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

Transcription

1 Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) TITLE I IN-SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAM Request for Proposals for the Central Region Centre Clinton Columbia Lycoming Mifflin Montour Northumberland Snyder Union Issue Date: July 7, 2015 Submission Deadline: August 11, 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... 6 Proposal Submission... 6 Review Process... 6 Section 3: WIOA Eligibility and Required Youth Program Elements... 7 WIOA In-School Youth Eligibility... 7 WIOA Youth Service Delivery... 8 WIOA Youth Required Program Elements... 8 Other Requirements... 9 Scope of Work 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 H. Program Delivery and Implementation of the Program Design I. Performance and Outcomes IV. Budget A. Budget Narrative B. Budget Form VI. Disclaimer CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 2 of 26

3 Section 1: Introduction CPWDC The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the authority of the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) establishes 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. Each 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 WIA and WIOA Youth Title I workforce development programs. According to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, summarized in the next section, WDBs are not required to maintain a Youth Council, however, CPWDC plans to proceed with a Youth Council in place. 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 provides for comprehensive, year-round youth programs for eligible in-school youth. Program providers under WIA are 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: CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 3 of 26

4 act. As in WIA, Title I of the Act provides for comprehensive, year-round youth programs for eligible inschool youth but emphasizes the streamlining of services and improvements to youth programs 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 WIA and its regulations until superseded by WIOA. ISY programs will adhere to WIOA requirements effective July 1, 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. ISY are defined as eligible youth who are attending secondary or post-secondary school between the ages of 14 and 21 at the time of enrollment, are low income, and meet one or more of a list of seven criteria. The CPWDC ISY program focuses on youth during their junior and senior years in high school. 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 and work readiness services that are based on the principles of preparation for postsecondary opportunities, linkages between academic and occupational learning, and connections to the local job market. Attainment of a high school diploma and sustained employment or post-secondary education or military enlistment are the overall goals of the program. CPWDC seeks a provider who will ensure ISY participate in a year-round service strategy that will intervene and assist youth in attaining meaningful goals of skill attainment, educational attainment as well as postsecondary education, advanced training and job placement outcomes. The selected provider will drive career development initiatives established to provide a consolidated and integrated youth employment network that provides youth with the 21st century skills needed to perform at the highest standard in the region s premier industries. Youth enrolled prior to July 1, 2015 and active or in follow up on July 1, 2015 will be expected to successfully transition to new services under WIOA. CPWDC seeks a provider who can offer the following services: 1. Career development and work readiness services during the academic year for enrolled youth in grades 11 and 12. Services must, at a minimum, comply with WIOA and other requirements outlined within this RFP. 2. Recruit additional eligible youth in 11 th and 12 th grades from the region s highest priority school districts in fall 2015 (optional). 3. Provide 12 months of follow up for exited ISY. 4. Guide graduating seniors to success in transitioning to employment, post-secondary or military between June and September Recruit additional eligible youth in 10 th and 11 th grades from the region s highest priority school districts in spring Directly, or through the use of a subcontractor, coordinate a summer youth work experience for eligible youth during the summer of CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 4 of 26

5 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. Awarded contracts will be cost-allocation with a performance based component. Funds released through this RFP will be contracted to provide WIOA Title I ISY services in the Central Region from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016, with an option to extend funding annually for up to three years through September 30, 2019 based on successful performance outcomes and available funding. The 12-month contract will allow proposers to plan for a minimum 3 month post-graduation period during which the participants will receive services needed for employment and educational outcomes. By submitting a proposal, an organization agrees that they must adhere to any and all Federal, State, and CPWDC policy changes. CPWDC is an equal opportunity employer. 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 youth programs to the identified eligible youth 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 3. Expected Timeline RFP Released: (Available at ) July 7, 2015 Questions Submitted by: ongoing until July 24, 2015 Answers Posted by: (Available at Notify CPWDC of Intent to Submit Proposal by: ( ed to vdavis@cpwdc.org) ongoing until July 29, 2015 July 29, 2015 CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 5 of 26

6 Proposals Due: August 11, 2015 Evaluation Committee Review and Negotiations Begin: August 12, 2015 Recommendation to WDB and LEO Board: September 9, 2015 Notification on Status of Proposals: September 9, 2015 Contract(s) Start: October 1, 2015 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 4:30 P.M. on July 24, 2015 to: Korrie Lucas, Operations Manager, klucas@cpwdc.org, and Vina Davis, Communications Coordinator, vdavis@cpwdc.org Answers to submitted questions will be posted on within 4 business days of receipt and all questions will be answered by July 29, 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 V 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 In-School Youth Proposal One copy should be submitted electronically to: klucas@cpwdc.org RE: In School Youth Proposal Proposals that are in response to this RFP are due no later than 4:00 P.M. on August 11, 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 CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 6 of 26

