ILF0018 DET Short Term Training Grant RFP Amended Final.pdf

PROPOSALS MUST BE SEALED & ADDRESSED TO: Remove from proposer list for this commodity/service. (Return this page only.)

WI Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Procurement and Information Management 201 E. Washington Ave, G400 PO Box 7946 Madison, WI 53707-7946

Proposal envelope must be sealed and plainly marked in lower corner with due date and Request for Proposal # ILH0018. Late proposals will be rejected. Proposals MUST be date and time stamped by the soliciting purchasing office on or before the date and time that the proposal is due. Proposals dated and time stamped in another office will be rejected. Receipt of a proposal by the mail system does not constitute receipt of a proposal by the purchasing office. Any proposal which is inadvertently opened as a result of not being properly and clearly marked is subject to rejection. Proposals must be submitted separately, i.e., not included with sample packages or other proposals. Proposal openings are public unless otherwise specified. Records will be available for public inspection after issuance of the notice of intent to award or the award of the contract. Proposer should contact the person named below for an appointment to view the proposal record. Proposals shall be firm for acceptance for sixty (60) days from date of proposal opening, unless otherwise noted. The attached terms and conditions apply to any subsequent award.

AMENDED

REQUEST FOR GRANT

PROPOSAL ILH0018

THIS IS NOT AN ORDER

PROPOSER (Name and Address)

Proposals MUST be in this office no later than:

2:00pm, December 8, 2017 Name (Contact for further information) Kurtis Bock Phone Date 608-267-0533 10/27/2017 Quote Price and Delivery FOB N/A Public Opening No Public Opening

Description

Short-term Training Program(s) Payment Terms: Delivery Time:

We claim to be a CERTIFIED Minority Business Enterprises. If you are a Minority Business Enterprise and have questions concerning the certification process, contact the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program, 6th Floor, 101 E. Wilson Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53703, (608) 267-9550. No preference shall be given for this RFP.

We claim to be a CERTIFIED Disabled Veteran Owned Business. If you are a Disabled Veteran Owned Business and have questions concerning the certification process, contact the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program, 6th Floor, 101 E. Wilson St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703, (608) 267-9550. No preference shall be given for this RFP.

We are a work center certified under Wis. Stats. s. 16.752 employing persons with severe disabilities. Questions concerning the certification process should be addressed to the Work Center Program, State Bureau of Procurement, 6th Floor, 101 E. Wilson St., Madison, Wisconsin 53702, (608) 266-5462.

Wis. Stats. s. 16.754 directs the state to purchase materials which are manufactured to the greatest extent in the United States when all other factors are substantially equal. Materials covered in our bid were manufactured in whole or in substantial part within the United States, or the majority of the component parts thereof were manufactured in whole or in substantial part in the United States. Yes No Unknown In signing this proposal we also certify that we have not, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement or participated in any collusion or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competition; that no attempt has been made to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal; that this proposal has been independently arrived at without collusion with any other proposer, competitor or potential competitor; that this proposal has not been knowingly disclosed prior to the opening of proposals to any other proposer or competitor; that the above statement is accurate under penalty of perjury.

We will comply with all terms, conditions and specifications required by the state in this Request for Proposal and all terms of our proposal.

Name of Authorized Company Representative (Type or Print) Title Phone Fax

Signature of Above Date Email:

This form can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.

DOA-3027 (R07/2014)

S. 19.36(5), WIS. STATS

DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The attached material submitted in response to Bid/Proposal #ILH0018 includes proprietary and confidential information which qualifies as a trade secret, as provided in s. 19.36(5), Wis. Stats., or is otherwise material that can be kept confidential under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. As such, we ask that certain pages, as indicated below, of this bid/proposal response be treated as confidential material and not be released without our written approval.

Prices always become public information when bids/proposals are opened, and therefore cannot be kept confidential.

Other information cannot be kept confidential unless it is a trade secret. Trade secret is defined in s. 134.90(1)(c), Wis. Stats. as follows: "Trade secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process to which all of the following apply:

1. The information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

2. The information is the subject of efforts to maintain its secrecy that are reasonable under the circumstances.

We request that the following pages not be released.

Section Page # Topic

In the event the designation of confidentiality of this information is challenged, the undersigned hereby agrees to provide legal counsel or other necessary assistance to defend the designation of confidentiality and agrees to hold the state harmless for any costs or damages arising out of the state's agreeing to withhold the materials.

Failure to include this form in the bid/proposal response may mean that all information provided as part of the bid/proposal response will be open to examination and copying. The state considers other markings of confidential in the bid/proposal document to be insufficient. The undersigned agrees to hold the state harmless for any damages arising out of the release of any materials unless they are specifically identified above.

Company Name

Authorized Representative

Signature

Authorized Representative

Type or Print

Date

This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.

