**Request for Applications**

**[Overview Information]{.underline}**

National Council on Disability Notice of Funding Opportunity

Project Title: National Disability Policy: A Progress Report.

**Announcement Date:** January 30, 2009 - Announcement of Funding
Opportunity

Funding Opportunity for a Cooperative Agreement: NCD-09-01

**Authority**: Section 401, Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended

Application materials are available at
[www.ncd.gov/resources_researchopps.htm](http://www.ncd.gov/resources_researchopps.htm)

Applications may also be requested by writing to:

Julie Carroll

National Council on Disability

1331 F St NW Ste 850

Washington, DC 20004

or by e-mail request to: <jcarroll@ncd.gov>

Due Date: Applications will be due on March 2, 2009 by 5:00 PM EDT

Deliver all materials to:

National Council on Disability

1331 F Street NW, Suite 850

Washington, DC 20004-1107

ATTN: Julie Carroll

Maximum amount available for this project: \$50,000

Eligibility: All potential applicants are eligible to apply

Cost sharing is not required

The estimated period of performance is eight months

**[Project Summary]{.underline}**

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal
agency charged with making recommendations to Congress and the
Administration on issues, policies, and laws affecting people with
disabilities. It is NCD\'s mission to promote policies, programs,
practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all
individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of
the disability, and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve
economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and
integration into all aspects of society.

NCD is required by Section 401 (b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended, to submit annually to the President and Congress a report
entitled *National Disability Policy: A Progress Report*. The report
must assess the status of the nation in achieving policies that
guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities,
regardless of the nature or severity of the disability, and empower
individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency,
independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of
society. The report must focus on the new and emerging issues impacting
the lives of individuals with disabilities, including available data on
health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, recreation,
training, prevention, early intervention, and education. The report must
also set forth recommendations for policy change, including, but not
limited to, recommendations for changes in legislation, regulations,
policies, guidance or programs, as appropriate. In determining the
issues to focus on and the findings, conclusions, and recommendations to
include in the report, input must be gathered from the public,
particularly individuals with disabilities, representatives of
organizations representing a broad range of individuals with
disabilities, and organizations and agencies interested in individuals
with disabilities.

[NCD invites proposals from individuals and organizations interested in
working with NCD to gather and assimilate the necessary information and
draft its next annual Progress Report.]{.underline}

**[Table of Contents]{.underline}**

**I. Funding Opportunity Description 4**

**II. Award Information 7**

**III. Eligibility Information 8**

**IV. Application and Submission Information 8**

> 1\. Address to Request Application Package **8**
>
> 2\. Content and Form of Application Submission **8**
>
> 3\. Submission Dates and Times **12**
>
> 4\. Intergovernmental Review **12**
>
> 5\. Funding Restrictions **12**
>
> 6\. Other Submission Requirements **12**

## V. Application Review Information 13

1\. Evaluation Criteria **13**

2\. Review and Selection Process **14**

# VI. Award Administration Information 14

1\. Award Notice **14**

2\. Administrative and National Policy Requirements **14**

3\. Reporting **19**

**VII. Agency Contact 19**

**I. Funding Opportunity Description**

[Background]{.underline}

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal
agency charged with making recommendations to Congress and the
Administration on issues, policies, and laws affecting people with
disabilities. It is NCD\'s mission to promote policies, programs,
practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all
individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of
the disability, and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve
economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and
integration into all aspects of society.

NCD is required by Section 401 (b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended, to submit annually to the President and Congress a report
entitled *National Disability Policy: A Progress Report, hereinafter
Progress Report*. The report must assess the status of the nation in
achieving policies that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals
with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the
disability, and empower individuals with disabilities to achieve
economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and
integration into all aspects of society. The report must focus on the
new and emerging issues impacting the lives of individuals with
disabilities, including available data on health, housing, employment,
insurance, transportation, recreation, training, prevention, early
intervention, and education. The report must set forth recommendations
for policy change, including, but not limited to, recommendations for
changes in legislation, regulations, policies, guidance or programs, as
appropriate, for improving opportunities and quality of life for people
with disabilities. In determining the issues to focus on and the
findings, conclusions, and recommendations to include in the report,
input must be gathered from the public, particularly individuals with
disabilities, representatives of organizations representing a broad
range of individuals with disabilities, and organizations and agencies
interested in individuals with disabilities.

NCD has, since its inception as an independent agency in 1984, been
instrumental in bringing the voice of people with disabilities to
Congress and the Administration. Early reports to Congress drew from
stakeholder input gathered by the late Justin W. Dart Jr., then NCD\'s
Vice Chairman, who personally organized public forums in all 50 states
to hear the concerns of people with disabilities. Based largely on the
findings from these forums, along with the results of the first
comprehensive national survey, crafted by NCD and conducted by the
International Center for the Disabled, NCD laid the groundwork to
support the call for comprehensive equal opportunity legislation to
protect people with disabilities from discrimination, resulting,
ultimately, in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.[^1]

The two decades since that time have been an important period in the
evolution of the status and rights of people with disabilities in the
United States. As individuals with disabilities established that they
were entitled to basic civil and human rights, equal opportunity,
independent living, integration, and full participation, the values
specifically adopted in NCD's statutory purpose emerged as the official
objectives of the Federal Government's laws, programs, and policies.
Such progress has placed NCD front and center in offering
recommendations for achieving these objectives and for identifying ways
in which current efforts are falling short. In addition to annual
Progress Reports, NCD has conducted research and produced publications
on issues of importance to people with disabilities including education,
institutionalization, employment, juvenile justice, mental health,
emergency preparedness, housing, transportation, foster care, financial
incentives, disability data, livable communities, telecommunications and
technology, as well as numerous reports on the implementation and
enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
See, [www.ncd.gov](http://www.ncd.gov/) and click on the "Publications"
link.

