U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service
Evaluate State Grants for Reduction of Payment Errors in the Food Stamp Program
KRA evaluated grants to develop strategies for reducing FSP payment errors by identifying strategies that were most effective in reducing payment errors, the cost-effectiveness of these strategies, and the replicability of the strategies in other sites.
Food Safety Symposium
KRA provided a full range of administrative, logistical, management, and documentation support to assist the FNS in conducting a 3-day national symposium for 200 participants on food safety.
Food Store Access Conference
KRA provided pre-, on-site, and post-conference logistical and program support, including recording and transcribing the proceedings and distributing transcripts to designated participants and speakers. The 2-day national conference for 250 people stimulated discussion about the extent of insufficient access to food stores by low-income, underserved citizens.
Getting More Mileage from Food and Nutrition Service Research
KRA provided research support in four major categories: Research Tools – Options and
Improved Use; Technical Support for Food Stamp Welfare Reform Evaluations; Support for Implementation of the GPRA; and Supplemental Food Program for WIC Special Project Grants Technical Assistance.
Nutrition Education Conference
KRA provided full-service pre-, on-site, and post-conference administrative, logistical, and management support to assist the FNS conduct a conference on nutrition education. KRA planned, organized, and reported on the 3-day national conference for 200 participants.
Reaching the Working Poor and Poor Elderly
KRA investigated reasons why the poor elderly and working poor are less likely to participate in the Food Stamp Program and whether program changes affected the participation levels. KRA analyzed data; conducted focus groups; and designed, tested, and refined survey instruments.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National School-to-Work Office
TA Provider for STW State Implementation Grantees
KRA was selected as a charter member of the Resource Bank of Technical Assistance
Providers. In this capacity, and at the request of State grantees, KRA provided immediate, strategic, customer-driven technical assistance to the states that had received STW Implementation Grants.
Technical Assistance and Reports for STW Issues
KRA convened a roundtable of evaluation and STW experts to provide the Department of Education (ED) and DOL with the broadest possible advice on the advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches to determine the net impact on students of STW initiatives.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
National Rehabilitation Information Center
For more than 9 years, KRA operated and managed NARIC, a premier source of information, publications, and resources on disability and medical rehabilitation research. Each month, KRA staff responded to thousands of requests made through state-of-the-art information technologies, including e-mail access, electronic database searching, and website resources, as well as more traditional information dissemination strategies, such as mail, toll-free and text telephone numbers, and walk-in onsite visits. KRA also designed and developed several award-winning websites and pages for NARIC.
Office of Educational Research and Improvement, National Library of Education
Technical Library Services
KRA cataloged and re-cataloged records following AACRII rules; updated, modified, and created records; performed on-line searches; managed and maintained databases, among other on-site professional services at the NLE, which provides traditional library services, on-line database CD-ROMs, and Internet services for ED, Congress, state educational boards, universities and schools, among others.
Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Model Alternatives Data Collection, Education Programs for Expelled Students
Related to youth violence in school, KRA explored programs in three areas to identify alternative education practices and promising approaches: finding alternatives to expulsion, removing weapons from schools, and engaging out-of-school youth and returning them to the classroom.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Energy Information Administration
Energy Data Collection Support Services
KRA supported the Office of Coal, Nuclear, Electric, and Alternate Fuels (CNEAF) by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating energy statistics. CNEAF designs, develops, and maintains statistical and short-term forecasting systems for coal, nuclear, electric, and alternate fuels to meet the Nation’s energy statistics needs. KRA provided operational procedures development, analytical studies in specialized data-processing interpretation areas, information package development, database design and development, report preparation, and statistical analysis.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
ADD Commissioner’s Forums
For 4 years, KRA provided conference and publication management preparation, support, and follow-up activities for annual forums for the Office of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities Commissioner. Generally, 35 to 40 percent of the Forums’ attendees were physically challenged, presenting unique communication and logistical concerns, for which KRA designed unique solutions–program agendas and other materials were translated into Braille; sign-language interpreters were engaged; Strobe-light equipped rooms were secured; only barrier-free, ADA-approved facilities were used; and special air, train, and/or ground transportation arrangements were made.
