RFP # 17 Art Employment 2024 Admin Doc Amend 10-12-23.docx

STATE OF IDAHO

DIVISION OF PURCHASING

FOR THE

Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Art Employment Program 2024

RFP # 17

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RFP ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

RFP Title:

Art Employment Program 2024

RFP Project Description:

Art Employment Program for Students with Disabilities

RFP Lead:

Michael Piccono, Buyer Division of Purchasing 650 W State St, RM 100, Boise ID, 83702 Michael.Piccono@adm.idaho.gov 208-332-1612

IPRO IOGIN

Pre-Proposal Conference Date/Time:

Pre-Proposal Conference Location:

Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 2:00 PM Mountain Time

Virtually via Microsoft Teams

Deadline to Receive Questions:

Friday, October 6, 2023, by 11:59:59 PM MT

RFP Closing Date:

See IPRO Header Document

Public Opening Date:

See IPRO Header Document

Initial Term of Contract and Renewals:

Initial term one (1) year. Upon mutual, written agreement, the Contract may be renewed, extended or amended. The anticipated total Contract term is five (5) years.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE DETAILED IN PARAGRAPH 5 OF THE STATE’S STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS WILL NOT APPLY TO THE CONTRACT(S) THAT RESULT FROM THIS SOLICITATION.

OVERVIEW

1.1. Purpose

The Division of Purchasing (DOP), on behalf of the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR), is seeking an Art Employment Program that utilizes teaching artists, local businesses, and the arts to develop critical skills in students with disabilities for employment and postsecondary success.

1.2. Definitions

Idaho Division of Vocation Rehabilitation (IDVR) means the state of Idaho agency whose mission is to assist people with disabilities prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment.

Area Transition Counselor (ATC)

Student: Means a student aged fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21), who is eligible for, and receiving special education or related services under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and/or is an individual with a disability, for purposes of 29 U.S.C. § 794 (Section 504).

Student Evaluation: Means a summary report of the results compiled from Individual Student Reports completed during the program, including student and employer feedback.

Release of Information (ROI): Means a document signed by the student/parents that allows IDVR and the Contractor to share project-specific student data and release completed Evaluations. Student will either have an ROI as a part of their open VR case, as a part of an Open Pre-Case, or it is included as a part of the IDVR Request for Pre-Employment Transition Services form that each student completes to get an open Pre-Case.

Workplace Readiness Training (WRT): Means training to develop social skills and independent living skills that employers seek from most employees. Work readiness skills are a set of skills and behaviors that are necessary for any job. Work readiness skills are sometimes called soft skills, employability skills, or job readiness skills. These abilities help employees learn how to interact with supervisors and co-workers. They help reinforce the importance of timeliness and build an understanding of how people are perceived by others.

Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE): Means an educational approach or instructional methodology that uses the workplace or real work to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities. It is essential that direct employer or community involvement be a component of the WBLE to ensure in-depth student engagement. These opportunities are meant to engage, motivate and augment the learning process. These WBLE opportunities can be done in conjunction with private, for-profit, public or nonprofit businesses in your community and/or through web-based resources. In addition, work-based learning requires in-depth engagement of youth and an evaluation of acquired work relevant skills.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WOIA): Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and now requires vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to set aside at least 15% of their federal funds to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to "Students with Disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services." Required “Pre-Employment Transition Services” as defined in WIOA, include the following:

· Job exploration counseling.

· Work-based learning experiences, which may include in school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible.

· Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education.

· Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living; and

· Instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring.

1.3. Background Information

The Art Employment Program utilizes teaching artists, local businesses, and the arts to develop critical skills in students with disabilities for employment and postsecondary success. Students work with the business community to secure a job creating commercial art. Program administration will provide Workplace Readiness Training (WRT) and Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) through a variety of activities to a specific number of students for each event conducted in an IDVR Customer Center area. IDVR Customer Center areas are identified in Section 5.6.

The federal Rehabilitation Services Administration requires IDVR to spend fifteen percent (15%) of its funding on Pre-Employment Transition Services to benefit students with disabilities as defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA). IDVR must provide benefit to Idaho students who: have disabilities, are aged fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21), are eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and/or are an individual with a disability, for purposes of 29 U.S.C. § 794 (Section 504). Work Based Learning Experience (WBLE) and Work Readiness Training (WRT) are part of WIOA required “Pre-Employment Transition Services.” The Art Employment Program will provide WBLE and WRT as part of program activities, assist students to obtain valuable skills that employers are looking for, and connect youth with disabilities to organizations that provide them with meaningful employment opportunities.

1.4. Desired Outcomes

1.4.1. Students will be connected to organizations that provide them with meaningful employment opportunities. The students will obtain valuable skills that employers are looking for, not the least of which is learning to work in collaborative teams. Some may go on to seek careers in the arts or a related field.

