Request for Proposal

Transcription

1 Administrative Division Tri-County Way Suite 201 Salisbury, Maryland Phone: Fax: Request for Proposal Program Year 2014 WIA Youth Services Number: RFP-TC1034 Sealed proposal, plainly marked as such will be received at: Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of MD Attention: Procurement Officer Tri County Way, Ste. 201 Salisbury, Maryland On or before March 5, 2014 at 4:00 PM, after this time bid/proposals will no longer be accepted for: Program Year 2014 WIA Youth Services Funded by the Workforce Investment Act through the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance, a division of the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland It is the policy of Tri-County Council not to discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or disability in the admission and treatment of participants, access to educational programs and activities, and terms and conditions of employment. Program service requirements are subject to change pending WIA reauthorization Serving Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. General Information....p.2 A. Agency Background B. RFP Overview II. RFP Requirements and Expectations.....p.3 A. Eligible Population B. Responsibilities III. Proposal Preparation.....p.9 A. Final Submission B. Selection C. Contract Details IV. Proposal Components.....p.13 A. Program Summary B. Demonstrated Performance C. Program Design D. Budget and Budget Narrative V. Attachments. p.17 Attachment A: WIA Youth Program Proposal Cover Sheet...p.18 Attachment B: Proposed Line Item Budget (In School) p.19 Attachment C: Proposed Line Item Budget (Out-Of-School)...p.20 Attachment D: WIA Staff Summary Budget.p.21 Attachment E: Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure.p.22 1

3 Section I: General Information A. AGENCY BACKGROUND The Lower Shore is a designated Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA) under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of The Lower Shore Workforce Alliance (LSWA), a division of the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland (TCC), has assumed the primary obligation for implementing and coordinating WIA funded training and employment programs operated throughout the Lower Shore. The training and employment services currently funded by LSWA include skill and career assessment, occupational skills training, job search assistance, work experience, employability development counseling, supportive services and referral services which enable eligible participants to become economically self-sufficient and productive members of the community. B. RFP OVERVIEW Purpose The TCC/LSWA utilizes the Request for Proposal (RFP), a competitive bid process, to select service providers for the delivery of training and employment programs funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other funding sources. The purpose of this RFP is to provide potential service providers with the information needed to develop and submit proposals to provide training and employment services for WIA eligible youth. General Conditions Respondents are advised of the following general conditions set forth by TCC/LSWA: TCC/LSWA does not pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals in response to this RFP. This RFP does not constitute a commitment for funding nor is it a contract. Respondents selected as a result of the RFP process must participate in contract negotiations with TCC/LSWA. TCC/LSWA reserves the right to reject or accept proposals, negotiate with qualified sources, cancel, reject, alter, modify or amend this RFP in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of TCC/LSWA. Agencies selected to contract for training programs may be required to submit programmatic, financial or other revisions of their proposal, which may have resulted from negotiations prior to an agreement to contract. The decisions of TCC/LSWA regarding the rating and selection of proposals for funding are final. Availability of Funds Funding for contracts awarded as a result of this process shall be contingent upon continued federal authorization for program activities and is subject to amendment or termination due to 2

