S-10000-00011070 - Request for Application.pdf

STATE OF OREGON

COVER PAGE

The Oregon Department of Humans Services, by and through its

OFFICE OF CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS

Is issuing this Request For Applications under OregonBuys Bid Solicitation Number S-10000-00011070 for

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

ALTERNATE ILP PROVIDER LIST

Date of Issue: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Opening Date: Friday, June 30, 2028 at 3:00 PM PDT

Single Point of Contact (SPC): Louie Thomas, Procurement Specialist ODHS Office of Contracts and Procurement

Address: 500 Summer Street NE E03 City, State, Zip: Salem, Oregon 97301 Phone: (971) 283-4755 E-mail: louie.thomas@odhs.oregon.gov

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer free of charge. Contact the Single Point of Contact (SPC) at the contact information found above. We accept all relay calls.

The State of Oregon promotes equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

OregonBuys Bid Solicitation S-10000-00011070 (ODHS Child Welfare) Alternate ILP Provider List

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 SCHEDULE

1.3 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD

2.2 DEFINITION OF TERMS

2.3 OREGONBUYS

2.4 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

2.5 ILP OVERVIEW

2.6 ILP SPECIFICATIONS

2.7 ILP STATEMENT OF WORK

2.8 ALTERNATE ILP PROVIDER LIST

SECTION 3: APPLICATION REQUIREMENT FOR LISTING ON AN ALTERNATE ILP

PROVIDER LIST

3.1 SUBMISSION/APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

3.2 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

3.3 APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE

SECTION 4: WHEN ODHS DETERMINES A NEED FOR SERVICES

4.1 REQUIREMENTS/SET ONE – MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

4.2 REQUIREMENTS/SET TWO – ASSESSING CAPABILITIES BY RESPONDING TO THE FOLLOWING:

SECTION 5: SOLICITATION INFORMATION

5.1 PUBLIC NOTICE

5.2 QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

5.3 APPLICATION DELIVERY OPTIONS

5.4 APPLICATION WITHDRAWAL

5.5 APPLICATION DUE

5.6 PUBLIC OPENING

5.7 APPLICATION REJECTION

SECTION 6: APPLICATION EVALUATION PROCESS

SECTION 7: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

7.1 INTENT TO AWARD NOTICE

7.2 CONTRACT AWARD

7.3 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT’S SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDING ILP SERVICES

7.4 COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

7.5 CERTIFIED FIRM PARTICIPATION

7.6 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

7.7 OWNERSHIP/PERMISSION TO USE MATERIALS

7.8 CANCELLATION OF RFA; REJECTION OF APPLICATION; NO DAMAGES

7.9 COST OF SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

7.10 RECYCLABLE PRODUCTS

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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet”

Attachment B “Independent Living Skills Funding by District”

Attachment C “Sample Contract”

Attachment D “Responsibility Inquiry”

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SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The State of Oregon, acting by and through the Oregon Department of Human Services (“ODHS”) for its Office of Child Welfare Programs (“CW”), is issuing this Request for Application (“RFA”) to create an Alternate ILP Provider List for the CW Independent Living Program (“ILP”) in all ODHS Districts or ILP Service Areas in Oregon

ODHS is taking this opportunity to allow potential providers to indicate an interest in providing Independent Living skills in select ODHS Service Areas should the need arise. ODHS has experienced turnover in ILP Providers in different areas of the state in recent months, which has resulted in eligible Young People experiencing long wait times to access ILP Services in those areas. Creation of an Alternate ILP Provider List in the different District/Service Areas will assist ODHS in avoiding such waits in the future.

ODHS requires only for the Applicant to complete and submit Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet” through OregonBuys to be listed on the Alternate ILP Provider List. Once a need is determined by ODHS, Applicants listed for the impacted area will then be in negotiation with ODHS to determine which of the requirements in this Solicitation document will be required, to what degree, and a time-line the Applicant will be required to meet before being eligible to provide ILP Services. If negotiation are successful, ODHS will Contract with the Applicant to provide the services in the designated District/Service Area.

ILP services described in this RFA assist ODHS by providing Young People that are in foster care or have experienced the Foster Care system with educational and employment skills, health education and access to health care, Life Skills, skills to create and maintain healthy and supportive relationships, transportation skills, address housing needs, and other skills and abilities to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and adulthood.

Creating an Alternate ILP Provider List allows non-profit, for-profit, or governmental entities to express their interest in potentially providing Independent Living skills training in certain District/Service Areas should the need for a new, additional, supplemental, or secondary ILP Provider services be necessary. Creating an Alternate ILP Provider List for each District/Service Area will assist ODHS in selecting or replacing a provider, or augmenting current services and reducing waits for ILP services.

Additional details on the Scope of services to be provided, should the need arise and if the Applicant is selected, are included in subsections 2.4 through 2.7 of this RFA, and specifically in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” in its Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work.”

