Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) TITLE I OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAM

Transcription

1 Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) TITLE I OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAM Request for Proposals for the Central Region Centre Clinton Columbia Lycoming Mifflin Montour Northumberland Snyder Union Issue Date: October 21, 2015 Submission Deadline: November 19, 2015 The enclosed specifications may be modified as required by the United States Department of Labor, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board or the Central Pennsylvania Local Elected Officials Board without prior notice to Proposers.

2 Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction... 3 CPWDC... 3 The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)... 3 Purpose of Request for Proposal... 4 Section 2: RFP Process and Instructions for Submitting a Proposal... 5 Eligible Applicants... 5 Expected Timeline... 5 Technical Assistance... 5 Proposal Submission... 6 Review Process... 6 Section 3: WIOA Eligibility and Required Youth Program Elements... 7 WIOA Out-of-School Youth Eligibility... 7 WIOA Youth Service Delivery... 8 WIOA Youth Required Program Elements... 8 Other Requirements/Scope of Work... 9 Required Outcomes Section 4: Proposal Budget Estimated Allocations Leveraging Resources Proposal Budget Section 5: Proposal I. Cover Sheet/ Agreement and Checklist II. Executive Summary III. Proposal Narrative A. Organizational Capacity and Relevant Experience B. Staffing Plan C. Relationships and Collaboration D. Facilities E. Youth Recruitment Strategies F. WIOA Youth Service Delivery- Program Design G. WIOA Required Program Elements/Other Requirements H. Program Delivery and Implementation of the Program Design I. Performance and Outcomes IV. Budget A. Budget Narrative B. Budget Form Attachment Section 6: Disclaimer CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 2 of 24

3 Section 1: Introduction CPWDC The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the authority of the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) established the Central Region Local Workforce Area to include Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Mifflin, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties (referred to as Central Region). The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (WIB), incorporated as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation, is the grant recipient and administrator of these and other employment and training funds received for programs operated throughout the Central Region. New authorizing legislation, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) is effective July 1, 2015 and establishes each WIB as a Workforce Development Board (WDB). Designated as a WIB and now a WDB, CPWDC has a federal mandate to be the lead organization for workforce development planning and to arrange for a system of service delivery that meets the workforce needs of business and the public alike. Every year, each workforce investment area receives a designated allotment of formula funds designated to serve youth. CPWDC is responsible for developing and implementing strategies around a broad workforce development agenda. CPWDC s diverse partners in the workforce development system range from public agencies, to private and non-profit businesses, to education and training providers, to community and economic development partnerships, to job seekers using the PA CareerLink system. CPWDC is governed by a private sector led Workforce Development Board and one Commissioner from each of the nine counties in the Central Region who serve on the Local Elected Officials Board. The CPWDC Youth Council is a standing committee of the WDB that manages and directs the local operation of contracted WIOA Youth Title I workforce development programs. Comprised of WDB Members and other stakeholder representatives such as those from business, education, juvenile justice, and youth serving organizations, Youth Council members are interested in promoting academic and career readiness of youth in the Central Region. The mission of the Youth Council is to advocate, promote policy and offer services that provide our youth with meaningful opportunities to access the knowledge and skill sets necessary to succeed in careers, as employees and productive members of our communities. The Youth Council is charged to provide oversight, distribute funds, and manage contracts for youth service delivery. Youth funds support programs which serve youth based on eligibility factors as defined in WIOA. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) The federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), P.L was enacted by Congress on August 7, Final regulations were issued on August 11, 2000 under 20 CFR Part 652 through 671. Both documents can be accessed at: Title I of the Act provided for comprehensive, year-round youth programs for eligible out-of-school youth. Program providers under WIA were required to develop strategies for innovative, comprehensive programs based on principles such as preparation for post-secondary opportunities, linkages between academic and occupational learning and connections to the local job market. The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was signed into law on July 22, The Act can be accessed at: and additional information can be accessed at: WIOA Notice of Proposed Rule Making is available at: As in WIA, Title I of the Act provides for comprehensive, year-round youth programs for eligible outof-school youth but also emphasizes the streamlining of services and improvements to youth programs CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 3 of 24