7 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 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. Section 3: WIOA Eligibility and Required Youth Program Elements WIOA In-School Youth Eligibility WIOA outlines eligibility for enrollment as an ISY as follows (refer to WIOA Section 129(a)(1)(C) for complete detail): 1. Attending school; 2. Age 14 21; 3. Low Income; and 4. One or more of the following barriers: Basic Skills Deficient Offender Pregnant or Parenting Homeless, runaway, foster care, aged out of foster care, eligible for assistance under sec 477 SS Act, or out of home placement English Language Learner Disability Requires Additional Assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment Limitation: Only 5% of ISY enrolled may be those made eligible according to Requires Additional Assistance barrier. Until further guidance is available, the definition of this eligibility measure is not yet defined. Low Income according to WIOA 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 (I) the poverty line; or (II) 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. Note that Requires Additional Assistance has not yet been defined as of the release date of this RFP. According to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making, if the state does not define this and a local area CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 7 of 26

8 chooses to, the local area will define it. CPWDC will plan to define this criterion if the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not. Providers must refer youth who either do not meet the enrollment requirements for the program or cannot be served by that program for further assessment, if necessary, or 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)(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, 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 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 throughout the school year, pre-apprenticeship 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 CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 8 of 26

9 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 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 more than just a contact and must provide necessary support to ISY Note the following are prohibited by WIOA: use of WIOA funds to be used to develop or implement educational curricula for school systems; use of WIOA funds for designated school-to-work programs; and ISY programs or activities that interfere with or replace regular academic requirements of youth. Other Requirements To assist high school juniors and seniors to make connections between school and careers, encourage youth to graduate from high school and help bridge the gap between high school and the future. CPWDC created an ISY program design, Bridges to the Future, which can be found in Attachment 1. The model is connected to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Career Education and Work. The mission of the ISY program, according the CPWDC Youth Council, is as follows: The CPWDC ISY program will prepare youth for the transition to employment and/or post-secondary education following high school graduation through a focus on career awareness and exploration, structured and relevant work experiences, practical workshops and connections to academic and leadership competencies. CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 9 of 26

10 In addition, ISY should 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 also on how well they connect to other providers, social services, etc. on behalf of the youth s needs. The CPWDC Youth Council expects that, at a minimum, all proposals will comply with WIOA and the additional program requirements described below. Proposers are encouraged to review the Bridges to the Future Framework to better understand the Youth Council s vision for service delivery. Proposers are not required to follow Bridges to the Future and are encouraged to suggest additional elements beyond the existing framework and incorporate all WIOA required elements and other activities that will be of value. Any suggested model must be connected to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Career Education and Work. Note CPWDC reserves the right to approve or deny, in part or full, any program model suggestions. 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 ISY program and dedicated to serving individual ISY. The following list outlines general expectations of the program provider(s) regarding overall roles and expectations. This list is in addition to the requirements outlined in WIOA, including Service Delivery and Required Program Elements. Objective Assessment A requirement according to WIOA, all youth active in the program as of the October 1, 2015 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. Individual Service Strategy (ISS) The Individual Service Strategy (ISS) will be key to the overall case management strategy and ongoing 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 October 1, 2015 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. 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. CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 10 of 26

11 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. 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. Youth who falter off the path to goals will be encouraged to proceed and see for themselves why it s in their best interests to do so. 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. Supportive Services Supportive services will be offered to participants who need them. The providers 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 2. 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 high school graduation, the successful placement of youth in employment and/or education within one quarter of high school graduation, and retention. Impact on all Students/ PA CareerLink Awareness Proposers will ensure that enrolled youth are always the priority and will coordinate services to ensure that non-enrolled students receive services such as career exploration, career planning activities, and access to job fairs. The successful proposer will ensure collaboration with the PA CareerLink and will ensure as many students as possible in each school receive engaging and quality information regarding the services available at the PA CareerLink, even if they don t need to access those services at present. CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 11 of 26

12 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 and volunteer opportunities. Project Duration Ideally, enrollment will occur prior to the start of the junior year and continue through placement within one quarter after high school graduation. For at least the first year of program operations, providers will be working with a mix of youth entering their junior and senior years. The program design identifies the minimums for contact with youth during their enrollment; however, more frequent contacts should be made according to individual youth needs. Youth will receive 12 months of follow-up. 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. 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. Facilities The selected provider is required to house direct program staff at locations convenient to serving targeted youth such as schools, existing community based youth program facilities, or other proposed locations. Current providers have worked with school districts to secure office space within the schools during the academic year. This allows staff to integrate into the school itself, be easily accessible when ISY are free to set up appointments or stop in, interact with teachers and administration, be available for school meetings as invited, foster a relationship where the school finds the program to be a helpful resource, and be a resource to all students including to increase awareness of PA CareerLink services. Proposers are encouraged to work with the schools in which WIOA youth will be enrolled in order to set up office space. Note that CPWDC is not suggesting or requiring programs to be staffed by personnel from school districts, rather CPWDC requests that the preferred office location for provider staff is on-site within the schools according to negotiations with the schools. CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 12 of 26

