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2 LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD 17 LWIA 17 YOUTH COMMITTEE YOUTH PROGRAMMING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Issued: January 14, 2018 I. General Information: Program Operation: July 1, June 30, 2019 The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was signed into Law on July 22, The LWIA 17 Workforce Development Board is responsible for the administration and oversight of youth services and funds. The Act also encourages the Workforce Development Board to select a Youth Committee which will be responsible for the planning, oversight, and recommendation of programs and activities for youth, consistent with Title I, Section 129 of the Act. The mission of the Youth Committee is to meet the changing demands of the workplace and combat low unemployment by providing youth with access to experiences that provide the skills they need to be "career-ready". Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act authorizes services for youth, ages The Act requires a comprehensive program of services for youth on a yearround basis, which may include summer employment activities. Additionally, the Act specifies that program services for youth shall be procured on a competitive basis. The LWIA 17 Workforce Development Board and Youth Committee are requesting proposals from qualified and interested applicants that have experience and the capability for conducting a wide array of activities for eligible youth, in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Regulations authorized by the Federal Department of Labor. The activities conducted by a service provider shall: A. Provide, to eligible youth seeking assistance in achieving academic and employment success, effective and comprehensive activities which shall include a variety of options improving educational and skill competencies and provide effective connections to employers; B. Ensure on-going mentoring opportunities for eligible youth with adults committed to providing such opportunities; C. Provide training opportunities (basic academic, employability, occupational) for eligible youth; D. Provide continued supportive services for eligible youth; E. Provide incentives for recognition and achievement to eligible youth; and F. Provide opportunities for eligible youth in activities related to leadership, personal development, decision-making, citizenship, and community service. G. Follow-up service (for 12 months after youth exits program). II. Geographic Area The LWIA 17 Workforce Development Board offers services for eligible youth who reside in the LWIA 17 Workforce Investment Area. The Workforce Investment Area 17 encompasses the following counties: Champaign, Ford, Iroquois and Piatt Counties. Service providers may propose to serve any number of these counties. 2

3 III. Eligible Youth: Youth Section 129(a)(1)(A): To be eligible to participate in activities under this act during any program year an individual shall, at the time the eligibility determination is made, be an out-of-school youth or an in-school youth Out-of-school youth 1. Aged 16-24; and 2. A person who has one or more of the following: A school dropout Within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is basic skills deficient or an English language learner An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system A homeless individual as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C e-2(6)), a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C 677), or in an out-of-home placement An individual who is pregnant or parenting A youth who is an individual with a disability A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or secure or hold employment In-school youth 1. Aged 14-21; 2. Low-income individual; and 3. A person who has one or more of the following: Basic skills deficient An English language learner An offender A homeless individual as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C e-2(6)), a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C 677), or in an out-of-home placement An individual who is pregnant or parenting A youth who is an individual with a disability An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment Up to 5% of the youth participants served in a local area may be individuals who do not meet the income criterion for eligible youth, provided that they are within one or more of the preceding categories Note: Youth program providers must ensure that eligible applicants who do not meet the enrollment requirements or who cannot be served by the program are referred for additional assessment and program placement. 3

4 IV. Time Frame January 12, 2018 Legal Notice mailed to all interested parties January 14, 2018 Legal Notice published January 31, 2018 Bidders Conference at 9:30 a.m. March 23, 2018 Proposals due to LWIA 17 by 5:00 pm March 26-30, 2018 Technical/administrative review of proposals April 9-13, 2018 RFP Review Committee Interviews with Applicants May 8, 2018 Youth Committee Meeting May 16, 2018 Workforce Development Board Meeting May 17, 2018 Chief Elected Officials Meeting May 18, 2018 Applicants Notified of funding decisions June 8, 2018 Revised proposals due to LWIA 17 by 5:00pm July 1, 2018 Program Activities begin June 30, 2019 Program Year ends All meeting dates and times are tentative and subject to change. Programs and budgets will be designed based upon one year. Funding for activities taking place July 1, 2019 and after is dependent upon WIOA allocations for the 2019 Program Year. Contract awards may be cancelled or renegotiated due to WIOA funding changes. V. Funds Available The Local Area 17 Workforce Development Board will have an estimated $300,000 for youth services, distributed by the following allocations: Service providers may request any amount, although budgets will be negotiated prior to contracts being awarded. VI. Scope of Work The Local Area 17 Workforce Development Board is seeking programs that provide a comprehensive array of services or make available a comprehensive program to youth. It is not necessary that all services be funded through Title I of the Workforce Investment Act to qualify as an activity to be offered to eligible youth. LWIA 17 is seeking coordination between organizations and funding sources to meet the needs of eligible participants. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provide funds for workforce investment activities, through statewide and local workforce investment systems. The intent of the Act is to increase the employment, retention and earnings of participants and increase occupational skill attainment by participants. This will result in the improved quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of our regional community. Applicants may request funding to provide services for in-school youth, out-of-school youth, or both. 4