4 including strong required connections between academic and occupational learning. In addition, WIOA places a strong emphasis on Career Pathways, as defined in WIOA Section 3 (7) and additional Common Measures of performance that include retention, median earnings and skill gains. Providers must comply with WIOA and its regulations, however, WIA Common Measures for performance will remain in effect until July 1, 2016 when WIOA Common Measures for performance will take effect. WIA and WIOA both distinguish between an in-school youth (ISY) program and an out-of-school youth (OSY) program. The Youth Council recognizes that each group, ISY and OSY, have different program design needs. OSY are defined as eligible youth who are not attending any school, including secondary or post-secondary; they must be between the ages of 16 and 24 at the time of enrollment, and meet one or more other barriers further defined in this RFP. Both WIA and WIOA have required program elements which can be grouped around four major themes. Priorities include: improving educational achievement preparing for and succeeding in employment supporting youth offering services intended to develop the potential of youth as citizens and leaders Purpose of Request for Proposal CPWDC, through this RFP, competitively seeks one or more qualified providers to deliver comprehensive career development, work readiness, placement and follow-up services to young people not currently attached to any school and with barriers described herein. The funds under this RFP are intended to build upon existing programs/models in our community and create new services to assist those youth who have dropped out of school, or who have graduated, but are in need of special assistance to become successful in the labor market, or in post-secondary pursuits. CPWDC seeks a provider who will ensure OSY participate in a service strategy that will assist OSY in attaining meaningful goals of skill attainment, educational attainment, advanced training, and job placement outcomes. CPWDC seeks a provider who will offer program services to targeted populations with recruitment emphasis to include neighborhoods determined to have the most significant populations of OSY. Provider(s) may focus recruitment on towns where Central Region PA CareerLink sites are located and/or additional towns or areas with an identified need. Proposals may include services in any or all of the Central Region as proposals from multiple respondents will be considered. Note that this request uses the singular form of proposer, provider, etc. although CPWDC may choose to select more than one proposal/provider. CPWDC will determine the number of contracts awarded based on proposals received. CPWDC has the right to fund a lower ranked proposal over a higher ranked proposal because of valid policy considerations, including but not limited to geographical consideration and target populations. Funds released through this RFP will be contracted to provide WIOA Title I OSY services in the Central Region from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, with an option to extend funding annually for up to three years through June 30, 2020 based on successful performance outcomes and available funding. Awarded contracts will be cost-allocation with a performance based component. By submitting a proposal, an organization agrees they must adhere to any and all Federal, State, and CPWDC policy changes. CPWDC is an equal opportunity employer. CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 4 of 24

5 Section 2: RFP Process and Instructions for Submitting a Proposal Eligible Applicants Proposals will be accepted from any private for-profit entity, public or private non-profit entity, government agency, local educational agency, community-based organization, or labor organization that demonstrates the experience and/or capacity to deliver programs to the identified eligible population. The following entities are encouraged to apply: (not limited to) Education entities, including school districts or Career and Technology Centers (CTCs) Community-based organizations, social service agencies, public housing agencies, juvenile probation departments or other related programs dealing with youth PA CareerLink partners Other for- or not-for-profit organizations Eligible organizations with or without previous experience as a contractor with CPWDC are encouraged to submit proposals. Proposals from consortia, partnerships or other combinations of organizations are allowable, but proposals must identify one organization as the lead agency with which CPWDC will subcontract directly. Proposers must agree to a provision of services and demonstrate an ability to fulfill requirements according to Agreement of Basic Requirements found in Attachment 1. Expected Timeline Proposers will follow the timeline: RFP Released: (Available at ) October 21, 2015 Questions Submitted by: ongoing until October 30, 2015 Answers Posted by: (Available at Notify CPWDC of Intent to Submit Proposal by: ( ed to klucas@cpwdc.org) ongoing until November 5, 2015 November 6, 2015 Proposals Due: November 19, 2015 Evaluation Committee Review and Negotiations Begin: November 20, 2015 Recommendation to WDB and LEO Board: December 9, 2015 Notification on Status of Proposals: December 9, 2015 Contract(s) Start: January 1, 2016 Technical Assistance Technical Assistance will be provided through a written question and answer format. Applicants will be given an opportunity to identify specific questions and submit them in writing to CPWDC via only. Questions must be ed by 4:00 P.M. on October 30, 2015 to: Korrie Lucas, Operations Manager, klucas@cpwdc.org, and CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 5 of 24

