Revised_RFP_DOL-ETA-16-R-00105.pdf

A - Solicitation/Contract Form

Clauses

B - Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 General

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

C - Description/Specifications

C.1 OVERVIEW

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.3 OBJECTIVES

C.4 TASKS

D - Packaging and Marking

E - Inspection and Acceptance

F - Deliveries or Performance

F.1 DELIVERABLES

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 DELIVERABLES & PROGRESS REPORTS

F.4.1 ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES

F.4.1.2 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

F.5 DISPOSITION OF MATERIAL

F.6 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION

F.7 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

F.8 OWNERSHIP OF DATA

F.9 PUBLICATION OF MATERIALS

G - Contract Administration Data

G.1 DOLAR 2952.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE (COTR) (MAY 2004)

G.2 UNAUTHORIZED COMMITMENTS

G.3 INVOICING PROCEDURES:

G.4 INVOICE GENERAL INFORMATION

G.5 INTEREST ON OVERDUE PAYMENTS

G.6 TRAVEL

H - Special Contract Requirements

H.1 RESTRICTION ON USE OF DOL FUNDS FOR LOBBYING

H.2 USE OF AND PAYMENT TO CONSULTANTS

H.3 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE COST

H.4 ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING SERVICES

H.5 PRINTING

H.6 KEY PERSONNEL

H.6.1 KEY PERSONNEL DESCRIPTIONS:

H.6.2 REMAINDER OF PERSONNEL - POSITION DESCRIPTIONS:

H.7 CONTRACT NUMBER IDENTIFICATION

H.8 SUBMISSION OF CORRESPONDENCE

H.9 OTHER CONTRACTORS

H.10 LAWS APPLICABLE

H.11 NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

H.12 FEDERAL REPORTS

H.13 DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

H.14 ELIMINATION OF SEXIST LANGUAGE AND ART WORK

H.15 HAZARDOUS OCCUPATION ORDERS

H.16 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS (FAR-Subpart 28.3)

H.17 DATA COLLECTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

H.18 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

I - Contract Clauses

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 52.215-23 LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES (OCT 2009) ALTERNATE I (OCT 2009)

I.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I.4 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.5 52.222-40 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UNDER THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT (JAN 2010)

(DEVIATION)

I.6 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY 1989)

I.7 52.222-49 SERVICE CONTRACT ACT - PLACE OF PERFORMANCE UNKNOWN (MAY 1989)

I.8 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APR 1984)

I.9 52.249-14 EXCUSABLE DELAYS (APR 1984)

I.10 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR USING FEDERAL/ COMMERCIAL CONFERENCE SPACE

I.11 NONPERSONAL SERVICES

I.12 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

J - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments

List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

K - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Bidders

K.1 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2012)

K.2 SIGNATURE BLOCK

L - Instructions,Conditions, and Notices to Bidders

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.4 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.4.1 VENDOR FULL REGISTRATION IN THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMNET (SAM

L.5 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE OFFERORS

L.5.1 Proposal Submission Method and Due Date

L.5.2 LATE SUBMISSIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND WITHDRAWLS OF OFFERS

L.5.3 Proposal Submission Requests For Clarifications (RFC)

L.5.4 Proposal Submission Requirements

L.5.5 Instructions for Pricing Response and Past Performance

L.5.6 Instructions for Technical Proposal Response

M - Evaluation Factors for Award

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 Factor 1 - Relevant Experience, Industry Acumen, and National Scope

M.2 Factor 2 – Technical Approach

M.3 Factor 3 - Individual Staff Experience and Qualifications

M.4 Factor 4 - Past Performance

M.5 Factor 5 - Price

M.6 METHOD OF AWARD

A - Solicitation/Contract Form

Clauses

B - Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 General

The Offeror shall provide Time and Materials (T&M) pricing for an Office of Apprenticeship (OA) contractor to develop national partnerships to assist employers, industry associations, joint-labor management organizations, States, grantees, and other organizations to launch multi-employer apprenticeship models that can scale this earn and learn model in high-growth industries and sectors to meet the occupational and skill needs of those industries. A Total Ceiling Price shall be calculated for each year by completing the enclosed Pricing Tables for the Base Year and four (4) one (1) Year Option Periods, and the Summary Pricing Table.

For the Base Year Pricing Table and the four (4) Option Years Pricing Tables, the offeror shall provide their Labor Category

Descriptions and Hourly Rates that most closely match the Labor Category Descriptions given in this Request for Proposal (RFP)

Pricing Table. If an offeror uses a Consultant or Subcontractor to fill an RFP Labor Category Description, then the pricing for this

Labor Category in the Pricing Table should be zero ($0), the Description should say “See Consultants/Subs “ and the Consultant or

Subcontractor total yearly pricing only should be entered in the ODC section of the Pricing Table.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

BASE YEAR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Labor Category Average Hourly

Labor Rates

Estimated

Hours Total

0001 Project Director 200

0002 Project Manager 1,000

0003 Subject Matter Expert 1,930

Sales and Marketing

Executive 1,875

0005 Analyst 800

0006 Marketing Specialist 450

0007 Web Developer 200

0008 Clerical Admin 300

Total Direct

Labor 6,755

SPECIAL

ITEMS

Industry Trade Partner

Fees * Not to Exceed (NTE) $60,000

Subcontracts to

Employers

(NTE) $500,000

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)

