PUBLIC NOTICE. The Full Employment Council, Inc. (FEC) will receive Proposals for the following:

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1 PUBLIC NOTICE The Full Employment Council, Inc. (FEC) will receive Proposals for the following: Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Youth Program for Cass County, Missouri Copies of the RFP may be obtained at: the Full Employment Council, 1740 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108; by contacting Sandra Walker, Manager of Planning, at , ext. 1279; or can be downloaded at To be considered, one (1) original and four (4) copies (4 CD copies acceptable) of a proposal must be received and stamped by FEC no later than 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2015 to the Attention: Sandra Walker, Manager of Planning, Full Employment Council, Inc., 1740 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO The Full Employment Council reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to take any or all proposals under advisement, or to accept any proposals as may be deemed in its interest as meeting the standards of best and lowest proposal. A pre-bid conference will be held at 1740 Paseo, in the conference room, on Wednesday, June 3rd at 11:00 a.m. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. EOE/AA/M/F/V/ADA/E-VERIFY EMPLOYER

2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS For Cass County, Missouri WORKFORCE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) TITLE I YEAR ROUND YOUTH (ages 16-24) PROGRAMS Funding amount - $141, Issued by: KANSAS CITY & VICINITY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD (WIB) Full Employment Council, Inc. (FEC)/Fiscal Agent/American Job Center 1740 Paseo Kansas City, MO (816) Deadline for Submission of Proposal: June 17, 2015 by 5:00 pm May 18, 2015

3 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH TABLE OF CONTENTS I. AUTHORITY 3 II. TIME LINES A, PRE-BID CONFERENCE 3 B. START AND END DATES 3 C. DUE DATE FOR PROPOSALS 3 D. TENTATIVE AWARD DATE 3 III. BACKGROUND 2 IV. PROGRAM SCOPE 2 A. PURPOSE 2 B. GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 5 1. Eligibility 2. Performance Standards 3. Client Enrollment 4. Customer Satisfaction Surveys Month Follow-up Services 6. Objective Assessment 7. Individual Service Strategy 8. Toolbox/Case Management 9. Exit Committee C. IN-SCHOOL YOUTH PROPOSALS 9 1. Definition of In-School Youth 2. Approximate Funds Available 3. Performance Standards 4. Proposed Activities And Services D. OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH PROPOSALS Definition of Out-of-School Youth 2. Approximate Funds Available 3. Performance Standards 4. Proposed Activities And Services V. PROPOSAL WRITING INSTRUCTIONS 17 A. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 17 B. SUMMARY 18 C. PROPOSAL NARRATIVE Project Description 2. Program Time Frames and Schedule(s) of Activities 3. Performance Standards 4. Demonstrated Effectiveness 5. Budget 6. Organizational Partnership Development 2 Updated 05/20/15 sw

4 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH 7. Program Planning Summary VI. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA 20 ATTACHMENTS 1 Eligibility 2 Performance Standards - Common Measures and Definitions 3 Follow-up Services for Youth 4 Program Planning Summary 5 Budget Format and Budget Justification Guidelines 6 Required Attachments to Proposal 7 Proposal Summary Sheet 8 General Terms and Conditions for Contracts 9 Certificate Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion 3 Updated 05/20/15 sw

5 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH FEC AMERICAN JOB CENTER 21ST CENTURY INNOVATIONS I. INTRODUCTION The Full Employment Council, Inc. (FEC) a private, nonprofit Missouri corporation, Fiscal Agent and Grant Recipient for Title I WIOA (Workforce Investment Opportunity Act) funds, and the American Job Center for the Kansas City and Vicinity Local Workforce Investment Board, is releasing this Request for Proposals (RFP) in its capacity as the Fiscal Agent and American Job Center for Title I Workforce Investment Opportunity Act activities. The Workforce Investment Board decides how funds are administered and how programs will be managed under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act in order to meet the goals outlined in its Workforce Investment Opportunity Act Plans. The Workforce Investment Opportunity Act was enacted to reform Federal job training programs and to create a new comprehensive workforce investment system. The WIOA system is intended to be customer focused, to help job seekers access the tools they need to manage their careers through information and high quality services and to help U.S. companies find skilled workers. One of the key principles of the WIOA system is improved youth programs, defined as programs linked more closely to local labor market needs and community youth programs and services, and with strong connections between academic and occupational learning. Youth programs include activities that promote youth development and citizenship, such as leadership development through voluntary community service opportunities; adult mentoring and follow-up; and targeted opportunities for youth living in high poverty areas. II. AUTHORITY The Workforce Investment Opportunity Act requires that the purpose of WIOA funds for youth activities that include 14 program elements: (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 post-secondary credential; (2) Alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate; (3) Paid and unpaid work experiences that have academic and occupational education as a component of the work experience, which may include the following types of work experiences: (i) summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; (ii) pre-apprenticeship programs; 4 Updated 05/20/15 sw

