Representative Health and Human Services

Bronner Group, LLC (BRONNER) is a multi-disciplined, professional services company specializing in providing innovative Government solutions and value-added training and consulting services to enhance enterprise effectiveness in the public sector. BRONNER has worked in the health and human services arena and has developed holistic approaches and business methodologies to help build a solid track record of government accountability and innovation. By focusing exclusively on the public sector market, BRONNER has positioned itself as a leader in helping governments help people by providing tools, knowledge, and proven adaptable solutions that deliver results. BRONNER is committed to working with health and human services agencies to enhance the quality and responsiveness of public services in the communities. BRONNER understands the issues, policies, and processes involved in local government. BRONNER is headquartered in Chicago and maintains offices in Albany, Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Ft. Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

Federal Level

• Supported the HHS Shared Service Program Support Center through project management and consulting services.

• Provided soft skills training for managers, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and leadership skills.

• Provided technical assistance to the Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to extend the National Registry of Effective Programs in Substance Abuse Prevention and facilitated the development of a strategic plan for extending the registry to mental health services.

• Provided a comprehensive agency-wide assessment on agency workload, organizational structure, program management structure, technology utilization, and other operational elements.

• Conducted analysis of administrative support organization and determined appropriate series of “next steps” to improve service to American Indians and Alaska Natives through balancing internal financial and programmatic controls with localized delivery of administrative services.

• Facilitated the implementation of administrative realignment, streamlined acquisitions, budget, finance, property management, facilities management and safety functions, and developed new policies and procedures.

• Developed a financial monitoring program and worked with the staff to implement financial controls to ensure that government-wide best practices were utilized in building a new grants management capability related to the Paralympic Games.

Conducted program evaluation services for alignment of quality assurance systems with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Framework and provided guidance for compliance with local, state, and federal standards for quality assurance in mental health care service provision.

• Assisted DHR’s CFO in restructuring the Office of Financial Management and provided financial management/accounting services.

• Worked with the DHR’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) management as part of our financial management and grants management reviews. When looking at financial management, BRONNER developed an understanding of the interactions between Child Support Services, the Department of Child and Family Services, and the Office of Financial Services. BRONNER expanded this work, and process mapped the DHR grants management processes, including the Child Support Services grant programs.

o One focus included the review of the TANF grant awards (2002 – 2007) received by DHR and managed by OCSS. In computing the funding and expenditures, BRONNER also looked at items that affect the funding like State Incentives from the federal grant. The incentives were awarded to DHR for its participation in the collection of child support from non-custodial parents. Due to accounting deficiencies, BRONNER documented the funding and collection procedures.

• Performed an evaluation of DHR’s Office of Regulatory Services which included detailed review and analysis of several key areas of the organization to uncover ways to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of services. Additionally, work involved three specific areas of focus that required a more in-depth detailed analysis, including:

o Analysis of existing practices against the Foster Care Consent Decree to provide implementation recommendations;

o Analysis of the current approach to monitoring Child-Caring Institutions, Child Placement Agencies, and Outdoor Therapeutic Program Services to identify ways to ensure a more proactive approach for ensuring compliance and quality of service provided by these institutions; and,

o Analysis of specific performance standard review reports prepared by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and identification of ways to reinforce positive achievements and identify and take action on improvement areas.

• Conducted an organizational, operational and program assessment in order to develop a transitional management assessment of DHR operations.

• Assessed the adequacy and responsiveness of the current DHR structure, programs, and business processes and developed related recommendations and strategies to assist the new DHR Commissioner.

• Facilitated joint executive and legislative Task Force sessions to help evaluate alternatives regarding the restructuring of the Division of Public Health.

• Evaluated the procurement and contract management processes for the Bioterrorism Preparedness programs.

• Facilitated planning for realignment of the human services system and reviewed financial management and federal funds functions.

• Performed a diagnostic management audit including overall agency management and structure review, business management review, and child welfare program/services management review.

• Conducted a Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Assessment.

• Assisted with the development of an assignment management reporting system.

• Developed and piloted customized training for Illinois Department of Human Services case workers.

• Conducted a management audit of DMHDD as well as a systems planning and operations improvement project for the Human Resources Development Institute on behalf of DMHDD.

• Conducted a government-to-government service delivery analysis, which included interviews with the Chicago Department of Health and other local health departments throughout the State.

• Performed an extensive review of the workflow processes in the Traffic Violations Section of the Department and facilitated a bottom-up reengineering effort.

• Evaluated operational procedures to identify opportunities for streamlining operating effectiveness, customer services, and reducing operating costs.

• Conducted review of the fiscal, administrative and management controls and procedures associated with key operating units within the Vehicle Services Department, which resulted in a major reorganization of the Internal Services Bureau to streamline workflow processes.

