For Service Provision July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017

Transcription

1 Gallia County Request For Proposals (RFP) For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Services Program And Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP) For Service Provision July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 Contract may be renewed 2 times for 1 year each at the discretion of the county, and in accordance with guidelines listed herein. Offered by Gallia County Commissioners 18 Locust Street Gallipolis, OH on behalf of Ohio Means Jobs Gallia County Deadline for Proposal Submission is June 15, 2016 by 4:00 p.m. Bids received at any location other than the Offices of the Gallia County Board of Commissioners will not be accepted Programmatic questions in Gallia County regarding this RFP may be directed to Jamie Eplin, Workforce Development Supervisor, Ohio Means Jobs Gallia County ext 254 ~ Jamie.Eplin@JFS.Ohio.gov ~ (fax) Fiscal questions may be directed to Kathy Campbell, Fiscal Supervisor, Gallia County Department of Job & Family Services; ext 226 ~ Kathy.Campbell@jfs.Ohio.gov ~ (fax) Expected RFP Schedule Notification of RFP May 16, 2016 RFP Available May 16, 2016 All Written Inquiries Due May 30, 2016 Bidder s Conference June 6, :00 a.m. Proposal Due June 15, 2016 Proposal Opening June 16, :00 a.m. Announcement of Award(s) June 30, 2016 Program Start Date July 1, P a g e

2 Gallia County Table of Contents I Introduction 3 II Purpose 3-5 III Expected Outcomes 5-6 IV Estimated Funds Available 6-7 V Renewal Clause 7 VI Bidder s Conference 7 VII RFP Timeline & Information 7-8 VIII Proposal 8-15 IX Proposal Instructions 15 X Proposal Narrative A. Demonstrated Performance 16 B. Program Design C. Financial Management and Organizational Stability 18 D. Price/Cost Analysis/Value 18 XI Minimum Standards & Evaluation Criteria XII Contract Award 21 XIII Attachments 21 A. Assurances Form 22 B. Performance Data 23 C. Proposal Checklist 23 D. Budget Instructions Budget Forms (34-43) follow budget instructions XIX Appendix A. Helpful Links and Definitions P a g e

3 I. INTRODUCTION Gallia County In July 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. WIOA supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of On June 30, 2015, Governor Kasich signed House Bill 64, the state s biennial budget into law. Section of the bill establishes a framework that will transform the network of human service and workforce programs to find a NEW WAY TO WORK for low-income Ohioans. This framework starts first with year olds, where early intervention can have the greatest impact. The state is pushing traditional program boundaries by integrating components of the OWF program with WIOA employment programs to create a better-coordinated, person-centered case management system. Ohio Means Jobs Gallia County (OMJ GC) mission is to promote and develop a workforce system that is responsive to the needs of business and career seekers resulting in economic prosperity. OMJ GC offers employers a premier solution for a qualified workforce, engages local employers committed to furthering the improvement of the workforce, provides job seekers with comprehensive solutions to employment, and assists in orchestrating community growth and economic development. II. PURPOSE The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supersedes the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 with the intent of strengthening the workforce system through innovation and alignment of services to promote individual and national economic growth. CCMEP takes a coordinated, holistic approach to stabilizing individuals and families by addressing the myriad of factors that may be contributing to poverty and unemployment, including health, housing, education, transportation and child care. As a result, this youth procurement has been re-designed to capture the spirit of this new legislation. This proposed new youth system will improve services available to hard-to-serve youth through (1) enhanced ability to meet skill requirements for local employers, (2) reduction in public assistance dependency, (3) increased self-sufficiency, (4) quality services, and (5) enhanced productivity and competitiveness of the Gallia County workforce. OMJ - GC seeks innovative proposals that reflect a clear approach to delivering a comprehensive system to hard-to-serve youth. Proposals should be based on youth development principles and best practices that support, motivate, and prepare youth for continuing educational achievements, successful transition into adulthood, and long-term success in employment. The proposed service design and implementation strategies must be age appropriate and provide a unique customized mix of services that address the goals and needs of disconnected youth. The services must lead to the attainment of goals and performance measures for youth including successful completion of grade-level appropriate academic achievement in both math and language arts, attainment of soft skills sought by employers, other prioritized measurable outcomes that affect employability. This procurement and youth system is not business as usual for Gallia County s disconnected youth. OMJ - GC is seeking service providers who will provide unique and innovative services that link youth to careers in high-growth high-demand industries in the Gallia County area. This will offer the community an opportunity for a fresh approach to engaging youth, while demonstrating a cost effective service delivery plan that leverages unique community and employer partnerships. 3 P a g e