6 Answers to submitted questions will be posted on within 4 business days of receipt and all questions will be answered by November 5, Consistent with strict procurement policies, CPWDC will provide no technical or program assistance to individual proposers. Proposal Submission Responses must be typed, using at least a 10-point font and be single sided with 1-inch margins. Proposals should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner (not bound) and must have page numbers in the lower right hand corner. Proposers are expected to comply with the page limitations for each section of the response as listed in Section 5 of the RFP. One (1) original copy with signatures should be submitted to: Korrie Lucas Operations Manager Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation 130 Kelly Square, Suite 1 Lewisburg, PA RE: WIOA Out-of-School Youth Proposal One copy should be submitted electronically to: klucas@cpwdc.org RE: Out-of-School Youth Proposal Proposals that are in response to this RFP are due no later than 4:00 P.M. on November 19, Late submissions will not be considered. Review Process Stage 1: CPWDC staff will initially evaluate each proposal for acceptability, with emphasis placed on completeness and responsiveness to requisite program criteria. All required services for the program are addressed All requested information and documentation is included The proposal is submitted in accordance with the RFP The narrative meets the minimum review score required for Stage 2 Stage 2: Proposals that have met the minimum criteria will then be reviewed and ranked by an Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee is comprised of Youth Council and WDB Executive Committee members who have no fiduciary interest in competing for the WIOA Youth programs. Stage 3: The recommendations of the Evaluation Committee will be presented to the full WDB for approval. The WDB will then make recommendations to the Local Elected Officials Board for contracting. Contracts will be issued directly to the selected provider(s) by CPWDC. It is anticipated that cost reimbursement contracts with performance based components will be awarded as a result of this RFP solicitation; providers will be reimbursed actual, allowable and allocable costs not to exceed the maximums stated in the contract. CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 6 of 24

7 Section 3: WIOA Eligibility and Required Youth Program Elements WIOA Out-of-School Youth Eligibility The selected provider is responsible for ensuring and properly documenting eligibility for each OSY enrolled as of the contract start. Eligibility for enrollment as an OSY is as follows (refer to WIOA Section 129(a)(1)(B) for complete detail): 1. US Citizen 2. Registered for Selective Service, if male and has reached eighteenth birthday 3. Not attending any school 4. Age One or more of the following barriers: School Dropout Within age of compulsory school attendance but has not attended for most recent complete school year calendar quarter Secondary school diploma or equivalent and *low income and Basic Skills Deficient or English Language Learner Offender Homeless, runaway, foster care, aged out of foster care, eligible for assistance under Sec 477 SS Act, or out of home placement Pregnant or Parenting Disability Requires Additional Assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment and *low income. According to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making, Requires Additional Assistance may be defined by the state, or the state may allow the local area to define it. The state has not provided guidance as of the release date of this RFP. Until further notice, CPWDC defines Requires Additional Assistance for WIOA eligibility in the same way it was defined for WIA: o Part of a family who has received medical assistance, LIHEAP assistance or public housing/rent subsidy within the past 6 months; or o Lacks a significant work history, defined as meeting one of the following: Has no unsubsidized work history Has been unable to maintain unsubsidized employment with the same employer for 6 months or more Has been fired from one or more jobs within the last six months Has a history of sporadic employment Has been actively seeking employment for at least 2 months but remains unemployed *Low Income is defined as meeting one or more of the following: Receives, or in the past 6 months has received, or is a member of a family that receives or in the past 6 months has received, assistance through SNAP, TANF, or the supplemental security income program, or State or local income-based public assistance; Is in a family with total family income that does not exceed the higher of the poverty line or 70% of the lower living standard income level; Is a homeless individual, or a homeless child or youth Receives or is eligible to receive a free or reduced price lunch Is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made Individual with a disability whose own income meets the income requirement, but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet this requirement CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 7 of 24

8 *Exception: Up to 5% of OSY who meet eligibility requirements other than Low Income (for the barriers where Low Income is required) may be enrolled. Providers must refer youth who do not meet eligibility requirements for the program to appropriate programs to meet the skills and training needs of the participant. WIOA Youth Service Delivery WIOA requires the service strategy be linked to one or more of the indicators of performance in WIOA Sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii). Also, the service strategy must identify career pathways that include appropriate education and employment goals. WIOA outlines a program design that must provide the following (refer to WIOA Section 129(c)(1) and WIOA Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Labor Only) for complete detail): Objective assessment of academic levels, skill levels, and service needs For the purpose of identifying appropriate services and career pathways for participants, it must include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes, supportive service needs, and developmental needs. Service strategies Shall be directly linked to indicators of performance and shall identify career pathways that include education and employment goals. Activities leading to attainment of secondary school diploma/recognized equivalent or postsecondary credential Preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities Strong linkage between academic instruction and occupational education Preparation for unsubsidized employment Effective connections to employers WIOA Youth Required Program Elements WIOA outlines required program elements, each of which must be made readily available to any and all enrolled youth who have a need for the program element (refer to WIOA Section 129(c)(1)(C)(2) for complete detail): Tutoring, study skills training, instruction and evidence-based dropout prevention/recovery strategies Must 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 services Paid and unpaid work experiences that have academic and occupational education as a component of the work experience May include summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities, preapprenticeship programs, internships, job shadowing and on-the-job training opportunities Occupational skills training Shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized post-secondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 8 of 24