4 lack of funds or authorization. Proposals submitted under this RFP may be considered for funding for the period July 1, June 30, 2015 based on funding availability, program performance, and the agency's training needs. Follow up services are also required for one year after exit. Section II: Requirements and Expectations A. ELIGIBLE POPULATION Proposals submitted in response to this RFP must serve WIA eligible youth. This proposal should be focused on serving either in-school or out-of-school youth, meeting the following criteria. Based on WIA regulations, 30% of funds must be used to serve out-of-school youth. An eligible youth is an individual who: is age 14 through 21, and is a low income individual, defined as: 1. receives or is a member of a family who receives cash payments under a federal, state or local income-based public assistance program; 2. received an income, or is a member of a family who received a total family income, for the 6-month period prior to application that in relation to family size, does not exceed 100% of the poverty income guideline; 3. is a member of a household who receives food stamps (pursuant to Food Stamp Act of 1977); 4. qualifies as a homeless individual as defined in the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; 5. is a foster child on behalf of whom state or local government payments are made; 6. is an individual with a disability whose own personal income meets the requirements of a program described in (1) or (2) above, but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet such requirements. and is within one or more of the following categories: 1. deficient in basic literacy skills [currently defined as an individual who tests below scale score 236 (educational functioning level 7) in reading or math on the CASAS skill assessment tool]; 2. school dropout (individual who is no longer attending any school and who has not received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent youth attending an alternative school are not dropouts); 3. homeless, runaway or foster child; 4. pregnant or parenting; 5. offender; 6. individuals (including a youth with a disability as defined in section three of the ADA of 1990) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment. 3

5 B. RESPONSIBILITIES Services Provided by LSWA LSWA will collaborate with vendors to provide the following services: WIA eligibility determination ( certification ) Standardized reporting forms Assessment of reading and math skills and aptitude/interest when needed Program and Fiscal Monitoring Access to participant data reports via the Maryland Workforce Exchange Required Activities Youth program activities funded under the Workforce Investment Act are expected to be comprehensive and to provide a wide array of services. Youth programs must be designed to prepare individuals for successful employment and help youth develop as citizens and leaders. Be prepared to demonstrate how you would incorporate and document the required activities. Documentation of these activities must be submitted to WIA staff on a monthly basis, as some activities must be entered into the computer system or provided by LSWA to state monitors. The design framework of local youth programs incorporates: 1. Administering and interpreting career assessments This is a process utilizing career exploration resources and/or methods designed to provide information on the next step in long range planning for the youth participant. This process should include investigation and education in jobs and job clusters, taking into consideration the participant s interests, needs, abilities and functional limitations. a. Numerous tools, instruments and methods put in place by each contracted vendor should be used to explore career options available to the participant. The CASAS assessment tool must be utilized to establish whether or not there is a basic skills deficiency present. This tool is the basis for determining what path the youth will take in the WIA program. Other tools could include: achievement tests, aptitude tests, interest surveys, transferable skill analysis, learning style inventories, self-assessment inventories, dexterity tests, review of records, personal interview, career exploration, job shadowing, and limited use of work samples and evaluator/career assessment specialist observations. b. The participation and input of the youth participant must be documented and must be included in the process, particularly during each of the following activities: evaluation of the assessment; conducting an initial interview; developing and modifying the individual service strategy (ISS); reviewing, discussing, and documenting results; making recommendations on future plans c. The assessment/certification process must be sensitive to cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and other environmental considerations. The assessment process should also include vocationally relevant observations and temperament factors. 4

6 d. The assessment/certification report must include: youth participant name and address date of birth and social security number barriers to employment education level work history other background information as necessary referral source evaluator/career assessment specialist name assessment period date of report vocational accommodations/assistive technology name of tests/instruments including brief description of tool/instrument or method summary of results interests and temperaments knowledge of career information (i.e. availability based on interests, training required, etc.) job seeking and keeping skills community and employment supports learning style preferences evaluator/career assessment specialist observations vocational strengths and needs transferable skills recommendations youth participant signature e. The results of the exploratory assessment should be summarized, synthesized and interpreted in written form so that the youth participant is able to understand it when reviewed. 2. Developing an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) After consideration of all assessment results for each participant, an ISS explains how you will address the results regarding needs and tasks, the identification of a career goal, training requirements for that goal, appropriate achievement objectives with a timeline, and appropriate service needs. The ISS must also address the participant s goal setting of basic skills, work readiness skills and/or occupational skills as per TEGL 3-04 of the US Department of Labor. The ISS should also identify any barriers to youth training or employment goals, as well as a detailed plan of action to remove those barriers. Progress in barrier removal should be documented throughout the program experience. The Lower Shore Workforce Alliance relies on the ISS very heavily to monitor the development of each youth. This document is considered a plan of action for the youth 5

