Evaluation of CMP Proposals

Scoring System

EXPECTED OUTCOMES (35 Points):

Project Abstract (5 sub-points): Provide an abstract summary of the project. Include the requester’s background and qualifications, the need for the project, a brief description of the project and its goals and objectives. Of the utmost importance is information regarding how the project will be evaluated to measure the success of the programs. Specify the person(s) who will be accountable for the project evaluation.

Statement of Need (10 sub-points): Describe the problem that the project will attempt to address. Also, describe any problems that may be encountered in the implementation of this project. Articulate the contingency plan to address these issues. Identify how the need aligns with strategic priorities (applicants as well as federal, state and other agencies).

Program Description (20 sub-points): Describe the project or program and provide information on how it will be implemented. Include what will be accomplished and the desired outcomes. A timeline shall accompany all proposals which outline benchmarks, deliverables and dates. Attach supplemental materials such as brochures, efficacy studies and peer reviewed literature.

RESULTS MEASUREMENT (25 Points):

Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation: Describe the methods by which the results of the project will be assessed (including specific measures). Multi-year projects shall provide a provision for submission of interim progress reports and updates from the project leader to CMS. Staff attending training shall articulate how knowledge learned will be shared among other long term care employees and ultimately how the information will improve resident outcomes.

BENEFITS TO NURSING HOME (NH) RESIDENTS (10 Points):

Improving Quality of Life and Care: In detail, describe the manner in which the project will directly benefit and enhance the well-being of nursing home residents.

CONSUMER/STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT (5 Points):

Nursing Home Community: Briefly describe how the nursing home community (including resident and/or family councils and direct care staff) will be involved in the development and implementation of the project. Describe how the governing body of the nursing home or organization will lend support to the project.

FUNDING (5 Points):

Financial Feasibility and Sustainability: Include the completed Excel Grant Budget spreadsheet (see Attachment 2) and the Budget Details Page for the project, along with a narrative explanation of the costs. Mention any co-funding that you are planning to use from other sources. The narrative shall include the specific amount of CMP funds to be used for the project, the time period for such use, and an estimate of any non-CMP funds that the State or other entity expects to be contributed to the project. Sustainability should describe how the organization will cover the basic operating expenses (staff, supplies) after award funding is expended.

INVOLVED ORGANIZATIONS (10 Points):

Organizations and partnerships: List a contact name, address, Internet e-mail address, and telephone number of all organizations that will receive funds through this project. List any sub-contractors and organizations that are expected to carry out and be responsible for components of the project. Copies of contracts and subcontracts shall be available upon request to CMS and the State.

INNOVATION AND REPLICABILITY (5 Points):

Sharing best practices: The proposal should use evidence-based practices (researched and proven to be effective) and adapted to fit organizational needs. Identify how the organization will share and disseminate results of their project to other nursing homes, state and federal agencies, etc.

FOCUS AREA (5 Points):

Proposal relevance: Proposals aligning with the Tennessee CMP Reinvestment Progam focus areas outlined in the RFA document will receive five points.

Project Proposal Evaluation Process

Successful applications will be subject to a four tiered application evaluation process.

Tier (1): (Pass/Fail) Pass/Fail will be completed by three representatives of the Tennessee Department of Health. Decisions will be made based on the completeness of the proposal. Proposals which meet all requirements will then be sent to the evaluation committee for review.

Tier Two (2): Proposal Scoring Proposal scoring will be completed by a review committee comprised of a minimum of three or more unbiased representatives of the Department of Health and/or other state agencies. All applicants will receive a Notice of Intent or Denial detailing which organizations will have their proposal forwarded to the State Survey Agency and the Office of Patient Care Advocacy.

Tier Three (3): State Survey Agency (SSA) Determination Within eighteen days, proposals must be reviewed by the Office of Patient Care Advocacy and Office of Health Care Facilities. During this time period, the Office of Patient Care Advocacy and Office of Health Care Facilities may seek additional information to strengthen the proposal or provide clarification before deciding whether to submit to CMS. If the offices approve the proposal, then it will be submitted to CMS for review and final approval or denial. All applicants will receive a Notice of Award document from the Competitive Procurement Coordinator detailing which organizations will have their proposal forwarded to CMS.

Tier Four (4): CMS Decision CMS has at least forty-five (45) days for review. CMS may also seek additional information to approve or deny the proposal. Once CMS denies a proposal, there is no appeal process. However, the applicant may reapply again during any subsequent issuance of request for CMP grants. If the proposal is approved, the applicant will be notified by CMS.

Contracts

If awarded, the Tennessee Department of Health will secure a contract with the grantee following the State of Tennessee's Central Procurement Office guidelines. For more information, please visit their website by visiting the link here.