9 Leadership development opportunities May include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, civic engagement and activities that place youth in a leadership role Supportive services May include services that increase access to and opportunities for employment, education, and training needed to succeed in the labor market; needs-related payments and assistance with educational testing and accommodations Adult mentoring Implemented during the period of participation and for no less than 12 months; must be provided by an adult other than the case manager Comprehensive guidance and counseling May include drug and alcohol abuse counseling as well as referrals to services provided by partner programs, as appropriate Financial literacy education Supporting ability of participants to create household budgets, initiate savings plans, and make informed financial decisions about education, retirement, home ownership, wealth building, or other savings goals; see WIOA sec. 129(b)(2)(D) for additional activities Entrepreneurial skills training Education and information regarding the development of small businesses Labor market information (LMI) services Labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the Central Region Activities that help prepare youth for transition to postsecondary education and training Follow-up services Must be provided for a minimum of 12 months after completion of participation; follow-up services are defined as more than just a contact and must provide necessary support to OSY Other Requirements/Scope of Work Due to the realities of a high unemployment rate experienced by young adults and the desire to have a consistently defined menu of services to offer OSY, CPWDC s Youth Council has a program design in place: GET2WORK (implemented under the Workforce Investment Act), found in Attachment 2. Changes to the program design in order to align programming with the requirements of WIOA are welcome as are new innovative designs addressing the long-term employability of these youth. At a minimum, all proposals will comply with WIOA and the additional program requirements described herein. Proposers are encouraged to review the GET2WORK framework to better understand the Youth Council s vision for service delivery. The program design must help OSY connect to employment and/or education by guiding them along a structured framework of services and activities. It must be connected to the full array of services available through the PA CareerLink system. CPWDC values a program design that will help OSY reach their full potential. Note that CPWDC reserves the right to approve or deny, in part or full, any program model suggestions. OSY will be directed based on individual skills, needs and goals; all will be at different stages of ability to reach those goals. Youth providers will be measured not only on individual outcomes, but on how well they connect to other providers, social services, etc. on behalf of the youth s needs. The mission of the OSY program, according the CPWDC Youth Council, is as follows: CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 9 of 24

10 CPWDC s OSY program will prepare youth for the transition to employment and/or post-secondary education by providing a sequence of activities and services that address basic skills, work readiness skills and occupational skills through a focus on career awareness and exploration, structured and relevant work experiences, practical workshops and connections to leadership competencies. CPWDC will consider various staffing patterns including the use of part-time vs. full-time staff, shared staff, etc., but expects that an adequate amount of time is dedicated to the OSY program and dedicated to serving individual OSY. The following list outlines general expectations of the program provider(s) regarding overall roles and expectations and the scope of work. This list is in addition to the requirements outlined in WIOA, including Service Delivery and Required Program Elements. Recruitment Providers will be responsible for the recruitment of eligible OSY and are expected to include innovative marketing and contact techniques, making programs age appropriate while encouraging OSY participation and feedback into continuous program improvements. Recruitment will include methods and networks to ensure enrollment from the broad spectrum of WIOA allowable eligibility. Recruitment will occur in targeted neighborhoods within the defined counties in which services are proposed. CPWDC values OSY being referred to as something other than youth, such as young adults. Assumption of Existing Caseload Proposers are expected to agree to assume the responsibility for providing continued services to youth on the existing WIA OSY caseload, including up to 12 months of follow-up for youth who have been exited from the program. The following is an estimated distribution of the currently enrolled youth by PA CareerLink : PA CareerLink Estimated Number of Currently Enrolled Active OSY Centre Clinton Columbia/Montour Lycoming Mifflin Northumberland/Snyder/Union Estimated Number of Current OSY in Follow-Up Objective Assessment A requirement according to WIOA, all youth active in the program as of the January 1, 2016 contract start date will have already been assessed in at least some areas. Assessment results conducted prior to the start of the contract will be included in the case files which will transfer to the selected provider(s). The selected provider(s) will be required to implement additional assessments as needed in order to understand the needs of individual youth in accordance with WIOA. All newly enrolled youth will require an objective assessment according to WIOA. Assessment shall include but not be limited to a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes (including interests and aptitudes for non-traditional careers), supportive service needs, and developmental needs of participants. All OSY must be assessed in basic reading/writing and math to measure the educational functioning levels for the literacy/numeracy performance measure. CPWDC expects proposers to CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 10 of 24

