ESBD_502225_1774896436999_3202600137 Workforce Diploma Pilot Program.pdf

Joe Esparza, Chairman and Commissioner Representing Employers

Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner Representing Labor

Brent Connett, Commissioner Representing the Public

Steve Pier, Executive Director

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

For

Workforce Diploma Pilot Program

RFQ No. 3202600137

Date of Release: March 30, 2026

Responses Due: May 5, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. Central Time

924-78 Teaching and Instruction Services; Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education and Adult Education

Sole Point of Contact for this RFQ

Corie Remschel

Procurement Lead

Texas Workforce Commission Procurement Portal https://twc-texas-gov.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article I Purpose

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Purpose

Article II Scope of Work

2.1 Overview/Background

2.2 Description of Services/Scope of Work/Specifications

2.3 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

2.4 Minimum Performance Standards

2.5 Graduation Rate and Graduate Cost Formulas

2.6 Deliverables

2.7 Reimbursement Rates and Invoicing

Article III Solicitation Process

3.1 Authority

3.2 Schedule of Events

3.3 Contract Documents

3.4 Attachments and Forms

3.5 Sole Point of Contact

3.6 Questions/Requests for Clarification

3.7 Addenda

Article IV Response Submission Instructions

4.1 Deadline

4.2 General Information

4.3 Response Format

4.4 Discrepancies

4.5 Submission Method

4.6 Requirements Submission

4.7 References

4.8 Offered Options

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4.9 Financial Soundness

4.10 Corporate Guarantee

4.11 Exceptions

4.12 Binding Offer

4.13 Franchise Tax – Right to Transact Business in Texas

4.14 Disclosure of Interested Parties

4.15 Ambiguity, Conflict, or Discrepancy

4.16 Response Irrevocability

4.17 Questions or Requests for Clarification

4.18 Cost of Submission and Additional Evaluation Activities

4.19 TWC Rights

Article V Evaluation and Award

5.1 Conformance With State Law

5.2 Minimum Qualifications (Pass/Fail)

5.3 Initial Compliance Screening

5.4 Response Evaluation

5.5 Evaluation Criteria

5.6 Competitive Range

5.7 Discussions and Revised Responses

5.8 Best and Final Offer (BAFO)

5.9 Final Response Score and Total Score

5.10 Summary of Best Value Determination

5.11 Public Information Act

Article VI General Terms and Conditions

6.1 Contract Award

6.2 Contract Execution

6.3 Contract Term

6.4 Contract Amendments

6.5 No Guarantee of Volumes, Usage, or Compensation

6.6 Governmental Entities

6.7 Respondent Waiver – Intellectual Property

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6.8 Insurance ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.9 Remedies

6.10 Liquidated Damages

6.11 Changes in Ownership

6.12 Severability

6.13 Data Use Standards and Requirements ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.14 Historical Compensation

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DEFINITIONS

As used in this Solicitation, unless a different definition is specified or the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms have the meanings assigned below:

Table 1: Definitions

Term/Acronym Definition

Academic Resiliency

A student’s ability to persist and to academically succeed despite adversity.

Academic Skill Intake Assessment

A formal and/or informal assessment used at intake to gather information on a student’s current knowledge and skills in specific academic areas (e.g., literacy, numeracy). That information is then used to determine an appropriate instructional level and any accommodations and/or remediation that the student needs.

Addendum A written addition, change, or supplement to this Solicitation that is posted to the ESBD and issued prior to the response due date.

Additional Evaluation Activities

Include Oral Presentations, Clarifications, Discussions, Proofs of Concept, Demonstrations, and/or Site Visits. These Additional Evaluation Activities follow the evaluation of the written Responses and may be utilized by TWC to evaluate and ensure specifications meet TWC’s needs as outlined in the Solicitation. Additional Evaluation Activities provide an opportunity for Respondents to highlight the strengths and unique aspects or clarify their Responses. These activities may be scored, as indicated in RFP Section 5.7 Discussions and Revised Responses.

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Term/Acronym Definition

Business Day The day and hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.

to 6:00 p.m. Local Time) in which TWC is open for business.

TWC is closed for business on the scheduled holidays indicated by the State Auditor’s Office available at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/holidays/.

The terms “Working Day” and “Business Day” may be used interchangeably. All uncapitalized references to “day” shall mean calendar day.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/holidays/

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Career Pathway A combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services that:

1. aligns with the skill needs of industries in the economy of the State or regional economy involved;

2. prepares an individual to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education options;

3. includes counseling to support an individual in achieving the individual’s education and career goals;

4. includes, as appropriate, education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;

5. organizes education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual to the extent practicable;

6. enables an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and

7. helps an individual enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster” (29 U.S. Code § 3102 Definitions).

Competitive Range

Consists of the Responses that have a reasonable chance of being selected for award based on the evaluation criteria and the best value criteria as stated in this Solicitation.