4 WIOA/CCMEP Gallia calls for County customer-focused services based on the needs of the individual participant. These services include the creation of career pathways for youth as part of a youth s individual service strategy. Youth are closely involved in the proposed design and implementation of services to ensure their needs are met. This integrated vision also applies to the workforce system s primary customer - Employers. By repositioning youth as an asset to employers with a need for skilled workers, the value of employers engaging the youth workforce system and programs is enhanced. Employers are critical partners that provide meaningful growth opportunities for young people through work experiences that give them the opportunity to learn and apply skills in real-world settings and ultimately provide jobs that young people are ready. WIOA/CCMEP includes a major focus on providing youth with work experience opportunities. WIOA prioritizes work experiences with the expenditure requirement that a minimum of 20% of funding must be spent on work experience. Under WIOA, youth funds contracted to the service provider(s) for eligible youth shall be used to carry out programs that: Provide activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized post-secondary credential. Provide preparation for post-secondary educational and training opportunities. Provide strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational education that lead to the attainment of recognized post-secondary credentials. Provide preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities. Provide effective connections to employers within high growth/high demand industry sectors and occupations in Gallia County; and Provide any other services that may arise as WIOA rules are released/implemented. OMJ - GC is seeking to establish and build a partnership with youth service providers which can demonstrate they can provide a positive and measurable impact on youth and build a network in Gallia County that will assist In-School and/or Out-of-School Youth, not only to succeed in school and in a work environment, but to succeed as members and leaders of their communities. The purpose of the funds allocated to serving In-School Youth (ISY), ages or Out-of-School Youth (OSY), ages under the WIOA program are to support: 1. Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized post-secondary credential; 2. Preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities; 3. Strong linkages between academic instructions and occupation education that lead to the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials; 4. Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, as appropriate; and 5. Effective connections to employers, including small employers, in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor markets; and 6. Provide any other services that may arise as WIOA rules are released/implemented. Definitions for Out-of-School and In-School youth have changed from WIA. Please see the descriptions 4 P a g e

5 below and for Gallia additional County details, please refer to Out-of-School Youth Not attending school (as defined under State law) years old Meet 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; An individual who is subject to the adult or juvenile justice system; Homeless, a runaway, in or aged out of the foster care system; Pregnant or parenting; Disabled; Has a high school degree or its equivalent, is low income and is: o Basic skills deficient, or o An English language learner; Low-income and requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment (locally defined by Area 7) In-School Youth Attending school (as defined under State law) years old A low-income individual and meet one or more of the following: Basic skills deficient; English language learner; Offender/ex-offender Homeless, runaway; In foster care or aged out of the foster care system; Pregnant or parenting; Disabled; or Requires additional assistance to complete an education al program or to secure or hold employment (locally defined by Area 7) Related Program(s) Programs related in full or in part to the same purpose as indicated in this RFP may be added to contracts that are awarded. For example, Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP), as established by Section of House Bill 64, requires the same or similar requirements through WIOA and CCMEP funding. Therefore, OMJ-GC and Gallia County Commissioners reserve the right to add those objectives, programs, etc., with corresponding funding source(s) as addendums to any agreements reached as a result of this RFP. III. EXEPECTED OUTCOMES WIOA/CCMEP requires that OMJ - GC achieve performance outcomes for its WIOA/CCMEP-funded youth programs. As a result, OMJ GC will require the youth provider(s) to achieve these same performance outcomes for their individual WIOA/CCMEP- funded programs. The required performance outcomes will be set forth in the contract. Those selected through this process will be expected to 5 P a g e

6 coordinate and/or Gallia implement County one or more of the fourteen (14) WIOA/CCMEP elements, to meet the statenegotiated outcomes* listed below. WIOA Youth Performance Measures Placement in Employment, Education, and Training (measured after 2 nd quarter after exit). Current measure is 53.6%. New benchmark to be determined. Retention in Employment, Education, or Training (% of participants in education, training, or unsubsidized employment; measured 4 th quarter after exit). NEW performance measure. Benchmark to be determined. Credential Rate % of participants who obtain a recognized credential, secondary diploma during participation or within one (1) year after program exit. Current measure is 50.4%. New benchmark to be determined. Earnings after entry into unsubsidized employment (median earnings of participants in unsubsidized employment during the 2 nd quarter after exit). NEW performance measure. Benchmark to be determined. In-Program Skills Gain (% of participants in education leading to credential or employment during the program year achieving measurable gains. Measured in real time, not exit based). NEW performance measure. Benchmark to be determined. * Benchmark levels of the State of Ohio s WIOA Youth Performance Measures are To Be Determined. IV. ESTIMATED FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS GRANT Estimated WIOA Youth funds for Initial Service Period of July 1, 2016 June 30, 2017 will be $57,000. Amount may change based on the actual WIOA Youth funds allocated to the county and any additional program(s) funding. If exercised, funding amounts for first option year of July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018 and second option year of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 are to be determined based on program element. Funds available per Program Element: Element Amount Element Amount 1a $1,000 7e $1,000 1b $1,000 7f $1,000 2 $1,000 7g $1,000 3 $20,000 8 $8,000 4 $1,000 9 $1,000 5 $1,000 10a $1,000 6 $5,000 10b $1,000 7a $2, $3,000 7b $1, $2,500 7c $ $500 7d $ $2,500 6 P a g e

