CRATER REGIONAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT GROUP/LEARNTO EARN, INC. P.O.W.E.R. (PROMOTING OUTSTANDING WORK ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY)

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1 CRATER REGIONAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT GROUP/LEARNTO EARN, INC. P.O.W.E.R. (PROMOTING OUTSTANDING WORK ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY) WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT YEAR-ROUND OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS CRATER REGIONAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT GROUP 114 NORTH UNION STREET PETERSBURG, VA PHONE: learntoearn.org Release Date: Due Date: Contracts resulting from this solicitation shall not discriminate against any person or organization submitting a proposal pursuant to this RFP because of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender orientation, age, disability, ethnic group, national origin, or other bias prohibited by law. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School Youth RFP Page 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION INTRODUCTION/STATEMENT OF INTENT 3 BACKGROUND 4-5 RFP INQUIRIES 5-6 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 6 WITHDRAWAL 6 PUBLIC RECORD 6 SPECIFICATIONS 6 FUNDING 6-7 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION 7-8 ELIGIBILITY 8 OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH 8-9 PROGRAM FRAMEWORK AND DESIGN 9-11 PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT GOALS 11 PRIMARY INDICATORS OF PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PROCESS 12 EVALUATION CRITERIA 13 RFP TIMELINE 13 CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS 13 DOCUMENTATION OF ORGANIZATION S QUALIFICATIONS CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES 14 ONE-STOP PARTNERSHIP 14 WIOA RESOURCES 14 RFP ATTACHMENTS 15 RFP COVER PAGE 16 BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE 17 CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LAWS AND REGULATIONS CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONSN INSTRUCTIONS CERTIFICATION REGARDING DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS 21 CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING PAGE NO. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 2

3 INTRODUCTION/STATEMENT OF INTENT The Crater Regional Workforce Investment Group (CRWIG)/ Learn to Earn, Inc.(LTE) as the administrative entity for the Crater Regional Workforce Investment Board, Local Workforce Investment Area XV (LWIA 15), is soliciting proposals from qualified agencies, schools and colleges, local educational authorities within the region, public or private businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, local government units, and others wishing to deliver a year-round Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program for out-of-school youth. The program will be operated under the region s youth program brand P.O.W.E.R. (Promoting Outstanding Work Ethics & Responsibility). The P.O.W.E.R. program will deliver activities and services at two sites. One site will be in the Emporia/Greensville area and the other will be in the City of Petersburg. One Service Provider will be selected. That Service Provider will operate both sites and must commit to serving applicants/participants that live in any locality in the region on a first-come, first-served basis. The region encompasses the Cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, and Petersburg, and the Counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Sussex, and Surry. CRWIG is seeking innovative and original program designs from proposers that indicate a clear approach to delivering a broad range of comprehensively designed, fully integrated and coordinated services. Contract(s) will be awarded to the service provider(s) that can showcase a creative and groundbreaking approach to serving youth residing anywhere in the Crater region. Under the oversight of the Crater Regional Workforce Board Youth Steering Committee, P.O.W.E.R. s goal is for youth and young adults in the Crater region to be a well-educated, credentialed, emerging workforce with a strong foundation of workplace skills, decision-making skills, and personal qualities with the competencies to be effective workers, good citizens, and successful entrepreneurs. Youth of the Crater Region are to be exposed to a variety of learning options, work experiences, skills development, leadership development, counseling and support, and connections to post-secondary training, education, and employment. WIOA youth programming emphasizes a comprehensive youth development approach that focuses on long-term services that provide the education, skills, work experience, and support that youth need to successfully transition to careers and productive adulthood. For the purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP), youth programs funded by CRWIG are to assist economically disadvantaged, disconnected, out-of-school youth ages with attaining a Career Readiness Certificate, educational credential(if needed), an industry recognized occupational skills training certificate or credential, and sustainable employment. P.O.W.E.R. is not a business as usual program, but a platform for a fresh approach to youth workforce development. Service providers must present distinct program fundamentals that are unique to their delivery of services, as well as a cost effective service delivery plan demonstrating the resourcefulness of community partners. CRWIG serves as the administrative agent for the WIA and WIOA funds and is providing support to the Youth Council in conducting this Request for Proposals. CRWIG is the contracting agent for WIOA grant awards. This procurement action is expected to award one or two contracts. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 3