Analysis of ADD State Grants Formula
KRA conducted a study of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities’ State formula grant programs, State Developmental Disability Councils involved in planning, advocacy, and demonstration projects, and the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems involved in providing legal protection and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.
National Information Center on Developmental Disabilities
KRA provided administrative, analytical, management, and technical services to the ADD.
When ADD decided to create an information center on developmental disabilities (DD), the agency selected KRA. Not only was KRA firmly grounded in ADD issues and concerns, but also added value to the creation and management of the center through another KRA-operated project, the National Rehabilitation Information Center for ED. The NICDD serves as a central information point for ADD grantees and the general public interested in learning about issues and receiving information related to DD. The Center’s audience also includes professionals and agencies involved in developing and implementing of services to people who have DD. Operating as an electronic resource center, NICDD provides access to documents and referral agencies via the Web or through telephone reference services.
Developmental Disabilities Program Resources Management Project
Working on-site, KRA created and managed the Electronic Data Submission system, through which ADD tracked the progress of grantees, and met Federal reporting requirements, in adhering to the provisions of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. KRA analyzed information and created various publications, including a monthly e-newsletter, three annual program-highlights booklets, two annual program statistical overviews, fact sheets, training manuals, and an annual comprehensive ADD brochure. KRA also drafted ADD’s bi-annual report to the Congress, as required by the Act, and maintained the ADD website in strict adherence to Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DD Program Resource Management project received the Secretary’s Outstanding Distinguished Services Award for outstanding, citizen-centered customer service in responding to requests for information on DD from the public.
Multi-Cultural Committee Planning Meetings/ADD Headquarters-Regional Meetings/20 Parent Forums
KRA also planned, conducted, and reported on numerous other local and regional meetings, which ADD presented as venues for open discussion and consensus-building on the basic issue of institutionalization versus community emersion of children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Developing Evaluation Models and Manuals
KRA developed materials for conducting effective evaluations of demonstration program implementation and outcomes. KRA developed the Program Manager’s Guide to Evaluation to help managers perform successful evaluations, and four program-specific manuals, tailoring evaluation information to the unique program, populations, and service needs of each program unit.
Evaluation of Emergency Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services
KRA conducted a national process evaluation involving site visits to 49 NCCAN-funded demonstration projects and interviews with project administrators and staff. KRA also reviewed each project’s third-party evaluation report and synthesized client outcome information for all projects.
National Evaluation of Home-Based Services Programs for Runaway Youth
Grantees receiving funding for demonstration programs were required to develop and implement models for home-based services for runaway youth and their families. KRA designed and implemented both process and impact evaluations of five demonstration program/service models.
President’s Committee on Mental Retardation National Strategy Conference
KRA provided full-service pre-, onsite, and post-conference logistical, technical, and travel management support for over 200 attendees. KRA prepared invitations to PCMR Advisory Panel members; developed the agenda; coordinated preparation of issues papers; provided graphic and production support; planned reception and formal banquet events; and provided support in developing and preparing The Annual Report to the President.
Support Services for the State Legalization Impact Assistance Grants Program
KRA assisted the Office of Refugee Resettlement in implementing the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. KRA assisted with the administration of the SLIAG program, which provided reimbursement to State grantees for costs incurred in serving eligible legal aliens.
Technical Assistance to NCCAN Emergency Family Prevention and Support Program Grantees
For the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, KRA provided technical assistance to the NCCAN-funded demonstration grantees serving families with coexisting problems of child abuse and neglect and substance abuse.