AMENDED

REQUEST FOR GRANT PROPOSAL (RFP)

FOR

SHORT-TERM TRAINING PROGRAM(S)

RFP # ILH0018

Issued by:

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF Workforce Development Division of Employment and Training

Proposals must be submitted No later than 2:00 PM

December 8, 2017 Important: See building security access restrictions in Section 2.3

LATE PROPOSALS WILL BE REJECTED

There will not be a public opening for this RFP

For further information regarding this RFP contact Kurtis Bock

At (608) 267-0533 E-mail: Kurtis.Bock@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Issued: October 27, 2017 Revised: November 14, 2017

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT RFP # ILH0018

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 8 of 33

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION SUBJECT PAGE #

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.3 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1.4 CURRENT OPERATIONS (HISTORY AND BACKGROUND)

1.5 CLARIFICATION AND/OR REVISIONS OF THIS RFP

1.6 REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

1.7 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1.8 CONTRACT TERM AND FUNDING

1.9 CERTIFICATION FOR COLLECTION OF SALES AND USE TAX

1.10 ESUPPLIER PORTAL REGISTRATION

1.11 VENDORNET

2.0 PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

2.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

2.2 INCURRING COSTS

2.3 SUBMITTING PROPOSALS

2.4 PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION AND FORMAT

2.5 MULTIPLE PROPOSALS

2.6 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

3.0 PROPOSAL SELECTION AND AWARD PROCESS

3.1 EVALUATION COMMITTEE

3.2 PRELIMINARY EVALUATION

3.3 RIGHT TO REJECT PROPOSALS

3.4 PROPOSAL SCORING

3.5 EVALUATION CRITERIA

3.6 INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS AND/OR SITE VISITS

3.7 FINAL EVALUATION

3.8 AWARD AND FINAL OFFERS

3.9 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO AWARD

3.10 APPEALS PROCESS

3.11 NEGOTIATE CONTRACT TERMS

4.0 MANDATORY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

4.1 SERVICES

4.2 SUBCONTRACTORS

4.3 SALARIES

4.4 CONFIDENTIALITY

4.5 TAX COMPLIANCE

4.6 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

4.7 LOBBYING

4.8 INSURANCE

4.9 NEGOTIATION

5.0 GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

6.0 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

6.1 ORGANIZATION CAPABILITIES (70)

6.2 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS (70)

6.3 PROPOSER REFERENCES (20)

6.4 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT (140)

7.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH PLAN (70 POINTS)

7.2 TRAINING CURRICULUM (200 POINTS)

7.3 WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP (140 POINTS)

7.4 EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP (140 POINTS)

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 9 of 33

7.5 REPORTING (50 POINTS)

8.0 COST PROPOSAL (100 POINTS)

ATTACHMENT A – PROPOSER INFORMATION SHEET

ATTACHMENT B – REFERENCES

ATTACHMENT C – PROPOSER CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT D – COST PROPOSAL

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 10 of 33

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction

The purpose of this document is to provide interested parties with information to enable them to prepare and submit a proposal for the Short-term Training Program.

The State as represented by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) intends to use the results of this Request for Grant Proposal (RFP) to award one or more contracts for the above listed service.

DWD Procurement Unit is the sole point of contact for the State of Wisconsin during the selection process.

The person responsible for managing the procurement process is Kurtis Bock (608) 267-0533 or e-mail:

Kurtis.Bock@dwd.wisconsin.gov. Contact with anyone else involved with this process without the prior authorization of DWD Procurement may result in the disqualification of your proposal.

1.2 Definitions

The following definitions are used throughout the RFP:

Advanced Manufacturing means occupations that utilize the rapid transfer of science and technology into manufacturing products and processes.

Agency means the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Applicant means an entity who has submitted a proposal in response to this RFP Community Partners means those state and local organizations with their own programs or interest in services to Wisconsinites Contract Administrator means the Procuring Agency employee responsible for oversight of the implementation, administration, and completion of the Contract.

Contract Manager means the employee of an Agency responsible for 1) resolving contractual matters that cannot be resolved with the Contract Administrator; and 2) facilitating and/or completing all official actions under the Contract including but not limited to amendments, renewals and termination.

Contract means the written agreement between the successful bidder and the State covering the commodities and services to be performed pursuant to this RFP.

Contractor employee means an individual provided to the State by the Contractor to perform services pursuant to a contract issued under this RFP.

Contractor means the person or entity that has been awarded the Contract as a result of this RFP, and who is required to provide equipment materials, supplies, contractual services, or leasing real property to the Procuring Agency.

Contractual services or services means an intangible product, including actions, recommendations, plans, research, customizations, modifications, documentation, and maintenance and support, including all related materials necessary to fulfill that which the successful Bidder is obligated to accomplish or provide under this RFP.