6 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH (iii) internships and job shadowing; and (iv) on-the-job training opportunities; (4) Occupational skill training, which includes priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized post-secondary credentials that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved, if the Local Board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in WIOA sec. 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) Leadership development opportunities, including community service and peercentered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors ; (7) Supportive services; (8) Adult mentoring for a duration of at least 12 months that may occur both during and after program participation; (9) Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation; (10) Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling, as well as referrals to counseling, as appropriate to the needs of the individual youth; (11) Financial literacy counseling; (12) Entrepreneurial skills training; (13) Services that provide labor market and employment information about indemand 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 post-secondary education and training. 75% of the youth served must be Out-of-School Youth. The FEC shall perform: 1. Outreach and recruitment in partnership with the service provider 2. Intake and eligibility (as determined by FEC) to identify persons eligible for participation 3. Comprehensive objective assessment of the eligible participant to the skill standards required for job training participation 4. Comprehensive case management working in cooperation with the service provider. The Full Employment Council is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP), for Year Round Youth Program for Kansas City and Vicinity for the period of July 1, 2015 ending June 30, Proposers may propose for eligible youth between the ages of years of age the youth program providing the full range of the required ten elements or may propose a youth program that incorporates a combination of the required components. Note that some elements must be offered in combination with certain elements to ensure 5 Updated 05/20/15 sw

7 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH continuity and consistency of service. Proposers offering the full range of elements must ensure the provision of all ten elements either provided in-house or through a referral process. Proposers must specifically identify the referral or partner agencies or organizations and develop and submit an MOU or MOA, describing the scope of services that will be provided, how the partner will provide the element and how the participant will access the required element. This is an open RFP and FEC will entertain proposals based on the type of occupation proposed and previous successful training of out-of-school youth completed by the training provider. II. TIME LINES A. PRE-BID CONFERENCE There will be a Pre-Bid Conference at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 3 rd, 2015, in the conference room at: The Full Employment Council 1740 Paseo Kansas City, Missouri The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to respond to technical questions posed by those submitting proposals. Technical questions regarding the RFP may be submitted in writing after the Pre-Bid Conference. B. START AND END DATES July 1, 2015 and end June 30, C. DUE DATE FOR PROPOSALS Proposals may be submitted to the Full Employment Council at the above address, to the attention of Sandra Walker on June 17, 2015 by 5:00 pm. D. TENTATIVE AWARD DATE All proposers will be notified of their selection or non-selection in writing. EXCEPTIONS: if additional procurement is required due to insufficient or unsatisfactory proposals received on the first round of procurement; if additional procurement is required in the event of a non-performing service provider; if it is in the best interest of the participants to implement the contract in less than thirty (30) days and both parties agree to the start date; or if changes in Workforce Investment Opportunity Act legislation or its regulations occur. E. FUNDING LEVELS AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Funding is for services to residents of Kansas City and Vicinity, which includes Jackson County exclusive of the City of Kansas City, Missouri. 6 Updated 05/20/15 sw