13 The provider will ensure office spaces are welcoming and youth friendly. Signage listing the schedule of the staff will be posted so students know staff availability. To the extent possible, PA CareerLink signage should be posted along with signage that outlines the resources and services that are available to all students. 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 Section V. 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 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 may be appropriately integrated into the service mix for ISY. Scope of Work All youth will be in 11 th or 12 th grade when the contract commences. All youth will have been made eligible according to WIA since they will have been enrolled prior to implementation of WIOA on July 1, They will have completed a paid work experience in July and/or August 2015 or will have secured their own unsubsidized part-time summer employment. Providers will be asked to identify the county(ies) in which they will provide services. The following is an estimated distribution of the currently enrolled youth by county: County Estimated Number of Currently Enrolled Active ISY Estimated Number of Current ISY in Follow Up Centre Clinton Columbia/Montour Lycoming Mifflin Northumberland Snyder Union 0 0 CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 13 of 26

14 CPWDC seeks a provider(s) who can provide the services described below: 1. Career development and work readiness services during the academic year for enrolled youth in grades 11 and 12. The current program design, Bridges to the Future, was implemented under the Workforce Investment Act and can be found in Attachment 1. Changes to the program design in order to align programming with the requirements of WIOA are welcome as are new innovative designs. At a minimum, services must incorporate PA Career Education & Work Standards. Note that the Bridges to the Future program design was developed to provide increasingly more intensive and customized career awareness and planning activities for youth as they approach high school graduation. During the junior year, youth spend time learning about who they are and how their interests, skills and experiences relate to their career goals. During the senior year, youth progress through a series of activities to prepare them for their placement and career goal: employment, postsecondary education or military. Mixed throughout the program are opportunities for youth to gain work experience through job shadowing, paid work experiences, internships, volunteerism, and service learning. It is preferred that a proposer s recommended program design keep these considerations in mind. ISY services delivered during the academic year are currently offered on site in the youth s school. Proposers are encouraged to develop creative delivery options that: a. Include opportunities for youth to meet together in groups to facilitate shared career exploration and peer support; b. Demonstrate integration within the school community by making the world of work relevant to academic work; c. Build on the paid work experiences by offering activities to help the youth understand more about themselves and their career goals as a result; d. Reach as many seniors and other students as possible within the school district served, with a focus on educating them on the services and resources available at the PA CareerLink. ISY staff are not required to provide services every day in each school. CPWDC supports a staffing design that allows for individual staff to serve more than one district with scheduled office and appointment times on a weekly or other basis. 2. Recruit additional eligible youth from the region s highest priority school districts While it is not required, respondents may propose to recruit and enroll additional youth in 11 th and 12 th grades in October 2015 and provide the same services as proposed in above #1 through June New youth need to be assessed for WIOA eligibility and program suitability and/or be non-wia youth who could be served with leveraged funds identified by the selected provider(s). In addition, recruitment of new ISY, especially upcoming juniors, will be required in spring CPWDC performed a geographic analysis that identified the highest need school districts across the Central Region. It was based on indicators of youth eligibility requirements set forth by the Workforce Investment Act. Respondents are encouraged to find ways to align recruitment strategies for additional youth and participant cohorts with the areas of highest need. Berwick Area School District *Millville Area School District Keystone Central School District Columbia County Columbia County Clinton County CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 14 of 26

15 Midd-West School District Snyder County Mifflin County School District Mifflin County Milton Area School District Northumberland County Mount Carmel Area School District Northumberland County Shamokin Area School District Northumberland County Shikellamy School District Northumberland County *Jersey Shore Area School District Lycoming County Williamsport Area School District Lycoming County * Identified in fall 2014 as high priority; ISY staff are not currently integrated with these districts and there is no current caseload. The Youth Council supports the integration of WIOA programming across all nine counties of the Central Region, therefore, although Centre County does not have school districts that rank highest across the Region, CPWDC performed an analysis to determine those that are highest need in Centre County. Respondents are encouraged to find ways to align recruitment strategies for additional youth and participant cohorts with those areas of highest need. Bald Eagle Area School District Bellefonte Area School District Centre County Centre County Please note that in addition to integration with all of the above named school districts, current youth are also served in Career and Technical Education programs associated with the highest priority school districts. Providers will be responsible for the recruitment of eligible ISY and are expected to include innovative marketing and contact techniques, making programs youth friendly and age appropriate while encouraging youth participation and feedback into continuous program improvements. 3. Provide follow up to exited ISY The selected provider(s) will be responsible for providing 12 months of follow up for youth (estimated at 130 across the region) who have been exited from the program. Actual numbers will be discussed upon award of contract. Note that contacts and brief conversations do not meet the definition of follow up services. All youth should receive 12 months of follow up services according to WIOA. Providers will be expected to: a) provide intense and on-going job retention support for both the employer and participant once the participant is employed; b) facilitate communication and problem resolution between employers and youth; c) provide immediate intervention for both the employer and participant if problems are identified at the worksite; d) support youth in their transition to post-secondary education; and e) connect youth to lifelong resources (e.g. the PA CareerLink ) for continued employment, retention and career advancement support. 4. Guide graduating seniors to success in transitioning to employment, post-secondary or military during between June and September CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 15 of 26