Employment support organizations mean the wide array of organizations, job placement providers, personal assistants, disability advocacy organizations and public and private employers who provide personal and employment support for persons with disabilities.

Ex-Offenders means an adult or juvenile, who is or has been the subject in any stage of the criminal justice process, or requires assistance to address the issue of barriers to employment due to a record of arrest or conviction High-Demand Industries means as defined in Section 3(23) of WIOA: an industry sector that has substantial current or potential impact including through jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement on the State, regional, or local economy as appropriate, and that contributes to the growth or stability of other supporting businesses, or the growth of other industry sectors

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 11 of 33

Incarcerated individual(s) means those currently incarcerated, but planned release within 9 months from the start of the contract.

Industry-recognized credential or certification means a certificate awarded for recognition of an individual's attainment of measurable technical or industrial/occupation skills. A certificate is industry-recognized if more than 1 employer or industry association develops or endorses the standards.

IT or Information Technology means occupations in computing technologies.

Job Placement means the percentage of employees who are effectively employed after training completion.

Long-term public assistance recipients means individuals who have received a minimum of three years receiving a state administered public assistance benefit to include, but not limited to, FoodShare, Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, Child Care, or W-2.

People with disabilities means, an individual who:

a. Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits once or more major life activities;

b. Has a record of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or

c. Is regarded as having an impairment that limits one or more major life activities.

Procurement Manager means the Procuring Agency's procurement specialist or other person responsible for overseeing and administering the procurement process for a Proposal.

Program Completion means the percentage of retained trainees who finish the training program and earn a credential.

Program Retention means the ability of the contractor to retain its trainees. This is to be measured as a percentage.

Proposer means a firm submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.

RFP means Request for Proposal.

State means the State of Wisconsin and Authorized Users.

Target Population means an individual in one or more of the following populations:

• Ex-offenders

• Incarcerated individuals

• People with disabilities

• Veterans

• Young Adults (ages 18-24)

• Long-term public assistance recipients

Veterans means all veterans of military service within all branches WIOA Indicators of Performance are defined in Sec. 116 (b) (2) and 20 CFR 677.155 and ETA - 9169 approved OMB Control Number 1205-0526 on June 30, 2019.

Young Adults means individuals between the ages of 18-24.

1.3 Program Overview

The Department of Workforce Development is seeking one or multiple contractors to provide skill training to an individual who is a member of a targeted population listed below. The awarded vendor shall provide this skills training to individuals in one or more of the following populations:

• Ex-offenders

• Incarcerated individuals

• People with disabilities

• Veterans

• Young Adults (ages 18-24)

• Long-term public assistance recipients The skills training must be designed to enable participants to obtain specific job skills so that they may qualify for or be placed in employment in the high-demand industries of advanced manufacturing and information technology. All training should culminate in industry-recognized credentials for these

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 12 of 33 industries. Ideal applications will have a direct connection or relationship to one or more employers that will increase the likelihood that the trained individuals will secure employment in the high demand industries of advanced manufacturing and/or information technology immediately following training.

Success will be measured by WIOA Performance Metrics. The Department anticipates approximately $1.5 million in funds available for grants. This is a cost reimbursement grant.

1.4 Current Operations (history and background)

While DWD offers various programs, this is a new initiative with a focus on targeted populations made available under the Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA).

1.5 Clarification and/or Revisions of this RFP

Proposers are expected to raise any questions, noted errors, discrepancies, ambiguities, exceptions, additions or deficiencies they have concerning this proposal in writing through e-mail by November 3, 2017, to:

Kurtis Bock E-mail: Kurtis.Bock@dwd.wisconsin.gov

If a proposer discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this proposal after the above date, they shall immediately notify the above-named individual of such error and request modification or clarification of the proposal document before the proposal opening date.

If the proposer fails to notify DWD prior to the proposal due date of any condition stated above that reasonably should have been known to the proposer, and if a contract is awarded to that proposer, the proposer shall not be entitled to additional compensation or time because of the error or its correction.

Revisions to this request for proposal will be made only by an official written amendment issued by Procurement. Proposers may attach additional relevant information to their proposal response.

1.6 Reasonable Accommodations

DWD will provide reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you think you need accommodations at a proposer conference, contact Kurtis Bock, at (608) 267-0533 (voice) or Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay System (TTY) at 1-800-947-3529.

1.7 Calendar of Events

Listed below are specific and estimated dates and times of actions related to this RFP. The actions with specific dates must be completed as indicated unless otherwise changed by DWD. In the event that DWD finds it necessary to change any of the specific dates and times, it will do so by issuing amendments to this RFP. There may or may not be a formal notification issued for changes of the estimated dates and times.

DATE EVENT

October 27, 2017 RFP issuance date November 3, 2017 Last day for submitting written questions November 17, 2017 Post amendments to eSupplier Portal, which include answers to questions, supplements and/or revisions to the RFP December 8, 2017 Proposals due on or before 2:00 p.m.