NCD continues to serve as a unique focal point within the Federal
Government for issues affecting people with disabilities. NCD remains
the only federal agency charged with addressing, analyzing, and making
recommendations on issues of public policy that affect people with
disabilities regardless of age, disability type, perceived employment
potential, economic need, functional ability, veteran status, or other
individual circumstance.

**[Project Overview]{.underline}**

**The purpose of this project is to provide an overview of the status of
the quality of life for people with disabilities in the United States
based on input from people with disabilities, and to identify the
emerging trends that should point the way for future government
disability policy.**

**Major project activities will include, but are not limited to,
collaborating with NCD to:**

**1. Gather Stakeholder Information**

This project begins with the identification of the needs, experiences,
and quality of life of people with disabilities. Information must be
gathered from stakeholder input obtained by NCD in recent research
efforts, public comment in responses to public consultations, public
comments at NCD quarterly meetings or special hearings, and other
current sources of data about people with disabilities.

Particular emphasis should be placed on updating the quality of life
indicators established in NCD's report, "Keeping Track: *National
Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators.*" The purpose of
this activity is to enable NCD to annually populate the disability
indicator set adopted in its report, *Keeping Track: National Disability
Status and Program Performance Indicators*, August 2007. These topical
indicators are based upon existing data and can be used to track the
status of people with disabilities in the United States over time. The
contractor will use a guide (attached) designed to recreate and to
present current data to populate these *Keeping Track* indicators in the
Progress Report .

**2. Identification of Emerging Trends**

Based on analysis of the information gathered, the Contractor should
document the status of the quality of life for people with disabilities,
and collaborate with NCD to identify the most current and emerging
issues, as well as the systemic barriers and challenges, facing people
with disabilities.

**3. Government Performance**

Assess relevant government programs and services for their:

-   Effectiveness in contributing to improved quality of life for people
    with disabilities;

-   Potential to meet the needs of people with disabilities in light of
    the emerging trends identified in steps 1 and 2 above; and

-   Barriers that prevent access for people with disabilities or that
    result in failures to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Identify organization design principles and program policy approaches
needed to address the shortcomings in current government programs and
services and to incorporate successful practices into the government's
use of resources for improving quality of life for people with
disabilities.

**4. Develop Recommendations**

In collaboration with NCD, develop recommendations, both short- and
long-term, for addressing the immediate and emerging needs of people
with disabilities. This should include recommendations for changes in
legislation, regulations, policies, guidance or programs, as
appropriate, for improving opportunities and quality of life for people
with disabilities

**[Project Requirements]{.underline}**

The deliverables for this project will include:

1)  A detailed preliminary outline of the final report;

2)  A revised detailed outline of the final report;

3)  Set of indicators mirroring those in NCD\'s Keeping Track report,
    based on the most current available data;

4)  An initial draft report;

> 5\) A second draft report incorporating recommended revisions derived
> from NCD staff, Council members, and, at the Council's discretion,
> external reviews; and
>
> 6\) A final report incorporating recommended revisions derived from
> NCD staff, Council members, and, at the Council's discretion, external
> reviews.

The report must include an Executive Summary, Introduction, and
Conclusion. The final report must include a separate section containing
the recommendations, organized according to the entity to which they are
directed. All assertions of fact must be substantiated in Endnotes,
created using Word's automated Endnote feature, and presented in the
format of the Chicago Style Manual.

Any methodology used to obtain stakeholder input must allow for
open-ended discussions between stakeholders, as opposed to soliciting
answers to specific, predetermined questions. While the use of data from
existing surveys is permitted, conducting surveys is prohibited. The
inclusion of people with disabilities must be integral to the planning,
development, and execution of this project.

The successful applicant must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. disability
policy and government programs, experience mining, analyzing and
summarizing disability statistics, and excellent research and writing
skills. The successful proposal must describe the methodology to be used
in gathering stakeholder input about the current and emerging trends
affecting people with disabilities.

See also the requirements listed in Sections IV(2)(D) and VI(3) below.

**II. Award Information**

NCD will make one award, not to exceed \$50,000, in the form of a
cooperative agreement. NCD will have substantial on-going involvement in
the execution of all phases of this project.

The projected start date for this project is May 1, 2009. The expected
period of performance is eight months, ending December 31, 2009.

## III. Eligibility Information

1\. All potential applicants are eligible to apply

2\. Cost-sharing is not required

3\. Other Eligibility Criteria:

Proposals that merely offer to conduct a project in accordance with the
requirements of the Government's scope of work will not be eligible for
award.

Proposals that do not comply with NCD\'s Document Access Requirements,
as specified in Section VI (2) below, will not be considered for award.

**IV. Application and Submission Information**

**1. Address applications to:**

Julie Carroll

National Council on Disability

1331 F St NW, Ste 850

Washington, DC 20004

or e-mail to: <jcarroll@ncd.gov>

**2. Content and Form of Application Submission**

**A. General Requirements**

The proposal must be prepared in two parts: A "Technical Proposal" and a
"Business Proposal." Each of the parts shall be separate and complete in
itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of
evaluation of the other. The technical proposal must not contain
reference to cost; however, resource information, such as data
concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc.,
must be contained in the technical proposal so that the understanding of
the scope of the work may be evaluated. It must disclose the proposed
technical approach in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise
presentation that includes, but is not limited to, the requirements of
the technical proposal instructions.

The proposal must be signed by an official authorized to bind the
organization.

**B. Technical Proposal**

A detailed work plan must be submitted indicating how each aspect of the
statement of work is to be accomplished. The technical approach should
be in as much detail as is necessary to fully explain the proposed
technical approach or method, and how the proposed approach will achieve
the project objectives. The technical proposal should reflect a clear
understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken.