5 Activities for youth should be designed as a year-round service. Programs should take a "holistic approach" to the provision of youth services that focus on the assets of youth as well as liabilities (barriers) to achieve an appropriate balance for success. This approach would be built around four themes: 1. Preparation for and success in employment 2. Improving educational achievement 3. Support for youth 4. Services to develop the potential of youth as citizens and leaders WIOA incorporates 14 required youth program elements (see section VII) that all local areas must make available. Each of these 14 elements supports one of the basic themes of youth development cited above. VII. Youth Program Design and Program Elements: The Workforce Development Board is responsible for ensuring that a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of youth expenditures are for services for out-of-school youth (see definition of out-of-school youth). This will be accomplished by coordinating the mix of services and obligations designated to serve both in-school and out-of-school youth. This requirement does not impose a requirement that service providers serve a specific percentage of out-of-school youth. The following is a description of the program design and list of 14 program elements that must be available to all youth. However, services offered to each participant should be based on his/her needs and goals. A. Program Design - The design framework of local youth programs must: 1. In conjunction with the WIOA grant recipient and in accordance with the requirements of WIOA Section 129 (c) (1) (A), provide an objective assessment of the academic levels, skill levels, and service needs of each participant, which assessment shall include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes (including interest and aptitudes for nontraditional jobs), supportive service needs, and developmental needs of such participants; 2. In conjunction with the WIOA grant recipient, develop service strategies for each youth participant that meets the requirements of WIOA section 129 (c) (l) (B), including identifying a career goal and consideration of the assessment results for each youth; and 3. Provide preparation for post-secondary educational opportunities, linkage between academic and occupational learning, preparation for employment, and effective connections to intermediary organizations that include strong links to the job market and employers. 4. Ensure that all youth served participate in a common leadership and citizenship activity to improve his/her community and social behavioral skills. B. Youth Program Elements - Programs must make available to youth participants the following fourteen (14) elements: 5

6 1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recover strategies leading to completion of secondary school or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities); 2. Alternative secondary school offerings; 3. Paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include summer employment or other employment opportunities throughout the school year, pre-apprenticeship programs, internships or job shadowing, and on-the-job training opportunities; 4. Occupational skills training; 5. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster; 6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors as appropriate; 7. Supportive services; 8. Adult mentoring for a duration of at least twelve (12) months that may occur both during and after program participation; 9. Follow-up services for a minimum of twelve (12) months following termination from the program (see definition below); 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling including drug and alcohol abuse counseling, as well as referrals to counseling, as appropriate to the needs of the individual youth; 11. Financial literacy education; 12. Entrepreneurial skills training; 13. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and 14. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training. NOTE: Local providers will be responsible for determining the mix of services for individual youth, based on the results of the objective assessment of the youth and individual service strategy. However, if a youth is determined to be in need of any of the above fourteen (14) program elements, they must be made available. Participants may be referred for services currently available within a community, but all participants must take part in common activities or elements to provide consistency of activities among those served. Service providers will be required to document activities, attendance, and progress of participants enrolled into each element. 6

