22-091-RFP Semiconductor Talent Assessment.pdf

State of Oregon

Semiconductor Talent and Workforce Development Assessment

Intermediate Request for Proposal: OregonBuys #S-52500-00005955

HECC #22-091

Date of Issue: 03/08/2023 Closing Date: 03/22/2023 at 1:00 PM

Single Point of Contact (SPC): Jeanie Stuntzner jeanie.stuntzner@hecc.oregon.gov mailto:jeanie.stuntzner@hecc.oregon.gov

1. INTRODUCTION

The State of Oregon, acting by and through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), is issuing this Request for Quotes (RFP) for a Contractor to assess Oregon’s semiconductor talent pool and create an inventory of Oregon’s microelectronics education programming on offer.

HECC anticipates the award of one Contract from this RFP. The initial term of the Contract is anticipated to expire September 30, 2023. HECC reserves the right to award more than one Contract if it is HECC’s best interest. HECC reserves the right to amend the resulting Contract for related services and time as HECC determines necessary.

HECC is conducting this intermediate procurement under the authority of OAR 125-246- 0170(2)(c)(C).

The estimated budget for this work is under $150,000; this program is funded 100% with non-federal sources.

2. BACKGROUND

Through the passage of the CHIPS Act, the federal government made a once-in-a-generation investment in the U.S. semiconductor industry. The Act provides significant support for the development of domestic manufacturing capacity and will sharply increase the demand for highly trained workers throughout the industry’s complex production processes. The American Semiconductor Academy (ASA), a new network of microelectronics educators, estimates that higher education’s industry-related output will have to double, and it calculates a need for an additional 3,400 college engineering graduates and 1,200 technical community college graduates in each of the next six years.

Oregon is a global center of the semiconductor industry and is one of the few places in the world with activities across multiple stages of production including electronic design automation, fabless chip design, tool manufacturing, and chip manufacturing and packaging. The industry benefits from, and invests in, long developed and expanding microelectronics programming across several universities and community colleges.

Given the scale of the CHIPS Act investment, and the anticipated surge in related hiring, HECC seeks a qualified contractor with industry expertise to assess the composition and recent performance of local education programming that serves the industry.

3. THE PROJECT

The selected Proposer will provide an assessment with two components:

1. a characterization of Oregon’s semiconductor talent pipeline and

2. an inventory of microelectronics education offerings across Oregon’s K-12, workforce training organizations, community colleges, and public universities.

Task 1: Characterization of Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline

The ASA identified two pipeline-related challenges as key contributors to the industry’s talent gap: inequitable access to training (i.e., the workforce does not represent the population’s https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346 diversity) and poor talent retention (i.e., too many students leave the industry early in their careers)1. This task will draw on analyses of publicly available data, HECC-provided analyses, and interviews and data provided by collaborating industry partners to illustrate the flow of Oregon K-12, community college, and university graduates into and out of Oregon’s semiconductor industry. The work should include:

• Mapping of skills required for the occupations most closely associated with the semiconductor industry (e.g., chemical, electronics, electrical, computer hardware, and industrial, materials engineers; software developers; electrical technologists; electrical assemblers; semiconductor processing technicians).

For each occupation, the mapping exercise should identify adjacent occupations with employees who have similar, transferable skills.

• Trend analyses of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data on the completion of degrees and certificates (i.e., sub degree credentials, associates, bachelors, masters, doctorates) from Oregon universities and colleges that are commonly associated with each stage of the semiconductor production process. The work should compare Oregon’s degree and certificate output to those of competing states with high concentrations of industry employment.

• Analyses of de-identified, longitudinal data to follow students from Oregon high schools through postsecondary education and into work in the semiconductor industry. These analyses, which may be performed in collaboration with HECC staff and industry representatives, would focus on the pipeline inequity and retention challenges highlighted by the ASA.

The Successful Proposer’s analyses should draw a general picture of the industry’s skills landscape in Oregon, illustrate how generally qualified students enter and exit the industry, and serve as a starting point for identifying highly productive programming and/or educator-employer partnerships.

