Pinal County Office of Budget and Finance Purchasing Division

31 N Pinal Street, Building A Florence, Arizona 85132

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 265031

COVER SHEET

Release Date

February 19, 2026

Solicitation Number

RFP265031

Solicitation Title

Services to be performed for

WIOA TITLE I-B YOUTH PROGRAM SERVICE

PROVIDER

Pinal County – Workforce Development Board

Responses will be received until 2:00 P.M., MST, Thursday, March 26, 2026 Electronically through the Bonfire Purchasing System

For additional information please contact Kylea Daniels, Procurement Officer Email: Kylea.Daniels@pinal.gov 520-866-6023

Documents included in this package Request for Proposal Cover Sheet Scope of Work Special Terms and Conditions General Terms and Conditions Response Submittal Requirements Attachments

The undersigned hereby affirms that (1) he/she is a duly authorized agent of the Consultant, (2) he/she has read all terms and conditions and technical specifications which were made available in conjunction with this solicitation and fully understands and accepts them unless specific variations have been expressly listed in his/her offer, (3) that the offer is being submitted on behalf of the Consultant in accordance with any terms and conditions set forth in this document, and (4) that the Consultant will accept any awards made to it as a result of the offer submitted herein for a minimum of one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days following the date of submission. Offers must contain, in blue ink, a manual signature of an authorized agent of the Consultant or a verifiable electronic time and date stamped signature in the space provided on all appropriate signature lines in this solicitation. Typed names as signatures are not allowed.

PRINT OR TYPE YOUR INFORMATION

Company Name: _______________________________________ Fax: __________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________ City/State/Zip: __________________________________________

Contact Person: ________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________

Authorized Representative’s Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Printed Name: _________________________________________ Title: _________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ mailto:Kylea.Daniels@pinal.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet Page 1

Table of Contents Page 2

Executive Summary Page 3

Specifications Page 5

Special Terms and Conditions Page 20

General Terms and Conditions Page 26

Consultant Information Page 32

Inquiry Form Page 37

Proprietary / Confidentiality Statement Page 38

No Bid Statement Page 39

Submission Form Page 40

Exhibit 1 – Exceptions Form Page 41

Exhibit 2 – Lobbying Certification Page 42

Exhibit 3 – Non-Collusion Affidavit Page 43

Exhibit 4 – Minimum Insurance Requirements Certification Page 44

Attachment A, Insurance Requirements Page 46

Exhibit 5 – Debarment Certification Page 47

Reference and Instruction Regarding Attachment B, Agreement Page 48

Attachment C, WIOA Youth Program Definitions Page 59

Attachment D, AZDES Accrued Expenditure and Cash Report Page 60

Attachment E, AZDES Contractor’s Equipment List Page 62

Attachment F, WIOA Performance Measures Page 65

Attachment G, Budget Response Form SAMPLE Page 66

Substitute W9 Form Page 69

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 3 of 72

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OFFICIAL SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS: Pinal County officially distributes solicitation documents through the

Bonfire Purchasing System and notification through the local newspaper. Copies of solicitations obtained from any other source are not considered official copies. Only those Consultants who obtain solicitation documents from the Bonfire Purchasing System website will be in receipt of officially posted and relevant information regarding solicitations issued by Pinal County. The County cannot be held responsible for incorrect information, nor can it attest to the accuracy of information found on websites other than the Bonfire Purchasing System.

PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION: Pinal County is issuing this Solicitation for the purpose of entering into a contract for services as specified herein from a Consultant(s) that will provide prompt and efficient service to the County for the Workforce Innovative and Opportunities Act (WIOA) Title I-B Youth Program Service Provider. Although this

Solicitation specifies an exact location and timeline for these services to be completed, it is understood and agreed that the County may, during the term of the contract, request additional services be performed by the successful

Consultant(s) at other locations within Pinal County. This option, if exercised, is the prerogative of the County and shall be honored by the Consultant(s) throughout the contract period. No guarantees are made that additional services will be requested.

TERM OF CONTRACT: The awarded contract shall commence on July 1, 2026 and shall remain in effect through

June 30, 2027.

OPTION TO RENEW FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS (WITH PRICE ADJUSTMENT): The prices or discounts quoted in this Solicitation shall prevail during the specified term of the contract, at which time the County shall have the option to renew the contract for four (4) additional one-year periods. Continuation of the contract beyond the initial period is a County prerogative and not a right of the Consultant and will be exercised only when such continuation is clearly in the best interest of the County. During the option period, the County will consider an adjustment to the pricing structure if the Consultant notifies the County of a price adjustment. The Consultant shall notify the County of such adjustments during the option period at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the end of the then current contract year and must include detailed justification for the requested adjustment. The County reserves the right to reject any price adjustments submitted by the Consultant and/or to terminate the contract with the Consultant based on such price adjustments.

