Appendix A of the RFP has been revised. Please review it to ensure you have the most up-to-date information about RWJF development standards.

Numerous governmental public health departments across the country are undertaking quality improvement (QI) initiatives, many of which are supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). In order to spread and amplify what is being learned through these initiatives and facilitate increased use of QI in public health practice, RWJF is seeking an organization to build and operate a robust website that will be known as the “Quality Improvement in Public Health Practice Exchange.” The Practice Exchange will house the expanding database of QI efforts conducted by governmental public health departments across the country, provide search and query functions to enable users to find interventions and tools relevant to their own health department and community needs, and provide a forum for dialogue and learning among the site’s users.

• Up to $2,000,000 is available for a two year contract to develop and operate the Practice Exchange, with the likelihood of renewal if the Practice Exchange garners strong participation and helps further the application of QI in public health.

• October 5, 2011 (1 - 2 P.M. ET)—Webinar for prospective applicants. Registration is required.
• November 9, 2011 (5 P.M. ET)—Deadline for receipt of full proposals.
• December 22, 2011—Finalist notified of funding recommendations.
• March 15, 2012—Grant initiated.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience in managing projects that require organizing, and making available online, information that is being solicited and collected from multiple sources in an ongoing way. For a proposal to be eligible for consideration it must demonstrate how it will access expertise in:

• database design and management, including search and query functions;
• website design, building and operation, including interactive web design; and
• social media approaches to developing an online community.

Preference may be given to those applicants who may be either public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Full selection criteria can be found in the Request for Proposals.