Attachment B - Updated PWS-Intermediary Tier 1-Final-v2.pdf

Updated/Revised

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

For

Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship (RA)

Programs through Industry Intermediaries: 2023

Emerging Industries

PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction:

The Vendor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform task as defined in this Performance Work

Statement (PWS), except as specified in section C-3 as government furnished property and services at Vendor’s location. The Vendor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2. Background:

The Department of Labor (the Department) Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA)

Office of Apprenticeship (OA) proposes to award multiple contracts to Industry Intermediaries1 to promote the development, launch, and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program opportunities in emerging industries that have not traditionally used RA to address talent and occupational needs. Given the challenges related to expansion of RA in emerging industries, this

Request for Proposal (RFP) will target awards to Intermediaries with the capacity and expertise to accomplish the following:

• Engage relevant stakeholders through RA Accelerator convenings, including employers, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations to develop and expand sector-based workforce solutions through RA;

• Develop RA standards that outline both on-the-job training and Related Technical

Instruction (RTI) requirements based on industry needs that meet the requirements for registration with OA or a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA);

• Provide expertise in all other aspects of RA program development to promote both quality and equity;

• Partner with other critical stakeholders to include education and workforce organizations, State and Local governments, State and Local Education agencies, Unions and Joint

Labor-Management organizations, community-based and equity organizations that bring additional expertise or needed capacity (e.g., supportive services) related to either the sector-based approach, target populations, or both;

• Provide TA which results in program development, launch and expansion of programs in emerging industries on a State and local level as well as scaling initial models on a regional or national scale (as appropriate); and

• Synthesize best practices and articulate additional opportunities for expansion.

Additionally, the Department seeks Intermediaries to increase the percentage of RA opportunities for underrepresented populations and leverage existing RA stakeholder resources and promising practices to support the long-term sustainability of programs developed after the completion of the project. These funds will support Industry Intermediary efforts to further RA expansion

1 Industry Intermediary, for the purposes of this work, is defined as an entity which serves as a conduit between employers, as well as other industry partners, and OA to accelerate Registered Apprenticeship program development, and help broker new sector-based apprenticeship partnerships at the regional and national level. Intermediaries are uniquely positioned to convene employers within an industry or sub-sector to determine national workforce trends, to work with employers across state lines (particularly employers with a nationwide footprint) in the creation of apprenticeship programs (particularly competency-based programs), and to accelerate Registered Apprenticeship’s market penetration in growing areas of the U.S. economy.

efforts in target industries across the United States. Industry Intermediaries will also be critical in helping expand access and retention in RA programs in both traditional, new, and emerging industries for all workers.

RA provides a proven pathway to sustainable careers for workers seeking high-skilled and high-paying jobs, and for employers seeking to train, promote, and retain a highly productive workforce. The Department is committed to continuing the expansion of RA opportunities, and to create accessible pathways to RA, for workers across industries throughout the U.S. These investments will also support strategies that expand access to sustainable career pathways for underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

This RFP requires proposals to incorporate an equity focus in their projects to support the

Administration’s goal of ensuring quality jobs for all workers. Additionally, focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in existing programs, as well as expansion of the

RAP model to new industries to improve outcomes for workers who have historically not had access to the model. DOL recognizes that expanding access, equity, and career awareness to increase participation of underrepresented populations (which may include women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities, as established in §29 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR]

Part 30, where that population’s participation in RAPs is significantly less than would be reasonably expected given the availability of such individuals for Apprenticeship in the relevant industry, occupation, or recruitment area) and underserved communities (including veterans, justice-impacted individuals, youth, and those in rural communities) will be critical to advance

RA.

For purposes of this effort, both underrepresented populations and underserved communities will be served as part of the Department’s efforts to increase access to RA for all workers. For specific DEIA performance goals, see Part 5, Task 3 of this PWS.

Expanding the use of RA remains a priority for the Department, including bolstering RA training opportunities within U.S. industries and sub-sectors where RA has not been readily adopted. This

RFP will target emerging RA industry sectors/occupations, such as education services that will be broadly defined and include teacher occupations (pre-K, K-12, special education, etc.), clean energy (specifically, climate mitigation), and pathways for Early Childhood Education.

