27-07-WB RFP Manual - Operation of Youth Programs.pdf

City of Salem, Massachusetts

Request for Proposals

RFP No 27-07-WB

Operation of Youth Programs for the MASSHIRE-North Shore Workforce Board

July 20, 2026

PROPOSALS DUE:

Thursday, August 27, 2026 by 11:00 AM

*Late proposals will be rejected

Anthony Delaney Chief Procurement Officer adelaney@salem.com 93 Washington Street, 3rd Floor

Salem, MA 01970

(978) 619-5695 mailto:adelaney@salem.com

PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PROCUREMENT DESCRIPTION

The MassHire-North Shore Workforce Board is seeking proposals from organizations to operate youth programs as described in this Request for Proposals.

1.2 APPLICABLE LAW

This procurement will be conducted pursuant to M.G.L. ch. 30B, sec. 6.

1.3 APPROVAL

Any contract that may result from the procurement shall be subject to the approval of the Mayor of the City of Salem.

1.4 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All requirements, specifications, terms and conditions described in this Request for Proposals (‘RFP’) shall be incorporated by reference into any contract that may result.

1.5 TIME FOR AWARD

Any contract that may result from the procurement shall be awarded within forty five (45) days after the proposal due date. The time for award may be extended for up to 45 additional days by mutual agreement between the City and the most advantageous proposer.

1.6 RIGHT TO CANCEL/REJECT

The City reserves the right to cancel this RFP or reject in whole or in part any and all proposals if the City determines that cancellation or rejection serves the best interests of the City.

1.7 TAXATION

Purchases made by the City are exempt from the payment of Federal excise tax and the payment of Commonwealth of Massachusetts sales tax and any such taxes must not be included in the proposal pricing.

Copies of the City’s tax exempt paperwork shall be available upon request of the selected contractor.

1.8 OBTAINING THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The RFP and related documents shall be available for free download from the City’s Purchasing Department website at http://salem.com/bids

Hardcopies of the RFP and related documents may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, 93 Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Salem, MA 01970, during regular office hours:

Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

1.9 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, July 28th at 2:00 PM. Join Zoom Meeting:

http://salem.com/bids

Meeting chat link https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/81902133813

Meeting ID: 819 0213 3813 Passcode: 668421

One tap mobile +13126266799,,81902133813#,,,,*668421# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,81902133813#,,,,*668421# US (New York)

While attendance at the conference is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged.

https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/81902133813

PART 2. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

2.1 REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMISSIONS

Below please find a description of the requirements and submissions that must be included as part of a proposal. Every submission must include one (1) original and one

(1) electronic copy (flashdrive) of the Price Proposal and one (1) original and one (1) electronic copy (flashdrive) the Technical Proposal, separated by sealed envelopes.

Failure to properly adhere to the submission guidelines below will result in a failed submission.

2.1.1 PROPOSAL COMPONENTS

The following items must be submitted in order for the proposal to be considered:

SUBMISSION A- TECHNICAL/NON-PRICE PROPOSAL

Non-price proposal submission shall include one (1) original and four (4) copies of the following:

• Application Package (Attachment A)

• Proposal Narrative with complete answers to each question.

• NON-COLLUSION FORM: Every proposal must include a certification of good faith, certifying that the proposal was made in good faith and without collusion or fraud. See ‘Non-Collusion Form’ attached.

• TAX COMPLIANCE FORM: Every proposal must include a written certification that the proposer has complied with all state laws relating to taxes, reporting of employees and contractors, and child support. See ‘Tax Compliance Form’ attached.

• CORPORATE BIDDER FORM (if applicable): If the proposal is being submitted by a corporation the proposal must include a certification that the individual submitting the bid has been authorized to bind the corporation. See ‘Certificate of Corporate Authority’ attached.

• Attachments as listed in Application Package

� SUBMISSION B- PRICE PROPOSAL

Every proposal must contain a ‘Price Proposal’ The ‘Price Proposal’ shall only include one (1) original and four (4) copies of the following:

• Budget Narrative: Complete a narrative for the costs proposed in parts A, B, and C. NOTE:

Narratives should include detailed descriptions of match contributions as well.

o Salaries and Wages o Fringe Benefits o Other Line Items- Fully explain and justify each proposed cost in the space provided. Be sure to include the rationale for each proposed cost (i.e., historical data, units per participant, etc.). Use additional space if necessary.

