A. Currently, the Home Delivered Meal Program is serving approximately 530 unduplicated persons, age 60 and over. MCOFA has funding available annually to provide approximately 166,000 meals to eligible participants. Meals must be certified by a dietitian and meet 1/3 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) in accordance with guidelines under the Older Americans Act, and as defined by the NYSOFA. Case management activity is estimated at 200 individuals, annually, to address short-term service connection needs. B. MCOFA is seeking proposals that include a variety of innovative approaches to meet or exceed the proposed outcomes and measures as stated above and further defined in Appendix C, Program Narrative of this RFP. Successful proposals must include cost efficiencies utilizing volunteers for meal delivery and regular face-to-face interaction with program participants to determine their wellness and safety. C. At a minimum, Respondent(s) are strongly encouraged to show how they will provide the required range of services, as listed below: a. Respondent(s) shall be proficient in food handling, production, and food service supervision, and be able to train food production staff. b. Respondent(s) must be knowledgeable of, and adhere to, policies and procedures consistent with NYSOFA requirements as detailed inNYSOFA's 19-Pl-26. c. Respondent(s) must encourage program participants to voluntarily contribute towards the cost of the meal to enhance the program as detailed in NYSOFA's 18-Pl-17. d. Respondent(s) must keep contributions and deposit records on file for six years after the ending date of the program year. e. Respondent(s) must have qualified staffthatmonitorsthe services. Such monitoring includes, but is not limited to adequate documentation of units of service, program expenditures, quality and safety of meals and nutritional content of meals. f. Respondent(s) must collect customer comments or evaluations on service annually. Comments and evaluations collected must be analyzed and reviewed for consideration towards improving the program. Any health/safety issues identified in these comments or evaluations must be reported to MCOFA. Documentation must be kept for one year after the ending date of the program year. g. Orientation and training must be provided and made available to staff and volunteers at least quarterly. Documentation of these sessions must be made available to MCOFA upon request. The Respondent(s) must maintain records of training plans, schedules, and attendance. h. Staff must be familiar with written procedures concerning emergency situations, such as inclement weather, flood, or fire, or when a participant isfound ill or dead at home. i. Respondent must develop procedures describing how to handle grievances from older participants who are dissatisfied with, or are denied services. j. Funds received cannot be used to support sectarian, political, and/or lobbying activities. k. Respondent(s) must have adequate staff to administer the program. l. Respondent(s) must have at least one staff person who is trained as a case manager to conduct client assessments (refer to NYSOFA 19-PI-26, II(C)(1)(b)).