The technical proposal must include information on how the project is to
be organized, staffed, and managed. Information should be provided that
will demonstrate how important events or tasks will be managed. The
proposal must explain how the management and coordination of consultant
and/or subcontractor efforts, if used, will be accomplished.

The technical proposal must include a list of names and proposed duties
of the professional personnel, consultants, and key subcontractor
employees assigned to the project. Their resumes or curriculum vitae
should be included and should contain information on education,
background, recent experience, and specific technical accomplishments.
The approximate percentage of time each individual will be available for
this project must be included. The proposed staff hours and tasks for
each individual must be included on the chart/table identified under
"Management Time and Schedule."

The technical proposal must provide the general background, experience,
and qualifications of the applicant. Similar or related contracts,
subcontracts, or grants should be included and contain the name of the
customer, contract or grant number, dollar amount, time of performance,
and the names and telephone numbers of the contracting officer's
technical representative or project officer and contracting/grants
officer.

**The technical proposal must be prepared and submitted in the following
format:**

**1. Abstract (no more than 1 page)**

A one-page summary shall be provided abstracting the proposal contents,
including objectives, activities, and expected outcomes, in language
understandable to an informed layperson.

**2. Table of Contents**

**3. Introduction (no more than 3 pages)**

Applicants shall summarize, in their own words, the purposes and
objectives of the project to demonstrate complete understanding of NCD's
intent and requirements. This section also should contain a specific
statement of any interpretations, questions, qualifications,
limitations, deviations, or exceptions to the Scope of Work and the
extent to which the applicant's proposal can be expected to meet the
requirements set forth in the application materials.

**4. Procedural Plan (no more than 5 pages)**

This section shall fully describe the theoretical and technical
approaches the applicant will employ in complying with each task in the
scope of work. While a general statement of strategy is appropriate, the
proposal should be specific in describing the manner in which the
overall project will be conducted, and the intended approach to the
design.

**5. Management Plan and Schedule (no more than 5 pages)**

The management plan shall show the feasibility of implementing the
applicant's resources. The applicant shall present a time chart that
specifies the amount of time (in person days) each staff member will
commit to implementing each task. The plan shall present a clear
description of the roles and work relationships among project personnel
and project advisors. Finally, the plan shall contain a method for
insuring the timely and successful completion of each work task, as a
part of a projected schedule and target completion dates.

**6. Personnel**

Personnel with major responsibilities shall be listed by name, title,
position, academic background, relevant experience, responsibilities
with the project, and the extent to which this commitment is assured.
This section should include specific time commitments of staff to other
projects, both federal and non-federal. Consultants who have agreed to
serve on the project should be similarly identified and assurances of
their commitment included. The Project Director shall be committed for
no less than approximately 50 percent of the contract. Vitae for all
principal personnel, including consultants, should be appended to the
proposal. Each vita should be limited to not more than two (2) pages and
should emphasize areas of experience directly relevant to this work.

**7. Related Experience**

This section shall describe the applicant\'s pertinent experience and
qualification in conducting work of a similar nature. Applicants shall
offer evidence of not more than 3 previous related assignments,
including the names and telephone numbers of client project offices able
to comment on the applicant's performance of those assignments.
Summaries (not to exceed one page) of related work shall be included.
References to products resulting from these related activities also
should be included.

**8. Resources/Facilities/Equipment**

This section shall identify those resources (other than personnel),
facilities, and equipment (e.g., library holdings, computer hardware and
software) available for use in conducting this project.

**9. Current Contractual Obligations**

Each applicant will be required to outline both federal and non-federal
contractual obligations existing during the course of this award for all
projects involving personnel who will be assigned to this project. Such
organizations/agencies must be identified by name and the percentage of
work time allotted to these projects by personnel committed to the
proposed project must be provided.

**10. Issues and Associated Data Items**

When responding to the tasks, and when identifying what should receive
emphasis, careful consideration should be given to the issues
identified, their associated data items, and the desired contents of the
Final Report.

**C. Business Proposal**

The business proposal should contain a detailed budget for the project
and the certifications and representations required by OMB Circular
A-110.

Note: For each type of entity, there is a set of Federal principles for
determining allowable costs. Allowability of costs shall be determined
in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the entity
incurring the costs. Thus, allowability of costs incurred by state,
local or federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is determined in
accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A--87, "Cost Principles
for State and Local Governments." The allowability of costs incurred by
non-profit organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions
of OMB Circular A--122, "Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations."

The allowability of costs incurred by institutions of higher education
is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A--21,
"Cost Principles for Educational Institutions." The allowability of
costs incurred by hospitals is determined in accordance with the
provisions of appendix E of 45 CFR part 74, "Principles for Determining
Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Grants and Contracts
with Hospitals." The allowability of costs incurred by commercial
organizations and those non-profit organizations listed in Attachment C
to Circular A--122 is determined in accordance with the provisions of
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR part 31.

**D. Post-Award**

> Upon notification of intent to award, the contractor will be expected
> to:

-   Develop and submit a timeline and deliverables schedule that will be
    used to guide the conduct of the project and monitor the work;

-   Develop and submit a payment schedule chart to be used for
    installment payments of the award;

-   Meet with select NCD Members and staff at the inception of the
    project and obtain NCD guidance; and

-   Meet monthly by teleconference with select NCD Members and staff to
    report on the status and progress of the project and obtain NCD
    feedback.

**3. Submission Dates and Times**

Applications must be received by March 2, 2009 by 5:00 PM EDT. Late
applications will not be considered.

**4. Intergovernmental Review**

This opportunity does not require intergovernmental review.

**5. Funding Restrictions**

Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre‑award costs.

**6. Other Submission Requirements**

## All application materials must be submitted in an accessible electronic format and must comply with NCD Document Requirements described in Section VI (2) (A). One hard copy submission is also required.