Task 2: Inventory of Semiconductor Microelectronics Education Offerings in Oregon

The semiconductor production process is complex, and the industry’s workforce is drawn from a diverse range of education and training programs. Scanning the nation, the ASA identified inconsistent training as a key challenge for talent development and saw a need for both soft (human and digital) and hard (facilities and equipment) training-related investments.

In this task, the Successful Proposer will take an inventory of microelectronics education programming in Oregon just as the demand for training is poised to accelerate. The overview will document the coverage of training across the key production processes and all education levels: sub-degree credentials, associates, bachelors, masters, and PhD.

Oregon’s inventory of programs should be compared to one offered by leading education competitors. Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College have launched a widely endorsed, comprehensive semiconductor education program that could offer one point of comparison. This high-level inventory would not assess the quality of microelectronics

1 Semi and American Semiconductor Academy (August 2022) Fueling American Innovation & Growth. Semi and ASA. Page 10.

curricula. That work may be addressed in a future HECC study or through institutions’ collaboration with the ASA.

This task will culminate with a broad, programming gap assessment that details what is available in Oregon, where expansion is likely needed, and where today’s level of programming is sufficient.

4. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Proposals should be submitted via e-mail to HECC.Procurement@hecc.oregon.gov by 1:00 PM on March 22, 2023. The subject line of the e-mail should have RFP #22-091

5. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Proposal must address each of the items listed in this section and all other requirements set forth in this RFP. Proposer shall describe the Goods to be provided or the Services to be performed or both. A Proposal that merely offers to provide the Goods or Services as stated in this RFP will be considered non-Responsive to this RFP and will not be considered further.

A. Proposal Certification Sheet

The Proposer shall complete and submit the Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment A).

B. Introduction to Proposer and Proposer’s Relevant Experience

Describe Proposer. Describe the firm. How long has it been in business? From which locations will the services be performed? How does Proposer support diversity, equity, and inclusion? How does Proposer support responsible environmentally sustainable practices?

The Proposal must contain information that clearly demonstrates that Proposer has a minimum of three years of professional experience within the past five years, successfully providing services that are comparable to those described in this RFP.

HECC prefers Proposers that have experience working with a government entity. If your firm has this experience, include a discussion that describes the experience

Proposals should contain a discussion on Proposer’s ability to successfully complete the Project on time and within budget.

C. Proposer’s Implementation Plan

The Proposer shall describe how they intend to do the work. The description should include:

• Proposer’s knowledge and understanding of the Project.

• The approach that Proposer will take in performing the work described in this RFP; must include a sample timeline and proposed schedule.

• How Proposer plans to help HECC achieve the goals outlined in HECC’s Equity Lens. Working toward equity requires an understanding of historical contexts mailto:HECC.Procurement@hecc.oregon.gov https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Documents/State-Goals/Equity-Lens.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Documents/State-Goals/Equity-Lens.pdf and the active investment in changing social structures and practice over time to ensure that individuals from all communities have the opportunities and support to realize their full potential. The HECC applies its Equity Lens to all aspects of its work.

• How Proposer furthers responsible environmentally sustainable practices and products used in this Project.

D. Key Person Experience and Resumes

The Proposer should describe its relevant experience and include the resumes of all key staff to perform the Services.

E. Cost Proposal

For each activity described in the Statement of Work, the cost proposal must include identifiable costs, time estimates for completing each activity, and a summary of all proposed costs pertaining to each deliverable listed in accordance with the itemized activity. HECC prefers Proposals with a fixed fee per task/deliverable, but will consider Proposals to state the hourly rates for Proposer’s key staff performing the Services and a total not-to-exceed limitation per each task/deliverable.

F. Work Samples

Three samples of proposer’s work product must be provided to HECC for evaluation.

Samples will be evaluated according to the criteria listed in the Evaluation Criteria section below.

G. References

Proposer should include three references from recent similar projects.

