Council Mandates:

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to “promote, through systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy a consumer and family-centered, comprehensive system and a coordinated array of services, supports and other assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families” mandate the Council. The Council, at the direction of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) adopts a state plan to outline how this will be accomplished. In doing so, all state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to equal access, Civil Rights, and equal opportunity are strictly enforced.

Announcement of Funding:

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (Council) announces the availability of Federal Funds to be invested in State Plan activities. We call these announcements Calls for Investment, and they are typically published the first week of May. Announcements are published in the Kansas Register and disseminated broadly through the Council email list, Council members, and other collaborators.

Proposals are due the first week of July, with review by Council members and staff during the month of July. Personal interviews take place at the annual Council retreat in early August, with verifications in August. The typical grant cycle is October 1st – September 30th.

Calls for Investment Development and Review:

The Council uses a funding process that focuses on outcomes and involves a change in thinking from a funder to an investor. It emphasizes partnerships and shared success. Both the Council and grantees must work together to clearly define results and measures of success.

All Council members are expected to participate in the development of our Calls for Investment, review of proposals and final determination to select projects for funding. Exceptions are granted for those who have declared a conflict of interest. Conflict of Interest statements will be completed when Council members are appointed and annually thereafter. See Conflict of Interest policy.

On Cycle Grant/Contract Approval:

The Council utilizes a three-tiered review process for grant/contract approval. The process begins with a cursory review by the grants manager who then forwards the proposal to a review committee who performs a telephone interview with the applicant. This committee determines if the applicant will be forwarded to the in-depth personal interview or if they will not be considered for funding. A larger committee will conduct a personal interview and determine who will be brought before the full Council for consideration of funding. The entire Council will vote to: disapprove, approve or approve with conditions.

If the proposal is disapproved, the grants manager will send a turn-down letter with explanation to the applicant.

If the proposal is approved with conditions, the grants manager will notify the applicant in writing of the conditions and work through each item until the applicant has satisfactorily met all requirements.

Once the Council approves the funding for a grant or contract, the grants manager proceeds with the notification of grant/contract award process prescribed by the Designated State Agency (DSA.)

Grants/Contracts under $5,000:

The Executive Committee may approve grants and contracts for $5,000 and under. The full Council must approve grants and contracts for above that amount.

Off-Cycle Grants/Contracts:

If the Council receives a funding request that is not in direct response to a published Call for Investment, then it will be deemed an unsolicited request. All unsolicited funding requests will be reviewed by the Executive Committee to determine if it should be considered by the Council.

If determined it does not meet Council goals and activities, then the grants manager will send a turn-down letter with explanation.

If the Executive Committee determines the proposal has the potential to forward Council goals and objectives, then the grants manager will assign the proposal to a review committee. The same process will be used for on-cycle grants with the exception of the personal interview at the retreat.

Sole Source Contracts:

A request to do a sole source contract will be done according to Division of Purchasing, Department on Administration policies. A sole source contract is non-competitive and only one entity is capable of providing the service.

Appeal Process:

The Council’s decision is final. Applicants may request copies of their review sheets and scores, as well as the applications and review sheets of other applicants.