The County may consider an adjustment to the pricing structure outside of the option period if such adjustment would be detrimental to the Consultant. The Consultant shall submit an immediate request for such an adjustment in writing to the Purchasing Division and must include detailed justification for the requested adjustment outside of the option period. This consideration is a County prerogative and there is no guarantee that the request will be accepted outside of the option period. The County reserves the right to accept, reject or negotiate any price adjustments submitted by the Consultant and/or to terminate the contract with the Consultant based on such price adjustments.

NON-APPROPRIATION. Pursuant to A.R.S. §35-190, as amended, the financial obligations of the County as set forth herein after the current fiscal year are contingent upon funds for the purpose being appropriated, budgeted and otherwise available. The awarded agreement will automatically terminate on July 1st of the first fiscal year for which funds are not appropriated. The County shall give the Consultant written notice of such non-appropriation.

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 4 of 72

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES: The following activities and dates tentatively outline the process to be used to solicit

Consultant responses and to review each Consultant Response.

February 19, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m. Release Request for Proposal March 5, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m. Deadline for Submitting Questions

March 26, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m. Response Submission Deadline

April 2026 Issue Notice of Intent to Award

May 6, 2026 (estimated) Contract Award

IDENTIFICATION OF TAXES IN OFFER: The County is subject to Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) and local sales/use taxes, as set forth in the contract terms and conditions. Taxes shall be identified as separate items by amount or by rate, as applicable, in the offer.

EXCISE TAX: The County is exempt from certain federal excise tax on manufactured goods. The County will provide the necessary exemption certificates as evidence.

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS: Questions which arise during the Response preparation period regarding issues around this Solicitation, purchasing and/or award should be directed electronically, via the Bonfire Purchasing

System, to Kylea Daniels, Procurement Officer, Purchasing Division, Pinal County. The Consultant submitting the question(s) shall be responsible for ensuring that the question(s) is received by the date and time listed above in the schedule of activities for submitting the question(s).

Any official interpretation of this Solicitation must be made by an agent of the County’s Purchasing Division who is authorized to act on behalf of the County. The County shall not be responsible for interpretations offered by employees of the County who are not agents of the County’s Purchasing Division.

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 5 of 72

SPECIFICATIONS

1. SPECIFICATIONS

Pinal County Workforce Development Board (PCWDB) is soliciting responses from a qualified Consultant to provide youth program services in accordance with the Workforce Innovative and Opportunities Act (WIOA).

It is expected that the Consultant and their team members will have significant experience with this type of project. It is expected that the individuals overseeing and managing this project are licensed professionals. The successful Consultant shall be considered and shall remain an independent Consultant throughout the term of any contract awarded pursuant to this Solicitation.

The successful Consultant shall be solely responsible for scheduling and coordinating work of the sub-contractors, suppliers, and other individuals or entities performing or furnishing any of the work under direct or indirect contract with the successful Consultant.

The successful Consultant shall provide and assume full responsibility for all services, materials, equipment, labor, transportation, tools, appliances, fuel, temporary facilities, and all other facilities and incidentals necessary for performance, testing, start up, and completion of the services outlined in this Solicitation.

A. Background

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal legislation designed to strengthen and improve the national public workforce system and help put Americans, especially youth and those with significant barriers to employment, back to work. Per WIOA sec. 123, the local workforce development board must identify eligible providers of youth workforce activities in the local area by awarding grants or contracts on a competitive basis except where the local board determines there are an insufficient number of eligible providers of such activities. Pinal County is one (1) of twelve (12) local workforce areas who receive WIOA funds from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (state grantee) to administer Youth Program services. WIOA services are offered throughout the state under the ARIZONA@WORK brand.

B. Objective

The Pinal County Workforce Development Board (PCWDB) is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to provide comprehensive, innovative approaches that maximize and leverage available resources and provide an array of services that meet the unique needs of the targeted population. The interested organization will demonstrate competent and cooperative management supporting youth development activities, trained and qualified youth-orientated staff, high level of innovation and creativity, willingness to work with community partners and educational organizations, use of innovative technologies and integrated systems, and provide commitment to be part of a system-wide approach while in accordance with WIOA, federal law, regulation, state and PCWDB policies.

PCWDB is responsible for overseeing the provision of services for Youth under WIOA. The youth program provides a comprehensive array of high-quality services including career exploration and guidance, continued support of educational attainment, and training for employment within in-demand industries and occupations to In-School Youth and Out-of-School Youth. The program’s goal is for the youth to obtain employment along a career pathway, enrollment in post-secondary education or a

Registered Apprenticeship program prior to the end of participation. The youth program provides

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 6 of 72 services to youth with barriers to employment with a special focus on supporting the educational and career success of Out-of-School Youth.