4 BACKGROUND President Barack Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) into law on July 22, WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Congress passed the Act by a wide bi-partisan majority; it is the first legislative reform in 15 years of the public workforce system. WIOA supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of In general, the Act takes effect on July 1, 2015, the first full program year after enactment. WIOA outlines a broader youth vision that supports an integrated service delivery system and provides a framework through which states and local areas can leverage other Federal, state, local, and philanthropic resources to support in-school youth (ISY) and OSY. WIOA affirms the U.S. Department of Labor s (DOL) commitment to providing high-quality services for all youth and young adults, beginning with career exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations, such as pre-apprenticeships or internships, and culminating with a good job along a career pathway, enrollment in post-secondary education, or a Registered Apprenticeship. All of the DOL s youthserving programs continue to promote evidence-based strategies to assist in achieving high-levels of performance, accountability, and quality in preparing young people for the workforce. The purposes of WIOA are: To increase, for individuals in the United States, particularly those individuals with barriers to employment, access to and opportunities for the employment, education, training, and support services they need to succeed in the labor market. To support the alignment of workforce investment, education, and economic development systems in support of a comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality workforce development system in the United States. To improve the quality and labor market relevance of workforce investment, education, and economic development efforts to provide America s workers with the skills and credentials necessary to secure and advance in employment with family-sustaining wages and to provide America s employers with the skilled workers needed to succeed in a global economy. To promote improvement in the structure of and delivery of services through the United States workforce development system to better address the employment and skill needs of workers, jobseekers, and employers. To increase the prosperity of workers and employers in the United States, the economic growth of communities, regions, and States, and the global competitiveness of the United States. For purposes of subtitle A and B of title I, to provide workforce investment activities, through statewide and local workforce development systems, that increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and increase attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials by participants, and as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, increase economic selfsufficiency, meet the skill requirements of employers, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Ensures that employment and training services provided by the core programs are coordinated and complementary so that job seekers acquire skills and credentials that meet employers needs. Ensures that Federal investments in employment and training programs are evidence-based and datadriven, and accountable to participants and taxpayers. Promotes alignment of workforce development programs with regional economic development strategies to meet the needs of local and regional employers. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 4

5 Increases the quality and accessibility of services that job seekers and employers receive at their local American Job Centers (One-Stop Centers). Contributes to economic growth and business expansion by ensuring the workforce system is job-driven matching employers with skilled individuals. Helps job seekers acquire industry-recognized credentials for in-demand jobs. Ensures that unemployed and other job seekers have access to high-quality workforce services. Increases individuals with disabilities access to high quality workforce services and prepares them for competitive integrated employment. Prepares vulnerable youth and other job seekers for successful employment through increasing the use of proven service models services. Increases the performance outcomes and quality of Job Corps. Promotes the use of Registered Apprenticeship, a proven model that provides workers with career pathways and opportunities to earn while they learn. Makes state and local boards more agile and well-positioned to meet local and regional employers workforce needs. Section 129 of WIOA states that funds allocated for eligible youth should offer youth programs that: Provide an objective assessment of the academic levels, skill levels, and service needs of each participant; this assessment shall include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes, supportive service needs, and developmental needs for the purpose of identifying appropriate services and career pathways for participants. Develop service strategies for each participant that are directly linked to performance outcomes, and that shall identify career pathways that include education and employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant identified in the objective assessment. Provide activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized postsecondary credential. Provide preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities. Provide strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational education that lead to the attainment of postsecondary credentials. Provide preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities. Provide effective connections to employers, including small employers, in-demand industry sectors and occupations The Department of Labor plans to publish Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) to implement WIOA in Spring, This will impact program design and implementation. Contract(s) awarded must be flexible to accommodate NPRMs and any changes imposed by CRWIG. Because many of the provisions of WIOA go into effect July 1, 2015, the Department of Labor s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) also will issue operating guidance in Spring, 2015 to support implementation. In addition, ETA intends to issue targeted guidance documents in the Spring accompanied by technical assistance activities. 1. RFP INQUIRIES There will be a pre-proposal meeting on Thursday June 4, 2015 from 1:00p.m. 3:00p.m., eastern time at the CRWIG office. Applicants are encouraged, but not required to attend. Questions regarding this RFP should be addressed to Ms. Earlene Jones, Program Services Specialist at ejones@learntoearn.org. All inquiries related to the RFP are to be submitted electronically. inquiries should be identified by subject as WIOA Out-of-School Youth RFP Inquiry. No inquires will be accepted after Monday, June 15, Answers to questions or any other clarifications regarding this RFP will be posted on the CRIWG website without further notice. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 5