7 Description of Program Elements 1. Tutoring and Study Skills Training: This element is designed to improve the basic skills and study skills of the eligible population. Tutoring and/or study skills training shall be structured to ensure intensive individualized assistance is provided for youth in need of remediation or skills improvement. This activity shall lead to improvement in participant test scores and overall academic performance. Service providers may refer participants for this service or provide the service through scheduled activities. However, it is the responsibility of the service provider to document activities conducted and the progress of students participating in this element. 2. Alternative School Settings: Participants may be referred for scheduled alternative educational opportunities that are designed to improve the student's academic performance and will lead to continuation in secondary school or graduation. Scheduling of alternative education activities and the definition for successful outcomes will be consistent with local school district policies. Service providers will be required to document activities conducted and progress of students participating in this element. 3. Paid and Unpaid Work Experience: Work experiences are planned, structured learning experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time (work experience is limited to 240 hours or nine months, not including summer). Work experiences are designed to enable youth to gain exposure to the world of work and its requirements. Work experience should be designed to help youth acquire the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to obtain a job and advance in employment. The purpose is to provide the youth participant with the opportunities for career exploration and skill development and is not to benefit the employer, although the employer may, in fact, benefit from the activities performed by the youth. Work experience participants must work a minimum of 5 hours per week. Work experience may be subsidized or unsubsidized (consistent with Wage and Hour Laws) and may include the following elements: Instruction in employability skills or generic workplace skills exposure to various aspects of an industry; Progressively more complex tasks; Internships and job shadowing (unpaid work experience); The integration of basic academic skills into work activities; Supported work, work adjustment, and other transition activities; Entrepreneur ship; and Other elements designed to achieve the goals or work experience Work experience can occur in the public, private, for-profit, or non-profit sectors where the objective assessment and individual service strategy indicate that work experience is appropriate. Service providers will be responsible for developing work experience sites, providing orientation to work site supervisors and participants, completing a work site agreement, completion of necessary tax and W-2 forms, monitoring and documenting work experience activities and progress, maintaining time sheets of participants, and 7

8 reporting to LWIA 17 activities under this element. In addition, internships may be made available for a limited duration as an unpaid introduction to particular occupation or industry. This activity is designed to provide informational training arid experience for youth to determine his/her interest in a specific occupation. It is not designed to provide work activities similar to those of hired employees with an organization. Service providers will be responsible for documenting internship activities throughout the duration of an internship. Summer employment opportunities are to be viewed as one element among many available to youth as a part of a menu of activities offered by the local providers (Summer Youth Employment as a stand-alone activity is prohibited under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). Proposals that do not include this element will not be penalized. Those choosing to include "summer" in their program design must understand that performance measures (see section VIII) will apply to this element. Summer employment opportunities must be directly linked to academic and occupational learning and be based on the interest and needs of each youth served. Service providers must develop summer employment opportunities that are related to each student's career goal and integrated with the student's high school education plan. Service providers shall develop summer work experience sites and opportunities for youth throughout the community. Work experience sites shall be made available at convenient times and locations for participating youth. Service providers will be responsible for: development of summer work sites in public and private sector, orientation of work site supervisors and participants, completing work site agreements between worksite and service provider, maintenance of participant timesheets, monitoring work sites and documenting work activities, reporting time youth worked for payment from Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, completion of 1-9 and W-4 forms with participants, issuing W-2 forms at the end of each calendar year. The service provider may determine that the youth would benefit more from private sector work experience and may choose to place the individual in private sector employment where wages would be paid by the employer. 4. Occupational Skills Training: For youth, age 16-24, assistance with the cost of occupational skills training may be available through youth funding (consistent with WIOA Counselor recommendations). Occupational skills training includes short-term (1 year or less) or two year training for a specific occupation shown to be in demand in Workforce Development Area 17. Occupational skills training shall lead to a credential in the field of study (certificate, degree, or diploma) and full-time employment in the field for which the participant was trained. 5. Education offered concurrently and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster: This element requires integrated education and training to occur concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and career advancement. Youth participants will not be required to master basic academic skills before moving on 8