2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Failure to provide required information may deem your submittal non-responsive. Submittals must contain, in blue ink, a manual signature of an authorized agent of the Consultant or a verifiable electronic time and date stamped signature in the space provided on all appropriate signature lines in this solicitation. Typed names as signatures are not allowed.

• Consultant Information Form

• Inquiry Form

• Proprietary / Confidential Statement

• Sub-contractor List, if applicable

• Organizational Chart

• References

• Exhibit 1 – Exception Form

• Exhibit 2 – Lobbying Certification

• Exhibit 3 – Non-Collusion Affidavit

• Exhibit 4 – Minimum Insurance Requirements

• Exhibit 5 – Debarment Certification / Proof of SAM.gov eligibility

3. SCOPE OF WORK

Consultant shall adhere to the following minimum specifications, performance requirements, and all terms and conditions within this contract.

1 Youth Eligibility Criteria

1.1 Out-of-School Youth

Out-of-School Youth is defined as an individual, who at the time of eligibility determination, is not attending any school (as defined under state law and Training and Education Guidance Letter 21-

16); not younger than sixteen (16) years of age or older than twenty-four (24) years of age; and is one (1) or more of any of the following:

1.1.1 A school dropout

1.1.2 An offender

1.1.3 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

1.1.4 A homeless individual aged sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) who meets the criteria defined in sec. 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e–2(6)), a homeless child or youth aged sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) who meets the criteria defined in sec. 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.11434a(2)), or a runaway

1.1.5 An individual in foster care or who has aged out of the foster care system or who has attained sixteen (16) years of age and left foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement

1.1.6 Pregnant and/or parenting youth

1.1.7 An individual with a disability

1.1.8 A low-income individual who requires additional assistance (see Attachment C) to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment as defined in the most current version of the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Workforce Development Plan https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12784/2025-2028-ARIZONAWORK-Pinal-County-Local-Plan-PDF

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1.2 In-School Youth

In-School Youth is defined as an individual who is:

1.2.1 Attending school (as defined by state law and TEGL 21-16)

1.2.2 Not younger than age fourteen (14) or older than age twenty-one (21) (unless an individual with a disability who is attending school under state law)

1.2.3 A low-income individual; with one (1) or more of the following:

1.2.3.1 Basic Skills Deficient

1.2.3.2 An English Language Learner

1.2.3.3 An Offender

1.2.4 A homeless individual aged fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21) who meets the criteria defined in sec. 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e–2(6)), a homeless child or youth aged fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21) who meets the criteria defined in sec. 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42

U.S.C.11434a(2)), or a runaway

1.2.5 An individual in foster care or who has aged out of the foster care system or who has attained sixteen (16) years of age and left foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement

1.2.6 Pregnant and/or parenting youth

1.2.7 An individual with a disability

1.2.8 A low-income individual who requires additional assistance (see Attachment C) to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment as defined in the most current version of the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Workforce Development

Plan. Not more than five percent (5%) of youth served may be In-School Youth “needing additional assistance”.

2 General Requirements

2.1 Consultants shall provide comprehensive, innovative approaches that maximize and leverage available resources and provide an array of services that meet the unique needs of the targeted population. Responses are sought that would build upon the development and/or enhancement of collaborative relationships within a community, across ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County programs and between workforce and technological systems, consistent with the most current version of

ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Workforce Development Plan and Memorandum of

Understanding established between the system partners and Pinal County Workforce

Development Board (PCWDB). Pinal County Workforce Development Area is seeking interested organizations that demonstrate the six (6) critical characteristics listed below:

2.1.1 Competent and cooperative management with a vision for developing and supporting positive youth development activities;

2.1.2 A commitment and ability to ensure that youth-orientated staff are trained and qualified to serve eligible youth within a local and statewide workforce system;

2.1.3 A high level of innovation and creativity in designing projects and learning activities in which young individuals can participate;

2.1.4 A willingness to work with community partners and educational organizations in the planning and implementation of innovative approaches to youth development;

2.1.5 A commitment to use innovative technologies, including an integrated system as agreed to by ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County partners for intake assessment and referrals to partner programs; and

2.1.6 A commitment to be part of a system-wide approach, including collaborating with appropriate ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County partners to meet the needs of participants in reaching their goals, via seamless service delivery and co-case management.

Consultants are to demonstrate not only a sound approach to evidence-based, research-based, or best practice youth workforce programming, but also positioned to support collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including secondary schools, charter schools, community-based organizations (both

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 8 of 72 small and large), faith-based organizations, public social service organizations, employers, business associations/networks, post- secondary education and training institutions, parents, and the youth themselves.