2.2 PROPOSAL DELIVERY

Below please find a description of the manner in which sealed proposals must be submitted. Price and Non-Price proposals must be separately sealed and labeled.

2.2.1 DUE DATE AND TIME

Proposals shall be received by the Office of the Purchasing Agent on or before Thursday, August 28th, at 11:00am. Any proposal received after that time shall be rejected as non-responsive.

2.2.2 ADDRESS

Sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the Purchasing Agent, 93 Washington Street, 3nd Floor, Salem, MA 01970.

Facsimile and email submissions will not be accepted.

2.2.3 HOURS OF OPERATION

Proposals must be delivered during the normal hours of operation of the City of Salem:

Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

2.2.4 COPIES

Proposers must submit one (1) original and four (4) copies of the proposal.

2.2.5 LABELING

Price and Non-Price proposals must be separately sealed and labeled. Each proposal shall be labeled with (1) the proposal number and title, (2) the proposal due date, (3) the name of the proposer and (4) price or non-price proposal.

2.3 SIGNATURES

A proposal must be signed as follows: 1) if the proposer is an individual, by her/him personally; 2) if the proposer is a partnership, by the name of the partnership, followed by the signature of each general partner; and 3) if the proposer is a corporation, by the authorized officer, whose signature must be attested to by the clerk/secretary of the corporation, and with the corporate seal affixed.

2.4 QUESTIONS, CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS AND WITHDRAWALS

2.4.1 QUESTIONS

Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing to: Anthony Delaney at adelaney@salem.com at least seven (7) working days prior to the bid opening date.

Written responses will be mailed to all bidders on record as having picked up the RFP.

2.4.2 CHANGES

If any changes are made to this RFP, addenda will be issued. Addenda will be posted in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, on the website and e-mailed to all proposers on record as having picked up the RFP.

2.4.3 MODIFICATIONS AND WITHDRAWALS

A proposer may correct, modify, or withdraw a proposals by written notice received by the City of Salem prior to the time and date set the proposal due date.

Modifications must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly labeled "Modification No.__" to the address listed in part one of this section. Each modification must be numbered in sequence, and must reference the RFP.

After the proposal due date, a proposer may not change any provision of the proposal in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the City or fair competition. Minor informalities will be waived or the proposer will be allowed to correct them.

2.5 UNFORESEEN OFFICE CLOSURES

If, at the time of the scheduled due date, 93 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970, is closed due to uncontrolled events such as fire, snow, ice, wind, or building evacuation, the due date will be postponed until 11:00 AM on the next normal business day.

Proposals will be accepted until that date and time.

PART 3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/SCOPE OF SERVICES

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The MassHire-North Shore Workforce Board (NSWB), in partnership with the City of Salem as its fiscal agent, is responsible for the administration and oversight of a variety of workforce development programs in the North Shore area. The WB’s primary mission is to meet the employment needs of workers and job seekers, while also meeting the workforce needs of employers. A critical piece of this mission is to engage in preparation of the local workforce of the future. Through this solicitation, the WB/City of Salem seeks to gather together a variety of organizations with the skills, background, and community connections to provide successful youth career development services.

3.2 BACKGROUND

The vision for youth services established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) challenges local Boards to make available a variety of services that address youth needs in a comprehensive manner. WIOA youth funding is intended to provide comprehensive interventions that support the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, entry into postsecondary education, and career readiness for participants. WIOA brings together, in strategic coordination, the core programs of Federal investment in skill development. WIOA replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and the new law includes an increased focus on Out of School Youth. WIOA includes 14 required program elements that comprise our local area’s year-round youth services strategy. The WIOA elements, as listed in WIOA are as follows:

1. Tutoring, study skills training and instruction, leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies; (Not applicable to Out of School Youth)

2. Alternative secondary school offerings or dropout recovery services, as appropriate;

3. Paid and unpaid work experiences with an academic and occupational education component;

4. Occupational skill training, with a focus on recognized post-secondary credentials and in-demand occupations;

5. Leadership development activities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities;

6. Supportive services;

7. Adult mentoring

8. Follow-up services for at least 12 months after the completion of program;

9. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate.

10. Integrated education and training for a specific occupation or cluster;

11. Financial Literacy education;

12. Entrepreneurial skills training;

13. Services that provide labor market information about in-demand industry sectors and occupations;

14. Post-secondary preparation and transition activities;

Elements 10-14 are new elements under WIOA and local programs have the discretion to determine what specific program services will be provided to a participant, based on participant’s objective assessment and Individual Service Strategy (ISS).