The Department intends to invest in Industry Intermediaries (e.g., Industry Associations, Workforce Intermediaries, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations, national or state-wide college systems or consortia of colleges, nonprofit organizations, organizations, and others) for sector-based outreach and Technical Assistance (TA) to support and scale RA development, and to accelerate innovation in high-growth industries, as well as expanding in industries that have not traditionally used RA. The Department will also seek to continue using engagement convenings that offer RA stakeholders from within target sectors the opportunity to connect with other industry leaders and RA experts to promote knowledge sharing and expedite the development of flexible RA program models that help address the quickly changing talent and training needs industries are facing in today’s economy.

The Department seeks a Vendor with expertise to work within industries (See Figure 1) where

RA does not have a strong established footprint, but where industry growth and demand continues to increase. Vendor shall be expected to facilitate the recruitment, placement, and retention of at least 400 new Apprentices (as defined in Part 5, Task 3 of this PWS) during the

Base Period of Performance (PoP) in existing or new RA programs.

Through this effort, Industry Intermediaries will be expected to engage leaders from throughout target industries to encourage their participation in RA accelerator convenings (as described below) to increase awareness of the advantages of RA models that train and prepare workers for careers in high-growth sectors, and to address talent needs for new occupations across target sectors.

RA Accelerator convenings offer expertise and assistance to businesses, as well as other potential sponsors, in target industries to jump-start the development of RA programs. Accelerator convenings also help employers within target industries identify resources and connect with stakeholders that provide experience in the development and sustainability of RA program models. In addition, the convenings offer the rigor and flexibility required to meet industry training and talent needs, and to create viable career pathways for U.S. workers, including those from underrepresented populations and underserved communities. The Department’s goal in using the Accelerator convening model is to reduce the time needed to develop and register an

Apprenticeship program through increased awareness and advanced TA. Industry Intermediaries will host Accelerator convenings, in coordination with OA and the Department, and develop resources to engage and educate stakeholders on the registration process.

Funds to be awarded come from the authority provided in the Department’s Fiscal Year appropriation, which provides funds to expand RA opportunities. Funds must be used to support the expansion of RA Programs.

Current RA Intermediaries under contract with the Department cannot apply as the prime or a sub-recipient.

1.3. Objectives:

For the purposes of this RFP, target industries include the industries identified in the table below and other related sectors:

Figure 1

Industry Sectors NAICS Code Link

Early Childhood Education (pathways for Early

Childhood Education)

Child Day Care Services NAICS 6244 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624400.htm

11-9031.00 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9031.00

25-2011.00 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2011.00

25-2051.00 Special Education Teachers, Preschool https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2051.00

25-9042.00 Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-9042.00 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624400.htm https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9031.00 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2011.00 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2051.00 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-9042.00

Education Services (including teacher occupations, such as pre-K, K-12, special education, etc.)

Elementary and Secondary Schools NAICS 6111 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611100.htm

Junior Colleges NAICS 6112 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611200.htm

Technical and Trade Schools NAICS 6115 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611500.htm

Other Schools and Instruction NAICS 6116 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611600.htm

Educational Support Services NAICS 6117 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611700.htm

Clean Energy (including climate mitigation occupations)

Renewable Energy Generation

Hydroelectric Power Generation NAICS 221111 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221111.htm

Solar Electric Power Generation NAICS 221114 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221114.htm

Geothermal Electric Power Generation NAICS221116 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221116.htm

Biomass Electric Power Generation NAICS 221117 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221117.htm

Other Electric Power Generation NAICS 221118 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221118.htm

Power and Communication Line and Related Structures

Construction NAICS 237130 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_237130.htm

Direct Link to Clean Energy Occupations:

https://www.onetonline.org/search/green_topics/topic/clean-energy https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611100.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611200.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611500.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611600.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_611700.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221111.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221114.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221116.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221117.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_221118.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics5_237130.htm https://www.onetonline.org/search/green_topics/topic/clean-energy https://www.onetonline.org/search/green_topics/topic/clean-energy

Vendor Shall:

• Develop and Scale Innovative, High-Quality Programs in New and Emerging

Industries. The Department intends to continue to expand the RA model beyond traditional apprenticeable industries into innovative, high-quality programs in target industry sectors, such as those identified in Figure 1.

