Request for Proposal 1605C2-21-R-00006 Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

CAS

S-4307 200 Constitution Ave, NW Customer Acquisition Services US Department of Labor

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

611513

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORCAS

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

09/09/2021

Christopher Capers (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

10/18/2021 05:00 P.M. ES

b. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

1605C2-21-R-00006

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 70 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

Washington DC 20210

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

Washington DC 20210 S-4307 200 Constitution Ave, NW Customer Acquisition Services

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$8.00

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

US Department of Labor

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

The Department of Labor (DOL), on behalf of The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Office of Apprenticeship (OA), has a requirement for a contractor to provide Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries Services as defined in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Period of 12 months from the date of award and three (3) 12-month option periods.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

VALERIE S. PICKARD

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

1630-OAA-22-CTR-0001

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

CLARIFYING QUESTIONS ARE DUE BY 2:00 PM EST ON

9/20/2021

ANY DISCOUNT TERMS IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED

QUOTES ARE DUE PER BLOCK 8 ON THIS FORM

0001 Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Base Period

Product/Service Code: U006

1001 Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Option Period One [1]

(Option Line Item)

(Anticipated Option Exercise Date)

Product/Service Code: U006

2001 Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Option Period Two [2]

(Option Line Item)

(Anticipated Option Exercise Date)

Product/Service Code: U006

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

70 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 70

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

1605C2-21-R-00006

3001 Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Option Period Three [3]

(Option Line Item)

(Anticipated Option Exercise Date)

Product/Service Code: U006

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Performance Work Statement (PWS) | Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Solicitation # 1605C2-21-R-00006

B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

C - REQUIREMENTS / PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

D – CONTRACT CLAUSES

E - SOLICITATIONS PROVISIONS

through Industry Intermediaries

Solicitation # 1605C2-21-R-00006

Section B: Supplies or Services and Prices

BASE PERIOD

OPTION PERIOD 1

DESCRIPTION OF WORK QUANTITY UNIT RATE SUBTOTALS TOTAL

BASE PERIOD

Project Director 130 HR

Project Manager 1500 HR

Senior Subject Matter Expert 1200 HR

Subject Matter Expert 2200 HR

Analyst 2000 HR

Facilitator 500 HR

Marketing and Business Development Specialist 2200 HR

Web Developer 1120 HR

Clerical/Admin Support 625 HR

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Supplies and Materials

Travel

Consultants Fees

Subcontracts

Incentive Funding

Base Period TOTAL:

DESCRIPTION OF WORK QUANTITY UNIT RATE SUBTOTALS TOTAL

OPTION PERIOD 1

Project Director 130 HR

Project Manager 1500 HR

Senior Subject Matter Expert 1200 HR

Subject Matter Expert 2200 HR

Analyst 2000 HR

Facilitator 500 HR

Marketing and Business Development Specialist 2200 HR

Web Developer 1120 HR

Clerical/Admin Support 625 HR

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Supplies and Materials

Travel

Consultants Fees

Subcontracts

Incentive Funding

Period 1 TOTAL:

Solicitation # 1605C2-21-R-00006

OPTION PERIOD 2

OPTION PERIOD 3

DESCRIPTION OF WORK QUANTITY UNIT RATE SUBTOTALS TOTAL

OPTION PERIOD 2

Project Director 130 HR

Project Manager 1500 HR

Senior Subject Matter Expert 1200 HR

Subject Matter Expert 2200 HR

Analyst 2000 HR

Facilitator 500 HR

Marketing and Business Development Specialist 2200 HR

Web Developer 1120 HR

Clerical/Admin Support 625 HR

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Supplies and Materials

Travel

Consultants Fees

Subcontracts

Incentive Funding

Period 2 TOTAL:

GRAND TOTAL TOTAL ORDER ESTIMATE:

DESCRIPTION OF WORK QUANTITY UNIT RATE SUBTOTALS TOTAL

OPTION PERIOD 3

Project Director 130 HR

Project Manager 1500 HR

Senior Subject Matter Expert 1200 HR

Subject Matter Expert 2200 HR

Analyst 2000 HR

Facilitator 500 HR

Marketing and Business Development Specialist 2200 HR

Web Developer 1120 HR

Clerical/Admin Support 625 HR

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Supplies and Materials

Travel

Consultants Fees

Subcontracts

Incentive Funding

Period 3 TOTAL:

GRAND TOTAL TOTAL ORDER ESTIMATE:

Section C: Requirements / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Office of Apprenticeship (OA) within the Department of Labor’s Employment and

Training Administration (ETA) proposes to award up to four new contracts to Industry

Intermediaries to launch, promote, and expand multi-employer Registered Apprenticeship models in non-traditional industries and occupations that shall: 1) scale Registered

Apprenticeship Program (RAP) expansion opportunities in critical industries including those that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including those that have not traditionally used apprenticeship to meet employer and sector needs; 2) increase the percentage of Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for under-represented populations, specifically women and people of color (See Note 1 of this section); and 3) leverage existing Registered Apprenticeship stakeholder resources and promising practices to support the long-term sustainability of programs developed through this initiative after project completion.

Note 1: Under-represented populations, for the purposes of this work, is defined as a person with disabilities, women, a person currently or formerly incarcerated, youth, minorities (i.e., Indian and Native Americans, Hispanic, African Americans, among others), and others depending on the industry and specific occupations. Additionally, this

RFP targets Veterans as an under-served population to be considered for inclusion in

Apprenticeship program recruitment. This may include veterans that fall within under-represented populations (as defined above), as well as veterans that do not fall within under-represented populations.

COVID 19 has adversely impacted several supply chain and care economy and service-focused industries and sectors. Intermediaries are uniquely positioned to engage and convene employers in these industries to promote Registered Apprenticeship models that help address the workforce challenges pandemic conditions have created. Through this effort, in coordination with OA, Intermediaries will be expected to engage leaders from throughout target industries to encourage their participation in Apprenticeship

Accelerator convenings to increase awareness of the advantages of Registered

Apprenticeship models that train and prepare workers for careers in sectors and occupations impacted by COVID-19, and to address talent needs for new occupations across target sectors.

Apprenticeship Accelerator meetings are a proven model that offers expertise and assistance to businesses, as well as other potential sponsors, in target industries to jump-start the development of Registered Apprenticeship programs. Accelerators also help employers within target industries identify resources and connect with partners that provide experience in the development and sustainability of Registered Apprenticeship program models that offer the rigor and flexibility required to meet industry training and talent needs, and to create viable career pathways for U.S. workers, including those from under-represented populations. The ultimate goal of an Accelerator meeting is to reduce the time needed to develop and register an apprenticeship program through increased awareness and advanced technical assistance. Intermediaries will host Accelerator meetings and develop resources to engage and educate stakeholders on the registration process.

Expanding the use of apprenticeship remains a priority for ETA, including bolstering

Registered Apprenticeship training opportunities within U.S. industries and sub-sectors where Registered Apprenticeship has not been readily adopted. OA intends to increase the use of engagement convenings that offer apprenticeship stakeholders from within target sectors the opportunity to connect with other industry leaders and Registered

Apprenticeship experts to promote knowledge sharing, and to enable industry, OA and the Department, to help address the quickly-changing talent and training needs industries face in today’s economy.

As described in the June 8, 2021, White House announcement on establishment of a

Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to help address supply chain challenges, “These efforts are critical because, as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have shown, structural weaknesses in both domestic and international supply chains threaten America’s economic and national security.” In response to the White House climate initiatives, OA is also targeting manufacturing of energy-related materials and products, including clean energy vehicles (e.g. transportation equipment manufacturing).

Funds to be awarded come from the authority provided in the Department’s Fiscal Year

2021 appropriation, which provides funds to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Funds must be used to support the expansion of RAPs.

Current Apprenticeship Intermediaries under contract with the Department cannot apply as the prime contractor, but may be included as a partner organization.