1.4.2. Students with disabilities will discover their strengths, increase self-confidence, develop a greater sense of awareness of others and employers’ expectations, achieve personal success, and change the perceptions of the greater community about employment of people with disabilities.

1.4.3. Students, teachers, and teaching artists will evaluate their individual growth and learning in the program as well as the program itself.

1.5. Resulting Contract

If the State awards a contract from this Solicitation, it will do so by issuing a Contract Purchase Order (CPO) document from the State’s eProcurement system, IPRO, which will be an acceptance of the successful offer. The Contract will be comprised of that contract document; this RFP, including any incorporated documents; the successful Proposal, including any clarifications requested by the state of Idaho (State); and an artifact formalizing any requirements agreed upon through contract discussions or negotiations, if applicable.

The following documents are incorporated into this RFP as if set out in their entirety, whether or not they are attached in IPRO:

· Solicitation Instructions for Vendor

· Standard Contract Terms and Conditions

If not attached in IPRO, the documents may be found on the “Information for Vendors” page of DOP’s website, www.purchasing.idaho.gov. If multiple versions of any of these documents are available on the website, the version in effect on the day the RFP was issued shall apply.

2.

QUESTIONS

2.1. Restrictions on Communications

From the issue date of this RFP, until a contract is awarded, or the RFP is cancelled, vendors are prohibited from communications regarding this RFP with the IDVR staff, evaluation committee members, or other associated individuals, except the Division of Purchasing.

2.2. Pre-Proposal Conference

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held virtually on the day and time as indicated in Section 1, page 1 of this RFP. This will be your opportunity to ask questions, in person, with the IDVR staff. All parties interested are invited to participate either by attending the conference virtually or by an established call in number. Those choosing to participate must pre-register to receive phone conferencing and meeting details by submitting the completed Attachment 1 - Pre-Proposal Conference Registration Form via email to the RFP Lead. Parties interested are asked to register by 5:00 PM Sept 28th, 2023. Any oral answers given by the State during the pre-proposal conference are unofficial and will not be binding on the State. Conference attendance is at the participant’s own expense.

2.3. Questions

2.3.1. This solicitation is issued via the State’s e-Procurement system, IPRO (https://solutions.sciquest.com/apps/Router/SupplierLogin?CustOrg=StateofIdaho. The RFP Lead is the only contact for this Solicitation. All correspondence must be in writing. In the event that it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, amendments will be posted at IPRO. It is the responsibility of parties interested in this RFP to monitor IPRO for any updates or amendments. Any oral interpretations or clarifications of this RFP must not be relied upon. All changes to this RFP will be in writing and must be posted to IPRO to be valid.

2.3.2. Questions or other correspondence must be submitted in writing to the RFP Lead (see contact information in the RFP Administrative Information, page 1). QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59:59 P.M. MOUNTAIN TIME ON THE DATE LISTED IN THE RFP ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION.

2.3.3. Written questions must be submitted using Attachment 2 - Offeror Questions. Official answers to all written questions will be posted on IPRO as an amendment to this RFP.

2.4. Vendor Proposed Modifications and Exceptions to Requirements, Terms, and Conditions

2.4.1. Vendors must submit any proposed modifications to the requirements, terms, or conditions of the RFP on Attachment 2 - Offeror Questions prior to the deadline to submit questions. Questions regarding these requirements must contain the following:

· The rationale for the specific requirement being unacceptable to the party submitting the question (define the deficiency).

· Recommended verbiage for the State’s consideration that is consistent in content, context, and form with the State’s requirement that is being questioned.

· Explanation of how the State’s acceptance of the recommended verbiage is fair and equitable to both the State and to the party submitting the question.

2.4.2. In the event that a Proposal contains modifications or exceptions to any Solicitation requirements, terms, or conditions which are not addressed during the question and answer period, they must be identified and submitted on Attachment 3 - Modification and Exception Form and must contain the same information outlined in Section 2.3.1, above. The State will not consider any modifications or exceptions that are not identified specifically on Attachment 3.

2.4.3. The State has sole discretion to determine if the modifications or exceptions submitted by an Offeror would result in a material change or otherwise threaten the integrity of the procurement process. See Appendix A - Idaho Terms and Conditions Background and Limitations. Pursuant to IDAPA 38.05.01.084.e, the State may only negotiate non-material modifications or exceptions. Modifications or exceptions which the State determines to be material, or which otherwise threaten the integrity of the procurement process, will not be accepted or negotiated. In the event that the Offeror has conditioned its Proposal on the State’s acceptance or negotiation of its proposed modifications or exceptions, and the modifications or exceptions are deemed material, the Offeror will be given the opportunity to retract the proposed modifications or exceptions from its Proposal. Failure to do so will result in the Offeror’s Proposal being found non-responsive, after which it will receive no further consideration.

2.4.4. Non-material modifications or exceptions may be discussed with the apparent successful Offeror, at the discretion of the State; however, the State shall have the right to reject any and all such modifications and/or exceptions, or to call an end to such discussions, and to instruct the Offeror to amend its Proposal and remove the modifications and/or exceptions. Failure to do so may result in the State finding the Proposal non-responsive.

2.4.5. Except as otherwise provided within the Solicitation, the State will not consider modifications or exceptions to the requirements, terms, or conditions which are proposed after the RFP Closing Date

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL

3.

3.1. General Instructions

3.1.1. Proposals must be submitted electronically, as detailed below. Except as otherwise addressed in this solicitation, all submission materials must be submitted at the same time (in a single package or electronic submission). If multiple submissions are received, only the latest timely submission will be considered.

3.1.2. Alternate proposals are not allowed.

3.1.3. All electronic files (whether submitted electronically or manually) must be in Microsoft Word or Excel format; the only exception is for financials, brochures or other information only available in an alternate format.

3.1.4. It is mandatory to submit your Proposal electronically via IPRO, all Offerors participating in this Solicitation must establish an account in the IPRO system, as it is necessary in order to process and/or award the resulting Contract(s). Establishing an account is free and only takes a few minutes.

3.2. Trade Secrets

Paragraph 28 of the Solicitation Instructions to Vendors describes trade secrets to “include a formula, pattern, compilation, program, computer program, device, method, technique or process that derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons and is subject to the efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.” In addition to marking each page of the document with a trade secret notation (as applicable; and as provided in Paragraph 28 of the Solicitation Instructions to Vendors), Offerors must also:

3.2.1. Identify with particularity the precise text, illustration, or other information contained within each page marked “trade secret” (it is not sufficient to simply mark the entire page). The specific information you deem “trade secret” within each noted page must be highlighted, italicized, identified by asterisks, contained within a text border, or otherwise clearly delineated from other text/information and specifically identified as a “trade secret.”

3.2.2. Provide a separate document entitled “List of Redacted Trade Secret Information” which provides a succinct list of all trade secret information noted in your Proposal; listed in the order it appears in your submittal documents, identified by Page #, Section #/Paragraph #, Title of Section/Paragraph, specific portions of text/illustrations; or in a manner otherwise sufficient to allow the State’s procurement personnel to determine the precise text/material subject to the notation. Additionally, this list must identify with each notation the specific basis for your position that the material be treated as exempt from disclosure and how the exempting the material complies with the Public Records Law.

3.2.3. Submit a redacted copy of the Proposal with all trade secret information removed or blacked out. The redacted copy must be submitted electronically, with the word “redacted” in the file name, whether the Proposal is submitted manually or electronically.

3.3. Electronic Submission

3.3.1. Electronically submitted Proposals must be submitted through IPRO, at https://solutions.sciquest.com/apps/Router/SupplierLogin?CustOrg=StateofIdaho. When submitting through IPRO, enter your Cost in IPRO as “$0,” and UPLOAD YOUR TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, SEPARATE COST PROPOSAL, AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED SUBMITTAL ITEMS. Remember to submit an additional redacted version of the proposal if you have identified trade secrets.

3.3.2. Vendors are strongly encouraged to begin the process of submitting the response far enough in advance of the End Time to allow for resolution of technical difficulties. Be advised that the state is not responsible for a Vendor’s failure to timely submit a responsive submission due to any technical or technological difficulties. See IDAPA 38.05.01.61.02.

3.3.3. Submitting via IPRO, be advised that the Offeror for Proposal evaluation and award purposes is the entity profile under which the Proposal is submitted in IPRO, which must be the same legal entity presented in the uploaded response materials. If the entity identified on the state supplied Signature Page differs from the entity under which you submit your Proposal in IPRO, the information provided on the Signature Page prevails.

3.3.4. Offerors are further advised to upload response materials with descriptive file names, organized and consolidated in a manner which allows evaluators to efficiently navigate the Offeror’s response; as the State will print uploaded documents for evaluation in the manner received via IPRO.

4. PROPOSAL FORMAT

1.

2.

3.

These instructions describe the format to be used when submitting a Proposal. The format is designed to ensure a complete submission of information necessary for an equitable analysis and evaluation of submitted Proposals. There is no intent to limit the content of Proposals.

4.1. Table of Contents

Include a table of contents in the Technical Proposal identifying the contents of each section, including page numbers of major Sections.

4.2. Format

Proposals shall follow the numerical order of this RFP beginning with Section 6 and continuing through the end of the applicable RFP Attachments, including all mandatory submission items detailed in Section 6 and identified throughout the RFP. Proposal sections and subsections must be identified with the corresponding numbers and headings used in this RFP. In your response, restate the RFP section and/or Section, followed with your response.

Offerors are encouraged to use a different color font, bold text, italics, or other indicator to clearly distinguish the RFP section from the Offeror’s response. Except for brochures, financials, work samples, or other similar submission items, all electronic Proposals must be submitted in Microsoft Word or Excel, and must not be locked. Offerors are strongly cautioned against including website links or imbedded documents in the Proposal; the State will not be responsible for the RFP Lead or any evaluator’s failure to consider information outside of or imbedded in the Proposal.

4.3. Evaluation Codes

(M) Mandatory Response - failure to respond to any (M) section, or to comply with any mandatory specification or requirement, will render Offeror’s Proposal non-responsive and no further evaluation will occur.

(ME) Mandatory and Evaluated Response - failure to respond to any (ME) section, or to comply with any mandatory specification or requirement in an (ME) section, will render Offeror’s Proposal non-responsive and no further evaluation will occur. Offeror must respond to these sections as directed; points will be awarded based on predetermined criteria.

(E) Evaluated Response - a response is desired and will be evaluated. If Offeror cannot meet the requirement, or chooses not to respond for any reason, zero (0) points will be awarded for the section. If Offeror responds, points will be awarded based on predetermined criteria.

Note: Offerors are directed to IDAPA 38.05.01.074.03.a, as well as IDAPA 38.05.01.091.05, which allow the designated State official to waive minor informalities as well as minor deviations. The State also reserves the right to seek clarification on any (M), (ME), or (E) requirement.

5. PROPOSAL REVIEW, EVALUATION, AND AWARD

4.

5.1. Overview

The objective of the State in soliciting and evaluating Proposals is to ensure the selection of a firm or individual that will produce the best possible results for the funds expended.

5.1.1. All Proposals will be reviewed first to ensure that they meet the Mandatory Submission Requirements of the RFP as addressed in Sections noted with an (M) or (ME). Any Proposal(s) not meeting the Mandatory Submission Requirements will be found non-responsive.

5.1.2. Evaluation Criteria

Technical Proposal:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

5.1.

5.2. Technical Proposal

5.2.1. The Technical Proposal will be reviewed first on a “pass” or “fail” basis to determine compliance with those requirements listed in the RFP with an (M) or (ME). All Proposals which are determined by the State, in its sole discretion, to be responsive in this regard will continue in the evaluation process outlined in this Section.

5.2.2. The Technical Proposal will be evaluated and scored utilizing one (1) or more Technical Proposal Evaluation Committee(s).

5.2.3. The scores for the Technical Proposal will be normalized as follows: The Technical Proposal with the highest raw technical score will receive all available Technical Points: 700 points. Other Proposals will be assigned a portion of the maximum available Technical Points, using the formula:

700 X raw score of Technical Proposal being evaluated highest raw technical score.

5.3. Cost Proposal

5.3.1. The Cost Proposal will be opened and evaluated for all responsive responsible Offerors.

5.3.2. The scores for the Cost Proposal will be normalized as follows: The cost evaluation will be based on Total Per Student Cost by IDVR Customer Center area. The Proposal with the lowest overall Total Per Student Cost for each area proposed will receive all available Cost Points (300 points), for that area. Other Proposals will be assigned a portion of the maximum available Cost Points using the formula:

300 X lowest overall Total Per Student Cost overall Total Per Student Cost being evaluated

5.4. Responsibility

Pursuant to IDAPA 38.05.01.081, the RFP Lead may, in the State’s sole discretion, require the apparent high point Offeror to provide documentation to demonstrate its responsibility. The RFP Lead may request documentation including, but not limited to: credit or financial reports, and references. Failure to provide requested documentation may result in the Offeror being deemed non-responsible. Nothing herein shall prevent the State from using other means to determine Offeror’s responsibility.

5.5. Award

Award of Contract will be made by IDVR Customer Center area to the responsive, responsible Offeror whose Proposal receives the highest number of total normalized points for that area.

The state may award multiple contracts pursuant to this solicitation in accordance with Idaho Code 67-9211. IDVR anticipates awarding six (6) sessions per IDVR Customer Center, in the event of multiple award IDVR reserves the right to award one (1) session to multiple offerors.

Sessions can be awarded for face-to-face instruction and/or virtual instruction per Customer Center. Students living outside of a Customer Center can participate in a session either face-to-face or virtually if the session is not filled by students living in that Customer Center.

5.6. IDVR Customer Center Areas

Below are the IDVR Customer Center areas and the main cities/counties served in each area.

5.6.1. Customer Center North:

Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and Lewiston serving Benewah, Boundary, Bonner, Clearwater, Kootenai, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone counties.

5.6.2. Customer Center South Central:

Boise, Twin Falls, and Burley serving western Ada, Blaine, Boise, Camas, Cassia, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls, Valley, and part of Adams counties.