7 General Guidelines Gallia for County overall WIOA funding: Not less than 75% of the local youth program funds shall be used to provide out-of-school youth services as required by WIOA. Not less than 20% of the local youth program funds shall be used to provide in-school and out-of-school youth with work experience activities as required by WIOA Additionally, local areas may spend no more than 10% of funding on pay-for-performance contracts as stated in Section 129 (c)(1)(d) of the Act. Other Program(s) Funding: Programs related in full or in part to the same purpose as indicated in this RFP may be added to contracts that awarded. For example, Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP), requires the same or similar requirements through WIOA and CCMEP funding. Therefore, OMJ-GC and Gallia County Commissioners reserve the right to add those objectives, programs, etc., with corresponding funding source(s) and pay for those services to success WIOA RFP s. In that, this RFP may lead to additional funding opportunities above what is stated for WIOA funds for the successful bidder. Those funding sources are undeterminable at this time and should not be considered when submitting a proposal. V. RENEWAL CLAUSE Upon agreement of the provider(s) and OMJ - GC, any contract entered into may be renewed for two additional program years of one year each. Provided the contract award amount does not increase more than a recently published price index - see DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics at for the most upto-date contract escalation information. VI. BIDDER S CONFERENCE A Bidder s Conference has been scheduled for June 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services (GCDJFS) located at rd Ave Gallipolis, Ohio Please prepare/submit as many questions as possible prior to the conference so that staff can prepare responses. These program questions can be submitted to Jamie Eplin at Jamie.Eplin@jfs.Ohio.gov and fiscal questions to Kathy Campbell at Kathy.Campbell@jfs.Ohio.gov no later than Wednesday June 1 st at 5:00 p.m. VII. RFP TIMELINES & INFORMATION Request for Proposals Issued May 16, 2016 RFP Submission Deadline June 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Proposals will be available at the following locations and hours: Ohio Means Jobs - Gallia County rd Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio Monday Thursday 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Online at: 7 P a g e

8 In order to be Gallia considered, County six (6) copies of the proposal with original signatures on one proposal must be received. In addition, proposer must meet the minimum standards listed in Section XI. Proposals are to be sealed, and should bear the name and address of the proposer, and be plainly marked WIOA Youth Proposal with the element(s) in which the proposal addresses. Timely submission of the proposals is the sole responsibility of the proposer. The Gallia County Board of Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and/or all of the proposals and waive any irregularities in favor of the county, and to award a contract in whole or in part if it is deemed to be in the best interest of OMJ - GC. The OMJ - GC reserves the right to approve a proposal in part or whole. OMJ - GC reserve the right to negotiate with any Proposer after proposals are reviewed, if such action is deemed to be in the best interest of OMJ GC. The Gallia County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any proposal in which the offeror takes exception to the terms and conditions of this request for proposals; fails to meet the terms and conditions of the request for proposals, including but not limited to, the standards, specifications, and requirements specified in the request for proposals; or submits prices that the contracting authority considers to be excessive, compared to existing market conditions, or determines exceed the available funds of the contracting authority. The Gallia County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposal that the county contracting authority has determined, using the factors and criteria set forth herein, would not be in the best interest of Gallia County. Further, the Gallia County Board of Commissioners may conduct discussions with offerors who submit proposals for the purpose of clarifications or corrections regarding a proposal to ensure full understanding of, and responsiveness to, the requirements specified in the request for proposals. Proposals must be hand delivered or delivered via US Postal Service or other mail delivery service, and must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 15, 2016 to the following address: Gallia County Commissioners Office 18 Locust Street Gallipolis, Ohio Proposals received at any other location or after the listed date and time will not be accepted. VIII - PROPOSAL OMJ GC will keep the following activities in-house and collaborate with the selected youth provider(s) to provide ongoing comprehensive services to youth participants. OMJ GC estimates to serve WIOA youth participants per contract period plus CCMEP participants. Providers will be required to obtain and retain Paperwork and Documentation Bidders may bid on one or more program elements. If a bidder is bidding on all elements with additional partners delivering program elements, please include Memorandum of Understanding(s) or Letter(s) of Collaboration, as appropriate. Bids should be based on a price per participant for each program element. Please note: Bidder must indicate other known funding sources available to the bidder to provide the services being bid on. For example: if service are Medicaid eligible and can be provided through that 8 P a g e