2.2 Consultants shall provide high quality services for youth and young adults beginning with career exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations and culminating with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in post-secondary education.

2.3 Consultants shall provide

Proposals must clearly state how the Consultant will introduce the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal

County’s menu of services that comprise the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County workforce system.

The introduction should be age and goal appropriate.

The PCWDB also identifies the following values and/or principles that proposals must address:

2.2.1 Youth responsibility

2.2.2 Strategically meeting needs of the community

2.2.3 Strong youth development model

2.2.4 Occupational skill development

2.2.5 Involvement of employers and links to local labor markets

2.2.6 Collaboration and leveraging partnerships

2.2.7 Producing results

2.2.8 Academic gains for youth

2.2.9 Year-round services

2.2.10 Long-term support for youth

2.2.11 Accessibility

2.2.12 Accountability

2.4 Consultants must be able to provide comprehensive service strategies which include:

2.4.1 Objective assessment

2.4.2 Development of service strategies and goals directly linked to one (1) or more of the performance indicators (see Attachment F)

2.4.3 Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized post-secondary credential

2.4.4 Preparation for post-secondary educational and training opportunities

2.4.5 Strong linkages between academic instruction (based on state academic content and student academic achievement standards established under sec. 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311))

2.4.6 Occupational education that leads to the attainment of recognized post-secondary credentials

2.4.7 Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, in appropriate cases

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 9 of 72

2.4.8 Effective connections to employers for purposes of work experience (WEX) and placement into employment when applicable, including small employers, in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor markets

2.5 Overall Youth Goals and Objectives

2.5.1 Out-of-School Youth participants will improve basic academic skills, soft skills, and occupational skills because of participation in the program. Objectives include, but are not limited to:

2.5.1.1 Return to secondary or post-secondary education

2.5.1.2 Obtain basic education skills, job readiness and occupational skills

2.5.1.3 Enter post-secondary education

2.5.1.4 Earn a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma and enter employment or post-secondary education during participation or within one (1) year of exiting the program

2.5.1.5 Obtain occupational skills training through contracts with training providers or through Individual Training Accounts (ITA)

2.5.1.6 Earn a post-secondary credential, as defined by TEGL 10-16, Change 1

2.5.1.7 Enter employment or post-secondary education

2.5.1.8 Enter a Registered Apprenticeship program for the purpose of earning a

Registered Apprenticeship certificate

2.5.1.9 Enter the military

2.5.1.10 Remain employed or in secondary or post-secondary school

2.5.2 In-School Youth participants will remain in school and improve basic academic skills, soft skills and occupational skills. Objectives include, but are not limited to:

2.5.2.1 Remain in secondary or post-secondary education

2.5.2.2 Earn a High School Diploma and enter employment or post-secondary education during participation or within one (1) year of exiting the program

2.5.2.3 Obtain basic skills, job readiness skills, and occupational skills

2.5.2.4 Obtain occupational skills leading to recognized post-secondary credential through contracts with training providers or ITAs

2.5.2.5 Earn a post-secondary credential, as defined in TEGL 10-16, Change 3

2.5.2.6 Enter employment or post-secondary education

2.5.2.7 Enter a Registered Apprenticeship program for the purpose of earning a

Registered Apprenticeship certificate

2.5.2.8 Enter the military

2.5.2.9 Remain employed or in secondary or post-secondary education

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3 Specific Requirements

3.1 Consultant must ensure the Youth Program has employees with the requisite knowledge and sensitivity to meet the needs of Out-of-School and In-School Youth to effectively serve them.

3.2 Consultant must provide and maintain a detailed staffing plan that includes an organizational chart, brief job descriptions for employees assigned to the program, and how it proposes to provide Youth Program services in coordination with designated ARIZONA@WORK Pinal partner programs throughout Pinal County per the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Memorandum of Understanding and Infrastructure Funding Agreement.

3.3 Consult shall provide a thirty (30) day preparation timeline plan that includes the approach to recruit, hire, and train staff who will be assigned to the Youth Program ensuring program employees will be ready by service commencement date.

3.4 Consultant shall conduct outreach and recruitment of potentially eligible program applicants, including both In-School and Out-of-School Youth.

3.5 Consultant shall employ strategies that ensure a minimum of twenty percent (20%) of allocated funds are expended on Work Experience and seventy-five percent (75%) on Out-of-School Youth.

3.6 Consultant must be available to provide services Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., in accordance with the Pinal County Holiday Schedule.

