The purpose of the Network Operations Learning Collaborative (NetOps), hosted by the Aging and Disability Business Institute at the National Association for Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), is to provide not-for-profit community-based integrated networks and network lead entities/brokers with the knowledge and skills to build the operations and sustainability of their network for delivery of home and community-based services and supports in contract with health care entities. A community-based integrated network is defined as a coordinated group of community-based organizations that pursues a regional or statewide contract with a health care entity. Networks utilize a centralized, coordinated model for service provision, administrative functions, and quality improvement. A network lead/broker is defined as an organization/entity that directs the development/design of the network model/structure and facilitates administrative oversight and governance responsibilities.
A key factor in developing productive relationships with health care organizations is the alignment of collaborative networks among CBOs. Health plans and payers benefit immensely from working with networks of CBOs through their ability to cover geographic scope and offer a single point of accountability. This effort is intended to support growth of networks of community based organizations within and across states so our collective efforts can strengthen and modernize the nationwide network which will be essential to meeting the needs of the people we serve. Up to 10 networks will be selected.
Key dates:
• Application released: November 20, 2019
• Informational webinar: November 25, 2019 from 2-3 pm ET
• Application deadline: January 10, 2019
• Selected participants notified: January 17, 2020
• Monthly webinars: 2:30-4:30 pm ET on the fourth Thursday of each month from January through June 2020
Learning collaborative eligibility:
• Applicants have carefully read the Network Operations Learning Collaborative Charter, describing the purpose, expectations, and benefits of participating in the learning collaborative.
• Applicants are networks of nonprofit, university, or governmental organizations (state, county or municipal level) focused on aging and/or disability services and supports. Preference will be given to CBOs funded by ACL that are currently pursuing a network lead role for a new or existing network. For example, Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Centers for Independent Living, State Developmental Disabilities Councils, State Independent Living Councils, and State Units on Aging.
• Applicants agree to participate in the entire 6-month learning collaborative curriculum and dedicate 4-5 hours per month to prepare for monthly NetOps lectures and other learning activities.
• Applicants are not participating in another business acumen learning collaborative with an overlapping timeframe.
• Networks must have signed agreements with all network members to operate as a network to be considered for this learning collaborative.
• Applicants must submit a Network Operations Learning Collaborative Partner Form from each network member as a part of their application.See below for submission link
• It is expected that networks will maintain communication and coordination with state agencies such as State Units on Aging, State Medicaid Agencies, etc. during their network development. In addition, while it is not required to get a letter of support from a state agency, preference will be given to applicants that so include such letters of support.
Submission guidelines:
• Proofread all submissions and carefully avoid errors.
• Answer all questions according to the specified word limit.
• Define all acronyms in parentheses after the first use of the word or phrase.
Apply now by submitting both completed forms below!
• 2020 Network Operations Learning Collaborative Application
• Network Operations Learning Collaborative Partner Form Submissions
To learn more about the 2020 Network Operations Learning Collaborative, watch our informational webinar from the Aging and Disability Business Institute. Please contact Karol Tapias or Maya Op de Beke with any questions regarding the Network Operations Learning Collaborative or this application.