• Leverage Intermediary Subject Matter Expertise. The Department intends to leverage the expertise of Industry Intermediaries and national industry partners to provide TA and financial support to increase opportunities for employers in target industries to launch, expand, and sustain RA program models that meet industry and employer needs.

• Increase Access to RA. The Department intends to increase DEIA in RA by expanding and diversifying the number of apprentices in RA Programs nationwide. The

Department seeks to improve the recruitment, retention and successful completion of under-represented populations in RA while also combatting harassment, wage and occupational disparities across the RA system. Furthermore, the Department aims to advance the integration of RA into State workforce development, education, and economic development strategies and programs, ensuring that RA is a viable career pathway for youth, adults, career seekers (including incumbent workers), and underrepresented populations, as well as a valuable workforce development strategy for businesses.

Through this opportunity, Industry Intermediaries (e.g., Industry Associations, Workforce

Intermediaries, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations, national or state-wide college systems or consortia of colleges, nonprofit organizations, community- and faith- based organizations, and others) shall provide the following activities:

• Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment. Vendor shall develop and implement outreach and marketing (in coordination with the Department) for their industry sector(s) to reach a variety of stakeholders, (e.g., employers, Industry

Associations, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations, workforce and educational entities, and others) to increase awareness of the value of RA programs.

• Advance “RA Accelerator” Models and Registration Support. Vendor shall provide

TA, advice, and support to employers, in conjunction with OA and SAA staff, to facilitate and accelerate the process to create “registration-ready” standards for employers. Vendor may be expected to lead and/or assist in the facilitation of

Apprenticeship “Accelerator” convenings, in coordination with OA.

• Target Industry Sectors in Apprenticeship. Vendor shall develop and implement business-driven, sector-based strategies to expand RA. National industry partnerships provide an opportunity to engage businesses and stakeholders to address industry-wide obstacles to RA expansion, provide TA collectively to multiple businesses in a sector, and ultimately accelerate the adoption of quality RA programs in target industries.

Vendor shall support RA expansion in target industry sectors, by conducting activities including, but not limited to the following: 1) providing industry technical expertise, 2) conducting outreach to member organizations to support target industry development, and 3) convening stakeholders within target industries, providing logistical and administrative support.

• Promote Innovation in RA. Vendor shall perform activities which support innovations that promote advancements in the RA ecosystem, including:

▪ Align RA with Post-Secondary Credit. TA and funding can be used to support the advancement of RA pathways that offer an apprentice the opportunity to earn college credit.

▪ Promote Competency-Based Apprenticeship. Funding and TA can be used to support sponsors that wish to develop competency-based programs that align with OA’s existing expansion efforts.

▪ Expand and promote Access to RA programs for Youth and Alignment with

Career and Technical Education programs (CTE). TA and funding can be used to support employers developing and expanding access to RA programs for youth and aligning RA models with CTE efforts in State or local school systems.

• Increase DEIA in Apprenticeship. Vendor, directly or in partnership with other organizations, shall create or expand pathways that ensure increased RA opportunities for underrepresented populations and underserved communities. Activities shall include

TA to both apprentices (including current incumbent workers) and employers to promote

DEIA in RA.

• Provide SMEs and Facilitation. Vendor shall provide SME positions (see Part 1.6.8 for Key Personnel Qualification) dedicated to the development of RA programs in the target industries. The responsibilities of the SMEs will include providing support to RA staff in the development of standards and competencies for apprenticeable occupations, including outreach, training, and promotion of Apprenticeship to underrepresented population groups; and implementing resolutions to barriers to employment and training for underserved communities. Vendor shall also provide TA on Equal Employment

Opportunity (EEO) regulations related to RA programs and may meet this requirement through organizations which have subject matter expertise in increasing DEIA in training and employment programs.

