Technical Support to Workplace Prevention and Early Intervention Transitioning Youth Into the Workplace
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services

With the ever-increasing younger population in the workforce and little literature on this population, the Federal Government is funding this 5-year program to research substance abuse and mental health issues in youth ages 16–24 who are transitioning into the workforce. During this time, 13 grantees will develop multiple related products such as a comprehensive literature database, a Web site with resources and other related links, online briefings of model programs, and other Web-related products. At the end of 5 years, a knowledge and exchange workshop will be presented with the culmination of all the related findings from the participating grantees.

Review of SAMHSA's Evaluation Policy and Planning
Client: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services

JBS is conducting a review of SAMHSA's evaluation policy and planning. We are

• conducting a comprehensive review of ongoing and recently completed evaluation studies by center, program type, matrix priorities, evaluation design, budget, funding source, and drivers
• conducting a detailed analysis and evaluation of SAMHSA's 2003–2004 evaluation portfolio, evaluation policy, and planning process

• developing an analytical database-tracking vehicle for SAMHSA evaluation activities
• developing recommendations for making the evaluation policy and planning process more efficient and effective

National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth (NCFY)
Client: Program Support Center, Division of Acquisition Management, Administrative Operations Service [Administration for Children and Families; Administration on Children, Youth & Families; and Family and Youth Services Bureau]

NCFY helps professionals interested in youth issues find the resources they need to effectively serve young people and their families. Under this contract, JBS

• maintains a library and searchable literature database
• conducts literature searches
• produces publications for parents, youth, youth service professionals, and policymakers
• organizes forums that bring experts together to develop strategies for improving youth policy and practice

For more information and for access to free NCFY publications and the literature database, visit the NCFY Web site at http://www.ncfy.com.

Analysis of Dissemination and Impact of the Child Health Insurance Research Initiative (CHIRI)
Client: Program Support Center, Department of Health and Human Services

JBS is currently conducting a diffusion-theory based evaluation for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on CHIRI grantees' dissemination of findings to policymakers and change agents. This model evaluation contract moves beyond typical dissemination of findings by grantees to examining specifically the extent to which research findings are disseminated to a policy audience. In addition, based on the evaluation findings, technical assistance (TA) for grantees is designed to further assist the grantees in disseminating research findings to a policy audience. The project incorporates a process evaluation of the TA activities. This particular contract is a high-priority contract as AHRQ strives to demonstrate program successes and offers insights into how the division monitors grantee requirements.

Performance Partnership Grant Technical Assistance Center (PPG TAC)
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services

PPG TAC is authorized by SAMHSA/CSAT to provide technical assistance to all 50 States and other jurisdictions in the areas of substance abuse treatment performance outcomes and management. TAC's responsibilities were recently expanded to include technical assistance for the upcoming Access to Recovery Program (ATR), an initiative announced by President Bush in his 2003 State of the Union address. The initiative is designed to provide substance abuse treatment and recovery and support services to ever-expanding groups of persons in need. Approximately $500 million will be available for 3 years to States, other jurisdictions, and tribal organizations through competitive grants for developing and implementing voucher programs that are results oriented and designed to increase consumer choice and capacity. TAC is providing preapplication support to ATR grant applicants and will continue to provide technical assistance to grant awardees in specific topic areas.

Program Assessment for the Child and Family Services Reviews and IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews (CW III)
Client: Program Support Center, Administrative Operations Service Division of Acquisition Management, Department of Health and Human Services

This project provides support to the Children's Bureau in implementing the federally mandated reviews of State child welfare agencies. JBS conducts the child and family services reviews, which assess outcomes for children and families receiving services related to safety, permanency, and well-being. These reviews also examine systemic issues impacting services to children and families. In addition, JBS conducts the IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews, which assess whether children in foster care meet the statutory eligibility requirements for foster care maintenance payments.

Capacity Building Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance
Client: National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services

Our program evaluation contract with NMAC is supported by two Department of Health and Human Services divisions—the CDC and HRSA. JBS designed a comprehensive program evaluation for NMAC's Technical Assistance (TA) and Training Division, including the development of a logic model. The program evaluation incorporates formative, process, and outcome evaluation activities. Both CDC and HRSA are particularly interested in examining the impact of capacity-building services provided to community-based organizations by NMAC. Our current evaluation activities focus on assessing the product and service efficacy of NMAC products and services. Additional activities include the development of online assessment tools and design of quality assurance protocols for all TA and training activities.

CSAT Opioid Treatment Accreditation Technical Assistance Project (OTATAP)
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services

OTATAP provides technical assistance (TA) to opioid treatment providers (OTPs), all of which now must be accredited by a national organization approved by CSAT. JBS staff manage the onsite and offsite TA that is available to individual programs as they prepare for accreditation. JBS also provides followup, postsurvey TA in the event it is needed. In addition, we develop and deliver trainings that are responsive to the need of the OTPs, as identified from individual TA and survey outcomes, and are preparing a series of 10 how-to booklets on various aspects of accreditation.

