27-02-WB Technical Proposal Forms.docx

Application Package Operation of Youth Programs FY27-28 MassHire North Shore Workforce Board Workforce innovation and opportunity act

RFP# 27-07-WB

Cover Sheet

Proposer (Agency Name):

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Taxpayer Identification Number:

Contact Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

Email Address:

Fax Number:

Authorized Signature:

Name:

Title:

Date:

Operation of Youth Programs Proposer’s Checklist Submissions:

1. Cover Sheet

2. Proposer’s Checklist (this sheet)

3. Price Proposal (4) copies

4. Non-Price/Technical Proposal (4) copies

· Required Certifications

· Plan of Services

# of addenda Signatory Initials

Minimum Requirements:

Operation of Youth Programs Certifications

1. NON-COLLUSION:

The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid or proposal has been made and submitted in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the word "person" shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, club, or other organization, entity, or group of individuals.

2. TAX COMPLIANCE:

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 62C, §49A, I certify under the penalties of perjury that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, I am in compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth relating to taxes, reporting of employees and contractors, and withholding and remitting child support.

3. CORPORATE BIDDER (if applicable):

I, _______________________________ certify that I am the _____________________ of the corporation named as Bidder in the Bid included herein, that _________________, who signed said Bid on behalf of the Bidder was then ________________________ of said corporation, that I know his signature, that his signature thereon is genuine and that said Bid was duly signed, sealed and executed for and in behalf of said corporation by authority of its governing body.

(Corporate Seal) (Secretary-Clerk)

(Signature of authorized individual submitting proposal)

(Printed Name)

(Name of Proposer)

(Federal Tax Identification or Social Security Number)

A. Organizational/Program Contact Information:

Proposer (Agency Name):

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

CEO Name:

Telephone Number:

Email Address:

Fax Number:

Check Cities and Towns to be served:

NON-PRICE PROPOSAL

A. Service Plan Overview

1) # of Out of School youth participants to be served annually: ____________

2) Programs must provide thirteen (13) of the fourteen WIOA elements. Not all elements must be provided directly by the program, youth may be referred out for a service, or partner agencies may offer a service on location. However, an MOU must be documented for referred services. The first element is specific to in-school youth and therefore will not be provided by respondents to this RFP.

Directions: Each part below should be addressed in the detail necessary to provide reviewers with sufficient information to score your proposal. Parts 1 – 6 are limited in total to no more than 12 pages of single-sided, single-spaced typewritten material using typeface no smaller than 12 pt. with 1” margins. Each subpart should be headed by the number designation and topical heading.

1. PLAN OF SERVICES

The plan of services shall include:

· Application Package

· Proposal Narrative (Parts 1-5)

· Attachments

Part 1. Program Summary Summarize the overall design of the program. Highlight the strengths of the proposed program and how it will contribute to the overall goals of serving youth who are WIOA eligible.

Part 2.

A. Demonstrated Successful Performance Describe your program’s past experience in serving out-of-school youth, especially low-income youth with significant barriers to employment. Include any discussion about how you developed your program model; including where/how this model may have worked successfully in the past and what modifications you may have made to ensure success with the North Shore youth population.

B. Describe your program’s experience collaborating with other community organizations, businesses, and school districts in serving youth and addressing their workforce development needs.

C. Describe your current program’s goal attainment in the following (include specific numbers rather than percentages, include explanation for each):

Current Year (May include youth still enrolled or exited during this fiscal year) Current enrollment status vs. annual enrollment goal:

· Status of positive/negative outcomes for HiSet/GED Completion this fiscal year:

· Status of positive/ negative outcomes for Measurable Skills Gains this fiscal year:

Past Performance (Exited youth)

· Status of positive/negative outcomes for Entered Training or Employment last fiscal year:

· Status of positive/ negative outcomes for retention in training or employment last fiscal year:

D. Staffing-Describe:

· Staffing ratios to program participants

· Staff supervision and professional development (history as well as future plans) Please note that all staff covered by this proposal will be expected to attend WIOA training a minimum of 1x per contract year.

Part 3. Outreach and Recruitment Describe your organization’s plans to recruit young people to participate in this program. Discuss:

· How this outreach strategy will combine with the work of the Career Centers and other youth serving agencies across our region?

· Do the program recruitment efforts include explanation of activities and engagement after Hiset attainment?

· If so, how does the program guide youth toward successful next steps? Include any recruitment flyers etc. as attachments. (Attachment F)

Part 4. Program Design

a) Describe your program’s plan for addressing each of the 13 required youth program elements. (see “Required Elements” table above) list plan for each element, including elements provided by partners or volunteers.

b) Describe how at least one partnering organization will be a part of the program design, including what their specific responsibilities will be in the delivery of services. Memorandums of Agreement or support letters documenting the specific contributions of all partners are required and may be added as attachments. (Attachment G)

c) Outline a typical plan of service for Out-of School youth with the following:

Number of youth to be served annually:

Typical Hours per week for youth programming:

List types of activities youth would participate in on a weekly basis

List types of activities youth MAY participate in (optional or annual events, for example)

List types & frequency of off-site activities arranged for participants: (example-field trips to colleges, leadership development activities, tour of companies, etc.)