For the purposes of this Request for Proposals (RFP), target industries include those adversely affected by COVID-19 impacts. Target industries include, but are not limited to, the industries in the table below:

Figure 1

Industry Sectors NAICS Code Link

Care Economy covered by Social

Assistance including, but not limited to:

Individual and Family Services including for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

Community Food and Housing and

Emergency and Other Relief Services

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Child Day Care Services

Individual and Family Services including for the

Elderly and Persons with Disabilities NAICS 6241 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624100.ht m

Community Food and Housing and Emergency and

Other Relief Services NAICS 6242 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624200.ht

Vocational Rehabilitation Services NAICS 6243 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624300.ht

Child Day Care Services NAICS 6244 https://www.bls.gov/oes/cur rent/naics4_624300.htm

Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution to include hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass and utilities

NAICS 2211

https://www.bls.gov/oes/cur rent/naics4_221100.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624100.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624100.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624200.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624200.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_221100.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_221100.htm

Key supply chain industry sectors including, but not limited to:

Semiconductors

Advanced batteries

Critical Minerals and Strategic

Materials)

Pharmaceuticals and active ingredients

Transportation Equipment

Manufacturing

Other sectors critical to supply chain

Semiconductors - NAICS 3344 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_334400.ht

Advanced batteries NAICS 335911 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_335900.ht

Critical Minerals and Strategic Materials - NAICS

2122, 2123, and 541360:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_212200.ht m https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_212300.ht m https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_541300.ht

Pharmaceuticals and active ingredients - NAICS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_325400.ht

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing - NAICS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_336000.ht m

Transportation and Logistics

Operations for supply chain distribution, including Air, Rail, Water, and support activities

NAICS 48

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_48-49.htm

Air:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_481000.

htm

Rail:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_482000.

Water:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_483000.

Support activities:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_334400.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_334400.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_335900.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_335900.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_212200.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_212200.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_212300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_212300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_541300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_541300.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_325400.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_325400.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_336000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_336000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_481000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_482000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_483000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_488000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_488000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_48-49.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_481000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_481000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_482000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_482000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_483000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_483000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_488000.

NAICS 493

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_493000.ht

“Industry Intermediary,” for the purposes of this work, is defined as an entity which serves as a conduit between employers, as well as other industry partners, and OA to accelerate Registered Apprenticeship program development, and help broker new sector-based apprenticeship partnerships at the regional and national level. Intermediaries are uniquely positioned to convene employers within an industry or sub-sector to determine national workforce trends, to work with employers across state lines (particularly employers with a nationwide footprint) in the creation of apprenticeship programs

(particularly competency-based programs), and to accelerate Registered Apprenticeship’s market penetration in growing areas of the U.S. economy.

While Industry Intermediaries are a key partner in the modern apprenticeship system, it is critical for entities to collaborate with:

OA and State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAA) on steps for program approval, registration, etc.;

Public workforce systems (e.g., identifying pipelines of potential apprentices);

Higher education institutions (e.g., leveraging capacity for classroom training); and

Other partners that can bring industry expertise.

This collaboration will reduce duplication of efforts and ensure the core customers of the apprenticeship system, namely employers and apprentices, are served efficiently.

Contractor shall recruit and enroll a minimum of 600 new Registered Apprentices over the 12- month base period of performance. Over the first two years of the contract (i.e.

base year plus Option Year 1 ), Contractor shall enroll a total of 1,500 new Registered

Apprentices, an average of 750 Registered Apprentices per year).

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_488000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_488000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_493000.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics3_493000.htm

Contractor shall enroll a minimum of 750 Registered Apprentices regionally [3 or more states] or nationally in each additional Option Year (up to 3 Option Years). Additionally, contractor shall commit to: 1) Engaging employers and industry, including increasing the number of employer contacts within the industry or sub-sector; 2) Leveraging key partnerships; 3) Reducing program development time for key occupations in the industry and launching new RAPs; and 4) Increasing the number of new apprentices, particularly those from under-represented populations.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction:

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform task as defined in this

Performance Work Statement, except as Specified in section C-3 as government furnished property and services at Contractor’s location. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2. Background:

Registered Apprenticeship provides a proven pathway to sustainable careers for workers seeking high-skilled and high-paying jobs, and for employers seeking to train, promote, and retain a highly productive workforce. Through this effort, DOL maintains its focus on expanding the use of Registered Apprenticeship to provide onramps for U.S. workers to prepare for in-demand occupations in industries that offer good-quality jobs that pay prevailing wages in a safe and healthy workplace, including in critical industries impacted by COVID-19. To help close the pay gap and ensure U.S. companies maintain a competitive advantage in today’s global economy, the Department is committed to continuing the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, and the use of pre-apprenticeship as a pathway to Registered Apprenticeship, for workers across industries throughout the U.S. through targeted investments and initiatives. These investments will also support strategies that expand access to sustainable career pathways for under-represented populations.