11 administer the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or partner with an organization with those capabilities. Those youth identified as basic skills deficient, that is an Educational Functioning Level at or below the ninth grade in Literacy or Numeracy, must be re-assessed using the TABE prior to end of the program. Individual Service Strategy (ISS) The Individual Service Strategy (ISS), required by WIOA, will be key to the overall case management strategy and on-going development and re-assessment of goals. For each participant, proposers must agree to work with individual youth to help them develop a written plan of long and short-term goals addressing educational, employment and leadership development priorities, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment conducted. CPWDC has an ISS template but will consider approving a different template with the selected provider(s). All active youth in the program as of January 1, 2016 will have an ISS in place, but note that the ISS is a living document that will be updated throughout a youth s enrollment. The provider will ensure the ISS is a living document that is pulled for meetings with youth ensuring changes and revisions are discussed and documented. According to WIOA, the ISS must directly link to performance. Remediation The selected provider will offer remediation or will have a partnership with another provider to improve literacy and/or numeracy scores of OSY determined to be basic skills deficient according to the TABE. An individualized tutoring plan is the preferred means of remediation. Instruction must be grounded in proven best practices; it must be relevant, work based, engaging, and result in increases that align with the overall program model. Clear post-test strategies including encouragement to complete remediation and post-tabe are required. Data Management From Enrollment Through Exit The Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) is an internet based system of services for use by customers and potential customers of the PA CareerLink offices and youth service providers. CWDS is the system of record for all WIOA funded programs in Pennsylvania. All successful providers funded through this RFP will be required to record and track all youth activities, program services, case notes, and outcomes in CWDS. It is the provider s responsibility to ensure on-going staff expertise and cooperation. In addition, providers will be asked to provide additional documentation or information not accessible through CWDS in order to evaluate performance outcomes as well as program strengths and weaknesses. Specifically, providers will be required to input data into Excel spreadsheets CPWDC will develop and house on a Microsoft SharePoint website. SharePoint allows users to upload information onto secure websites and will allow real-time data to be collected and available for all youth participants. Case File Management Proposers are responsible for maintaining and securing youth participant case files at all times. Included in the files are regular maintenance of forms and documentation of activities. The case files will include identification and contact information, assessment information, supportive service needs, documentation of customer contacts and other forms required by CPWDC and the PA Department of Labor & Industry. Case files are the property of CWPDC and must be available at all times for review. Files must be retained for three years after CPWDC reports final expenditures to the US Department of Labor. CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 11 of 24

12 Case Management All proposers are responsible for providing intensive and on-going case management both during the program and retention phase of the program. Case management will be engaging and based on the needs of individual youth according to the ISS and immediate needs. Case management will have an approach that guides youth to recognize possible discrepancies in their thinking and lead them to determine on their own what the best course of action and next steps will be. OSY who falter off the path to goals will be encouraged to get back on track, or if needed, rethink and plan goals again. Time Spent Directly with Enrolled Youth Proposers are responsible for ensuring a majority of each day involves staff spending time with enrolled youth facilitating quality activities including WIOA Required Elements, providing case management, helping youth develop and revise plans, and providing all other aspects of the program. Career Exploration, Development, and Work Readiness Services The proposed design will incorporate individualized services including activities, as required, to help OSY learn about who they are and how their interests, skills and experiences relate to career goals. Career exploration is valued as extremely important so that OSY learn about opportunities they may not have considered or previously been aware of. Paid and Unpaid Work Experiences WIOA requires 20% of funds to be spent on opportunities to gain work experiences that have as a component, academic and occupational education which may include paid work experience, onthe-job training, job shadowing, internships and pre-apprenticeship programs. The provider will be expected to help OSY understand more about themselves and their career goals as a result of opportunities such as paid work experiences, volunteer opportunities and job shadows. Within the existing GET2WORK model, the paid work experience (PWE) is available to OSY who have a basic skills deficiency (allowing them to make remediation a priority by providing worksite hours which wrap around the remediation) and those who have limited employment experience. PWE is for up to 240 hours and pays minimum wage. Proposals may include this existing design or may include new and different means of offering PWE. At no time may a PWE violate Child Labor Laws. The provider is responsible for recruiting, orienting and monitoring all worksites and will be responsible to follow minor wage agreements and post requirements, obtain I9 forms, parent consent forms, and work permits for minors. Providers must establish partnerships with local businesses. Work site agreements are required to be in place prior to youth starting employment (including obtaining cooperative agreements with existing bargaining agreements if applicable). WIOA youth program participants cannot displace or jeopardize the status of current employees. The provider, or the provider s designee, will act as the employer of record for all youth placed in PWE and will be responsible for payments to the participants, all applicable withholdings and adequate insurances to cover participating youth. On-the-Job Training Contracts are strongly encouraged, especially for OSY who have some work experience. The CPWDC OJT Policy can be found in Attachment 5. Proposers are encouraged to think creatively about methods for offering paid and unpaid work experiences including but not limited to: Individual placements linked to career goals CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 12 of 24