7 participant and should be referred to and expanded upon throughout the youth s experience in the program. 3. Providing work readiness training Areas which need to be addressed must include (but not be limited to): employer expectations, making career decisions, using labor market information, preparing a resume and cover letter, filling out applications, interviewing, punctuality and attendance, interpersonal relations, positive attitudes/behaviors, appropriate appearance, time management and effectively completing tasks. Training must be delivered at a progressive not repetitive rate for each individual. 4. Providing in-depth career exploration Career exploration must include but not be limited to: job shadowing, internships and paid or unpaid work experiences. There should be a linkage with the participant s career interest. Career explorations must also include job searches via the internet (including job searches in the Maryland Workforce Exchange). Usage of the Eastern Shore Career Guide must be included in this portion of training as well. 5. Maintaining current case management information Case management information must include but not be limited to: minimum weekly contact with participant, participant activities, participant progress and references to the individual service strategy (i.e. goal set/met, timeline, objective achieved, etc.). Complete and up to date information in each file is critical, and must be submitted monthly to WIA staff. 6. Providing monthly follow-up for a twelve month period on those participants who have exited the program During the follow-up phase of the program, recording job placement, job retention and enrollment in post-secondary education is required. Monthly tracking of youth for twelve months after exit is required to ensure appropriate outcomes is necessary. Staff from the youth program should be dedicated to this function. Timing of these objectives is critical to meeting performance goals. Accurate records of follow-up must be maintained. Follow-up records must include but not be limited to: day/date of contact, method of contact, employment data if applicable, post-secondary education information if applicable, and results of follow-up efforts. This information MUST be forwarded to appropriate WIA staff for entry into the follow-up system. This information impacts WIA performance and timely completion is critical. Ten WIA Elements In addition, local workforce investment area youth vendors must (as per federal regulations) provide the following ten program elements to youth participants: 6

8 Element 1 Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school completion (including dropout prevention strategies) Purpose To improve academic skills and knowledge. 2 Alternative secondary school offerings To provide education/ instruction to youth who have not been successful in traditional education. 3 Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning To assist in developing academic and occupational skills that will transfer to employment in the area of interest of the youth. 4 Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing To develop work readiness skills by exposing youth to the world of work. 5 Occupational skill training To prepare youth to enter a specific occupation. 6 Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peercentered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during nonschool hours; the development of soft skills, decision making, team work and other activities as defined To develop life and employability skills and attitudes essential to independent living. 7 Supportive services To remove or reduce barriers that would prevent program participation. 8 Adult mentoring for a duration of a least twelve months that may occur both during and To provide positive adult role models for youth. after program participation 9 Follow-up services To provide continued assistance in the transition to employment or further 10 Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate to the needs of the individual youth education, this occurs post-exit. To promote positive growth in skills (educational, personal, social and employability). *Additional information, including qualifying activity/service types, is available upon request. Performance Standards Performance standards are used to assess program effectiveness. Federally developed performance standards emphasize return on investment, quality (not just quantity) of training, job placements, and customer satisfaction. 7

9 Exemplary performance as measured by the performance standards is rewarded, and poor performance is penalized. Specifically, the governor may use funds as incentive grants to reward superior performance in a local workforce investment area and must initiate a variety of strong corrective actions in response to poor performance. The performance standard system for youth programs is outlined on this following page. Service providers under contract with LSWA will be required to meet the applicable performance standards. A contract may be broken if a provider is unable to meet performance standards during the program year. This will be monitored on a quarterly basis. Performance Measure Placement in Employment or Education Attainment of Degree or Certificate Literacy/Numeracy Gains Definition Of those who are not in post-secondary education or employment (including the military) at the date of participation: Number of youth participants who are in employment (including the military) or enrolled in post-secondary education and/or advanced training/occupational skills training in the first quarter after the exit quarter divided by the number of youth participants who exit during the quarter. Of those enrolled in education (at the date of participation or at any point during the program): Number of youth participants who attain a diploma, GED or certificate by the end of the third quarter after the exit quarter divided by the number of youth participants who exit during the quarter. Of those out-of-school youth who are basic skills deficient: Number of youth participants who increase one or more educational functioning levels divided by number of youth participants who have completed a year in the program (i.e. one year from the date of first youth program service) plus the number of youth participants who exit before completing a year in the youth program. Performance Standard 67% 70% 69% Note that while the listed performance measures are the primary means for evaluating WIA programs, it can take several quarters and even up to a year to obtain the results. The LSWA intends to monitor each program based on exit information from our own database as well as information provided by the program. 8