1.3. Objectives:

Industry Intermediaries that receive awards shall conduct activities that:

Result in new employer and new industry commitments to recruit and train new apprentices;

Advance and scale existing RAP models;

Design new RAP models;

Design innovative new strategies to reach under-represented populations which create new talent pipelines for in-demand occupations;

Work directly with federal and state staff (including the Department’s Office of

Apprenticeship, SAAs, Veterans' Employment & Training Service, Women’s Bureau, the

Office of Disability Employment Policy, and other federal and state partners);

Connect with other federal Registered Apprenticeship initiatives and stakeholders, including other Registered Apprenticeship Intermediaries, and DOL / ETA grantees;

Conduct partnership activities with other workforce system partners and higher education;

Accelerate expansion of the Registered Apprenticeship model in industries and sub-sectors that have not traditionally used apprenticeship; and

Leverage partner and stakeholder resources, including other DOL / ETA grantees, to sustain programs and initiatives developed through this funding after project completion.

1.4. Scope:

Through this effort, the Department’s goal is to continue to develop and expand a national Registered Apprenticeship infrastructure that: 1) links common industry employers together in support of Registered Apprenticeship development, 2) supports the development of replicable Registered Apprenticeship standards across an industry, 3) provides value-added technical assistance and outreach to employers in support of increasing the use of the Registered Apprenticeship model across target industries and sub-sectors, and 4) expands Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for under-represented populations.

OA intends to invest in Industry Intermediaries (e.g., industry associations, unions, state labor councils, joint labor-management organizations, workforce intermediaries, and others) for sector-based outreach and technical assistance to support and scale RAP development, to accelerate innovation in high-growth industries (See Figure 1 of the

Overview section of this RFP for the list of target industries), and to expand in industries that have not traditionally used the Registered Apprenticeship model.

Each intermediary’s performance will be evaluated on their ability to enroll a minimum of 600 new Registered Apprentices over the 12- month base period of performance. Over the first two years of the contract (i.e. base year plus Option Year 1), Contractor shall enroll a total of 1,500 new Registered Apprentices, an average of 750 Registered

Apprentices per year). Contractor shall enroll a minimum of 750 Registered Apprentices regionally [3 or more states] or nationally in each additional Option Year (up to 3 Option

Years).

Industry Intermediaries will also be expected to enroll at least 50% of apprentices from under-represented populations, comprised of at least two target populations) (See Note 1 of the Overview section for list of target populations).

Note 1:

The Department’s overall goal under this contract opportunity is for Registered

Apprenticeship Intermediaries to launch, promote, and expand multi-employer

Registered Apprenticeship models regionally (3 or more states) or nationally with employers and/or other sponsors.

Note 2:

For this Statement of Work (SOW), contractor shall identify one primary industry from the list of target industries as described in Figure 1 of the Overview section of this RFP.

through Industry Intermediaries

Solicitation # 1605C2-21-R-00006

1.5. Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Period of 12 months and three (3)

12-month option periods.

The Government reserves the right to extend the term of this contract at the prices set forth in Section B in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in clause

52.217-9 entitled, “Option to Extend the Term of the Contract.”

1.6. General Information

Quality Control:

If necessary, the contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, “Performance Requirements Summary.” After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system. The QC plan shall be delivered by the contractor no later than 30 days of contract award.

Quality Assurance:

The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

Government Remedies:

The contracting officer shall follow FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items” or 52.246-4, “Inspection of Services-Fixed Price” for contractor’s failure to perform satisfactory services or failure to correct non-conforming services.

Recognized Holidays:

Contractor is not required to perform services on these days Holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day

Independence Day

Hours of Operation/Place of Performance:

The contractor is responsible for conducting performance under the awarded contracts between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, except Federal holidays or when the

Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this statement of work when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. Telecommuting or

“work at home” is authorized under this contract.

Type of Contract:

The government anticipates award of a Time and Materials contract.