• Develop Curricula, Related Training Instruction (RTI) outlines, Occupational

Outlines and Competency Models. Vendor shall serve as an Intermediary providing

SMEs to develop and/or propose new curricula, RTI outlines, occupational outlines, competency models, and other instruments as needed. The design of these resources should target the population being served.

• Sustain new RA Programs and Partnerships. Vendor shall leverage partner and stakeholder resources (including employers, consortia of employers, Industry

Associations, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations, educational and training institutions, States, grantees, community and faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders) to replicate, expand, and sustain RA programs developed through this funding after project completion. Efforts should also support partnerships with education and workforce systems to ensure long-term sustainability of these efforts.

• Financial Support. Upon evidenced need by employers, Vendor may use a portion of the contract budget to provide employers with RA-related training reimbursements.

Funds may be sub-contracted to employers, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations, Industry Associations, or other stakeholders included in a multi-employer partnership. These funds will be used to support RA program development to establish new programs for new occupations and emerging sectors, or to expand programs in existing occupations and industry sectors. The percentage of the contract budget available for these activities will be determined by the Department and OA. Vendor shall also provide TA to employers regarding accessing and leveraging other State and

Federal resources and financial support.

1.4. Scope:

Vendor shall assist the Department to register Apprenticeship programs and obtain commitments to train at least 400 new apprentices (as defined in Task 3 of Part 5 of this PWS) during the Base

PoP, including incumbent workers in target industries. Fifty (50) percent of the apprentices shall be from underrepresented populations.

The Department seeks a Vendor with expertise or knowledge in the following areas:

1. Expertise to convene stakeholders in industries where RA does not have a strong footprint to develop talent solutions through various RA models.

2. Ability to identify expertise in RA program development and RTI.

3. Ability to conduct sector-based employer outreach and recruitment TA on a national scale with an understanding of State and local training requirements and necessary certifications, in alignment with industry sector requirements, as applicable. For educational services (i.e., teacher occupations), while TA must be provided on a national scale, RA program development must be designed at the local and/or State level to meet

State and local training and certification requirements (i.e., no National Program

Standards). This includes working with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and State

Education Agencies (SEAs).

4. Expertise to design, advance, accelerate and/or scale expansion of sustainable RA models in industries and sub-sectors that have not traditionally used Apprenticeship, resulting in

“Registration-Ready” Apprenticeship Standards with employers and or multi-employer consortia.

5. Experience in designing innovative strategies to reach underrepresented populations and increase DEIA across various industries and in-demand occupations.

6. In support of increasing DEIA, expertise in partnering with critical stakeholders to include State and Local government/school districts (including Indian Tribal

Governments, Unions and Joint Labor Management Organizations, Related Instruction

Providers, Workforce Systems Partners, and Post-Secondary organizations (including

Minority-Serving Institutions) to increase talent pipelines for underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

7. Ability to work directly with Federal and State staff (including the Department’s Office of Apprenticeship, SAAs, Veterans’ Employment & Training Service, Women’s Bureau, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and other Federal and State partners).

8. Ability to leverage resources from other Federal workforce investments (the American

Rescue Plan [ARP], Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [BIL], CHIPS and Science Act

[CHIPS], and Inflation Reduction Act [IRA]), including other active Department-funded RA expansion investments via https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts to sustain programs and initiatives developed through this funding after project completion.

9. Assist employers and/or industry consortia in launching and replicating RA models for expansion in high-growth industries/sectors.

10. Develop partnerships with employers to provide incentive funding and/or financial assistance in support of expanding employers’ work-based learning programs, including

RA, workforce development, and/or training.

Over the first two years of the contract (i.e., Base Year plus Option Year 1), Vendor shall enroll a total of 1,000 new registered apprentices (as defined in Task 3 of Part 5 of this PWS). Vendor shall also be expected to enroll at least 50% of apprentices from underrepresented populations, comprised of at least two target populations). Vendor shall also establish sustainability strategies to be identified within the project work plan.

For this PWS, Vendor shall identify one industry from the list of target industries, and occupation focus within target industries, as described in Figure 1 of the Objective section of this RFP.