Food and Drug Administration
Operation and Management of Document Control Centers and CDRH Mail Room
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health’s (CDRH) mission is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices sold within the U.S., and to eliminate unnecessary human exposure to radiation from medical, industrial, and consumer products. KRA supported this critical mission by providing automated reporting, logging, and tracking of submissions; document imaging; online document searches; maintenance of document lending program; assembly, jacketing, and labeling of submissions; document routing; record retirement and document destruction; quality control of information entered into databases; generation of letters, routing sheets, and jacket labels; and mail processing for more than 1,000 CDRH personnel. The Director of the CDRH presented KRA with a CDRH Director’s Special Citation for Sustained Superior Performance in the operation of the CDRH Document Control Centers.
7th Meeting of the Global Harmonization Task Force
For the CDRH, KRA provided meeting and travel support for this 6-day meeting, the purpose of which was to bring together representatives from around the world who had teamed to facilitate the sharing of new ideas and strategies, and to promote resource-sharing in an effort to bring about global harmonization within the health fields.
Logistical and Administrative Services
KRA provided administrative, logistical, and management services for the CDRH, covering quarterly public advisory committee meetings for four established committees, and 16 committee panels. KRA supported 150 meetings from 1 to 2 days and 5 to 35 members and 100 observers during a 4-year period.
Registration and Listing of Device Establishment Program
KRA provided information management and records processing services to support the RLDE program. KRA received, analyzed, and processed the forms submitted by manufacturers of medical devices to register and list their devices with CDRH to ensure that they were safe and effective. KRA also interacted with the device manufacturers to ensure that the forms were completed properly. KRA provided the following information management and operations support: data analysis; data entry and document processing; maintenance of the ORACLE database; maintenance of daily correspondence; storage and maintenance of hard-copy files; generation of form letters and tracking correspondence; database analysis and documentation; records retirement; and bar coding.
Adverse Drug Information
KRA provided information management and pharmaceutical analysis support to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in the facility that houses their adverse drug information database. This project assisted CDER in carrying out its responsibility for post-market surveillance of drug and biologic products. KRA provided the following services to analyze and process adverse drug experience reports submitted to FDA by the health care community: pharmaceutical review, development of procedures, data entry, development of tracking systems, indexing, quality review of coded information, and preparation for microfilming.
Drug Establishment and Drug Listing Processing Services
KRA provided pharmaceutical, records management, and information processing services to CDER. KRA maintained ORACLE databases that allowed CDER to track all prescription, over-the-counter, and homeopathic drugs on the market in the U.S., and the pharmaceutical establishments that manufacture and distribute drugs. KRA provided the following professional, technical, and information management services to help CDER maintain its drug registration and listing databases and ensure that drugs were safe for sale to the public: technical, scientific, and regulatory review; forms and document tracking; online report generation; automated and manual file maintenance; mail processing; forms batching, indexing, data entry, and quality review; and annual mailings and processing of compliance verification packages.
Consumer Cosmetics Adverse Reaction Reporting Program
KRA developed a cosmetic adverse reaction reporting system so that consumers could quickly and easily report their adverse reactions and safety-related experiences to FDA. KRA provided comprehensive support to FDA by providing hotline, public outreach, and literature search services. KRA performed the following services: telecommunications, hardware, and software evaluation, and installation; training of information specialists; design and development of a Paradox database; evaluation of adverse experience data; development of a strategy to maximize consumer awareness and response; development and distribution of audio, video, and printed promotional materials; scientific and medical literature searches and evaluation; and report of findings based on available literature.
Professional, Administrative, and Management Services
For 3 years, KRA provided conference and travel management and reporting services to The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the CDER, the Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, and the Offices of the Commissioner, Women’s Health, and AIDS and Special Health Issues. These medical, scientific, and technical events were typically 1 to 3 days in duration, for 12 to 1,200 participants.
Workshop on Transfer of Defense, Intelligence and Space Technologies for Early Detection and Control of Cancers in Women
Co-sponsored by the CIA, DOD, NASA and the National Cancer Institute, KRA provided full-service planning and implementation support for this 3-day workshop for 300 participants, the emphasis of which was practical technology transfer issues for industry, researchers, users, Federal agencies, and others interested in new technologies for the early detection and control of cancers in women.