8 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH Out of School Youth Outcomes (Ages 16-24) 1. Placement in Employment or Education 70% 2. Attainment of Degree or Certificate 69% 3. Literacy and Numeracy Gains 60% Note: At a minimum, youth service providers are required to perform outreach and recruitment, assistance with/facilitation of intake and eligibility processing, comprehensive assessment, case management, basic skills remediation, tutoring, mentoring, and 12- month follow-up. Life skills training, community service and career readiness are optional. The American Job Center will provide career readiness training for all participants; however, service providers may provide career readiness training utilizing the American Job Center s curriculum. The American Job Center reserves the right to award funds to achieve the appropriate geographic and service level balance. IV. PROGRAM SCOPE PURPOSE The purpose of this RFP is to solicit Workforce Investment Opportunity Activities for economically disadvantaged out-of-school youth. Services for Eligible Youth Available through the American Job Center. The following services for youth are available through the One-Stop Career Center system in the Kansas City and Vicinity Workforce Investment Area: Outreach and recruitment Eligibility determination Youth Assessment, Initial assessment (pre-application includes interests, work experience, skills) Objective Assessment (determine basic skills levels, work readiness skills, and occupational specific skills) Career counseling Information about eligible training and education providers Information on the full array of applicable or appropriate services that are available through the One-Stop or through other eligible service providers or One-Stop partners Referral to appropriate youth services Youth tutoring/drop-out prevention Paid Youth Internships/Worksite Learning Youth Occupational Skills Training Leadership Development Youth Supportive Services Youth Mentoring Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Youth Individual Service Strategies WIOA Youth Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities 7 Updated 05/20/15 sw

9 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH Other Youth Services Available through the American Job Center include: Coordination and provision of youth activities and linkages to the job market and employers Participant payroll services Worker s compensation for youth participants, as appropriate Processing of contractor reimbursements Supportive services payments Maintenance of the management information system for tracking outcomes for Workforce Investment Opportunity Act Title I participants Staff training and providing technical assistance on Workforce Investment Opportunity Act activities Contractor monitoring for compliance with the Contract, the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act and its regulations, and Division of Workforce Development policies and procedures Developing subsidized and unsubsidized work sites for youth in the public and private sectors, if work experience is proposed A. GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS All proposals must be for year-round services to youth. In addition, all service providers must comply with the following: 1. Recruitment and Outreach: The proposer shall recruit applicants for the program to meet the performance standards of this contract. Participants will be recruited through district sponsored job fairs, regular contact with secondary school counselors and residency personnel, school social service staff, career education teachers, and administrators. The Proposer will conduct community based outreach, distribution of brochures, dissemination of information on the program to area churches, and radio and television public service announcements. Regular contact with secondary school counselors and residency personnel will offer another avenue for reaching both in and out-ofschool youth (particularly those youth not eligible for school enrollment or who have dropped out of school). To specifically recruit out-of-school youth, program staff will maintain regular contact with ABE/GED sites and provide printed information for distribution at those sites. Recruitment will focus on the catchment area specified in the RFP. 2. Enrollment: The Proposer, in conjunction, with FEC shall assure that clients meet the minimum enrollment standards for the Proposer s program. Proposers will facilitate enrollment and eligibility for youth that are recruited. Proposers staff will facilitate gathering of documents for youth and family members as well as completing the enrollment packet, including interest inventories and entering information into Toolbox. All information and eligibility requirements will be reviewed and certified by Full Employment Council staff prior to submission to the enrollment committee. The Proposers will ensure that all enrollment paperwork will be completed prior to the start of activities. 8 Updated 05/20/15 sw

10 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH The Proposer shall utilize FEC s Enrollment Committee for approval of all enrollments. 3. Intake: The Proposer shall provide intake services including testing; assessment of skill levels, interests, aptitudes, complete Competitive Assessment, and abilities and need for supportive services; provision of labor market information; information about the programs available; and, general orientation to the WIOA Youth program. The Proposer shall utilize a career assessment tool to assess clients interests and aptitudes. 4. Eligibility Determination and Enrollment: Service providers shall offer youth services only to those youth who have first been determined eligible by FEC/Fiscal Agent or an agency designated by FEC to determine eligibility. The Proposers shall be responsible for assisting and facilitating the collection of documentation necessary for the certification of eligibility in accordance to the WIOA Youth eligibility criteria, and shall maintain documentation of eligibility. Eligibility. The eligibility requirements for WIOA Youth program are included below and in the Eligibility Criteria for the as Attachment 1 to this contract. Eligible youth must be ages 16 through 24 at the time of enrollment, and economically disadvantaged (70% of HHS/Lower Living Standard Income Level), and meet at least one of the barriers to employment as listed in Attachment 1. Family Size Annual Income 1 $11,670 2 $15,730 3 $19,646 4 $24,247 5 $28,614 6 $33,465 For families larger than six, for each additional family member: $4, Performance Standards. Service providers must agree to meet performance standards negotiated prior to the awarding of a contract. These measures are determined by the Full Employment Council in meeting the goals of the program. Performance Measures will be Common Measures as determined by the FEC. Attachment 2 lists the Performance Measure and Common Measure standards. 6. Client Enrollment: The Full Employment Council Enrollment Committee has been established and will be responsible for reviewing all applicant financial 9 Updated 05/20/15 sw

