23-RFP-003-CM Ready to Work Q and A FINAL.pdf

Request for Proposal 23-RFP-003-CM Ready to Work Certification Program

Technical Questions and Answers

The Department’s responses to timely submitted questions are provided below:

Respondent Question Number*

RFP Page Number, Section

Number, Subsection Reference*

Question* Answers

Can the required software be purchased as long as it meets requirements laid out in the document?

Yes.

Are you open to a series/catalog of assessments or are you looking for a single simulation/assessment to measure everything?

We are open to a series/catalog of assessments.

43 Would you clarify the language “Rate per each unduplicated on-line assessment for a targeted number” in the Contract Period table?

Respondents are required to provide an expected number of assessments to be completed by individuals. This number represents the targeted number of assessments.

The rate charged per assessment cannot be duplicated, meaning, DEO must only be charged for each individual’s completion of each assessment, once, not based on an individual’s repeated attempts to successfully complete an assessment.

Is the winning company expected to develop training to administer after the initial assessments?

Yes. The web-based assessment system must provide instructional programming targeting the identified employability skills identified in section 445.06(3)(a), F.S., Table A, and any additional assessments identified by Contractor and approved by DEO in which the individual is not proficient as measured by the pre-instructional assessment and/or the Assessments.

Are there specific positions you are looking to position people for?

No. The language in B.18 #1 should be updated to read:

To enhance the workplace employability skills of Floridians and to better prepare them for successful employment in specific occupations.

Number*

RFP Page Number, Section

Number, Subsection Reference*

Question* Answers

As I understand it, the state of Florida currently has a program (https://www.floridareadytowork.com/) that focuses on providing individuals with assessments to gain certifications in employability skills (work readiness) and soft skills. How is this solicitation different than what the state offers?

This solicitation is not different. The state of Florida utilizes a Contractor to administer the Florida Ready to Work Credential Program. DEO is requesting proposals from qualified Respondents to provide a Florida Ready to Work Credential Program.

Is the state looking to replace the current FL Ready to Work Program?

DEO is requesting proposals from qualified Respondents to provide a Florida Ready to Work Credential Program.

How do I formally introduce myself to you so that you can learn of my services?

There is no need for formal introduction. If you are interested in providing the service required for this solicitation, submit a bid according to the bid submittal instructions within the solicitation document.

Would you mind letting me know if interviewing skills, confidence building, emotional intelligence, and public speaking are components of the proposal for

Ready to Work Certification

Program?

The Department is looking for the requirements and specifications identified in the scope of work.

RFP Page 33, Section C

Scope of

Work, Subsection

C.7, 1. e.

Section C, Scope of Work, C.7 Contractor’s Responsibilities, 1. e. / Page 33 states: Issue one (1) Credential to each individual who successfully completes the Assessments with a passing score as specified in Section C.4.1.

Based on previously expressed employer and implementation partner feedback, the program currently issues two stackable credentials

The Florida Ready to Work Credential must be awarded to individuals who successfully pass assessments that measure the identified employability skills identified in section 445.06(3)(a), F.S. and Table A. The Department is looking for the requirements and specifications identified in the scope of work.

As indicated in the solicitation, Respondents may identify additional assessments that measure skills beyond those identified in section 445.06(3)(a), F.S. and Table A.

Number*

RFP Page Number, Section

Number, Subsection Reference*

Question* Answers sponsored by the State of Florida and signed by the Governor: 1) Florida Ready to Work Credential certifying mastery of foundational employability academic skills including math, reading, and data analysis; and 2) Florida Soft Skills Credential certifying mastery of foundational employability soft skills including conveying professionalism, communicating effectively, teamwork and collaboration, and thinking critically and solving problems.

For consistency and continuity with current program design and implementation, is the Department amenable to the Respondent issuing three (3) stackable foundational employability skill credentials: 1) academic skills; 2) soft skills; and 3) digital skills rather than one (1) Credential as long as the combination of all three credentials certify mastery of all the In-Demand Employability Skills as described on Pages 27-28?