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act targets young people who are out-of-school, to assist them in their career and educational development. WIOA defines eligibility factors for each group as follows:

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

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 or an English Language Learner

e. Offender

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

In each local area, not more than 5% of youth that do not meet the income guidelines will be considered eligible.

Performance Standards: The following are the performance standards required by the federal government of WBs responsible for overseeing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth programs. Specific outcomes that relate to programs funded by the North Shore WB under this RFP will be negotiated with successful bidders.

WIOA Performance Measures for Youth

• Placement in Employment, Training, or Education

• Retention in Employment, Training, or Education

• Earnings

• Credential Rate

• In-Program Skills Gain

For more information on WIOA Performance, please visit:

https://youth.workforcegps.org/resources/2018/08/06/12/28/WIOA-Youth-Program-Performance-Page

3.3 LOCAL SERVICE PRIORITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

The NSWB operates under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and continues to update strategies for the delivery of youth services in our local area. The basic mission includes a comprehensive youth service program which:

1. Focuses on a young person’s assets;

https://youth.workforcegps.org/resources/2018/08/06/12/28/WIOA-Youth-Program-Performance-Page

2. Communicates high expectations;

3. Provides opportunities for leadership;

4. Expands a young person’s understanding of the expectations of the workplace through hands-on experience;

5. Encourages a sense of personal identity;

6. Broadens a young person’s perspective;

7. Provides them with safe surroundings; and

8. Connects them with caring adults.

Service Coordination: In addition to Career Center coordination, all WIOA youth activities must be connected to existing public and private resources and activities geared towards serving youth. Such activities include School to Career, private sector job placement activities of the WB and the Career Centers, youth programs run through the region’s various municipalities, and programs operated utilizing other state and/or federal funding sources. Partnerships between employers, youth serving agencies and school districts in the provision of youth services is strongly encouraged and given priority for funding.

Resource Sharing: It is critical that bidders are able to leverage additional resources to- not supplement, but rather, complement- WIOA funds awarded through this solicitation. Many youth serving agencies utilize a variety of funding sources in operating their programs, and it is expected that all such resources will need to be pieced together to form a truly comprehensive youth service system. This type of system will also be better positioned to thrive in the future, as it will not be so dependent on a single funding source.

Required Elements: As stated in Section II, WBs are required by WIOA to make each of the program elements available to youth in their local area. Proposals should include plans to offer all of the elements. It is important to note that these elements need not be provided by the bidder themselves, nor must they be supported directly by WIOA funds. Elements may be provided through partnerships with other agencies, and may be funded by other resources. However, successful bidders will be responsible for coordinating comprehensive service with the Career Centers, and documenting connections to all services in the Individual Service Strategy (ISS) developed for each youth.

Local Definitions of WIOA Required Elements: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act has intentionally left the parameters of the Required Elements flexible in order to allow for maximum creativity at the local level. However, the WB recognizes the need to provide guidance on how these services should be delivered on the North Shore. The list below includes the WB’s definition of each of the 14 Required Youth Elements.

Leveraged Funds Requirement: The WB is requiring leveraged funding (or “match”) contributions on behalf of all bidders for WIOA youth services in FY’26. As discussed previously, many youth serving agencies utilize multiple funding sources in their program operation. Where these various resources may be brought to bear in support of WIOA-eligible youth, they should be enumerated in the budget and described in the budget narrative. While no minimum percentage is being specified for leveraged funds, the amount and effective use of these funds will be factored into proposal evaluation in helping to determine the overall value of the program for the WB and its resources. Leveraged funds amounts will also help the WB and its Youth Pipeline Committee better understand what services are available to youth across our region from other sources.

Partnerships: Organizations submitting proposals are required to partner with additional providers in an effort to strengthen services and eliminate duplication of effort. Municipalities, community-based organizations, and other private bidders must, at minimum, partner with a local school district to maximize outreach efforts. School districts submitting proposals must also include at least one other community partner.

Partnerships should be documented by Memorandums of Agreement or Understanding, or through letters from contracting entities that indicate specific roles and responsibilities of each partner in your proposal1. If the partnering relationship includes financial reimbursement, a subcontract agreement should be included in the Price Proposal along with detail on related costs that should appear in the budget and budget narrative. In-kind or other contributions from partnering agencies should be considered as leveraged funds and included in the leveraged funds budget and narrative.