13 Internships where the employer pays a portion of the participant wages Team service learning projects where youth are led through a variety of short-term and long-term projects with multiple agencies Wrap around activities that provide academic enrichment, leadership development opportunities, mentoring and/or work readiness instruction Effective Service Delivery Proposers are encouraged to develop innovative service delivery options that: Take into account OSY feedback and is responsive to identified needs Include relevant opportunities for OSY to meet together in groups to facilitate shared career exploration and peer support Help OSY define goals in an attainable way and outline them into career pathways Encourage OSY to maintain participation in the program Has an overall OSY-centered approach so that individuals know what s in it for them and are supported throughout the journey to placement and beyond Achieve performance targets Supportive Services Supportive services will be offered to participants who need them. The provider will be expected to seek and exhaust such services through referrals to other community organizations prior to using WIOA funds. The CPWDC Youth Support Services Policy can be found in Attachment 3. Collaboration Proposers are expected to demonstrate ability to collaborate with partners to provide resources and services to youth and help youth attain the performance benchmarks of the program design. Specifically, proposers should demonstrate evidence of collaborative partnerships to support attainment, the successful placement of youth in employment and/or education, and retention. The selected provider will work closely with all partners in the PA CareerLink and local Adult Basic Education (ABE) Title II providers in delivering job readiness, job search, job placement assistance and basic or academic skills instruction. CPWDC values a holistic OSY centered approach to program delivery and values attainment of needed skills, including academic skills Title II providers offer. Employer Connections Connections to employers are essential to effectively assist youth to become highly skilled and employable. These connections should lead to placements in employment as well as meaningful exposure to the world of work with resulting measurable skill increases. Proposers should demonstrate relationships with employers from the region s key industries, including but not limited to advanced manufacturing, health care and natural gas so youth can experience relevant and realistic career exploration, job shadowing, internships, mentoring, paid work experience, volunteer opportunities, and ultimately, sustainable employment. Guide OSY to success in transitioning to employment, post-secondary education or military Placement and transition services, including but not limited to job placement assistance and postsecondary readiness based on individual youth goals will ensure successful placement outcomes. The provider will utilize the resources of the PA CareerLink to help accomplish this goal. Project Duration Enrollment length will vary based on the needs of the youth, approved program design, and funding availability. The selected provider will offer an intensive program that places each youth in CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 13 of 24

14 employment as soon as there is a demonstrated readiness and defined career path. The current program design is for an average of 6 months from enrollment to exit. Youth are expected to receive services from the point of initial enrollment/contract commencement through employment and during the 12 months of follow-up. Follow-Up Included in the WIOA Youth Required Program Elements is follow-up. CPWDC s Youth Council has implemented a policy to ensure minimum expected contacts and appropriate services are provided. See Attachment 4. Staff Staff must be certified or specially trained to work with youth with employment barriers. Case managers, teachers, job developers, job coaches and employment specialists who are trained to work with the target population are examples of qualified staff. CPWDC values on-going staff training grounded in proven best practices, such as Motivational Interviewing. In the event of a change in program providers as a result of this RFP, CPWDC will require the selected provider to interview current staff to help determine the appropriate staffing level and aid in the transition to benefit the youth. The provider will adhere to all current laws including those for background checks and clearances. All staff assigned to work with youth under age 18 must have no record on the following: Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check (Act 34) Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151) Federal Criminal History Record Communication with CPWDC The provider must designate a point of contact for all communication with CPWDC. All technical assistance questions will be sent to CPWDC who will research and contact the applicable bureau within Pennsylvania s Department of Labor and Industry as necessary. Facilities The selected provider is required to house direct program staff at locations convenient to serving targeted youth such as the PA CareerLink, existing community based youth program facilities, or other proposed locations. The provider will ensure office spaces are welcoming and friendly to the targeted age group. Providers may choose, but are not required, to rent space at one or more PA CareerLink sites. Associated costs for one Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) within these facilities are pre-determined and must be included in the proposed budget; estimated costs and more detailed information are provided in Sections 4 and 5. The locations are as follows: PA CareerLink Centre County, 240 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte PA CareerLink Clinton County, 8 North Grove Street, Suite F, Lock Haven PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties, 415 Central Road, Suite 2, Bloomsburg PA CareerLink Lycoming County, 329 Pine Street, Williamsport PA CareerLink Mifflin County, 6395 SR 103 North, MCIDC Plaza, Building 58, Lewistown PA CareerLink Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties, 225 Market Street, Sunbury WorkKeys and WIN tm WorkKeys, developed by ACT, Inc., is a job skills assessment system measuring real world skills CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 14 of 24