0011 ODCs Not to Exceed (NTE) $52,500

Travel

Travel (NTE) $90,000

Total ODCs

G&A

Base Year

Ceiling

Note: List any/all Special Conditions or Assumptions

OPTION YEAR ONE

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Labor Category Average Hourly

Labor Rates

Estimated

Hours Total

1001 Project Director 200

1002 Project Manager 1,000

1003 Subject Matter Expert 1,930

Sales and Marketing

Executive 1,875

1005 Analyst 800

1006 Marketing Specialist 450

1007 Web Developer 200

1008 Clerical Admin 300

Total Direct

Fees * Not to Exceed (NTE) $61,800

Subcontracts to

Employers

(NTE) $515,000

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)

1011 ODCs Not to Exceed (NTE) $54,075

Travel

Travel (NTE) $92,700

Total ODCs

G&A

Option Year

One Ceiling

OPTION YEAR TWO

CLIN Labor Category Average Hourly

Labor Rates

Estimated

Hours Total

2001 Project Director 200

2002 Project Manager 1,000

2003 Subject Matter Expert 1,930

Sales and Marketing

Executive 1,875

2005 Analyst 800

2006 Marketing Specialist 450

2007 Web Developer 200

2008 Clerical Admin 300

Total Direct

Fees * Not to Exceed (NTE) $63,654

Subcontracts to

Employers

(NTE) $530,450

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)

2011 ODCs Not to Exceed (NTE) $55,697

Travel

Travel (NTE) $95,481

Total ODCs

G&A

Two Ceiling

OPTION YEAR THREE

CLIN Labor Category Average Hourly

Labor Rates

Estimated

Hours Total

3001 Project Director 200

3002 Project Manager 1,000

3003 Subject Matter Expert 1,930

Sales and Marketing

Executive 1,875

3005 Analyst 800

3006 Marketing Specialist 450

3007 Web Developer 200

3008 Clerical Admin 300

Total Direct

Fees * Not to Exceed (NTE) $65,564

Subcontracts to

Employers

(NTE) $546,364

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)

3011 ODCs Not to Exceed (NTE) $57,368

Travel

Travel (NTE) $98,345

Total ODCs

G&A

Three Ceiling

OPTION YEAR FOUR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Labor Category Average Hourly

Labor Rates

Estimated

Hours Total

4001 Project Director 200

4002 Project Manager 1,000

4003 Subject Matter Expert 1,930

Sales and Marketing

Executive 1,875

4005 Analyst 800

4006 Marketing Specialist 450

4007 Web Developer 200

4008 Clerical Admin 300

Total Direct

Fees * Not to Exceed (NTE) $67,531

Subcontracts to

Employers

(NTE) $562,754

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)

4011 ODCs Not to Exceed (NTE) $59,089

Travel

Travel (NTE) $101,296

Total ODCs

G&A

Four Ceiling

* Industry Trade Partners Fees can substitute for certain labor hours.

Summary Pricing Table:

Base Year $XXXXX

1st Option Year $YYYYY

2nd Option Year $ZZZZZ

3rd Option Year $CCCCC

4th Option Year $GGGGG

Total 5 Year Price $TTTTT

Note: List any/all Special Conditions or Assumptions for the Summary Pricing Table.

C - Description/Specifications

C.1 OVERVIEW

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) Office of Apprenticeship (OA) proposes to award up to four (4) contracts to assist industry intermediaries[1] to build national partnerships under the umbrella of

ApprenticeshipUSA.[2] Industry intermediaries will assist employers, industry associations, joint-labor management organizations, States, grantees, and other organizations to launch and scale multi-employer apprenticeship models that can meet the occupational and skill needs of high-growth industries. Funds will help to establish up to 4 multiple industry sector-based partnerships (Multi-industry) which may be comprised of a lead entity as well as other partners, to support the expansion of registered apprenticeships in more than one industry.

The multi-industry intermediaries chosen to execute this contract will become national ApprenticeshipUSA partners and have a supporting role in the Sectors of Excellence in Apprenticeship (SEAs) www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/SEAsOverviewFactSheet.pdf, a new industry-led apprenticeship initiative of the DOL. ApprenticeshipUSA national partners will work with DOL to provide both financial and technical assistance to: employers, consortia of employers, industry associations, joint labor-management organizations, educational institutions, States, grantees, and others in return for commitments to develop and/or expand Register Apprenticeship programs and train a specified number of apprentices.

[1] Industry intermediary, for the purposes of this work, is defined as an entity which serves as a conduit between employers, as well as other industry partners, and USDOL to accelerate apprenticeship program development and help broker new multiple sector-based apprenticeship partnerships at the state, regional and national level. Intermediaries are uniquely positioned to convene employers and other key partners to determine workforce trends, and can assist in blending and braiding customized services and seed funding to grow the demand for new apprenticeship programs. Industry Intermediaries usually specialize in a specific sector but may possess expertise or partner with entities that cut across more than one market.