RFP Page 15, Section B

Special

Instructions, Subsection

B.36.1, Tab 3

– Technical

Requirements,

a) Project

Design, 1)

Components

(b)

AND

Tab 3 – Technical Requirements, a) Project Design, 1. (b) / Page 15 and again Section C, Scope of Work, C.4.,

4. d. / Page 29 indicate that the Respondent must provide an instructional program targeting the identified employability skills identified in section 445.06(3)(a), F.S. and Table A.

The instructional program (online training) is the core component of the current program design and implementation. The online training is the primary skill development tool for those who are unskilled or under-skilled, tracking for economic self-

The current agreement expires 6/30/2023. This is a new competitive solicitation and the new resulting contract will reflect the best value to the state while aligning with the requirements in the advertised scope of work.

Number*

RFP Page Number, Section

Number, Subsection Reference*

Question* Answers

RFP Page 29, Section C, Scope of

Work, Subsection

C.4, 4. d.

sufficiency related work / training time policy requirements, and preparing participants for the proctored assessments required to earn a credential. While credential attainment is a natural measure of program success, training time and learning gains are equally important measures of program accountability and return on investment. Accordingly, in the current contract, the instructional program (online training) is a separate deliverable, with a separate cost allocation representing 50% of the total budget.

Given the core importance of the instructional program to ensure funds are primarily focused on enhancing the employability skills of Floridians to better prepare them for successful employment as stated on Page 42 and to align with the current contract, is the Department amenable to modifying the deliverables and corresponding percentages to include the instructional program / online training for example: 1) instructional program (50%) in addition to 2) assessments (17%); 3) credentials (18%); 4) online system / customer services (15%) as long as the proposal achieves the Department’s stated objective on Page 42 to encourage Respondents to aggressively market the Florida Ready to Work Credential Program?

Number*

RFP Page Number, Section

Number, Subsection Reference*

Question* Answers

RFP Page 9, Section B

Special

Instructions, Subsection

B.20

RFP Page 42, Attachment B, Cost Proposal

In reference to B.20 Contract Period / Page 9 and Attachment B, Cost Proposal, Pages 42-45, Respondent requests clarification of the Department’s definitions of Initial 1 Year Contract Period, Renewal Year 1, Renewal Year 2, and Renewal Year

3. More specifically, is the Department amenable to the Respondent providing variable pricing for each of the three years of the initial contract plus the three renewal years similar to the following?

Initial 1 Year Contract Period 2023-24 Initial 2 Year Contract Period 2024-25 Initial 3 Year Contract Period 2025-26

Renewal Year 1 2026-27 $ Renewal Year 2 2027-28 $ Renewal Year 3 2028-29 $

The Respondent may submit a cost breakdown as long as costs are provided according to the instructions on Attachment B.

RFP Pages

42-45, Attachment B, Cost Proposal

Attachment B, Cost Proposal, Pages 42-45, as presented suggests that the Department has pre-determined the desired assessments and credentials per contract year. For example, 46,761 assessments and 13,053 credentials are indicated for the Initial 1 Year Contract Period. Are perhaps the percentages and assessment / credential numbers provided as representative examples only, and therefore, is the Department amenable to the Respondent providing proposed percentages and estimated assessments and credentials for each contract year as long as the proposal achieves the

The numbers provided are estimated numbers that should be used as a guide when completing Attachment B – Cost Proposal.

Number*

RFP Page Number, Section

Number, Subsection Reference*

Question* Answers

Department’s stated objective to encourage Respondents to aggressively market the Florida Ready to Work Credential Program while ensuring a Return on Investment (ROI) of available funding?

RFP Pages

15-16, Tab 3 –

Technical

Requirements

a) Project

Design, 1. (f)

RFP Page 53, Attachment H, Evaluation

Criteria, Tab

3, 1. Project

Design b.

Tab 3 – Technical Requirements a) Project Design, 1. (f) / Pages 15-16 and Attachment H, Evaluation Criteria, Tab 3, 1. Project Design b. / Page 53 indicate up to 20 points … will be awarded to Respondents that propose the use of other targeted assessments in addition to the Assessment listed in section B.18.3(a). What other types of assessments are the Department looking for?

The Department is not seeking any specific types of additional assessments. Respondents may propose additional assessments of their choosing, if applicable.