16 The provider will provide transition services, including but not limited to job placement assistance and post-secondary readiness based on individual youth goals, to ensure successful placement outcomes by September 30, The provider will utilize the resources of the PA CareerLink to help accomplish this goal. 5. Directly, or through the use of a subcontractor, coordinate a summer youth work experience for eligible youth during the summer of Providing summer work experiences or internships must remain a major component of the program design. CPWDC currently leverages TANF Youth Development funds to cover the cost of wages and associated benefits to TANF eligible ISY. The WIOA ISY allocation will be used to cover the direct costs for WIOA Youth who are not TANF eligible. In anticipation of funds being made available in July 2016, CPWDC seeks providers who can directly, or through a partnership or subcontractor relationship, coordinate a summer youth work experience for youth in July and August Work experiences will be provided for ISY completing 11 th grade as well as newly enrolled youth completing 10 th grade to be recruited from targeted school districts as determined by CPWDC and negotiated with the selected provider. CPWDC anticipates that at least 200 youth will participate in the summer work experience across the region. The number of slots per county will be negotiated. Providers are not required to provide a summer work experience to all youth (e.g. youth able to obtain unsubsidized summer employment) but should assume the majority of youth will participate in a summer employment experience. All summer employment components should be planned to last for approximately 8 weeks and may not exceed 240 hours in total. Youth may spend no more than 30 hours in a work experience in a one week period of time. At no time may the hours of participation interfere with the youth s academic schedule or violate the conditions of the Child Labor Laws. Providers are responsible for recruiting, orienting and monitoring all worksites throughout the summer employment experience. The provider 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. Participants will receive a minimum wage ($7.25/hour) for hours spent in a summer employment experience. The provider, or the provider s designee, will act as the employer of record for all youth placed in summer employment and will be responsible for payments to the participants, all applicable withholdings and adequate insurances to cover participating youth. Proposers are encouraged to think creatively about methods for offering summer employment experiences including but not limited to: a. Individual placements linked to career goals; b. Team placements where a crew leader either employed by the provider or the host worksite oversees the work and teaches work readiness skills; c. Internships where the employer pays a portion of the participant wages; d. Team service learning projects where youth are led through a variety of short-term and long-term projects with multiple agencies; and/or e. Wrap around activities that provide academic enrichment, leadership development opportunities, mentoring and/or work readiness instruction. CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 16 of 26

17 In addition, the provider should plan to hold group events that bring the summer paid work experience to an end with a celebration for the ISY. The event should be an opportunity for ISY to connect with one another and discuss what they learned from their experiences. 6. Coordinate services for schools that do not receive access to the full scope of WIOA Services The provider may elect to be responsible for outreach to all school districts across the nine counties in the Central Region. For those schools in which the ISY program is not offered and integrated, the provider will provide outreach and increased awareness of the PA CareerLink, with a focus on reaching seniors. Workshops and or information about PA CareerLink services including the OSY program, career awareness, and in-demand occupations will be provided. The provider will assist classes with resume review, interviewing skills, job search, senior projects, and setting up job shadows. The provider will be a resource to schools by assisting with drop-out prevention efforts, offering workshops to classrooms, scheduling employer speakers, serving on planning committees and assisting with job fairs and career days. 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, Note that WIA Common Measure rates indicated are those that CPWDC negotiated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the current program year It is expected that the selected provider will meet or exceed the negotiated rates for program year Attainment of a Degree or Certificate at least 85% of participants enrolled in education on the date of participation or 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. 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 In Program Skills Gain CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 17 of 26

18 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 for both fall and spring 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 Documentation of added value to school districts, including the ability to support career development of non-wioa eligible youth Exits with placement for graduating seniors by September 30, 2016 Performance Sanctions: Aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Workforce Investment Information Notice No dated July 15, 2011, a provider 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 1% 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. 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 $580,000 in WIOA ISY funds for the period from October 1, 2015 through September 30, Funds can be used for: Staffing and staff support costs Participant support services Administrative overhead (not to exceed 10%) Other costs allowable and related to the program design CPWDC WIOA ISY RFP Page 18 of 26