11 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH aid applications and approving/disapproving the registration of applicants into WIOA services and the exit of clients from the programs. All applicants will be referred to an Enrollment Committee which will screen, assess, and register eligible applicants into programs to increase their success rates, and thereby positively impact WIOA performance standards while providing quality services to clients. An Enrollment Committee has been established and will be responsible for reviewing all applicant pre-assessment packets and approving/disapproving the registration of applicants in WIOA. 7. Customer Satisfaction Surveys. All service providers shall distribute customer satisfaction surveys developed by the Full Employment Council and provide copies of the resulting responses to the Full Employment Council/Fiscal Agent in accordance with its continuous improvement instructions. Service providers selected shall agree to participate in the East Jackson County Workforce Investment Board s continuous improvement goals for the Workforce Investment programs. 6. Objective Assessment: All service providers shall will pre-assess youth for basic skills (reading and math); work readiness skills; and occupational skills and submit that documentation to FEC staff. The FEC Enrollment Committee is responsible for approving youth for WIOA enrollment. Out-of-school youth will be assessed for basic skills, including reading, math and language. As required by WIOA all eligible youth programs must provide an objective assessment of the academic levels, 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 (including interests and aptitudes for nontraditional jobs), supportive service needs, and developmental needs of such participant. This initial Objective Assessment must be completed on all WIOA youth participants after eligibility and suitability are determined. The Objective Assessment must take a clientfocused approach and evaluate the needs of the participant without regard to services or training programs already available in the Local Workforce Investment Area. The Objective Assessment will be an ongoing process and must be routinely revisited and amended as circumstances change, goals are achieved, and/or additional needs are identified. The assessment process is a multifaceted approach which shall include: 1. Structured Interviews 2. Paper and Pencil Tests 3. Behavioral Observations 4. Interest Inventories 5. Career Guidance Instruments 6. Aptitude/Skill Assessment 7. Basic Skills Test 10 Updated 05/20/15 sw

12 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH 9. Toolbox Employment Plan. Service providers are responsible for completing Toolbox Employment Plans for participants, as outlined below, in compliance with FEC/Fiscal Agent instructions regarding minimum assessment standards: a. Development of Toolbox Employment Plan (EP) for WIOA youth in accordance with services provided by the service provider. Summary of scheduled youth activities to be provided by service providers (i.e. activity, activity start dates & end dates and activity goals). b. Description of plan to obtain employment after completion of program activity (if applicable). Where long-term unsubsidized employment is the goal of youth, describe the placement strategy after program completion. (e.g. update career readiness, resume, occupational goals and hourly wage desired). Planned date to refer youth to FEC for job development & placement activities is 30 days prior to completion of program activity. c. Mandatory monthly participant progress review of EP plan. (Participant progress refers to progress in the WIOA activity in which the youth is enrolled). Every 30 days review EP plan and document changes in EP. If no changes are required, it should be so stated in Toolbox case notes. Document job-related counseling and career guidance meetings with youth. If the WIOA activity is basic skills training, then functional grade level gains must be documented; if the youth is in subsidized work experience, skills achieved must be documented. d. Documentation of youth achievements (e.g. functional grade level gains, HS/GED attainment, enrollment in job corps, college or vocational training, placement in unsubsidized employment, military or apprenticeship). e. Mandatory monthly follow-up after youth has exited with or without attaining long-term placement (i.e. unsubsidized, educational or vocational training). Follow-up must document the following information: 1. Date of Follow-up (begin 30 days after exit date in Toolbox). 2. Indicate appropriate follow-up results using Toolbox codes. 3. Indicate follow-up comments in Toolbox. 10. Toolbox/Case Management. Service providers must provide case management services to youth participants enrolled in the WIOA program. Case management is to be conducted from the time the participant is registered into the WIOA program until 12 months following exit date. Service providers are required to document all participant contacts, progress, and outcomes in the Toolbox system. Service providers are to document this information in the form of case notes. Case notes must be updated monthly and submitted to the FEC MIS unit. As outlined above in Items 7.c. and 7.d., service providers must document the achievements of youth. (e.g. grade level gain, HS/GED attainment, enrollment in college). 11 Updated 05/20/15 sw