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Contract Means the written agreement entered into by TWC and Successful Respondent, which will incorporate the contents of this Solicitation and the Successful Respondent’s Response, except as may be provided in the Contract and any amendments thereto.

Contract Term Means the definite period of time that the Contract will remain in effect.

CTCD Certified Texas Contract Developer.

CTCM Certified Texas Contract Manager.

Eligible Participant An individual who is over the age of compulsory school attendance prescribed by § 25.085, Texas Education Code and, in addition, as required by TWC, 1) is a Texas resident; 2) lacks a high school diploma; 3) is authorized to work in the United States; and 4) is able to work immediately upon graduation from the program.

Employability Skills Certification Program

A certification in general skills that are necessary for success in the labor market at all employment levels and in all industry sectors. Employability skills include traits such as problem-solving, collaboration, organization, and adaptability.

ESBD The Electronic State Business Daily. An online platform administered by the Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) of the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). The ESBD may be accessed at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.

Final Written Response Score

Refers to the final scoring of the Solicitation based on the Scoring Matrix published in the Solicitation.

Fiscal Year (FY) Texas State Fiscal Year, September 1 through August 31.

http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

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Half-credit A measurement based on the Carnegie Unit, which refers to the standard award of credit given for a course that lasts one semester. When determining credits, qualified providers should consider instructional time plus the amount of time the student would take to complete the coursework in a high school semester or academic year. In traditional education models, a student typically attends a class for 55–60 minutes a day for four to five days a week in addition to studying independently.

High School Diploma

A credential awarded by a qualifying provider based on completion of all state graduation requirements as outlined in Texas Education Code §§28.025 and

39.023 and 19 TAC, Chapters 74 and 101. More information on state graduation requirements can be found here.

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/graduation-information/state-graduation-requirements

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Industry- Recognized Credential

A state-approved credential verifying an individual’s qualifications and competence and is issued by a third party with the relevant authority to issue such credentials (US Department of Labor, 2010).

Industry-recognized credentials offered by qualified providers must align with the Texas Workforce Commission’s mission to target high growth, high demand, and emerging occupations that are crucial to the state and local workforce economies and must reflect the Target Occupations for the Workforce Area(s) in which services will be provided. The lists of Target Occupations for each Workforce Area can be found at https://twc.texas.gov/partners/target-occupations. Providers may also reference Texas Education Agency’s list of Industry-Based Certifications for Public School Accountability at https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military- prep/career-and-technical-education/2022- 2024-ibc-list-for-public-school- accountability.pdf.

Learning Plan Development

The process by which an individualized learning plan is developed post student intake and maintained through coaching and mentoring.

Local Time Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT), as is then prevailing in Austin, Texas.

https://twc.texas.gov/partners/target-occupations https://twc.texas.gov/partners/target-occupations https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-%20prep/career-and-technical-education/2022-2024-ibc-list-for-public-school-%20accountability.pdf https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-%20prep/career-and-technical-education/2022-2024-ibc-list-for-public-school-%20accountability.pdf https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-%20prep/career-and-technical-education/2022-2024-ibc-list-for-public-school-%20accountability.pdf

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Offered Option Options that are not requested in a response to this Solicitation but may be identified by a Respondent and included in its Response. A Respondent is not obligated to include an Offered Option in its Response. This is an opportunity for Respondents to offer options that TWC may not have been aware of at the time this Solicitation was written. TWC makes no commitment to quantity or timing of acquisition of Offered Options and Offered Options are not considered during evaluation of Responses.

One Credit Based on the Carnegie Unit, which references the standard award credit given for a course that lasts a full academic year. Qualified providers should consider instructional time plus the amount of time the student would take to complete the coursework in a high school semester or academic year to determine credits. In traditional education models, a student typically attends a class for 55-60 minutes a day for four to five days a week in addition to studying independently.

PS Purchasing Services, a section within TWC.

Regional Accrediting Body

Must meet the criteria established by the Secretary of Education pursuant to 20 USCS § 1099b.

Recognition of accrediting agency or association and appear on the Secretary of Education’s list of federally recognized accrediting agencies in the Federal Register as stated in 34 CFR § 602.2. A copy of the list may be obtained from Department of Education.

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Respondent The individual or entity that submits a Response to this Solicitation. The term includes anyone acting on behalf of the individual or entity that submits a Response, such as an agent, employee, and representative. The Respondent must be authorized to grant high school diplomas in Texas. For example, a Texas public, private, or charter school, a public junior college, a Job Corps Diploma Program, or another entity as outlined in Texas Education Code (TEC) to award high school diplomas, or accredited by a regional accrediting body, as established by the Secretary of Education pursuant to 20 USCS § 1099b, Recognition of Accrediting Agency or Association working in partnership with an entity authorized by TEC to award high school diplomas.