5.6.3. Customer Center Southeast:

Pocatello, Preston, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, and Rexburg serving Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Oneida, Power, and Teton counties.

5.6.4. Customer Center Southwest:

Meridian and Nampa serving Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington counties and serving the cities of Boise, Garden City, Meridian, Mountain Home, and Garden Valley.

5.6.5. Please note: IDVR has awarded Contract 3053 from RFP20232404. Contract 3053 shall take precedence over any resulting contract from this RFP covering the following locations.

5.6.5.1. Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, Shoshone, Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis, and Idaho Counties.

5.6.5.2. Treasure Valley East serving the cities of Boise, Garden City, Mountain Home, and Garden Valley.

5.7. Budget

IDVR has an anticipated budget of $298,000 annually. The maximum anticipated budget per session is $28,000. No minimum or maximum amount is guaranteed. IDVR reserves the right to add or remove sessions and funds as needed during the life of this contract. In the event IDVR adds sessions, it must be mutually agreeable by Contractor and in writing.

5.8. Art Employment Billing

Contractor must provide IDVR with student evaluation data and invoice for each session within sixty (60) days of completion of session. Evaluation includes completed Individual Student Reports that include student comments/feedback.

Vendor must provide the following information with each invoice:

1. Agreement/Contract number

2. Unique invoice number

3. Dates of service

4. Description of services provided - Work-Based Learning Experience and Work Readiness Training

5. Total amount billed for services per session.

6. Individual names of the students who received the service and cost associated with each Student (total session cost divided by number of students participating):

a. Work Readiness Training – student cost

b. Work-Based Learning Experience – student cost

7. Vendor remittance address and billing contact phone number

Invoices and reports must be submitted to:

Dayane Williams Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 650 W. State St., Suite 150 Boise, ID 83720

Dayane.williams@vr.idaho.gov Billing must be done when the services are completed. If IDVR disputes any invoiced amount, it shall notify the Contractor in writing within five (5) business days. IDVR will process payments of any amounts not in dispute, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2302.

IDVR will use its best efforts to secure prompt payment of invoices, as a state agency, IDVR may not make direct payment under this Agreement but must submit the invoices to the State Controller's Office for payment. Any late payments shall be governed by Idaho Code Section 67-2302.

6. MANDATORY SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The technical proposal begins with the mandatory items identified in this list and the following sections. NOTE: THIS CHECKLIST IS PROVIDED AS A COURTESY ONLY; OFFERORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBMITTING ALL MANDATORY SECTIONS, ATTACHMENTS, SUBMITTAL ITEMS, ETC., REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE IDENTIFIED IN THIS LIST.

☐ (M) Signature Page: All Proposals must be submitted with a state supplied Signature Page, attached separately in IPRO. For electronically submitted Proposals, submit a completed, scanned signature page. Your ORIGINAL Signature Page should be included at the FRONT of your ORIGINAL Technical Proposal

☐ (M) Cover Form: Complete, sign, and submit Attachment 4, Cover Form.

☐ (M) Acknowledgement of Amendments: If the RFP is amended, the Offeror must acknowledge each amendment with a signature on the acknowledgement form provided with each amendment. Failure to return a signed copy of each amendment acknowledgement form with the Proposal may result in the Proposal being found non-responsive. See IDAPA 38.05.01.52.

☐ Section 7: Provide response to all (M) and (ME) sections, and any other required submittal items

☐ Section 8: Provide response to all (M) and (ME) sections, and any other required submittal items

☐ Section 9: Provide response to all (M) and (ME) sections, and any other required submittal items

☐ (ME) Cost Proposal: Provide your cost information on the form provided in Attachment 5, Cost Proposal. Submit the Cost Proposal in a separately uploaded file or separately sealed envelope.

☐ Redacted copy of Technical Proposal and list of Trade Secret redactions, as detailed in Section 3.2.

☐ Review the required types and levels of insurance—these are mandatory requirements. If you do not already have the required types and levels of insurance, you are strongly encouraged to contact your insurance representative to find out if you will be able to obtain the required insurance. (The Offeror should not purchase additional insurance in reliance of being awarded a contract). If you are awarded a Contract, failure to provide proof of the required insurance will be grounds for termination of the Contract.

7. BUSINESS INFORMATION

6.

7.

7.1. (ME) Business Profile Provide a profile of your business including Offeror’s business history, description of current service area, and customer base.

7.2. (ME) Experience Describe in detail your knowledge and experience in providing services similar to those required in this RFP. Offeror must have a minimum of one (1) year experience engaging with local artists/teaching artists and knowledge of, and connections to, the local art community in each area for which they intend to provide a program.

Describe in detail your experience working with artists and teaching artists in a local community. Describe your connection to local artists and knowledge of the art community in the IDVR Customer Center area for which you are submitting a proposal.