## Applications must be submitted to:

Julie Carroll

National Council on Disability

1331 F Street NW Suite 850

Washington, DC 20004

Electronic applications can be submitted by email to: <jcarroll@ncd.gov>
, or by CD to the mailing address listed above.

## V. Application Review Information

**1. Evaluation Criteria**

NCD will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria
set forth below. It is understood that the proposal will become part of
the official contract file.

The Request for Applications does not commit the Government to pay any
cost for the preparation and submission of a proposal. In addition, the
Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the
Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this
proposed acquisition.

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Evaluators will score proposals with a maximum of 100 points,
proportioned as follows:

> A. A clear understanding of the nature of the work (20 points)

The proposal presents a clear understanding of the tasks required and
the importance, quality and reliability of the work to be performed.

> B. Procedural Plan (25 points)
>
> The proposal contains evidence of a fully described technical approach
> to comply with each of the tasks in the scope of work. The proposal is
> consistent with the goals, objectives, and compliance requirements,
> and is practical in terms of producing needed information, analysis
> and recommendations.
>
> C. Management Plan and Schedule (20 points)
>
> The project team, including any use of consultants, is organized and
> managed to accomplish effective and efficient implementation of all
> tasks to be completed. The proposal budget is appropriate to the
> administration of the project. The time frame is realistic. Plans and
> schedules to ensure smooth cooperation with the NCD staff involved are
> evident. The proposal clearly identifies who will be the project
> leader, and who will be key personnel, and includes a table showing
> the number of person-days by tasks for each of the key personnel. The
> management plan describes the extent and nature of involvement by
> individuals with disabilities in the design, operation, and
> deliverables of the project.
>
> D. Personnel (20 points)
>
> The proposal provides evidence of the specific qualifications and
> skills of staff and consultants to be assigned to this project, and
> their experience and familiarity with the topic, including relevant
> laws, regulations, and pertinent procedures and practices in the
> Federal Government. Skills in writing, and conducting research also
> should be clearly demonstrated.
>
> E. Related Experience (15 points)
>
> The degree to which the Applicant has prior experience and past
> performance in executing similar projects should be described.
> Evidence of related assignments should be detailed. Applicant shall
> present evidence of related assignments, including the names and
> telephone numbers of previous project officers who would be able to
> comment on the Applicant's performance of those assignments.

**2. Review and Selection Process**

The review and selection process consists of internal reviews, external
peer reviews, as appropriate, review and recommendation for award by
NCD\'s Emerging Trends Committee, and final review and selection by NCD.
This process typically takes about five weeks.

**VI. Award Administration Information**

**1. Award Notices**

NCD will notify the successful applicant by telephone and letter. This
notification will begin negotiations for a Cooperative Agreement. The
letter is not an authorization to begin performance.

**2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements**

**A. NCD Document Requirements**

All written and electronic documents drafted for NCD must be submitted
in an electronic Word format. If PDF is used, submissions to NCD must be
created using the tools and guidance developed for creating accessible
PDF. See, <http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/general_g/pdfcreate.htm>

The document must be professionally edited. In addition, all documents
must adhere to NCD\'s formatting and style standards, which follow the
Government Printing Office Style Guide.

**Formatting Requirements**

**Accessibility**

First and foremost, NCD reports must be fully accessible to all people
with disabilities. All graphs and charts must have full text
descriptions. Shading is not permissible. Electronic copy must be
compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

**Contrast**

Text and covers should be printed with the highest contrast possible.

**Fonts**

Use Arial, 12 point. Italics should be used sparingly, not for full
sentences or paragraphs or recommendations. Do not use small caps.

**Line Spacing**

Set line spacing to 1.5. Reference, endnotes, appendices, etc. sections
should be single spaced.

**Paper Size**

Set paper size to 8.5\" x 11\"

**Margins**

Set standard one inch (1\") margins on all sides.

**Paragraphs**

Use block style. Begin paragraphs without tabbing in. Text should be in
single column format. Use a double space between paragraphs.

**Justification**

Use left justified (ragged right).

**Smart Quotes and Apostrophes**

Use smart quotes and apostrophes.

**Chapters**

Chapters should start on odd-numbered pages, which fall on the right
side.

**Headers and Footers**

Delete unnecessary headers and footers.

**Widows and Orphans**

Do not have widows or orphans.

**Web Addresses**

Make all Web addresses hyperlinks.

**Style Heads**

Paragraph headers between major subject areas are encouraged. Headers
should be bold, but not underlined. Headers should not be all caps nor
small caps. Double space between headers and text.

**Spacing after Periods**

Use one space after a period at the end of a sentence. Use one space
after colons, question marks, and endnote numbers.

**Endnotes**

All documents must use endnotes, not footnotes, and the endnotes should
be in Arial font, 12 point, single spaced. The endnotes should be
created using the Word endnote feature.

**Page Numbering**

Page numbering should be centered at the bottom of each page. Blank
pages require page numbers.

Begin page numbering in roman numerals on Letter of Transmittal page
(suppress page number of that page). Begin ordinal numbering on
Executive Summary page.

**Contents Page**

All documents should include a complete table of contents page. This
includes page numbers for chapters and major sections. The Table of
Contents text should be in regular font. Do not bold the entire page.

**Style Requirements**

**General:**

Use active voice (within reason)

Serial comma

Numbers: one-nine, 10 and above

Use "people \[\[not "persons" or "individuals"\]\] with disabilities"
and "people without disabilities," not disabled, handicapped, or
nondisabled

1990s (not 1990's)

Use "people from diverse cultures," "people from diverse racial
background," and so forth \[not minorities\]

Punctuation NEVER comes after a closing quotation mark.

Due to or Because of?