Work Experience Parameters (summer and school-year): Work-sites provide quality working and learning opportunities, governed by a Work-Based Learning Plan that underscores skills that the youth are learning while they are working. WB Connecting Activities staff will train all vendors- and employers, as needed- in the implementation of the Work-Based Learning Plan. ALL youth receiving summer employment/work experience jobs paid for through WIOA must be placed on a Massachusetts Work Based Learning Plan with at least two evaluations during the work experience.. Proposals should include an estimate of how many youth they expect to enroll in work experience (youth should be engaged in work experience only once in a program year).

As in previous years, subsidized summer employment will be limited to no more than 20 hours per week, for no more than 6 weeks, at the minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. Subsidized work experience will be limited to 150 total paid hours at the minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.

While the total hours limitation is in place to allow maximum flexibility for job schedules, it is expected that work experience hours during the school year will be less than fifteen hours per week. Summer Employment and Work Experience have merged to one element under the new WIOA Elements. The WB will only subsidize one work experience activity for a particular youth within a program year.

It is expected and preferred that subsidized work experience will take place in the public/non-profit sector, particularly in a time of limited funds. However, the WB recognizes that some opportunities may become available in the private sector that could be beneficial to youth as well. If a vendor is able to access such opportunities, wages may be subsidized by WIOA, under the limitations described above. Any proposed private sector subsidized work experience must include some financial commitment on behalf of the employer. Examples of financial commitment on the part of private sector employers may include additional wages paid, 1 If a signed MOA/MOU is not included in the proposal, this needs to be submitted before final contract negotiations begin.

additional hours or weeks, or a commitment to hire a youth full-time after work experience is completed, among others.

The 2014 WIOA guidelines require that 20% of funds be directed toward Work Experience.

This includes youth wages, required fringe, and may include related costs such as staff time directed toward work readiness/work experience.

Unsubsidized work experience, such as internships or job shadowing, may take place in either the public/non-profit or private sectors, in addition to any subsidized work experience that a youth may already have enrolled in. Youth may receive “compensation” in the form of their Needs Related Payment, just as for any other program activity. Vendors will be responsible for making such payments available from the NRP line items in their existing budgets.

Individual Service Strategy (ISS): The Individual Service Strategy, required by all vendors to be developed with each youth participant and, is the mechanism for documenting the assessment, plan of action which details the planned outcome, the services they will receive from the program, and progress notes. Each ISS is developed around an objective assessment, which is simply the idea that services provided for a youth are determined by the youth’s needs, assets, interests and aptitudes. As the ISS is intended to be a living document, it will include any changes that are made to the service plan to address a youth’s changing needs and circumstances, as well as ongoing progress notes that are to be completed on a weekly basis. Programs must re-visit the ISS with each participant and update no less than every three months. Updates must include goals, planned outcomes, and/or strategies, and the signatures of both the youth and program staff indicating an agreement of the existing or a new plan of action and set of services.

Reporting: Vendors will be required to submit monthly performance reports by the fifth working day of each month, for the previous month, to the North Shore Career Center and the NSWB. “Reporting Forms” will be sent to successful bidders along with instructions, with the completed contract.

Required reports will include:

•Monthly Case Management Notes with hours of attendance;

•Monthly Participant Activity Report (including enrollments, program elements, attendance, exits, outcomes, etc.); and •Monthly billing package (including invoices and appropriate backup) to WB fiscal dept.

Needs Related Payments: As a means to support expenses that youth will incur in attending program activities (transportation, meals, etc.), the WB established Needs Related Payments (NRPs) for participants. NRPs will be made available for all youth participants based on their attendance in any non-summer employment or paid work experience activity. Proposals should include a plan for disbursement of NRPs to participants based on what is appropriate for the program design. (For example, payments may be earned at a given rate per hour of participation.)

Additionally, WIOA allows for programs to use incentives for program participation and/or an achievement. (These anticipated costs should be itemized under the NRP line-item in you budget.) Due to limited funding, bidders are encouraged to streamline their estimates on total amounts needed for NRPs based on an analysis of what realistic attendance patterns are likely to require.

Payments will be made to participants by the contractor, who in turn will bill the City/WB on a cost reimbursement basis. Signed time sheets documenting participant attendance must be included with invoices for reimbursement of NRPs. Bidders should include a line item in their proposed budget for NRP’s, based on enrollment goals, schedule of non-summer activities and hours, and the specific payment plan.

