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What is the NC SPF SIG Initiative?
The NC SPF SIG is a project to reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes and deaths in 18 high-need counties in North Carolina. High-need counties must go through a five step process to address alcohol-related traffic crashes/deaths: needs assessment, capacity building, strategic planning, implementation of evidence-based strategies, and evaluation/monitoring. The selected LMEs and communities will support collaborative relationships between the private sector, public health, academic partners, private non-profit services providers and others to implement the NC SPF-SIG, develop prevention expertise and infrastructure to sustain the process, and generate evidence to support replication of the process across the state. This program requires that communities develop plans aimed at population level change in the county.
What are the first steps for
the LME to respond to the Invitation to submit an application?
- Decide to commit LME staff and resources to champion,
host, lead, and manage this community-based project
or decide to decline the invitation to participate
in the SPF-SIG Initiative
- Identify a few key county-level partners who will
serve as the initial County Advisory Panel to assist
the LME in selecting a needs assessment contractor
(and obtain letters of commitment from those individuals)
- Name at least two potential local needs
assessment contractors ( see Question #8)
- Submit the required application documents to accept
the invitation by 12:00 noon on July 27, 2007.
- Receive written approval from the Division to participate
in the SPF-SIG Initiative
What roles and responsibilities
does the LME have for the first 6 months (July-December,
2007)?
- Designates an LME lead staff member to lead the
project and serve as the LME point of contact
- Establishes and provides leadership and support
for County Advisory Panel
- With County Advisory Panel, identifies potential
needs assessment contractor and profiles contractor
background experience and expertise
- Submits a budget for Division approval of planned
contracts and contractors
- Acts as fiduciary agent for all SPF SIG funds that
are required to be allocated to approved contractor(s)
- Executes contract with needs assessment contractor
- Provides fiscal and programmatic monitoring
- Oversees required activities, expenditures and reporting
by contractor(s)
- Serves as liaison between Division and needs assessment
contractor
- Attends SPF SIG Needs Assessment training
What roles and responsibilities
does the LME have for the second 6 months (January-June,
2008)?
In addition to those listed above…
- Expands the County Advisory Panel to include key
county stakeholders with knowledge to address the
identified needs.
- Works with County Advisory Panel to manage the strategic
planning process that takes place after the needs
assessment is complete.
What TA is available to help
the LME manage the initiative?
- Division of MH/DD/SAS for project-related communication
and ongoing management issues
- Centers for Prevention Resources (CPRs) for all
aspects of the SPF (CPRs may also perform other functions
identified by the County Advisory Panel/LME as applicable)
- RTI International (formerly known as Research Triangle
Institute) for needs assessment
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (Chapel
Hill Center) for evaluation
What should be included in
the budget for the first year?
LMEs will not be required to submit an itemized budget
with the SPF-SIG application by 12:00 noon on July 27, 2007. The Division
will provide guidance on the budget, including approved
and non-approved expenditures, at the time of the anticipated
August 1 notification of funds. Specific budget guidance
from the Division will be provided for the development
of contracts for the needs assessment contractor, implementation
contractor(s), and other contract(s) for program support.
May any of the SPF-SIG funds
be used to support any LME staff or expenses, or any
staff or expenses of any LME-operated provider organization?
No. Funds from the SPF-SIG may not be utilized to support
any LME staff or expenses or any staff or expenses of
any LME-operated provider organization. All SPF-SIG
funds are required to be contracted for use by private
not-for-profit community based organizations. The Division
will reserve the right to approve all budget items,
as well as contracts and contractors.
What are the expectations of
the needs assessment contractor and criteria for selection?
- Conducts the countywide needs assessment
- Generates summary of findings
- Possibly will develop the county strategic plan
(with County Advisory Panel, LME)
- Attends needs assessment training and, if applicable,
strategic planning training
The Needs assessment contractor should be a non-profit
organization/individual with a proven record of needs
assessment experience, including the collection and
synthesis of data, as well as the interpretation and
reporting of results. Preferably, this contractor will
be located within the county or LME and will know the
local context.
What is the relationship between
County Advisory Panel and LME in selecting needs assessment
contractor?
The LME initially identifies at least two possible capable
candidates. These candidates will be then presented
to the County Advisory Panel along with a portfolio
of their experience and expertise. The LME will make
a final recommendation to the Division with input from
County Advisory Panel. The Division reserves the right
to approve the final selection of all contractors and
the planned use of all contracted funds.
Will the trainings be regional?
An east/west regional structure is being developed for
the SPF SIG trainings. But this approach may not be
feasible for the August needs assessment training. Semi-annual
Learning Communities will be held with all counties
together (though they may rotate).
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