Response A Respondent’s response to this Solicitation.

RFQ Request for Qualifications. A formal solicitation document issued by TWC to the vendor community requesting a response for goods or services. (This document.)

Solicitation This RFQ, including all exhibits, attachments, forms, and Addenda, if any.

State The State of Texas and its instrumentalities, including TWC, its officers, employees, or authorized agents, and any other state agencies.

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Subcontractor Any entity(ies) or person(s) providing goods or services under the Contract on Respondent’s behalf, whether or not the entity(ies) or person(s) has/have a written agreement with the Respondent. The term does not include a state agency. The term includes an officer or employee of a state agency when the officer or employee contracts with a vendor in a private capacity.

Successful Respondent

The Respondent with whom the TWC executes a Contract to provide the goods and/or services that this Solicitation requires.

Total Score The Final Written Response Score that includes revised points for additional evaluation activities if any, as outlined by this Solicitation.

TEC Texas Ethics Commission

TWC Texas Workforce Commission.

VPTS Vendor Performance Tracking System, as described under Texas Government Code § 2262.055 and 34 TAC § 20.115. Reporting requirements and vendor performance factors considered in VPTS are described in Texas Government Code § 2155.089 and 34 TAC § 20.509. The VPTS is available at:

https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/vpts.

https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/vpts

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ARTICLE I PURPOSE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Procurement Services (PS) section will administer the procurement process for this Solicitation, which includes Solicitation publication, handling of communications from Respondents, as well as managing the receipt of Responses for review and evaluation.

Information regarding TWC and its programs is available online and can currently be accessed at www.twc.texas.gov.

1.2 PURPOSE

TWC is seeking qualified respondents to administer the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. The purpose of the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is to reimburse providers who award adult students with high school diplomas, industry recognized credentials, and other technical skills to achieve career readiness and employment.

ARTICLE II SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 OVERVIEW/BACKGROUND

a. TWC is seeking qualified Respondents to administer the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. The purpose of the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is to reimburse providers who award adult students with high school diplomas, industry recognized credentials, and other technical skills to achieve career readiness and employment.

b. Chapter 317 of the Texas Labor Code, which was added by Senate Bill 1055, 86th R.S. (2019) and amended by House Bill 2575, 88th R.S. (2023) requires TWC, in consultation with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), to establish and administer the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program (hereinafter referred to as “Program”).

c. The Program provides that eligible high school diploma-granting entities participating in the Program may be reimbursed for meeting milestones as they assist adult students to obtain a high school http://www.twc.texas.gov/

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d. Respondent must affirm its intent to comply with the requirements as stated in Article II, Scope of Work, and affirm that it will continue to comply with these requirements during the term of the Contract issued as a result of this Solicitation, if any.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES/SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Work is performed with general oversight for contract compliance by a TWC contract manager. Program duties are performed in consultation with TEA. TWC will establish and administer the Program under which Successful Respondent(s) may be reimbursed for meeting milestones as they assist adult students over the age of 19 to:

a. obtain a high school diploma, and

b. develop technical career readiness skills and employability.

2.3 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Successful Respondent must be:

a. Authorized under the Texas Education Code or other state law to grant a high school diploma, or

b. Accredited by a regional accrediting body, as established by the Secretary of Education pursuant to 20 USCS § 1099b, Recognition of Accrediting Agency or Association and working in partnership with an entity described in item (2.3.1.a); and

c. Have at least two (2) years of experience providing dropout reengagement services to adult students, including recruitment, learning plan development, and proactive coaching and mentoring, leading to the obtainment of a high school diploma;

d. Be equipped to:

i. provide and have experience in:

a) Academic skill intake assessment and transcript evaluations;

b) Remediation coursework in literacy and numeracy;

c) A research-validated academic resiliency assessment and intervention;

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d) Employability skills development aligned to employer needs;

e) Career pathways coursework;

f) Preparation for the attainment of industry-recognized credentials; and

g) Career placement services; and

ii. develop a learning plan that integrates academic requirements and career goals; and

e. Offer a course catalog that includes all courses necessary to meet high school graduation requirements in this state.

2.4 MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

a. The Successful Respondent(s) must demonstrate a minimum performance for the calendar year that includes:

i. graduation rate of at least fifty percent (50%), and

ii. program cost per graduate of $7,000 or less.

b. The Successful Respondent(s) will submit data annually to TWC to demonstrate that it meets the minimum performance standards.

TWC will review the data submitted to ensure that the services offered under the Program meet performance standards. See Section 2.5 below for the formula to be used to calculate the graduation rate.

c. Failure to maintain minimum performance in both Graduation Rate and Program Cost per Graduate will result in the Successful Respondent being placed on probation for the remainder of the current calendar year.

d. Failure to meet both minimum performance standards for two (2) consecutive years will result in disqualification from the Program.