• Assisted in the development of program-based budgeting and reporting procedures for the 12-library system affiliates.

• Assisted in providing risk and strategic advisory services, especially relating to the development and monitoring of FSSA’s strategic plan.

• Conducted planning sessions and comparative analyses focused on emergency preparedness and MDPH’s Center for Emergency Preparedness with an objective of identifying the most effective management organization.

• Evaluated the current funding management process and advised on financial reporting and resource allocation considerations.

• Performed audit and assessment of grant award allocations and distribution channels.

• Identified gaps in controls and recommended improvements to process.

• Assessed bioterrorism and pandemic flu programs and reviewed the outcomes of programmatic activities.

• Developed and implemented web-based application for DHSEM and sub-recipients to control grant monies awarded to local governments.

• Defined requirements, developed use cases, performed user acceptance testing of the web-based system, and developed training content for management, staff and sub grantees in preparation for train-the-trainer sessions.

• Reviewed Puerto Rico's status as it relates to the implementation of the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS).

• Assessed the implementations, corresponding methodologies, constraints, and requirements of other state agencies that have already deployed SACWIS and compared those to Puerto Rico.

• Developed a comprehensive report detailing the risks, issues, and decisions that would be necessary as Puerto Rico embarked on the SACWIS implementation.

• Conducted an evaluation of SEPTA’s paratransit programs, and the Authority’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including a comprehensive review of applicable regulations, site visits to observe compliance, and an analysis of overall program effectiveness and compliance.

• Conducted an audit and assessment of the John M. Scott Health Trust, a charitable trust for which the City is the Trustee, and the services impacting the Trust’s service delivery model.

• Provided consulting and facilitation services in conducting joint planning and developing strategies with the Illinois Department of Human Services and Chicago Department of Human Services to ensure coordinated and comprehensive delivery of human services and promote self-sufficiency among low-income families in subsidized housing.

• Supported a Comprehensive Facility and Social Distancing COVID-19 Infection Control Assessment, including the documentation and analyzation of applicable COVID-19 public health guidance, and development of COVID-19 assessment questions based on guidance, and reviewed plans, policies, and procedures related to COVID-19 that identified areas where further protective action was needed to align with public health guidance.

• Developed curriculum and delivered training to over 350 City and service provider staff for a web-based case management system, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

• Provided consulting services in promoting and strengthening key initiatives on affordable housing plan and resident services.

• Delivered consulting services to implement coordinated workforce development among low-income families in targeted communities.

• Led the training program development and implementation for the rollout of the Homeless Management Information System.

• Assisted in the project to automate various aspects of its Head Start Program. Analysis included requirements definition, hardware/software technology analysis, selection, and implementation.

• Facilitated the operational planning process for developing the 10-year implementation schedule of Chicago’s Plan to End Homelessness.

• Collected data and developed a report outlining best practices and recommendations for a comprehensive gang activity and violence reduction strategy to support the Citywide Gang Activity Reduction Strategy Project.

• Created a roadmap and recommendations for improving the Resident Services program, including partnerships to improve access to services, such as Age Options case management services for seniors.

• Provided ongoing, full life cycle support to CMHA’s response and recovery efforts to COVID-19 by identifying best practices in communication, facilities, sanitation, and public health.

• Developed facilities tools as well as memos on response and compliance with public health orders, stakeholder engagement plans, funding, and partnership reviews.

• Assessed costs associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency and an encryption upgrade to Kane County Public Safety Communications System for payment with Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) monies.

• Provided professional consulting and advising services for the management and administration of COVID-19 relief funds, including monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

• Conducted a system planning simulation to dynamically forecast the impact of delivering different mental health and substance abuse policy options, including service access, quality, and utilization, and provided recommendations for resource acquisition.

• Performed a compliance audit of the Authority’s Shelter Plus Care program to assess the eligibility of applicants with mental health disabilities.

• Identified and provided a roadmap for pursuing new revenue sources to improve community service programs in low-income neighborhoods.

• Provided operational and technical assistance to support response and recovery efforts for the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Engaged local government and nonprofit partners to coordinate unified messaging, transition to limited remote delivery services, and community safety.

• Established the SMHA Safety Committee to promote coordination and situational awareness in critical response, and to obtain consensus on response activities taken.

• Provided policy guidance on strategies to use relief funds effectively and coordinated additional funding streams to support County vaccination and testing efforts through public health departments and state and federal emergency management agencies.

• Reviewed legislation and federal policy guidance and administered relief programs on behalf of the County. The programs, enacted with Coronavirus Relief Funds activated primarily by the CARES Act, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and American Rescue Plan, included local government assistance, housing support, food assistance and behavioral health grants, and other programs for veterans’ groups, nonprofits, small businesses, and school districts.