See Part 5 of this PWS for the full list of tasks that the Vendor shall perform.

https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts

1.5. Period of Performance:

The Period of Performance (PoP)shall be for one (1) Base Period of 12 months and four (4) 12-month option periods. The PoP reads as follows:

Base Period: June #, 2023 – June #, 2024

Option Period I: June #, 2024 – June #, 2025

Option Period II: June #, 2025 – June #, 2026

Option period III: June #, 2026 – June #, 2027

Option period IV: June #, 2027 – June #, 2028

The Government reserves the right to extend the term of this contract at the prices set forth in

Section B in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in clause 52.217-9 entitled, “Option to Extend the Term of the Contract.”

1.6. General Information:

1.6.1. Quality Control:

The Vendor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control (QC) program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Vendor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Vendor’s quality control program is the means by which he/she confirms that the work complies with the requirement of the contract. At a minimum, the Vendor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, “Performance Requirements Summary”.

After accepting the quality control plan, the Vendor shall receive the Contracting Officer’s

(CO’s) acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system. The QC Plan is to be delivered 30 days after contract is award.

1.6.2. Quality Assurance:

The Government shall evaluate the Vendor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the

Government must do to ensure that the Vendor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3. Government Remedies:

The CO shall follow FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items” or 52.246-4, “Inspection of Services-Fixed Price” for Vendor’s failure to perform satisfactory services or failure to correct non-conforming services.

1.6.4. Recognized Holidays:

Vendor is not required to perform services on these Holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day

Independence Day

1.6.5. Hours of Operation/Place of Performance:

The Vendor is responsible for conducting performance under the awarded order between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, except Federal holidays or when the

Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings. The Vendor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. Telecommuting (work at home) is authorized under this contract.

1.6.6. Type of Contract:

The Government anticipates awarding a Time and Materials contract.

1.6.7. Security Requirements:

The Government shall exercise full and complete control over granting, withholding, or cancelling clearances for contract employees. The Government may grant temporary clearances to employees of the Vendor; however, the granting of a temporary clearance shall not be considered an assurance that full clearance shall in no way prevent, preclude, or bar the withdrawal or termination of any such clearances by the department.

Background Investigations

Individual Vendors on task with this order may be required to submit information for security and background prescreening sufficient to meet Homeland Security Presidential

Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements.

The Vendor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24, and Federal Information Processing

Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

The Vendor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the staff of the sub-vendor required to have physical access to a federally-controlled facility or access to a Federal information system.

1.6.7.1. Physical Security.

The Vendor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for Vendor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.6.7.2. Key Control.

If applicable, the Vendor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Vendor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the

Vendor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Vendor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Vendor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the CO.

1.6.7.2.1. Lost Keys

In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Vendor shall, upon direction of the CO, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the Vendor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the Vendor.

1.6.7.2.2. Key Use

The Vendor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the Vendor’s employees. The Vendor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Vendor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Vendor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the CO.

1.6.7.3. Lock Combinations.

If applicable, the Vendor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Vendor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the Vendor’s Quality

Control Plan.

1.6.7.4. Conservation of Utilities.

The Vendor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The Vendor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities, which include turning off the water faucets or valves after using the required amount to accomplish cleaning vehicles and equipment.

1.6.8. Special Qualifications:

The personnel listed below are considered essential to the work being performed hereunder.

Prior to substituting, removing, and replacing any of the key personnel, the Vendor shall notify the CO (CO) ten (10) working days in advance and shall submit a written request and justification

(including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract. The proposed substitution of personnel must meet or exceed the education, experience, and other technical requirements of the personnel being replaced and position must be filled within fourteen (14) days of being vacated. No change in personnel shall be made by the Vendor without the prior written consent of the CO. Resumes of proposed replacement must be provided by the Vendor to the Government for review. The Government must approve the replacement candidate in writing before he/she can start work.