2.5 GRADUATION RATE AND GRADUATE COST FORMULAS

2.5.1 Graduation Rate

The formula to determine graduation rate is as follows:

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a. Formula: Number of students who received a high school diploma from Successful Respondent divided by the number of students for which the Successful Respondent sought and received reimbursements.

b. Example: As stated in the Annual Report and verified through the monthly invoices, the Successful Respondent reports providing services and receiving reimbursements for 100 students, with 54 of the reported students obtaining a high school diploma within the program year.

54 students/100 students = 54% graduation rate

2.5.2 Graduate Cost

The program cost per graduate is determined as follows:

a. Formula: The amount equal to the number of students who received a high school diploma the previous calendar year, multiplied by $7000, shall not exceed the total annual cost (reimbursements paid) to the Successful Respondent for the total number of services provided.

b. Example: On the Annual Report, the Successful Respondent reports providing services to 100 students, with 54 who obtained a high school diploma. The total annual cost for providing services to the 100 students listed on the report may not exceed $378,000, or 54 X $7000. Reimbursements will be tracked and verified through reconciliation of the monthly invoices submitted by the Successful Respondent.

2.6 DELIVERABLES

Successful Respondent shall submit an annual report (See Attachment 2

- Annual Report Template), at no cost to TWC, on the Successful Respondent’s students. The Annual Report must include the following:

a. The number of individual students for which the Successful Respondent sought and received reimbursement.

b. The total number of credits earned by each student for which the Successful Respondent sought and received reimbursements.

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c. The total number of employability skills certification programs completed by each student for which the Successful Respondent sought and received reimbursement.

d. The total number of industry-recognized credentials attained by each student for each category listed in Section 2.7 Reimbursement Rates and Invoicing for which the Successful Respondent sought and received reimbursements.

e. The total number of students who obtained a high school diploma under the Program for which the Successful Respondent sought and received reimbursements.

f. TWC will request supporting documentation from Successful Respondent to confirm the accuracy of the reported data provided in the Annual Report. Failure to provide the requested documentation within 30 days following the date of the TWC request may result in payments being withheld, or removal or suspension from the Program for a period to be determined by TWC.

Documentation must include, but is not limited to the following:

i. Participating students’ enrollment records

ii. Participating students’ attendance records

iii. Participating students’ grades/achievements such as those typically maintained in a class record kept by an instructor (for example, a grade book)

iv. Participating students’ transcripts

v. Verification from a student that he or she has received services as described by the Provider

vi. Verification from a student that he or she has obtained a high school diploma through the Program.

2.7 REIMBURSEMENT RATES AND INVOICING

a. The Successful Respondent(s) that meets TWC’s requirements for student achievement shall be reimbursed for the following student milestones:

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i. $250 for completion of a Half-credit as defined in the “Definitions” section;

ii. $250 for the completion of an employability skills certification program equal to at least one credit or the equivalent as defined in Definitions section above;

iii. $250 for the attainment of an industry-recognized credential requiring not more than 50 hours of training;

iv. $500 for the attainment of an industry-recognized credential requiring at least 50 but not more than 100 hours of training;

v. $750 for the attainment of an industry-recognized credential requiring more than 100 hours of training;

vi. $1,000 for the attainment of a high school diploma.

b. The Successful Respondent must submit an invoice and supporting documentation for the milestones achieved by the Successful Respondent’s students during the previous month. (See Attachment – 3 Monthly Invoice Template for a sample of the monthly invoice to be submitted to TWC.)

c. Invoices and supporting documentation must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the 10th day of the following month. For example, an invoice for milestones achieved by the Successful Respondent’s students in October must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., November 10.

If the 10th day falls on a weekend, the due date is the first Monday following the 10th day. Successful Respondent will send invoices, supporting documentation, and point-of-contact information to christine.long@twc.texas.gov.

d. Invoices will be time-stamped upon delivery. On the next business day after the deadline, invoices will be verified and processed on a first come first served basis until all funds are exhausted.

e. Prior to the start of the Program, Successful Respondent will be required to estimate the number of students expected to be served.

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ARTICLE III SOLICITATION PROCESS

3.1 AUTHORITY

TWC is soliciting the goods and/or services stated in this Solicitation under statutory authority of Texas Government Code § 317.003 and Texas Administrative Code, Title 40 §800 Subchapter L.

All official communication (including, but not limited to, Schedule of Event changes, Addenda, and Questions and Answer documents) will be posted to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). TWC has no responsibility to communicate personally with each potential Respondent for this procurement. Each interested party is solely responsible for checking the ESBD for official TWC communication regarding this procurement.

3.2 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The dates in this Schedule of Events are tentative, and TWC reserves the right to modify these dates at any time. At the sole discretion of TWC, events listed in the Schedule of Events are subject to changes and cancellation. Scheduling changes or cancellations made prior to the Deadline for Submission of Responses will be published as an Addendum posted to the ESBD.