State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) National Resource Center
Client: Office of Internal Customer Support Acquisition and Grants Group, Division of Program Contracts, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services

The SHIP National Resource Center provides technical assistance and active, timely information about Medicare, Medicaid, and other related health insurance issues to the national network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs. Funded by contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the SHIP National Resource Center

• responds to inquiries and requests for information
• issues Medicare/Medicaid policy briefs
• creates tools and training materials
• collects and disseminates best SHIP practices
• maintains a resource library
• coordinates congressional liaison strategy for outreach
• facilitates communications within the SHIP network
• provides support to the SHIP Steering Committee

State Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Systems Technical Reviews Project
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services

Established in 1990, the Technical Reviews Project focuses on providing SAMHSA, CSAT, and the States with a framework for identifying and addressing technical assistance needs, technology transfer strategies, and new policy initiatives. JBS conducts two types of reviews through the Technical Reviews Project: Core Elements Technical Reviews and State-Requested Technical Reviews. The Core Elements Technical Review, which is required by CSAT for all States, focuses on State fiscal structures, clinical quality assurance systems, and compliance with Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant requirements. State-Requested Technical Reviews are optional, and the scope of work is specific to the needs and requests of the individual State.

HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, Supportive Housing Program (SHP) Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Client: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Under this cooperative agreement, JBS provides technical assistance and training to CDBG, HOME, and SHP grantees, subgrantees, and community-based organizations in specified geographic areas or States. Technical assistance and training topics include coordination of service delivery, collaborating with community partners, sustainability, identifying funding opportunities, and developing program rules, processes, and procedures.

Evaluation and Program Support to the CSAP Division of Knowledge Development and Education
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services

In support of CSAP's mission to promote leadership and guide the national effort to combat substance abuse, JBS provides evaluation training and technical assistance to CSAP and many of its funded programs. Our efforts also include numerous initiatives to reduce the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in Indian Country. Ongoing efforts include program and evaluation support to the National Indian Youth Leadership Project (Project Venture) and a study of the feasibility of customizing and tailoring selected CSAP science-based model programs for implementation in Indian Country. In addition, JBS designed and is pilot testing two Native youth mentoring models.

CSAP State Prevention Advancement and Support Project (SPAS)
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services

CSAP administers the $340 million in prevention set-aside funds from the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants to 60 States and Territories. Through SPAS, JBS supports CSAP in its administrative role by

• assessing State prevention systems for compliance and effectiveness
• providing onsite, offsite, and multi-State technical assistance that strengthens the capacity of States and CSAP to achieve performance outcomes
• managing national conferences, creating expert work groups, and preparing technical documents, all aimed at increasing the capacity of State leaders to achieve desired results

SPAS also develops and maintains a CSAP Intranet (Eprevention.org) that collects and analyzes State prevention system data that are used to help develop policy, plan programs, and evaluate performance outcomes.

State Systems Technical Assistance Project (SSTAP)
Client: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services

Since 1995, JBS has managed SSTAP. This project supports the development of publicly funded State substance abuse treatment systems by using a large pool of expert consultants and staff to

• deliver technical assistance/consultation services
• provide training, facilitate meetings, and manage conferences
• develop, acquire, and disseminate special reports and audiovisual materials on issues affecting substance abuse treatment systems

SSTAP has helped States address a broad range of issues related to substance abuse treatment, including special and underserved populations, treatment modalities and approaches, technologies, local and national policy initiatives, funding mechanisms, financial management practices, organization development issues, primary health and mental health concerns, and cross-systems training and collaboration activities.

HUD Information Management Services, Training and Technical Assistance, and Technical Support
Client: Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Since 1997, JBS has provided support through an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) to each of the program offices within HUD's PIH. JBS has successfully undertaken and completed nearly 40 separate assignments. For example, we designed and operated three separate information and resource centers—the PIH Information and Resource Center, the Drug Information & Strategy Clearinghouse, and the Indian Housing Information and Resource Center. We also provided regulatory and legislative support, performed studies and authored technical reports, designed materials and publications such as PIH program fact sheets, designed and conducted training, provided technical assistance nationwide, and planned and implemented small and large national conferences. Within the IQC framework, JBS also supported a variety of training and technical assistance initiatives specifically for the Office of Native American Programs, including supporting implementation of Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country, training and technical assistance to reduce substance abuse and violent crime, and design and implementation of community and youth training programs nationwide.

National Minority AIDS Education & Training Center Capacity Building
Client: National Minority AIDS Education & Training Center (NMAETC), Howard University

NMAETC is a national collaborative of clinicians and subject matter experts who seek to build capacity and increase cultural competence among clinics, community-based organizations, and other health care providers offering services to minority HIV-positive people. The goal of the program is to integrate and mobilize all the components of a clinic's operation to achieve measurable results such as increases in patient show rates, retention, numbers of patients in treatment, adherence to treatment protocols, and satisfaction with care, as well as improved referrals and linkages within networks. The JBS Organization Development Group worked with the NMAETC in the planning and design of its capacity-building and cultural competence programs, providing key conceptual models, procedures and tools, training and curricula, and subject matter expertise. During the implementation phase, the JBS OD Group continues to deliver technical assistance, but the focus now is more on process and meeting facilitation, coaching, and leadership development, as well as strategy planning facilitation for new program activities.

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Multicultural and Special Populations Initiatives

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