9 funding source Gallia by the County bidder, then bidder must indicate they have that option available and that costs will be charged to that other available funding source prior to charging services under this proposal. The OMJ GC system will make available all Fourteen (14) WIOA/CCMEP Elements indicated below: Element 1.a Tutoring, study skills that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its equivalent or for a recognized postsecondary credential (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) (youth that are basic skills deficient, need to make up credits in order to graduate, disability or learning style that requires additional instructional assistance, difficulty learning on own, difficulty understanding information, trouble concentrating, note taking, comprehension, preparing for tests, test taking and time management) (A) Accessible to student s needs (at home, school, their site, local library, etc) (B) Evidence based results (TABE) (C) 2-7 hours per week through school year, more during summer (D) Need to have English as a Second Language course available. (E) Willingness to tutor IEP students and students with special needs. (F) Satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate or general equivalence, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certification. Element 1.b Dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its equivalent. Warning signs of potential dropout are absenteeism, poor grades in core subjects, behavior problems and lack of engagement in school. (A) Evidence based results (TABE) (B) Accessible to student s needs (C) Satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate or general equivalence, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certification. Element 2. Alternative secondary school offerings or dropout recovery services (alternative school must be approved by local board of education). This includes a service offered by schools which provide specialized, structured curriculum inside or outside the public school system, including work study and/or academic intervention for students with behavior problems, physical/mental disabilities and at risk of dropping out. (A) Evidence based results (TABE) (B) Need to have English as a Second Language course available (C) Satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate or general equivalence, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certification. Element 3. Paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education. Work experiences are a planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a workplace for a limited period of time. A work experience may take place in the private for-profit sector, the non- 9 P a g e

10 profit sector, Gallia or the County public sector. Labor standards apply in any work experience where an employee/employer relationship, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act or applicable State law, exists. Work experiences provide the youth participant with opportunities for career exploration and skill development. Work experiences may include: PAID Work Experience (A) Summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; (B) pre-apprenticeship programming which are a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship program and has a documented partnership with at least one, if not more, registered apprenticeship program(s); (C) OJT opportunities. UNPAID Work Experience (A) Job Shadowing (B) Internships (1) Once entered into a paid work experience, they should work for a minimum of 20 hours and maximum of 40 hours per week. The wage must be between minimum and $10 per hour for summer employment. (2). For other paid work experience the employer should pay equivalent to other employees doing the same job. (3) If the experience is paid, there must be an employer of record. (4) Employer cannot take advantage of paid work experience by not hiring individuals. (5) To address the process of dealing with individuals with barriers, we like the 3 strike rule and additionally utilizing our staff in the process. Element 4. Occupational skill training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved, if the local board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in section (WIOA sec. 129). This includes an organized program of study that provides specific vocational skills that lead to proficiency in performing actual tasks and technical functions required by certain occupational fields at entry, intermediate, or advanced levels. Local areas must give priority consideration to training programs that lead to recognized post-secondary credentials that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area. Such training must: (A) be outcome-oriented and focused on an occupational goal specified in the individual service strategy; (B) be of sufficient duration to impart the skills needed to meet the occupational goal; and (C) result in attainment of a recognized post-secondary credential. (D) School must be on approved provider list for WIOA Element 5. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster (do not have to complete academics before they receive this type of training). This includes programs that provide workforce prep activities, basic academic skills and hands-on occupational skills training being 10 P a g e