Table 2: Schedule of Events

Event Date and Time

Solicitation Posted to ESBD Monday, March 30, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Questions or Requests for Clarification via the TWC Procurement Portal

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time

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Event Date and Time

Deadline for Submission of Response

NOTE: Responses must be RECEIVED by TWC by the deadline via the TWC Procurement Portal.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time

Anticipated Notice of Intent to Award issued

June 2026

Anticipated Contract Start Date June 2026

Respondent must submit its Response to TWC in accordance with the due date and time as indicated in this Table 2: Schedule of Events or as changed via an Addendum posted to the ESBD.

3.3 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The Contract(s) resulting from this solicitation may consist of the provisions in this solicitation (including its attachments, forms, exhibits, and any Addenda); the Successful Respondent’s Response, any TWC Request for Revised Response, the Successful Respondent’s Response to the Request for Revised Response, and TWC’s Purchase Order (PO). No prior agreement or understanding, oral or otherwise, of the parties or their agents will be valid or enforceable unless embodied in these documents. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of these documents, the documents are given the following order of priority: (1) TWC PO; (2) most recent Request for Revised Response (if any); (3) Successful Respondent’s Response to the Request for Revised Response or Best and Final Offer (BAFO), if any; (4) Request for Qualifications; and (5) Successful Respondent’s Response.

TWC may elect to have the Contract(s) resulting from this Solicitation consist of a single document. This document will contain all rights and duties of the parties extracted from the relevant terms and conditions of the Solicitation (including its attachments, forms, exhibits, and any

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Addenda), the Successful Respondent’s Response, the Request for Revised Response or BAFO, if any, and Successful Respondent’s Response to the Request for Revised Response or BAFO, if any. Prior to award, TWC will prepare the Contract for review by the Successful Respondent.

Discussions may be had concerning possible revisions to the draft Contract to clarify points, further define Contract text, or to correct minor technicalities. These discussions are to be finalized and all requests for revisions resolved within ten (10) Business Days after the Successful Respondent receives the draft Contract for review or such additional time that may be agreed to by TWC. If discussions are not finalized within such time frame, the Response may be rejected, and discussions may be initiated with the next highest scoring Respondent.

3.4 ATTACHMENTS AND FORMS

Table 3: Attachments and Forms

Attachment/Form Title

Attachment 1 TWC Terms and Conditions Attachment 2 Annual Report Template Attachment 3 Monthly Invoice Template Form 1 Execution of Response Form 2 Financial Questionnaire Form 3 References Form 4 Questions and Answers Form5 Substitute W-9 and Direct Deposit Form

3.5 SOLE POINT OF CONTACT

All requests, questions, or other communication about this Solicitation must be made in writing to PS, addressed to the person listed below (Sole Point of Contact) with the Solicitation number in the subject line.

Corie Remschel, CTCD

Procurement Lead

Texas Workforce Commission Procurement Portal https://twc-texas-gov.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

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3.5.1 Prohibited Communication

Except as provided in Section 3.5 Sole Point of Contact, all communication with TWC regarding this Solicitation is prohibited. Unless allowable, TWC, its representative(s), and partners will not answer any questions or otherwise discuss the contents of this Solicitation with any potential Respondent or its representative(s). Attempts to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid. Respondent shall rely only on written statements issued by or through TWC designated staff as provided by Section 3.5 Sole Point of Contact.

Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in disqualification of Respondent's Response. These restrictions do not preclude discussions between affected parties for the purposes of conducting business unrelated to this Solicitation.

3.6 QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

TWC will allow written questions and requests for clarification regarding this Solicitation. Questions must be submitted through the TWC Procurement Portal to the Sole Point of Contact listed in Section 3.5 Sole Point of Contact by the deadline established in Section 3.2 Schedule of Events using Form 4 Questions and Answers. Include the Solicitation section and page number to which each question applies.

TWC will post all questions and answers and, if appropriate, an Amended Solicitation to the ESBD. Responses to questions or other written requests for clarification will not be provided individually to prospective Respondents submitting questions.

TWC reserves the right to amend answers previously posted. Amended answers will be posted to the ESBD. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to check the ESBD. TWC also reserves the right to provide a single consolidated response to all similar questions at the agency’s sole discretion.

Questions or requests for clarification received after the deadline in Section 3.2 Schedule of Events may be reviewed by TWC but may not be answered. Only TWC's written answers posted on ESBD, in accordance with this section, are binding.

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3.7 ADDENDA

Should an addition or correction become necessary after the Solicitation is issued, an Addendum relating the necessary information will be posted to the ESBD. Respondents are responsible for periodically checking the ESBD for addenda or additional information. Respondents are required to acknowledge the Addenda by returning the signed Acknowledgment of Addenda with the Response. Failure to do so does not absolve a Respondent from the requirements contained within any Addenda.