Before removing, replacing, or diverting any of the listed or specified personnel, the Vendor shall:

1. Notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance;

2. Submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract; and

3. Obtain the COR’s written approval.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Vendor deems immediate removal or suspension of any member of its management team is necessary to fulfill its obligation to maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, and integrity under the clause at §48 CFR

970.5203–3, Vendor’s Organization, the Vendor may remove or suspend such person at once, although the Vendor must notify COR prior to, or concurrently with, such action.

At the point of contract award, key personnel must be identified. The Vendor is expected to be at full staff capacity at time of award.

a) The list of personnel may, with the consent of the contracting parties, be amended from time to time during the contract to add or delete necessary or required labor categories.

b) List of Key Personnel for this contract:

1. Project Director

2. Project Manager

3. Senior Subject Matter Expert

4. Subject Matter Expert

5. Marketing and Business Development

6. Facilitator

KEY PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS:

Project Director: Individual with overall responsibility for the project, including quality assurance; serves as the main Point of Contact (POC) with OA relating to contractual obligations.

Individual qualified by education (master’s level) or relevant work experience (ten years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Leadership – Provides oversight and direction to a team of staff;

• Contracts – Interprets contracts, ensures responsiveness, and achieves successful performance; this may include subject matter expertise and specific technical knowledge;

and

• Management – Establishes schedules, meets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of project (including budgets).

Project Manager: Individual qualified by education (bachelor's level) or relevant work experience (five years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Leadership – Provides oversight and direction to a team of staff;

• Contracts – Interprets contracts and work requirements, ensures responsiveness, and achieves successful performance; this may include subject matter expertise and specific technical knowledge;

• Deliverables – Writing, editing, and proofreading technical assistance products, ensuring final products meet certain content standards;

• Analysis – Assists in analysis, evaluation, and implementation of projects;

• Management – Establishes schedules, meets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of projects (including budgets); and

• Reporting – Prepares reports for upper management regarding status of projects.

Senior Subject Matter Expert: Individual qualified by education (master's level) or relevant work experience (ten years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Familiarity with concepts, practices, and procedures under Tasks 2-9;

• Expertise with RA system, including but not limited to, §29 CFR Part 29, §29 CFR Part

30, scaling RA nationally, building high quality career pathways to RA, convening diverse stakeholders, improving processes, developing partnership strategies, increasing, and promoting DEIA, etc.;

• Writing, editing, and proofreading technical assistance products, ensuring final products meet certain content standards;

• Applying data-driven strategies to process and implement tasks listed within the PWS;

• Thinking creatively and innovatively;

• Skill set shall include strong verbal communication, organized and detail-oriented, works well under pressure in fast-paced professional environments, the ability to manage competing and evolving priorities, and the ability to quickly incorporate constructive feedback;

• Ability to design innovative new strategies to reach underrepresented and/or underserved populations which create new talent pipelines for in-demand occupations;

• Ability to connect with other Federal RA investments (the American Rescue Plan [ARP], Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [BIL], CHIPS and Science Act [CHIPS], and Inflation

Reduction Act [IRA]) and active Department-funded RA expansion investments via https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts;

• Ability to conduct partnership activities with other workforce system partners and higher education; and

• Accelerate expansion of the RA model in industries and sub-sectors that have not traditionally used Apprenticeship.

https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts

Subject Matter Expert: Individual qualified by education (master’s level) or relevant work experience (five years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Expertise with RA system, including but not limited to, §29 CFR Part 29, §29 CFR Part

30, scaling RA nationally, building high quality career pathways to RA, convening diverse stakeholders, improving processes, developing partnership strategies, increasing, and promoting DEIA, etc.;

• Writing, editing, and proofreading technical assistance products, ensuring final products meet certain content standards;

• Applying data-driven strategies to process and implement tasks listed within the PWS;

• Thinking creatively and innovatively;

• Skill set shall include strong verbal communication, organized and detail-oriented, works well under pressure in fast-paced professional environments, the ability to manage competing and evolving priorities, and the ability to quickly incorporate constructive feedback;

• Ability to design innovative new strategies to reach underrepresented and/or underserved populations which create new talent pipelines for in-demand occupations;

• Ability to connect with other Federal RA investments (the American Rescue Plan [ARP], Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [BIL], CHIPS and Science Act [CHIPS], and Inflation

Reduction Act [IRA]) and active Department-funded RA expansion investments via https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts;

• Ability to conduct partnership activities with other workforce system partners and higher education; and

• Accelerate expansion of the RA model in industries and sub-sectors that have not traditionally used RA.