11 taught within Gallia the same County time frame and connected to training in a specific occupation, occupational cluster or career pathway. (A) Typing/computer skills (B) Resume writing (C) Mock interviews (D) Dress for success (E) Life skills/independent living skills (F) Nutrition skills (G) Job readiness training (H) Job search (I) Stress Management (J) Other workforce activities (K) We want these services to be included in our Work Opportunity Workshop so will have to work out scheduling with us) Element 6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peercentered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate. Leadership development opportunities such as: (A) Exposure to post-secondary educational possibilities; (B) Community and service learning projects; (C) Peer-centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring; (D) Organizational and team work training, including team leadership training; (E) Training in decision-making, including determining priorities and problem solving; (F) Citizenship training, including life skills training such as parenting and work behavior training; (G) Civic engagement activities which promote the quality of life in a community; and (H) Other leadership activities that place youth in a leadership role such as serving on youth leadership committee. (I) Opportunities that encourage responsibility, confidence, employability, self-determination and other positive social behaviors such as: (1) Positive attitudinal development; (2) Self-esteem building; (3) Openness to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds; (4) Maintaining healthy lifestyles, including being alcohol-and drug-free; (5) Maintaining positive social relationships with responsible adults and peers, and contributing to the well-being of one s community, including voting; (6) Maintaining a commitment to learning and academic success; (7) Avoiding delinquency; (8) Postponing parenting and responsible parenting, including child support education; (9) Positive job attitudes and work skills; and (10)Keeping informed in community affairs and current events. Element 7.a Supportive services as set forth within the OMJ GC policies. These services include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Linkages to community services; 11 P a g e

12 (B) Gallia Assistance County with transportation; (C) Assistance with child care and dependent care; (D) Assistance with housing; (E) Needs-related payments; (F) Assistance with educational testing; (G) Reasonable accommodations for youth with disabilities; (H) Referrals to health care; and (I) Assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tools,including such items as eye glasses and protective eye gear, drivers license, birth certificate (J) Performance goal rewards to youth participants for recognition and achievement directly tied to training activities and work experiences according to OMJ GC written policies and procedures in place governing the awarding of performance goal rewards ensuring that rewards are: (1) tied to the goals of the specific program; (2) outlined in writing before the commencement of the program that may provide them; (3) aligned with the local program s organizational policies (K) Pre-employment testing, background checks Element 7.b Parenting classes as part of a case plan with a public children services agency. (A) Parenting classes (B) Family planning (C) Child care, safe transportation Element 7.c Assistance in finding a home because the participant is homeless. Element 7.d Assistance in obtaining services related to Domestic Violence issues, such as obtaining residence in DV shelter, receiving counseling or treatment related to DV, stress management and participating in criminal justice activities against the DV offender. Element 7.e Social security supplemental security income (SSI) case management including, but not limited to: filing an application, gathering medical evidence and appeals. (A) Assistance in locating legal services. Element 8. Adult mentoring which must: (A) Last at least 12 months and may take place both during the program and following exit from the program; (B) Be a formal relationship between a youth participant and an adult mentor that includes structured activities where the mentor offers guidance, support, and encouragement to develop the competence and character of the mentee; (C) Include a mentor who is an adult other than the assigned youth case manager; and (D) While group mentoring activities and mentoring through electronic means are allowable as part of the mentoring activities, at a minimum, the local youth program must match the youth with an individual mentor with whom the youth interacts on a face-to-face basis. (E) Provide role models (F) Improve self-esteem, self-confidence. 12 P a g e

13 (G) Gallia Increase County acceptance of adult roles and responsibilities and transitioning to adulthood. (H) Can include workplace mentoring. (I) Provide opportunities for youth to connect in one-on-one and group situations where certain skill sets that need to be learned are modeled. (ie: decision making, education, workforce) (J) Cultivate relationships with a mentor that shows positive living leads to a path of success through goal setting, etc. (K) Mentor required to meet with youth a minimum of 2 times per month, geared around a structured event. Contact at least weekly. (L) Attempt to meet quarterly in large group with work on community project/event that supports the purpose of the service. Element 9. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation as appropriate. Follow-up services are critical services provided following a youth s exit from the program to help ensure the youth is successful in employment and/or post-secondary education and training. All youth participants must receive some form of follow-up services for a minimum duration of 12 months. Follow-up services may be provided beyond 12 months at the State or Local Board's discretion. The types of services provided and the duration of services must be determined based on the needs of the individual and therefore, the type and intensity of follow-up services may differ for each participant. However, follow-up services must include more than only a contact attempted or made for securing documentation in order to report a performance outcome. (WIOA sec. 129(c)(2)(I). Follow-up services for youth may include: (A) The leadership development and supportive service activities listed in 20 CFR and ; (B) Regular contact with a youth participant's employer, including assistance in addressing work-related problems that arise; (C) Assistance in securing better paying jobs, career pathway development, and further education or training; (D) Work-related peer support groups; (E) Adult mentoring; and/or (F) Services necessary to ensure the success of youth participants in employment and/or postsecondary education. Element 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate. Comprehensive guidance and counseling provides individualized counseling to participants. This includes career and academic counseling, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, mental health counseling, and referral to partner programs, as appropriate. (WIOA sec. 129(c)(1)(C)(J)) When referring participants to necessary counseling that cannot be provided by the local youth program or its service providers, the local youth program must coordinate with the organization it refers to in order to ensure continuity of service. (The majority of clients served under this element may be Medicaid eligible.) (A) The Comprehensive guidance and counseling and drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral may be bid separately or as a unit. (B) RFP to include: Credentials/licensure of those offering service, assessment, diagnostics, counseling, criteria under of Revised Code, verification of attendance in program, determine/recommend for employment, minimum time period of 90 days 13 P a g e