10 Section III: Proposal Preparation A. FINAL SUBMISSION Format Responding organizations should ensure that proposals are prepared in compliance with the following requirements: 1. A response is required for each section of the proposal unless otherwise noted. Please follow the proposal guidelines using the headings noted for each section. Proposals submitted which do not conform to the RFP format may be disqualified from the review process. 2. Proposals should be prepared in a professional manner, providing a complete and detailed description of the proposed program. Emphasis should be placed on clarity of content and completeness. 3. Proposals should be prepared in Microsoft Word and limited to fifty pages, typed and double-spaced one side only, non-bound, with pages numbered. 4. All attachments identified in the RFP must be included. Ensure that other attachments referenced in your response are also submitted with the proposal. Proposals that do not include the required attachments may be disqualified from the review process. Required attachments include: Proposal Cover Sheet (Attachment A to this RFP) Program Budget (Attachment B and C to this RFP) Staff Summary (Attachment D to this RFP) Staff Job Description(s) Most Recent Financial Statements and Audit Report 5. Proposals that do not provide adequate responses to all sections of the RFP may be disqualified from the review and selection process. Send one original, three copies, and one electronic copy The original proposal must be signed by the agency official authorized to submit the proposal and enter into contract negotiations for the organization. Proposal(s) must be submitted to: Tri-County Council - Attention: Procurement Officer Tri-County Way, Suite 201 Salisbury, Maryland procurement@tcclesmd.org Deadline In order to be considered for funding beginning on July 1, 2014, proposals MUST be received by March 5, 2014 no later than 4 pm at the above address. Proposals received after this date will not be considered for funding in program year

11 RFP Release February 5, 2014 Proposal Due date March 5, 2014 Evaluation Period March 5 21, 2014 Contract Formal Approval April 9, 2014 Anticipated Award Date June 2, 2014 B. SELECTION Proposal Review All proposals will be reviewed and rated by the program review committee and LSWA staff. TCC/LSWA reserves the right to accept other than lowest cost proposals and to reject any or all proposals or parts thereof. Service providers not selected for contract negotiations shall be notified in writing no later than April 30, Evaluation Process Each section of the proposal has been assigned a point value that represents the maximum score that can be achieved for the section. The maximum point value for all sections is 100 points. Proposals will be evaluated, assessed and rated based on the following criteria: Criteria Value Reference Program Design 50 p Strategy and associated activities to address the p. 4-7, 15 required program elements Strategy to meet required performance measures 20 p. 7-8, Budget and Budget Narrative (include staff) 10 p , Attachments B, C, D Total 100 Special consideration will be given to proposals that include in-kind contributions and leveraging of other funding sources used to operate the proposed program. Proposals will be evaluated based on reasonableness of cost and cost effectiveness in terms of expected outcomes. Also considered will be the linkage to the One-Stop physical center in Salisbury, MD and the Mobile One-Stop Job Market. C. CONTRACT DETAILS Contract Negotiations Vendors who submit selected proposals will be required to participate in formal contract 10

