ReadytoWork_RFP FINAL .pdf

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 19-RFP-001-BM, Page 1 of 61

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form

Page 1 of 61 pages SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO:

Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Office of Property and Procurement 107 East Madison Street, B-047 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4128 Telephone Number: 850-245-7455

AGENCY RELEASE DATE:

May 31, 2023

SOLICITATION TITLE: SOLICITATION NO:

Florida Ready to Work Certification Program 23-RFP-003-CM

PROPOSALS WILL BE OPENED: June 12, 2023, 3:00 PM, Eastern Time and may not be withdrawn within 180 days after such date and time.

I certify that this Proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a proposal for the same materials, supplies or equipment, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all conditions of this proposal and certify that I am authorized to sign this proposal for the Respondent and that the Respondent is in compliance with all requirements of the Request for Proposal, including but not limited to, certification requirements. In submitting a proposal to an agency for the State of Florida, the Respondent offers and agrees that if the proposal is accepted, the Respondent will convey, sell, assign or transfer to the State of Florida all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may now or hereafter acquire under the Anti-trust laws of the United States and the State of Florida for price fixing relating to the particular commodities or services purchased or acquired by the State of Florida. At the State’s discretion, such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing agency tenders final payment to the Respondent.

RESPONDENT NAME:

RESPONDENT MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY – STATE – ZIP:

* Authorized Representative’s Signature

PHONE NUMBER:

TOLL FREE

NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER: * Name and Title of Authorized Representative

EMAIL ADDRESS:

FEID NO.: *This individual must have the authority to bind the Respondent.

TYPE OF BUSINESS ENTITY (Corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.):

RESPONDENT CONTACTS: Please provide the name, title, address, telephone number and e-mail address of the official contact and an alternate, if available. These individuals shall be available to be contacted by telephone or attend meetings as may be appropriate regarding the solicitation schedule.

PRIMARY CONTACT: SECONDARY CONTACT:

NAME, TITLE: NAME, TITLE:

ADDRESS: ADDRESS:

PHONE NUMBER: PHONE NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER: FAX NUMBER:

EMAIL ADDRESS: EMAIL ADDRESS:

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 2 of 61

SECTION A

PUR 1001 – GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

This section explains the General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001) of the solicitation process, and is a downloadable document incorporated into this solicitation by reference. This document should not be returned with the Proposal: http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780

In the event of a conflict between the terms of the PUR 1001 and the terms of this solicitation, the terms of this solicitation control.

PUR 1000 – GENERAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS

The General Contract Conditions (PUR 1000) is a downloadable document incorporated in this solicitation by reference, which contains general contract terms and conditions that must apply to any contract resulting from this solicitation, to the extent they are not otherwise modified herein. This document should not be returned with the Proposal: http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777

In the event of a conflict between the terms of the PUR 1000 and the terms of this solicitation, the terms of this solicitation control.

Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780 http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 3 of 61

SECTION B

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

B.1 Solicitation Number 23-RFP-003-CM

B.2 Solicitation Type Request for Proposal (RFP)

B.3 Program Office Division of Workforce Services – OSPS

B.4 Issuing Office Christopher Melkun/Vickie Woodward Purchasing Analyst/GOC III

107 East Madison Street, B-047 Tallahassee, Florida 32399

(850) 245-7443/ 245-7464 Christopher.Melkun@deo.myflorida.com Vickie.Woodward@deo.myflorida.com

B.5 Restrictions on Communication with DEO Staff

Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of this solicitation and the end of the seventy-two (72) hour period following DEO posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement office named above. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a proposal.

B.6 Calendar of Events

Listed below is the calendar of important actions and dates/times by which the actions must be taken or completed. If DEO finds it necessary to change any of these dates/times, it will be accomplished by addendum. Time is stated in terms of local time in Tallahassee, Florida.

Estimated Calendar of Events Date and Time

1.

Date of Issuance and publication on the Florida Vendor Bid System website at: http://vbs.dms.state.fl.us/vbs/main_menu

05/31/2023

2.

Technical Questions due from prospective Respondents (Only email inquiries will be accepted.)

06/01/2023 5:00 P.M.

3.

Anticipated Posting of Questions and Answers to the Florida Vendor Bid System website (via addendum) at:

http://vbs.dms.state.fl.us/vbs/main_menu

06/02/2023

4.

Proposals Due and Opened 107 East Madison Street, Caldwell Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

06/12/2023 3:00 P.M.

5. Anticipated Evaluation of Technical Proposals 06/13/2023-6/14/2023

6. Anticipated Posting of Notice of Intent to Award 06/19/2023

7. Anticipated Contract Start Date 06/27/2023 http://vbs.dms.state.fl.us/vbs/main_menu http://vbs.dms.state.fl.us/vbs/main_menu

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 4 of 61

Addenda or clarifications to this RFP will be posted on the VIP system. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to monitor VIP for any solicitation updates.

B.7 Notice of Potential Federal Funding

All or some portion of this solicitation may be funded with federal funds. The exact amount of federal funding used will be based on DEO’s federally approved cost allocation plan.

B.8 Pre-Proposal Conference (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS SOLICITATION)

B.9 Questions (This section supersedes Section A, PUR 1001, Instruction #5, Questions)

Any questions from Respondents concerning this solicitation shall be submitted via email to Christopher Melkun and Vickie Woodward at Christopher.Melkun@deo.myflorida.com and Vickie.Woodward@deo.myflorida.com by the date and time specified in Section B.6, Calendar of Events.

Only e-mail inquiries will be accepted. All questions and/or changes to the solicitation will be posted on the Department of Management Services’ (DMS) VBS as an addendum. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to periodically check the VBS for any solicitation updates. DEO bears no responsibility for any delays, or resulting impacts, associated with a Respondent’s failure to obtain the information made available through the VBS. Respondent questions should be submitted in the format included in Attachment I – Technical Questions Submittal Form.

Each Respondent shall be responsible for any and all services required under this solicitation. The Respondent is required to carefully examine the specifications set forth and to be knowledgeable of any and all conditions and requirements that may in any manner affect the work to be performed as described in this solicitation. No allowances will be made to the selected Respondent because of lack of knowledge of conditions or requirements, and the selected Respondent will not be relieved of any liabilities or obligations.

INFORMATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY TELEPHONE. Any information received through oral communication shall not be binding on the Agency and shall not be relied upon by any Respondent.

B.10 Submission of Proposal (This section supersedes Section A, PUR 1001, Instruction #3, Electronic Submission of Responses)

Proposals must be submitted in a sealed package with the solicitation number and opening date and time identified on the outside. Proposals must be submitted by U.S. Mail, Courier, or hand delivery.

PROPOSALS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY WILL BE REJECTED.

Each Proposal shall be prepared simply and economically, following the instructions contained herein.

It is recommended that all Proposals be hand-delivered or sent via certified mail or overnight courier to ensure timely delivery. Since the Caldwell Building is a secured facility, if the Proposal is being hand delivered, please allow for sufficient time to gain access into the building.

PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE EXACT TIME SPECIFIED WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AND WILL BE

RETURNED TO THE RESPONDENT UNOPENED.

mailto:%3Cemail%3E mailto:Vickie.Woodward@deo.myflorida.com

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 5 of 61

B.11 Withdrawal of Proposal

A submitted Proposal may be withdrawn, if within seventy-two (72) hours after the Proposal due date and time indicated in the Calendar of Events, the Respondent submits a signed, written request for its withdrawal to DEO.

B.12 Proposal Opening (This section supersedes Section A, PUR 1001, Instruction #12, Public Opening)

The Proposal opening will be held at the time and date specified in Section B.6, Calendar of Events, in the Purchasing Office, 107 East Madison Street, Room B-047, Caldwell Building, Tallahassee, Florida and via conference call for the public.

The names of all Respondents submitting Proposals shall be made available to interested parties upon written request to the contact person (Purchasing Office) listed in Section B.4. Any person with a qualified disability shall not be denied equal access and effective communication regarding any proposal documents or the attendance to any related meeting or proposal opening.

Sealed proposals received by DEO in response to this solicitation are subject to production, disclosure, inspection and copying, in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, once DEO posts its decision or intended decision pursuant to s. 120.57(3)(a), F.S., or 30 days after the proposal opening, whichever is earlier.

B.13 Solicitation Requirements

The following requirements must be met by the Respondent in order for its Proposal to be considered responsive to this solicitation; however, this is not an exhaustive list of mandatory requirements. Timely proposals that do not meet all mandatory requirements of this solicitation, including providing all required information, documents or materials, will be rejected as non-responsive. Mandatory requirements of the proposal are those set forth as mandatory, or without which an adequate analysis and comparison of proposals is impossible, or those which affect the competitiveness of proposals or the cost to DEO.

Pursuant to section 287.137(2)(a), F.S., “A person or an affiliate who has been placed on the antitrust violator vendor list following a conviction or being held civilly liable for an antitrust violation may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for any new contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity;

may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for a new contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on new leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a new contract with a public entity; and may not transact new business with a public entity.”

Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 6 of 61

Proposals may be rejected as non-responsible if past performance or current status do not reflect the capability, integrity or reliability to perform fully and in good faith the requirements of the contract.

B.14 Cost of Preparing Respondent’s Proposal

DEO is not liable for any costs incurred by a Respondent in responding to this solicitation, including, but not limited to, those for oral presentations, if applicable.

B.15 Disclosure and Ownership of Proposals by DEO

A Respondent’s proposal shall be a public record and subject to production, disclosure, inspection and copying consistent with the requirements of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. A Respondent’s proposal, upon submission, and any resulting contract shall be the property of DEO except those parts asserted to be confidential or exempt pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and DEO, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to use, reproduce, and disseminate the proposal and contract.

B.16 Respondent’s Duties to Assert Exemption from Disclosure as a Public Record

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR EVALUATION

A. It is MANDATORY that the Respondent submits its proposal in the format prescribed and within the time frame specified in Section B.6, Calendar of Events.

B. It is MANDATORY that the Respondent return, in accordance with the requirements of Sections B.34 and B.36.1, one (1) original, signed and sealed Technical Proposal, four(4) paper copies of the signed original and one (1) electronic copy of the signed original Technical Proposal (on compact disc or USB drive), which include the following required attachments:

1. DEO Solicitation Acknowledgement Form

2. Attachment A – Reference Form

3. Attachment C – Drug Free Workplace Certification

4. Attachment D – Disclosure Statement/Conflict of Interest

5. Attachment E – Certification Regarding Debarment

6. Attachment F – Certification Regarding Lobbying

7. Attachment G – List of Subcontractors

C. It is MANDATORY that the Respondent return, in accordance with the requirements of Sections. B.34 and B.36.2, one (1) original, signed and sealed Attachment B, Cost Proposal, three (3) paper copies of the signed original and one (1) electronic copy of the signed original Cost Proposal (on compact disc or USB drive). Attachment B must be submitted in a sealed package separate from the other attachments.

D. If a Respondent fails to submit all completed documentation with its proposal, DEO reserves the right, but has no duty, to contact the Respondent by telephone for submission of this document via email.

This right may be exercised when the proposal has met all other requirements of the solicitation.

The use of the terms “shall”, “must”, or “will” within these solicitation documents indicate a MANDATORY requirement or condition.

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 7 of 61

Any proposal content submitted to DEO which is asserted to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record shall be set forth on a page or pages separate from the rest of the proposal, and clearly marked “exempt,” “confidential,” or “trade secret” (as applicable), with the statutory basis for such claim of exemption specifically identified in writing on each and every such page. Failure to segregate and so identify any such content shall constitute a waiver of any claimed exemption as applied to the portion of the proposal or other document in which the content is set forth.

Pursuant to section 215.985(14), F.S., the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has developed a web-based system that provides information and documentation about government contracts called the “Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System” or “FACTS.” An important aspect of this system is the posting of contract images on the Internet, including contract attachments, which may include all or part of your proposal to this solicitation.

Any claim of exemption from public disclosure is waived upon submission, unless addressed as set forth above. DEO will attempt to afford protection from disclosure of any trade secret as defined in section 812.081(1)(f), F.S., or section 688.002(4), F.S., where identified as such in the reply, to the extent permitted under section 815.045, F.S., or section 288.075, F.S., and Chapter 119, F.S. Each Respondent acknowledges that the protection afforded by section 815.045, F.S., is incomplete, and hereby agrees that no remedy for damages may arise from any disclosure by DEO.

DEO takes its public records responsibilities under Chapter 119, F.S., and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, very seriously. If a Respondent considers any portion of the documents, data or records submitted in response to this solicitation to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record, the Respondent must also provide DEO with a separate Redacted Copy of its proposal, in hard copy and on a CD ROM or USB, at the time of proposal submission.

This Redacted Copy shall contain DEO’s solicitation name, number, and the name of the Respondent on the cover, and shall be clearly titled “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copy shall be provided to DEO at the same time the Respondent submits its proposal to the solicitation and must only exclude or obliterate those exact portions which are exempted by law from public disclosure. Each individual portion of the Redacted Copy that Respondent asserts is confidential must contain a citation to the specific law making the content of the redacted portion confidential.

If it is determined that the proposal does not contain any information which is exempted by law from public disclosure, please provide as part of the proposal, a written statement to that effect which is executed by an authorized representative of the Respondent’s company with legal authority to make this determination on behalf of the Respondent.

Respondent shall protect, defend, and indemnify, save and hold harmless, DEO from any and all claims, demands, liabilities and suits of any nature arising out of, because of, or due to failure of DEO to release information redacted by the Respondent, and to further indemnify DEO for any other loss DEO incurs due to any claim being made against DEO regarding portions of its Redacted Copy being confidential, proprietary, trade secret or otherwise not subject to disclosure.

If Respondent fails to submit a Redacted Copy with its proposal, DEO is authorized to produce the entire document(s), data or records submitted by Respondent in answer to a public records request.

B.17 Posting of Recommended Award (This section supersedes Section A, PUR 1001, Instruction #13, Electronic Posting or Notice of Intended Award).

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 8 of 61

The Proposal Tabulation, with recommended award, will be posted for review by interested parties at the location identified in Section B.6, “Calendar of Events” above and on the VIP system for a period of 72 hours, excluding weekends and State observed holidays.

ANY NOTICE OF PROTEST OR FORMAL WRITTEN PROTEST MUST BE TRANSMITTED BY THE RESPONDENT TO THE AGENCY CLERK AS SET FORTH HEREIN. IN NO EVENT WILL DEO CONSIDER ANY COMMUNICATION MADE BY THE RESPONDENT TO ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL AT DEO AS A NOTICE OF PROTEST OR A FORMAL

WRITTEN PROTEST UNDER S. 120.57(3), F.S.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

If the Respondent desires to protest this Solicitation or DEO’s decision or intended decision under this Solicitation, including a decision to reject all proposals, the Respondent must do so within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), F.S., and Chapter 28-110, F.A.C. All notices of protest under section 28- 110.003, F.A.C., must be delivered by email to agency.clerk@deo.myflorida.com. All formal written protests under section 28-110.004, F.A.C., must be hand-delivered to the agency clerk at the following address:

AGENCY CLERK

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

107 EAST MADISON ST., MSC 110

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-4128

AGENCY.CLERK@DEO.MYFLORIDA.COM

B.18 Description of Work Being Procured

DEO is requesting proposals from qualified Respondents to provide a Florida Ready to Work Credential Program in compliance with section 445.06, F.S., and any applicable rules, that meets the following requirements:

1. To enhance the workplace skills of Floridians to better prepare them for successful employment in specific occupations.

2. That may be conducted in public middle and high schools, Florida College System institutions, technical centers, one-stop career centers, vocational rehabilitation centers, Department of Corrections facilities, and Department of Juvenile Justice educational facilities. The program may be made available to other entities that provide job training.

3. The Florida Ready to Work Credential Program shall be composed of:

a) Employability skills currently in demand by employers. At a minimum, the employability skills must include professionalism, time management, communication, problem solving, collaboration, resilience, digital literacy skills, academic skills, such as mathematics and reading, and the employability skills listed in Table A, In-Demand Employability Skills, in the Scope of Work.

b) A pre-instructional assessment that delineates an individual’s mastery level on the specific employability skills.

mailto:agency.clerk@deo.myflorida.com mailto:AGENCY.CLERK@DEO.MYFLORIDA.COM

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 9 of 61

c) A targeted instructional program limited to those identified employability skills in which the individual is not proficient as measured by the pre-instructional assessment. Instruction must utilize a web-based program and be customizable to meet identified specific needs of employers.

d) A Florida Ready to Work Credential and portfolio awarded to each individual upon successful completion of the instruction. Each portfolio must delineate the employability skills demonstrated by the individual as evidence of the individual’s preparation for employment.

4. Includes a credential that shall be awarded to an individual who successfully passes assessments, at a minimum, in professionalism, time management, communication, problem solving, collaboration, resilience, digital literacy skills, and academic skills such as mathematics and reading, and the employability skills listed in Table A, In-Demand Employability Skills, in the Scope of Work (collectively known as the “Assessments”). The selected Contractor must utilize a scoring model that readily identifies an individual’s achieved proficiency level for each of the Assessments (i.e., pass/fail;

successful/unsuccessful; satisfactory/unsatisfactory, etc.).

B.19 Number of Awards

DEO anticipates the issuance of one (1) contract for services under this solicitation. DEO reserves the right to issue multiple contracts if doing so is believed to be advantageous to DEO and the State of Florida.

DEO, at its sole discretion, shall determine whether multiple contracts will be issued.

B.20 Contract Period

The contract period is expected to begin upon execution and remain in effect for a period of three (3) years. The selected Contractor will be expected to be able to assume the responsibilities outlined herein within ten (10) business days of contract execution.

DEO reserves the right to renew the contract resulting from this solicitation. Renewal of this Contract shall be in writing and shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the existing contract.

Renewal shall be limited to an additional term not to exceed three (3) years. All renewals are contingent upon satisfactory performance by the Contractor and the availability of funds.

B.21 Type of Contract Contemplated - (This section supersedes Section A, PUR 1000, Condition #2, Purchase Order), only if the Contract award is equal to or greater than $65,000)

A fixed price contract is proposed; however, DEO reserves the right to award another type of contract if doing so is believed to be advantageous to DEO and the State of Florida, considering price and other factors. The Contractor shall be paid for the services rendered under the Contract upon satisfactory completion of these services.

A copy of the proposed contract is included in Section D, “DEO Vendor Core Contract.” The requirements contained in the proposed Contract should be closely reviewed by the Respondent. DEO may consider any modifications proposed by the Respondent if it is determined to be in the best interest of DEO.

Information on Federal procurement regulations, state statutes and rules referred to in this solicitation, may be obtained by contacting DEO’s Office of Property and Procurement referred to in Section B.4.

B.22 Proposal Acceptance Period

DEO intends to execute the Contract(s) as soon as possible after the posting of DEO’s decision. DEO, at its discretion, may terminate discussions with the highest ranked Respondent if an agreement is not

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 10 of 61 executed within ten (10) business days after the announcement of an award and may proceed to award the contract to the second ranked Respondent.

B.23 Firm Proposal - (This section supersedes Section A, PUR 1001, Instruction #14, Firm Response).

Any submitted Proposal shall remain firm and valid for one hundred eighty (180) business days after the Proposal submission due date, or until a contract is fully executed, whichever occurs first. The Respondent shall not withdraw any Proposal within this time period except as described in Section B.11. Any Proposal that expresses a shorter duration of validity may, in DEO’s sole discretion, be accepted or rejected.

B.24 Disclosure

Information will be disclosed to Respondents in accordance with state statutes and rules applicable to this solicitation.

B.25 Laws and Permits

Contractor(s) must comply with all local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and codes whenever work is being performed under this Contract. All permits and licenses required for this Contract must be obtained by the Contractor and maintained for the duration of the Contract.

B26. Insurance

1. Contractor’s Commercial General Liability Insurance:

By execution of this Contract, unless Contractor is a state agency or subdivision as defined by Subsection 768.28(2), F.S., Contractor shall provide adequate commercial general liability insurance coverage and hold such liability insurance at all times during this Contract. A self-insurance program established and operating under the laws of the State of Florida may provide such coverage.

2. Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance:

Contractor, at all times during the Contract, at its sole expense, shall provide commercial insurance of such a type and with such terms and limits as may be reasonably associated with the Contract, which, as a minimum, shall be: workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance in accordance with chapter 440, F.S., with minimum employer’s liability limits of $100,000 per accident, $100,000 per person, and $500,000 policy aggregate. Such policy shall cover all employees engaged in any Contract work.

3. Other Insurance:

During the Contract term, Contractor shall maintain any other insurance as required in Section C, Scope of Work.

The Contractor selected under this RFP shall maintain, during the life of the Contract, Workers’ Compensation Insurance for all of its employees connected with this Contract. Such insurance shall comply fully with the Florida Workers’ Compensation Law. In case any class of employee engaged in hazardous work under the Contract is not protected under the Workers’ Compensation statute, Contractor shall provide adequate insurance, satisfactory to DEO, for the protection of its employees not otherwise protected.

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 11 of 61

The Contractor selected under this RFP shall maintain, during the life of the Contract, comprehensive general liability coverage with limits of not less than $100,000 per occurrence and $500,000 general aggregate for bodily injury and property damage.

The selected Contractor’s current certificate of insurance shall contain a provision that the insurance will not be canceled or modified for any reason except after thirty (30) days written notice to DEO’s Contract Manager, with the exception of 10 days’ notice for non-payment of premium by the insured.

The selected Contractor shall be required to submit insurance certificates, evidencing such insurance coverage, prior to the execution of a contract with DEO. The insurance certificate must name DEO as an additional insured and identify DEO’s Contract Number. Copies of new insurance certificates must be provided to DEO’s Contract Manager with each insurance renewal.

B.27 Vendor Registration

Prior to entering into a contract with DEO, the selected contractor must be registered with DMS’ MyFloridaMarketPlace Vendor Registration System. Information about the registration process is available, and registration may be completed, at the MyFloridaMarketPlace website at http://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_v endors/requirements_for_vendor_registration. Respondents who do not have Internet access may request assistance from MyFloridaMarketPlace Customer Services at (866) 352-3776.

The following DMS Class/Group code is provided to assist you in your registration efforts:

A list of Commodity Codes can be found here:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/commo dity_codes but if you need assistance, the purchasing office can help.

B.28 Florida Department of State Registration Requirements

All entities identified under chapters 607, 608, 617, 620, 621 and 865, F.S., seeking to do business with DEO shall, prior to entering into a Contract, be appropriately registered with the Florida Department of State.

B.29 Diversity

The State of Florida is committed to supporting its diverse business industry and population through ensuring participation by minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises in the economic life of the state. The State of Florida Mentor Protégé Program connects minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises with private corporations for business development mentoring. We strongly encourage firms doing business with the State of Florida to consider this initiative. For more information on the Mentor Protégé Program, please contact the Office of Supplier Diversity at (850) 487-0915 or osdinfo@dms.fl.gov.

Code Description

80111504 Labor Training or Development

80111718 Employee skill testing and assessment

81111805 Proprietary or licensed systems maintenance or support

86111505 Distance learning assessment services

86141501 Educational advisory services http://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_vendors/requirements_for_vendor_registration http://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_vendors/requirements_for_vendor_registration https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/commodity_codes https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/commodity_codes mailto:osdinfo@dms.fl.gov

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 12 of 61

DEO supports diversity in its procurement program and requests that all subcontracting opportunities afforded by this solicitation enthusiastically embrace diversity. The award of subcontracts should reflect the vast array of citizens in the State of Florida. The Respondent can contact the Office of Supplier Diversity at (850) 487-0915 for information on certified business enterprises that may be considered for subcontracting opportunities.

B.30 Contractors and Subcontractors

The resulting contract allows the Contractor to subcontract for any of the services provided in the resulting contract. The Contractor will be the prime service provider and shall be responsible for all work performed and contract deliverables. The Contractor shall not enter into any subcontracts for the delivery of any services described in this Contract without the prior written approval of DEO. Proposed use of subcontracts should be included in the Respondent’s proposal. Requests for use of subcontractors received subsequent to the RFP process are subject to review and approval by DEO based on the terms described in Section C.7 of this RFP.

B.31 Conflict of Interest

The Respondent covenants that it presently has no interest in and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner of degree with the performance of the services required to be performed under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The selected Contractor shall be required to provide written notification to DEO within (5) working days of the discovery of a potential conflict of interest. DEO shall have the authority to determine whether or not a conflict of interest exists.

B.32 Rights to Data and Copyright

Writings, publications, films, videos, technical reports, equipment, computer hardware and software, recordings, computer programs, computerized data bases, data processing programs, pictorial reproductions, maps, drawings, specifications, graphical representations, and works of similar nature (whether copyrighted or not copyrighted), which are submitted with a Proposal or specified to be delivered under a Contract shall be maintained by DEO and may be released as public records. Additionally any writings, publications, films, videos, technical reports, equipment, computer hardware and software, recordings, computer programs, computerized data bases, data processing programs, pictorial reproductions, maps, drawings, specifications, graphical representations, and works of similar nature (whether copyrighted or not copyrighted), which are developed or produced and paid for in whole or in part by Contract funds become the property of DEO except as may otherwise be provided in the Contract.

B.33 Most Favored State Status

The selected Respondent must agree to a most favored state status so that in the event the selected Respondent offers any other State Agency (or department) more favorable contract terms in relation to reimbursable items and events, or revenue share percentages that the selected Respondent agrees to make those terms available to DEO at the DEO’s option. Upon execution of the contract, the selected Respondent shall sign a Preferred Pricing Affidavit, as required by section 216.0113, F.S. Following execution of the contract, the selected Respondent shall submit a Preferred Pricing Affidavit annually.

B.34 Submittal Requirements

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 13 of 61

A signed original Technical Proposal and four (4) copies thereof shall be bound, enclosed and sealed individually and one (1) electronic copy of the signed original Technical Proposal (on compact disc or USB drive). The original shall be labeled “Original Technical Proposal” and all copies shall be labeled “Technical Proposal Copy.” The original and copies may then be submitted together.

A signed original Cost Proposal and three (3) copies thereof shall be bound, enclosed and sealed individually, and one (1) electronic copy of the signed original Cost Proposal (on compact disc or USB drive). The original shall be labeled “Original Cost Proposal” and all copies shall be labeled “Cost Proposal Copy.” The original and copies may then be submitted together.

If a Respondent fails to submit the one (1) electronic (i.e., on compact disc or USB drive), signed copy of its original Technical Proposal or the one (1) electronic (i.e., on compact disc or USB drive), signed copy of its original Cost Proposal with its proposal package, DEO reserves the right to contact the Respondent by telephone for submission of this document via email with follow up via mail. This right may be exercised when the proposal has met all other requirements of the solicitation.

The Respondent’s Technical Proposal shall be packaged separately from its Cost Proposal or the proposal package will be rejected.

If Respondent considers any portion of its Technical Proposal or Cost Proposal to be confidential, the Respondent shall submit a compact disc or USB drive containing one (1) copy of the signed, original proposal with the confidential information redacted. This compact disc or USB drive shall be titled “Redacted Copy.”

B.35 Elaborate Proposals

It is not necessary to prepare the Proposal using elaborate brochures and artwork, expensive paper and bindings, or other expensive visual presentation aids. The Proposal shall be prepared in accordance with the instructions herein.

B.36 Instructions for Preparation of the Proposal

The instructions for this solicitation have been designed to help insure that all Proposals are reviewed and evaluated in a consistent manner, as well as to minimize cost and response time. ANY AND ALL

INFORMATION SUBMITTED IN MATERIAL VARIANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT BE

REVIEWED OR EVALUATED.

B.36.1 Technical Proposal Format

The Technical Proposal package shall be prepared by each Respondent utilizing 8.5” x 11” paper.

Using the description of work outlined in Section B.18, Solicitation Requirements, Section C.3, General Description, and C.4, Florida Ready to Work Credential Program, Respondents shall prepare its Technical Proposal Package in the order outlined below, with the sections tabbed for ease of identification and review.

The Respondent’s Technical Proposal shall be packaged and sealed separately from its Cost Proposal. Failure of the Respondent to provide any of the information required in the Technical Proposal portion of the Proposal package shall result in a score of zero (0) for that element of the evaluation which will result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive and rejected.

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 14 of 61

The Technical Proposal will consist of the following and follow the format listed:

• Cover Sheet - DEO Solicitation Acknowledgement Form

DEO’s Solicitation Acknowledgement Form shall be completed as instructed. Respondents are required to complete, sign and return the “DEO Solicitation Acknowledgment Form” with its Proposal submittal. This form must be completed and signed by a representative who is authorized to contractually bind the Respondent.

If a Respondent fails to submit a signed DEO Solicitation Acknowledgement Form with its Proposal, DEO reserves the right to contact the Respondent by telephone for submission of this document via email with follow up via mail. This right may be exercised when the Proposal has met all other requirements of the solicitation.

In the event that Respondents submit a Proposal as a joint venture, each member of the joint venture must complete and sign a separate Solicitation Acknowledgement Form.

The Respondent’s Technical Proposal will consist of the following and shall follow the format listed:

• Tab 1 – Respondent’s Management and Technical Plan

The Respondent shall provide a management plan which describes the administration, management, key personnel, and responsible office.

1. Administration and Management (Company Profile)

The Respondent must include a description of the organizational structure and management style established and the methodology to be used to control cost, ensure reliable services, and to maintain schedules as well as the means of coordination and communication between the Respondent’s company and DEO. Information about the Respondent’s company’s experience shall be submitted including the Respondent’s company’s profile, experience, years in business, and salary and benefits paid to its employees who will perform services under the Contract. The Proposal should be written in non-technical language to summarize the Respondent’s overall capabilities and approaches for accomplishing the services specified herein. This would include the number of staff and number of hours proposed to complete the services specified herein.

2. Technical Approach The Respondent should explain the approach, capabilities, and methods it proposes to use to accomplish the tasks in Section C, Scope of Work, and outline specific details as to how the work will be accomplished. The Respondent should identify any safety concerns and how it will address those issues. Any specific techniques Respondent will use should also be provided.

3. Identification of Key Personnel The Respondent must provide the names of key personnel on the Respondent’s team, as well as a resume for each individual proposed and a description of the functions and responsibilities of each key personnel relative to the tasks to be performed. The approximate percent of time to be devoted exclusively for this Contract and to the

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 15 of 61 assigned tasks should also be indicated. The Respondent should also include this information for any vacant positions anticipated to be filled and used in the Contract.

4. Responsible Office The Respondent may have more than one (1) office location. The office assigned responsibility for the work for the Contract shall be identified in the Technical Proposal. If different elements of the work will be done at different locations, those locations shall also be listed.

• Tab 2 – Credential program

Respondent must provide a description of the fully hosted system of web-based assessments, pursuant to section 445.06, F.S., as specified in Section B.18, Section C.3, and C.4 that provides:

a. Employability skills currently in demand by employers as specified in Section

B.18.3(a).

b. Pre-instructional assessment that delineates an individual’s mastery level on the specific employability skills.

c. Targeted instructional program limited to those identified employability skills in which the individual is not proficient as measured by the pre-instructional assessment and/or the Assessments. Instruction must utilize a web-based program and be customizable to meet identified specific needs of employers.

d. Credential and portfolio awarded to individuals upon successful completion of the instruction. Each portfolio must delineate the employability skills demonstrated by the individual as evidence of the individual’s preparation for employment.

A credential shall be awarded to an individual who successfully passes the Assessments according to the selected Contractor’s scoring model, as approved by DEO.

• Tab 3 – Technical Requirements – Explain how the following items will be handled in your response.

a) Project Design

1. Components – Describe how the Respondent will provide the Florida Ready to

Work Credential Program components designed to meet the needs outlined in Section C, Scope of Work, including individual pre- and post-instruction assessments, curriculum, and instruction.

(a) Describe how the preinstructional assessment identifies an individual’s mastery level for the employability skill being assessed.

(b) Describe how the instructional program targets the identified employability skills in which the individual is not proficient in as measured by the preinstructional assessment.

(c) Describe the assessments and process used to validate the items that are linked to the employability skills listed in section B.18.3(a).

(d) Describe how the web-based program is customizable to meet identified specific needs of employers.

(e) Describe appropriate measures to ensure user verification.

(f) Up to 20 points within the A.3., Tab 3 - Technical Requirements (Project

Design) section of Attachment H, Evaluation Criteria, will be awarded to Respondents that propose the use of other targeted assessments in

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

DEO Solicitation No.: 23-RFP-003-CM, Page 16 of 61 addition to the Assessments listed in section B.18.3(a). Such additional assessments are to be of comparable rigor to the Assessments listed in section B.18.3(a) and may be introduced immediately or phased-in over the course of the Contract.

2. Project Implementation – Describe how the project will be implemented.

(a) Describe how the Florida Ready to Work Credential Program will be implemented statewide.

(b) Describe the timeline for implementation that covers all aspects of the requirements for the Program.

(c) Describe the web-based assessment system, including how individuals will access the system to complete each of the Assessments.

(d) Describe the communication and coordination process among, and between, web-based assessment system providers, and DEO identified stakeholders and partners.

(e) Describe how the Respondent’s proposed web-based assessment system will confirm the individual’s mastery of employability skills and issue and distribute credentials.

(f) Describe how the web-based assessment system can be used by employers to validate credential information.

(g) Describe the instructional delivery system in terms of how to optimize delivery of the system to all participating individuals.

(h) Describe the technology standards required for the web-based Assessments and instruction, which must be compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

(i) Describe the methods of reporting scores on the Assessments to individuals and facilitators that are clear and comprehensive.

(j) Describe how the proposed Assessment system solution will interface with existing workforce systems, to include the State’s online labor exchange and case management system, Employ Florida, or its successor, and other programs in Florida.

3. Training – Describe how the Respondent will provide training.

(a) Describe how comprehensive training will be provided for instructors/facilitators. Training may be provided in-person, remotely, virtually, or a combination thereof, as approved by DEO.

4. Technical Assistance – Describe how the Respondent will provide technical assistance throughout the term of…