14 Element 11. Gallia Financial County literacy education. The financial literacy education program element includes activities which: (A) Support the ability of participants to create budgets, initiate checking and savings accounts at banks, and make informed financial decisions. (B) Support participants in learning how to effectively manage spending, credit, and debt, including student loans, consumer credit, and credit cards; (C) Teach participants about the significance of credit reports and credit scores; what their rights are regarding their credit and financial information; how to determine the accuracy of a credit report and how to correct inaccuracies; and how to improve or maintain good credit; (D) Support a participant s ability to understand, evaluate, and compare financial products, services, and opportunities and to make informed financial decisions; (E) Educate participants about identity theft, ways to protect themselves from identify theft, and how to resolve cases of identity theft and in other ways understand their rights and protections related to personal identity and financial data; (F) Support activities that address the particular financial literacy needs of non-english speakers, including providing the support through the development and distribution of multilingual financial literacy and education materials; (G) Provide financial education that is age appropriate, timely, and provides opportunities to put lessons into practice, such as by access to safe and affordable financial products that enable money management and savings; and (H) Implement other approaches to help participants gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed financial decisions that enable them to attain greater financial health and stability by using high quality, age-appropriate, and relevant strategies and channels, including, where possible, timely and customized information, guidance, tools, and instruction. (I) This training will coordinate with our Work Opportunity Workshop (WOW). At a later date we may want to offer a few of these as evening classes. Element 12. Entrepreneurial skills training. Entrepreneurial skills training provides the basics of starting and operating a small business. Such training must develop the skills associated with entrepreneurship. Such skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to: (A) Take initiative; (B) Creatively seek out and identify business opportunities; (C) Develop budgets and forecast resource needs; (D) Understand various options for acquiring capital and the trade-offs associated with each option; and (E) Communicate effectively and market oneself and one s ideas. Teaching youth entrepreneurial skills include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Entrepreneurship education that provides an introduction to the values and basics of starting and running a business. Entrepreneurship education programs often guide youth through the development of a business plan and may also include simulations of business start-up and operation. (B) Enterprise development which provides supports and services that incubate and help youth develop their own businesses. Enterprise development programs go beyond entrepreneurship education by helping youth access small loans or grants that are needed to begin business 14 P a g e

15 operation Gallia and County by providing more individualized attention to the development of viable business ideas. (C) Experiential programs that provide youth with experience in the day-to-day operation of a business. These programs may involve the development of a youth-run business that young people participating in the program work in and manage. Or, they may facilitate placement in apprentice or internship positions with adult entrepreneurs in the community. Element 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. Element 14. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training. May include the following: (A) TABE testing (B) College navigation (C) Prep testing for entrance exams (D) Scholarship searches (E) FAFSA (F) Career Pathway exploration (G) Writing requirements (H) Higher Education Application processes] (I) Career Counseling (J) Stress Management (K) One-on-one assistance based on individual needs. For additional information regarding requirements for services, please refer to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act at: IX. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS Proposers must submit a proposal to this RFP that meets the minimum requirements included in Section XI of this RFP. All Proposers are required to respond to this RFP exactly as outlined in order for the OMJ -GC to evaluate all proposals on an equal and timely basis. Proposals must be submitted in the following order: Section A: Cover letter Section B: Program and Fiscal Narratives Section C: Attachments (Assurances, Budget forms, and Proposal Checklist) Cover Letter A Cover Letter must be enclosed (as the first page) with your proposal and should not exceed one (1) typed page and must state the following: 1. The organization s name. 2. Organization s mailing address and address (if available). 3. Organization s telephone number and fax number. 4. A statement of the intent to provide said services utilizing WIOA funding. 5. Federal I.D. number 15 P a g e