12 negotiations. The award of any contract or agreement shall be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of contract negotiation. Contract Term Generally, the term of the contract will be two years for year-round youth programs, but LSWA reserves the right to modify the contract term. Agreements are subject to extension, renewal and/or termination throughout the duration of the Agreement. Governing Law The laws of the State of Maryland, and where applicable, federal law and regulation, will govern the contract awarded pursuant to this RFP. Termination 1. Termination for Convenience (General Provision) The Tri-County Council may terminate this contract, in whole or in part, at any time by written notice to the Contractor when it is in the Government's best interest. The Contractor shall be paid its costs, including contract close-out costs, and profit on work performed up to the time of termination. The Contractor shall promptly submit its termination claim to the Tri-County Council to be paid. If the Contractor has any property in its possession belonging to the Tri-County Council, the Contractor will account for the same, and dispose of it in the manner the Tri-County Council directs. 2. Termination for Default [Breach or Cause] (General Provision) If the Contractor does not deliver supplies in accordance with the contract delivery schedule, or, if the contract is for services, the Contractor fails to perform in the manner called for in the contract, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any other provisions of the contract, the Tri-County Council may terminate this contract for default. Termination shall be effected by serving a notice of termination on the contractor setting forth the manner in which the Contractor is in default. The contractor will only be paid the contract price for supplies delivered and accepted, or services performed in accordance with the manner of performance set forth in the contract. If it is later determined by the Tri-County Council that the Contractor had an excusable reason for not performing, such as a strike, fire, or flood, events which are not the fault of or are beyond the control of the Contractor, the Tri-County Council, after setting up a new delivery of performance schedule, may allow the Contractor to continue work, or treat the termination as a termination for convenience. 3. Opportunity to Cure (General Provision) The Tri-County Council in its sole discretion may, in the case of a termination for breach or default, allow the Contractor [an appropriately short period of time] in which to cure the defect. In such case, the notice of termination will state the time period in which cure is permitted and other appropriate conditions If Contractor fails to remedy to the Tri-County Council's satisfaction the breach or default of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Contract within [ten (10) days] after receipt by Contractor of written notice from the Tri-County Council setting forth the nature of said breach 11

13 or default, the Tri-County Council shall have the right to terminate the Contract without any further obligation to Contractor. Any such termination for default shall not in any way operate to preclude the Tri-County Council from also pursuing all available remedies against Contractor and its sureties for said breach or default. 4. Waiver of Remedies for any Breach In the event that the Tri-County Council elects to waive its remedies for any breach by Contractor of any covenant, term or condition of this Contract, such waiver by the Tri-County Council shall not limit the Tri-County Council's remedies for any succeeding breach of that or of any other term, covenant, or condition of this Contract. 5. Termination for Convenience (Professional or Transit Service Contracts) The Tri-County Council, by written notice, may terminate this contract, in whole or in part, when it is in the Government's interest. If this contract is terminated, the Tri-County council shall be liable only for payment under the payment provisions of this contract for services rendered before the effective date of termination. No Obligation by the Federal Government 1. The Purchaser and Contractor acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding any concurrence by the Federal Government and/or the State of Maryland in or approval of the solicitation or award of the underlying contract, absent the express written consent by the Federal Government and/or the State of Maryland, the Federal Government and/or the State of Maryland is not a party to this contract and shall not be subject to any obligations or liabilities to the Purchaser, Contractor, or any other party (whether or not a party to that contract) pertaining to any matter resulting from the underlying contract. 2. The Contractor agrees to include the above clause in each subcontract financed in whole or in part with Federal assistance provided by FTA. It is further agreed that the clause shall not be modified, except to identify the subcontractor who will be subject to its provisions Conflict of Interest Information 1. Each solicitation that will result in the selection of a Contractor who will assist a unit in the formation, evaluation, selection, award, or execution of a Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland (herein after listed as Tri-County Council) contract shall provide notice of the requirement of this regulation. 2. "Conflict of interest" means that, because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Tri-County Council, or the person's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or a person has an unfair competitive advantage. 3. "Person" has the meaning stated in COMAR B (64) and includes a bidder, offeror, contractor, consultant or subcontractor or sub consultant at any tier, and also includes an employee or agent of any of them if the employee or agent has or will have the authority to control or supervise all or a portion of the work for which a bid or offer is made. 12

