REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Workforce Investment Act Program Year Youth Services, Ages 16-24

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Workforce Investment Act Program Year 2017 Youth Services, Ages Base Year: February 20, June 30, 2018 Renewal Option Year One: July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019 Renewal Option Year Two: July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020 Bluegrass Workforce Investment Board Issued: Friday, January 6, 2017 Deadline for Submission 4:30 p.m. (EST) Friday, February 3, 2017

2 Table of Contents Introduction Page 3 Workforce Investment Board s Roles & Responsibilities Page 3 Geographic Area Page 3 Eligibility Criteria Page 4 General Information Page 5 Scope of Work Page 5 Performance Outcomes Page 7 Tracking and Reporting Page 8 File Records, Retention & Ownership Page 8 Oversight, Evaluation & Planning Page 8 Contract Period / Terms of Agreement Page 8 Submission of Proposals Page 9 Pre-proposal Conference / Questions Page 13 Proposal Review Process Page 13 Right to Reject Page 14 Appeals Page 14 Disclaimer Page 14 Proposal Evaluation / Instructions Page 14 Attachment Index Page 18 Attachment A Page 19 Attachment B Page 20 Attachment C Page 22 Attachment D Page 24 Attachment E Page 25 Attachment F Page 26 Attachment G Page 27 2

3 Introduction The Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board (BGWIB) is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations for the operation of federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth employment and training programs in accordance with the WIOA of 2014 (P.L ). The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to prepare low-income, at-risk youth ages for educational and employment attainment, through a comprehensive year round program. Therefore, it is the intent of the BGWIB to fund innovative and performance based initiatives that prepare youth for the workforce by empowering them with the social, work readiness, and occupational skills that enable them to obtain and retain self-sufficient employment. Workforce Investment Boards Roles and Responsibilities The BGWIB will provide the regional vision, assist in facilitating the coordination of service provider(s), devise strategies aimed at the attainment of programmatic goals, maintain operational parameters, ensure quality assurance, and uphold its responsibility for performance as required by Federal, State and local funding agents. Service provider(s) funded though this request will perform operations that support the Board s vision by developing and implementing services that produce performance levels to meet or exceed standards set by the Board. (More information about the Board is available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and related Federal regulations that can be accessed on the Department of Labor s website at Geographic Area The BGWIB is responsible for offering WIOA youth services within Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties of Kentucky. Activities may be designed to serve a part of a county, an entire county or multiple counties. The location of services should be based on accessibility to local youth, characteristics of targeted youth, connections with employers, and technological limitations or advantages. Organizations from all seventeen counties are encouraged to apply. WIOA funds cannot be used to duplicate existing programs in the area, nor can the funds be used to supplant other funds/programs in the area. Proposals may be written for In-School or Out-of-School programs, with emphasis on serving Outof-School youth. WIOA shifts the primary program focus of Title I youth formula programs to support the educational and career success of out-of-school youth (OSY). The proposal must demonstrate the capacity and provision of a year-round program. 3

4 Eligibility Criteria An eligible In-School Youth is defined as an individual who: A. Attending school (as defined by State law), including secondary and postsecondary school; B. Not younger than age 14 or (unless an individual with a disability who is attending school under State law) older than age 21 at time of enrollment. Because age eligibility is based on age at enrollment, participants may continue to receive services beyond the age of 21 once they are enrolled in the program; C. A low-income individual; and D. One or more of the following: (1) Basic skills deficient; (2) An English language learner; (3) An offender; (4) A homeless individual aged 14 to 21 who meets the criteria defined in sec. (5) A homeless child or youth aged 14 to 21 who meets the criteria defined in sec. 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.11434a(2)), or a runaway; (6) An individual in foster care or who has aged out of the foster care system or who has attained 16 years of age and left foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement; (7) (6) An individual who is pregnant or parenting; (8) (7) An individual with a disability; or (9) (8) An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. An eligible Out-of-School Youth is defined as an individual who: A. Is not attending any school (as defined under the State law) B. Not younger than 16 or older than age 24 at time of enrollment. C. Has one or more of the following barriers to employment: 1. School drop-out; 2. A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter; 3. A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a lowincome individual (see definition) that is: o Basic skills deficient o English language learner 4. An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system; 5. Homeless; runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act, or an individual who is in an out-of-home placement; 6. Pregnant or Parenting; 7. A youth who is an individual with a disability; 8. A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program and/ or secure and retain employment (see definition). 4