Security Requirements:

The Government shall exercise full and complete control over granting, withholding, or cancelling clearances for contract employees. The Government may grant temporary clearances to employees of the Contractor; however, the granting of a temporary clearance shall not be considered an assurance that full clearance shall in no way prevent, preclude, or bar the withdrawal or termination of any such clearances by the department.

Physical Security.

The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

Background Investigations

Individual contractors on task with this order may be required to submit information for security and background prescreening sufficient to meet Homeland Security Presidential

Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements.

The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12

(HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24, and Federal

Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

The Contractor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the subcontractor is required to have physical access to a federally-controlled facility or access to a Federal information system.

Key Control.

If applicable, the Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards.

No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the Quality

Control Plan.

Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the Contracting Officer.

1.6.7.2.1. Lost Keys

In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the Contracting Officer, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks;

however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

1.6.7.2.2. Key Use

The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than

Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer.

Lock Combinations.

If applicable, the Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan.

Conservation of Utilities.

If necessary, the contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices.

The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities, which include turning off the water faucets or valves after using the required amount to accomplish cleaning vehicles and equipment.

Special Qualifications:

The personnel listed below are considered essential to the work being performed hereunder.

Prior to substituting, removing, and replacing any of the key personnel, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer 10 working days in advance and shall submit a written request and justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this Contract. The proposed substitution of personnel must meet or exceed the education, experience, and other technical requirements of the personnel being replaced and position must be filled within 14 days of being vacated. No change in personnel shall be made by the Contractor without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. Resumes of proposed replacement must be provided to the

Government for review. The Government must approve the replacement candidate in writing before he/she can start work.

Before removing, replacing, or diverting any of the listed or specified personnel, the

Contractor shall:

1. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) at least 14 calendar days in advance;

2. Submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract; and

3. Obtain the COR’s written approval.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Contractor deems immediate removal or suspension of any member of its management team is necessary to fulfill its obligation to maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, and integrity under the clause at 48 CFR 970.5203–3, Contractor's Organization, the Contractor may remove or suspend such person at once, although the Contractor must notify COR prior to, or concurrently with, such action.

At the point of contract award, key personnel must be identified. Contractor is expected to be at full staff capacity at time of award.

a) The list of personnel may, with the consent of the contracting parties, be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to add or delete necessary or required labor categories.

b) List of Key Personnel for this contract:

1. Project Director

2. Project Manager

3. Subject Matter Expert

4. Marketing and Business Development

KEY PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS:

Project Director: Individual with overall responsibility for the project, including quality assurance; serves as the main point of contact with OA relating to contractual obligations. The

Project Director should have at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project management, to be included in resume, especially with regard to the following:

Leadership - Providing oversight and direction to a team of staff;

Contracts - Interpreting contracts, ensures responsiveness and achieves successful performance; this may include subject matter and specific technical knowledge; and

Management - Establishing schedules, meets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of project (including budgets).

Project Manager: Individual whose primary role on the project team is an expert and can conduct the primary tasks described in the statement of work; Project Manager should have at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project management, to be included in resume, especially with regard to the following:

Leadership - Providing oversight and direction to a team of staff;

Contracts - Interpreting contracts, work requirements, ensures responsiveness and achieves successful performance; this may include subject matter and specific technical knowledge;

Analysis - Assisting in analysis, evaluation, and implementation of projects/goals;

Management - Establishing schedules, meets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of project (including budgets); and

Reporting - Preparing reports for senior management regarding status of projects.

Subject Matter Expert (SME): Individual whose primary role on the project team is as a subject matter expert for Task C.4 (Tasks 2- 9); SME should have at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, to be included in resume, to conduct the primary tasks described in the SOW, especially within the following areas:

Familiarity with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures under Tasks 2-

9;

Writing, editing, and proofreading content for sponsors, employers, apprentices, and other stakeholders; ensuring that final products meet certain content standard;

Applies data-driven strategies to process and implementation of tasks listed within the

SOW;

Sense of creativity and innovation; and

Facilitating in-person or virtual training/meetings as necessary in meeting SOW objective.

