EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. In addition to Pennsylvania-specific work, PCAR operates the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and is a partner in Raliance. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope, and healing around issues of sexual violence to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PCAR assures that communities have access to quality victim services and prevention education by providing funding, training, materials, and assistance to a network of rape crisis centers that serve all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. PCAR provides resources and training on sexual assault-related issues to professionals across the Commonwealth.
EXPECTATIONS:
PCAR is seeking to partner with an organization, individual or team to provide a 3 three part training series on serving incarcerated survivors for PCAR funded sexual assault centers. The training facilitator(s) are expected to conduct a survey to access sexual assault center training needs, record a one 1.5 hour webinar based on survey results, and facilitate two 1 hour technical assistance sessions. We are seeking training facilitators that have an understanding of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, victim services, and navigating relationships with correctional facilities. Additionally, we would prefer to work with a training facilitator(s) who are part of a team and receives feedback on best practices from survivor advocates.
PCAR funded sexual assault centers are required to provide equitable service provision to all survivors of sexual harassment, abuse and assault including survivors who are currently incarcerated at juvenile, county, state, and federal correctional facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic and correctional facilities requirements to limit inmates contact with the public, especially victim service providers have greatly affected service provision in correctional settings. Therefore, PCAR has identified a need to provide training on building sustainable partnerships, understanding the importance of partnering with advocates, supporting incarcerated survivors and understanding the advocates role in the PREA standards. PCAR is seeking to work with an expert in the field who can provide detailed technical assistance and guidance to sexual assault center advocates. Therefore, PCAR would like to utilize the expertise of a training facilitator to develop a customized training experience for PCAR funded sexual assault advocates.
REQUIREMENTS:
We are looking for a consultant or group who has prior experience facilitating training on service provision to the incarcerated survivors. This project will require collaboration; we seek a partner that would meet agreed-upon learning objectives and be able to complete the training series by September 30, 2022. Successful respondents must agree to work within PCAR’s publication standards. All content will need to meet 508 Compliance specifications for accessibility for people with disabilities.
PROPOSALS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
1. Applicant name and/or agency and contact information.
2. Describe relevant expertise and experience related to training facilitation.
3. List specific work you have conducted with a similar focus and provide two examples of previous work.
4. Describe your proposed process for training development.
5. Describe your familiarity with 508 compliance and accessibility.
6. Outline the time frame needed to complete this process and the estimated cost for development and facilitation.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) / National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). One of our strategic goals is to become an antiracist organization. Included in this commitment is an interest in supporting, and developing partnerships with, minority-owned businesses or businesses that demonstrate measurable outcomes related to their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We define diversity broadly to encompass the full spectrum of humanity, taking into account demographics such as race/ethnicity; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) status; gender identity; and disabilities, among others.
Equity is promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems. Addressing equity issues requires an understanding of the underlying or root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
Inclusion is the degree to which diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision making processes within an organization or group.
As such, please respond to the following questions:
1. Describe your existing programs and procedures designed to encourage and foster diversity, equity and inclusion.
2. If your firm is a Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, woman-owned, or LGBTQ-owned business, please indicate so and provide information on your firm's certification and certifying agency.
3. Please provide the percentage of your firm's total employees by race and gender.
4. Please describe if/how your firm will use BIPOC-owned, woman-owned, or LGBTQ-owned business in the proposed relationship. Please be as specific as possible.
Selection Process:
Consultants will be considered based on a variety of factors including:
- Demonstration of consultant’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
- Prior relevant projects or experience with firms of similar size and complexity;
- Knowledge and expertise of individuals that will work the projects;
- A proven track record of providing quality work on time;
- Ability to provide work within the scope on budget; and
- Response of references.
For further reference please see our organizational statement on our commitment to racial justice: https://pcar.org/sites/default/files/pages-pdf/commitment_to_racial_justicefinal508_updated.pdf.
SEND TO:
Proposals are to be submitted electronically to the following: Contact Tatiana Piper, Community Advocacy Coordinator, tpiper@pcar.org, 717-728-9740 x162