9 to learn career-specific technical skills. 6. Leadership development opportunities: Leadership opportunities for youth may include: Exposure to postsecondary educational opportunities; Community and service learning projects; Peer-centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring; Organizational and team work training, including team leadership training; Training in decision-making, including determining priorities; Citizenship training, including life skills training such as parenting, work behavior training, and budgeting of resources; Employability skills improvement; and Positive social behaviors, often referred to as soft skills, may include, but are not limited to, the following: Positive attitudinal development; self-esteem building; cultural diversity training; and work simulation activities. 7. Supportive services: Supportive services will be made available based on the needs of the individual if other sources of funding or services are not available to assist. It is the responsibility of the service provider to ensure that other sources of supportive service funding are coordinated and accessed prior to utilizing Title I WIOA funds. Supportive services will be made available. Such services include: Linkages to community services; Assistance with transportation costs; Assistance with childcare and dependent care costs; Assistance with housing costs; Referral for medical services; Assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tool costs, including such items as eyeglasses and protective eye gear. 8. Adult mentoring: Adult mentoring shall be available to participants as a means of career exploration and personal development. Service providers will be responsible for identifying adult mentors who are interested in the advancement of youth in the community. Adult mentoring activities may include: Job shadowing and guidance provided by an adult to assist the participant in increasing his/her academic performance; Goal-setting; Support meetings to increase the motivation of the youth served; Career Exploration assistance; World of Work and social skills improvement. 9. Follow-up services for youth: Follow-up services may include one or more of the following activities: Leadership development and supportive service activities listed above Regular (weekly) contact with a youth participant's employer, including assistance in addressing work-related problems that arise; Assistance in securing better paying jobs, career development and further education; Work-related peer support groups; Adult mentoring; 9

10 Tracking the progress of youth in employment after training. All youth participants must receive follow-up services for a minimum duration of twelve (12) months after participation.* If funding is discontinued during the followup service period, the service provider must assume responsibility for continued follow-up services. 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling: Comprehensive guidance and counseling provides the eligible youth with intensive guidance and counseling related to career exploration, personal counseling, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, financial counseling, and goal setting. Specialized counseling and services may be conducted through a referral to an appropriate organization or counselor experienced in counseling and guidance in the particular area of concern. This may be an ongoing activity throughout the duration of services and follow-up. Funding may be accessed through Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Act, if other sources of funding are not available to provide such a service. 11. Financial literacy: Financial literacy education refers to activities that provide youth with the knowledge and skills that they need to achieve long-term financial stability. Financial literacy education encompasses information and activities on a range of topics, such as creating budgets; setting up checking and saving accounts; managing spending, credit, and debt; understanding credit reports and credit scores; and protecting against identify theft. 12. Entrepreneurial skills training: Entrepreneurial skills training provides youth with the basics of starting and operating a small business. This training help youth develop the skills associated with entrepreneurship and the gig economy, such as the ability to take initiative, creatively seek out and identify business opportunities, develop budgets and forecast resource needs, understand various options for acquiring capital and the trade-offs associated with each option, and communicate effectively and market oneself and one s ideas. 13. Labor Market Information: Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services. 14. Post-Secondary transition activities: Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training. These services include helping youth explore postsecondary education options, including technical training schools, community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities, and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Examples of other postsecondary preparation and transition activities include: Assisting youth to prepare for SAT/ACT testing Assisting with college admission applications Searching and applying for scholarships and grants Filling out the proper Financial Aid applications and adhering to changing guidelines Connecting youth to postsecondary education programs 10

11 VIII. Performance Measures and Program Outcomes The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity act requires a comprehensive performance accountability system to assess the effectiveness of States and local areas in achieving continuous improvement of workforce investment activities funded under Title I. The intent of continuous improvement is to optimize the return on investment of Federal funds in statewide and local workforce investment activities. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity mandates 5 youth core indicators of performance for the WIOA Youth programs: Youth core performance measures 1. Attain Degree or Certification The percentage of those participants enrolled in an education or training program (excluding those in on-the-job training (OJT) and customized training) who attain a recognized postsecondary credential or a secondary school diploma, or its recognized equivalent, during participation in or within one year after exit from the program. A participant who has attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent is included in the percentage of participants who have attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent only if the participant also is employed or is enrolled in an education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential within one year after exit from the program 2. Education and Employment Rate 2 nd Quarter after Exit The percentage of title I Youth program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the second quarter after exit from the program. 3. Education and Employment Rate 4 th Quarter after Exit The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the fourth quarter after exit from the program. 4. Earnings The median earnings of participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program 5. Measurable Skills Gain The percentage of program 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, defined as documented academic, technical, occupational, or other forms of progress, towards such a credential or employment. Depending on the type of education or training program, documented progress is defined as one of the following: Documented achievement of at least one educational functioning level of a participant who is receiving instruction below the postsecondary education level; Documented attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent; 11