5 It is important to evaluate the need and youth interest for such programs in your area to ensure that enrollment and performance outcomes are attainable. Each program is responsible for recruitment and enrollment of youth. GENERAL INFORMATION Selected service provider(s) must provide accessible services on a year-round basis and targeted to youth ages Providers must demonstrate links with businesses, vocational training, post-secondary institutions, faith and community based organizations, chambers of commerce, or industrial foundations, etc. Projects are encouraged to include funding from other sources, and when possible funds from WIOA should not be viewed as the sole source of funding for the project. The use of matching funds (in-kind, cash, donations, etc.) is strongly encouraged. Access to the fourteen elements outlined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act must be provided for eligible youth. These elements are listed and described in Attachment C of this proposal. It is required that you ensure that these services are not currently available in your community. For those services that are currently available, copies of agreements established with those community partners must be attached to each proposal. Each proposal must make all fourteen elements available. Linkages with the One-Stop system, community based organizations, and other entities that promote the principles of youth development and citizenship should be included in the proposal. Scope of Work A curriculum must be prepared to demonstrate how the applicant will meet the challenges of serving youth who may lack skills to compete in the workforce. As stated earlier, Bluegrass is seeking to identify service provider(s) with an innovative approach to implementing education and employment training programs. Proposal(s) should focus on results that: Demonstrate tested improvement in reading, writing, and math scores; Increase attainment of high school credentials; Increase enrollment in advanced training, skilled trades, and post-secondary institutions through career awareness activities; Establish employment opportunities that provide career pathways for out-of-school youth. The objective of a training activity shall: Provide effective and comprehensive activities to improve education and employment skills; Provide effective connections to employers; Ensure ongoing mentoring opportunities and provide opportunities related to leadership development, decision-making, citizenship, and community services; Prepare youth to enter employment and become self-sufficient. 5

6 Please see Attachment B for specific basic soft skills, work readiness skills and WIOA program requirements. In addition, the following WIOA Program Elements must be made available (either directly or indirectly): Section 129 (c)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, states that funds allocated to youth service providers shall be used for the following program design: 1. Provide an objective assessment of the academic level, skill levels, and service needs of each participant, which assessment shall include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes, supportive service needs, and development needs of such participant. 2. Develop service strategies for each participant that shall identify career pathways that include education and employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment conducted. 3. Provide: a) Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent or a recognized postsecondary credential; b) Preparation of postsecondary educational and training opportunities; c) Strong linkages between academic learning and occupational learning; d) Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities; and e) Effective connections to intermediaries with strong links to the job market and local, regional employers. The following is a list of fourteen (14) required services local programs must, at a minimum, provide to youth per Section 129 (c)(2) of the Act. If a provider does not directly provide the services listed, it must demonstrate the ability to make seamless referrals to appropriate providers of such services. The grantee will have primary responsibility for ensuring that each participant receives the full continuum of services. 1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential; 2. Alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate; 3. Paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include--- a. Summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; b. Pre-apprenticeship programs; c. Internships and job shadowing; and d. On-the-job training opportunities: 4. Occupations skills training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with indemand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved, if the local board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in section 123; 5. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster; 6