[2] ApprenticeshipUSA is OA’s new employer-driven, modernized brand. With ApprenticeshipUSA, we aim to transform the image of Apprenticeship by providing unprecedented apprenticeship opportunities in high-growth industries like Cybersecurity, healthcare, business services, IT, Transportation, and Advanced Manufacturing, but we are also opening up more doors of opportunities for youth, Veterans, women, and people of color.

[3] Offerors will note that any work accomplished in cooperation with American Apprenticeship Initiative funding shall be beyond the scope of work of the grant, and in addition to the expected deliverables of the American Apprenticeship Initiative.

C.2 BACKGROUND

Registered Apprenticeship provides opportunity for workers seeking high-skilled, high- paying jobs and for employers seeking to train and retain a highly productive workforce. In order for the country to meet its workforce needs and to help U.S. companies maintain a competitive advantage in the global economy, DOL has committed to expand the availability of apprenticeship to more businesses and workers across the country through the ApprenticeshipUSA Initiative.

In September 2015, the DOL invested $175 million in the American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI), and ETA awarded 46 AAI

Grants to advance the growth and diversity of apprenticeships in the U.S. Today, apprenticeship has grown by over 75,000 active apprentices since we began our efforts.

Affirming DOL’s efforts to further the development and expansion of apprenticeships, $90 million (in new funding) was appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus to advance apprenticeships in the United States. This historic $90 million ApprenticeshipUSA investment supports a comprehensive set of strategies designed to expand opportunities relating to apprenticeship programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act. To this end, these new investments made here will create a new component within the apprenticeship infrastructure for industry intermediaries to collaborate with employer partners and other stakeholders in facilitating streamlined paths to standing up Registered Apprenticeship programs, as well as expand apprenticeships in key targeted industries and occupations. For more information on other investments being made through ApprenticeshipUSA, please visit www.dol.gov/apprenticeship.

file://///ETA-940-01/home/Rucker.D%60Angelo/My%20Documents/y%20OA%20Multi-Industry%20Intermediary%20Apprenticeship%20solicitation/Multi%20Industry%20RFP%20final%20SOW%20(approved%20by%20WH)6.22.16.docx file://///ETA-940-01/home/Rucker.D%60Angelo/My%20Documents/y%20OA%20Multi-Industry%20Intermediary%20Apprenticeship%20solicitation/Multi%20Industry%20RFP%20final%20SOW%20(approved%20by%20WH)6.22.16.docx file:///C:/Users/boren.zachary/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/BB9RIVIJ/www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/SEAsOverviewFactSheet.pdf file://///ETA-940-01/home/Rucker.D%60Angelo/My%20Documents/y%20OA%20Multi-Industry%20Intermediary%20Apprenticeship%20solicitation/Multi%20Industry%20RFP%20final%20SOW%20(approved%20by%20WH)6.22.16.docx file://///ETA-940-01/home/Rucker.D%60Angelo/My%20Documents/y%20OA%20Multi-Industry%20Intermediary%20Apprenticeship%20solicitation/Multi%20Industry%20RFP%20final%20SOW%20(approved%20by%20WH)6.22.16.docx http://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship

Earlier this year, USDOL issued a Request for Information (RFI) which opened on February 19, 2016 and closed on March 10, 2016. From this RFI, we learned that there are national organizations that have interest and broad industry expertise in a variety of sectors that could play a key role in ApprenticeshipUSA efforts. Additionally, some industry partners have regional strength but would need additional partners to provide support to industries on a more national scale. Last, we learned that many potential industry intermediaries may have expertise in a sub-industry (i.e., trucking), but do not yet have the ability to provide technical support to a broader set of employers in the industry at large (i.e., all transportation).

As a result of our analysis, we have adjusted and written this SOW to reflect this reality and indicate that offerors in similar industries or sub-industries should strongly consider partnering together in order to achieve national scope or broader industry and/or multiple sub-industry expertise. We believe this realignment of the SOW will lead to greater outcomes for

DOL and ensure that selected applicants can successfully complete all deliverables required.

Since 2014, OA through its SEAs initiative has sought to target industries to expand quality registered apprenticeships, provide technical assistance to potential sponsors, promote greater inclusion and diversity in apprenticeship, and create synergy among organizations to train workers through Registered Apprenticeship in high growth, high-skill industry sectors of the labor market, specifically:

Healthcare*

Construction*

Transportation and Logistics*

Energy* Manufacturing*; and

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)*

* For the purposes of this SOW, the above industries will be referred to as the “targeted industries,” all others will be referenced as

“non-targeted industries.”

Except in the construction industry, many industries in the U.S. currently lack infrastructure, support and partnerships that: 1) link common industry employers together to aggregate demand, 2) support the development of common apprenticeship standards, 3) provide value-added technical assistance for existing and potential employers, and 4) conduct outreach to additional employers within an industry to start or expand Registered Apprenticeship programs.

The intermediaries selected will serve as ApprenticeshipUSA national industry partners, utilizing the SEAs structure, to gain additional employer commitments, advance new program models, align and leverage Federal and State apprenticeship staff and workforce partners — to the goal of accelerating Registered Apprenticeship adoption in multiple targeted and non-targeted industries.

These activities will provide a much-needed national structure for employers to identify critical workforce needs and challenges that could be addressed through industry-driven apprenticeships.