"Due to" modifies nouns and is generally used after some form of the
verb to be (is, are, was, were, etc.). Jan\'s success is due to talent
and spunk (due to modifies success). "Because of" should modify verbs.
Ted resigned because of poor health (because of modifies resigned).

Generally, use between for two, and among for three or more.

**Legal Cases/Bills/Laws, etc:**

H.R. 2457

S. 1322

P.L. 106-515

Italicize names of court cases

Convert small caps used in notes

**Word List:**

ADA, not the ADA

Administration (presidential)

closed captioning

Congress, not the Congress

data indicates (treat data as singular)

decision making

Department (capped referring to a U.S. Department)

email

end-user

Executive Order

federal

Federal Government

governor

health care (n, um\*)

home- and community-based (um)

interagency (closed up)

multi (close up)

nation

NCD, not the NCD

non (close up)

percent, not %, unless in tables or parentheses

Ph.D.

policymaker

the President

proactive

reauthorize

reenter

rulemaking

screen-reader

standalone

state (l.c.) upfront

Supreme Court, the Court

Web site, the Web

white

workforce

workplace

In titles, cap prepositions of 5 or more letters.

\*um=unit modifier, meaning two words used as an adjective

NCD will be responsible for the printing of the final report and will
coordinate printing of multiple copies with the Government Printing
Office (GPO).

B. Rights in Data, Copyright, and Disclosure

**i. Data** -- The term "data" as used here includes written reports
(progress, draft, and final), electronic format and work of any similar
nature that is required under any resulting Cooperative Agreement to
perform this project. It does not include the Contractor's financial
reports, or other information incidental to Contractor administration.
Data submitted to and accepted by NCD under any Cooperative Agreement
shall be the property of NCD, and NCD shall have full and unlimited
rights to use such data for any purpose in whatever manner deemed
desirable and appropriate, including making it available to the general
public. Such use shall be without any additional payment to the
Contractor. Data may be published as the property of NCD without giving
authorship to the Contractor.

**ii. Copyright** -- The Contractor relinquishes any and all copyrights
and/or privileges developed under any Cooperative Agreement. The
Contractor shall not include in the data any copyrightable matter
without the written approval of NCD, unless the Contractor provides NCD
with the written permission of the copyright owner for NCD to use the
matter.

**iii. Disclosure** -- The Contractor agrees not to divulge or release
any information, reports or recommendations developed or obtained in
connection with the performance of any Cooperative Agreement with NCD,
and not otherwise available to the public, without the prior approval of
NCD.

**iv. Final Approval of Deliverables** -- All final deliverables are the
product of NCD and require acceptance and approval by NCD. NCD reserves
the right to make substantive edits to any final deliverables.

**3. Reporting**

A.  Throughout the project, the Contractor and Contract Officer will
    conduct mutually agreed upon monthly teleconference calls and/or
    bi-weekly meetings, to include other project staff members and NCD
    staff members and, as appropriate, selected project advisors and NCD
    board members.

B.  The Contractor will make a presentation to the full Council at a
    quarterly Council meeting and should factor the travel expenses into
    the project budget.

**VII. Agency Contact**

If you have questions about this Request for Applications, contact:

Julie Carroll

202-272-2019 (voice)

202-272-2074 (TTY)

<jcarroll@ncd.gov>

For more information about NCD, go to [www.ncd.gov](http://www.ncd.gov/)

Addendum re Indicators data:

# Re-creating the Disability Indicator Set: 

# A "How-To" Guide

Nanette Goodman and Bonnie O'Day

11/13/2007

## Introduction

The purpose of this document is to provide a "how to" guide to enable
NCD to annually populate the disability indicator set adopted in its
report, *Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program
Performance Indicators*, August 2007. These topical indicators are based
upon existing data and can be used to track the status of people with
disabilities in the United States over time. NCD can use this guide to
present current data to populate these indicators in each of its Annual
Progress Reports to the President and Congress, stimulating interest
among politicians, policy makers and the public about the progress
people with disabilities are making as compared to their counterparts
without disabilities.

This user guide is written for someone with basic familiarity with
analysis of large national data sets who has some experience using at
least one statistical package (e.g.: SAS, SPSS, Stata, etc). Any of
these standard statistical packages can be used to analyze the data
sets. The syntax varies somewhat between packages. For this document, we
provide examples using SAS code. The SAS code in this document can be
used as a guide to defining the data we report, but it is still
important that the analyst review the data documentation each year to
ensure compatibility of the data between years.

The variable names and codes in this document reflect the codes used to
produce the data presented in *Keeping Track* (2007), which used 2005
data from the ACS and NHIS and 2006 data from BRFSS.

As shown in Exhibit 1, the indicators are drawn from the following five
data sources

1.  American Community Survey (ACS)

2.  Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS)

3.  National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

4.  Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)

5.  National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)

This document describes how the Cornell team calculated each indicator.
It includes a description of the following steps:

A.  Accessing the data

B.  Defining the relevant subset of sample-Generally, we used a subset
    of the population that was 21-64 years old.

C.  Creating the disability indicator---For each indicator, we present
    the value for people "with a disability" and "no disability." This
    document describes, for each data set, the variable (or multiple
    variables) we used to create a dichotomous variable to categorize
    respondents into these two categories.

D.  Defining each indicator---Generally, each indicator is based on one
    or two questions from the survey, we identify the variable or
    variables used to create the indicator.

E.  Using weights to develop a national estimate---The three surveys are
    samples of the population. In order to develop a national estimate,
    we applied the sample weights provided on the files. Generally, the
    sum of these weights is equal to the average of the civilian,
    noninstitutionalized population estimates.