Out-of-School Youth: WIOA requires that 75% of youth funds in a local area be spent on services to out-of-school youth (OSY- see definitions in Attachment B). As such, The MassHire North Shore Workforce Board has moved away from funding proposals for in-school youth programs. This decision was made in part by significant reductions in funding, over the past several years, as well as the significant need demonstrated by out of school youth, whose needs are not met by other parties, such as school districts. Respondents to this RFP will no longer have the option to serve in-school youth in addition to out-of-school youth. All WIOA youth funds related to this RFP will be directed to out of school youth.

3.4 LOCAL ROLES UNDER WIOA

A. The MassHire-North Shore Workforce Board and Youth Pipeline Committee – The WB provides policy and oversight for all WIOA activities. The WB, in partnership with the Mayor of Salem as the local chief elected official (CEO), has appointed a Youth Pipeline Committee which focuses exclusively on the development of youth programming. The WB and its Youth Pipeline Committee works with the CEO to:

1. Develop an annual Plan that includes a description of how services, including those to youth, will be delivered in our region;

2. Select youth services providers;

3. Coordinate youth activities; and

4. Conduct oversight and evaluation of program activities of funded youth service

B. City of Salem- Salem serves as the Grant Recipient and Administrative Agency for all funds flowing to our area for WB-sponsored activities. As such, the City oversees all procurement, contracting, and fund management responsibilities, ensuring that WB policies are implemented through programs meeting administrative and financial regulations.

C. MassHire North Shore Career Center System- Our One-Stop Career Centers perform several important tasks for youth, including the following:

• Outreach and recruitment services are the shared responsibilities of the Career Center staff and selected service providers, and take place either at the Career Centers, local schools, vendor locations, or other locations as needed.

• Eligibility determination is performed by Youth Career Center staff to determine income status and barriers as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Youth who do not meet WIOA eligibility requirements are referred for alternate services wherever possible.

• The Career Center staff will refer youth to providers based upon the above steps. The staff is familiar with all vendors, and has the knowledge and skills to move youth into the appropriate venues for further service.

• It is the responsibility of the Career Center staff to record the comprehensive case management efforts of the youth system as a whole, including program activity reporting in the State’s MOSES system.

• Finally, the Career Center staff (including Business Services Unit) may assist vendors and youth with public and private sector job opportunities as needed

D. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)- Through the State-funded DOE Connecting Activities Grant, the WB and Career Centers have developed, and continue to develop, summer and after-school jobs/internships for any young person in our region interested and looking for work. These positions cover a spectrum of industries and occupations, and are designed to provide not just employment but learning opportunities that relate to school work and that help young people make career choices. A Connecting Activities Outreach Specialist working out of the Youth Career Center facilitates connections with school systems as well as private sector employers.

These entities will work together in close cooperation with service providers selected through this WB to build a comprehensive, integrated youth delivery system.

3.5 WHO MAY APPLY

Community-based organizations, public or private agencies, public school systems, community or state colleges, governmental units, labor groups, private businesses and employers, proprietary schools, and other qualified educational and training institutions who have demonstrated successful performance in serving youth, especially low-income youth, are encouraged to apply.

As described in the previous section, proposals must include partnerships on the part of public, private, and educational organizations, (i.e., community agencies, businesses/employers, and school systems).

Facilities providing services should be accessible to persons with disabilities, and programs selected for funding must operate in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other applicable Federal and State Laws.

Applicants may subcontract with sub-groups to provide the specific services they propose to offer in their overall proposal. All subcontracting arrangements must be articulated in detail in the proposal (i.e. through a detailed MOU/MOA that shows the linkages with specific program elements) and be included as a separate line item in the budget. The contract document with any sub-groups must be approved by the City of Salem prior to the final contract execution and are subject to all conditions and stipulations of the WIOA, as well as, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

3.6 CONTRACT INFORMATION

A. Type of Contract Selected proposers will enter into a cost reimbursement contract. All contracts will be executed with the City of Salem on behalf of the WB. Although the City of Salem makes every effort to reimburse invoiced contractor expenses monthly, selected bidders must be financially capable of covering costs when necessary. All contracts written with vendors will include required compliance language regarding EEO/AA, workplace safety, discrimination, participant grievance procedures, etc.

B. Program Duration The proposer selected will be awarded a two-year contract for the period of October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028. Proposals should reflect costs and program outcomes for one program year, with no expenditures extending beyond September 30, 2027.