16 6. Type Gallia of organization County (i.e., private, non-profit, governmental) 7. Name, title, and original signature of the person submitting the proposal for the organization. 8. Title of project or program (if applicable) 9. Contact persons for application 10. Total number of participants bidder expects to serve 11. Cost per participant 12. Total amount requested X. PROPOSAL NARRATIVE A. DEMONSTRATED PERFORMANCE INCLUDING ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY/QUALIFICATIONS The bidder must demonstrate organizational capacity, effectiveness and competence in delivering comparable or related services in the prior three years; the relevant experience and qualifications of its personnel; the financial and technical resources available and designated for this contract; and the proposer's administrative and fiscal accountability. 1. List all youth, workforce development or related activities, education, training and services provided by the bidder during the last three years prior to this RFP. Non-related activities and services that illustrate a bidder s ability to successfully implement the program should also be included. For each contract or project provide the following information, as applicable; a. Summary of contract to include name and contact information (including phone number) of a reference that will have knowledge of the contract/project results. b. Project budget and percent of budget expended. c. Planned versus actual performance outcomes. d. If performance stated above achieved less than contracted outcomes, explain the circumstances and the changes implemented and/or planned to improve performance. e. Any other verifiable data that may reflect the bidder s demonstrated performance. 2. How do you identify areas of high risks and what do you do to minimize those risks? 3. Describe your organization s overall capacity to deliver the required WIOA Youth elements in Gallia County. 4. Describe your proposed organizational structure responsible for the management and operation of the WIOA youth elements and activities. Identify key management personnel and their qualifications/credentials. Provide an organizational chart for the entire organization. 5. What methods are used to evaluate staff performance and accountability? 6. Describe any proposed program facility(ies) you will use, in addition to existing job centers, describing the space available, its location (including ZIP codes) and how readily accessible it is to public transportation route. Describe any current arrangements you have made to provide transportation to training site(s) located outside the geographical target zones or otherwise necessary for special populations (persons with disabilities) or programs. 7. What quality assurance systems are in place to ensure the program is operating efficiently and cost effectively, while complying with Federal, State and local employment laws, rules and regulations? How will you implement improvement strategies for performance and services? 16 P a g e

17 8. Describe Gallia additional County resources that you will use to effectively operate and manage WIOA youth elements and activities. B. PROGRAM DESIGN The bidder must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the range of services to be offered. The bidder must describe the overall innovative approach, design and strategies it will utilize to effectively deliver services and manage resources, provide quality customer services, and strategies to continuously improve performance and services. Provide the means for verification of collaboration with Gallia County employers and community partners that supports the mission and vision of OMJ GC and contributes to the achievement of the OMJ GC strategic goals. 1. Describe specific strategies in response to WIOA which results in creating and implementing a seamless youth system that is realistic and appropriate to meet performance goals and will result in a career path, productive employment, high wages and retention for each youth participant. 2. What is your outreach plan for Gallia County employers and placing youth with these employers? Please provide letters of support from employers that you have an established placement relationship. 3. Describe the process and sources for benchmarking performance and expenditure results and explain how the benchmarking process will ensure performance and expenditures standards/levels that meet or exceed measures. 4. Describe methods to monitor and manage performance as a participant progresses through the program from enrollment to employment placement and retention. 5. Describe your exit strategy that will ensure participants will achieve required performance measures. 6. Describe how you will identify, develop and maintain relationships with Gallia County employers and other partners, which will result in positive outcomes for employment and retention. Delivery of one or more of the (14) fourteen Program Elements Inclusive of Comprehensive Case Management and Job Placement (See Section VIII) 1. Describe how the bidder will provide proposed program element(s) as described in Section VIII, in accordance with WIOA. Provide a description of proposed activities, strategies, and expected outcomes including the number of youth served. Provide details on any partnerships in delivering elements. 2. Describe case management and include how the bidder will work with community partners to refer youth to other appropriate services in order to maximize available resources and avoid duplication. 3. Describe how you will ensure that front-line program staff have sufficient time and support to provide the highest quality youth services. 4. Describe services to meet the needs of out-of-school youth ages (16-24), explain how you will build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations to effectively recruit, engage, and sustain out-of- school activities. 5. Describe why your program is something that youth want and will assist them in achieving their goals towards self-sufficient employment. 6. Describe your WIOA youth strategy that illustrates a connection between learning and work. 17 P a g e

