Agency Human Services Dept

Contractor University of Minnesota

SWIFT Contract Number 132987

Project Name U of M ICI comm supports train / TA

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The vendor provided numerous activities related to training and technical assistance in the human service system; specifically related to person-centered positive supports in disability services

Project Duration

Start Date Fri, 09/01/2017 - 00:00

Original end date Thu, 06/30/2022 - 00:00

Actual end date Thu, 06/30/2022 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $1215900

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $3859198

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Multiple funding sources: state &special revenue

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) In the course of working with DHS on a similar contract over the past five years, the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the Institute on Community Integration with the University of Minnesota has developed a multi-year curriculum training and technical assistance program for that is specific to developing a person-centered service delivery system and implementing positive support practices for those receiving human services statewide. This content and depth-of-expertise is Minnesota and human service specific and is not currently not being done by other contractors in Minnesota. This contractor is educated in the Minnesota Human Services System and understands the parameters and vision of the State.

DHS is expanding technical assistance trainings for organizations throughout the state. These trainings are intended to expand capacity for providing person-centered, positive support strategies. The material is unique to this particular contractor as the contractor both developed and provides the training.

Additionally, the University is the only entity in Minnesota with Support Development Associates –certified mentors on staff. These mentors are the only individuals in Minnesota capable of providing the Support Development Associate’s proprietary train-the-trainer training on Person Centered Thinking and Picture of a Life to disability services providers and lead agency case managers. Note, in the last contract cycle with the University on this work, DHS worked to develop capacity of these trainers, and is no longer relying on the University in this single source for direct training, only the train-the-trainers trainings.

Evaluator Name Aric Gregg

Evaluator Email Address aric.gregg@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The contractor was timely nearly all of the deliverables. There was one deliverable that needed some follow-up to continue making progress, but nothing that was detrimental to our progress on the overall work. That one deliverable was still completed by end of contract cycle.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The contractor provided excellent quality in the deliverables to help us complete the objectives of the contract. There have been many challenges with providers experiencing workforce shortage issues and this contract has been able to adapt to continue building capacity and increasing skills.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Cost of the contract was appropriate.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The contractor’s overall performance has been great. They helped us achieve progress on our statewide work on person-centered, positive supports through training and technical assistance. The contractor has unique expertise and commitment to support Minnesota’s disability service system.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): None

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 4 - satisfied