> It is important to note that the surveys use a complex sample design
> rather than a simple random sample. As a result, although the sample
> weights can be used to calculate a national estimate, the standard
> errors and standard deviations calculated by the basic procedures in
> the statistical packages will be incorrect unless the analyst adjusts
> for the sample design. We did not present the standard error or
> standard deviations in the indicators report so we do not address the
> issue in this document

**Exhibit 1: Data Sources Used to Calculate the Value of Each
Indicator**

+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Indicator**                                           | **Data     |
|                                                         | Source**   |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Employment**                                          |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 1: Employment Rate                          | > ACS      |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 2: Employment rate by education status      | > ACS      |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 3: Median annual labor earnings of          | > ACS      |
| > full-time/full-year workers                           |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 4: Median annual labor earnings of          | > ACS      |
| > full-time/full-year workers by education status       |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Education**                                           |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 5: Percent of people with less than a high  | > ACS      |
| > school diploma                                        |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 6: Percent of people with at least a        | > ACS      |
| > college degree                                        |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+

+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Health Status and Health Care**                       |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Indicator 7: Obesity                                    | > BRFSS    |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 8: Smoking                                  | > BRFSS    |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 9: Health insurance status                  | > NHIS     |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 10: Failure to get needed care because of   | > NHIS     |
| > cost, by poverty status                               |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 11: Patients who report that doctors or     | > MEPS \*  |
| > other health providers always show respect for what   |            |
| > they have to say.                                     |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Financial Status and Security**                       |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 12: Median household income                 | > ACS      |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 13: Poverty status                          | > ACS      |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Leisure and Recreation**                              |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 14: Participate in leisure time physical    | > NHIS     |
| > activity                                              |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Personal Relationships**                              |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 15: Always or usually get the social and    | > BRFSS    |
| > emotional support you need                            |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 16: Marital status                          | > ACS      |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Crime and Safety**                                    |            |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 17: Violent crimes per 1,000 people         | > NCVS\*\* |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| > Indicator 18: Property crimes per 1,000 people        | > NCVS\*\* |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+

\*Data element taken from Healthy People 2010

\*\*Data not yet available

***American Community Survey***

A.  **Accessing the data**

The ACS numbers are based on the public use file on the ACS website
(http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/PUMS/).

B.  **Defining the relevant subset of sample**

> To define people ages 21 to 64, we used the variable "AGEP".
>
> *if 21 \<=AGEP\<= 64;*

C.  **Creating the disability indicator**

> The ACS provides a "disability status recode" where Respondents who
> answered yes to **at least one** of the following questions were
> considered to have a disability:
>
> Q15. Does this person have any of the following long lasting
> conditions?

a.  Blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment?

b.  A condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical
    activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or
    carrying?

> Q16. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6
> months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of
> the following activities?

a.  Learning, remembering, or concentrating?

b.  Dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home?

> Q17. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6
> months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of
> the following activities?

a.  Going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor\'s office?

b.  Working at a job or business?

> We used this recode "DS" to create the tables:
>
> *DS\--Disability recode*
>
> *b .N/A (Less than 5 years old)*
>
> *1 .With a disability*
>
> *2 .Without a disability*

D.  **Defining each indicator**

Indicator 1: Employment Rate

> The ACS provides a recoded variable for employment based on the
> response to the question LAST WEEK; did this person do ANY work for
> either pay or profit? (asked of persons 15 years old and over). A
> person is considered employed if during the reference week if he or
> she : (1) worked 1 hour or more as a paid employee, worked in his or
> her own business or profession, worked on his or her own farm, or
> worked 15 or more hours as an unpaid worker on a family farm or
> business, or (2) were with a job but not at work\--those who did not
> work during the reference week, but had jobs or businesses from which
> they were temporarily absent due to illness, bad weather, industrial
> dispute, vacation, or other personal reasons based on the question:
> \"LAST WEEK was this person TEMPORARILY absent from a job or
> business?\" \"Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute,
> etc.\" Excluded from the employed are people whose only activity
> consisted of work around the house or unpaid volunteer work for
> religious, charitable, and similar organizations; also excluded are
> all institutionalized people."
>
> *if ESR = \'1\' or ESR = \'2\' or ESR = \'4\' or ESR = \'5\' then emp
> = 1;*
>
> *else emp = 0;*
>
> *if ESR = \' \' then emp = .;*

Indicator 2: Employment rate by education status---variable is computed
as a cross tabulation of employment rate and education status

> Employment rate-see above
>
> Education status: (recode the school variable SCHL from a character to
> a numeric value).
>
> *If SCHL in (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) then educ = 1;*
>
> *If SCHL in 9 then educ = 2;*
>
> *If SCHL in (10, 11, 12) then educ = 3;*
>
> *If SCHL ge 13 then educ = 4;*
>
> *1 "Less than high school graduate"*
>
> *2 "HS graduate"*
>
> *3 "Some College or Associates"*
>
> *4 "Bachelors degree or higher"*

Indicator 3: Median annual labor earnings of full-time/full-year workers

> Full-time /full-year workers are defined as:
>
> *if wkhp ge 35 and wkw ge 50 then fyft=1; else fyft=0;*
>
> The median wage was calculated based on the variable WAGP (after the
> variable is changed from a character to a numeric value)
>
> *if WAGP = \'bbbbbbb\' then earn = .;*
>
> *else earn = WAGP\*1;*

Indicator 4: Median annual labor earnings of full-time/full-year workers
by education status---based on cross tabulations of the variable defined
above.