Health Services and Resources Administration
HMO Staffing Strategies in Underserved Areas
KRA contributed to the development of study products and conducted 18 site visits for this study that explored the strategies used by HMOs to secure services by sufficient primary care personnel to care for the Medicaid populations they have contracted to serve, and answered research questions.
National Institutes of Health
Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center
Chief Information Officers Solutions and Partners-2
The CIOSP-2 contract provided IT services that encompassed the entire life cycle of activities for the NIH. The complex NIH IT infrastructure is diverse and encompasses mainframes, high performance scientific computing, highly parallel processing, and
advanced workstations and networks. Through CIOSP-2, KRA offered a comprehensive suite of on-site services to support sophisticated IT environments, including: software development and maintenance; help desk; training; technology assessment; supplemental operations and facility support; integration; software and documentation management; LAN and computer support; and NIHnet networking. KRA previously performed this work under the now-defunct CERTAN omnibus contract. Through CIOSP-2, KRA provided the following services to a variety of NIH clients: Applications Development Support, Administrative Database Development Support, and ORACLE Database Support.
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program Protocol and Information Office
KRA operated the PIO, which functions as a central information hub for CTEP and ensures that protocols for investigational cancer drugs are monitored within applicable guidelines and regulations. KRA health and IT professionals provided the following services: managed the review process by tracking all protocol documentation from concept review to submission to FDA; generated reports containing protocol-related information to aid government staff in drug development; maintained the official, physical files of all protocol and protocol-related documentation; monitored protocols through the review and entry of appropriate data to ensure that protocols are within applicable guidelines and regulations; and continued development of CTEP’s pilot imaging and workflow program.
National Center for Research Resources
Evaluation of the Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions (RIMI) Program
KRA conducted this evaluation in two phases: first developing the evaluation design and pilot testing the design methodology, and then conducting in-depth case studies at RIMI sites, including interviews with staff, students, and other key personnel involved in the implementation of the grants.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Evaluation of the NHLBI’s Short-Term Training Program
KRA evaluated the STMSP, a program that exposed undergraduate and graduate minority students to opportunities in heart, lung, and blood research; attracted qualified minority students to biomedical and behavioral research careers; and alleviated the shortage of minority researchers in the biomedical field.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Conference, Administrative, and Travel Support Services
For both the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID) and the Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (DAIDS), KRA provided myriad management and professional support services. Conference Support included pre-, on-site, and post-conference logistical support for domestic and foreign meetings; pre- and on-site development and distribution of conference materials; writing and production of conference reports and other documents; and translation (including Braille) and preparation of conference documents. Administrative Support included development and distribution of letters, documents, and other materials; writing, editing, printing, and publishing services; exhibit services; liaison activities and services; recruiting and subcontracting services for specialty expertise; translation (non-conference/non-travel related) services. Travel Support included domestic and foreign travel arrangements and itineraries; escort/interpretation (including sign language) services; lodging accommodations and arrangements; per diem reimbursement services; and translation (including Braille) and preparation of travel documents.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Stepping Away From OA: Prevention of Onset, Progression, and Disability of Osteoarthritis
For NIAMS, KRA provided administrative, logistical, and travel management services for this conference, whose attendance exceeded 500 participants, including private- and public-sector representatives, including educators, health care providers, patients, and researchers.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
A Study of the Minority Access to Research Careers Honors Undergraduate Research Training Program
KRA co-conducted a study to assess the educational and career progress of current and former MARC trainees and to examine the characteristics of these trainees. The MARC Program was established in 1977 to provide colleges and universities with grants to support minorities engaged in biomedical research.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Technical and Resource Support
For 5 years, KRA provided administrative, logistical, management, and technical services to NINDS to help the Institute better achieve its goal of conducting a nationwide program of research and training related to neurological science. KRA’s contract included seven distinct task areas, including: assistance in monitoring clinical trials; automated data systems and processing; conferences, workshops, and meetings; grants management activities; inquiry response and information/publications dissemination; slides, graphics, and design development; and writing, editing, word processing, and document preparation.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
KRA provided Application Development and Information Technology Services to NIDA, specifically database design, development, and programming.