6 2. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Once this RFP document has been issued, no proposer is allowed to make any contact with any WIB members, Consortium Board members or Youth Council members by phone, fax, , or in person to solicit support for their proposal(s) or to attempt to discredit the proposal(s) that may be submitted any other proposer. Any proposer violating this provision will not be considered for funding under this RFP. Additional data or information may be submitted only if requested by the Youth Council or CRWIG. 3. WITHDRAWAL Submitted proposals may be withdrawn prior to the award date. A written request to withdraw the proposal must be submitted in writing to Ms. Earlene Jones, Crater Regional Workforce Investment Group, 114 N. Union St., Petersburg, VA or to ejones@learntoearn.org. 4. PUBLIC RECORD Applicants are advised that most documents in the possession of the CRWIG are considered public records and subject to disclosure under the State Public Records Law. 5. SPECIFICATIONS Service Providers will be competitively selected based on the scoring of the RFP responses. Proposals must be received by the CRWIG by 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, Proposals may be delivered or mailed to: Crater Regional Workforce Investment Group, 114 North Union Street, Petersburg, Virginia The RFP Package will be available on the CRWIG website: learntoearn.org and at the CRWIG office located at 114 N. Union St., Petersburg, VA beginning Friday, May 15, Notifications of selection will be made by July All awards are contingent upon fiscal and administrative qualifications and successful contract negotiation. The contract negotiation process shall be bound by the best terms originally offered by the respondent in the proposal(s) submitted. 6. FUNDING From the funds allocated, one contract will be awarded on a competitive basis to a provider of the youth workforce development activities identified in this RFP based on the criteria in the Virginia State plan (including such quality criteria as the Governor shall establish a training program that leads to a recognized post-secondary credential) and taking into consideration the ability of the Service Provider to meet performance accountability measures based on primary indicators of performance for a WIOA youth program. Funding made available under this proposal is limited. CRWIG and/or the Youth Council Oversight & Monitoring Task Force may specify a minimum or maximum funding level or cost-per-participant. All costs associated with proposed programs and cost-per-participant should be reasonable in light of available funding. A Service Provider is expected to leverage resources in order to meet described outcomes. Funding available under this procurement action should be directed towards services that are not currently being offered or funded elsewhere. Not less than 75 percent of the region s available youth funds will be used to provide youth-focused WIOA activities and services for out-of-school youth. Not less than 20 percent of the region s WIOA available funds as identified in this RFP will be used to provide work experience opportunities such as: summer jobs, internships, pre-apprenticeships, job shadowing, and onthe-job training. The work experience youth program element can include staff costs for the development and management of the work experiences. The amount of funds available under this RFP is $200,000. Of the $200,000 of available funds, $103,000 is for the selected Service Provider to implement the out-of-school youth program at both P.O.W.E.R. sties and is to CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 6