3.7 Consultant must provide services in accordance with the Pinal County Holiday Schedule. The Pinal

County Holiday Schedule shall take precedence over all other holiday schedules. The following are Pinal County Recognized Holidays:

3.7.1 New Year’s Day

3.7.2 Civil Rights Day

3.7.3 President’s Day

3.7.4 Memorial Day

3.7.5 Independence Day

3.7.6 Labor Day

3.7.7 Veterans Day

3.7.8 Thanksgiving Day

3.7.9 Day after Thanksgiving

3.7.10 Christmas Day.

3.8 Consultant shall incorporate the following Youth Program design framework services into the service delivery model (20 CFR §681.400):

3.8.1 Orientation

Consultant must provide all eligible youth participants with information on services available through ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County as part of the initial conversation about services to allow an informed decision about if the Youth Program services will meet the applicant’s expectations.

3.8.2 Eligibility/Document Verification

Consultant is responsible for determining eligibility, identifying barriers and collecting and verifying all necessary eligibility documents into the Arizona Job Connection (AJC) system. These verification documents must be maintained electronically in the AJC System.

Eligible youth who do not enroll in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs should be provided information regarding other applicable and appropriate services available through other local programs that have capacity to serve them. In addition, eligible youth should be given referrals utilizing the Automated Tracking, Linking and Archiving Solution (ATLAS) system or other approved Pinal County Workforce Development Board (PCWDB) referral systems.

https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12783/ARIZONAWORK-Pinal-County-Memorandum-of-UnderstandingInfrastructure-Funding-Agreement-PDF https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12783/ARIZONAWORK-Pinal-County-Memorandum-of-UnderstandingInfrastructure-Funding-Agreement-PDF

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3.8.3 Objective Assessment

Consultant will conduct, administer, or obtain a thorough and in-depth objective assessment of the academic level, skill levels, and service needs of each participant, which will include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes, (including interest and aptitudes for non-traditional jobs), supportive service and developmental needs.

The goal is to accurately evaluate each youth participant to develop an appropriate service strategy to meet their individual needs. For basic academic skills, the PCWDB requires that Consultants use the most current Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Other assessment tools should be utilized for assessing career interests and aptitudes.

A new objective assessment is not required if a partner program has completed an objective assessment with the participant in the last six (6) months and its use is deemed appropriate by the PCWDB. Further assessment can be conducted, if determined appropriate. Any subsequent objective assessment will be done in coordination with any appropriate community partner.

For more information on Objective Assessment, please see the link PCWDB

ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Youth Services policy, section 504.C

3.8.4 Development of the Individual Service Strategy

Consultant will use the results of the youth participant’s objective assessment to develop the initial Individual Service Strategy (ISS) for the youth participant. The ISS is an age appropriate, individualized, written plan of short and long-term goals that include career pathways, education and employment goals related to in-demand occupations in Pinal County, the name of the training provider and training program, involvement in WIOA Youth Program elements, support services, incentives.

The ISS is a living document and must be updated with each contact to reflect progress, status, and changes. The ISS must coincide with case notes in AJC and services. For all youth, the ISS will identify the timeframe in which each youth will be expected to complete all activities related to each of the goal(s) specified in the ISS.

The ISS will clearly connect the services to be provided to each youth identifying the outcomes to be achieved between WIOA enrollment and exit. The ISS will be reviewed and updated every ninety-days (90) on an on-going basis to document the youth progress, activities completed/program status, changes, benchmarks received, and any other accomplishments throughout enrollment and exit.

For more information on ISS please see the link PCWDB ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Training Services Policy Chapter 400, section 404.B.6.

3.8.5 Consultant shall directly link an ISS to one (1) or more of the performance indicators described in WIOA sec. 116 (b)(2)(a)(ii) including effective connections to employers, including small employers, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations.

3.8.6 Case Management

Consultant will deliver high quality services that create training and employment opportunities for economic and career success connecting jobseekers with employer-driven job placement in Pinal County. Case Management is the infrastructure for delivering effective services that will facilitate the positive growth and development of youth and the achievement of performance goals. The case management process extends from enrollment through follow-up, with completing the eligibility, assessments, and service strategies.

Case Managers are expected to motivate participants and coordinate services and information to prepare youth for post-secondary education opportunities, academic, occupational training opportunities and employment in Pinal County. The Consultant will https://tabetest.com/ https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12794/Chapter-500-Youth-Program-Policies-PDF https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12794/Chapter-500-Youth-Program-Policies-PDF https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12792/Chapter-400-Training-Services-PDF https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12792/Chapter-400-Training-Services-PDF

Request for Proposal 265031 Page 12 of 72 engage participants not less than a biweekly basis at a meaningful frequency, driven by needs, career interest and goals, as well as the scope and objectives of the program.