Describe in detail your experience providing group-based work readiness training and work-based learning experience for students aged fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21).

7.3. (M) Organizational Chart Provide a copy of your organizational chart, including detail of any relationships with parent and subsidiary organizations.

7.4. (ME) Demonstrated Success Provide specific data demonstrating previous success working with students with disabilities involving art and linking it to employment opportunities.

8. ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING

Describe your qualifications to successfully complete the requirements of the RFP by providing a detailed response to the following:

8.

8.1. (ME) Project Lead Identify the person who will be the dedicated Project Lead if Offeror is awarded a contract. The Project Lead must ensure that objectives and outcomes are achieved, and program requirements met. Provide a description of the proposed Project Lead’s experience and qualifications. You may submit a resume in response to this section.

8.2. (ME) Key Personnel and Qualifications Provide a list of key management, teaching artists, customer service and other roles to be used in the fulfillment of this Contract (in addition to the Project Lead), identify the location and IDVR Customer Center area for which you are proposing. Personnel must have relevant experience, demonstrated artistic skills, and knowledge of professional artist business practices.

During recruitment of professional teaching artists contractor must collect resumes from each professional teaching artist engaged in the program and submit them to the IDVR Transition Manager as part of the program update.

Provide resumes for employees who will be managing and/or directly providing services under the contract, including requisite qualifications and experience of the person(s)/role(s) identified, as well as an explanation of how the person in that role will contribute to the project. Your response should demonstrate the extent to which you have the expertise to accomplish the Scope of Work.

8.3. (M) Subcontractors If you intend to utilize subcontractors, describe the extent to which they will be used to comply with Contract requirements. Include each position providing service and provide a detailed description of how the subcontractors are anticipated to be involved under the Contract. Include a description of how the Offeror will ensure that all subcontractors and their employees will meet all Scope of Work requirements. Subcontractors shall not be allowed without prior written approval by the State. NOTE: The information provided for subcontractors, if any, will be evaluated as part of Section 8.2, Other Key Personnel and Qualifications.

If you do not intend to utilize subcontractor(s), provide a statement to that effect.

9. SCOPE OF WORK

All sections of the Scope of Work are required contract services. Use this Proposal outline as part of your response to the RFP. Keep in mind, the evaluators will be scoring your Proposal based on the methodologies proposed and the completeness of the response to each item listed below. You must describe in detail how you will meet each requirement marked (M) or (ME) below. Include IDVR Customer Center areas you are bidding on, personnel, proposed timelines, methodologies, and any pertinent information that will be required from the Agency in order to achieve full compliance with all tasks and deliverables.

9.1. (ME) Program General Requirements

9.1.1. Contractor shall offer a unique pre-employment skills development program that utilizes teaching artists, local businesses, and the arts to develop critical skills in students with disabilities for employment and postsecondary success. The intended outcome of the program is for students to learn to apply design thinking for problem-solving and are given the opportunity to be creative; ideas will be heard while also learning to take professional direction. Students must work with the business community to secure a job creating commercial art.

9.1.2. Contractor shall provide Art Employment Program sessions in the identified IDVR Customer Center area for a minimum of seven (7) and maximum of twelve (12) students per session. Contractor must provide the program either in-person or virtually following the learning objectives, activities, and requirements detailed in Sections 9.2.1 and 9.2.2.

9.1.2.1. If the Contractor does not offer a virtual session in a particular area, IDVR reserves the right to assign students that are not able to participate in-person to a virtual session in another area.

9.1.2.2. Program implementation must not require students to invest in technology to be able to participate.

9.1.3. The Contractor shall recruit professional teaching artists who have experience, demonstrated artistic skills, and knowledge of professional artist business practices to provide instruction and guidance to students as they create a piece of commercial art for a client. Resumes for engaged professional teaching artist shall be submitted to IDVR Transition Manager prior to each program session start.

9.1.4. The Contractor shall recruit and contract with local businesses or employers who request to have commercial artwork created by the program. The client contract shall describe the working relationship with the businesses or employers and the desired artwork to be created.

9.1.5. The Contractor shall complete an Individual Student Report for each student participating in the program. The Student Evaluation is a summary of the results of these reports.

Describe in detail how you will recruit and hire appropriate professional teaching artists to serve the IDVR Customer Center areas which you are proposing. For in-person sessions, include the specific Location (City, Town) where you will hold the session.

Describe how you will conduct each program session (in-person or virtual) with a description of the location (in-person) and draft agenda for: work readiness training, creation of artwork, team building activities, student interactions with employers, etc.

Describe how you will build relationships with the local business community to get partners in this project.

9.2. (ME) The Contractor shall provide an Art Employment Program that benefit students with disabilities, as defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and shall provide Work Based Learning Experience (WBLE) and Work Readiness Training (WRT) as part of program activities. These are part of WIOA required “Pre-Employment Transition Services.”