7 include participant incentives and supportive services. The remaining $97,000 has been allocated by CRWIG for the provision of the Healthcare, Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing training, the Job Club, and work experience opportunities at both P.O.W.E.R. sites. The availability of funds for programs under this RFP is contingent upon federal and state allocations. All funds are to be spent on the provision of designated services to eligible youth as defined in this document. Contracted services, all of which require 12-month post-program follow up, are to be initiated on or after July 1, 2015 and run through June 30, The selected Service Provider will be awarded a contract for a one year period. An annual renewal of that contract, up to two years, will be based on a yearly performance review by the Youth Standing Committee and CRWIG staff. Not meeting the Common Measures, performance indicators, and negotiated outcomes will be subject to premature contract termination and/or non-renewal. The Youth Standing Committee will be committed to providing the highest quality services available to youth in the Crater region. As it continues to move to raise standards and increased excellence, it realizes that outcomes and return on investment are critical elements in building an effective youth development system. All Service Providers awarded a WIOA youth contract must demonstrate satisfactory achievement of a minimum of 80 percent of the Performance Indicators to be eligible for continued funding under this notification. 7. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION Proposals are due to CRWIG office (address on cover page), by 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 17, Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered. Do not include any information that is not specifically requested. Proposals must be formatted in a manner that provides accurate, valid and full disclosure of information. Proposals that fail to follow instructions and/or fail to respond to all parts of the RFP shall be deemed nonresponsive and will not be considered. No amendments, revisions or alterations will be accepted after the due date unless requested. Proposals must include: Completed RFP Cover Page (form attached) A cover letter identifying organization and signed by an individual authorized to represent the organization, to act on behalf of it, and to legally bind it in all matters related to the Documentation of Qualifications. Table of Contents - Indicate the page number(s) for each section of the proposal including the Attachments Organizational Structure Describe your organization s structure as it relates to the ability to provide a cost effective, high quality WIOA program for out-of-school youth. Include an organizational chart, resumes, and job descriptions of staff relevant to the WIOA program as Attachment I. Organization s Experience (1) Describe your organization s experience providing WIA and WIOA type programs to hard-to-serve, disconnected youth, as identified in Section 126 of the WIOA. (2) Describe your experience conducting programs and services to place youth in employment and education, attaining occupational skills credentials, attaining a high school diploma or GED, increasing the Literacy/Numeracy Skills gains. (3) Describe your experience with coordination and linkages with community partners. (4) Describe your previous collaborative efforts with providing activities and services to youth with disabilities. (5) Describe the overall financial stability of the organization as demonstrated by strong accounting systems fiscal control, and previous grant management. Provide a copy of your most recent fiscal audit as Attachment IV. Description of Program - Provide a brief description of the program proposed. Participants are expected to be engaged in activities 3 4 days per week. PROPOSED P.O.W.E.R. PY 15 PLAN to PROVIDE SERVICES TO PARTICIPANTS Complete the PROPOSED P.O.W.E.R. PROGRAM YEAR 15 PLAN to PROVIDE SERVICES TO PARTICIPANTS form attached to describe previous experience, the proposed plan, and partners that will help implement the propose plan. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 7

8 Examples of key partners are: Adult Education, Colleges, and Universities Community Colleges, High Schools, and Alternative Schools Job Corps and YouthBuild HHS/TANF Agency Juvenile Court; Juvenile Probation Adult Probation and Parole Re-entry Programs Group Homes, Homeless Shelters and other Transitional Residential Agencies Vocational Rehabilitation Veteran s Hospitals and other readjustment services for returning Armed Services members Community and Faith Based Organizations Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Budget and Budget Narrative - Prepare and submit a budget and budget narrative on the forms provided. Include the cash and/or in-kind contributions provided for the program proposed. Proposal Attachments - Do not attach books or manuals. Letters of Support are not required; instead include Partnership letters. Attach letters of commitment from community partners, employers and/or industry associations that state their anticipated contribution(s) to your program s success. These will become contract Attachments. Attachment I: Organizational Chart, Resumes and Staff Qualifications, Job Descriptions Attachment II: Budget and Budget Narrative Attachment III: Partnership Letters Attachment IV: Most Recent Fiscal Audit Attachment V: Certification Regarding Compliance with Non-discrimination and Equal Opportunity Laws and Regulations Attachment VI: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions Attachment VII: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions Attachment VIII: Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Attachment IX: Certification Regarding Lobbying Attachment X: Certificate of Insurance Proposals must be on numbered using 8 ½ x 11 (letter size) paper; however, The PROPOSED P.O.W.E.R. PROGRAM YEAR 15 PLAN to PROVIDE SERVICES TO PARTICIPANTS form may be on 8 ½ x 14 (legal size) paper. The proposal s font size is 11. Responses must be limited to 20 pages plus attachments. Proposals shall remain for one year after the closing date of this RFP. On or by the due date deliver or send to the CRWIG office: Attention: Earlene Jones an original, one copy, and a flash drive of the proposal. Upon receipt of the original proposal with attachments, the CRWIG will or give the proposer a Receipt. 8. ELIGIBLE YOUTH To be eligible to participate in activities carried out under WIOA during any program year an individual shall, at the time the eligibility determination is made, be an out-of-school youth. 9. OUT-OF- SCHOOL YOUTH An out-of-school youth means an individual who is: Not attending any school (as defined under State law); Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24; and One or more of the following: CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 8

9 (I) A school dropout. (II) 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. (III) A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is (a) basic skills deficient; or (b) an English language learner. (IV) An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system. (V) A homeless individual (as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C e-2(6))), a homeless child or youth (as defined in section 725(2) of the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C a(2))), a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement. (VI) An individual who is pregnant or parenting. (VII) A youth who is an individual with a disability. (VIII) A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. In addition to the above listed criteria, all eligible youth must have complied with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act; and be lawfully eligible to work in the United States. 10. PROGRAM FRAMEWORK and DESIGN: One Service Provider will provide WIOA defined Career Planning in both P.O.W.E.R. locations for participants enrolled in the Career Pathways industry sector training and the youth-focused Job Club for 3-4 days per week. The focus of this industry pipeline, Career Pathways model is to prepare participants to be successful in career employment. Each P.O.W.E.R. location will be comprised of Career Pathways industry-sector training and a Job Club. It will incorporate preparation for employment and post-secondary education. It will place participants into cohorts of certified occupational training determined by CRWIG and Job Clubs while increasing academic levels, essential work skill and leadership skills. To be successful, the Service Provider will illustrate meaningful partnerships with commitments from community stakeholders and employers. Partnerships are key to the success of the P.O.W.E.R. program. They strengthen service delivery. Youth participants must be engaged in activities for four days per week: Participants are to be administered the WorkKeys assessment, as appropriate, for the attainment of a Career Readiness Certificate. KeyTrain will be available. Cohorts will be comprised of ten participants who are interested in employment in the following industry sectors: Advance Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Energy (CRWIG the right to add or remove industries/training). Service providers will be expected to place training completers in jobs that align with the industry sector training. Job Clubs will be open-entry and open-exit and comprised of participants per site. Service providers will be expected to develop job opportunities for participants that lead to a career pathway and sustainable wage. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 9

10 Participants are to engage in at least one civic engagement activity per contract year. In accordance with WIOA, the Service Provider(s) must be able to successfully carry out the following for eligible youth participants: 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, for the purpose of identifying appropriate services and career pathways for participants, except that a new assessment of a participant is not required if the provider carrying out such a program determines it is appropriate to use a recent assessment of the participant conducted pursuant to another education or training program; Develop an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) for each participant that is directly linked to one or more of the indicators of performance and that identify career pathways that include education and employment goals (including, in appropriate circumstances, nontraditional employment), appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment results. Provide activities that lead to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or GED, or a recognized post-secondary credential; preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities; strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational education that lead to the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials; preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, in appropriate cases; and effective connections to employers, including small employers, in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor markets. The Service Provider must implement the 14 WIOA YOUTH PROGRAM ELEMENTS in order to support the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, entry into postsecondary education, and career readiness for participants. The Elements are: 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; alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate; paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include - summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; pre-apprenticeship programs; internships and job shadowing; and on-the-job training opportunities; occupational skill training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster; leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate; supportive services; adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months; CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 10

11 follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate; comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate; financial literacy education; entrepreneurial skills training; 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 activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training. 11. PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT GOALS( Training is Expected to Begin September, 2015) LOCATION PETERSBURG EMPORIA/GREENSVILLE INDUSTRY SECTORS: Healthcare Energy Advanced Manufacturing 10 0 JOB CLUB WORK EXPERIENCE TOTAL PARTICIPANTS (136) The Healthcare training is planned for two cohorts of 10 depending upon the availability of training funds. One cohort will be scheduled for the first half of WIOA, the second cohort will be during the beginning of the second half of WIOA. It will upgrade the skill level of certified CNAs. The Energy sector training is a prep class for Groundman jobs with Dominion Power and other Energy sector employers. In the Advanced Manufacturing sector, the training will be primarily be for a MT-1. Job Club participants are youth who have not identified career goals or may be interested in employment only. Work Experience opportunities are primarily for Job Club participants, but can be available for youth in the skill training areas if needed. 12. PRIMARY INDICATORS OF PERFORMANCE Applicants should understand that the success of the P.O.W.E.R. is dependent upon the Service Provider meeting performance indicators. Applications that do not include a detailed description of activities that will lead to the attainment of these outcomes will be considered non-responsive. Performance Indicator No. 1: Applicants awarded a contract will be required to meet the following WIOA out-of-school youth program Primary Indicators of Performance for the period of July 1, 2015 June 30, 2016: PLACEMENT IN EMPLOYMENT OR EDUCATION (60.0) 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 Number of youth participants who exit during the quarter CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 11