6. EVALUATION

Proposals shall be evaluated on the following criteria and scored out of 100 possible points:

Experience (25 points possible)

• How well has the Proposer demonstrated their experience in conducting industry talent surveys?

How well has the Proposer demonstrated experience and/or capability to assess and inventory educational (K-12 and postsecondary) and workforce development training offerings related to the semiconductor and microelectronics industries?

Project Approach (25 points possible)

• How well does the Proposer clearly and concisely describe their intended approach to performing the work described in this solicitation?

• How well does the Project Approach demonstrate an understanding of the Project requirements?

• Does the Proposer offer any new or enhanced ideas to add value to the work described in this solicitation?

• Does Proposer’s Project Approach further HECC’s goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Cost Proposal (25 points possible)

• How clearly and concisely does the Proposer convey the cost per deliverable?

• How clearly and concisely does the Proposer convey the basis on which prices are quoted?

• How well do the proposed costs align with the Proposer’s project approach?

• What is the overall cost?

Resources (20 points possible)

• How well does the Proposer demonstrate they have the resources to successfully provide the Services described in this solicitation document in the timeframe required by HECC?

Public Information/Past Performance (5 points possible)

• Publicly available information, if any, may be used to evaluate Proposers.

• Past performance with State of Oregon agencies, if any, may be used to evaluate Proposers.

Proposers will then be ranked in order of median scores calculated from points awarded.

After an initial evaluation session, HECC may ask leading Proposers for interviews.

7. SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER REQUIREMENTS

A. Insurance

Prior to execution of the Contract, the apparent Successful Proposer shall secure and demonstrate to HECC proof of commercial general liability insurance coverage in the amounts of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, unless otherwise negotiated. Policies can usually be obtained for short-term durations for relatively low cost—please consult an insurance broker if you do not already carry the above-described insurance.

B. Taxpayer Identification Number

The apparent Successful Proposer shall provide its Taxpayer Identification Number on a completed W-9 form (which can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf). The apparent Successful Proposer must provide its backup withholding status on the W-9 form if either of the following applies:

3. When requested by HECC (normally in an intent to award notice), or https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

4. When the backup withholding status or any other information of Proposer has changed since the last submitted W-9 form, if any.

HECC will not make any payment until HECC has a properly completed W-9.

C. Business Registry

If selected for award, Proposer shall be duly authorized by the State of Oregon to transact business in the State of Oregon before executing the Contract. The selected Proposer shall submit a current Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry number, or an explanation if not applicable.

All Corporations and other business entities (domestic and foreign) must have a Registered Agent in Oregon. See requirements and exceptions regarding Registered Agents. For more information, see Oregon Business Guide, How to Start a Business in Oregon and Laws and Rules. The titles in this subsection are available at the following Internet site:

http://www.filinginoregon.com/index.htm.

8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Governing Laws

This RFP is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. Venue for any administrative or judicial action relating to this RFP, evaluation and award is the Circuit Court of Marion County for the State of Oregon; provided, however, if a proceeding must be brought in a federal forum, then it must be brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. In no event shall this Section be construed as a waiver by the State of Oregon of any form of defense or immunity, whether sovereign immunity, governmental immunity, immunity based on the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution of the United States or otherwise, to or from any Claim or from the jurisdiction of any court.

B. Ownership

All Proposals submitted in response to this RFP become the Property of HECC. By submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP, Proposer grants the State a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide license for the rights to copy, distribute, display, prepare derivative works of and transmit the Proposal solely for the purpose of evaluating the Proposal, negotiating an Agreement, if awarded to Proposer, or as otherwise needed to administer the RFP process, and to fulfill obligations under Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 through 192.478). Proposals, including supporting materials, will not be returned to Proposer unless the Proposal is submitted late.

C. Cost of Submitting Material

Proposer shall pay all the costs in submitting its Proposal, including, but not limited to, the costs to prepare and submit the Proposal, costs of samples and other supporting materials, or costs to participate in demonstrations.