9.2.1. Work Readiness Training. The Contractor shall provide Work Readiness Training that meets the WIOA definition (see section 1.2). The training must:

9.2.1.1. Teach students to create an original piece of art under the guidance of a professional teaching artist with input from a client. As a part of the work readiness training, students will collaboratively determine the type of visual art produced with the teaching artist.

9.2.1.2. Teach students artistic principles of design such as color, shape, form, and pattern.

9.2.1.3. Teach students different forms of artist media.

9.2.1.4. Teach student skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

9.2.1.5. Teach students problem solving skills as well as important job skills such as job attendance, timeliness, self-reliance, and independent living skills.

9.2.1.6. Teach students to develop relationships within the broad business community as well as with their peers.

9.2.1.7. Be adapted by the Contractor to meet the needs of the different students in the training.

9.2.2. Work Based Learning Experience. The Contractor shall create and implement a flexible, paid work-based learning experience that meets the WIOA definition (see section 1.2). The Work Based Learning Experience must:

9.2.2.1. Use the workplace or real work to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities.

9.2.2.2. Connect students to organizations that provide them with meaningful employment opportunities.

9.2.2.3. Provide students with the opportunity to obtain valuable skills that employers are looking for, not the least of which is learning to work in collaborative teams. Some may go on to seek careers in the arts or a related field.

9.2.2.4. Be compensated at not less than federal minimum wage requirements or state or local minimum wage law (whichever is higher) and not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other individuals without disabilities. IDVR has done a wage analysis by Customer Center as follows.

9.2.2.4.1. Contractor must pay students the following minimum rate per hour:

· Customer Center North minimum of $14.50 per hour;

· Customer Center South Central and Southwest minimum of $13.50 per hour;

· Customer Center Southeast minimum of $12.50 per hour;

· Virtual students must be paid the minimum rate of the Customer Center where the employer is located.

9.2.2.5. Include on-the-job Work Readiness Training to individual students that must:

9.2.2.5.1. Teach students soft skills and employer expectations to be successful at a workplace.

9.2.2.5.2. Teach students social and interpersonal skills; to include communication, positive attitude, teamwork, problem solving, supporting others, respect, and other skills as deemed needed.

9.2.2.5.3. Increase student independent living skills; to include instruction in hygiene, time management, appropriate dress, appropriate behavior, and other skills as deemed needed.

Provide a statement confirming you will meet the minimum rate per hour by Customer Center. Rate and cost information must not be included in your statement or technical response.

Describe in detail how you will provide the Pre-Employment Transition Services listed above. Include in your description:

· How you will provide work readiness training as part of program activities;

· A description of your paid work-based learning experience program, including your methodology and process for paying students in the Program.

9.3. (ME) Implementation

9.3.1. Contractor shall set the intended dates, duration, and times of each Art Employment Program in this submission. The intended dates, duration, and times can only be changed after the Contract is awarded with approval from the IDVR Transition Manager. Required documentation and reports associated with each session are due sixty (60) days after a session is completed. Program activities resulting from this RFP are anticipated to begin in January 2024.

Provide a preliminary timeline for implementation that includes the requirements listed above. Note: the formal project timeline will be finalized during a kick-off meeting to be held with Contractor following contract award.

9.4. Background Checks

9.4.1. Contractor shall ensure all staff providing service to students pass a fingerprint-based background check that meets the requirements in Idaho Code section 33-130 prior to providing services to students. https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH1/SECT33-130/

9.4.1.1. Those who have had a fingerprint based criminal history background check in the past three (3) years through their employment with the Idaho State Department of Education, or their employment as a law enforcement officer may be exempt from the fingerprint-based check; however, the Contractor must complete, at a minimum, an Idaho name-based check through the Idaho State Police.

9.4.1.2. Staff members who have completed a background check through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will not be required to be re-fingerprinted.

9.5. Reporting Requirements

9.5.1. Contractor shall provide the IDVR Transition Manager with copies of Professional Teaching Artist resumes prior to program session start.

9.5.2. Contractor shall provide business client contracts developed during the program and a final summary report that includes the following information:

9.5.2.1. Short narrative describing activities conducted in local areas;

9.5.2.2. List of students who participated including name and town in each location;

9.5.2.3. List of professional teaching artists engaged in projects;

9.5.2.4. List of Employers and Businesses engaged in projects;

9.5.2.5. Photos of program activities and works of art;

9.5.2.6. Student Evaluation;

9.5.2.7. Individual Student Reports (Attachment 6).

9.6. Agency Responsibilities

IDVR shall be responsible for:

9.6.1. Identifying students interested in and appropriate for the Art Employment Program and completing all the needed paperwork and authorizations for the program;

9.6.2. Providing the Contractor with the template for the Individual Student Reports Attachment 6;

9.6.3. Ensuring that Contractors paperwork requirements have been completed by the student prior to formally signing the student up for the service;

9.6.4. Providing Contractor with student information and the required paperwork at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of the Art Employment Program;

9.6.5. Monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the program through observation of identified activities and events, review of Individual Student Reports, review of the final summary report, required program documentation, and invoices to ensure that program performance measures are met.