January 2, 2018 Notification of intent to award sent to proposers (estimated) February 1, 2018 Contract award/Start date (estimated) December 31, 2018 Training and Certification Must be Completed June 30, 2019 Final Report Due

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 13 of 33

1.8 Contract Term and Funding

The contract shall be effective on the date indicated on the purchase order or contract and shall continue through June 30, 2019.

Should additional state or federal funds become available for innovative expansion and/or enhancement of these services, DWD may utilize the results of this RFP for these services.

1.9 Certification for Collection of Sales and Use Tax

The State of Wisconsin shall not enter into a contract with a contractor, and reserves the right to cancel any existing contract, if the contractor has not met or complied with the requirements of s.77.66, Wis.

Stats., and related statutes regarding certification for collection of sales and use tax.

1.10 eSupplier Portal Registration

The State of Wisconsin’s purchasing information and vendor notification service has been changed from Vendornet to the eSupplier Portal (the State's electronic purchasing information system). This is available to all businesses and organizations that want to sell to the state. Anyone may access the Wisconsin eSupplier Portal on the Internet at https://esupplier.wi.gov to get information on state purchasing practices and policies, goods and services that the state buys, and tips on selling to the state. Vendors may use the same Web site address for inclusion on the bidders list for goods and services that the organization wants to sell to the state. Annually renewable registration guarantees the organization will receive an e-mail message each time a state agency, including any campus of the University of Wisconsin System, posts a request for bid or a request for proposal in their specified commodity/service area(s) with an estimated value over $50,000. It is recommended registrants provide an email address that is monitored centrally in the organization to ensure timely receipt of notifications. Organizations without Internet access may request paper copies in the mail. Increasingly, state agencies also are using eSupplier Portal to post simplified bids valued at $50,000 or less. Vendors also may receive e-mail notices of these simplified bid opportunities. If you have questions about eSupplier Portal, call the STAR Helpdesk at (844) 947-7827 or, via email STARSupport@wisconsin.gov.

1.11 Vendornet

DWD will be using Vendornet to communicate and post information concerning this RFP. The State of Wisconsin’s purchasing information and contractor notification service is available to all businesses and organizations that want to sell to the state. Anyone may access VendorNet on the Internet at http://Vendornet.state.wi.us to get information on state purchasing practices and policies, goods and services that the state buys, and tips on selling to the state. Contractors may use the same Web site address for inclusion on the bidders list for goods and services that the organization wants to sell to the state. A subscription with notification guarantees the organization will receive an e-mail message each time a state agency, including any campus of the University of Wisconsin System, posts a request for bid or a request for proposal in their designated commodity/service area(s) with an estimated value over $50,000. Organizations without Internet access receive paper copies in the mail. Increasingly, state agencies also are using VendorNet to post simplified bids valued at $50,000 or less. Contractors also may receive e-mail notices of these simplified bid opportunities.

2.0 PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

2.1 General Instructions

The evaluation and selection of a contractor will be based on the information submitted in the proposal plus references and any required on-site visits, interviews/presentations or demonstrations. Proposers https://esupplier.wi.gov/ mailto:STARSupport@wisconsin.gov

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 14 of 33 should respond clearly and completely to all requirements. Failure to respond to each of the requirements in the RFP may be the basis for rejecting a proposal.

Elaborate proposals (e.g. expensive artwork), beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal, are not necessary or desired. DWD encourages all proposers to print their submission double-sided to save paper.

2.2 Incurring Costs

The State of Wisconsin is not liable for any cost incurred by proposers in replying to this RFP.

2.3 Submitting Proposals

Proposers are encouraged to submit bid packages by e-mail, however, they may also submit physical copies. If physical copies are submitted, they must include one original (marked original) and five (5) copies (marked copy) of the entire proposal, as required for acceptance of their proposal on or before 2:00 p.m., December 8, 2017 to:

Email Submission Kurtis.Bock@dwd.wisconsin.gov If mailed or delivered

U.S. Postal Service Address for Hand Delivery

Kurtis Bock Kurtis Bock Department of Workforce Development Department of Workforce Development Division of Operations Procurement, Room G-400 P.O. Box 7946 201 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53707-7946 Madison, WI 53703

A proposer can hand deliver their proposal package on or before the date and time listed above. More than one agency in this building receives bids at the 1st floor reception. Therefore, it is recommended that all bid packages are sealed and clearly marked on the outside of the package with the following:

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Attn: Kurtis Bock Proposer's Name and Address

RFP: [TITLE OF RFP]

RFP #

Proposal Due Date: MM/DD/YY

Failure to properly identify your package(s) could result in the package(s) being misdirected and could lead to your response being disqualified.