Office of Research on Women’s Health
Conference, Administrative, and Travel Support Services
KRA provided a wide variety of administrative and management services, including conference and travel planning, exhibit management, recording and transcriptions (CD-ROM, diskette, and hard copy), report preparation, subsistence and travel reimbursement, and teleconferences for myriad one-time and recurring activities and events, including the following: Semi-annual Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s Health meetings, Quarterly ORWH Women’s Health Lectureship Series, Quarterly ORWH Women’s Health Seminar Series, Monthly Coordinating Committee on Research on Women’s Health meetings, Monthly Tracking and Inclusion Committee meetings, Logistical Support for NIH Mini-Med School Women’s Health
Issues course, ORWH/ASCB Building Women’s Careers in Science meeting, ORWH/FDA Meeting on Gender Differences in Pharmacology, ORWH/HRSA Dental School Curriculum Meeting, ORWH Conference on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ORWH Task Force Planning meeting, and ORWH Women’s Health Exhibits.
Office of the Director, Office of Science Policy and Planning
Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the Director
KRA provided meeting planning and travel management support services for this meeting of the 15-member group. Services included the full range of pre-, on-site, and post-meeting services, including recording the plenary session and producing a verbatim transcript, as well as providing a scientific writer/rapporteur to prepare a summary report of the proceedings.
Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center
Best Ethical Strategies for Managed Care Conference and Ethics of Globalization and Health Conference
For the Department of Clinical Bioethics, KRA assisted in the planning and implementation of these two major conference events. KRA provided diverse conference support to both efforts, including pre- and on-site registration of more than 200 attendees; collection and documentation of conference fees; coordination of domestic and international travel arrangements; preparation and distribution of conference packets; provision of graphics and printing for programs and final reports; negotiating lodging and other hotel requirements; and full-service logistical planning services.
Office of Minority Health
Office of Minority Health Resource Center
For the OMH, KRA provided information acquisition, management, and dissemination services through the operation of the OMHRC, a national resource and referral service on minority health. For 14 years, KRA assisted OMH with analysis of issues and problems related to minority health, and provided assistance to federal, state, and community-based organizations and individuals that work in minority health professions, as well as consumers. The OMHRC collects, maintains, and distributes information, publications, and resources on a range of health topics that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities–African American, Alaska Native, American Indian/Native American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islanders–including cancer, heart disease, infant mortality, and stroke, and produced a monthly newsletter, Closing the Gap. Also, KRA provided online and traditional clearinghouse services. An exciting development for the OMHRC was the expansion of HIV/AIDS activities as a result of funding from a DHHS/Congressional Black Caucus Initiative. The new HIV/AIDS initiative included producing an HIV/AIDS newsletter, HIV Impact. Other popular OMHRC publications produced by KRA were the Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women and the Pocket Guide to Minority Health Resources.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Clinical Training Grant Award Program
KRA provided analytical and information management support services to the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) in the administration and repayment of grants. KRA provided assistance in locating trainees; correspondence tracking; file establishment and maintenance; form letter development; mail control; monitoring payback obligations; and systems design, development, and maintenance.
Consumer and Psychologist Leaders Meeting
CMHS’ Office of External Liaison contracted with KRA to provide travel and conference logistical support services for a meeting of consumer and psychologist leaders. The meeting was attended by 20 participants, including a facilitator and consumer and psychologist representatives, and 12 observers.
Feasibility Studies of National Reporting Programs Surveys
KRA developed and pre-tested three national surveys for the Survey and Analysis Branch of CMHS. The study was designed to assess the feasibility of expanding CMHS’ existing National Reporting Program Surveys that collect data on mental health services, service providers, and clients in the mental health services system.