Marketing and Business Development: Individual whose primary role on the project team is as a subject matter expert for Task C.4 (Tasks 2- 9); Marketing and Business Development staff should have at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, to be included in resume, to conduct the primary tasks described in the SOW, especially within the following areas:

Market - Researching and developing new opportunities to meet SOW objective;

Outreach - Contacting potential sponsors, employers, and other stakeholders to establish partnerships and facilitate strategies discussions on the expansion of Registered

Apprenticeship;

Awareness - Attending conferences and industry events to meet objective of SOW; and

Sustainability - Educating existing and new stakeholders on the value of Registered

Apprenticeship.

REMAINDER OF PERSONNEL - POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Senior Subject Matter Expert: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level or higher) and/or relevant experience (ten years with a degree and fifteen years without a degree) as described within the SOW.

Analyst: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level) and/or relevant experience (two years with a degree and four years without a degree) to conduct, generally under supervision, the primary tasks described in the SOW.

Facilitator: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level) and/or relevant experience (five years with a degree and ten years without a degree) to perform tasks described within the SOW.

Web Developer: Individual qualified by education (bachelor’s level) and/or relevant experience

(three years with a degree and five years without a degree).

Clerical/Admin Support: Individual qualified by education (associate’s level) and/or relevant experience (three years with a degree and five years without a degree) and possessing strong editing and writing skills.

Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings:

The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition

Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative

(COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

A COR will be delegated under separate cover.

Contract Manager:

The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

Identification of Contractor Employees:

All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. If required, all contractor personnel shall be required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of this order.

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

DEFINITIONS

Best Effort: That effort expended by the contractor to perform within the awarded ceiling price all work specified in this acquisition and all other obligations under this acquisition. This effort includes providing required qualified personnel, properly supervised, and following industry accepted methodologies and other practices. The effort is further characterized by operating at all times with the Government’s best interest in mind, using efficient and effective methods, and demonstrating sound cost control. The effort must be identical to the effort that would be expended if this were a firm-fixed price acquisition and the contractor’s profits were dependent upon reducing costs while meeting the Government’s requirements in terms and quality and schedule.

Failure to provide this required effort may result in the withholding of payment for hours expended that do not qualify as best effort or a reduction in the rate per hour to reflect decreased value of services received.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A representative from the requiring activity assigned by the Contracting Officer to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the contractor

Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the Performance Work Statement.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement.

ACRONYMS

CO - Contracting Officer

COR - Contracting Officer's Representative

CFR – Code of Federal Regulation

CTE - Career and Technical Education

DHS - Department of Homeland Security

DOL - Department of Labor

EEO - Equal Employment Opportunity

ETA – Employment and Training Administration

FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulation

FIPS PUB - Federal Information Processing Standards Publication

FOIA - Freedom of Information Act

FPM – Federal Project Manager

HSPD - Homeland Security Presidential Directive

IT - Information Technology

LWDB – Local Workforce Development Board

NPS – National Program Standards

NGS – National Guideline Standards

OA – Office of Apprenticeship

O&M - Operations and Maintenance

OMB - Office of Management and Budget

OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

RFP – Request for Proposal

SAA – State Apprenticeship Agencies

SME – Subject Matter Expert

TA – Technical Assistance

PII - Personally Identifiable Information

PIV - Personal Identity Verification

PMP - Project Management Plan

PRS – Performance Requirement Summary

PWS - Performance Work Statement

QASP - Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

QCP - Quality Control Plan

WIOA - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT,

AND SERVICES

3.1 General:

The government shall provide, the facilities, equipment, materials, and/or services listed below.

3.2 Equipment:

T If applicable, the Government will provide laptop and necessary software to perform this task order.

If applicable and available, the Government will provide working space including furniture, computers, network connections, and telephone access for official work-related calls only. Appropriate software will be provided on-site for use in task completion.

The Contractor shall keep and maintain an inventory of Government-furnished equipment, which shall be made available to the Federal Program Manager upon request.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the Security and Integrity of any GFE and any data it contains used off-site, with prior approval from the Government.

3.3 Services:

3.3.1 Utilities.

If applicable, all utilities in the facility will be available for the contractor’s use in performance of duties outlined in this PWS. The Contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities.

3.4 Facilities:

If required, the Government will furnish the necessary workspace for the contractor staff to provide the support outlined in this PWS to include desk space, telephones, computers and other items necessary to maintain an office environment.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1 General:

Except for those items specifically stated to be government furnished in Part 3, the contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this PWS.