12 ATTAINMENT OF A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE (55.0) 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 Number of youth participants who exit during the quarter LITERACY and NUMERACY GAINS (57.0) Of those out-of-school youth who are basic skills deficient: Number of youth participants who increase one or more educational functioning levels 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 Indicator No. 2: Applicants awarded a contract will also be required to meet the Virginia Board of Workforce Development s Career Readiness Certificate performance measure of 25 percent. For the Crater region a minimum of 25 percent of the youth participants enrolled must attain a Career Readiness Certificate. All out-of-school youth must be Work Keys assessed. Performance Indicator No. 3: Applicants awarded a contract will also be required to meet the following WIOA out-of-school youth performance indicators for the period of July 1, 2016 June 30, 2017: The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the second quarter after exit from the program; The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the fourth quarter after exit from the program; Median earnings of participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit: Percentage of participants who obtain a recognized post-secondary credential, secondary school diploma or equivalent during participation or within 1 year after program exit; Percentage of participants who during a program year are in education that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable gains towards those goals. 13. EVALUATION PROCESS The Youth Council Oversight & Monitoring Task Force will review proposals and assign each a score. The Task Force will review and score proposals according to the criteria and assigned points specified in the Evaluation Criteria section of this RFP. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the CRWIG for final consideration before approval by the Youth Council. The CRWIG and/or Task Force retain the right to request additional information from any applicant. Bidders will be asked to make an oral presentation after the proposal submission date. The CRWIG reserves the right to withhold awards should there be no proposals that adequately address the services and outcomes requested. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 12

13 14. EVALUATION CRITERIA SCOPE OF WORK POINTS Program Description 0-10 Organizational Structure 0-15 Program Design 0-35 Ability to Meet Program Performance 0-20 Follow-up 0-10 Budget and Budget Narrative 0-10 TOTAL POINTS RFP TIMELINE May 15, 2015 June 4, 2015 June 17, 2015 June, 2015 June - July, 2015 July, 2015 June 30, 2016 Commencement of Services Public Notice/RFP Available Optional Pre-Proposal CRWIG Office 1:00 3:00 Proposal Due Date 3:00 p.m. EDT Evaluation Process including Oral Presentations Provisional Award Notification and Contract Negotiations Final Award Notification and Contract Executed Contract Period The proposer must commence the delivery of program services within thirty (30) days of the contract award, unless otherwise agreed to by CRWIG. 16. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS All businesses/organizations must meet a minimum level of administrative and fiscal capacity in order to contract with CRWIG. All applicants given Provisional Award Notifications must provide the following Documentation of Qualifications when requested. Failure to satisfactorily provide the following documentation could result in disqualification of proposed award. 17. DOCUMENTATION OF ORGANIZATION S QUALIFICATIONS Legal Entity (*Proof of Incorporation, 501(c) (3), etc.) List of Members of their Board of Directors Written Personnel Policies ( Table of Contents is acceptable) Written Conflict Interest Policy for Staff and Group Written Grievance Procedure for Customers/Clients Ongoing Quality Assurance Process for Services (Must submit descriptions of process) Annual Budgets of $100,000 or more (Submit an annual budget document)* More than one funding source ( Must submit revenue documentation) Proven Fiscal Capacity including Capacity for Fund Accounting (Submit bound copy of most recent formal audit completed within last year. Must have satisfactorily addressed all findings.) Has or is able to obtain liability, property, and bodily insurance, motor vehicle(if applicable), death benefits, fidelity bonding, unemployment insurance, officer s insurance/employee dishonesty insurance and worker s compensation insurance (Submit most recent Certificate of Insurance) Demonstrated Ability to Collect Outcome Data that measures Performance to Plan (Must submit report showing actual to planned performance) Internet connectivity, individual accounts for persons accountable for contract (Submit statement describing how organization currently addresses or plans to address this criteria) CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 13