Successful bidders will submit a year 2 budget prior to completion of year one. Year two funding is not guaranteed and is based on successful completion of goals as proposed/contracted as well as available funds. WIOA funds are allocated by federal formula annually.

C. Award of Contract Award of any contract arising out of this RFP is entirely predicated upon receipt of a grant award to the City of Salem/North Shore WB from the Division of Career Services and final contract negotiations between the bidder and the City/WB. Expenses incurred by bidders in responding to this RFP are in no way the obligation of the City/WB.

PART 4. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

4.1 MINIMUM CRITERIA

1. The applicant has proven experience working with youth in the workforce development arena.

2. The applicant has included documentation of a partnership with at least one partner organization, including a local school district.

3. The applicant has stated services that in 13 out of the 14 required program elements for youth service including summer employment, mentoring, and follow-up.

4. The applicant has responded to each of the areas required in the Proposal Narrative instructions

All proposals not otherwise rejected for failure to comply with the Minimum Criteria, will then be evaluated and rated on the basis of the following Comparative Criteria.

A composite rating of "Highly Advantageous" or "Not Advantageous" may be assigned only when an applicant has received one or more such rating(s) among the criteria listed below. An automatic rating of "Unacceptable" will be made if any applicant receives one or more such rating under any of the criteria listed below.

A composite rating of "advantageous" will be assigned to any applicant who meets every minimum criteria set forth elsewhere in this proposal document. A rating of "highly advantageous" will be assigned to those applicants who meet any of the following additional criteria:

4.2 COMPARATIVE CRITERIA

4.2.1(a) For new respondents: Previous experience in providing workforce development related services to youth ages 14-24.

Highly Advantageous Experience with five or more program partners providing similar services to those requested for the North Shore area.

Advantageous Experience with three or four program partners in providing similar services to those requested for the North Shore area.

Not Advantageous Experience with only one or two program partners offering similar services to those requested for the North Shore area.

Unacceptable No relevant experience providing a similar program with local partners.

4.2.1(b) For previously funded programs: Previous experience in providing WIOA youth services.

Highly Advantageous Vendor has shown outstanding ability to deliver quality services and meet administrative requirements in operating WIOA youth programs.

Advantageous Vendor has, at an acceptable level, delivered quality services and met administrative requirements in operating WIOA youth programs.

Not Advantageous Vendor has had some difficulty in delivering quality services and/or meeting administrative requirements in operating WIOA youth programs.

Unacceptable Vendor has consistently had difficulty in delivering quality services and meeting administrative requirements, and has not shown interest or ability to address problems in these areas, in operating WIOA youth programs.

4.2.2 The narrative submittal describing the applicant, its organizational structure and its proposed approach to the work for the North Shore area will be evaluated as follows:

Highly Advantageous The narrative demonstrates the applicant fully understands the requirements of the proposed project, and their proposed approach would offer a very effective method of providing the services as requested in the Scope of Work.

Advantageous The narrative demonstrates the applicant understands the requirements of the proposed project and the proposed approach should offer an adequate response to the requirements of the North Shore area.

Not Advantageous The narrative appears to show the applicant’s proposed approach may not in all aspects meet the requirements in the Scope of Work, and would need modification(s) to meet the requirements of the North Shore area.

Unacceptable A review of the narrative finds that the applicant would not be able to accomplish all the requirements of the North Shore area.

4.2.3 The description of target population will be evaluated and rated as follows:

Highly Advantageous The narrative demonstrates the applicant fully understands the needs of the target population and the barriers they face, has developed an outstanding strategy to address these needs, and will able to effectively recruit and engage youth in the program.

Advantageous The narrative demonstrates the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the needs of the target population and the barriers they face, has developed an acceptable strategy to address these needs, and is likely to effectively recruit and engage youth in the program.

Not Advantageous The narrative appears to show the applicant may not in all aspects understand how best to reach and/or service the target population.

Unacceptable The applicant has not described the target population to be served or how to recruit into program services.

4.2.4 The description of the program performance goals will be evaluated as follows:

Highly Advantageous The narrative demonstrates the applicant will reach all performance goals that relate to educational success, job placement, and/or other appropriate outcomes for youth.

Advantageous The narrative demonstrates the applicant will reach some performance goals that relate to educational success, job placement, and/or other appropriate outcomes for youth.

Not Advantageous The narrative appears to show the applicant may not reach performance goals that relate to educational success, job placement, and/or other appropriate outcomes for youth.

