Application_for_Special_Projects.pdf

SPECIAL PROJECTS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) # 012-2751004-CW

FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025

√ WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR SPECIAL PROJECT(S)

A. Proposal Introduction

B. Project Details / Scope of Services

C. Performance

D. Organizational Qualifications

E. Innovation

F. Infrastructure

Each response must be typewritten; double-spaced; and in Arial, size 12-font.

Not to exceed 25 pages- per service component (does not include attachments or the one-page program flow chart). Pages included beyond the limit will not be read or considered.

Applicants may propose for one or multiple services requested in this RFP. A separate proposal is required for each service component. Description of each area is noted in Section IIA of the RFP. The RFP is seeking proposals for programs/services in four distinct areas:

• Business Development

• Workforce Development (Youth and Adult Programs/Services)

• Innovations

• Consultancy

A. PROPOSAL INTRODUCTION

1. Project Title:

2. Amount Requested:

3. Component: (Applicants may propose for one or multiple services requested in this RFP. A separate proposal is required for each service component).

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

FOR SPECIAL PROJECT(S)

B. PROJECT DETAILS / SCOPE OF SERVICES

Provide narrative detailing all aspects of the proposed project design and all of Proposer’s obligations. The purpose of the Scope of Services is to provide an in-depth description of the design of services. Please follow the prompts and respond accordingly:

1. Overview:

Provide a high-level summary of the proposed program or services, detailing how these activities will enhance or expand existing WIOA programs or services.

2. Flow Chart: (not counted in the total page limit) Include a high-level one-page visual flow chart of the project design, showing customer flow, program pathways, and potential outcomes.

3. Detailed Project Description:

Provide a detailed description of the proposed program or services, addressing the following:

a. Proposed Activities (Activities, duration, location, service delivery, how will the applicant deliver proposed program and services)

b. Target Population (Number to be served, industry data, addressing barriers, outreach and engagement plans)

c. Goals and activities (Include general program/services timeline with identified goals, particular attention to career advancement and economic self-sufficiency)

d. Expected outcomes (Participant outcomes and tracking, programs outcomes, include broader economic and community benefits, job creation)

4. Timeline:

Provide a detailed start-up plan and transition period, including a timeline from hiring and training staff to full-scale service delivery, with key milestones.

5. Challenges:

Identify any anticipated challenges in implementing the proposed services or programs and explain the strategies that will be used to address and overcome them.

C. PERFORMANCE

Provide detailed responses on how program success will be measured, based on specific metrics and outcomes. This section focuses on your organization's ability to achieve positive impacts on participants and the target populations. Additionally, outline past performance and provide evidence of your success in similar projects. Please follow the prompts below and respond accordingly:

1. Program Metrics:

Describe the metrics that will be used to measure the success of the proposed program or services, including participant outcomes and the expected impact on target populations. Include strategies to ensure positive outcomes, addressing workforce development goals such as enrollment numbers, certifications, job placements, and other measures set by the County of Orange and the funding source.

2. Compliance and Reporting:

Describe how your organization will ensure compliance with county policies, permits, and regulations. Outline your data tracking and reporting systems, and your capacity to produce regular reports on project performance.

3. Past Experience:

Outline the organization’s past experience and results in delivering similar services or projects. Include outcomes achieved, as well as experience coordinating services with other community entities and projects.

4. Performance Verification:

Submit at least one letter of support that verifies past performance, from a funder within the last three years.

5. Performance Standards Table:

Submit a table outlining annual performance goals and target outcomes as a separate document attachment.

D. ORGANIZATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

This section seeks to assess the capacity of your organization to manage the proposed project. It will evaluate your experience with similar projects, your team’s qualifications, and your financial and administrative capabilities. Provide clear and concise responses based on the prompts below to demonstrate your ability to meet the contractual requirements.

1. Organizational Experience:

Detail the organization’s experience in managing workforce development programs or projects of similar size and scope. Include past and current activities that demonstrate the ability to administer workforce-related services, special programs, or serve special populations.

2. Team Qualifications:

Describe the qualifications and experience of the project team, including training plans and ongoing professional development initiatives designed to serve the diverse needs of the target populations.

3. Financial and Administrative Capacity:

Describe the organization’s financial and administrative experience and capabilities:

a. Experience managing multiple federal, state, and local funding sources in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

b. Experience conducting self-monitoring for contract performance and compliance.

c. The organization's financial condition, including the ability to manage delayed reimbursements, disallowed costs, or project over-expenditures.

d. Administrative and fiscal capacity to meet federal documentation and reporting requirements, including data collection, accounting controls, internal monitoring, and handling corrective actions.

4. Budget Submission:

Complete and submit Application for Special Projects - Form 1 - Budget, including a detailed narrative explaining how amounts were calculated.

a. Infrastructure and Rent Costs: For projects requiring co-location at County-designated workforce development centers, the County will determine rent and infrastructure costs based on the needs and scope of the proposed project. These costs will be incorporated into the final negotiated award amount. Applicants should include an estimate of anticipated space needs and any specific infrastructure requirements in their proposal. The County will provide cost estimates during the negotiation phase to ensure alignment with the proposed budget and project objectives.

5. Staffing Plan:

Provide a staffing plan that includes résumés of current staff and general job descriptions, minimum qualifications, and language abilities for any new hires required by the project.

6. Staff Details:

For each designated staff position, include the following:

a. Position Title (Assigned by the organization);

b. Position Classification (Professional, technical, managerial, clerical, support, etc.);

c. Full-time Equivalency (Express fractions as decimals, i.e., ½ time as .50 FTE);

d. Areas of Responsibility (Identify functions that will be assigned to this position);

e. Qualifications (Identify skills and prior experiences);

f. Credentials (Identify any credentials that are required for this position and a brief explanation of how these credentials relate to the areas of responsibility assigned;

g. Salary range

E. INNOVATION

This section seeks to highlight innovative approaches your organization has used or plans to implement to enhance program effectiveness. Include past innovations, forward-thinking strategies, and any technological tools that differentiate your service delivery. Respond to the following prompts:

1. Past Innovation:

Describe any past innovations used in delivering similar services to comparable customer groups.

2. Innovative Approaches:

Detail any innovative or evidence-based approaches that will be used to enhance participant employability and economic self-sufficiency. Include any technological tools or platforms that will facilitate service delivery or participant engagement.

3. Future Innovation:

Outline any future innovations envisioned for implementation if awarded the contract under this RFP.

4. Distinctive Qualities:

Highlight the distinctive qualities of the organization that set it apart from others providing similar services.

F. INFRASTRUCTURE

This section covers the infrastructure needed for successful program and/or service implementation. Specify your space, equipment, and location needs. Please respond to the following prompts:

1. Space Requirements:

Describe the space needs for the project, including the number of cubicles or offices required for staff to co-locate at Orange County Workforce Solutions Centers.

2. Service Location:

Indicate the proposed service location(s), ensuring that the project will be housed at the Orange County Workforce Solutions Center in Brea, at a minimum.

3. Additional Space Requirements:

Describe any additional space needs beyond the identified cubicles or offices.

4. Specialized Equipment:

Specify any specialized equipment required for the project beyond standard office equipment.