15 that employers believe are critical to job success. The Central Region utilizes three WorkKeys assessments that measure skills needed in the majority of jobs according to ACT: Applied Mathematics, Locating Information and Reading for Information. In addition, WorkKeys offers a Personal Skills Assessment that the Central Region uses to help participants learn more about themselves and recognize strengths and areas for growth. Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN tm ), a self-paced study and courseware curriculum designed to assist individuals, is a supplemental courseware for individuals who are preparing for the WorkKeys assessments or for individuals interested in brushing up on skill areas. Proposers are encouraged to consider when and how WIN and WorkKeys, or similar assessment tools, may be appropriately integrated into the service mix for OSY. Required Outcomes WIA Common Measures WIA Common Measures will remain in effect for the first year of WIOA, that is, July 1, 2015 through June 30, It is expected that the selected provider will meet or exceed the negotiated rates for the six month period of service provided in program year Attainment of a Degree or Certificate at least 85% of participants enrolled in education at any point during the program must attain a diploma, GED, or certificate by the end of the third quarter after exit. Placement in Employment or Education - at least 68% of participants not in post-secondary education, employment or the military at the date of participation must enter post-secondary education, employment, or the military in the first quarter after exit. Literacy/Numeracy Gains at least 54% who are basic skills deficient must increase one or more educational functioning levels. CPWDC requires the measure is met prior to the exit from WIOA OSY. This outcome is measured on an annual basis, based on the enrollment date. WIOA Common Measures WIA Common Measures will be replaced by WIOA Common Measures effective July 1, For more information, see WIOA Section 116 and note that the selected provider agrees to meet all required measures. It is expected that the selected provider will begin to immediately incorporate service delivery that would result in positive outcomes for each of the WIOA Common Measures in preparation for July 1, Placement Percent of participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit; for ISY/OSY, also includes those in training. Retention Percent of participants in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit; for ISY/OSY, also includes those in training. Median Earnings Median earnings of participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit. Credential Rate Percent of participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, or a secondary school diploma or equivalent during participation or within one year after exit. Secondary school diploma/equivalent are positive only if also obtained employment or in training leading to a credential within one year after exit. CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 15 of 24

16 In Program Skills Gain Percent of participants who, during a program year, are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains toward such a credential or employment. Services to Employers Indicators of effectiveness in serving employers (yet to be defined). Additional Indicators A State may identify additional performance (yet to be defined). Proposers must be prepared to have systems in place to track, document, and report outcomes. In addition to meeting Common Measures, CPWDC requires the following outcomes: Attainment of enrollment goals for minimum number of youth served High quality of case files and career portfolio information including resumes, cover letters, and job applications Commitment to execution of the approved program design as demonstrated by the information entered on SharePoint and CWDS Performance Sanctions: Aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Workforce Investment Information Notice No dated July 15, 2011, a provider that fails to meet at least 80% of the negotiated level for a specific performance measure for one year, will be considered as having unacceptable performance. In the event that the provider has unacceptable performance, CPWDC, at a minimum, will require the provider to submit a performance improvement plan with specific steps that will be taken to improve performance. If provider fails to meet 80% of the negotiated level for a specific performance measure for a second consecutive year, provider may be subject to sanctions in the amount of 2% for each failed measure. In addition, provider will be required to comply with all available Technical Assistance and all State and CPWDC determined requirements and be at risk for having the contract revoked. Performance sanctions may also be rendered if quality of services or compliance issues are identified by CPWDC. Section 4: Proposal Budget Under this contract, performance measures are based on 100% enrollment. To that end, successful respondents will receive a percentage of their contract operating award via cost reimbursement invoicing, fulfillment of its enrollment targets, and monthly data entry. The balance of the funds will be accessible upon the achievement of negotiated outcomes (e.g. GED attainment, post-secondary education placement, job placement and retention, literacy/numeracy skills gains, etc.). The structure of the hybrid cost reimbursement/performance-based contracts will be finalized during final contract negotiations with successful respondents. Estimated Allocations For budgeting purposes, respondents should use the funding estimate of approximately $1.4 million in WIOA OSY funds for the period from January 1, 2016 through June 30, Please note $1.4 is an estimate only and CPWDC will consider proposals that below and above that estimate. Funds can be used for: Staffing and staff support costs Participant support services CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 16 of 24