Populations that are served and rates payable under the terms and conditions of Attachment C “Sample Contract” are listed in its Exhibit A Part 2 “Payment and Financial Reporting,” relative to the appropriate District/Service Area identified on Attachment B “Independent Living Skills Funding by District.” The categories of services in Attachment B are described in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work.”

No Work is available at the current time; however, an Alternate ILP Provider List will be created and maintained in each ODHS District/Service Area for Applicants to express their interest in being considered should the need arise.

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1.2 SCHEDULE

The table below represents a tentative schedule of events. All times are listed in Pacific Time, and dates listed are subject to change.

Event Date Time

Alternate ILP Provider List RFA open and available for Applications August 7, 2024

Questions or Requests for Clarification

(refer to subsection 5.2)

Continuously accepted by the SPC until 7 calendar days prior to the Open Date and Time of this RFA

Responses to all Questions or Requests for Clarification

(refer to paragraph 5.2.2)

Usually within 5 business days of receipt of question or requests for clarification.

Interim Review of Applications

(refer to paragraph 5.5.2)

Within the first seven days of each calendar month in which

Applications were received in the previous calendar month.

Final Application Open Date and Time

(refer to paragraph 5.5.1) On the date and at the time specified on the RFA Cover Sheet.

Issuance of Notice of Intent to Award

(refer to subsection 7.1) There will be no Notices of Intent to Award issued for this RFA

1.3 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)

The SPC for this RFA is identified on the Cover Page, along with the SPC’s contact information.

Applicant shall direct all communications related to any provision of the RFA only to the SPC, whether about the technical requirements of the RFA, contractual requirements, the RFA process, or any other provision.

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD

ODHS is issuing this RFA under the authority of the Department of Administrative Services (“DAS”) delegation SP 826-16/REQ-DASOBO-00019979, as amended (“Class Special Procurement: Request for Application”).

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2.2 DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purposes of this RFA, capitalized words are defined in OAR 125-246-0110 or as defined below. Terminology specific to OregonBuys may be found in paragraph 2.3.2 “Terminology Specific to OregonBuys.”

2.2.1 “Aftercare Client” means a Young Adult who has submitted a self-referral and has been accepted and enrolled in an ILP.

2.2.2 “Alternate ILP Provider List” means a list maintained by ODHS for each of its Service Areas/Districts of providers who have expressed interest in providing ILP Services should a need be determined by ODHS that new, additional, supplemental, or secondary ILP Services are needed for a particular District/Service Area.

2.2.3 “Community Mentors” means a member of the community who volunteers to participate in group sessions with participants or whom the Contractor has screened and trained to serve as a Mentor to children and Young Adults outside of group sessions.

2.2.4 “Completion of Services” means a Young Person’s ILP services will be considered completed when a Young Person has:

2.2.4.1 Achieved self-sufficiency to the extent that there is no longer a need for services;

or

2.2.4.2 Made the voluntary and informed decision to no longer participate in services;

or

2.2.4.3 Reached age 24.

2.2.5 “District” or “Service Area” are synonymous terms that refer to the following areas in which an ILP Provider is under Contract with ODHS to provide ILP Services. The Contractor must provide services in the entire District/Service Area:

• District 1 (Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties)

• District 2 (Multnomah county)

• District 2 (Native American specific in Multnomah County, and includes Districts 15 and

16 if a need for service exists)

• District 3 (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties)

• District 4 (Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties)

• District 5 (Lane county)

• District 6 (Douglas county)

• District 7 (Coos and Curry counties)

• District 8 (Jackson and Josephine counties)

• District 9 (Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties)

• District 10 (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties)

• District 11 (Klamath and Lake counties)

• District 12 (Morrow and Umatilla counties)

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• District 13 (Baker, Union and Wallowa counties)

• District 14 (Grant, Harney and Malheur counties)

• District 15 (Clackamas county)

• District 16 (Washington county)

2.2.6 “Experiential Learning Activities” means the process where knowledge is created through the transformation of peer experience (i.e., Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle).

2.2.7 “Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon” or “Tribe” means, either singularly or collectively, the Burns Paiute Tribe; Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon;

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians; Coquille Indian Tribe; Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Cow Creek Band of Upper Umpqua Tribe of Indians; and the Klamath Tribe.

2.2.8 “Flex Funds” means funding to motivate or encourage youth engagement, or to stimulate a Young Person’s investment in services. Allowable use of Flex Funds is outlined in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” Section 8 “Additional Resources.”

2.2.9 “Foster Care” means 24-hour substitute care for children and Young Adults placed away from their parents or guardians for whom the state agency or Tribe has placement and care responsibility, which may include custody.

