The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a project to study and expand knowledge related to substance use disorder in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The deadline to submit a proposal is Nov. 15, 2019.
Background
A substance use disorder describes a problematic pattern of using alcohol or another substance that results in impairment in daily life or noticeable distress. Some people with disabilities who use alcohol and/or illicit substances have a higher risk of having a substance-related problem and are less likely to receive or remain in treatment. Also, new evidence suggests that people with disabilities may be more likely than the general population to misuse opioids and develop an opioid use disorder.
While people with disabilities are affected by substance use disorder, there is a lack of information related to:
- prevalence rates and other data,
- available prevention and treatment options, and
- existing best practices.
Also, there is also a lack of data related to people with disabilities who experience both a mental health condition and substance use disorder.
Finally, people with disabilities may be less likely to receive treatment than those without disabilities. People with disabilities may face barriers to treatment like insufficient accessibility of treatment centers or limited insurance coverage.
There is limited information related to people with disabilities and substance use disorder, and the same limitations exist related to people with IDD.
About the RFP
The purpose of this RFP is for a project to provide information that can be used in the future to ensure Texans with IDD who have substance use disorder can access the services and supports necessary so they can be fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives.
Through this project, the grantee will study and expand knowledge related to substance use disorder in people with IDD. The grantee will:
- gather statistical information related to Texans with IDD who have a substance use disorder, including opioids addiction;
- determine what resources exist related to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in people with IDD;
- determine the barriers and system gaps that prevent people with IDD from accessing services and supports; and
- identify and recommend what best practices are available to address barriers to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in people with IDD.
The grantee will develop a report that includes the items listed above. The report will be shared with decision-makers in state government and the legislature. The report and the research findings may provide the basis for future RFPs issued by TCDD.
Eligibility
Any organization that meets the requirements set forth in this RFP can apply. Eligible applicants could include:
- colleges and universities,
- nonprofits,
- government agencies,
- faith-based institutions,
- technical and/or professional schools, and
- for-profit businesses.
Individuals may not apply for this grant.
Grant Funds Available
TCDD may award a maximum of $125,000 for one project, for up to one year. TCDD does not plan to provide funding for this project beyond one year and may terminate funds prior to the end date in this RFP.
The Council may also choose to not fund any project.
Key Dates
Proposals are due to TCDD by 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. Late proposals will not be accepted. TCDD intends to notify applicants about funding decisions following TCDD’s February 2020 Council Meeting.
TCDD will hold an informational webinar to provide more information about TCDD’s processes for proposal review and grant award. You are not required to attend in order to apply. The informational webinar will be held at 10 a.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019. To register for the webinar, contact Danny Fikac at grants2@tcdd.texas.gov.
More Information and Submitting a Proposal
For more information, the complete RFP is available on TCDD Substance Use Disorder RFP webpage on the DD Suite website. Proposals for this RFP and all forms must be submitted using DD Suite. If you have questions after reviewing the complete RFP, contact Fernando Rodriguez at grants2@tcdd.texas.gov or (512) 437-5432.