Logistical and Administrative Support Services
The CMHS’ Office of External Liaison and the Office for Policy, Planning, and Administration contracted with KRA to provide administrative, logistical, and management support services for one planning group meeting and six consumer meetings for 20 to 50 participants each.
Mental Health Care Provider Education Program in HIV/AIDS
KRA conducted this study to develop a performance review plan for the Center for Mental Health Services’ (CMHS) Mental Health Care Provider Education Program in HIV/AIDS, which funded 13 grants and 4 contracts to develop model approaches to train mental health care providers in the neuropsychiatric and psychosocial aspects of HIV/AIDS.
Conference and Meeting Support for the Office of the Administrator
For 4 years, KRA provided conference and travel management services directly to the OA for SAMHSA, and through the OA, the Office on AIDS and the Office for Women’s Services. KRA assisted in conducting more than 30 meetings a year averaging 2 days in duration and involving from 10 to 1,200 participants.
Materials Production Support for the Office of the Administrator
Also for the OA, KRA provided extensive publications development services and prepared a variety of materials, including the SAMHSA News, conference documentation, the SAMHSA Strategic Plan, flyers and posters, and SAMHSA logo design concepts.
National Prevention Congress: Bridging Science and Practice for the 21st Century
The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) contracted with KRA to provide support services for this 5-day event for 500 senior executives and leaders involved in substance abuse prevention issues. KRA provided research and analytical assistance in the development of program content and a full range of conference planning and logistical services.
Technical Assistance Services to Communities
KRA managed the TASC project for CSAP for more than 3 years, the goal of which was to promote healthy communities by assisting various organizations to develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and aptitudes needed to prevent and solve substance abuse problems within their communities.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Fair Housing Initiatives Program and Fair Housing Assistance Program Annual Training
As a condition of their grant funding, agencies under FHIP and FHAP must participate in annual training sponsored by HUD, the purpose of which is to share information and technical knowledge, and to develop skills in the administration of fair housing laws and programs. KRA provided administrative, logistical, and meeting planning support for this annual training event for 250 participants.
Office of Housing
Assistance to HUD’s Mortgage Market Reports
KRA contributed to improving mortgage market analysis in this project, which focused on the Survey of Mortgage Lending Activity, a monthly data series that details mortgage holding and gross flows for different types of lenders and different types of loans.
Office of Management and Planning
HUD Best Practices 2000 Symposium
KRA was responsible for all pre-, onsite, and post-conference support for this 4-day Symposium, which attracted over 5,000 participants, honoring the accomplishments of 100 recipients of HUD’s Best Practice Award. Major components of the program arranged for by KRA included Best Practice Workshops, an Exhibit Hall with Poster Session, a technology center, site visits to local best-practice facilities, and an awards ceremony.
Office of Policy Development and Research
Assisted Housing Quality Control Study
KRA analyzed data collected from 2,500 residents of assisted housing to identify various errors, error rates, the dollar cost of the errors, and a host of concerns, including the extent to which households in assisted housing are over- or under-housed relative to HUD’s occupancy standards.
Evaluation of Service Coordinator Program
KRA evaluated the process by which the SCP was implemented in HUD’s Section 202 and Section 8 housing projects. KRA assessed projects, residents in the program, the individual SCPs, program implementation and resident satisfaction with the program and identified roadblocks to program implementation.
Inventory of Violence Prevention Initiatives That Have Been Demonstrated to Work in Public Housing
KRA provided directors of public housing authorities and others with resources including A Guide to Evaluating Crime Control Programs in Public Housing to plan local initiatives for reducing violent criminal behavior in public housing and similar environments.
Best and Worst Lenders Analysis
For the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, KRA examined mortgage loan denials and origination rates in 20 metropolitan statistical areas using data compiled under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Results were used to update NCRC’s data series on the performance of major lenders in serving the credit needs of minority and low-/moderate-income households.
Performance of GSEs on a Metropolitan Level
KRA studied Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac the two major housing-related government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) mortgage purchases to investigate the possibility of adopting goals for the GSEs at the metropolitan level, thereby assisting HUD policy makers as they re-evaluated GSE housing goals for the future.