All proposals must be time-stamped at the 1st Floor Reception by the stated time. Proposals not so stamped will not be evaluated. Receipt of the proposal by the State mail system does not constitute receipt of the proposal by the DWD Procurement.

DWD does not accept facsimile machine proposals.

2.4 Proposal Organization and Format

An authorized company representative responsible for the proposal submittal, including prices, must sign the proposal submitted.

mailto:Kurtis.Bock@dwd.wisconsin.gov

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 15 of 33

Proposal should be typed and submitted on 8.5 by 11-inch paper and bound securely. It is preferred that you do not use spiral or comb binding. The proposal in response to 6.0 PROPOSER RESPONSE must be limited to twenty-five (25) narrative pages (12 double-sided and one single-sided) in length, not including charts, graphics, budgets, etc. Required attachments as noted in 6.0 PROPOSER RESPONSE and dividers/tabs do not count as part of the 25-page limit (12 double-sided).

Proposers responding to this RFP must comply with the following format requirements. Note: responses must be in the same sequence and numbered as they appear in the RFP.

Tab 1 – include the following:

Cover Letter RFP Signature Page Addendum (if applicable) Designation of Confidential & Proprietary Information form

Tab 2 – include the following:

Response to Proposer Response Sections 5.1 – 7.5 and the narrative required in Section 8. The

Cost Proposal submission is addressed below (Separate Envelope).

Tab 3 – include the following:

Completed Proposer Information Sheet (Attachment A) References (Attachment B) Proposer Checklist (Attachment C)

Separate Envelope Cost Proposal (Attachment D) – Envelope labeled “Cost Proposal”

The cost proposal must NOT be listed in any other part of the proposal response.

2.5 Multiple Proposals

Multiple proposals from a proposer will be permissible; however, each proposal must conform fully to the requirements for proposal submission. Each such proposal must be separately submitted and labeled as Proposal #1, Proposal #2, etc. on each page included in the response. Indicate on each proposal response the geographical area that is being proposed.

2.6 Withdrawal of Proposals

Proposals shall be irrevocable until contract award unless the proposal is withdrawn. Proposers may withdraw a proposal, in writing, at any time. The written withdrawal notice must be received by the Purchasing Agent managing this RFP process. The notice must be signed by an authorized representative of the proposer. If a previously submitted proposal is withdrawn before the proposal due date and time, the proposer may submit another proposal at any time up to the proposal due date and time. Once withdrawn, the proposal will not be considered for any reason.

3.0 PROPOSAL SELECTION AND AWARD PROCESS

3.1 Evaluation Committee

DWD's evaluation committee will consist of members who have been selected because of their special expertise and knowledge of the service(s) and/or product(s) that are the subject of this RFP. Proposers may not contact members of the evaluation committee except at the DWD's request.

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 16 of 33

3.2 Preliminary Evaluation

The proposals will be initially reviewed to determine if mandatory requirements are met. Failure to meet mandatory requirements shall result in the proposal being rejected. In the event that not all proposers meet one or more of the same mandatory requirements, DWD reserves the right to continue the evaluation of the proposals.

3.3 Right to Reject Proposals

DWD reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

3.4 Proposal Scoring

Accepted proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee and scored against the stated criteria.

The committee may review references, request interviews/presentations, conduct demonstrations and/or conduct on-site visits. The resulting information will be used to score the proposals. The evaluation committee's scoring will be tabulated and proposals ranked based on the numerical scores received.

3.5 Evaluation Criteria

The proposals will be scored using the following criteria:

Section Description Points

6.1 Organization Capabilities 70

6.2 Staff Qualifications 70

6.3 Proposer References 20

6.4 Letters of Commitment 140

7.1 Recruitment and Outreach Plan 70

7.2 Training Curriculum 200

7.3 Workforce Partnership 140

7.4 Employer Partnership 140

7.5 Reporting 50

8.0 Cost Proposal 100

Total Points 1,000

3.6 Interviews/Presentations and/or Site Visits

Top-scoring proposers, based on the evaluation of the written proposal, may be required to have interviews/presentations to support and clarify their proposals, if requested by DWD. DWD will make every reasonable attempt to schedule each interview/presentation at a time and location that is agreeable to the proposer. Failure of a proposer to complete a scheduled interview/presentation may result in rejection of that proposer's proposal. DWD may conduct site visits of proposer and/or references’ facilities to clarify or confirm proposal information.

3.7 Final Evaluation

Upon completion of any interviews/presentations and/or demonstrations by proposers, DWD's evaluation team will review their evaluations and make adjustments to the technical scores based on the information obtained in the interview/presentation, demonstration, possible reference checks, and any other pertinent proposer information.