13 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH Case management is crucial, and service providers are required to have face-toface or telephone contact with registered clients at least once month, which must be documented in Toolbox Month Follow-up Services. Follow-up services are a required youth program element under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act. All youth participants must receive follow-up services for a minimum duration of 12 months after exit. Follow-up services must be documented in toolbox. Proposers will be required to report on follow-up services provided to youth. a. Follow-up Activities for Out-of-School Youth may include: Supportive Services: Linkages to community services; assistance with transportation costs; assistance with childcare and dependent care costs; assistance with housing costs; referrals to medical services; and assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and workrelated tool costs, including such items as eye glasses and protective eye gear. Work-Related Follow-up Activities: Regular contact with a youth participant s employer, including addressing work-related problems that arise; formation of job clubs to offer ongoing support and training; assistance in securing better-paying jobs; career development and further education; work-related peer support groups; and tracking the progress of the youth s employment and training. b. Follow-up Activities for Youth may include: Job shadowing; A youth career exploration activity organized at the One-Stop Center; Periodic, scheduled group meetings or one-on-one meetings to discuss educational or career options; Use of technology to explore websites and facilitate communication; Periodic telephone calls to inform youth of on-going activities such as job fairs or other career activities; Adult mentoring and tutoring; Leadership development activities; Exposure to post-secondary educational opportunities; Community service learning; Peer centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring; Organizational and team work training including team leadership training; Training in decision-making, including determining priorities; Citizenship training, including life skills training such as parenting, work behavior training and budgeting of resources; and Positive social behavior training, including positive attitudinal development, self-esteem building, cultural diversity training, work simulation activities, as well as other soft skills training during school hours. 12 Updated 05/20/15 sw

14 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH 12. Exit Committee: An Exit Committee has been established and is responsible for reviewing all Exit Request packets to verify that all client outcomes have been entered into Toolbox. This process will be followed for all programs operated by FEC and its subcontractors. The objective of the Exit Review Process is to determine if the client has completed the program activities reflected in his/her Individual Employment Plan, and how exiting the client will impact the performance standards and contractual outcomes, and if the outcomes have been put into Toolbox. Client Exits: The service provider will present exit requests to the Exit Committee. An Exit Committee has been established and is responsible for reviewing all Exit Request packets to verify that all client outcomes have been entered into Toolbox. This process will be followed for all programs operated by FEC and its subcontractors. The objective of the Exit Review Process is to determine if the client has completed the program activities reflected in his/her EP, how exiting the client will impact the performance standards and contractual outcomes, and if the outcomes have been input into Toolbox. B. OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH PROPOSALS 1. DEFINITION OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH (Ages 16-24) An out-of-school youth is defined as a WIOA eligible youth who is a school dropout; or a WIOA eligible youth who has received a high school diploma, GED, or is in postsecondary education, but is basic skills deficient. 2. FUNDING LEVELS Funding is for services to residents of Funding is for services to residents of Kansas City and Vicinity, which includes Cass, Clay, Platte, and Ray Counties and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Funding is contingent upon an allocation from the U.S. Department of Labor. The 2015 Cass County WIOA allocation is $141, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND FEC GOALS Attachment 2 lists the Performance Measure and Common Measure standards. Youth Performance Standards FEC Goal Placement in Employment or Education 70% Attainment of Degree or Certificate 69% Literacy and Numeracy Gains 60% Note: At a minimum, youth service providers are required to perform case management, basic skills remediation, tutoring, mentoring, and Toolbox activities. Life skills training, community service and career readiness is optional. The American Job Center will provide career readiness workshops for all participants; however, service providers may provide career readiness workshops utilizing the American Job Center s curriculum. The American Job Center reserves the right to award funds to achieve the appropriate geographic and service level balance. 13 Updated 05/20/15 sw