7 6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peercentered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate; 7. Supportive services; 8. Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months; 9. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate; 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate; 11. Financial literacy education; 12. Entrepreneurial skills training; 13. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and 14. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training. Non-duplication of Service WIOA funds cannot be used to duplicate existing programs in the area, nor can the funds be used to supplant other funds in the area. Describe any other "similar" program you or other agencies may offer in the proposed service area and explain how this proposal differs from those programs or builds upon existing programs. Performance Outcomes WIOA establish a comprehensive performance accountability system in order to optimize the return on investment of federal funds and to assess the effectiveness of local areas Under WIOA the literacy and numeracy measure was eliminated and additional measures of retention, median earnings and skills gains were added. It is important to note that once an individual is registered into WIOA, the participant will also be counted in the federal WIOA performance measures. Selected respondents will be required to meet performance measures based on the new WIOA rates the BGWIB negotiates with the Division of Workforce & Employment Services. Below is the WIOA youth (16-24) performance measures that the BGWIB is held to: Youth PY16 PY 17 Employment Rate 2 nd Quarter After Exit 66.0 % 71.0 % Employment Rate 4 th Quarter After Exit 69.0 % 72.0 % Credential Attainment within 4 Quarters After Exit 68.0 % 71.0 % 7

8 Tracking and Reporting The Employ Kentucky Operating System (EKOS) is the current web-based, state-managed database system that supports workforces systems in Kentucky. The successful applicant will be required to use EKOS to record and track all participant activities, including services rendered and outcomes achieved. All selected respondents will be required to attend training on EKOS. In addition to reporting and tracking customers through EKOS, selected providers must submit monthly reports that document participant outcomes on key benchmarks. It will also be the responsibility of each contractor to complete and submit all enrollment and completion forms. File Records, Retention and Ownership Selected respondents must retain program files and records, including customer files and records, in compliance with Federal and State WIOA requirements, and the BGWIB s record retention policies. Selected respondents must maintain and secure accurate case files for every WIOAregistered participant. Case files must contain a variety of documentation including, but not limited to: program eligibility/determination of need; assessment data; Individual Service Strategy (ISS); regular updates (minimally every 30 days); progress reports, time and attendance sheets (training services); and case notes. Selected respondents must allow local, state, and federal representatives access to all WIOA records, program materials, staff, and participants. Oversight, Evaluation and Planning The BGWIB will monitor and evaluate selected respondents to determine if employer and job seeker clients are receiving the most comprehensive, streamlined set of services. We must also ensure program compliance and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the service strategies. External monitoring and evaluation may also be conducted periodically by the U.S. Department of Labor, Kentucky Division of Workforce & Employment Services and any other agency that provides funds used by the BGWIB to contract for services in the area s workforce system. Contract Period / Terms of Agreement The BGWIB anticipates funding grant agreements effective February 20, 2017 through June 30, 2018 for base year. The BGWIB reserves the right to renew grant agreements for up to two additional oneyear periods based on the delegate agency s achievement of benchmarks, funding availability, ability to leverage funds, compliance with WIOA and the renewal s conformity with the BGWIB s vision for the Bluegrass Area Workforce System. All youth are expected to exit the program by June 30, Follow-up services are required for a minimum of twelve (12) months following termination from the program, documenting placement in employment/education/training. Selected providers will be required to submit monthly reports that document participant outcomes on key benchmarks, as it relates to WIOA common measures. Follow-up services are required to allow for continuity of 8

9 services during and after enrollment. Each contractor will be required to have the Youth Coordinator and enrolled youth participate in Professional Development classes as arranged by the BGWIB. Any funding awarded will be subject to the availability of federal funding granted to the BGWIB through the U.S. Department of Labor, Kentucky Education Cabinet, Office of Employment & Training, and Division of Workforce & Employment Services. Contingent upon funding, programs with high performance measures will receive first consideration. Should the availability of such funding decrease following any award to a sub-recipient, the award will be revised accordingly. In addition, if awarded, the subcontractor must be willing to alter program design based on subsequent direction provided to the BGWIB from either the State or the U.S. Department of Labor. A copy of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act may be found on the web site maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor ( or may be requested from the Bluegrass Area Development District. Submission of Proposals A. Eligible Organizations For-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, public agencies and collaborative organizations may submit proposals. An organization can be a member of any number of collaborative submittals, but cannot be the lead organization in two or more separate proposals. Collaborative organizations must identify a lead entity that will be responsible for management, coordination of services, operations, financial accountability, performance measures, legal obligations, and all reporting requirements. This entity must demonstrate its capability to set direction, manage overall operations and deliver results, including staff oversight, customer services, performance goals and continuous improvement. After contracts are awarded any subcontractor wishing to contract with another entity for purposes of WIOA service delivery must request permission in writing from BGADD or WIB. The decision of the BGADD or WIB will be final. B. Proposal Submission Guidelines Proposals must be received by the BGWIB no later than 4:30 PM EST on Friday, February 3, Any proposal received later than the specified time will not be considered in the WIB evaluation process. 3 copies (1) original (2) copies must be submitted. The original must be in a 3 ring binder, marked, and contain all original signature pages and forms. An electronic version of the proposal must also be submitted on a flash drive or via to mduke@bgadd.org. Proposals submitted without required forms and signatures will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed for possible funding. Faxed materials are not considered acceptable proposals. Proposals should be limited to 15 pages, double spaced, one-side only, typed on 8 1/2 x 11 single-sided paper with one inch margins, twelve or larger font size with the pages sequentially numbered. Cover letters will not be considered part of the 9