3.8 Award and Final Offers

Award(s) will be granted in one of two ways. The award(s) may be granted to the highest scoring responsive and responsible proposer(s) after the original evaluation process is complete. Alternatively, the highest proposer or proposers may be requested to submit best and final offers. If DWD requests best and final offers, they will be evaluated against the stated criteria, scored, and ranked by the evaluation

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 17 of 33 committee. The award will then be granted to the highest scoring proposer following that process.

However, a proposer should not expect that DWD would request a best and final offer.

3.9 Notification of Intent to Award

All proposers who respond to this RFP will be notified in writing of DWD's intent to award the contract(s) resulting from RFP.

After notification of the intent to award is made, and under the supervision of DWD staff, copies of proposals may be available for public inspection from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at DWD Procurement, 4th floor, 201 E. Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin. Proposers should make appointments to ensure that space and time are available for the review. Contact the Purchasing Agent managing this RFP process.

3.10 Appeals Process

All appeals must be made in writing and must fully identify any contested issues. Subjective interpretations by evaluators are not subject to protest or appeal. Protestors should make their protests as specific as possible and should identify Wisconsin Statutes and Wisconsin Administrative Code provisions that are alleged to have been violated.

Any written notice of intent to protest the award of a contract must be emailed (filed) with

Department of Workforce Development Attn: Christopher Hagerup 201 E. Washington Ave.

Madison, WI 53703 – G400 Subject line: ILH0018 Intent to Protest Christopher.Hagerup@dwd.wisconsin.gov and received no later than five (5) working days after the notices of intent to award are issued.

Any written protest must be sent to the email noted above within ten (10) working days after the notice of intent to award is issued.

The decision of the head of the procuring agency may be appealed to the Secretary of the Department of Administration within five (5) working days of issuance, with a copy of such appeal filed with the procuring agency. The appeal must allege a violation of a Wisconsin statute or a section of the Wisconsin administrative Code.

3.11 Negotiate Contract Terms

DWD reserves the right to negotiate the terms of the contract, including the award amount, with the selected proposer prior to entering into a contract. If contract negotiations cannot be concluded successfully with the highest scoring proposer, DWD may negotiate a contract with the next highest scoring proposer.

4.0 MANDATORY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements are mandatory and the Contractor is expected to fulfill them. Responses to each requirement must indicate that the Proposal either “does comply” with the requirement or “does not comply”.

Use Attachment C Proposer Checklist. Failure to comply with a mandatory requirement will result in rejection of the proposal. In the event that not all proposers meet one or more of same the mandatory requirements, DWD reserves the right to remove the requirement.

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 18 of 33

4.1 Services

Pursuant to WI State Statute 16.705, all services provided under this contract must be performed in the United States, specifically within Wisconsin.

4.2 Subcontractors

The Contractor shall be responsible for the contract performance when subcontractors are used.

However, when subcontractors are used, they must abide by all terms and conditions of the Contract. If subcontractors are to be used, the Contractor must clearly explain their participation.

4.3 Salaries

Funds cannot be used to supplant current salaries. Funding is for the provision of the services within this RFP only.

4.4 Confidentiality

4.4.1 Records – all case information, paper records, written information, and any electronic data shall remain confidential, as required by law and applicable policy, and shall be the sole property of the State of Wisconsin. The contractor must respond immediately to all inquiries from DWD and make all records and any written and/or electronic case information available to DWD at any time upon request. DWD, in its monitoring of the contract, reserves the right to inspect or investigate any and all contract and subcontract agency records, procedures, and operations at any time during and after the close of the contract period. Upon completion of the contract the Contractor will transfer to DWD, at no expense, the records of individuals who received services under this contract.

4.4.2 Confidentiality – Except as otherwise authorized by law, the Contractor may not disclose confidential information for any purpose other than purposes associated with the administration of services under this contract.

"Confidential Information" means all tangible and intangible information and materials accessed or disclosed in connection with this Contract, in any form or medium (and without regard to whether the information is owned by DWD or by a third party), that satisfies at least one of the following criteria:

• Personally Identifiable Information;

• Individually Identifiable Health Information;

• Non-public information related to DWD's employees, customers, technology (including data bases, data processing and communications networking systems), schematics specifications, and all information or materials derived there from or based thereon;

• Educations records as defined in Wis. Stats. Sec. 118.125 and 34 CFR 98; or

• Information designated as confidential in writing by DWD

If a release of information is compelled by statutory or court mandate, the program shall make reasonable attempts to provide notice to victims/survivors affected by the release of the information. The program shall take steps necessary to protect the privacy and safety of persons affected by the release of the information. The proposer must comply with state statutes on confidentiality s. 49.83, which prohibits the revealing of any information about a client except when it is clearly required to fulfill the administrative purpose of the program.

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 19 of 33

4.5 Tax Compliance

All grantees must maintain compliance with all state and federal tax requirements.

4.6 Prohibited Activities

Neither the proposer nor any of its sub-contractors will use Federal or State funds under this award to support inherently religious activities, including, but not limited to, religion instruction, worship, prayer or proselytizing (45. C.F.R. Part 87).