Unacceptable The narrative does not discuss performance goals.

4.3 RULE FOR AWARD

Any contract that may result from this procurement shall be awarded to the responsible and responsive proposer offering the most advantageous proposal, taking into consideration all evaluation criteria described herein, as well as price.

4.4 SELECTION PROCESS

Complete proposals received by the submission deadline and that meet all threshold requirements listed, will be reviewed and formally rated by the WB’s Youth Pipeline Committee Proposal Review Sub-Committee, using the evaluation criteria noted in the Proposal Narrative Section below. Final funding decisions will take into consideration the results of this review, an adequate mix of the various types of services to be made available and an equitable distribution of funds and services to youth throughout the region. The City of Salem reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to not fund any or all proposals, and/or to partially fund any or all proposals as submitted in response to this RFP. All proposals become the property of the WB/City of Salem.

PART 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5.1 TERM OF AGREEMENT

Any agreement that may result from this procurement shall commence October 1, 2026 and terminate September 30, 2028, with the City of Salem and MassHire North Shore Workforce Board reserving the right to extend the agreement for one more additional year, at their sole discretion.

5.2 ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING

The selected contractor(s) shall not assign, sell, subcontract or otherwise transfer any interest in this agreement without the prior written consent of the City.

5.3 EXAMINATION

By submitting a proposal, the Proposer warrants that he has examined the site of the work and has fully acquainted himself with all conditions and restrictions pertaining to the work and the execution thereof. No claim for any extra or extension of time will be allowed for failure to observe this requirement.

5.4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A. The successful proposer agrees that, to the extent that such law is applicable to the duties it is to perform hereunder, it will comply with the provisions of Chapter 268A of the General Laws concerning conflict of interest. The successful proposer covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance under the agreement.

B. No employee of the municipality and no public official who exercises any function or responsibilities in the review of approval of the undertaking or carrying out of this agreement shall:

1. Participate in any decision relating to this agreement which affects his personal interest or the interest of any corporation, partnership, or association in which he is, directly or indirectly interested; or

2. Have any financial interest, direct or indirect in this agreement or the proceeds thereof.

5.4 INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS

See attached Sample Contract for all information relative to insurance requirements. No Contract will be executed by the City of Salem until ALL insurance requirements have been met.

5.5 INDEMNIFICATION

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Operator will indemnify and hold harmless the City against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs or expenses for personal injury or damage to real or tangible personal property which the City may sustain, incur or be required to pay, arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Contract by reason of any negligent action/inaction or willful misconduct by the Contractor, its agents, servants or employees.

5.6 FEDERAL AND STATE LAW

The selected contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances.

5.7 SAMPLE AGREEMENT

See ‘Sample Agreement’ attached.

SAMPLE AGREEMENT

CITY OF SALEM

Department

Supply/Services Contract Number:

1. THIS AGREEMENT made and concluded this ___ day of _____ in the year Two Thousand _______ by and between _______________; hereinafter referred to as the (Vendor) and the City of Salem, 93 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970, a municipal corporation established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting by and through its Mayor, Dominick Pangallo; its Chief Procurement Officer, Anthony Delaney; and the Executive Director of MassHire North Shore Workforce Board, Ed O’Sullivan; thereto duly authorized, hereinafter referred to as the (City).

2. WITNESSETH, that the said Vendor has agreed and by these presents does agree, for the consideration hereinafter contained to provide ___________ pursuant to the Vendor’s proposal/bid dated ___________ . (and attached hereto.)

3. In case of any alteration of this contract, so much thereof as is not necessarily affected by the change, shall remain in force upon all parties hereto; and no payment for ___________ under such alteration shall be made until the completion of the whole contract, and the adjustment and payment of the bill when rendered for same shall release and discharge the said City from any and all claims or liability on account of ___________ furnished under this contract, or any alteration thereof.

4. Performance Period:

5. The Vendor shall not assign or transfer this contract, or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Purchasing Agent of said City.

6. And the said Vendor further agrees to indemnify and save harmless the said City of Salem, its officers and agents from all claims and actions of every name and description brought against the said City, or its officers and agents, for or on account of any injury or damage received or sustained by any person, structure or property, by or from the said Vendor, servants or agents, or by, or on account of, any act or omission of the said Vendor, or servants or agents, in the performance of this contract; and the Vendor hereby agrees that so much of the money due to under, and by virtue of, this agreement, as shall be considered necessary by said Purchasing Agent, may be retained by the City until all such suits or claims for damages as aforesaid, shall have been settled, and evidence furnished to the satisfaction of said Purchasing Agent, provided, however, that notice of such claims, in writing and signed by the claimants, shall be previously filed in the offices of the City Clerk of said City.