10 proposal and will be removed before review. Attachments will not be included in total number of pages. The Proposal Cover Sheet (see Attachment A) must be used and filled out completely with each proposal submitted. (If not already accessed, the Cover Sheet may be downloaded at for completion by word processing.) Do not place any other sheet of paper over the cover sheet. Responses must be framed using the Proposal Evaluation / Instructions section of this document. In addition, please include a one paragraph executive summary of your proposal. To be eligible to receive the maximum number of points in each section, the proposal must address all the questions and issues included in each section. Proposals should be submitted to: Bluegrass Area Development District Mable Duke, Director of Workforce Services 699 Perimeter Drive Lexington, KY All proposals and accompanying attachments received by the deadline become the property of the BGWIB upon submission. The submission of a proposal, even though best and final, does not commit the BGWIB to contract for services or supplies. The BGWIB reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request, to negotiate with all qualified sources, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this solicitation if it is in the best interest of the BGWIB to do so. The BGWIB may require the proposing agency to participate in negotiations and to submit any price, technical, or other revisions of their proposals as may result from negotiations. C. RFP Schedule The Board expects funding decisions for this RFP to be made no later than February 3, The successful offeror(s) will be officially notified by mail shortly thereafter. The BGWIB plans to have the contract(s) negotiated and executed by February 20, D. Funding Contracts awarded will be for up to $300,000. Any funding awarded will be subject to the availability of federal funding granted to the BGWIB through the U.S. Department of Labor, Kentucky Education Cabinet, Office of Employment & Training, and Division of Workforce & Employment Services. 10

11 E. Fiscal Budget proposals must described by line item and cost reimbursement-based. In a cost reimbursement contract, the agency reimburses the contractor for actual expenses associated with implementation of the contract (up to the not-to-exceed amount negotiated into the contract). Contractors must maintain a cost allocation system in which WIOA expenses are accurately tracked. WIOA funds cannot be used to duplicate existing programs in the area, nor can the funds be used to supplant other funds in the area. Describe any other "similar" program you or other agencies may offer in the proposed service area and explain how this proposal differs from those programs or builds upon existing programs. Projected expenditures must be allowable under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act legislation and regulations (see All funding is contingent on the availability of federal funds and continued federal authorization for program activities. Any contract awarded hereto is subject to amendment or termination due to lack of funds or authorization, or legislative changes. Work-Based Learning Funds Each contractor must outline in the Financial Plan/Budget how the funds for work-based learning will be utilized. All work experiences, internships, and job shadowing opportunities must follow the state minimum wage laws and regulations and not exceed forty (40) hours per week or five (5) weeks. (The BGWIB reserves the right to change the required percentage of workbased learning upon award.) WIOA requires that not less than 20% of funds allocated to the local area must be spent on activities supporting paid and unpaid work experience that have as a component academic and occupational education. This may include, summer employment, and other employment opportunities available throughout the year such as pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, and job shadowing opportunities. Accordingly, the BGWIB requires that all programs incorporate work-based learning strategies and devote the allotted funds to these initiatives. According to the Training Employment and Guidance Letter WIOA No, 23-14, Operating Guidance for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, program expenditures on the work experience program element include wages as well as staffing costs for the development and management of work experience. These work-based learning strategies must serve as a next step in career development, whether the desired outcome is employment or enrollment in postsecondary education or advanced training. (The BGWIB reserves the right to change the required percentage of work based learning upon award.) Work experiences are planned, structured learning experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time. Work experiences are designed to enable youth to gain exposure to the world of work and its requirements and may include internships and job shadowing. Work experience should be designed to help youth acquire the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to obtain a job and advance in employment. The purpose is to provide the youth 11