Marketing and Business Development: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level or higher) and/or relevant experience (five or more years) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially within the following areas:

• Familiarity with concepts, practices, and procedures under Tasks 2-9; and

• Expertise with RA system, including but not limited to, §29 CFR Part 29, §29CFR Part

30 scaling RA nationally, building high quality career pathways to RA, convening diverse stakeholders, improving processes, developing partnership strategies, increasing, and promoting DEIA, etc.

Additionally:

• Market - Researching and developing new opportunities to meet PWS objective;

• Outreach - Contacting potential sponsors, employers, and other stakeholders to establish partnerships and facilitate strategies discussions on the expansion of RA;

• Awareness - Attending conferences and industry events to meet objective of PWS; and

• Sustainability - Educating existing and new stakeholders on the value of RA.

Facilitator: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level) and/or relevant experience (five years with a degree and ten years without a degree) to perform tasks described within the PWS, especially within the following areas:

https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts

• Expertise with RA system, including but not limited to, §29 CFR Part 29, §29CFR Part

30, scaling RA nationally, building high quality career pathways to RA, convening diverse stakeholders, improving processes, developing partnership strategies, increasing, and promoting DEIA, etc.;

• Thinking creatively and innovatively;

• Skill set shall include strong verbal communication, organized and detail-oriented, works well under pressure in fast-paced professional environments, the ability to manage competing and evolving priorities, and the ability to quickly incorporate constructive feedback; and

• Ability to connect with other Federal RA investments (the American Rescue Plan [ARP], Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [BIL], CHIPS and Science Act [CHIPS], and Inflation

Reduction Act [IRA]) and active Department-funded RA expansion investments via https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts.

REMAINDER OF PERSONNEL - POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Analyst: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level) and/or relevant experience (two years with a degree and four years without a degree) to conduct, generally under supervision, the primary tasks described in the PWS.

Web Developer: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level) and/or relevant experience

(three years with a degree and five years without a degree).

Clerical/Admin Support: Individual qualified by education (associate’s level) and/or relevant experience (three years with a degree and five years without a degree) and possessing strong editing and writing skills.

1.6.9. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings:

The Vendor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5.

The CO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the

Vendor to review the Vendor’s performance. At these meetings the CO will apprise the Vendor of how the government views the Vendor’s performance and the Vendor will apprise the

Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.6.10. Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

A COR will be delegated under separate cover.

https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-grants-and-contracts

1.6.11. Contract Manager:

The Vendor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Vendor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the CO. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Vendor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

1.6.12. Identification of Vendor Employees:

All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Vendor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by

Vendors are suitably marked as Vendor products or that Vendor participation is appropriately disclosed. If required, all Vendor personnel shall be required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of this order.

PART 2 DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

DEFINITIONS

Best Effort: That effort expended by the Vendor to perform within the awarded ceiling price all work specified in this acquisition and all other obligations under this acquisition. This effort includes providing required qualified personnel, properly supervised, and following industry accepted methodologies and other practices. The effort is further characterized by operating at all times with the Government’s best interest in mind, using efficient and effective methods, and demonstrating sound cost control. The effort must be identical to the effort that would be expended if this were a firm-fixed price acquisition and the Vendor’s profits were dependent upon reducing costs while meeting the Government’s requirements in terms and quality and schedule. Failure to provide this required effort may result in the withholding of payment for hours expended that do not qualify as best effort or a reduction in the rate per hour to reflect decreased value of services received.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A representative from the requiring activity assigned by the CO to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the Vendor.

Defective Service: A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the PWS.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Vendor performance.

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Vendor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Quality Assurance: Those actions taken by the government to assure services meet the requirements of the PWS.