17 Paid Work Experiences (20% minimum) PA CareerLink Resource Sharing Agreement Costs based on FTEs Administrative overhead (not to exceed 10%) Other costs allowable and related to the program design Note that these funds are estimates and are provided for planning purposes only. The actual allocation for the contract period will be negotiated with the selected provider. CPWDC reserves the option to modify contracts on a year-to-year basis. Funding for subsequent years of the contract will be determined on an annual basis and may increase or decrease based on the annual WIOA allocations. Leveraging Resources Funds are limited. Linkages and partnerships with existing programs are encouraged and will be necessary to make the program cost effective. Proposers are strongly encouraged to partner with other organizations to maximize funding. Proposers are also strongly encouraged to prove they will match WIOA funding with non-wioa funds in cash and in-kind donations. Examples include other grants and staff assigned to this project who are funded in whole or part through a non-wioa Title I source. Proposers must describe the linkages, match and alternate funding sources in their response. To sustain this program and identify adequate resources to build a comprehensive program, proposers must leverage both financial and programmatic resources. Proposal Budget The purpose of the Project Budget is to demonstrate how the proposer will implement their plan with the funds available through this program. The budget is the basis for management, fiscal review and audit. Project costs must be directly related to the objectives and activities of the project. The budget must cover the entire contract period. In the Project Budget, proposers will be asked to distinguish between costs that will be charged to WIOA funds and those that will be included in identified leveraged funds. The proposer shall develop a line-item budget that will enable the proposal to meet the intent and requirements of the program, ensure successful implementation of the project and be cost-effective. The proposer should prepare a realistic and prudent budget avoiding unnecessary or unusual expenditures that would detract from the accomplishment of the objectives and activities of the project. The following information is provided to assist in the preparation of the budget. Strict adherence to all required and prohibited items is expected. All activities, services, facilities and/or equipment, including leased items, which will be subcontracted by the proposer, must be competitively procured following applicable regulations. CPWDC has final approval of all contract costs before funds are dispersed. All contracts require: Line item budget for invoicing, program monitoring and audit; Monthly invoices for actual costs incurred; and Sufficient documentation for all costs incurred. CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 17 of 24

18 Section 5: Proposal I. Cover Sheet/ Agreement and Checklist Found in Attachment 1, complete the Cover Sheet in its entirety. Indicate agreement with/ability to comply with each requirement listed on the Agreement to Basic Requirements. Use the Checklist to ensure all requested information is provided with your proposal. II. Executive Summary Include up to a two page summary of your proposal which includes an overview of your organization s mission and philosophy and the relevant experience serving youth and young adults who have barriers to employment or have little to no work experience. III. Proposal Narrative Respond to all of the questions asked in the order they are asked. Do not weave your answers into the text; instead, use the question and answer format in your proposal (include the corresponding section letter and number of each question in the narrative response, not the full question, example: A.1 then your response.). Including attachments as indicated in the questions will not count toward the page limitations of each section. The narrative cannot exceed 20 pages. A. Organizational Capacity and Relevant Experience 1. Describe your organization s success in meeting and exceeding performance measures, your greatest challenges in achieving outcomes, and how you did so. Attach Performance Outcomes to your response (please make sure that the required level and the level achieved are both clearly marked). Please ensure that the data, if aggregated with the performance of other organizations, distinguishes the performance outcomes specific to your organization. 2. Describe how on-going staff training and professional development will occur and how it will relate to successful youth program delivery. Provide a list of training from the current program year (if you operate a workforce program currently). 3. Describe how front-line staff will be supervised and how adherence to program compliance, quality and design will be managed and monitored. B. Staffing Plan 1. Explain the staffing plan including: a. Whether positions are full time or are cost-shared with other funding streams; if cost-shared, describe the portion of time each staff person will spend dedicated to Central Region OSY activities. b. Duties, experience, and qualifications of known staff members (resumes may be attached and will not count against page limitation). c. Job descriptions and minimum and desired qualifications for other staff members (job descriptions may be attached and will not count against page limitation). d. How many OSY each direct staff person will carry on a caseload; include a breakdown according to active youth and youth in follow-up and include explanation regarding the caseload and how it s manageable and efficient. 2. Describe strategies you will employ to ensure youth and staff develop a positive working relationship including how you will focus on the unique strengths of each participant. CPWDC WIOA OSY RFP Page 18 of 24