Indicator 5: Percent of people with less than a high school diploma

> *If SCHL in (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) then LtHS = 1; else LtHS = 0;*

Indicator 6: Percent of people with at least a college degree

> *If SCHL in (13, 14, 15, 16) then college = 1; else college = 0;*

Indicator 12: Median household income

> Compute the median of *HINCP*

Indicator 13: Poverty status

*if POVPIP lt 100 then pov100 = 1; else pov100 = 0;*

Indicator 16: Marital status

> *If MAR = 1 then maritalstatus = 1;*
>
> *If MAR in (2, 3, 4) then maritalstatus = 2;*
>
> *If MAR = 5 then maritalstatus = 3;*
>
> *maritalstatus*
>
> *1 ."Married"*
>
> *2 ."Widowed/Divorced/Separated"*
>
> *3 ."Never married"*

E.  **Using weights to develop a national estimate**

We used the variable *PWGTP* (Person\'s weight) to develop the national
estimate.

## Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS)

A.  **Accessing the data**

> The data is available to download at no cost from
> <http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/technical_infodata/surveydata.htm>

B.  **Defining the relevant subset of sample**

> To define people ages 21 to 64, we used the variable "AGE".

C.  **Creating the disability indicator**

> Respondents who answered yes to **at least one** of the following
> questions were considered to have a disability:
>
> QLACTLM2 (Activity Limitation Due to Health Problems)
>
> **or**
>
> USEEQUP (Health Problems Requiring Special Equipment)
>
> If data indicates that the responses of "Don't Know" or "Refused" for
> at least one question and neither answer was yes, then we coded the
> disability status as "missing" Otherwise the person was considered not
> to have a disability:
>
> *if QLACTLM2 eq 1 or USEEQUIP eq 1 then haveDisab =1;*

*else if QLACTLM2 in (7,9) or USEEQUIP in (7,9) then haveDisab = .D;*

*else haveDisab =0;*

D.  **Defining each indicator**

Indicator 7: Obesity -- Based on the variable *\_BMI4CAT*
-Three-categories of Body Mass Index (BMI).

*If \_BMI4CAT =3 then obese = 1; else if \_BMI4CAT in (1,2) then obese =
0;*

Indicator 8: Smoking \-- Based on the variable *\_SMOKER3* Computed
Smoking Status

*If \_SMOKER3 in (1, 2) then smoker = 1; else if \_SMOKER3 in (3, 4)
then smoker = 0;*

Indicator 15: Always or usually get the social and emotional support you
need \-- Based on the variable *EMTSUPRT* -Emotional Support and Life
Satisfaction.

*If EMTSUPRT I (1, 2) then support = 1; else if EMTSUPRT in (3, 4,5)
then support = 0;*

E.  **Using weights to develop a national estimate**

> We used the variable \_FINALWT (Final Weight) to develop the national
> estimate. Further information about the weights can be found at
> <http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/technical_infodata/weighting.htm>
>
> ***National Health Interview Survey***

A.  **Accessing the data**

The data is available for free download from:

<http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhis/quest_data_related_1997_forward.htm>

The data is provided in several files (family, household, injury
episode, person, sample adult etc). Most of the variables used in these
estimates are from data collected in the Family Questionnaire and
included on the Person data file. That file contains one case for each
person in every sample family. One of the variables used here, however,
exercise, is collected in the Adult Sample Person Questionnaire and
included on the Sample Adult data file. That file contains one case for
a randomly selected adult in each sample family. Because the adults in
the Sample Adult file are a subsample of adults in the Person file,
there are fewer of them, and the sampling errors of estimates based on
the Sample Adult file are somewhat larger.

B.  **Defining the relevant subset of sample**

> To define people ages 21 to 64, we used the variable "*AGE_P*"

C.  **Creating the disability indicator**

Disability can be defined in a number of ways using the NHIS.
Traditionally, the NHIS has defined disability in terms of
health-related "limitation of activity." The Family Questionnaire asks
about limitations in the following activities of adults: work, walking,
remembering, personal care activities (bathing, dressing, etc.,
sometimes knows as "activities of daily living), routine activities
(shopping, meal preparation, etc., sometimes known as "instrumental
activities of daily living"), and any other activity not listed above.
It is also determined if reported limitations are related to chronic or
acute health conditions. These questions are summarized in a variable
computed by the NHIS that identifies people who have any reported
health-related limitation of activity that is related to a chronic
condition (*lachronr*). We used this variable to classify people as
having or not having a disability in this analysis. For example:

*If lachronr = 1 then haveDisab = 1; else if lachronr in (2, 3) then
haveDisab = 0;*

D.  **Defining each indicator**

Indicator 10: Failure to get needed care because of cost, by poverty
status---the variable is computed as a cross-tabulation of access to
health care services and poverty status.

> Access to health care services: inability to obtain needed medical
> care in the last 12 months because of cost. Respondents were asked if
> family members had had a medical need in the past 12 month that was
> not met because it was too costly. Reponses reported on the person
> file to that question PNMED12 were used to classify people as having
> or not having cost-related problems of access to needed medical care.
>
> *If pnmed12m = 1 then nocarecost = 1;*
>
> *else if pnmed12m = 2 then nocarecost = 0;*
>
> *Else if pnmed12m in (7, 9) then nocarecost = .;*
>
> Poverty status: Each year the Federal government establishes family
> income levels for families of several sizes and type that are at the
> threshold of poverty. Members of families with less income than the
> threshold are classified as being in poverty, and members of other
> families are classified as not being in poverty. The NHIS used
> reported family income (after imputation of missing values) and the
> published threshold incomes to compute a variable that shows the ratio
> of family income to the appropriate threshold for each family. This
> variable *RAT_CATI* was used to classify persons as below or above the
> poverty threshold for this analysis. The variable is NOT included on
> the Person data file. It is in a separate file available on the
> website labeled "Imputed Income Files." The website provides direction
> on merging the data to the person data.
>
> *If rat_cati in (1, 2, 3) then poverty = 1;*
>
> *else if 4=\<rat_cati \<=14 then poverty = 0;*
>
> *else if rat_cati = 96 then poverty = .;*