This solicitation will focus on entities whose work targets not only a single industry, but multiple industries, in the targeted

SEAs and/or non-targeted sectors.

C.3 OBJECTIVES

In support of expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship through the ApprenticeshipUSA initiative, OA intends to make contracts to industry intermediaries (e.g., industry associations, joint labor management organizations, workforce intermediaries, educational institutions, and consortia of organizations) for multiple sector-based outreach and technical assistance to support and to scale apprenticeship program development, and accelerate innovation in the SEAs and/or non-targeted industries. DOL intends to award up to 4 contracts to intermediaries who will work with multiple sectors – to serve as an ApprenticeshipUSA national industry partner and further develop the SEAs industries' workforce though Registered Apprenticeship.

Overview of funding opportunity and components of this SOW:

Industry-Led Scaling of Registered Apprenticeship. DOL intends to leverage experienced and trusted industry intermediaries to expand quality apprenticeship programs in multiple SEAs and non-targeted industries. Registered

Apprenticeship is most represented in some areas of construction, but opportunities exist to expand innovative, high-quality programs in the SEAs and non-targeted industries. Industry intermediaries are critical to bringing employers together to aggregate demand, promoting the development of common training standards, and providing needed technical assistance.

New ApprenticeshipUSA Infrastructure Component. In assessing the impact of our current investments and strategies, DOL intends to establish a critical role for industry intermediaries and national industry partners that not only makes it easier for employers to start and expand apprenticeship programs, but also builds on DOL’s and State Apprenticeship Agencies’

(SAAs) expansion efforts in multiple SEAs and non-targeted industries.

Funding Mechanism Overview. Funds will be awarded through competitive contracts. DOL utilized responses from the previously issued Request for Information (RFI) to frame the capabilities of various organizations to perform the required tasks.

Overarching Objective of Industry Intermediary Contracts: The Department’s overall goal under these industry contracts is to create and expand new apprenticeships with employers and/or other sponsors of Registered Apprenticeships. The offeror will ultimately be rated upon their organization’s ability to develop (under tasks 2-6 below) Registered Apprenticeships in the offeror’s selected industries – resulting in at least 450 newly registered apprentices annually.

General Program Requirements. Industry Intermediaries (e.g., Industry Associations, Workforce Intermediaries, Labor-Management

Organizations, national or state-wide college systems or consortia of colleges, and others) shall provide the following activities:

Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment. Contractors shall develop and implement outreach and marketing schemes (in coordination with USDOL) for their multi-industry sectors to reach a variety of stakeholders, (e.g., employers, industry associations, labor unions, intermediaries, and workforce and educational entities) on the value of Registered

Apprenticeships. Contractors may also support outreach and recruitment of additional Leaders of Excellence in

Apprenticeship Development, Education, and Research (LEADERs).

Advancing “Apprenticeship Accelerator” Models and Registration Support. Contractors shall provide technical assistance, advice and support to employers, in conjunction with OA and State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) staff, to facilitate and accelerate the process to create “registration-ready” standards for employers. Contractors shall be expected to assist in the facilitation of apprenticeship “accelerator sessions,” as determined by OA.

Promote Innovation, Inclusion and Excellence in Registered Apprenticeship. In mature apprenticeship industries (such as Construction) as well as in others, funds may be used to support additional innovations that promote excellence in

Apprenticeship including:

o Inclusion and Diversity in Apprenticeship. Technical assistance can be provided to support employers interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in Apprenticeship, particularly among low-income individuals and underrepresented populations including youth, women, communities of color, Native Americans, and persons with disabilities.

o Aligning Apprenticeship with Post-Secondary Credit. Technical assistance and funding can be used to support sponsors of apprenticeship that wish to provide greater opportunities to earn college credit by undergoing a 3rd party evaluation or other efforts.

o Promoting Competency-Based Apprenticeship. Funding and technical assistance can be used to support sponsors that wish to develop competency based programs in line with OA’s existing efforts in this area.

o Youth Apprenticeship and Alignment with Career and Technical Education programs (CTE). Support for employers that wish to develop youth apprenticeship models and/or alignment with CTE efforts in their communities and state or local school systems.

Provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Facilitation. Contractor shall support the equivalent of at least one full-time, industry Subject Matter Expert position dedicated to the development of Registered Apprenticeships in the industries chosen. The responsibilities of the SME(s) shall include providing support in the offeror’s selected industries to employers and apprenticeship staff in the development and identification of standards and competencies in the industries’ apprenticeable occupations.

Support the DOL Competency-Based Project and Clearinghouse of Curricula, Related Training Instruction (RTI) outlines, Occupational Outlines and Competency Models. Contractors, at the direction of USDOL, shall serve as an intermediary to further facilitate and develop these apprenticeship programs with the above components for the offeror’s selected SEAs and/or non-targeted industries.

Expansion of Existing Apprenticeship programs and the initiation of new programs. As a last resort and upon evidenced need by employers, the contractor may fund a portion of the selected industry employers’ apprenticeship training costs in an effort to start or expand apprenticeship programs and create new apprenticeship opportunities for workers in the industry.