12 Secondary or postsecondary transcript or report card for a sufficient number of credit hours that shows a participant is meeting the State unit's academic standards; Satisfactory or better progress report, towards established milestones, such as completion of OJT or completion of one year of an apprenticeship program or similar milestones, from an employer or training provider who is providing training; or Successful passage of an exam that is required for a particular occupation or progress in attaining technical or occupational skills as evidenced by trade-related benchmarks such as knowledge-based exams. IX. Youth Program Budget Guidelines and Instructions A. Operating Costs: Costs are for the expressed purpose of providing activities and services to participants determined to be WIOA eligible and are active and enrolled in WIOA sponsored activities and services under the grant. A detailed line-item budget must be submitted with each proposal. You may choose the forms included in the RFP package or create your own budget form. It must include costs necessary to operate the program and must be submitted in support of any application. Each staff person for whom funding is requested shall be delineated separately with a job description included as an attachment to this proposal. One staff person may perform more than one job responsibility, but shall not exceed 40 hours per week, with all combined funding sources. The budget shall be completed in sufficient detail to clearly identify the costs for which Title I Youth funds are requested. A budget detail justification must be included which further explains the costs associated with the WIOA services and activities being provided. Administrative and/or indirect costs are limited to 8% of the total funds allocated. B. Contract Period: The LWIA 17 Workforce Development Board will award contracts for programs to operate during the period July 1, June 30, In the event additional youth funds become available through the Department of Labor, contractors may be given the opportunity to expand programs to serve additional participants or provide additional services. Contracts may also be cancelled or renegotiated based upon reductions in funds available or changes in the program design. C. Responsibilities of the Bidder: All bidders are responsible for completing all questions within this proposal and submitting a detailed line-item budget with required attachments. Proposals which are not complete or do not include programs consistent with the intent of the Workforce Investment Act will not be considered for funding. Proposals should only contain a description of activities and services that can be carried out by the bidder if awarded a contract. All bidders, if funded, will be expected to perform and carry out activities described in the proposal. D. Questions about Proposals 12

13 Technical assistance is available from LWIA 17 staff. All questions that arise about the proposal should be addressed to: Toriana Rhone, Program Manager Champaign County Regional Planning Commission 1307 North Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL Phone: Fax: A bidder s conference will be held on January 31, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at the Illinois worknet Center, 1307 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign, IL. E. Submission of Proposals Three copies and one original proposal shall be delivered by mail, courier, or in person, to: Champaign County Regional Planning Commission Workforce Development Team 1307 N. Mattis Ave Champaign, IL Proposals shall be received no later than 5:00 p.m., on Friday, March 23, Faxed or ed proposals will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure that the proposal is delivered to the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Mattis Office, by the date and time specified regardless of delivery method. F. Evaluation of Proposals: All proposals received will be reviewed for completeness by LWIA 17 Workforce Development Staff using the Pre-Evaluation Checklist in Attachment K. Proposals that are not complete will be returned to the bidding organization. Proposals will be rated for program design that includes the availability of all 14 elements for youth, organizational capacity to provide services, cost, and appropriateness of the budget. Attachment K RFP Evaluation Criteria will be used to score each proposal, along with comments and concerns from reviewers and LWIA 17 staff. Each applicant will have the opportunity to meet with the review committee to present their proposal and answer any questions concerning the proposal, budget, and program design. Proposals will be scored for completeness and responsiveness to the goals outlined in the RFP for both inschool and out-of-school youth, and the LWIA will contract with one or more than one provider in order to meet the goals of the LWIA as determined by the RFP review committee. 13

14 The LWIA 17 Workforce Development Board will consider the recommendations of the review committee with regard to each proposal reviewed and forward its funding recommendation to the CEOs. The decision of the Chief Elected Officials will be final. All bidders will be notified in writing within 10 days from the date of the CEO meeting regarding approval or denial. G. Right to Reject The Local Area 17 Workforce Development Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals at any time during the bidding and review process. The Board also reserves the right to waive any formalities in bids where acceptance, rejection, or waiver is considered in the best interest of the Local Workforce Development Board. In the event proposals are rejected due to programming changes, regulatory changes, or budget constraints, bidders will be notified in writing. It is anticipated that if all proposals are rejected, a modified request for proposals will be re-issued for response. I. Disclaimer In the event policy, procedure, program design, or regulatory changes occur, bidding organizations may be requested to modify program design or the delivery of services. Should a request for a change in the program design or services occur, staff of Workforce Investment Area 17 will assist bidding organizations or service providers in the redesign to ensure consistency with Board policy and regulatory requirements. Funds are for the expressed purpose of providing services allowable under the Workforce Investment Act and for WIOA eligible, enrolled and active participants enrolled in WIOA allowable activities. Costs will be reimbursement for WIOA sponsored activities for WIOA eligible, enrolled and active participants. 14

15 USE THIS OUTLINE WHEN PREPARING YOUR PROPOSAL PROPOSAL COVER PAGE Use form provided. (Attachment A - Proposal Cover Page) PROPOSAL CHECKLIST Use form provided. (Attachment B - Proposal Checklist) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Provide a summary of the comprehensive youth development program that is being proposed through this application process. The summary should not be more than one page, single sided, and single spaced, in 12 point font. PROPOSAL NARRATIVE Briefly answer the following questions as they relate to the proposed program under this RFP. Although there is no page limit, proposals should be clearly organized and straightforward. Applicants should not provide excess supporting materials (other than a copy of the curriculum or program outline for training elements only.) GENERAL PROPOSAL INFORMATION 1. Describe your organization's experience and performance in providing the proposed services for youth.' 2. List all of the agencies to be utilized, including the bidding organization, to ensure the youth service strategies are met (include job title for each organization's staff person to provide services). Additionally, Collaborator Agreements may be signed and submitted for each partner organization that will provide services whether or not the partner services are being provided for fee or as in-kind donations. (Attachment C - Collaborator Agreements) 3. List the staff positions and include job descriptions as an attachment for which funds are requested to provide program services. 15

16 4. What methods will be used to record time, attendance, and progress of participants. 5. Describe where program activities will take place and accessibility for all participants to be served. 6. List the program elements where payment to participants will take place. 7. Describe how program elements will link to services that prepare youth for post-secondary educational opportunities, link academic and occupational learning, prepare youth for employment and provide connections to intermediary organizations linked to the job market and employers. 8. Describe how placement services will take place for youth interested in employment opportunities. 1. How will the organization ensure a duplication of services does not occur? 2. Explain how the organization will recruit potential participants for proposed program services. 3. Identify criteria to be used for selection of individuals for enrollment into the program. 16

17 PROGRAM DESIGN AND ELEMENTS For each of the 14 program elements listed below, answer the following questions. All questions must be answered in a complete manner, clearly describing the design of the program and services for youth. (A copy of the curriculum or program outline will be necessary, for training elements only.) 1. Tutoring and study skills training 2. Alternative secondary school 3. Paid and Unpaid work experience 4. Occupational skill training 5. Education offered and in the same context as workforce preparation 6. Leadership development opportunities 7. Supportive services 8. Adult mentoring for at least 12 months 9. Follow-up services 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling 11. Financial literacy education 12. Entrepreneurial education 13. Labor market information 14. Post-secondary transition activities 1. Describe how the program element will be provided through this proposal or through referral to an appropriate program or provider of services. If a referral for specific services will be made, name the organization(s) to provide specific elements. 2. Describe the services to be made available for youth in each program element, through this proposal or programs funded by other sources. 3. As applicable, describe the youth activities for which participants will be paid (i.e. - work experience, summer employment) and the method by which payment will be made. 4. Describe the expected outcome for each program element and how the outcomes will be documented. Include definition for successful achievement of each program element. 5. Describe the time frames or duration of each program element. 17

