State Implements Steamlined Program for Nonprofits

The state is streamlining the way it helps nonprofits around the state provide services to the needy under a new program announced this week by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

Malloy’s administration has created a Point of Service Contracting Efficiency Office within the Office of Policy and Management. The new office is charged with streamlining and modernizing the contracting processes for the health and human service agencies, which include the Departments of Children and Families, Corrections, Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Public Health and Social Services.  All of those agencies provide services to nonprofit groups.

“Since day one, we have been talking about reforming how Connecticut does business—using technology and innovative new processes to save staff time and taxpayer dollars is critical to that effort,” said Malloy. “Connecticut’s nonprofits serve over three million people each year and they play a substantial role in maintaining our safety net. But for too long how we work with the nonprofit community has caused unnecessary delays and wasted time on their end and on ours. We are working to change that and focus on getting services to the people who need them.”

“This effort makes our nonprofit providers true partners in serving the most vulnerable residents in the state,” said Deb Heinrich, Malloy’s nonprofit liaison.  “We are creating a more efficient and user-friendly system that will make the contracting component easier and directly benefit the clients we serve—it is a true win-win-win.”

Leading the project team is Suzanne Cooney, director of business administration at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.  Team members include representatives from each of the health and human service departments who will work closely with OPM and the attorney general’s office over the next year to implement this systemic change.