Quality Control for Rental Assistance Subsidies
KRA provided updated estimates on the type, severity, and cost of errors in the income re-certification and rent calculation process for public housing and Section 8 certificate and voucher programs, and analyzed changes in the type and severity of such errors since the previous study.
Study of Rent Reasonableness Requirement
KRA examined rent comparability determinations that housing authorities must make under the Section 8 Tenant-Based Assistance program by reviewing housing authority records, and conducting telephone surveys and an independent assessment of rent comparability for a nationally representative sample of Section 8 certificate and voucher recipients.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Fish and Wildlife Reference Service
KRA operated the FWRS–an information center that provides biologists, management personnel, and other interested parties with information on State research documents, boating access facilities, and endangered species recovery plans. Among the materials indexed, stored, and disseminated are research reports developed by state fish and wildlife agencies, the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research units, the Endangered Species Recovery teams, and other fish and wildlife programs. The FWRS provides storage and access to significant research information developed under the Federal Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Conference Support/Information Retrieval and Dissemination Initiative
This information exchange network provided new information, technical assistance, and resources that representatives from organizations on National, State, and local levels could distribute to grassroots supporters. KRA’s work included support for the Safety Countermeasures Division and the Special Programs Division, which included planning a series of three National Organization for Youth Safety meetings.
Data Collection and Analysis in Support of the 1997 Report to Congress on Auto Theft and Recovery Effects of the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992
Data collected from the FBI’s National Crime Information Center; the R.L. Polk company; and the Highway Loss Data Institute enabled KRA to develop a combined analysis data set for estimating theft rates for motor vehicles that are marked or have antitheft devices.
This analysis formed the basis of the mandated congressional report.
Develop Database on Older Persons’ Driving and Elderly Drivers’ Transportation Issues
Focusing on senior citizens 65 and over, KRA conducted a national survey, to identify and document transportation patterns, service delivery gaps, and use of transportation modes other than automobiles. Data focusing on licensing issues, driver training and testing, and driving practices were also collected.
Development of Survey Instruments and Databases of Responses
KRA supported the Office of Plans and Policy’s evaluation efforts by developing survey instruments, formulating sampling plans, administering surveys and other data collection methodologies, designing and developing databases for survey response questions, and developing OMB clearance packages.
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Measuring Financial Risk in the 21st Century
For the Administrator of National Banks, KRA provided conference, logistical, and travel planning support services for this high-profile, international 2-day conference that provided a forum for 375 bankers, financial analysts, academicians, regulators and others to discuss the successes and failures of risk measurement as it was practiced at the time, and to generate ideas. Key speakers included Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board; Lawrence H. Summers, Secretary of the Treasury; John D. Hawke, Jr., Comptroller of the Currency; and John Reed, Chairman and Co-CEO of Citigroup.
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Wastewater Management
Annual Region VI Pretreatment Seminar
KRA provided both teleconference and on-site conference support for this event. Over the past years the region had sponsored a series of these networking seminars for the regulated community and the regulators. Each year the seminar is held in a different city within States that comprise Region VI.
EPA Pretreatment Program National Meetings
EPA conducted two national, back-to-back meetings related to Pretreatment Program implementation issues. The 5-day event was co-sponsored by EPA and the State Pretreatment Program Coordinators, with the last 3 days devoted to co-sponsored events with EPA. KRA provided full-service logistical, management, and planning support for the meetings.
Public Outreach Program
EPA’s OWM oversees a range of programs that contribute to the well-being of our Nation’s waters and watersheds. Through its programs and initiatives, OWM promotes compliance with requirements of the Clean Water Act and other Federal statutes. An important mechanism used by OWM to promote compliance is public outreach. Through a variety of public outreach initiatives, OWM has increased efforts to provide the information needed by the regulated community to assist them in compliance. In addition, OWM uses its outreach program to inform and educate the public on the role it plays in protecting the waterways. KRA provided services to OWM in two major task areas: processing approximately 2,500 monthly actions (original and modified Notices of Intent and Notices of Termination, Information Request Letters, and general correspondence) related to storm water permit applications; and supporting public outreach program needs, through the development of promotional items and meeting planning and management.