ATTACHMENT 1 – PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

RFP # 17 Art Employment Program 2024

Art Employment Program 2024

Oral Information: Questions concerning an RFP must be directed in writing to the RFP Lead in the time period prescribed in the RFP document. Vendors are cautioned against relying on any verbal information, and do so at the Vendor’s sole risk. The RFP may only be amended by written documentation posted to the state’s eProcurement System, IPRO.

Potential Offerors choosing to participate in the Pre-Proposal Conference must pre-register by submitting this completed form, via e-mail, to the RFP Lead at Michael.Piccono@adm.idaho.gov. After the RFP Lead receives your form and the registration deadline passes, you will be provided with phone conferencing and meeting details. Please indicate in the appropriate column if your attendance will be by phone. Attendees are asked to register for the Pre-Proposal Conference no later than 5:00 P.M., Mountain Time, Thursday Sept 28th, 2023.

PLEASE PRINT:

ATTACHMENT 2 – OFFEROR QUESTIONS

RFP# 17 Art Employment Program 2024 Instructions:

DO NOT IDENTIFY YOUR NAME OR YOUR COMPANY’S NAME OR PRODUCT NAMES OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN YOUR QUESTIONS.

ADD ROWS BY HITTING THE TAB KEY WHILE WITHIN THE TABLE AND WITHIN THE FINAL ROW.

The following instructions must be followed when submitting questions using the question format on the following page.

1. DO NOT CHANGE THE FORMAT OR FONT. Do not bold your questions or change the color of the font.

1. Enter the RFP section number that the question is for in the “RFP Section” field (column 2). If the question is a general question not related to a specific RFP section, enter “General” in column 2. If the question is in regards to a State Term and Condition or a Special Term and Condition, state the clause number in column 2. If the question is in regard to an attachment, enter the attachment identifier (example “Attachment 1”) in the “RFP Section” (column 2), and the attachment page number in the “RFP page” field (column 3).

1. Do not enter text in the “Response” field (column 5). This is for the State’s use only.

1. Once completed, this form is to be e-mailed per the instructions in the RFP. The e-mail subject line is to state the RFP number followed by “Questions.” DO NOT SUBMIT QUESTIONS VIA IPRO.

ATTACHMENT 3 – MODIFICATION AND EXCEPTION FORM

Instructions: Complete this form and submit prior to the questions due date if you are proposing modifications or taking exception to any of the requirements, terms, or conditions included in the RFP, including any documents incorporated by reference (such as the Standard Contract Terms and Conditions.) See RFP Section 2.4 for a full explanation of the process surrounding vendor-proposed modifications and exceptions.

Offerors must specifically address any and all proposed modifications and exceptions. Blanket requests to negotiate requirements, terms, or conditions will not be considered. Offerors must provide an explanation as to why the requirement, term, or condition should be considered non-material. Offeror must also provide a reason for the proposed modification or alternative language, specifically addressing the issues itemized in RFP Section 2.4.1.

The determination of materiality will be made at the State’s sole discretion. Non-material modifications or exceptions may be negotiated with the apparent successful Offeror, at the discretion of the State, and as otherwise provided in RFP Section 2.4.4.

ATTACHMENT 4 – COVER FORM

(M) Attachment 4, Cover Form must be completed, signed, and submitted with your Proposal. Failure to complete and submit this form may result in your Proposal being deemed non-responsive.

Instructions: The Technical Proposal must include a signed copy of this cover form. Copy and paste this form onto your company letterhead, or include the following information: Offeror’s company name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, and name of Offeror’s authorized signer. The cover form must include the RFP Number and Title and must be signed by an individual authorized to commit the Offeror to the contents of the Proposal.

☐ Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) ☐ Limited Liability Partnership ☐Sole Proprietorship ☐ Other (specify)

Offeror’s Tax Identification Number

EIN:

Offeror’s DUNS Number

DUNS:

Is Offeror a legal entity with the legal right to contract?

☐ Yes ☐ No

Other than modifications/exceptions identified on Attachment 3, in compliance with Section 2.4 of this RFP, does Offeror accept, and is Offeror willing to comply with, the requirements of this RFP and attachments, including but not limited to those identified in Section 1.4 and the Special Terms and Conditions in Appendix?

☐ Yes ☐ No

Is Offeror in compliance with applicable equal employment regulations?

☐ Yes ☐ No

Does Offeror affirm that it has not employed any company or person other than a bone fide employee working solely for the Offeror or a company regularly employed as its…