Indicator 9: Health insurance status**.**

> The NHIS Family Questionnaire has a series of questions about a
> variety of possible types of health care coverage at the time of
> interview: private plans, Medicare, Medicaid, other government
> coverage (e.g., railroad retirement), single service coverage (e.g.,
> dental or accident coverage), Indian Health Service (HIS), and
> military coverage. This analysis followed the practice of NHIS
> publications in classifying people as not being covered at all if they
> were not covered by any of these types, or covered only by a single
> service plan, or only by the IHS. The coverage categories reported
> here include private, Medicaid or Medicare, other, and none.
>
> These coverage categories were coded so that they are mutually
> exclusive: that is, a person is classified into one and only one of
> the categories. There are instances, of course, in which a person may
> have coverage in more than one of those categories: for instance, a
> Medicare beneficiary may also have supplemental coverage from a
> private source. In such cases, the coding rule assigned the person to
> the earliest category for which they qualify; in the example given,
> for instance, a person with both private and Medicare coverage would
> be assigned to the private category. This coding practice follows a
> convention in health care research that the order of the categories
> (as listed above) reflects in a general way the "quality" of the
> coverage.
>
> *If MEDICARE in (1, 2) then MedicareR = 1;*
>
> *else if MEDICARE = 3 then MedicareR = 0;*
>
> *If MEDICAID in (1, 2) then MedicaidR = 2;*
>
> *else if MEDICAID = 3 then MedicaidR = 0;*
>
> *If SINGLE in (1, 2) then SingleR = 1;*
>
> *else if SINGLE = 3 then SingleR = 0;*
>
> *If PRIVATE in (1, 2) then PrivateR = 1;*
>
> *else if PRIVATE = 3 then PrivateR = 0;*
>
> *If OTHERGOV in (1, 2) then OtherGovR = 1;*
>
> *else if OTHERGOV = 3 then OtherGovR = 0;*
>
> *IF MILITARY in (1, 2) then MilitaryR = 1;*
>
> *else if MILITARY = 3 then MilitaryR = 0;*
>
> *IF IHS in (1, 2) then Ihs = 1;*
>
> *else if IHS =3 then IhsR = 0;*
>
> *coverno =
> privateR+medicareR+medicaidR+othergovR+militaryR+singleR+ihsR;*
>
> *otherno = othergovR+militaryR+singleR+ihsR;*
>
> *If PrivateR = 1 then CoveragetypeR = 1;*
>
> *Else if Private = 0 and (Medicare = 1 or Medicaid = 1) then
> Coveragetype = 2;*
>
> *Else if (OthergovR = 1 or MilitaryR1 = 1 or Otherno \>1) then
> Coveragetype=3;*
>
> *Else if coverno = 0 or (coverno = 1 and (singleR = 1 or Ihsr = 1))*
>
> *then coveragetype = 4;*
>
> *coveragetype*
>
> *1 \"Private\"*
>
> *2 \"Medicare/Medicaid\"*
>
> *3 \"Other\"*
>
> *4 \"None\"*

Indicator 14: Participate in leisure time physical activity

> In the Adult Sample Questionnaire there is a series of questions on
> exercise during leisure periods. The questions ask how often
> respondents engage in each of three types of exercise: vigorous
> aerobic exercise, light to moderate aerobic exercise, and
> strength-building exercise. People who reported that they never engage
> in any of these types of exercise, or that they are unable to do any
> of them, were classified as not doing any exercise, and others were
> classified as doing any exercise.
>
> *If 1\<=VIGNO\<=995 then vignoR = 1;*
>
> *else if VIGNO in (0, 996) then vignoR = 0;*
>
> *else if VIGNO in (997, 998, 999) then vignoR = .*
>
> *If 1\<=MODNO\<=995 then ModnoR = 1;*
>
> *else if MODNO in (0, 996) then ModnoR = 0;*
>
> *else if MODNO in (997, 998, 999) then ModnoR = .*
>
> *If 1\<=STRNGNO\<=995 then StrngnoR = 1;*
>
> *else if STRNGNO in (0, 996) then StrngnoR = 0;*
>
> *else if STRNGNO in (997, 998, 999) then StrngnoR = .*
>
> *exerciseno = vignor + modnor + strngnor*
>
> *If exerciseno in (1, 2, 3) then activity = 1; else if exercise = 0
> then activity = 0;*

E.  **Using weights to develop a national estimate**

The data is weighted using the "final weight" variable *WTFA* for the
person file and *WTFA_SA* for the sample adult file.

This weight includes post-stratification adjustments (age,
race/ethnicity, sex) using Census Bureau population control totals. The
sum of these weights is equal to the average of the civilian,
noninstitutionalized U.S. population estimates for February 2005, May
2005, August 2005, and November 2005.

## Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

Indicator 11: Patients who report that doctors or other health providers
always show respect for what they have to say

> This indicator is derived from the Household component of the Medical
> Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Using the MEPS to calculate the
> indicator is difficult because of the longitudinal nature of the
> survey and the variety of different ways that disability can be
> defined.
>
> As a result, we report the value of the indicator as reported in
> Healthy People 2010 (Focus area 11, indicator 6).
>
> The data can be accessed at <http://wonder.cdc.gov/data2010/>

***National Crime Victimization Survey***

Indicator 17: Violent crimes per 1,000 people

Indicator 18: Property crimes per 1,000 people

> The disability questions included in the National Crime Victimization
> Survey were revised in January 2007.   The Bureau of Justice
> Statistics expects to publish the first estimates from these questions
> in late 2008, based on data collected during the 2007 calendar year.
>
> The Survey website is: <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/cvict.htm>
>
> Any questions can be directed to:
>
> Michael R. Rand\
> Chief, Victimization Statistics\
> U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics\
> michael.rand@usdoj.gov

[^1]: [Toward
    Independence](http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/1986/toward.htm).