ARTICLE IV RESPONSE SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 DEADLINE

Responses must be received by PS as prescribed no later than the date and time specified in Section 3.2 Schedule of Events.

Responses received after the deadline specified in Section 3.2 Schedule of Events will be rejected and will not be evaluated or considered for Contract award. TWC is not responsible for Responses emailed late, illegible, incomplete, or otherwise considered disqualified due to failure of electronic equipment or operator error.

4.2 GENERAL INFORMATION

Respondent must fully and completely address all requirements described in this Solicitation. Incomplete or partial Responses will not be considered.

The Respondent must provide all information that the Respondent believes would be helpful to TWC in evaluating the Respondent’s ability to fulfill the Solicitation requirements. Respondent shall prepare a Response that clearly and concisely represents its qualifications and capabilities.

4.3 RESPONSE FORMAT

The Response to this Solicitation must:

a. Be responsive to all Solicitation requirements;

b. Be in the 8 1/2" by 11" paper layout;

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c. Be clearly legible; and

d. Be presented using font type Verdana or Arial, font size 12-point, with one (1) inch margins and 1.25 line spacing; the sole 12-point font size exception is no less than size 10 point for tables, graphs, and appendices.

4.4 DISCREPANCIES

In the event of any discrepancies or variations between copies, TWC is under no obligation to resolve the inconsistencies and may make its scoring and selection decision, accordingly, including the decision to potentially disqualify a Response. If Respondent fails to designate an “Original” Response as required by Section 4.5 Submission Method, TWC in its sole discretion, will determine the version to be used as the original or may disqualify the Response. If the Respondent submits a redacted Response as the “Original,” TWC will disqualify the Response, and it will not be evaluated.

TWC will not accept submissions after the Response due date in Section

3.2 Schedule of Events to remedy discrepancies or variations in Response submissions.

4.5 SUBMISSION METHOD

TWC has implemented the eProcurement platform referred to as the TWC Procurement Portal. Respondent must upload all documentation indicated to the TWC PROCUREMENT PORTAL link on the “Open Opportunities” tab.

Submissions by any other method will not be accepted.

To respond to this Solicitation, Respondents must register through the TWC Procurement Portal website. There is no charge to register.

Step-by-step instructions are available at: Vendor Registration

For a quick tutorial through the registration and submission process, visit:

Creating and Uploading a Submission.

Any issues with uploading must first be addressed with the TWC Procurement Portal Technical Support at the contact information included in the Procurement Information Summary and TWC Procurement Portal Instructions to Respondents document.

https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/article/vendor-registration https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/article/creating-and-uploading-a-submission

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Respondents must contact the Sole Point of Contact prior to the deadline if there are issues with using the TWC Procurement Portal and an alternative submission method may be required. Failure to contact the Sole Point of Contact well before the deadline to make alternative arrangements will disqualify any subsequent Response submission.

In no event will TWC be responsible or liable for any delay or error in delivery. TWC is not responsible for electronic submissions that are captured, blocked, filtered, quarantined or otherwise prevented from reaching the proper destination server by any TWC anti-virus or other security software.

It is the Respondent’s responsibility to appropriately mark and upload the Response to the TWC Bonfire Portal by the specified date. Each Respondent is solely responsible for ensuring its Response is submitted in accordance with all Solicitation requirements and ensuring timely receipt by TWC.TWC is not responsible for electronic submissions that are captured, blocked, filtered, quarantined or otherwise prevented from reaching the proper destination server by any TWC anti-virus or other security software. To confirm receipt of all electronic submissions, Respondent should request a confirmation by e-mail.

Hard copies received will not be accepted or reviewed.

It is the Respondent’s responsibility to appropriately mark and deliver the Response to the TWC Procurement Portal by the specified date. Each Respondent is solely responsible for ensuring its Response is submitted in accordance with all Solicitation requirements and ensuring timely receipt by TWC. In no event will TWC be responsible or liable for any delay or error in delivery. Response must be RECEIVED by TWC by the Response Deadline identified in Section 3.2 Schedule of Events.

4.6 REQUIREMENTS SUBMISSION

Table 5: Required Forms and Submission Documents

Document Name

Executive Summary (Section 4.6.1) Form 1 Execution of Response (Section 4.6.3) Form 2 Financial Questionnaire (Section 4.9)

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Document Name

Form 3 References (Section 4.7) Form 4 Questions and Answers (Section 3.6) Form 5 Substitute W-9 Instructions and Direct Deposit Form

4.6.1 Executive Summary

Respondent must provide an Executive Summary of their Response (excluding cost information) that asserts the Respondent is providing, in its Response, all the requirements of this Solicitation, including Article II Scope of Work. The Executive Summary must demonstrate Respondent’s understanding of TWC goals and objectives for this Solicitation.