12 participant with opportunities for career exploration and skill development and not exclusively to benefit the employer. Work experience must occur with a private sector employer when the assessment and youth service strategy (YSS) indicate that work experience is appropriate. Contractors will be responsible for identifying and approving work experience sites, providing orientation to work site supervisors and participants, completing a host agency agreement, monitoring and documenting work experience activities and progress, maintaining time sheets and payroll of the participants, and reporting as requested. Each offeror must provide documentation of the following insurance coverage: * COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY, via the Occurrence Form, primary, non-contributory,with a $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit for any one Occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate for Bodily Injury, Personal Injury, Property Damage, and Products/Completed Operations including a. Premises - Operations Coverage b. Products and Completed Operations c. Contractual Liability d. Broad Form Property Damage e. Independent Contractors Protective Liability f. Personal Injury *WORKERS' COMPENSATION (IF APPLICABLE) insuring the employers' obligations under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 342 at Statutory Limits, and EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY - $100,000 Each Accident/$500,000 Disease - Policy Limit/$100,000 Disease - Each Employee. * AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY, insuring all Owned, Non-Owned and Hired Motor Vehicles. The minimum coverage Liability Limit is $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit for any one accident. The Limit of Liability may increase according to any applicable State or Federal Transportation Regulations Note: The term organization used in this format section refers to a sole organization responding to the proposal, the partnership between two organizations or the collaboration amongst more than two organizations. Organizations may propose to provide one, all, or any combination of requested youth services. Similarly, organizations may propose to serve all or any part of the requested service levels for any or all activities. Proposal Review Process 12

13 Award of contracts will be made on the basis of competitive negotiation. A legal notice was placed in the area newspaper of largest circulation. This packet was mailed to all interested parties who requested a package by responding to the legal notice or who requested to be placed on a bid list to receive this package. A review of all proposals shall be completed to determine which applicants have submitted a responsible bid. This will be conducted by BGWIB staff and based on the following mandatory criteria: The proposal is for an allowable WIOA activity. An Authorized Signature by the entity has been included on the proposal. The applicant has submitted a one page executive summary with the proposal packet. The applicant does not have any outstanding questioned costs with the BGWIB, based on an audit. The applicant has submitted compliance / insurance statements as required. The applicant has agreed to submit all reports and invoices in a timely manner. The applicant appears to have administrative systems in place that meet generally accepted accounting principles. The applicant has provided documentation that proposed project does not duplicate any existing programs. The proposal is written according to the prescribed format. Review Team Once a responsible bid has been determined, an independent review team shall conduct a preliminary technical review. Members of the BGWIB, and employment and training staff are targeted for involvement in this process. Review criteria, includes, but is not limited to, the following: Compliance with application requirements and format; The extent to which the applicant meets the following requirements: o Adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such; o Ability to meet the program design specifications at a reasonable cost, as well as, the ability to meet performance goals; o Satisfactory record of past performance (in job training, basic skills training, or related activities), including demonstrated quality of training; reasonable dropout rates from past programs; retention in employment; and earning rates of participants; o Ability to provide services that can lead to the achievement of competency standards for participants with identified deficiencies; o A satisfactory record of integrity, business ethics, and fiscal accountability; o The necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls; o The technical skills to perform the work. Right to Reject The BGWIB reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and to waive any 13

