Device Loan/DemonstrationProgram Structure

Essentials to Consider - and Reconsider Regularly

Dr. Diane Cordry GoldenATAP/CATADA

“IF YOU COME TO A FORK IN THE ROAD – TAKE IT. ”

---- YOGI BERRA

Primary Considerations1. Programmatic Scope - Your State & Resources Statewide reach Equipment inventory size/scope Staff expertise to support inventory size/scope

2. Administrative StructureCentralized and decentralized pros and cons

3. CostsEquipment versus operational costs

Programmatic Scope

Statewide Reach Requirements Square miles to cover? Population density?Transportation/Shipping Options?

Inventory Depth/BreadthNumber and Types of Devices?

Expertise LevelMatches Inventory Depth/Breadth?

Demo vs. Loan Decision MakingWhat AT types more likely to require loan?

Administrative Structure

Centralized Leverage state resources Savings (volume buy, vendor connections)

Concentrate high level staff expertise

Reduce duplicative equipment/services

Direct oversight/control (consistent data)

Decentralized Leverage local resources Utilize existing equipment pools

Operational savings (less shipping, donated space)

Increased consumer connection (less distance)

Less oversight/control (data) – work on stability/consistency

Costs

Equipment◦ Can be periodic◦ Can be adjusted with

understanding of impact on program scope

◦ Easier to leverage external funding

Operational◦ Annual in nature◦ Once program model

implemented, difficult to adjust

◦ More difficult to leverage external funding

Evaluating Program Structure

Has your program structure changed at all? Can the current structure be improved? What are the current existing resources for the activity?

◦ Statewide, local, internal◦ Existing equipment pools◦ Existing expertise available◦ Current or needed administrative relationships

Are you maximizing use of the existing resources with your current structure?

Identify “Best-fit” Structure

Identify supportable structure that matches your: ◦ In-house and external resources best ◦ Leverage all resources possible (but have plan B for

continued operation minus those resources)◦ Don’t be afraid to mix central/decentralized structures or

change structure over time to meet needs

Identify supportable scope that matches resources ◦ Make sure equipment level = expertise level◦ Shoot for incremental building◦ Build relationships for external funding

My program structure . . .

Is centralized, decentralized or hybrid – why? Is effective or is not effective for my state – why? Has changed or has not changed over time – why? Is especially successful, effective or unique – what is? Is not so successful or effective or is a major challenge – what is?

IF YOU AREN’T IN OVER YOUR HEAD, HOW DO YOU KNOW HOW TALL YOU ARE?

---- T.S. ELLIOT