4.7 Lobbying

Neither the proposer nor any of its sub-contractors will use Federal or State funds under this award to support any lobbying activities (18 U.S. Code § 1913).

4.8 Insurance

Proposer must supply a copy of their current bond and liability insurance declaration pages.

4.9 Negotiation

Proposer agrees to a mandatory agreement to negotiate with DWD any changes to the contract caused by program changes, which may be brought about by DWD or legislative action.

5.0 GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The Proposer shall provide the following information:

A) Name and address of primary Contractor;

B) Names and addresses of all subcontractors proposed to be used by the primary contractor to perform the requirements of this proposal;

C) Designated staff/office location of where the services will be coordinated.

6.0 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor is expected to fulfill the following contract requirements. Consider these requirements when responding point by point to Section 6 Proposer Response.

6.1 Organization Capabilities (70)

The proposer must include a minimum of at least two years' experience and capabilities in providing similar services to those required within the past five (5) years. The proposal shall include specific and identifiable projects, dates and results. The administrative plan is a compressive narrative describing how the prospective Contractor would create and implement the training program to successfully get the target population in a favorable position to obtain employment in the identified industry. The plan must address the following:

A) Describe the Proposer company, including any relevant experience working with target populations, the target industries, workforce development and education partners, and community-based organizations locally

B) Describe how the funds granted will be used in a different capacity, not supplanting, from any existing federal or state funding;

C) Shall provide a narrative description of the Proposer's strategy for start-up and implementation. This plan shall describe the Proposer's ability to provide the training to the target population within the timeline identified. The plan shall address:

i. Staffing, including relevant qualifications and certifications.

ii. Service provider subcontracts.

iii. Curriculum, both developed and procured for that meets the desired needs.

iv. How to ensure high quality training and certification in the short time frame identified.

v. How quality assurance and management control will occur during this process.

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 20 of 33

D) Describe any previous work that involved federal funding where the uniform guidance was required.

Please provide the grant name, dates, and the date in which it was completed. Please describe the intent of the grant and the outcome (e.g. successful, non-successful, etc.).

6.2 Staff Qualifications (70)

The Proposer shall provide resumes or a summary describing the educational and work experiences as well as related credentials for each staff who would be assigned to the Contract. Each individual working under the Contract must be willing to submit to a criminal background check (CBC) and not have a conviction record that would be substantially related to the job duties under the grant.

Proposers shall describe their technical competence and expertise to demonstrate, perform, and provide the following: Recruitment of the identified target population and delivery of training that meets the needs of the high demand industries of advanced manufacturing and/or information technology that results in an industry recognized certification. Contractors shall be able to meet the required specifications as outlined in this solicitation. Consideration in selecting a Contractor(s) to deliver services shall be the demonstrated performance of the proposer in delivering comparable or related services.

6.3 Proposer References (20)

Contractor shall include in their proposals four references. Two of the references shall by from organizations (clients, buyers, organizations, etc.) with whom the proposer has done similar business like that required by this solicitation within the last two years. For each reference, the proposer must include the name, title, address, email and telephone number of a contact person along with a brief description of the project or assignment which was the basis for the business relationship. The procuring agency will determine which, if any, references to contact to assess the quality of work performed and personnel assigned to the project. The results of any references will be provided to the evaluation committee and used in scoring the proposal.

6.4 Letters of Commitment (140)

Proposers must include in their proposals, at least three (3) letters of commitment. Two should be from employers and at least one from workforce development partners.

For each letter of commitment, the proposer must include the name, title, address, email and telephone number of a contact person along with a brief description of the project or assignment which was the basis for the business relationship.

At least two of the letters, should be from an employer. The employer should describe any similar work that has been done for them by the proposer in the last five years. The letters from the employers should describe:

• Acceptance or validity that the certification or credentialing is generally recognized within the field of advanced manufacturing or information technology, as appropriate to the industry selected. This could include referencing recognition by a known industry group or association that certification or credentialing is recognized at a broader level.

• How the employer has used that certification or credentials in hiring practices for the industry in question. This should provide some information about how often this is applied.

• The working relationship going forward, including a commitment to hire individuals that have successfully completed the training and received the certification or credentialing. Proposals with this included will be scored higher for having a natural pipeline from the training to employment.

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 21 of 33

At least one of the letters of commitment from the workforce development community, including but not limited to, the technical colleges, universities, the local workforce boards, local industry groups, or other community based entities, should describe the partnership and working relationship between the proposer and that entity. The letters should describe the working relationship in the past and how the entities plan to work collaboratively through the completion of this project. Under WIOA guidelines, increased collaboration is encouraged, therefore proposers will more letters of commitment will be scored higher.

7.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal shall address target population identification, the training delivery methodology.