14 informalities in bids where acceptance, rejection, or waiver is considered to be in the best interest of the BGWIB. Appeals Appeal for non-award of funds must be made in writing to the BGWIB within ten (10) days of notice of non-award. Disclaimer The United States Department of Labor, the Kentucky Education Cabinet, Office of Employment & Training, Division of Workforce & Employment Services, and the Board may find it necessary or advisable to revise any part of this proposal or contracts with any selected bidder based on the issuance of final regulations, changes in the Act, and or any new policy changes from any of the above entities. The Board also reserves the right to negotiate a variation of the services submitted in any proposal. The Board will provide technical assistance to ensure consistency and compliance with Board policy and regulatory requirements Proposal Evaluation / Instructions Address each item and use the following formant for all submissions. Cover Sheet: Fully complete the Youth Service Provider Proposal Cover Sheet (Attachment A) Narrative: The proposal narrative should be structured according to the following outline. The corresponding points are directly related to how each section will be scored. 1. Executive Summary 10 points This section should include a brief (one page or less) executive summary that describes the responding organization s vision, mission and business philosophy. This summary should include: The relationship between the vision, mission, and values and how those relate to this proposal; A clear and concise summary of the Scope of Work; Results and benefits expected both in terms of participants involved and the community; Proposed costs. 2. Scope of Work 60 points This section should describe the proposed plan to provide the operational, programmatic, and performance categories. A. Operational 15 of 60 Include the following: 14

15 Target Population / Program Need Describe the target population to be served; specify ages, and include statistics on the number and percent of total youth in the proposed service area who fall into the proposed target groups and who meet the minimum requirements for program entry. Service Area: specify Program Staffing: Describe proposed staffing pattern for any staff charged in whole or in part to this proposed project. Include an organizational chart with a brief description of the expected composition of staff in terms of diversity of experience, credentials, skills, and culture. Include the organization s plan for continuous improvement and the role of customer satisfaction. Include an explanation of measures taken to address any conflict of interest that may occur as a service provider. These include, but are not limited to, nepotism, sub-contractual relationships with family members, duplication of services, etc. Past Experience: Describe your past experience in operating previous and/ or similar training programs. Indicate how successful you have been with previous programs. Particular emphasis should be placed on describing specific work-based/educationbased efforts that have taken place in recent years. If you have an existing WIA/WIOA youth program, you must attach performance worksheets. Indicate the number of years your agency has operated such programs. List the actual placement rate for programs you have operated, the location, and the year. Partnerships: Include an outline describing creative partnerships that leverage resources in the delivery of services. Attach documentation that specifies details regarding the level of coordination and any agreements that have been reached and/or signed. B. Programmatic 20 of 60 Include the following: Outreach and Recruitment: Describe outreach and recruitment strategies for the target population. a. Include partnerships with youth serving agencies, organizations, and schools to reach target populations. Attach supporting documentation. b. What criteria will be used to select youth enrolled into your program? c. How will you provide outreach and accommodate services to youth with disabilities or whose primary language is not English? Program Design and WIOA mandated Program Elements: Describe how the Program Design supports delivery of the WIOA Program Elements through your program, and the types of activities proposed for each element. Also include an outline of services that will be provided and focused on each quarter. Orientation and Assessment: Describe orientation/assessment activities. Include specific assessment instruments utilized to develop Individual Service Strategies. a. How will your program develop, evaluate, and coordinate the Individual Service Strategy for each participant? b. Describe the process used to assess skill levels before, during, and after 15