C.4 TASKS

Vendors, in their response, must propose at least the following tasks but may include additional tasks that will support the project objectives:

Task 1- Project Management Provide overall project management and maintain regular communication with ETA staff, to ensure timely and quality competition of all project deliverables.

Task Details/Deliverables Include:

Provide overall project management and maintain regular communication with ETA staff, to ensure timely and quality competition of all project deliverables.

o Participate in a contract kickoff meeting in Washington DC;

o Participating in training with Office of Apprenticeship and State Apprenticeship Agency Staff on the registration of apprenticeship programs;

o Develop an annual project work plan (to be submitted within 30 days of contract award);

o Participate in periodic calls with ETA regarding the status of the project;

o Provide quarterly status reports and participate in quarterly meetings with USDOL staff;

o Provide an Annual Report; Annual Report submission at least 15 days prior to end of each contract year, detailing activities, accomplishments, challenges, and any recommendations for improvement; and o Attend annual in-person meetings with OA Senior Leadership to present annual reports/contract close out.

o Contractor shall develop a presentation to help train staff on the organization's work with the industries, present findings, and discuss best practices. Develop an evaluation of the training.

All deliverables intended for public dissemination must be provided to OA in “post-ready” format at least fifteen (15) business days before the agreed-upon dissemination date.

Task 2 - Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment. Contractors shall develop and implement outreach and marketing schemes (in coordination with USDOL) for their industry sectors to reach a variety of stakeholders, (e.g., employers, industry associations, labor unions, intermediaries, and workforce and educational entities) on the value of Registered Apprenticeships.

Task Details/Deliverables Include:

Contractors shall conduct a minimum of 400 individual outreach efforts (e.g., sales calls, conference pitches, and email solicitations, etc.) to employers and other potential sponsors of Registered Apprenticeships to register new apprenticeship programs across each selected Industry. Outreach efforts shall be tracked and recorded through OA’s customer relationship management tool. Outreach activities would include (but not limited to):

o Industry or company research, o Apprenticeship sales calls, in-person meetings with Human Resource departments and company representatives, o Employer or industry meetings and conference presentations, and o Webinars for industry representatives

In coordination with DOL, create and disseminate marketing materials to all contractor selected industries during sales calls and industry meetings. Activities would include, but not limited to:

o Creating paper or digital materials that describe the value of Registered Apprenticeship in the industry sectors;

o Creation of presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) for Human Resource departments and other employer decision-makers on the value of Registered Apprenticeships to the industries.

Conducting outreach and informational sessions to a range of other public and private potential partners, including but not limited to workforce and educational organizations, labor organization, community-based organizations, and other workforce intermediaries on the value and benefits of Registered Apprenticeship.

Task 3 – Advancing “Apprenticeship Accelerator” Models and Registration Support. Contractors shall provide technical assistance, advice and support to employers, in conjunction with OA and SAAs staff, to facilitate and accelerate the process to create

“registration-ready” standards for employers.

Task Details/Deliverables Include:

Assist in Advancing Development of Registered Apprenticeship standards with employers. Contractor shall meet with interested employers, companies, joint-labor management programs, and other potential (apprenticeship) sponsors to assist in development of various standards of apprenticeships. Activities that the Contractor shall deliver include:

o Two Industry-led National Guideline Standards (NGS) or National Program Standards. As developed by national-level industry employers, the contractors shall collaborate with OA in the development of NGS or National

Program Standards for two national-level employers or national registered apprenticeship sponsors. Contractor shall develop new nationally-recognized (or significantly revised) registered apprenticeship standards for two (2) occupations that can be widely disseminated and adopted by employers in the industry. Activities would include

(but not limited to):

Contractor shall make approximately two apprenticeability requests of USDOL. As required, the

Contractor shall work with the industry and USDOL to submit two new occupations to be recognized.

Meetings and ongoing dialogue with targeted employers in the development of new apprenticeship program standards.

Collaboration with OA staff and State Apprenticeship Agency staff, as needed.

Convening at least nine industry employers to validate the new Registered Apprenticeship standards prior to submission to USDOL

Submission of apprenticeship registration standards to appropriate OA or SAA staff for approval.

o Establish 10 Local Registered Apprenticeship Programs with Employers. The Contractor shall develop a minimum of ten local Registered Apprenticeship programs in collaboration with employers, companies, colleges and other key partners during the period of the contract in collaboration with USDOL and SAAs to include inclusion and diversity. (Local Registered Apprenticeship programs may also be counted against those programs that are under the umbrella of an NGS agreement.) Activities include:

Outreach to employers;

Development of Registered Apprenticeship Standards;

Launch of Registered Apprenticeship programs and onboarding of diverse cohort of apprentices.

Technical assistance to assist companies, employers, unions, and others in hiring and/or retaining diverse populations of apprentices into their apprenticeship programs, particularly low-income individuals and underrepresented populations in apprenticeship including youth, women, communities of color, Native

Americans, and persons with disabilities. Assistance will be provided in developing inclusion and diversity plans that meet the requirements for registration with USDOL and/or SAAs.