14 4. If the Executive Director makes a determination prior to award that facts or circumstances exist giving rise or which could in the future give rise to a conflict of interest, the Executive Director may reject a bid or offer under COMAR B. 5. After award the Tri-County Council may terminate the contract, in whole or in part, if it deems such termination necessary to avoid an actual or potential conflict of interest. If the Contractor knew or reasonably could have been expected to know of an actual or potential conflict of interest prior to or after award and did not disclose it or misrepresented relevant information to the Administrative Office, the Executive Director may terminate the contract for default, institute proceedings to debar the Contractor from further Tri-County Council contracts, or pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or the contract. 6. A conflict of interest may be waived if the Executive Director, with approval of the Executive Board or designee, determines that waiver is in the best interest of the Tri-County Council. The determination shall state the reasons for the waiver and any controls that avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the conflict of interest. 7. Each bidder or offeror responding to a solicitation that will result in the selection of a contractor who will assist a unit in the formation, evaluation, selection, award, or execution of another Tri-County Council contract shall provide the affidavit and disclosures set forth in Subsection (8) of this regulation to the Administrative Office with the bid or offer and such other times as may be required by the Executive Director. 8. The affidavit and disclosure required by Subsection (7) of this regulation shall be in substantially the same form as given at the end of this attachment. Section IV: Proposal Components Proposal submission should include each of the following sections. A. PROGRAM SUMMARY The proposal cover sheet (Attachment A) must be completed with the information requested regarding your agency and your proposed training program (training description, total funds requested and number of anticipated participants). The Workforce Investment Board recommends that each vendor serve approximately 20 youth to ensure that each youth receives individual guidance and follow-up. B. DEMONSTRATED PERFORMANCE Please indicate the number of participants that you plan to serve in PY2014, keeping in mind that these may be current students who are WIA eligible. For an in-school youth program, 13

15 students in grades 11 and 12 who are determined WIA eligible are considered to be candidates. For an out-of-school youth program, youth ages who are determined WIA eligible are considered to be candidates. Discuss your organization's ability to meet or exceed contractually required performance standards and outcomes. Include the organization's performance history, including demonstrated quality of training, dropout rates, supportive services, entered employment rate, job retention, jobs related to training received, average wage at placement, etc. for the prior three years. Please indicate below what your anticipated performance rate will be for students in the program. The numbers referenced in the table on the next page are the minimum required levels. The rates indicated are a fraction. For example, for placement in employment or education, it is estimated that 15 out of 20 (15/20=75%) WIA participants served will be successfully employed or enrolled in education after their first year in the program. Please review pages 7 and 8 of this document for a detailed description of performance measures. This information may be transferred to the narrative of your proposal. WIA Performance Rate Mandated Rate Your Projected Rate Placement in Employment or Education 67% Attainment of Degree or Certificate 70% Literacy and Numeracy Gains 69% All activities must build upon the participant s initial assessments and Individual Service Strategy (ISS). The table below demonstrates critical timing factors for meeting mandated performance goals. Please provide a narrative that includes strategies on how the program will meet these goals. PY2014 Q1 PY2014 Q2 PY2014 Q3 PY2014 Q4 11/2014 2/2015 5/2015 8/2015 Placement in Employment or Education 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2013 4/1/2013 to 3/31/2014 7/1/2013 to 6/30/ /1/2013 to 9/30/2014 Attainment of Degree or Certificate 1/1/2013 to 4/1/2013 to 7/1/2013 to 10/1/2013 to Literacy and Numeracy Gains 12/31/ /1/13 to 9/30/2014 3/31/2014 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014 6/30/2014 4/1/2014 to 3/31/2015 9/30/2014 7/1/2014 to 6/30/2015 It should be noted that program exits have certain time constraints. WIA Counselors will be able to provide guidance to vendors on correct timeframes for youth activities regarding youth that drop out of any program. C. PROGRAM DESIGN Please describe how you will fulfill the RFP requirements. Address each point under Required Activities and Ten WIA Elements (see pages 4-7 of this document). LSWA is requiring a 14