4.2 Clearance:

The Contractor shall possess or be eligible to receive and maintain a Public Trust clearance. The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a Public Trust security clearance.

See Section 1.6.7 “Security Consideration”

PART 5 SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Basic Services:

The contractor shall provide sufficient personnel in number, training and qualifications to perform the PWS requirements. The Government will NOT pay costs associated with contractor employees to attend training in order to meet the education, certification, and experience requirements of this order.

Contractor shall propose at least the following tasks, but may include additional tasks that will support the project objectives:

Task 1– Project Management. Contractor shall provide overall project management, and maintain regular communication with ETA/OA staff, to ensure timely and quality completion of all project deliverables.

Task 1 includes:

Participate in a contract kickoff meeting in Washington, D.C.;

Develop and submit a project work plan (see tasks 2-9 below). Work plan shall consist of work to be completed annually, and be maintained, updated, and submitted annually throughout the period of performance;

Participate in regular calls with ETA and other stakeholders regarding project status, and progress on project deliverables;

Participate in in-person and/or virtual (ad-hoc, monthly, quarterly, yearly) meetings with OA to present on status of project and deliverables;

Work with ETA/OA to develop and approve post-ready materials for public dissemination;

Enter accurate and timely data into ETA systems (e.g. Salesforce (customer relationship management system), Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information

Database (RAPIDS) (registration system), etc.) as determined by OA. Data may include new accounts, contact info, outcomes and information related to project calls and meetings, event-related activities and outcomes, marketing and outreach materials, webinar links, and PowerPoint presentations;

Note 1: The Department continues its efforts to encourage all States and sponsors to report individual data in the RAPIDS system administered by the Department’s Office of

Apprenticeship. Sponsors supported by intermediaries are able to leverage RAPIDS and support the Department’s efforts to centralize data on apprentices and programs across the nation and across all industries.

Ensure ETA/OA approval is obtained on project deliverables and final products planned for dissemination;

Provide status reports (ad-hoc, monthly, quarterly, yearly, and final project) on contract activities and deliverables completed for the specified reporting period. Status reports should include, but are not limited to, updates on outreach and informational sessions to partners, number of new registered apprentices enrolled, number of new RAPs developed, and number of new Registered Apprenticeship standards developed, table listing completed deliverables, and events and related outcomes, etc. (format and template of status reporting is to be determined in coordination with OA);

Provide all deliverables intended for public dissemination to ETA/OA in “post-ready” and “editable electronic” format at least fifteen (15) business days before the last day of the contract, or by an OA-specified due date;

Submit an Annual Report at least 15 days prior to the end of each contract year, detailing activities, accomplishments, challenges, and any recommendations for improvement; and

Submit a final project-end report detailing the project results, best practices, and challenges identified throughout the project.

Task 2 – Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment. Contractor shall develop and implement outreach and recruitment strategies (in coordination with the Department) for their industry sector(s) to reach a variety of stakeholders (e.g., employers, industry associations, labor unions, Registered Apprenticeship Intermediaries, and workforce and educational entities) to increase awareness of the value of Registered Apprenticeship and to promote gender, racial, ethnic, and other demographic diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship occupations. All activities and outcomes shall be tracked in Salesforce. Outreach and informational sessions include, but are not limited to, in-person meetings, conference presentations, employer engagement accelerators, etc.

Task 2 includes:

Conduct a minimum of 100 individual outreach and informational sessions per year to employers, labor organizations, and other potential sponsors, and track outcomes including the number of people engaged and RAP adoption as a result of these sessions;

Conduct a minimum of 100 outreach and informational sessions per year to a range of other public and private potential partners, including but not limited to, workforce and educational organizations, community-based organizations, SAA partners, and other workforce intermediaries on the value and benefits of Registered Apprenticeship, and track outcomes including the number of people engaged and RAP adoption as a result of these sessions;

Conduct a minimum of 50 outreach and informational sessions per year to high-schools and 2- and 4-year educational institutions to promote youth apprenticeship and alignment with secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and/or programs of study, and track outcomes, including the number of people engaged, and

RAP adoption as a result of these sessions;

Conduct a minimum of 120 outreach and informational sessions per year to minority-serving organizations.