7. It is furthermore agreed by the Vendor that the performance of this contract shall be strictly in accordance with its bid/proposal dated ___________ , now on file at the Office of the City Purchasing Agent of Salem, Massachusetts, which bid/proposal is hereby made a part of this contract by reference.

8. IN CONSIDERATION WHEREOF, the City agrees to pay to the Vendor ___________

($___________), said payment to be made within thirty days from receipt and acceptance of a reasonably detailed invoice. THE ABOVE CONTRACT NUMBER MUST BE REFERENCED

ON ALL INVOICES IN ORDER FOR THE VENDOR TO BE PAID.

9. Insurance Coverage:

General - The Vendor shall before commencing performance of the Contract be responsible for providing and maintaining insurance coverage in force for the life of the Contract of the kind and in adequate amounts to secure all of the obligations under the Contract and with insurance companies licensed to write insurance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All such insurance carried shall not be less than the kinds and amounts designated herein, and the Vendor agrees that the stipulation herein of the kinds and limits of coverage shall in no way limit the liability of the Vendor to any such kinds and amounts of insurance coverage. All policies issued shall indemnify and save harmless the City of Salem, its agents and employees from any and all claims for damages to persons or property as may rise out of the performance of this Contract.

Vendor’s Comprehensive General Public Liability and Property Damage Liability

Insurance The Vendor shall carry Comprehensive General Liability Insurance providing for a limit of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for all damages arising out of bodily injury to or death of one person, and subject to that limit for each person, a total limit of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and Vendor’s Comprehensive Property Damage Liability Insurance providing for a limit of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for all damages arising out of injury to or destruction of property in any one accident, and subject to that limit per accident, a total (or aggregate) limit or not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) for all damages arising out of injury to or destruction of property during the policy period.

Comprehensive Automotive and Property Damage Insurance - The Vendor shall carry

Automobile Insurance covering all owned vehicles, hired vehicles or non-owned vehicles under the control of the Vendor while performing work under the Contract in the amount of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries to or death of one person and subject to that limit for each person, a total of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries to or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and Property Damage coverage in the amount of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for all damages to or destruction of property.

The Vendor must carry Workman’s Compensation Insurance in the amounts prescribed under

Massachusetts State Law and meet all other City and State Laws and Regulations.

No cancellation(s) of such insurance, whether by the insurer or by the insured party shall be valid unless written notice thereof is given by the parties proposing cancellation to the other party and to the City of Salem at least fifteen (15) days prior to the intended effective date thereof, which date shall be expressed in said notice, which shall be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested. These provisions shall apply to the legal representative(s), trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, trustee, and successor(s) in interest of the Vendor.

All insurance coverage shall be at the sole expense of the Vendor and shall be placed with such company as may be acceptable to the City of Salem and shall constitute a material part of the contract documents.

Failure to provide written proof to City and continue in force such insurance as aforesaid shall be deemed a material breach of the contract, and may constitute sufficient grounds for immediate termination of the same.

The General and Auto Liability Policies shall list the City of Salem as Additional Insured. The General Liability policy shall also contain a Waiver of Subrogation in favor of the City of Salem.

10. This Agreement may be terminated upon thirty (30) days prior written notice for failure of Vendor to provide adequate service as determined by the Purchasing Agent.

11. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement is subject to the provisions of Massachusetts’s law, and to all lawful implementing regulations, as amended from time to time.

12. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the said; (___________); Vendor hath caused these presents and an instrument of like tenor to be executed in its name and behalf by a properly authorized officer of said company.

An instrument of like tenor to be executed by the City in its name and behalf by its Mayor; its Purchasing Agent, and ___________.

All duly authorized as aforesaid, and its corporate seal to be hereto affixed.

____________________ : CITY OF SALEM:

By: By:

Authorized Signature Dominick Pangallo Mayor

Authorized Officer (print name) ____________________________ James LeBlanc Finance Director Title Ed O’Sullivan Executive Director

Anthony Delaney Chief Procurement Officer

Approved as to form: ____________________________ James Wellock City Solicitor

REQ:

Account: