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RFR DYS POS 2022-08
SKILL UP: CAREER, TECHNICAL AND WORKFORCE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES REQUEST FOR RESPONSES (RFR) TO SUPPORT DYS YOUTH IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS II
The following questions were submitted electronically:
| Q: | I believe the only attachment required is the proposal narrative questions specific to single service providers, is that correct? |
| A: | Yes, if you are proposing as a single service provider. |
| Q: | Should we focus solely on job placement activities, or if we have teen parent programs and youth leaders programs, would you like to know more about those as well? |
| A: | The emphasis of this procurement is job placement services, however it may be beneficial for DYS to learn more about the referenced services. |
| Q: | Do you have an idea in terms of budget, of cost per youth? |
| A: | DYS is leaving that up to the individual bidder. |
| Q: | Is the limit for single service providers $50k or has that changed? |
| A: | The limit has been removed. Please see the attachment to this procurement’s Commbuys page named “Amendment One - Vaccination and Training Requirements AND Appendix C revision- Posted”. |
| Q: | Is DYS interested in digital training, such as full stack and/or Cyber Security, for the young people that will benefit from this RFR? In other words, will the Department accept proposals for computer training? |
| A: | Yes. The Department of Youth Services will consider training opportunities in all formats and welcome innovative and effective approaches that effectively support DYS youth. |
The following questions were asked during the Bidders Conferences:
| Q: | Is Technical training related to computer training? |
| A: | Yes, it fits in Optional Service #2. |
| Q: | Are Single Service Provider applicants only allowed to propose Optional Services? |
| A: | Yes, bidders must submit as LEAD or Consortium if they want to offer CORE services. |
| Q: | Should Single Service Provider applicants use the "attachments" tab of the COMMBUYS quote to submit their bid? |
| A: | Single Service Providers must use attachment C and submit via CommBuys. Please see Job Aid for submitting a response on CommBuys. “Step 10” of the Job Aid delineates on how to attach documents to the quote. |
| Q: | Are Appendixes accessible on CommBuys? |
| A: | Yes. They are attached to the RFR. |
| Q: | What is the timeline for awards by May 1st? |
| A: | DYS will be working to notify the successful bidders by May 1st so the programs can be up and running by 7/1/22. If bidders need funds in FY22 in order to hire/train staff and/or purchase equipment to ensure programs are ready for 7/1, please provide a detailed budget of the required funding. |
| Q: | What if the bids contain transition times that don’t work due to negotiations? |
| A: | DYS understands that the timelines contained in proposals are estimates and will change due to any delays in contract awards. |
| Q: | What is the relationship between the Lead provider and Single Provider? |
| A: | The Skill Up procurement is part of a larger agency initiative to enhance employability service for our youth. The department has created a new position to provider oversight for the implementation of all awarded programs. The Lead would be responsible for the programs they offered in their bid response. Any Single Service Provider would work directly with the new DYS position in collaboration with the other successful bidders. |
| Q: | Equipment in the appendices – Are there computers and networks in the programs? |
| A: | Yes, our programs have PC desktops and chrome notebooks. Note that we have firewalls that limit the software that can be accessed, but DYS is still interested in bidders offering specific types of software for new projects. Community technical support is available. |
| Q: | What do you expect the graduation rates to be? |
| A: | The provider will be expected to report out on participant progress during the contract period. We would like the graduation rate to be high, but understand that not all youth will finish the program due to placement issues. |
| Q: | Is the list of services articulated in the RFR a closed list or can other services be offered? |
| A: | The list of services described in this RFR was not a comprehensive list. Bidders can offer different services other than those contained in Appendix K – Regional Interests. |
| Q: | Where are the documents on CommBuys? |
| A: | They are included as attachments to the posted RFR. |