16 program entry. Curriculum: Provide a brief description of the curriculum to be used in the program Case Management: Describe your program s case management strategy for providing consistent support, follow-through for service plans, referrals, and tracking for each participant. One Stop Coordination: Describe how the One-Stop Centers will be utilized and how youth will be introduced to the one stop. Note all youth will be required to visit the nearest one stop. Connection to Employers: Include detailed plans and agreements that outline how employers are or will be connected to proposed services. If employers are currently involved, please provide a brief description of such involvement. Note: Extra points will be earned based upon documented partnerships with Workforce, Education, Training, and Employer Partners. 1-4 partners up to 5 additional points 5 partners or more up to 10 additional points C. Performance Outcomes / Quarterly Benchmarks 25 of 60 Include the following: A description of experience with mandated performance standards, the frequency with which measures were attained, and reasons for non-attainment. This description should specifically address past performance with WIA/WIOA programs and whether the organization is currently in good standing with BGWIB. An explanation of how proposed services will attain performance goals and objectives outlined by the BGWIB and WIOA. A description of how youth and program performance will be individually tracked against the overall program objectives. A description of your evaluation, measurement, and accountability methods. Describe the organization s comfort level with databases, electronic tracking, and data collection. Describe any additional goals that you plan to achieve. It is important to evaluate the need and youth interest for such programs in your area to ensure that enrollment and performance outcomes are attainable. Each program is responsible for recruitment of youth to fulfill targeted goals. Proposals must be submitted outlining in detail how the proposing entity will meet performance measures. The proposal must also outline how the proposing entity will make available the fourteen (14) elements of the WIOA youth program that are not currently available in the community. 3. Financial Plan / Budget 15 points 16

17 Describe the organization s present financial structure, size of the budget and type of cost allocation plan it uses. Include the number and type of funding sources presently used by the organization. Describe any in-kind contributions or non-federal funds that will be used to develop or deliver proposed services. Letters of support from organizations that are committing funds or services but are not part of the RFP response may be submitted as attachments. Work-Based Learning Funds BGWIB understands that all youth are not ready for immediate full-time employment. Youth can participate in valued career awareness activities like summer jobs, pre-apprenticeship training, onthe-job training and internships that have academic and occupational education as a component. Once WIOA services conclude, it is required that youth, if not attending postsecondary or advanced training, enter and retain employment within 3 to 6 months of exiting the program. Bidders will be required to devote at least 20% of their WIOA Budget to work experience. 4. Organizational Qualifications 15 points This section should contain documented successes that qualify the offeror including Experience coordinating resources and partnering with schools, community based organizations, the One Stop Career System, Job Corps, etc. Experience implementing programs focused on increasing attainment of high school credentials, connecting youth to advanced training, and employment. Experience recruiting and establishing career opportunities for youth with area employers. Outline any existing partnerships and describe how they function Serving very diverse customers including economically disadvantaged individuals with little/no work experience, and hard to find populations Whenever possible, include how successful experiences described in the above areas were measured and tracked. 17

18 Attachments Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C Attachment D Attachment E Attachment F Attachment G Youth Service Provider Proposal Cover Sheet Definition of Soft & Work Readiness Skills & Work Experience Definition of WIOA mandated Program Requirements Assurances Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters Certification Regarding Lobbying Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Certification 18

19 Attachment A Youth Service Provider Proposal Cover Sheet Submitted By: Proposal Number: Received By: Received On: ABOVE WILL BE FILLED OUT BY BGWIB STAFF Name of Sole or Lead Organization Name of Program Proposal is submitted on behalf of a: (check one) Single Organization Partnership Consortium Proposed services are for out-of school youth in school youth Proposed number to serve Check counties were services are proposed: Anderson Bourbon Boyle Clark Estill Fayette Franklin Garrard Harrison Jessamine Lincoln Madison Mercer Nicholas Powell Scott Woodford Name of Proposal Contact Person: Organization of Contact Person: Address of Contact Person: Phone Number of Contact Person: Address of Contact Person: 19

20 Attachment B Basic Soft Skills: Basic Skills: Thinking Skills: Personal Qualities: Reading, writing, arithmetic, mathematics, listening and speaking. Creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, seeing other peoples perspective, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. Responsibility, self-esteem, social skills, self-management, and integrity/honesty. Work Readiness Skills: Job Search: Resources: Information: Interpersonal: Systems: Technology: Prepares a resume, completes job application, possesses interview skills, and researches labor market information for job search. Allocates time, allocates money, allocates material and facility resources, and allocates human resources. Acquires and evaluates information, organizes and maintains information, interprets and communicates information, and uses computers to process information. Participate as a team member, teaches others, services clients/customers, exercises leadership, negotiates to arrive at a decision, and work with cultural diversity. Understands systems, monitors and corrects performance, and improves/designs systems. Selects technology, applies technology to task, and maintains/troubleshoots technology. 20