Detail the frequency of participants meetings with staff to review progress, goals, expectations, next steps, Individual Service Strategy, etc.

*Please attach a sample weekly schedule (i.e. one week) of events/activities/classroom components. (Attachment B)

d) Describe how program activities will result in desired outcomes that are appropriate and challenging for an out-of-school youth, while meeting the requirements of WIOA.

For current WIOA vendors who have not met current performance goals, including enrollment, please give a detailed account of changes that will be made in order to meet goals in the future.

For more information on WIOA Performance, please visit:

https://youth.workforcegps.org/resources/2018/08/06/12/28/WIOA-Youth-Program-Performance-Page All WIOA providers must have a full working knowledge of WIOA guidelines and expectations. New vendors or new staff must complete WIOA training.

Performance Outcomes:

1. Please describe your program’s efforts to ensure youth exit the program to employment or education/training and maintain engagement in employment or education/training through the 4th quarter after exit.

2. Please describe your program’s efforts to ensure youth attain an approved credential/degree/certificate/ license or diploma including secondary education diploma/equivalent (Hiset/GED)

3. Please describe your efforts to ensure youth attain a Measurable Skill Gain such as an increase in an educational functioning level (TABE), attainment of a credential or occupational certificate, or a skills progression in a training program. (Measurable Skills Gains described in Attachment D.)

e.) Does the program have access to services for youth with disabilities? Please describe.

f.) In recent years, NSWB has been working to increase the number of WIOA enrolled youth that transition to adult training programs after obtaining their HiSet. This proposal should include a plan to continue to offer youth participants the opportunity to enroll in training while still enrolled as a WIOA Youth. The costs of these trainings may be covered with WIOA funds as part of this contract based on the following guidelines.

· Prior to any youth attending training, the vendor program staff and the MassHire CCA should discuss training options, programs, and commitment.

· Youth must research the occupation they are pursuing via ONet, MassCIS, or similar.

· Training Program should be within the North Shore critical industries.

· Vendor program and MassHire team will first assess if there is a no-cost training available in the chosen pathway.

· Any training program must be submitted to the NSWB for approval prior to commitment of funds.

· Once the program is approved, vendor program staff may work with the youth and the training provider to manage payment(s).

· The Case Plan/ISS must be updated prior to training start, summarizing need for training and stipends, if applicable – from Vendor along with CCA with NSWB approval.

· Youth may begin program once all steps are completed. No youth should begin training and ask to be reimbursed after the fact.

· Youth may opt to attend a training that is of no cost, and receive a stipend during their training time, if agreed upon by the vendor program. The vendor program must create a policy on stipends related to training to apply to all youth in occupational skills training programs.

The related Price Proposal (budget) should include costs for Occupational Skills training under these guidelines. If no Occupational Skills costs are included in the budget, the program should still work toward training goals with the various no-cost training options available locally.

Please describe the program’s plans for occupational skills training as follows:

For current vendors, please detail:

Number of youth that have enrolled in occupational skills training programs in the past year

Number of youth that have completed occupational skills training successfully

Types/names of training programs, and training partners

Number of youth expected to enroll in occupational skills training in PY27

Please detail the plans to continue focus on occupational skills and encourage participants to enroll in training in PY27:

For new applicants, please detail:

Potential training providers that the program will partner with in PY27 to offer occupational skills training to participants

Industry sectors of interest to pursue as partners in PY27

Expected number of participants to enroll in occupational skills training programs in PY27

Please detail the plans to focus on occupational skills and encourage participants to enroll in training in PY27, and any past experience working with training providers:

g.) Describe any virtual programming developed over the past few years. Will any virtual programming continue through the PY27-28 contract?

· If yes, what percentage of programming will be offered in person vs. virtual; include specific services that will be offered as well as reasons for offering virtual rather than in-person options. If applicable, please detail past success with virtual training.

Part 5. Administrative Capability A. Describe your organization’s systems for managing program information, reporting, and finances. Summarize internal evaluation and control procedures to ensure compliance with financial, regulatory, reporting and contractual requirements.

B. Please attach (Attachments H-K)

1. an organizational chart

2. job descriptions for all positions relating to the expenditure of WIOA funds;

3. resumes of individuals who will be in these positions; and

4. the most recent audit of financial statements.*

*The WB/City of Salem reserves the right to postpone the evaluation of any proposal that does not include a bidder’s audit of financial statements, and/or postpone contract negotiation with any selected bidder until such time that the bidder’s audit or financial statement is provided.

If you propose to sub-contract any services to another organization, describe what services will be provided and by whom, how you will manage and oversee those services, and how accountability will be ensured.