7.1 Recruitment and Outreach Plan (70 points)

Proposers must include in their proposals a detailed plan that will meet the needs of reaching the defined stakeholders and involves the defined partners.

A) Identifying the target population that the training will target, and how the recruitment will occur to ensure the maximum number of participants that can participate in the training;

B) Describes how the proposer will verify that the trainees meet the definition of the target populations identified above;

C) Identify the intended population size the proposer will be serving for each training. Explain why the size was selected;

D) Describe your experience working with the target population identified;

E) Describe the proposer's strategy to conduct outreach and include the following:

i. How will contact and connection with workers and/or guardians

ii. The proposer's accessibility and availability to individuals specifically addressing how they can contact your organization, obtain information and schedule an appointment

iii. How will the prosper address any interpretation needs

F) Describe how your outreach plan will include information about how you will collaborate with other partners (e.g. non-profits and for-profits, other agencies, etc.) and service providers to encourage participation.

7.2 Training Curriculum (200 points)

Proposer will provide a strategy that addresses the following:

A) Identifying which high demand industry (advanced manufacturing or information technology) is targeted and the specific occupations or job classifications in this high demand industry the training will address. Identify and describe how the proposed skill training connects to a high-demand occupation within the fields of Advanced Manufacturing and/or IT;

B) Describe the content of the training and how that will result in an industry recognized certification/credential in the stated skill area. Describe any partnership(s) with employers that have used this training and the certification obtained through it in the their (the employers') hiring practices and how the certification process will be administered;

C) Describes the proposer's experience with the type of training proposed. Describe if and how the proposer already provides this training and/or associated services. Include how the use of these monies will differ from other federal and/or state funded programs. If the proposer already provides this type of training, provide data to show the number of trainees, the length of the training, the certificates earned, and the employment outcome of the training, including length of time between training completion and whether the trainee remained employed with the employer for six (6) months;

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 22 of 33

D) Describe how the training materials provided to the trainee will be in a format and/or language understandable to the trainee. Be sure to address how translating of any materials will be completed.

E) Describe the training content to include:

a. The anticipated training delivery method

b. All training material must include a component on essential job readiness skills training.

Describe how the proposer intends on incorporating this component into the training;

including any work that will occur with partners

c. Describe how the modules will incorporate demonstrated use of skills learned and developed competencies

d. Describes how the training uses any employer partner-driven modules to ensure participants are prepared to meet the requirements for the specific industry employers' hiring process and/or employment requirements

e. If curriculum is already developed, please provide a copy with the proposal as an attachment.

7.3 Workforce Partnership (140 points)

A) Describes how the proposer will work with workforce and educational partners such as, but not limited to, the technical colleges, universities, the local workforce boards, local industry groups, or other community based entities;

B) The proposer will include letters of commitment from 1 workforce partners as part of the application process. The letter should describe the working relationship in the past and how the entities plan to work collaboratively through the completion of this project. Hiring scores will be provided to those proposers that are successfully engaged with their workforce development partners.

7.4 Employer Partnership (140 points)

A) Provides information on how the proposer will work with employers to ensure that they will interview and hire participants at the completion of training and receipt of certification;

B) Provides information on how employers will participate in the hiring process upon completion of the training;

C) Describes how the certification or credentialing be supported by an employer. Verification must be included in the letters of commitment that the certification identified is generally accepted by employers that recruit and hire for those types of positions and will be supported by these employers.

Provide supporting documentation from employers that the earned credential is and will be accepted by recruiting and hiring employers. Please see section 6.4 for more detail on the language needed for the letters of commitment.

D) The letters of commitment from the employers should describe how they intend to work with the proposer in transitioning the participants of the training to employment. Higher scores will be provided to Proposers that have an active relationship with employers.

7.5 Reporting (50 points)

A) Describes how the proposer will collect information to meet the reporting requirements by target population;

a. Number recruited

b. Number recruited that complete the training

c. Number that attempt certification / credentialing

d. Number that successfully complete certification / credentialing

OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Page 23 of 33

e. job placement information (including wages, employer, and continued employment status by end of grant period) at the end of the grant period or as the information becomes available beforehand;

B) Describes how the proposer will provide accurate updates to the WIOA Performance Measures. The WIOA Primary Indicators of Performance are defined in Sec. 116(b) (2) and 20 CFR 677.155 and ETA – 9196 approved OMB Control Number 1205-0526 (June 30, 3019). All requirements are can be found at https://www.doleta.gov/performance/reporting/.

C) Describes how the proposer will provide accurate financial information in the categories required by

DWD

8.0 COST PROPOSAL (100 POINTS)

The proposal shall provide a budget the addresses how monies will be used to obtain intended outcome.

A) The proposer will complete the attached budget document;

B) Comply with the cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles C) Proposers administrative budget may not exceed 10% of the grant award, as…