This includes but is not limited to placements in resource family homes, relative care, emergency shelters, residential facilities, childcare institutions, supervised independent living, self-selected placements, and pre-adoptive homes. It further covers ILP enrolled Young People placed in the State’s Independent Living Subsidy Program. A Young Person is in Foster Care in accordance with this definition regardless of whether the Foster Care setting is receiving payment from ODHS or Tribe.

2.2.10 “Group(s)” means skill building activities or classes for three or more Young People.

2.2.11 “Independent Living Program” or “ILP” means Programs to assist ODHS and the Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon by providing Young People in foster care, or who experienced Foster Care, with the knowledge, skills, and ability to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and adulthood.

2.2.12 “Independent Living Program Provider” or “ILP Provider” means the entity selected by ODHS who is obligated by an executed Contract to provide ILP Services in a specific District/Service Area in Oregon.

2.2.13 “Independent Living Program Service” or “ILP Service” means Services provided to a Young Person including, but not limited to, skill building classes, group workshops, conferences, Experiential Learning outings or field trips, leadership opportunities or support and one-on-one meetings that are geared toward assisting a Young Person to gain the knowledge, skills, and ability to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and adulthood. Services may be provided

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2.2.14 “Intangible Skills” means skills needed for building interpersonal relationships, self-determination, and maintaining employment, e.g., decision-making, problem solving, planning, communication, and social skills.

2.2.15 “Key Persons” means the person or persons on Applicant’s staff assigned to perform the Work under the Contract.

2.2.16 “Leadership Opportunity” means activities which allow a Young Person to develop their skills, work closely with others, share ideas, and influence change.

Requires Contractor to assist Young Person to prepare for the activity, ensure Young Person is supported during the activity, and debriefing the experience with the Young Person to determine whether support efforts were adequate, identify opportunities for growth, and provide mutual feedback.

2.2.17 “Life Skills” means skills a Young Person needs to function and succeed in everyday life including, but not limited to cooking, comparison shopping, money management, education, employment, housing options and maintenance, transportation, decision making, legal issues, personal hygiene, community resources, interpersonal skills, pregnancy prevention/parenting awareness, substance abuse prevention, emergency, and safety skills.

2.2.18 “ODHS Sponsored Teen Events” means ODHS sponsored events to bring Young People that are in or have experienced Foster Care together from across the state to provide a unique learning experience and fun activities they would otherwise not get to experience. Conference locations may vary each year. The events vary between 1 to 4 days, including overnight stays.

2.2.19 “Peer Specialist” means a near-peer mentor, usually aged 18-23, with experience living in Foster Care. This individual or individuals will facilitate the curriculum, serve as inspirational role models to participants, and provide technical assistance to Community Mentor(s).

2.2.20 “Self-Determination” means the ability to set personal goals; take action; advocate for self; and believe in one’s own capacity to succeed.

2.2.21 “Service Area” has the same meaning as “District,” above.

2.2.22 “Social Capital” means the social relationships and networks that support healthy development.

2.2.23 “Staff” means the individual(s) employed by the Contractor, paid or non-paid, who are assigned the task of managing recruitment, training, support, retention, and all other work for Young Persons, Peer Specialist(s), and Community Mentor(s) under this Contract.

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2.2.24 “State Meeting” means an activity the Contractor shall participate in or a training the Contractor has obtained permission from the ODHS Contract Administrator to attend. State Meeting activities and trainings aid ODHS in carrying out the purpose of the Independent Living Program. Allowable costs are outlined in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” Section 8 “Additional Resources.”

2.2.25 “Transition Plan” means the plan that is to be crafted with the Young Person’s involvement, that outlines a Young Person’s goals in the following areas: personal growth and social development, family support and healthy relationships, health education and risk prevention, education, employment/career preparation, housing and home management, money management, transportation, and other life skills and the steps and services necessary to help a Young Person achieve their goals.

2.2.26 “Transition Readiness Discussion Guide” means a worksheet to guide initial discussion with the Young Person to aid in assessing skills and developing the Transition Plan. The purpose is to prompt discussion to assess the Young Person and prioritize skill-building activities.

2.2.27 “Young Adult” means a person who is between the ages of 18 through 23 (ending on 24th birthday), who exited Foster Care on or after their 14th birthday, and had at least 180 days of State or Tribal child welfare substitute care services after the age of 13.

2.2.28 “Young Person” or “Young People” means a person who is between the ages of 14 through 23 (ending on 24th birthday), who is in Foster Care or exited Foster Care on or after their 14th birthday, and had at least 180 days of State or Tribal child welfare substitute care services after the age of 13.

2.2.29 “Youth Served per Month” or “YSM” means the number of Young People served by Contractor during a calendar month.