Respondents should include a one-page introduction about the Respondent. Within this introduction, include:

a. Name and location of the Respondent;

b. Documentation of:

i. authorization under the Texas Education Code or other state law to grant a high school diploma, or

ii. accreditation by a regional accrediting body as established by the Secretary of Education pursuant to 20 USCS §1099b, Recognition of Accrediting Agency or Association and proof of a working partnership with an entity authorized under the Texas Education Code or other state law to grant a high school diploma

c. Projected number of adult students to be served under the Program

d. Projected cost per student to achieve a high school diploma under the Program

e. Number of years and description of experience providing dropout engagement services to adult students

f. High School Diploma services offered

If the Respondent is providing goods and/or services beyond those specifically requested, those goods and/or services must be identified. If the Respondent is offering goods and/or services that do not meet the

RFQ No. 3202600137 ver.01 Page 28 of 54 specific requirements of this Solicitation, but in the opinion of the Respondent are equivalent or superior to those specifically requested, any such differences must be noted in the Executive Summary. The Respondent should realize, however, that failure to provide the goods and/or services specifically requested may result in disqualification.

The Executive Summary must not exceed one (1) page and should represent a full and concise summary of the contents of the Response.

4.6.2 Narrative Response

Respondents must describe and demonstrate their experience in the following areas:

a. Recruitment

Respondents must provide a narrative demonstrating their recruitment process, including any community outreach combined with public and private partnerships and effective referral systems.

b. Proactive Coaching and Mentoring and Learning Plan Development

Respondents must provide a sample learning plan and a narrative describing the Respondent’s specific means of developing and monitoring a learning plan with strategies for proactive coaching, mentoring, and ongoing progress assessment. Learning plans should include academic requirements and career goals.

c. Academic Skill Intake Assessment and Transcript Evaluations

Respondents must provide a narrative detailing the Respondent’s intake process, a description and example(s) of research-verified academic pre-assessment(s) used, and a description and example of the process by which a student’s transcripts are evaluated for qualification.

d. Remediation Coursework in Literacy and Numeracy

Respondents must describe the assessment, identification, and planning provided for students in need of intervention and remediation in literacy and numeracy at a variety of academic levels.

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e. Research-Validated Academic Resiliency Assessment and Intervention

Respondents must provide a description and example(s) of the research-validated needs assessment(s) used to measure academic resiliency and a description and example(s) of the intervention(s) used to foster and support a student’s academic resiliency.

f. Catalog of Available Career Pathways Coursework

Respondents must provide descriptions and any relevant supporting documentation of all Career Pathways coursework offered by the Respondent.

g. Catalog of Available Courses required to meet High School Diploma Requirements

Respondents must provide a current course catalog that includes all courses necessary to meet high school graduation requirements in the State of Texas.

h. Employability Skills Certification Program

Respondents must provide a sample, description, and any relevant supporting documentation of the employability skills certification program(s) used by the Respondent. As a reference, the U.S. Department of Education CTE Employability Skills Framework can be used as a reference. More information can be found here:

https://cte.ed.gov/initiatives/employability-skills-framework

i. Attainment of Industry-Recognized Credential

Respondents must provide sample certifications, descriptions, and any relevant supporting documentation illustrating industry-recognized credentials facilitated by the Respondent and aligned with the Texas Workforce Commission Targeted Occupations list for each Workforce Area served and/or Texas Education Agency’s list of Industry-Based Certifications for Public School Accountability.

j. Career Placement Services https://cte.ed.gov/initiatives/employability-skills-framework https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/statewide-targeted-occupations-twc.xlsx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/statewide-targeted-occupations-twc.xlsx

RFQ No. 3202600137 ver.01 Page 30 of 54

Respondents must provide descriptions, and any relevant supporting documentation illustrating the Career Placement Services offered by the Respondent.

k. Consumer Protection

Respondents must:

i. Please provide a list of current accreditations and length of time for each.

ii. Has the Respondent ever lost accreditation? If so, please explain.

iii. Have any legal actions ever been brought against the Respondent? If yes, please explain.

l. Student Disclosure

Respondents must provide a copy of the student disclosure that will be provided to all participants upon application to the Respondent’s diploma program.

4.6.3 Execution of Response

Respondent must complete, sign, and return Form 1 Execution of Response. By signing, Respondent agrees to provide the goods and/or services described in this Solicitation and agrees to abide by all TWC Terms and Conditions as specified in this Solicitation and in resulting Contract. A Response without the required signatures is not responsive to the Solicitation and will be disqualified.

Unsigned Responses will not be evaluated; these Responses will be kept with the procurement file and not be returned to the Respondent.

4.6.4 Key Personnel

Respondent must discuss and provide information for the individual(s) who will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance and services. Provide staffing profiles and resumes for all key personnel who will be assigned to the Contract that demonstrates their ability to perform the services specified in the Solicitation.