15 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH Cass County: In addition, Cass County youth service providers must partner with a high school, ABE site, or vocational/technical school and have a signed MOU. C. PROPOSED ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES Proposals to Serve Out-of-School Youth All Proposers who propose to serve youth between the ages of must include a tutoring or basic skills activity. All Proposers who propose to serve out of-school youth must include tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to completion of Secondary School, including drop-out retrieval strategies. Basic skills goals must be attained within 12 months of the first day of participation. This activity should be designed to improve the educational achievement of youth who are basic skills deficient at the time of WIOA registration. (Basic Skills Deficient is defined as a high school dropout or having test Skill Developments one or more grade levels below 9 th grade reading or math or language). Proposed basic skills activity descriptions can include linkages with local public schools, ABE/GED/Literacy sites, on-line remediation or alternative schools. The description should explain how the Proposer plans to stress educational achievement and increase literacy levels for youth between the ages of who are basic skills deficient. The results of this activity should lead to attainment of literacy/numeracy performance measure gain. The youth participant must demonstrate through post-test that he/she has advanced one or more educational functioning levels beyond the level in which he/she was initially placed at pre-test. Proposers may propose projects designed for multiple cohorts of youth. Examples of proposals: 1. Proposers may propose Out of School Drop-Out Retrieval programs project that incorporate Alternative School: assist youth with obtaining a High School diploma or GED, Financial Aid Workshop Prepare Post Secondary Educational Opportunities, including FAFSA, Mentoring, Leadership Development, and connect with Summer Youth Employment project. 2. Proposers may propose Out of School Graduate program project that incorporates peer Based Class size groups for specific in demand occupational skills training, leading to a state approved certificate or degree or industry recognized certification, combined with wrap around job search, tutoring, mentoring and leadership development. 3. Proposers must provide Tutoring and Alternative Secondary School Services under the Educational Activities listed below, as well as Adult Mentoring/Job Shadowing from the Work Preparation Activities listed below. In addition, Proposers will be required to complete all of the activities listed under Other Activities. 14 ELEMENTS OF YOUTH SERVICES Proposers must provide all 14 elements of youth services as listed under Authority on page 4 and 5 of the RFP. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Proposers will be required to complete all of the activities listed under Other Activities. 14 Updated 05/20/15 sw

16 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH Youth Employment Plan/Service Strategies: Procedures that record assessed conditions, plan needed activities, and document achievements of youth participants so that they might progress toward their educational and employment goals. Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling/Career Readiness Training: Services designed to benefit youth by addressing career, personal and educational needs. The developmental and sequential counseling activities will be designed to assist youth in acquiring knowledge and skills in career planning, knowledge of self and others, and educational and vocational development. Local, state and national career and labor market information will be used to facilitate the youths career planning process. Networking among youth programs, business, labor and post-secondary institutions will also assist youth with career planning. Supportive Services: Services such as transportation and provision of uniforms, tools and equipment necessary to enable a youth to participate in activities authorized under and consistent with Title I of WIOA. Post-employment services may also be provided to ensure success at the work site. Proposers are encouraged to develop a network of existing supportive services providers. Additional supportive services may include clothing, temporary shelter, family planning services, legal aid, emergency food, and heating and cooling assistance. Supportive services are to be provided in accordance with the American Job Center s (FEC) policies. Follow-up Case Management Services: Regularly scheduled informational and workplace counseling contact with participants who have exited the program. Follow-up should be for not less than 12 months after the date of exit. Follow-up services for youth may include supportive services, employer services, further career and/or educational development, peer support, mentoring, tutoring and progress tracking. V. PROPOSAL WRITING INSTRUCTIONS A. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS A signed original of the application and four (4) copies must be submitted. The original must be signed in blue ink. Proposals must be complete and contain all information required by this RFP at the time of submission, or the proposal may be judged non-responsive. Proposals must include the required attachments as listed in Attachment 6. Late proposals will not be considered. Applications must be single-spaced and shall not exceed 10 pages (one side only, 8 x 11 ), exclusive of Attachments. The proposal summary does not count toward the page limit. The Budget is considered to be part of the Attachments to the proposal. A font size of at least 12 is required. 15 Updated 05/20/15 sw