21 Attachment B (continued) Work-Based Learning WIOA requires that not less than 20% of funds allocated to the local area must be spent on activities supporting paid and unpaid work experience that have as a component academic and occupational education. This may include, summer employment, and other employment opportunities available throughout the year such as pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, job shadowing and on the job training opportunities. Accordingly, the BGWIB requires that all programs incorporate work-based learning strategies and devote the allotted funds to these initiatives. According to the Training Employment and Guidance Letter WIOA No, 23-14, Operating Guidance for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, program expenditures on the work experience program element include wages as well as staffing costs for the development and management of work experience. These work-based learning strategies must serve as a next step in career development, whether the desired outcome is employment or enrollment in postsecondary education or advanced training. (The BWIB reserves the right to change the required percentage of work based learning upon award.) Work experiences are planned, structured learning experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time. Work experiences are designed to enable youth to gain exposure to the world of work and its requirements and may include internships and job shadowing. Work experience should be designed to help youth acquire the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to obtain a job and advance in employment. The purpose is to provide the youth participant with opportunities for career exploration and skill development and not exclusively to benefit the employer. Work experience must occur with a private sector employer when the assessment and youth service strategy (YSS) indicate that work experience is appropriate. Contractors will be responsible for identifying and approving work experience sites, providing orientation to work site supervisors and participants, completing a host agency agreement, monitoring and documenting work experience activities and progress, maintaining time sheets and payroll of the participants, and reporting as requested. 21

22 Attachment C WIOA Program Requirements Section 129 (c)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, states that funds allocated to youth service providers shall be used for the following program design: 1. Provide an objective assessment of the academic level, skill levels, and service needs of each participant, which assessment shall include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes, supportive service needs, and development needs of such participant. 2. Develop service strategies for each participant that shall identify career pathways that include education and employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment conducted. 3. Provide: f) Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent or a recognized postsecondary credential; g) Preparation of postsecondary educational and training opportunities; h) Strong linkages between academic learning and occupational learning; i) Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities; and j) Effective connections to intermediaries with strong links to the job market and local, regional employers. The following is a list of fourteen (14) required services local programs must, at a minimum, provide to youth per Section 129 (c)(2) of the Act. If a provider does not directly provide the services listed, it must demonstrate the ability to make seamless referrals to appropriate providers of such services. The grantee will have primary responsibility for ensuring that each participant receives the full continuum of services. 1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential; 2. Alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate; 3. Paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include--- a. Summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; b. Pre-apprenticeship programs; c. Internships and job shadowing; and d. On-the-job training opportunities: 4. Occupations skills training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with indemand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved, if the local board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in section 123; 5. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation 22

23 activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster; 6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peercentered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate; 7. Supportive services; 8. Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months; 9. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate; 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate; 11. Financial literacy education; 12. Entrepreneurial skills training; 13. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and 14. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training. Attachment D 23

24 (PLEASE PRINT ORGANIZATION NAME) ASSURANCES and Certifications The authorized representative agrees to comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations governing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Workforce Investment Boards, and any other applicable laws and regulations. The authorized representative certifies that the proposing organization possesses legal authority to offer the attached proposal. A resolution, motion, or similar action has been duly adopted or passed as an official act of the organization s governing body authorizing the submission of this proposal. In addition, the authorized representative assures, certifies and understands that: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) recipients are obligated to maintain the following assurance for the period during which WIOA Title I financial assistance is extended. Each request for proposal, proposal and application for financial assistance under WIOA Title I shall contain the following assurances. As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I of WIOA, the recipient assures that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws: Section 188 of the WIOA, which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States or participation in any WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color or national origin; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of age; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. The recipient also assures that it will comply with WIOA implementing regulations and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. This assurance applies to the recipients operation of the WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements the recipient makes to carry out the WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity. The recipient understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance. 24