18 PERFORMANCE MEASURES 1. Describe how your organization will provide data on the required Performance Measures. (See Section VIII. Performance Measures and Program Outcomes of the RFP and Attachment D - Performance Measures for more information.) ADMINISTRAT1VE BUDGET 1. Provide the official name the organization with which the Local Workforce Development Board would be contracting, if awarded funding. 2. Who is responsible for maintenance and management of records (fiscal and programmatic). 3. Who is the EEO officer of the organization? 4. List in-kind services to be provided for the proposed program. 5. For audit purposes, specify the total amount of federal funding received by the bidding organization. 6. List most recent agency audit findings and corrective measures taken to improve operations. 7. Describe the need for Workforce Investment Act Title I funding and how the organization has documented that other sources of funding are not available to support this program. 8. How payroll is calculated (hourly and salary) and how often will staff and participants of the program be paid, as applicable. 9. Administrative cost or indirect cost is limited to 8% of total funds requested. BUDGET FORMS Complete and return the attached budget forms or you may create your own budget as long it provides sufficient detail to support the budget. The information provided in the budget worksheets should be supported by the Administrative and Budget section of the Proposal Narrative. (Attachment J - Budget Forms). Provide a detailed budget justification (narrative) for all costs associated with the request for WIOA funding. Cost for participant wages, fringes, stipends and incentives should be fully detailed and explained. Please review the stipend and incentive policies located on attachments H and I before completing the budget. 18

19 COLLABORATOR AGREEMENTS The service provider applying through this RFP process is responsible for making sure that all 14 program elements are available to participant should they need or desire those services. In some cases, the lead agency will refer participants to other organization that will provide the direct service. The applicant needs to document the willingness of the cooperating agency to provide the services stated in this proposal. Therefore, a Collaborator Agreement (Attachment C) must be submitted for each organization that will collaborate with the lead agency (applicant) to provide the 14 required program elements. POSITION DESCRIPTIONS OF STAFF INVOLVED As requested in item 3 of the General Proposal Information section and section A. Staff Costs in the budget worksheet, attach job descriptions of the staff positions for which funds are requested to provide program services along with an approved salary schedule as applicable. APPLICANT RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE Service provider s applying through this RFP process is responsible for completing the Youth Provider Applicant Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Attachment L). This assessment will be reviewed by LWIA 17 Workforce Development Staff. 19

20 Original Copy Attachment A Proposal Cover Page Agency Name: Proposed Program: Address: City/State Zip Agency Telephone #: Agency Fax #: Contact Person: Contact Phone: Contact Fax: Contact Agency Status: Public Non-Profit Private Non-Profit Private for Profit Corporation Government Other (explain below) Proposed Geographic Area(s) to be served: Proposed Target Population (check all that apply) Younger Youth Older Youth In-School Out of School Other Targets (identify) Number of Participants to be served: Cost Per Participant: $ In School: In School: $ Out of School: Out of School: $ BUDGET SUMMARY In-school Youth $ Out-of-School Youth $ Total: $ % % % Non-WIOA Title 1-B Resources: Cash: $ In-Kind $ CERTIFICATION OF PROPOSAL CONTENT Duplication of Services and Conflict of Interest To my knowledge, this proposal does not duplicate services or resources available in the area that are or may be provided by non-wioa sources. This organization, its members and collaborators are not now and will not in the future be engaged in any activity resulting in a conflict of interest, real or apparent, in the selection, award, or administration of a contract for WIOA funds. Cost/pricing Data and Proposal Content This is to certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the cost/pricing data submitted, either actually or by specific identification in writing to the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission in support of this proposal, is accurate, complete, and current as of the date below. This certification includes the cost/pricing data supporting any agreements/contracts that may be agreed upon between the officer and the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission that are part of the result of submitting this proposal. Signature of Authorized Representative Date Title of Authorized Representative 20

21 Attachment B PROPOSAL CHECKLIST The Proposal Checklist identifies all the narratives and forms that must be submitted with your proposal. Follow this sequence in presenting your proposal with the checklist serving as the Table of Contents. In the second column, indicate the page number where that information can be found in your proposal. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE# Cover Page Proposal Checklist/Table of Contents Executive Summary Proposal Narrative - General Proposal Information Proposal Narrative - Program Design and Elements Proposal Narrative - Performance Measures Proposal Narrative - Administrative and Budget Budget Forms Collaborator Agreements Position Descriptions of Staff Involved Applicant Risk Assessment Questionnaire 21