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4.6.5 Response to Requirements

a. Respondent must affirm they will meet or exceed the requirements as stated in Sections 2.2 Description of Services/Scope of Work/Specifications, 2.4 Performance Measures, 2.5 Graduation Rate, 2.6 Program Cost Per Graduate, 2.7 Deliverables, 2.8 Reimbursement of Providers, and affirm that it will continue to comply with these requirements during the term of the Contract issued as a result of this Solicitation, if any.

b. Respondent must document and describe how it meets the requirements as stated in Section 2.3 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

c. Respondent must identify their proposed service location(s) and the planned number of participants they intend to serve at each location.

4.7 REFERENCES

Respondent must provide a minimum of three (3) references in the format set forth in Form 3 References and should also provide any canceled contract reference as applicable. These references must relate to similar contracts or projects performed as described in Section 2.2 Description of Services/Scope of Work/Specifications within the last five (5) years, and it is preferable they be from state, federal, and/or local governmental entities. Respondent’s demonstrated ability to perform the requested services;

a. One reference must verify Respondent’s financial capacity to operate a program as described in this request.

b. The second reference must validate Respondent’s demonstrated effectiveness regarding execution and satisfactory completion of a program similar to the one described in this request.

c. The final reference may be a general reference of Respondent’s qualifications to perform the work described in this request.

Provide all information requested on Form 3 References and submit with your Response.

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Each Respondent shall provide descriptions for a minimum of three (3) engagements of comparable complexity and sensitivity to the requirements of this Solicitation that have been conducted within the past five (5) years in accordance with Form 3 References.

4.7.1 Similar Contracts

Each Respondent shall provide descriptions for a minimum of three (3) of engagements of comparable complexity and sensitivity to the requirements of this Solicitation that have been conducted within the past five (5) years. The description of comparable engagements shall be detailed and cover the contracts the Respondent and any Subcontractors have had and all experience similar to this Contract that qualifies the Respondent to meet the requirements of this Contract, including, but not limited to:

a. Size of contract (including value);

b. Reason for contract termination/expiration, if contract is no longer in effect;

c. Types of services directly provided by the Respondent and whether the Respondent was the contractor or Subcontractor;

d. Term and type of contract, including effective dates; and

e. Any problems encountered.

4.7.2 Contract Performance

The Respondent shall state whether or not any of the following have occurred during the last five (5) years:

a. The Respondent has had a contract terminated, and, if so, shall provide full details, including the other party’s name, address, and telephone number on Form 3 References. For each name listed on Form 3 References, a completed Release of Liability for Reference shall be provided with the Respondent’s Response.

b. The Respondent has been assessed any remedies, including liquidated damages or other such monetary remedies, under any existing or past contracts, and, if so, note the reason for and the amount assessed or paid for each incident.

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c. The Respondent was the subject of (i) any threatened, pending, or resolved disciplinary action for substandard work and/or unethical practices; or (ii) any order, judgment or decree of any federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting the right of the Respondent to engage in any business, practice, or activity.

d. The Respondent has been involved in any civil or criminal litigation and/or entered into any compromise agreement, settlement agreement, or resulting consent decree or judgements, if applicable, related to contract performance, the goods and/or services sought by this Solicitation, or that a reasonable person knowledgeable of the applicable industry would consider relevant to the work under the Contract. Respondents are not required to violate any confidentiality provision but must provide information not prohibited from disclosure.

4.8 OFFERED OPTIONS

TWC does not intend to limit the creativity of Respondents from bringing forward new suggestions or enhancements not described in this Solicitation. Respondents are encouraged to describe any Offered Options.

Offered Options are not required and are not considered during evaluation of Responses. TWC will not award additional options if not included in the Response.

4.9 FINANCIAL SOUNDNESS

The Respondent must complete Form 2 Financial Questionnaire unless it is a governmental entity. Failure to include any of the items listed for the appropriate company type may result in disqualification of the Respondent’s Response. If TWC learns of a failure to disclose after a Contract has been awarded to the Successful Respondent, the Contract may be terminated. In the event of such termination, the Successful Respondent shall be liable for all costs associated with the re-procurement, including any increased costs for the services originally awarded.

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4.9.1 Change in Financial Condition – Duty to Notify

The Response must include a certification that the Respondent will notify TWC of a change in financial condition during the Contract term and any renewal thereof. If a Respondent experiences a substantial change in its financial condition prior to the award of the Contract, or if the Successful Respondent experiences a substantial change in its financial condition during the term of the Contract or any extension thereof, TWC must be notified of the change in writing at the time the change occurs or is identified. Failure to notify TWC of such substantial change in financial condition will be sufficient grounds for rejecting the Response or terminating the Contract. For the purposes of this section, examples of a substantial change in financial condition are events such as insolvency, bankruptcy or receivership.

4.10 CORPORATE GUARANTEE

If the Respondent is substantially…