Technical assistance in reviewing current on-boarding processes and models of support to ensure successful completion of apprenticeship programs by underrepresented populations. Examples of activities would include supporting pre-apprenticeship programs, leveraging career pathways strategies of community based organizations, connecting apprentices to supportive services to facilitate program completion, and procuring additional Federal or State funding that supports apprentices’ persistence in apprenticeships, such as transportation, childcare, or tuition subsidies, etc.

Provide such assistance for at least 10 employers or organizations per annum.

Offerors will note that any work accomplished in cooperation with American Apprenticeship Initiative funding shall be beyond the scope of work of the grant, and in addition to the expected deliverables of the American Apprenticeship Initiative.

Task 4 - Support Sectors of Excellence in Apprenticeship (SEAs). The SEAs initiative was launched as an industry-driven, sector-based strategy to expand apprenticeships. These national industry partnerships provide a structure for the national registered apprenticeship system to engage businesses and partners to address industry-wide obstacles to apprenticeship expansion, provide technical assistance collectively to multiple businesses in a sector, and ultimately accelerate the adoption of quality Registered

Apprenticeship programs in targeted industries.

Task Details/Deliverables Include:

Assist in providing industry technical expertise to chosen targeted Sectors of Excellence, including the corresponding SEAs

"Accelerator Sessions" of which each targeted industry will hold up to two per annum. Contractors shall obtain via in-house, sub-contract, or through consultancy -- a full-time equivalent industry SME that is available to provide technical assistance to

OA staff, SAAs, and industry in the development of apprenticeship programs. The SME shall be prepared to:

o Correspond via email, phone, and in-person with OA, SAA, and industry representatives on the development of apprenticeship program standards;

o Offer consultation, advice and share industry resources in the development of apprenticeship program standards and in the initiation of approved apprenticeship programs, including:

Assist in identifying resources and/or providers for "train-the-trainer" schemes;

On-the-job training outlines;

Appropriate curricula, education providers, and company educational materials for related instruction;

Related Instruction Outlines;

Equal Employment Opportunity requirements; and

Wage scales, etc.

o Contractors shall travel as required, facilitating and providing support to OA-sponsored meetings and events.

o Meet with State Approving Agencies, as recommended and supported by OA, to assist in the development of chosen industry (sector-specific) apprenticeship programs.

Provide outreach to member industry organizations, employers, and other appropriate organizations to support SEA development and OA-led events in the multi-industry sectors.

o Contractors shall communicate and encourage employers in the industries to attend and/or participate in the SEAs events.

o Contractors shall establish at least 10 new employer contacts to attend a SEAs event.

o For OA-established SEA events, the contractors shall keep a record of outreach to businesses, employers, and other organizations for invitation to the SEA event (for up to two-events annually) on OA’s database (Salesforce), which access will be issued by USDOL.

o Provide follow up efforts with employers in coordination with OA and/or SAA staff to progress participating employers in their apprenticeship efforts, including the development of standards of Registered Apprenticeship as a result of attending a SEAs event (standards developed as a result can contribute to other requirements under Task

3).

Task 5 - Curricula, Related Training Instruction (RTI) outlines, Occupational Outlines and Competency Models. Contractors shall serve as an intermediary and contribute to an inventory of curricula, RTI outlines, on-the-job training outlines, and competency-based occupational frameworks for each chosen industry. Contractors shall coordinate with OA and its competency-based apprenticeship contractor in researching apprenticeship occupational skills and competencies from a wide array of sources, both domestic and international. Contractors shall help to populate the inventory (in collaboration with OA’s competency-based contractor) of related apprenticeable occupations, competencies, and respective curricula within the specific SEAs and non-targeted industries. Contractors shall work to compile and share best education and training information available to prospective and current apprenticeship program sponsors and affiliated employers.

Task Details/Deliverables Include:

Contractors shall provide expertise and serve as a consultant to industry associations, apprenticeship sponsors, and affiliated employers as they formulate and choose the appropriate curricula, RTI and occupational outlines, and competency models. Contractors shall:

o Assist program sponsors and interested employers in researching and culling available instructional curriculum and on-the-job training / work-based learning processes. These may be accessed or developed in conjunction with an education provider (such as a Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium member) TAACCCT Grantee or other appropriate education provider.

o Identify education partners to collaborate with industry employers and potential apprenticeship programs to develop the curriculum; instructional programs should address the issue of college credit for related instruction, where appropriate.

o Work processes may incorporate or be based on occupational profiles / templates established at the national-level, where they exist for specific occupations.

o Research and maintain awareness of industry-based certifications, relevant educational information resources, and state occupational licensing requirements, where appropriate and available.

Contractors shall assist OA in building with national occupational frameworks, providing expertise and support:

o Engage expert workers from sponsors, employers, industry associations, LEADERs and SEAs to assist OA and its competency contractor’s job analysis and verification to validate occupational skills and competencies. OA will work in conjunction with the SEAs and non-targeted industry contractors to drive selection of the occupations for competency approaches. This may entail assisting OA’s competency-based contractor in:

Locating industry SMEs with experience in an appropriate range of business sizes and needs, to identify the duties and tasks of the occupation.

Articulating the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for that occupation in an agreed-upon format.

These may include skills that are common to a range of occupations.

Verifying/validating the tasks identified; prioritizing and selecting job tasks for task analysis.

