or subrecipient must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR Part 401, "Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements," and any implementing regulations issued by the awarding agency.
(G) Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387), as amended-Contracts and subgrants of amounts in excess of $150,000 must contain a provision that requires the non-Federal award to agree to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387). Violations must be reported to the Federal awarding agency and the Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(H) Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)-A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the governmentwide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), "Debarment and Suspension." SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549.
(I) Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352)-Contractors that apply or bid for an award exceeding $100,000 must file the required certification. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to the non-Federal award.
(J) See § 200.323.
(K) See § 200.216.
(L) See § 200.322.
Pricing (Exhibit C)
Intern Program:
Track One -
Customer will complete both internships and obtain employment.
First Internship- Up to XX customers at a rate of $2,460 each.
Second Internship- Up to XX customers at a rate of $2,460 each.
Competitive Integrated Employment 90-day Placement- Up to XX customers at a rate of $2,504 each.
Track Two-
Customer will complete one internship and then obtain employment.
First Internship- Up to XX customers at a rate of $2,460 each.
Competitive Integrated Employment 90-day Placement- Up to XX customers at a rate of $4,964 each.
Maximum payment per customer is $7,424 for completion of all employment milestones.
Projected Number Served:
The CRP must submit to both the IDHS-DRS Local Office(s), where the customers are served, and IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor the Monthly Group Billing Sheet and progress notes by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail within 5 working days of the beginning of the month. Billing sheet must include Customer name, last four of the SSN, and the service being billed. Identification of month/year, IDHS-DRS Office location being billed, and the CRP demographic information will also be included.
All billings should be reconciled during the quarterly meetings with the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor. Missed billing for 1st and 2nd quarter, will be submitted no later than the last working day of January. Missed billing for 3rd and 4th quarter will be submitted no later than the 5th business day of July. No reimbursement for billings submitted after those deadlines will be approved.
Notwithstanding the content outlined in Section 2 Pricing and Section 2 sub sections Types of Pricing and Price for the Initial Term, changes or modifications to Providers Pricing are strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the IDHS-DRS Transition and Community Rehabilitation Services Manager. Modifications made without prior written approval will not be reimbursed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the meaning of the Section Maximum Amount.
Funding may not be used to pay for alcoholic beverages; and cannot be used to pay for entertainment, which includes costs for amusement, diversion, and social activities. ACRP hosting a meeting or conference may not use funds to pay for food for conference attendees unless doing so is necessary to accomplish the legitimate meeting or conference business. The CRP must receive written pre-approval to use grant funds to host a meeting or conference that includes food. Furthermore, all meeting or conference materials or publicity of any nature paid for with these funds must include appropriate disclaimers that identify the IDHS-DRS as the sponsoring agency and must not be released without prior written approval from the State's Authorized Representative.
All publicity and/or public action must also include a provision that the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the IDHS-DRS nor is it an endorsement. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, research, reports, signs, and similar public notices prepared by or for the CRP individually or jointly with others, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting from the grant agreement or subsequent amendments.
Performance Measures (Exhibit E)
Performance measures will be reviewed from the monthly billing submitted to the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor on the Group Billing Sheet.
Number of customers that participate in the Intern Program. This will be measured by the submission of the Monthly Group Billing Sheet that reports all customers served under this program.
Number of customers referred for Track One who complete one internship. This will be measured via submission of the monthly billing that reports all customers billed for this service.
Number of customers referred for Track Two who complete two internships. This will be measured via submission of the monthly billing that reports all customers billed for this service.
Number of customers completing Track One maintaining competitive employment for 90 days. This will be measured via submission of the monthly billing that reports all customers billed for this service.
Number of customers completing Track Two maintaining competitive employment for 90 days. This will be measured via submission of the monthly billing that reports all customers billed for this service.
Performance Standards (Exhibit F)
If these baseline requirements are not met for two consecutive years, a corrective action plan may be initiated.
At least 60% of customers referred for Track One will complete at least one internship.
At least 70% of customers referred for Track Two will complete the internship.
At least 50% of customers referred for Track One will maintain competitive integrated employment for at least 90 days in their identified vocational goal.
At least 60% of customers referred for Track Two will maintain competitive integrated employment for at least 90 days in their identified vocational goal.
All placement into competitive integrated employment will match the vocational goals on the IPE.