17 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH B. COVER SHEET/PROPOSAL SUMMARY Provide a one-page cover sheet that summarizes the proposal. Use Attachment 7 as the one-page cover sheet. C. PROPOSAL NARRATIVE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Describe the strategy for integration of allowable activities under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act into a year-round plan to serve youth. Indicate whether you are planning to serve out-of-school youth, the number of youth to be served, and the activities to be provided youth. Describe in detail the training and services to be provided, including the proposed length of the proposed activities. See attachment of service activities. TABE Pre- and Post-Tests: Describe how the TABE test for out-of-school Youth will be administered and the frequency of post tests. The Pre-test is administered to a participant within 60 days following the date of participation and the Post-test is administered to a participant at regular intervals during the program. Be specific about how out-of-school will be recruited. Describe the staffing, equipment and facilities that will be needed for this project, and how transportation will be provided. Describe the procedures that will be used to obtain feedback from participants. Describe the strategy for integration of allowable activities under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act into a year-round plan to serve youth. Indicate whether you are planning to serve out-of-school youth, the number of youth to be served, and the activities to be provided youth. Describe in detail the training and services to be provided, including the proposed length of the proposed activities. The following activities may be proposed for out-of-school youth: career readiness training; classroom occupational skill training; or reading and math remediation. Reading and math remediation or work readiness training may be proposed for inschool youth. Supportive Services: Describe the supportive services to be provided youth by the proposer. 2. PROGRAM TIME FRAMES AND SCHEDULE(S) OF ACTIVITIES. Provide benchmarks for proposed implementation. Indicate activities, time frames and responsibilities for effectively implementing the project. State the number of weeks and hours of proposed training for each program element. 3. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND COMMON MEASURES. Specifically address project goals and measurable objectives, and indicate how the proposed program will assist in the achievement of WIOA performance common measures. (See Attachment 2). 16 Updated 05/20/15 sw

18 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH 4. DEMONSTRATED EFFECTIVENESS. Describe the organizational and administrative capacity to deliver the proposed services, including management and fiscal, in compliance with the General Terms and Conditions for Contracts (Attachment 8). Provide a brief overview of the organization, including the date and place of incorporation, the services presently and previously provided, and a description of the population to be served. Describe the types of employment and training programs presently or previously provided for out-of-school youth in the past two years and the program outcomes, including the number served compared to the number planned to be served. Include an organization chart which identifies all staff assigned to this project and shows how this project fits into the overall organization. Be specific about any other pertinent information related to the success of the program. If your organization is a not-for-profit organization, attach a copy of your Board of Directors and Officers. 5. BUDGET. Submit separate budgets for in-school youth projects and out-of-school projects if proposals are to serve both groups. Proposals shall be for reimbursement on an actual cost basis and shall include a line item budget clearly identifying costs to be charged to WIOA. Use the Budget format in Attachment 5. Service providers are required to plan, control and report expenditures against these line item budgets. Note: State the number of staff to be charged to this project. Include job titles, brief job overviews, and the percentage of time to be devoted to this project. Attach the job descriptions of key staff. Include the salary ranges of positions that are to be assigned for any vacant positions to be funded if this project is approved. Staff hours must be allocated on a time sheet between this project and other agency activities if the staff person does not expend one hundred percent of time on this project. This must be reflected in the payroll journal as well. Staff costs shall be identified for each staff person unless the job title for multiple positions is the same, e.g. counselors, in which case an average salary times the number of counselors may be reported. All costs must be described. If fringes are FICA, Worker s Comp and Pension, they must be so specified; if salary is weekly or monthly, it must be specified, and the budget must indicate the number of weeks or months the salary is to be paid. Space and utility costs must be per square feet or per month, etc. 17 Updated 05/20/15 sw