18 7. Describe Gallia your County approach towards offering a wide range of training services to participants, such as occupational skills training, which will result in positive outcomes. 8. Describe your approach towards offering a wide range of work-based learning activities, such as apprenticeships, internships and work experiences to appropriate participants. Discuss how you will identify which participants are appropriate for these activities. 9. Describe what workshops and/or trainings you plan to implement into your program design. Explain how these activities will relate to positive outcomes. 10. Describe job development strategies to meet the required minimum of 20% on work experience opportunities that will help youth obtain employment, high wages and retention which may include internships. 11. Explain how you will prepare youth for careers in high growth/high demand occupations and the overall approach to re-connecting youth through unique community and employer partnerships. 12. Describe bidder s established linkages and coordination activities with Gallia County employers, education, service providers and other community resources. If coordination agreement exists, identify each agency involved and a brief description of the services that may support successful youth program. 13. Discuss your follow-up services for a minimum of 12 months after the participants exit from the program. 14. Discuss how you will influence and monitor participants to remain on their targeted career path after exiting from the program. C. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL STABILITY 1. Describe the bidder s fiscal management system, fiscal organizational structure, cash management, financial capacity and knowledge in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 2. Provide bidder s current sources of funding and the percent of the total each source represents. 3. Describe payroll, leave, and travel policies, and how related documentation and files are maintained. All allowable travel expenditures will be reimbursed based on State Law (e.g. mileage, per diem, etc.) or the applicable funding source. 4. Describe the bidder s internal fiscal monitoring systems and techniques used to measure budgeted vs. actual costs. 5. Provide a copy of the bidder s most recent audit. In addition, please provide a statement of how any audit findings have been resolved including any potential liabilities that might affect the ability to perform a contract if awarded. Liabilities include, but not limited to, those that have not been presented in the audit and subsequent events. 6. Nonprofit organizations must submit a copy of their most recent IRS Form Describe the bidder s procurement process to ensure cost reasonableness is determined for all purchases. 8. Provide any additional information that would demonstrate the bidder s financial and organizational stability. D. PRICE/COST ANALYSIS/VALUE 1. Indirect costs will be competitive. If indirect costs are requested in this proposal, please provide a copy of your approved indirect cost plan and/or cognizant agency letter approving an indirect cost rate. 18 P a g e

19 2. Profit/Incentives Gallia County will be competitive. Provide a detailed schedule for any proposed incentives/profit. All incentives/profits are subject to negotiation. 3. Describe any in-kind or matching funds contributed to this project. 4. Describe how the bidder will meet the requirement for having sufficient financial resources to cover a 4-6 week period before being reimbursed. XI. MINIMUM STANDARDS & EVALUATION CRITERIA Minimum Standards These minimum standards must be met if the proposal is to be further evaluated: XII. The proposal was submitted before the closing time and date. XIII. The proposing organization is not on a Federal or State Debarment List. XIV. The proposing organization is fiscally solvent. XV. The proposing organization has additional funding sources and will not be dependent on WIOA/CCMEP funds alone for ongoing operations. XVI. The person signing the proposal as the submitting officer has the authority to do so. XVII. The proposing organization agrees to meet the performance outcomes listed on page 5-6. XVIII. The proposing organization agrees to meet all Federal, State, and local compliance requirements. Evaluation Criteria OMJ - GC will review all proposals for completeness and compliance with the terms and conditions of the RFP. Proposals inconsistent with the RFP requirements will be eliminated from consideration. Each proposal will be reviewed according to the rating system below. A total of 100 points may be awarded to each proposal. A scoring team of impartial parties will rate the proposals. The scoring team will forward the scores and their comments to the Youth Committee which will make recommendations to the local Workforce Policy Board. Responsive proposals submitted by the deadline will be evaluated using the criteria below: Demonstrated Performance including Organizational Capacity/Qualifications 30 Points The bidder must demonstrate organizational capacity, effectiveness and competence in delivering comparable or related services in the prior three years; the relevant experience and qualifications of its personnel; the financial and technical resources available and designated for this contract; and the proposer's administrative and fiscal accountability. The reviewers will look closely at contractor capacity to deliver WIOA youth services, current/past programmatic and fiscal performance to include (participant levels, status of performance measures, status of corrective action plans, status of monitoring reports, expenditure levels, timely submittal of invoices and close-outs). Program Design 40 Points The bidder must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the range of services to be offered. The bidder must describe the overall innovative approach, design and strategies it will utilize to effectively deliver services and manage resources, provide quality customer services, and strategies to continuously improve performance and services. Verification of collaboration with Gallia County employers and community partners that supports the mission and vision of OMJ GC and contribute to the achievement of the OMJ GC strategic goals. 19 P a g e