Consultant will document such engagement appropriately in the participant’s case files in the AJC system. The Consultant will maintain an even distributed caseload per staff member. All case notes and documents must be entered, and uploaded into the AJC system, and kept confidential. Documentation related to health and disability shall be kept in a locked, separate file. PCWDB staff must provide access to documentation in all youth case management systems, used by consultant, in addition to the AJC system, and information related to Youth Program participant’s health and disability, upon request.

Youth Career Coaches will assist a youth participant in making informed choices, using the Pinal County H3Analysis/ In-Demand Occupations Report and completing the program to maximize co-enrollment with ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County partners programs.

3.8.7 Follow-Up Services

Consultant shall provide twelve (12) months of follow-up services to all participants who have completed (exited) the program. Consultant is encouraged to consider the needs and barriers of the program’s target population(s) in determining the appropriate levels and types of follow-up services.

Follow-up services are critical services to help ensure the youth is successful in employment and/or post-education and training beyond their program completion. Follow-up services will be conducted on a monthly basis to promote job retention, wage gains, and career progress. Support services are available during follow-up for youth.

For more information on follow-up services, please see the link: PCWDB

ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Youth Services Policy, sec 505.9 for more information on follow-up services.

3.9 Consultant must make all of the following program elements available to youth participants:

3.9.1 Tutoring, study skills training, instruction and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized post-secondary credential

3.9.2 Alternative secondary school services or dropout recovery services, as appropriate

3.9.3 Paid and unpaid work experiences that have academic and occupational education as a component of the work experience

3.9.4 Occupational skill training, which includes priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized post-secondary credentials that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in Pinal County, if the PCWDB determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in WIOA sec. 123. Occupational Skills Training shall be provided through contracts with training providers or through ITAs for programs listed on the State’s Eligible Training Provider List.

Training shall be directly linked to high-in demand occupations in Pinal County.

Consultant must use the H3 In-Demand Occupation Report to determine if the training program is related to an in-demand occupation in Pinal County prior to the approval of the occupational skills training. Documentation of information from the H3 In-Demand

Occupation Report on the in-demand occupation must be added to case notes in the

AJC system.

3.9.5 Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/econ.workforce.pinal.gov/viz/H3Analysis/AllOccupations https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12794/Chapter-500-Youth-Program-Policies-PDF https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12794/Chapter-500-Youth-Program-Policies-PDF https://www.azjobconnection.gov/search/programs

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3.9.6 Leadership development opportunities, including community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors

3.9.7 Supportive services, including the services listed in 20 CFR §681.570

3.9.8 Adult mentoring for a duration of a minimum of twelve (12) months that may occur both during and after program participation

3.9.9 Follow-up services for not less than twelve (12) months after the completion of participation, as provided in 20 CFR §681.580

3.9.10 Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling, as well as referrals to counseling, as appropriate to the needs of the individual youth

3.9.11 Financial literacy education

3.9.12 Entrepreneurial skills training

3.9.13 Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in Pinal County, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services. Consultant must use Pinal County

Labor Market Information provided by Pinal County H3 In-Demand Occupations, Job

Search assistance and Job Referrals using the AJC system

3.9.14 Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to post-secondary education and training

3.10 The Consultant shall determine program eligibility in accordance with federal law, regulation, state and PCWDB policy criteria established by WIOA.

3.11 Consultant shall register youth for services by:

3.11.1 Completing a WIOA application via the state's case management system registration

(Arizona Job Connection (AJC))

3.11.2 Verifying family income when required

3.11.3 Verifying information provided by youth

All entries must be made accurately and timely into the AJC System in accordance with federal law, regulation, state and PCWDB policy.

3.12 Consultant shall ensure that each eligible youth applicant shall be provided:

3.12.1 Information on the full array of applicable or appropriate services including co-enrollment that are available through the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County workforce system, its partners, the PCWDB or other eligible providers, including those providers and partners receiving funds under WIOA.

3.13 Consultant shall conduct an objective assessment of each participant in the areas of academic skills, employment skills, and supportive services needed to compose a compliant ISS.

3.14 Consultant shall provide program orientation to potential eligible youth. This includes:

3.14.1 Provide information on the program enrollment process, objective assessment, Youth

Program elements, training programs, and responsibilities as a program participant in order to remain eligible for services

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3.14.2 Informing youth of all services available including programs and/or services that are provided by the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County service delivery system and opportunities for co-enrollment

3.14.3 Information regarding financial aid and support services

3.14.4 Effectively assess suitability for the program

3.14.5 Develop an ISS that is based on acquiring a secondary credential, if not yet attained, and a recognized post-secondary credential along a career pathway as well as employment preparation. The ISS must not end with the attainment of the secondary diploma or HSE, as the goal of the program is attainment of a recognized post-secondary credential and attainment of training related employment.