22 Attachment C COLLABORATOR AGREEMENTS Each Collaborating Agency with whom the Applicant (Lead Agency) will have a formal agreement for the provision of services must complete this agreement. The authorized representative of each Collaborating Agency must sign the agreement. Please make copies as needed. On behalf of my organization, I acknowledge our intent to formally collaborate with the Applicant (Lead Agency) in the implementation of the WIOA Youth Activities. I have read the proposal and it accurately reflects my organization s proposed role and commitment. The type of collaborative relationship being proposed is as follows (check all that applies): Financial: Financial Resources $ Funding Source Please Specify Activity/Services: Non-Financial: In-Kind Contributions $ Please Specify Activity/Services: Name of Lead Agency: Address of Lead Agency: Signature of Authorized Representative Date Title of Authorized Representative Telephone # Name of Collaborating Agency: Address of Collaborating Agency: Signature of Authorized Representative Date Title of Authorized Representative Telephone # 22

23 Attachment D PERFORMANCE MEASURES WIOA establishes 5 core performance measures for youth: Attain Degree or Certification The percentage of those participants enrolled in an education or training program (excluding those in on-the-job training (OJT) and customized training) who attain a recognized postsecondary credential or a secondary school diploma, or its recognized equivalent, during participation in or within one year after exit from the program. A participant who has attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent is included in the percentage of participants who have attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent only if the participant also is employed or is enrolled in an education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential within one year after exit from the program Education and Employment Rate 2nd Quarter after Exit The percentage of title I Youth program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the second quarter after exit from the program. Education and Employment Rate 4th Quarter after Exit The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the fourth quarter after exit from the program. Earnings The median earnings of participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program Measurable Skills Gain The percentage of program 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, defined as documented academic, technical, occupational, or other forms of progress, towards such a credential or employment. Depending on the type of education or training program, documented progress is defined as one of the following: Documented achievement of at least one educational functioning level of a participant who is receiving instruction below the postsecondary education level; Documented attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent; Secondary or postsecondary transcript or report card for a sufficient number of credit hours that shows a participant is meeting the State unit's academic standards; Satisfactory or better progress report, towards established milestones, such as completion of OJT or completion of one year of an apprenticeship program or similar milestones, from an employer or training provider who is providing training; or Successful passage of an exam that is required for a particular occupation or progress in attaining technical or occupational skills as evidenced by trade-related benchmarks such as knowledge-based exams. 23

24 Attachment E ADDITIONAL VENDOR INFORMATION TO REQUIREMENTS Recruitment, orientation, assessment, development of an individual employment plan, referral, case management, academic requirements, and employer connections are joint responsibilities of the vendor and the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission/LWA Administration. Additional information is narrated below: Recruitment: Program providers are responsible for recruitment of eligible youth applicants. The target group will consist of in-school youth and out-of-school youth who are low-income and basic skills deficient. Recruitment methods must be developed to successfully target these youth. Due to the important role of the local school systems to the success of the WIOA youth programs, it is advisable that, if the bidding organization is neither a school system nor a school, it would be in the organization's best interest to forge a partnership with an educational entity. This linkage will help the training provider to ensure a more successful recruitment effort and will make it easier to obtain the student information. Eligibility Determination: Under WIOA legislation, all youth must meet eligibility such as defined in the "targeted population." Certification of eligibility for any WIOAfunded program must be completed prior to enrollment. WIOA staff will complete eligibility determination and certification of eligible youth. Assessment: Service providers will be required to provide comprehensive assessment to allow services to be tailored to each youth's specific needs. The services provided to individual youth will be determined based on the results of an objective assessment of each youth. Each youth participant shall be provided with an objective assessment of his/her academic skills, employment skills, and supportive service needs. This includes a review of educational skill levels, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes and supportive service needs. Recent assessments may be used when appropriate. The goal is to accurately evaluate the youth in order to develop an appropriate service strategy to meet his/her individual needs. Only standardized tests that are recognized by the State of Illinois may be used for preprogram testing and progress testing. In addition to pre-program testing, progress testing will also be required at specific intervals to indicate skill attainments and learning gains. Individual Employment Plan: An individualized, written plan of long and short-term goals (that includes needed educational, employment related and personal support services) must be developed and maintained for each participant. Programs should use objective assessment information to develop this plan. The plan should be used to track services to be delivered and/or coordinated by the program and should be regularly reviewed and updated as changes occur. File Requirement: Maintenance of required participant files and all related information such as required forms, documentation, progress reports and contact notes will be the responsibility of the service provider. WIOA staff will provide training and technical assistance. Referral: Programs are strongly encouraged to link and share information with other youth-service agencies, organizations and training providers to meet the individual 24