D. Statewide E-waste

If applicable, Proposer shall include information in its Proposal that demonstrates http://www.filinginoregon.com/index.htm compliance with the Statewide E-Waste/Recovery Procedure 107-011-050_PR. Download the procedure by visiting www.oregon.gov/DAS, then enter the procedure number into the search bar, and find the procedure in the search results window.

E. Recyclable Products

Proposer shall use recyclable products to the maximum extent economically feasible in the performance of the Services or Work set forth in this document and the subsequent Contract. (ORS 279B.025)

F. Printing , Binding Work

Except as provided in ORS 282.210(2), all printing, binding and stationery work, including the manufacture of motor vehicle registration plates and plates required to be affixed to motor carriers, for the State or any county, city, town, port district, school district, or other political subdivision, must be performed within the State of Oregon.

http://www.oregon.gov/DAS

ATTACHMENT A — PROPOSAL CERTIFICATION SHEET

Legal Name of Proposer:

Address: City, State, Zip:

State of Incorporation: Entity Type:

Contact Name: Telephone: Email:

Any individual signing below hereby certifies they are an authorized representative of Proposer and that:

1. If awarded a Contract, Proposer agrees to perform the scope of work and meet the performance standards set forth in the final negotiated scope of work of the resulting Contract.

2. I have knowledge regarding Proposer’s payment of taxes and by signing below I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, Proposer is not in violation of any tax laws of the state or a political subdivision of the state, including, without limitation, ORS 305.620 and ORS chapters 316, 317 and 318.

3. Proposer does not discriminate in its employment practices with regard to race, creed, age, religious affiliation, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin. When awarding subcontracts, Proposer does not discriminate against any business certified under ORS 200.055 as a disadvantaged business enterprise, a minority-owned business, a woman-owned business, a business that a service-disabled veteran owns or an emerging small business. If applicable, Proposer has, or will have prior to contract execution, a written policy and practice, that meets the requirements described in ORS 279A.112, of preventing sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination against employees who are members of a protected class. HECC may not enter into a contract with an anticipated contract price of $150,000 or more with a Proposer that does not certify it has such a policy and practice. See https://www.oregon.gov/DAS/Procurement/Pages/hb3060.aspx for additional information and sample policy template.

4. Proposer and Proposer’s employees, agents, and subcontractors are not included on:

A. the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury found at:

https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/sdnlist.pdf., or

B. the government-wide exclusions lists in the System for Award Management found at:

https://www.sam.gov/SAM

5. Proposer certifies that, to the best of its knowledge, there exists no actual or potential conflict between the business or economic interests of Proposer, its employees, or its agents, on the one hand, and the business or economic interests of the State, on the other hand, arising out of, or relating in any way to, the subject matter of the RFP. If any changes occur with respect to Proposer’s status regarding conflict of interest, Proposer shall promptly notify the State in writing.

6. Proposer certifies that all contents of the Proposal (including any other forms or documentation, if required under this RFP) and this Proposal Certification Sheet are truthful and accurate and have https://www.oregon.gov/DAS/Procurement/Pages/hb3060.aspx https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/sdnlist.pdf https://www.sam.gov/SAM been prepared independently from all other Proposers, and without collusion, fraud, or other dishonesty.

7. Proposer understands that any statement or representation it makes, in response to this RFP, if determined to be false or fraudulent, a misrepresentation, or inaccurate because of the omission of material information could result in a "claim" (as defined by the Oregon False Claims Act, ORS 180.750(1)), made under Contract being a "false claim" (ORS 180.750(2)) subject to the Oregon False Claims Act, ORS 180.750 to 180.785, and to any liabilities or penalties associated with the making of a false claim under that Act.

8. Proposer certifies it will comply with the Pay Equity law, ORS 652.220, if applicable.

9. Proposer is registered in the State’s electronic procurement system, OregonBuys, found here:

https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/. (Registration is free by clicking the blue “Register” button on the top right corner of the webpage.)

10. 11. 12.

Authorized Signature Date

13. 14. 15.

(Printed Name and Title)

16. 17.

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors652.html