3.15 Consultant shall develop an ISS: an individualized, age-appropriate, written plan of long- and short-term services that support the youth’s goals and assessment results. The ISS will clearly connect the services to be provided with the participant’s goals to be achieved from the time of registration to completion of follow-up services or time of exit from the program.

The ISS will contain the name of the training provider and training program, if applicable. The ISS will be a living, working document used to track the services received and outcomes achieved.

Consultant shall review the ISS with the participant not less than every thirty (30) days, and shall update the document accordingly.

3.16 Consultant shall provide career planning/referral services for youth that are coordinated between core, required, and community partners.

3.17 Consultant shall provide supportive services to youth consistent with federal, state, and PCWDB policy, to ensure participants are successful in achieving their goals identified in the ISS.

3.18 Consultant shall be responsible for ensuring that, if other sources of funding or services are available, they are coordinated and accessed prior to utilizing WIOA Title I-B Youth funds.

3.19 Consultant shall ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided for service delivery.

3.20 Consultant must redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from documents uploaded into the

AJC system.

3.21 Consultant must ensure Central Registry Background Checks (CRBC) are initiated/completed for all applicants seeking employment with the Consultant, including current employees, volunteers (including participants who as part of Work Experience as a service) who are working in direct services to children and vulnerable adults.

3.21.1 CRBC shall be conducted on an annual basis, no later than twelve (12) months from the previous clearance date. Verification status shall be submitted to the PCWDB staff on an annual basis.

4 FUNDING AND FISCAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The WIOA Title I-B Youth Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security as the state grantee and Pinal

County, acting as the Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) fiscal agent, and the

PCWDB. Please note that available funding amounts are subject to change and are to be used for planning purposes only.

4.2 Use of Youth Funds:

4.2.1 Consultant must serve both In-School and Out-of-School Youth based on available funding

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4.2.2 At least seventy-five percent (75%) of youth funds must be used to serve Out-of-School

Youth (OSY), unless the PCWDB is notified by the Arizona Department of Economic

Security of changes to expenditure requirements. The administrative costs of carrying out local workforce investment activities described in WIOA sec. 128(b)(4) are not subject to the OSY expenditure requirement. All other youth funds beyond the administrative costs are subject to the OSY expenditure requirement (20 CFR

§681.410).

4.2.3 At least twenty percent (20%) of youth funds must be used for paid and unpaid Work

Experiences.

4.3 With the approval of the PCWDB, the Consultant may implement a Pay-for-Performance (PFP) contract strategy using not more than ten percent (10%) of their local youth allotment provided under sec. 128(b) of WIOA for youth activities described in sec. 129(c)(2) of WIOA and consistent with the requirements outlined in 20 CFR §683.500-540 and Training and Employment Guidance Letter No.

8-20.

4.3.1 Per WIOA 3(47), PFP contract strategies are procurement strategies that include:

4.3.1.1 Contracts in which a fixed amount is paid to an eligible provider based on the achievement of specified levels of performance on WIOA’s primary indicators of performance of target populations within a defined timetable

4.3.1.2 An independent validation of the performance achieved

4.3.1.3 A description of how state or local areas will reallocate funds to other PFP contract strategies if the funds are not used because the performance outcomes were not met.

4.4 Consultant must accept liability for all aspects of any WIOA Title I-B Youth Program conducted under this contract with Pinal County including administration and fiscal management of the contract and will be held accountable for program results. Sub-contracting services are allowable if they are fully disclosed in the proposal. The proposal must clearly define the roles of each sub-contracted organization, e.g. youth services, program oversight, etc.

4.5 Consultant must demonstrate the financial ability to provide full Youth Program services. Approved costs will only be reimbursed after services are performed. The Consultant will be liable for any disallowed costs or illegal expenditures of funds or program operations conducted.

4.6 Consultant will be responsible for:

4.6.1 Invoicing in accordance with the contract terms and the procedures outlined by the

PCWDB

4.6.2 Maintaining an accounting system that separates the contracted funds from other funding sources

4.6.3 Maintaining a payroll ledger, and submitting general ledger and journals as required

4.6.4 Employing an accrual method of accounting

4.6.5 Maintaining fiscal forms, reports, and documents pertaining to this contract for five (5) years after contract end date

4.6.6 Implementing an approved cost allocation plan in accordance with the One-Stop

Comprehensive Financial Management Technical Assistance Guide https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/grants/pdfs/TAG_PartII_July2011.pdf https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/grants/pdfs/TAG_PartII_July2011.pdf

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4.7 Consultant’s Monthly Invoice

Consultant shall send the previous month’s invoice not later than the fifteenth (15th) day of the subsequent month and shall include the following:

4.7.1 Name of Consultant

4.7.2 Invoice date

4.7.3 Invoice number

4.7.4 Total invoice amount (must match monthly expenditure reports)

4.7.5 Purchase order number

4.7.6 Reporting period represented by the invoice

4.7.7 Authorized signature

4.7.8 Request in which allocation is drawing from. For example: Program Year (PY) or Fiscal

Year (FY) allocation

4.7.9 Backup Arizona Department of Economic Security (AZDES) Accrued Expenditure and

Cash Report for WIOA-Youth (see Attachment D)

4.7.10 A detailed, line-item budget using the Budget Response Form (see Attachment G).

4.7.10.1 Consultant shall submit the following reports not later than the fifteenth (15th) day of the following month. Failure to submit accurate and complete reports by the fifteenth (15th) day of the following month may result – at the option of Pinal

County – in retention or forfeiture of such requested payment.

4.7.10.1.1 General ledger summary of expenditures

4.7.10.1.2 AZDES Accrued Expenditure and Cash Report for WIOA-

Youth (see Attachment D)

4.7.10.1.3 Budget Response Form (see Attachment G). The PCWDB reserves the right to withdraw funding in the event the scope of work is not followed.

4.7.10.2 Consultant shall submit the following report within thirty (30) days of capital and stewardship equipment purchased with contract funds and annually thereafter.

This report may be modified as required by federal, state, or PCWDB policy during this contract.

4.7.10.2.1 AZDES Consultant’s Equipment List (see Attachment E)

4.7.10.3 Any additional financial report(s) supporting the expenditure(s)

4.7.10.4 Make available all records pertaining to expenditures and participant activities for monitoring purposes

4.8 In order to efficiently utilize WIOA Title I-B youth funding and ultimately reach as many young people as possible, it is increasingly important to leverage a wide range of public and private resources to support youth workforce services. Responders are encouraged to demonstrate either in-kind from non-federal sources or cash match resources from other funding sources.

These in-kind or cash match resources must directly support the proposed program activities and must be documented with a Letter of Commitment/Intent, Memorandum of Understanding, or other appropriate documentation.

In-kind and cash match resources can support any budget item if it supports program activities.

Cash match is defined as a contribution of funds made available to the respondents to be used specifically for program activities.

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Consultants are required to assign a monetary value to any in-kind contribution. Examples of in-kind resources include, but are not limited to:

4.8.1 Staff time from lead and/or partner agencies (directly related to services to youth)

4.8.2 Facilities (where services occur)

4.8.3 Participant expenses (e.g. internship/work experience wages, incentives, supportive services, tuition, books, fees, tools or clothing for employment)

4.8.4 Equipment (directly related to services to youth)

4.8.5 Marketing, outreach, and/or media support

5 RECORDS AND REPORTING

5.1 Except as otherwise directed in writing by Pinal County, the Consultant shall maintain the following written records:

5.1.1 A list of all applicants and reasons for selection or non-selection and a list of participants and their subsequent activities. All participant records/files shall remain the property of

Pinal County. Participant records must be maintained in the AJC System, the system of record.

5.1.2 A separate account for all monies received under this Contract and accounting principles, and of 41 CFR §2970.207 and other applicable federal law and regulations.

Such records must track all expenditures which are used to support invoices and requests for payment from the County under this Contract.

5.1.3 Accounting records identifying the source and application of any funds used to support activities under this Contract other than the funds provided under this Contract. This includes any PFP contracts. Such records shall meet generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

5.2 Except as otherwise directed in writing by Pinal County, the Consultant shall provide the

County with the following reports:

5.2.1 Monthly invoices for compensation earned and costs incurred

5.2.2 Monthly reports of fiscal and program performance

5.2.3 The planned number of participants to be served on an annual basis shall be submitted to the PCWDB no later than June 30th for every subsequent Program Year

5.2.4 Such other reasonable records and reports as may be required by PCWDB

6 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

6.1 The U.S. Department of Labor has established performance measures for recipients of WIOA funds. The PCWDB will require Consultants to meet or exceed negotiated levels of performance for each of the performance measures during the contract term (see Attachment F). While under contract, these performance requirements may be subject to negotiation and/or change as a result of changes in federal law, state requirements, and/or WIOA updates and changes.

6.2 PCWDB staff will monitor Consultant performance on a quarterly basis. At the conclusion of the program year, Consultant’s final performance will be evaluated, and the Consultant may be required to comply with a Corrective Action Plan for any final outcomes that did not meet or exceed the negotiated levels of performance.

6.3 The PCWDB may, during the period of this contract, develop additional performance measures in addition to the federally mandated measure referenced in Section 6.1. The Consultant shall be held accountable to PCWDB measures in the same manner as described in Section 6.2.

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4. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation committee will score Responses based on the following criteria…