14 Assurance of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Law Regulations, Certification Regarding Lobbying, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions, and Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (copies of these forms will be provided by CRWIG) * Small organizations that do not have an annual budget of $100,000 or more may qualify if they have been providing relevant youth services for two years or longer and are able to furnish proof (annual reports, public records, media releases, etc.) of such. 18. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Program success is contingent upon the ability of the Contractor to meet the demands of managing and administering the program/service. Contracts awarded will be based on cost reimbursement with allowable costs limited to those reasonable and necessary for the effective and efficient performance of the contract services. Partial payment may be withheld for failure to meet contract specified performance goals. Contractor responsibilities include but are not limited to: 1. Program operations and fiscal management 2. Monitoring/evaluation 3. Client tracking and documentation* 4. Timely billings and reports 5. Timely reporting of required data/information 6. Cooperation and coordination with the CRWIG staff, Youth Standing Committee and other vendors doing related work 7. Acknowledgement of funding sources the vendor shall give credit to the CRWIG as the program activity funding source in all oral presentations, written documents, publicity and advertisements regarding any activities resulting from the WIA youth program contractual agreement 8. Retention of records all records pertinent to the program shall be retained for a period of five years from the date of final payment for services rendered by the vendor or until audits are complete and findings on all claims have been resolved *CRWIG requires that the WIOA Youth Program Service Provider manage customer data using the Virginia Workforce Connection (VaWC), a web-based data management system. Training on this system will be coordinated by the CRWIG. The VaWC is the system of record for collecting and managing data. 19. ONE-STOP PARTNERSHIP The One-Stop system provides workforce development services to adults. Youth contractors will be required to engage in partnerships to provide additional resources and services to youth. Programs serving year olds should be actively participating with the One-Stop partners to ensure that these youth have access to the full range of services available through WIOA adult services that are available to individuals who are at least 18 years of age. 20. WIOA RESOURCES Public Law elevatevirginia.org (Open the Practitioner s Corner) Bridging Business and Education for the 21 st Century Workforce A Strategic Plan for Virginia s Career Pathways System CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 14

15 Commonwealth of Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills For the Commonwealth: Needs identified by Virginia Employers 21. RFP ATTACHMENTS Budget and Budget Narrative Form Proposal Cover Letter Certification Regarding Compliance with Non-discrimination and Equal Opportunity Laws and Regulations Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Certification Regarding Lobbying CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 15

16 COVER PAGE CRATER REGIONAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT GROUP/LEARN TO EARN, INC. Local Workforce Investment Area 15 P.O.W.E.R. (PROMOTING OUTSTANDING WORK ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY) WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT: OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (Attach to the cover of your proposal) Organization Name Mailing Address Contact Person Name and Job Title Contact Person Phone Contact Person P.O.W.E.R. Location(s)* Petersburg 86 Participants Emporia/Greensville 50 Participants *Proposers must deliver activities and services at both P.O.W.E.R. locations and must serve eligible youth residing in any locality in the region. By my signature below, I attest that I have read the Request For Proposals (RFP), and to the best of my knowledge and belief, all information in this application is true and correct, that the applicant understands and accepts all requirements and procedures stated therein, that the document has been duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant, and that the applicant will comply with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, all federal and state regulations issued pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the Crater Regional Workforce Group policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements if funding is awarded. Authorized Signatory: Name: Title: Signature: Date: CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 16

17 ATTACHMENT ll BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 17

18 CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LAWS AND REGULATIONS Certification of Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: As a condition to the award of financial assistance under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) form the Department of Labor, the grant Applicant assures, with respect to operation of the WIA-funded program or activity and all agreements or arrangements to carry out the WIA-funded program or activity, that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the Nontraditional Employment of Women Act of 1982, as amended; title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended; and with all applicable requirements imposed by or pursuant to regulations implementing those laws, including but not limited to 29CFR part 34. The United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this agreement was made or entered into. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws and regulations, the agency in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, may take action authorized under the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws and regulations. Signature of Authorized Certifying Official Title Organization Date CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 18

19 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS Sub-Grantee/Contractor Organization: This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12543, Debarment and Suspension, 29 CFR Part 98, Section , Participants Responsibilities. The regulations were published as Part VII of the May 26, 1988 Federal Register (Pages ). (BEFORE COMPLETING CERTIFICATION, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BACK WHICH ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CERTIFICATION) 1. The prospective recipient of Federal assistance funds certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals were presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntary excluded from participation in this transaction by an Federal department or agency. 2. Where the prospective recipient of Federal assistance funds is unavailable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal. Signature of Authorized Certifying Official Title Organization Date CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 19

20 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS Instructions for Certification 1. By signing and submitting this form, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out on the reverse side in accordance with these instructions. 2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. 3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to whom this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 4. The terms ``covered transaction,'' ``debarred,'' ``suspended,'' ``ineligible,'' ``lower tier covered transaction,'' ``participant,'' ``person,'' ``primary covered transaction,'' ``principal,'' ``proposal,'' and ``voluntarily excluded,'' as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations. 5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this form that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated. 6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this form that it will include this clause titled ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions,'' without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions. 7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the Non-procurement List. 8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings. 9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participating in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. CRWIG: WIOA Out-of-School-Youth RFP Page 20