16 program design that focuses on barrier removal, career exploration, skill acquisition and successful, training-focused employment. Include how you will address remedial training to improve CASAS scores for out-of-school youth in order to meet performance goals. The in-school youth design must be progressive, building upon each stage in the program with new experiences and always revisiting the initial career assessment for re-evaluation and refocus. Youth should enter the WIA program in either 9 th, 10 th, 11 th or 12 th grade and the intensive portion of the program will be during the year of the program; after that training period is completed, one year of follow-up activities must occur. Skills acquired during the period of the program must be relevant to career assessments and interest inventories for the youth. The program should focus on barrier removal and career exploration activities. When youth enter the follow up portion of the program (12 month), the program must focus on getting and keeping the youth employed and/or enrolled in education. Each in-school-youth program should have approximately 15 youth enrolled, and the program must be focused on the career ladder concept: Successful, Training Focused Employment Occupational Skills Training School System The out-of-school youth portion must also be focused on the career ladder concept. Youth in the out-of-school program simply begin the process to successful, training-focused employment in a different way. Initial CASAS assessment scores are the basis for determining how the outof-school youth begins the WIA program. As the table on the following page shows, a youth scoring below scale score 236 (educational functioning level 7) in reading or math on the CASAS skill assessment tool is considered basic skills deficient and remediation must occur. Since WIA programs must provide credentialing in some fashion, remediation should occur through a general education development (GED) program. Include how you will address remedial training to improve CASAS scores for out-of-school youth in order to meet performance goals. CASAS post testing should occur every three months to insure there is a record for literacy/numeracy performance and the necessary training for improvement when necessary for performance outcomes. Once the student reaches CASAS scale score 236 (educational functioning level 7) on the CASAS post-test, program staff must re-evaluate the goals of the youth participant. The youth should be offered the opportunity to receive a GED and eventual job placement by the program and/or further education with the assistance of WIA funds through the WIA adult 15

17 program. CASAS Scores and Basic Skills Deficiency EFL CASAS SCORE RANGE ABE ESL BASIC SKILLS DEFICIENT and below Beginning ESL literacy Low Beginning ESL Literacy Beginning ABE Literacy High Beginning ESL Literacy Yes Beginning Basic Education Low Intermediate ESL Basic Skills Low Intermediate High Intermediate ESL Deficient Basic Education High Intermediate Basic Education Advanced ESL Low Adult Secondary Education Exit ESL and above High Adult Secondary Education *Refer to USDOL TEGL 17-05, Change 1 for additional information. No Not Basic Skills Deficient A substantial monthly workforce/career development activity must take place for each participant in the first year. The One-Stop Job Market has space available to hold career exploration workshops which target locally growing industries. Such workshops may help youth determine a career path. All activities, including date, time and length of activity must be documented in the participant s folder. It is also important to have strong business relationships in the community. These businesses will play a key role in both the career exploration and work experience portions of the program. Please list businesses you plan to incorporate into the program design (i.e. youth summer work experience, job shadowing activities or plant tours). Job development strategies must also be included in the proposal. All activities must build upon the participant s initial career and aptitude/interest assessment and be included in the individual service strategy (ISS). Please describe how you will assist youth in obtaining and retaining employment, including barrier removal, work ethic, work readiness, job searching etc. This will require intense case management, job development and follow-up, even after the youth has obtained employment or received a credential. Please keep in mind that the quality of the job placement will also be examined (i.e. relevance to learned skills and career assessment, wage and benefits). Summer employment opportunities are strongly encouraged as part of the program design. D. BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE 1. Complete the budget and staff forms (Attachments B, C, and D). Also, provide a narrative justification of the budget you are proposing (put this under explanation of expense ), 16