ACRONYMS

CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

CO – Contracting Officer

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative

CTE – Career and Technical Education programs (CTE)

DEIA – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

EEO – Equal Employment Opportunity

ETA – Employment and Training Administration

LEA- Local Education Agencies

LWDB- Local Workforce Development Boards

OA – Office of Apprenticeship

POC – Point of Contact

PoP- Period of Performance

PWS – Performance Work Statement

QASP – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

QCP – Quality Control Plan

RA – Registered Apprenticeship

RAPIDS- RA Partners Information Database

RFP- Request for Proposal

RTI- Related Technical Instruction

SAA- State Apprenticeship Agency

SEA- State Education Agencies

SME – Subject Matter Expert

SSME – Senior Subject Matter Expert

TA – Technical Assistance

WIOA- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

PART 3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3.1 General:

The government shall provide, the facilities, equipment, materials, and/or services listed below.

3.2 Equipment:

If applicable, the Government will provide laptop and necessary software to perform this task order.

If applicable and available, the Government will provide working space including furniture, computers, network connections, and telephone access for official work-related calls only.

Appropriate software will be provided on-site for use in task completion.

The Vendor shall keep and maintain an inventory of Government-furnished equipment, which shall be made available to the Federal Program Manager upon request.

The Vendor shall be responsible for the Security and Integrity of any GFE and any data it contains used off-site, with prior approval from the Government.

3.3 Services:

3.3.1 Utilities.

All utilities in the facility will be available for the Vendor’s use in performance of duties outlined in this PWS. The Vendor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The Vendor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities.

3.4 Facilities:

The Government will furnish the necessary workspace for the Vendor staff to provide the support outlined in this PWS to include desk space, telephones, computers, and other items necessary to maintain an office environment.

PART 4 VENDOR FURNISHED ITEMS

AND SERVICES

4.1 General:

Except for those items specifically stated to be government furnished in Part 3, the contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this PWS.

4.2 Clearance:

The Contractor shall possess or be eligible to receive and maintain a Public Trust clearance. The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a Public Trust security clearance.

See Section 1.6.7 “Security Consideration”

PART 5 SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Basic Services:

Vendor shall propose at minimum the following tasks, but may include additional tasks that will support the project objectives:

Task 1: Project Management. Vendor shall provide overall project management, and maintain regular communication with OA staff, to ensure timely and quality completion of all project deliverables. Vendor shall:

• Participate in a virtual or in-person kickoff meeting in Washington, D.C.;

• Manage delivery of work including financials, staffing, and project schedule, per the PWS;

• Submit all onboarding documents, including ETA systems application (e.g., Salesforce) requests timely and accurately;

• Submit resumes for all key personnel demonstrating their ability to deliver a high-quality work product as described under Tasks 2-9 within 30 days of contract award prior to working on project;

• In coordination with OA, participate in Intermediary orientation trainings;

• Develop, maintain, and submit a project work plan (see Tasks 2-9 below). Work plan shall consist of work to be completed annually, and be maintained, updated, and submitted quarterly throughout the PoP. The work plan should be provided and maintained in draft form so ETA can provide comments. Final draft should include ETA/OA comments and will be a working document to be updated as needed based on continued guidance on project needs. The work plan should include the following:

1. Task or Project Description;

2. Due Dates;

3. Status;

4. Estimated Budget/Actual Costs;

5. List of both draft and final deliverable deadlines (for ETA comment);

6. Format of Deliverables (draft and final);

7. ETA/ OA staff’s approval received for each task; and

8. Entity responsible for item—ETA/OA, Vendor, or other (including staff member primarily responsible for item/activity).

• Ensure OA approval is obtained on project deliverables and final products planned for dissemination;

• Develop and submit a final project-end report detailing the project results, promising practices, and challenges identified throughout the project within 15 days of contract completion detailing activities, performance and accomplishments, challenges, and any recommendations for improvement;

• Submit quarterly all final deliverables to OA using the Deliverable Tracker spreadsheet tab (via the OA provided work plan template);

• Participate in in-person and/or virtual (ad-hoc, monthly, quarterly, yearly) meetings with

OA and other…