Analyzing the selected task and breaking down each task into detailed steps necessary for performance measurement, such as needed for occupational training curriculum development, assessment plans, and related coursework development.

Contractors shall assist OA in aligning apprenticeship with Post-Secondary Credit and Industry Recognized Credentials.

Technical assistance and funding shall be used to support at least 2 sponsors of apprenticeship that wish to provide greater opportunities to earn college credit and/or industry credentials by undergoing a third party evaluation or other efforts. Deliverables include:

o Providing technical assistance to support the offeror’s industry in aligning programs to higher education, including supporting companies in joining and being assessed for the Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium.

o Providing technical assistance to support the offeror’s industry in gaining access to Federal funding supports for higher education, including Pell and Federal Work Study.

o Promoting models of apprenticeship to the industries that include pathways to higher education, and that include paths to Associate’s Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, and other higher degree attainment.

Contractors shall assist OA with promotion of Competency-Based Apprenticeship. Funding and technical assistance shall be used to support at least 2 sponsors that wish to develop competency based (or hybrid) programs in line with OA’s existing efforts in this area. Deliverables in this category include:

o Providing technical assistance to the SEAs and/or non-targeted industries when employers request competency-based apprenticeships for various occupations.

o Connecting those employers to existing resources in the industry for requirements such as job task analysis and development of competencies for an occupation.

o Providing support and technical assistance in the development of Registered Apprenticeship standards, upon the request and interest of employers in the selected industries.

Task 6 – Expansion of Existing Registered Apprenticeship programs and Initiation of New Registered Apprenticeship

Programs.

The Government has provided a line item for direct costs associated with providing technical assistance and resources in support of growing Registered Apprenticeship programs in approved corporate organizations and their industries. In order to be reimbursed these direct costs must be allowable under these terms, allocable to this contract effort, and reasonable. The Contractor shall provide technical assistance and/or directly incentivize new Registered Apprenticeship program start-ups or expand existing programs using the funds set aside in this line item. Start-up incentives to employers may be provided to launch or expand apprenticeship programs based on a commitment by the employer to start a committed number of registered apprentices.

The contractor shall follow their proposed /approved apprenticeship incentive plan, which may include subcontracts that incentivize payments tied to outcomes.

The contractor may provide financial support for employers’ Registered Apprenticeship programs. In the case of incentivizing employers in joint labor-management programs or large corporations with subsidiaries and nationwide footprints, the contractor shall provide guarantees for equal distribution among a variety of employers in the selected industries to ensure equity and unbiased distribution.

The Contractor’s plan shall result in at least 200 Registered Apprentices annually working with employers and/or other sponsors of

Registered Apprenticeships.

Task Details/Deliverables Include:

Contractor shall first provide technical assistance to employers regarding accessing other state and federal resources and financial support including those identified in DOL’s Federal Resource Playbook and others. Contractors shall demonstrate expertise in understanding the sources of funding and support for apprenticeship.

Provide one-time incentives to a minimum of 10 employers, joint labor management organizations, industry associations, (or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership) via a sub-contract to help defray the initial costs of establishing or expanding registered apprenticeship programs.

o Allowable activities for which funding may be used, include:

Registration of apprenticeship programs with USDOL;

Costs related to design and start-up of apprenticeship programs;

Classroom education or online training programs for apprentices;

Other direct costs related to on-the-job training (excluding wages);

Train the trainer costs or activities (with approval of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR));

Training equipment for apprentice programs;

Curricula development; and/or

Financial assistance to support apprentices’ persistence in apprenticeship (i.e., transportation, childcare, tools and supplies.)

In coordination with the COR, the contractor shall submit a revised plan 60 days after contract award providing additional detail on the plan for funding to be approved, and for managing this line item. The final plan must be approved by the COR before these expenses can be incurred. These costs will be closely monitored, therefore the Contractor shall also provide quarterly reports to the COR which identify incentives to be given, entities that were supported with incentives, and itemize apprenticeship assistance activities under this line item.

The Contractor must receive written assurances from each employer that a minimum number of apprenticeships will be created. The sub-contractors will provide a description of the commitment of number of apprentices, the type of training to be provided, apprenticeship activities or items funded, assurances of apprenticeship program’s ongoing sustainability and a plan to transition the apprentices to employees and journeypersons positions over the long-term.

D - Packaging and Marking

[For this Contract, there are NO clauses in this Section]

E - Inspection and Acceptance

[For this Contract, there are NO clauses in this Section]

F - Deliveries or Performance

F.1 DELIVERABLES

Please reference Sections in this RFP for information about 508 compliance, intellectual property, and Conferences, if applicable.

Also note that contractor must take into account Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requirements if applicable.

Task* Deliverables Due Date

Government

Review and

Approval of

Deliverable

1. Project

Management

a) Participate in a contract kickoff meeting in Washington DC and receive training from OA and SAAs on registration process.

Within 45 days of contract award.

Verified by COR

b) Develop an annual project work plan Submitted within 30 days of contract award.

10 business days

c) Periodic calls with ETA Established in work plan.

Verified by COR

d) Quarterly status reports and attend quarterly meetings.

Reports are requested quarterly, no later than the 10th day after the end of the quarter. USDOL staff will arrange for quarterly meetings once every three months.