18 discussing all requested costs and how they relate to your program design. Special consideration will be given to proposals to the degree to which they include in-kind contributions. 2. For staff salaries that are charged to multiple funding sources, identify the amount and percentage that will be charged to the proposed program. 3. A copy of the service provider's most recent financial statement and audit report must also be submitted. Attachments referenced in this RFP follow. Section V: Attachments 17

19 Attachment A TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MD WIA YOUTH PROGRAM PROPOSAL COVER SHEET Agency Name Program Name Agency Address Contact Person Phone Title Fax FEID Training Description-briefly describe the proposed program Contract Dates 7/1/14-6/30/15 Projected Number of Youth Served Total Funds Requested Authorized Signature and Date 18

20 Attachment B TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MD PROPOSED LINE ITEM BUDGET (IN SCHOOL) AGENCY NAME: COST CATEGORY PROGRAM SERVICES: STAFF SALARIES: In-School Youth Total Funds Requested Explanation of Expense STAFF FRINGES: STAFF TRAVEL: TELEPHONE/FAX: OFFICE SUPPLIES: POSTAGE: SPACE: UTILITIES: EQUIPMENT: INSURANCE: PARTICIPANT WAGES: PARTICIPANT FRINGES: OTHER (IDENTIFY): 19

21 Attachment C TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MD PROPOSED LINE ITEM BUDGET (OUT-OF-SCHOOL) AGENCY NAME: COST CATEGORY Out-of- School Youth Total Funds Requested Explanation of Expense PROGRAM SERVICES: STAFF SALARIES: STAFF FRINGES: STAFF TRAVEL: TELEPHONE/FAX: OFFICE SUPPLIES: POSTAGE: SPACE: UTILITIES: EQUIPMENT: INSURANCE: PARTICIPANT WAGES: PARTICIPANT FRINGES: OTHER (IDENTIFY): 20

22 Attachment D TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MD WIA STAFF SUMMARY BUDGET AGENCY NAME: STAFF NAME & POSITION* # WEEKS WEEKLY SALARY TOTAL SALARY TOTAL FRINGE TOTAL TOTAL (Transfer total to Attachment B or C) Attach detailed position description(s). 21

23 Attachment E TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MD CONFLICT OF INTEREST AFFIDAVIT AND DISCLOSURE A. "Conflict of interest" means that because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Tri-County Council, or the person's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or a person has an unfair competitive advantage. Activities are defined as board membership, employment or a vendor in any capacity. Relationships are defined as any person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage. B. "Person" has the meaning stated in COMAR B(64) and includes a bidder, offeror, Contractor, consultant, or subcontractor or sub consultant at any tier, and also includes an employee or agent of any of them if the employee or agent has or will have the authority to control or supervise all or a portion of the work for which a bid or offer is made. C. The bidder of offeror warrants that, except as disclosed in D below, there are no relevant facts or circumstances now giving rise or which could, in the future, give rise to a conflict of interest. D. The following facts or circumstances give rise or could in the future give rise to a conflict of interest (explains in detail--attach sheets if necessary): E. The bidder or offeror agrees that if an actual or potential conflict of interest arises after the date of this affidavit, the bidder or offeror will immediately make a full disclosure in writing to the Administrative Office of all relevant facts and circumstances. This disclosure shall include a description of actions which the bidder or offeror has taken and proposes to take to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the actual or potential conflict of interest. If the contract has been awarded and performance of the contract has begun, the Contractor shall continue performance until notified by the Executive Director of any contrary action to be taken. 22

24 I DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE AND AFFIRM UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS AFFIDAVIT ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION AND BELIEF. DATE: BY: (Authorized Representative and Affiant) AGENCY NAME: 23