Regional Water Division Directors’ Meetings
KRA provided a full range of pre-, on-site, and post-meeting services for these two meetings hosted by the Office of the Assistant Administrator for Water. Regional meetings are held throughout the year to: improve coordination of activities with EPA Headquarters and the regions; assess Regional success at achieving National program objectives; and ensure national consistency in implementation of Federal laws and regulations.
Source Water Protection Technical Training
KRA provided direct support in developing and preparing training materials for four separate Source Water Protection Area Delineation and Susceptibility Assessment Technical Training (SWPDSA) Sessions. SWPDSA training was developed to help train State and EPA Regional staff in the technical aspects of the Save Water Protection Program.
(by State)
MARYLAND
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
External Quality Review of Managed Care Organizations
Assisting in the conduct of required external quality reviews, KRA was responsible for reviewing MCOs’ compliance with Quality Assurance, Utilization Management, and Health Education standards, and preparing a report of findings, reviewing corrective action plans, and assisting in developing and testing quality review protocols.
Design, Develop, and Produce Materials for Maryland’s MCO Enrollment Broker/Benefit Consultant Services Project
The State of Maryland implemented a mandatory managed care program (HealthChoice) to serve Medicaid recipients. KRA designed, developed in English and Spanish and disseminated over 300,000 enrollment packages to educate Medicaid recipients about managed care options and assist them in enrolling in MCOs.
Outreach Materials for Maryland’s MCO Enrollment Broker/Benefit Consultant Services
The State of Maryland implemented HealthChoice, a mandatory managed care program, to serve Medicaid recipients. KRA designed, developed in English and Spanish, and disseminated over 300,000 enrollment packages to educate Medicaid recipients about managed care options and assist them in enrolling in MCOs.
Outreach Services for Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program
KRA was selected to support the community outreach component of HealthChoice by providing presentations to organizations that service the Medicaid population, conducting outreach and education services for hard-to-reach individuals, and implementing a train-the-trainer program for organizations in contact with Medicaid or potential Medicaid recipients.
Technical Support for Maryland’s Public Mental Health System
Maryland’s Public Mental Health System is a unique enterprise that combines Medicaid fee-for-service with publicly funded mental health services. KRA provided technical support by producing videotapes and a provider manual for consumer education, and translating consumer materials into Spanish and Vietnamese.
Maryland Health Care Commission
KRA provided consulting services to the MHCC to help ensure access to healthcare for all Maryland residents, which included audits of small group plans, mandated benefit cost analyses, and an examination of the social and financial implications of proposed benefit mandates.
NCQA-HEDIS Compliance Audits
KRA performed National Committee for Quality Assurance Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set Compliance Audits of Maryland health insurance companies for the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC), which included coordination of site visits and preparation of all interim and final audit reports.
Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey
KRA oversaw all aspects of the administration of the Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for this 5- year project with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). In addition to designing the survey administration plan, KRA administered the survey to a sample of high school students in approximately 30 Maryland public high schools during each survey administration year (2005, 2007, and 2009), and wrote reports summarizing the data.
Technical Assistance for the YRBS and School Health Profiles
On behalf of the MSDE, KRA provided technical assistance services to Westat with both the YRBS and School Health Profiles survey administration and reporting activities. KRA contributed artwork design, printing, shipping of survey answer sheets/booklets, report duplication, and coordination of travel logistics for a survey training event.
RHODE ISLAND
Assistance in Implementing and Operating the RIte Care Program
KRA provided a wide range of technical assistance to the State of Rhode Island in implementing its managed health care program, RIte Care, including preparing the State Child Health Insurance Program Plan and bid specification documents to procure Health Plan services.
©2012 KRA Corporation