Applicant Certifies that:

To the best of my knowledge and belief, data in this application are true and correct, the governing body of the applicant has duly authorized this document, and the applicant will comply with all applicable rules and regulations if this proposal is approved for contract.

Certifying Representative

Attachment A -Staff Time Schedule (Sample)

Example: Do not include in application Package

Position: Instructor

Attachment A -Staff Time Schedule

Position: ____________________________________

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Total Hours

Please complete additional charts for all applicable staff.

Position: ____________________________________

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Total Hours

Attachment B- Sample Student Schedule

Example: Do not include in application Package

Student: __________________________________________

Attachment B- Student Schedule

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Attachment C-Eligibility Requirements for Youth Participating in Workforce Innovation and opportunity Act Youth Programs.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act targets young people who are both in-school and out-of-school, to assist them in their career and educational development. In relation to this RFP, respondents will only be serving Out of School youth, as defined below:

Out of School youth: between the ages of 16-24, AND fall within one or more of the following categories:

a. Individual with a disability

b. School dropout (an individual who is no longer attending any school (per school department records) and who has not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Youth attending an alternative school are not considered a drop-out.)

c. Not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter

d. A high school graduate who is basic skills deficient (computes or solves problems, reads, writes, or speaks English at or below grade level 8.9); or an English Language Learner

e. Offender ( an individual who is or has been subject to any stage of the criminal justice process, for whom services under this Act may be beneficial; or who requires assistance in overcoming artificial barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction)

f. Homeless, runaway, or foster child

g. Pregnant or parenting

h. A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment

Income Eligibility Exceptions:

In accordance with WIOA Sec, 129 (3)(A)(i), a “covered individual” means any In-School Youth, or an Out-of-School Youth who meets the following conditions:

· Recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is low income and basic skills deficient or an English Language Learner.

· Low income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

In each local area, not more than 5% of “covered individuals” may be persons that are NOT low income. Individuals who are not low income and enrolled in activities funded by WIOA must provide source documentation to prove that they are “covered individuals”.

Documentation for Out of School Youth- Recipient of Secondary School Diploma or recognized equivalent who is low income AND Basic Skills Deficient or English language Learner

1. Copy of Secondary School Diploma or equivalent AND 2. Provide proof of either:

Locally Defined Barriers:

According to WIOA Section 129 (a) (1) (C) (VII), one of the barriers for an Out-Of-School Youth, “an individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an education program or to secure or hold employment.” Both In-School and Out-Of School youth who require additional assistance MUST be low-income.

In accordance with WIOA Sec. 129 (a) (3) (B), not more than 5% of the Youth in each local area may be an individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

At the time of eligibility determination, youth must present verifiable documentation that they meet the eligibility requirements for Out of School youth, and that they require additional assistance.

The North Shore WB has adopted the following indicators to determine that a youth Requires Additional Assistance:

Letter from school official

Observable Condition w/Applicant Statement Physician’s Statement Psychiatrist’s Diagnosis Rehabilitation Evaluation School Records

2. School Records

3. Letter from school official

2. School Records

3. Letter from school official

2. UI records

3. Applicant statement

A Low Income Individual is defined as an individual who:

1. Receives, or in the past 6 months received, or is a member of a family that is receiving or in the past 6 months received. Assistance through the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) or the supplemental security income program established under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, or State or local income based public assistance.

2. Is in a family with total income that does not exceed the higher of:

a. The poverty line, or

b. 70 percent of the lower living standard income level

Attachment D - Performance measures

WIOA Youth Performance Measures:

· In Employment or Post-Secondary Education or Training in the 2nd quarter after exit

· In Employment or Post-Secondary Education or Training in the 4th quarter after exit

· Median Wages 2nd quarter after exit

· Attainment of approved credential/degree/certificate/ license or diploma including secondary education diploma/equivalent

· Measurable Skill Gain – attainment of a. Educational Achievement b. Secondary School Diploma, c. increase on transcript/report card d. Training Milestone, e. Skills Progression (Occupational Skills)

· Retention with the same employer in 2nd and 4th quarter after exit

WIOA Measurable Skills Gains

Attachment E – Benchmarks and supportive services If your organization will be providing incentives/ supportive services to youth, please describe the outline of the plan.

For example, Students earn $10/day for attendance, or students earn $15 for a TABE re-test would be benchmarks/milestones, and if the program will provide stipends for transportation, with a max of X dollars per month, that would be a supportive service.

Please note that Gift Cards are not allowed under WIOA Youth/MassHire North Shore. Programs may use stipend checks or may purchase actual items for youth (For example, students earn a new backpack or another item).

Attachment F-Recruitment plans/recruitment flyers Attachment G – Memorandums of Agreement /letters of support Attachment H- Organizational Chart Attachment I- job descriptions for all positions relating to expenditure of wioa funds attachment J- Resumes of individuals who will be in these positions attachment K- most recent audit of financial statements