19 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH In-Kind Costs: If the organization is providing space, equipment or personnel, etc. to this project at no cost to WIOA, identify those costs as In-Kind costs. The Full Employment Council/Fiscal Agent will handle the processing of individual participant data forms to compile required reports, and the service provider should not budget such costs. The proposer selected for funding is responsible for maintaining its own accounting system and submitting timely monthly financial reports. Attach your most recent financial audit to the Budget. This is not required if the most recent financial audit of your agency is already on file with the Full Employment Council/Fiscal Agent. If FEC/Fiscal Agent has your most recent audit, please indicate. 6. ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. Describe the extent to which the organization will partner with other organizations to develop a comprehensive youth development program. Evidence of partnerships should include Memorandums of Understanding to clarify the responsibilities of each partner in accomplishing the goals of the program. (Attach Memorandums of Understanding.) Proposers funded will also be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with FEC/Fiscal Agent and to meet quarterly with other youth service providers to ensure consistency in procedures and a comprehensive youth development system. 7. PROGRAM PLANNING SUMMARY. A program planning summary (PPS) must be completed for each program component to reflect monthly and year-to-date enrollments and participant outcomes. A Program Planning Summary is included as Attachment 4. III. EVALUATON PROCESS AND CRITERIA This RFP provides general information to allow for the fair evaluation and rating of potential service providers while meeting the program goals and objectives of the Kansas City and Vicinity Workforce Investment Board. The proposer must provide the activities proposed and meet established performance standards and program outcomes. Proposals are evaluated based on the offeror s ability to deliver services to the target populations. Proposers are evaluated based on experience working with youth in similar programs and activities; past performance, both program and fiscal; understanding of and commitment to meeting goals and objectives of the Kansas City and Vicinity Workforce Investment Board; and offeror s demonstration of understanding and commitment to continuous improvement in youth programs. Evaluation Process: Proposals received prior to the deadline are reviewed by a committee of at least 3 FEC staff members. Based upon the review, proposals are (1) recommended for funding, (2) deemed not responsive, or (3) not recommended for funding at this time. A written report identifying each bidder as responsive or non- 18 Updated 05/20/15 sw

20 CASS COUNTY RFP - YOUTH responsive is prepared. Reasons for bids deemed non-responsive are documented. Following proposal evaluation, the committee makes recommendations for funding to the appropriate authority for award. Reasonableness of cost is determined for each procurement transaction, including any subsequent contract modifications. Prior to contracting with service providers, FEC/Fiscal Agent staff assure that required contracting prerequisites are met. FEC/Fiscal Agent also reserves the right to make awards based on the distribution of program services among jurisdictions which best meet the needs of the Workforce Investment Area. Evaluation Criteria Program Design and Plan of Operation Includes a quality training design responsive to the program design being procured; presents measurable objectives and outcomes, which take into consideration the quality of the proposed plan of services, facilities and equipment are adequate; includes curriculum outlines where appropriate; proposes adequate staffing; presents a clear implementation plan; demonstrates under-standing of the needs of customers that are planned to be served; includes a schedule of operations; clearly presents where, when, why and how of the proposed program operation. Demonstrated Effectiveness Demonstrates ability to meet performance goals and objectives; documents successful experience in program operation related to the requirements of the RFP; demonstrates successful experience in serving out-of-school youth; Provides historical performance data for previous programs; demonstrates organizational, administrative and fiscal capacity to deliver proposed services; demonstrates staff capability; includes organizational chart, and includes Board of Directors where required. Cost Effectiveness/Resource Leveraging Shows how costs are derived; demonstrates necessity and reasonableness of proposed costs; identifies non-wioa funds where appropriate; includes appropriate cost categories. Identifies extent to which WIOA funds are leveraged with other resources to provide extended and comprehensive adult services. Identifies both in-kind and cash contributions to the project. Describes how required program components are being implemented through in-kind contributions. Includes the provision of supportive services to adults. Complies with RFP Requirements Includes required supporting documents Submits signed Offeror s Assurances. 40 Points 35 Points 15 points 10 points 19 Updated 05/20/15 sw

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