10 business days

e) Annual report.

Due 15 days before each contract year ends.

10 business days

f) Annual in-person meetings with OA

Senior Leadership

Annual. No later than

15 days before close of contract.

Verified by COR

g) Contractor shall develop a presentation to help train staff on the organization's work with the industry, present findings, and discuss best practices.

Annual. Established in work plan

10 business days

h) Develop an evaluation of the training.

Annual. Established in work plan

10 business days

2. Conduct

Sector-Based

a) Contractors shall conduct outreach

(sales calls) on apprenticeships.

Established in work plan

Outreach and

Recruitment

b) Create and disseminate marketing materials to selected industry employers

Established in work plan

10 business days

c) Provide outreach to potential employers, partners and other stakeholders including workforce and educational organizations, labor unions, CBOs, and other potential partners. (400 total contacts annually)

Established in work plan

Verified by COR

3. Advancing

“Apprenticeship

Accelerator”

Models and

Registration

Support.

Developing Registered

Apprenticeship standards with employers:

a) Two new nationally-recognized

(or significantly revised) National

Guideline Standards or National

Program Standards for two new occupations Established in work plan

30 days

b) Establish10 Local Registered

Apprenticeship Programs.

Established in work

30 days

c) Provide Inclusion and Diversity in

Apprenticeship for 10 employers to meet registration requirements

Established in work plan

30 days

4. Support

Sectors of

Excellence in

Apprenticeship

(SEAs).

a) Secure one full-time equivalent

Subject-Matter Expert (SME) for chosen industries that is available to provide technical assistance.

Within 45 days of award of contract.

10 business days

b) Establish (at least) 10 new employer contacts that attend a SEAs event.

Established in work plan

Verified by COR

c) Travel as required and providing support for the SEAs activities. As directed by OA

Verified by COR

5.) Curricula, Related Training

Instruction (RTI) outlines, Occupational

Outlines and

Competency

Models.

a) Provide expertise and serve as a consultant to industry associations, apprenticeship sponsors, and affiliated employers as they formulate and choose the appropriate curricula, RTI and occupational outlines, and competency models.

Established in work plan

Verified by COR

b) Contractor shall assist OA in building national occupational frameworks, providing expertise and support Established in work

10 business days

c) Promoting Competency-Based

Apprenticeship for 2 employers Established in work plan

d) Aligning Apprenticeship with

Post-Secondary Credit and Industry

Recognized Credentials for 2 employers.

Established in work

a) Provide for quarterly reporting OA.

Established in work plan

10 business days

6. Expansion of

Existing

Apprenticeship

b) Written assurances from employers that establish apprenticeship programs or expand the number of apprentices in

Established in work programs and the initiation of new programs.

their operation.

c) Provide technical assistance to employers regarding accessing other state and federal resources and financial support.

Established in work

d) Provide one-time incentives to a minimum of 10 employers, et al.

Established in work

e) submit a revised plan to DOL for providing funding and inducements

Established in work

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance will be twelve (12) months from the date of contract execution by the government, plus 4 (four) one-year options to be exercised at the Government’s discretion.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance will be at the contractor’s facilities. However, travel will be to cities located required within the Continental

United States. There will be approximately thirty (30) meetings required per year, requiring at least one (1) contractor staff personnel to attend each meeting. OA will approve additional personnel attendance at SEAs meetings.

F.4 DELIVERABLES & PROGRESS REPORTS

In addition to the deliverables listed in Section C.4 – Tasks, the contractor shall provide invoices monthly progress reports to the COR within 15 days after the end of each month.

F.4.1 ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES

The Government will accept or reject the deliverable by giving written notice. In the event of rejection of any deliverable, the COR, giving the specific reason(s) for the rejection shall notify the Contractor in writing within five working days of receipt of deliverable. The Contractor shall correct the rejected deliverable and return it to the COR within five working days, or a number of days specified in the written notice by the COR.

F.4.1.2 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

Final deliverables must meet the following criteria: (1) comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for all deliverables that will be posted on the ETA Web site or affiliate sites; and (2) Monthly Report of Activities;

Section 508 Compliance. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1998 by Public Law 105-220 (the Workforce

Investment Act), applies to Federal departments and agencies. Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), they shall ensure that this technology allows Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that by Federal employees and members of the public who are not individuals with disabilities. The term electronic and information technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, printers, software applications, telecommunications products [such as telephones], information kiosks and transaction machines, Internet/Intranet sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines.

In order to meet section 508 accessibility requirements, the Contractor shall provide summary narrative text description or a data table describing each complex graphic (e.g., pie graphs, line graphs, maps, bar graphs, flow charts) in a separate Word/Excel document. Label each figure or graphic with a title and corresponding page number. Additional information about accessibility standards related to section 508 may be found at http://www.webaim.org/standards/508/checklist. The document provides the actual http://www.webaim.org/standards/508/checklist standard along with the most widely accepted interpretation for each standard of the Section 508 Web Guidelines.” Also, to create accessible pdf files, visit http://www.section508.gov/docs/pdfguidanceforgovernment.pdf

Unless the COR specifies differently, two digital copies of any report over 25 pages shall be…