2.2.30 “Youth Transitions” means the central and administrative center, housed at ODHS’ Central Office in Salem, Oregon, for administering CW Youth Transitions Programs, which include Independent Living Skill Building, Discretionary Funds, the Independent Living Subsidy Program (“ILSP”), the Chafee Housing Program (“ILP- CH”), Driver’s Education, Credit Reports, the Education and Training Voucher Program (“ETV”), and the Oregon Tuition and Fee Waiver program.

2.3 OREGONBUYS

OregonBuys is the only delivery option permitted for this RFA (refer to subsection 5.4 “Application Delivery Options”). Applications, referred to as “Quotes” in OregonBuys, should be submitted electronically through OregonBuys at: https://OregonBuys.gov/bso

You do not need to be registered in OregonBuys to view a Solicitation; but you do need to be registered as a “Vendor” to download and respond to a Solicitation.

https://oregonbuys.gov/bso

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2.3.1 OregonBuys Guidelines

2.3.1.1 For Assistance with OregonBuys (Vendor Help Desk):

Email: suppliersupport@periscopeholdings.com Phone: 1-855-800-5046

2.3.1.2 For information on how to register as a Vendor in OregonBuys:

https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/SupplierRegistrationQuickSteps.pdf

2.3.1.3 For guidelines on how to find an open or closed Bid Solicitation in OregonBuys:

https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/How%20to%20find%20open%20 or%20closed%20bids.pdf

2.3.1.4 Detailed instructions on how to submit an Application (“Quote”) in OregonBuys:

https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Form al%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf

If the above-links are not an option, obtain the information through the Vendor Help Desk (2.3.1.1, above), or contact the SPC.

2.3.2 Terminology specific to OregonBuys:

2.3.2.1 “Amendment” means:

2.3.2.1.1 Any change to the RFA document or its requirements, and has the same meaning as “Addendum” or “Addenda.” Modifications to the RFA, if any, will be made by written Amendment and posted in OregonBuys, and are incorporated into the RFA by this reference.

2.3.2.1.2 In some instances, notices of any changes in the circumstance of the RFA, such as “Notices” or other informational documents, are also referred to as “Amendments” in OregonBuys although they don’t make any actual changes to the RFA.

Answers to Questions or Requests for Clarification may be posted as an Amendment or part of an Amendment in OregonBuys.

2.3.2.2 “Application” means the Applicant’s response to this RFA. The Application is known as the ‘Quote” once accepted by OregonBuys.

2.3.2.3 “Bid Availability Date” means the date and time this Bid Solicitation will be visible in OregonBuys for Applicants/Vendors to view and respond.

2.3.2.4 “Bid Solicitation” or “Solicitation” is a generic term in OregonBuys that refers to all types of bids, proposals, or applications seeking responses. This Request for Application, or RFA, is a type of Bid Solicitation. OregonBuys uses the generic term “Bid Solicitation” to refer to all solicitations in OregonBuys.

2.3.2.5 “Opening Date and Time” means the date and time after which Applications will no longer be accepted by ODHS and OregonBuys. The Opening Date and Time begins the period where ODHS will begin the review and evaluation phase.

mailto:suppliersupport@periscopeholdings.com https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/SupplierRegistrationQuickSteps.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/How%20to%20find%20open%20or%20closed%20bids.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/How%20to%20find%20open%20or%20closed%20bids.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf

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2.3.2.6 “Quote” is a term in OregonBuys that means a response to any type of Bid Solicitation.

The response to this RFA, the Application, is known as the Quote in OregonBuys. In most cases, OregonBuys uses the generic term “Quote” to refer to all responses to most type of Bid Solicitations.

2.3.2.7 “Vendor” is a term in OregonBuys that means the public or private entity that registered in OregonBuys to download and respond to a Bid Solicitations, or to view awarded contracts and agreements. The Applicant is known as the Vendor in OregonBuys.

2.4 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

2.4.1 Purpose of this Solicitation and its Process and Intent

ODHS is issuing this Solicitation to create lists, known as an Alternate ILP Provider List, in all its Districts/Service Areas in Oregon of potential ILP Providers for consideration when ODHS determines the need for new, additional, supplemental, or secondary resource(s) are necessary.

To be placed on the Alternate ILP Provider List, the Applicant is only required to download, complete, and submit Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet.” Submission of Attachment A is the only requirement to be placed on the Alternate ILP Provider List.

When ODHS determines a need, it will refer to the Alternate ILP Provider List for the affected District/Service Area and contact all those who have expressed interest.

Negotiations will then begin with those Applicants to determine and establish their ability, including an estimated schedule, to meet or exceed the requirements of providing ILP Services as an ILP Provider in accordance with the terms and condition of this RFA and, specifically, the terms, conditions, and rates of reimbursement of Attachment C “Sample Contract.”

Attachment C “Sample Contract” is substantially similar to the actual ILP Services Contract currently executed between ODHS and its ILP Providers. Applicants are encouraged to download, read, and understand Attachment C “Sample Contract.”

The negotiations between the parties will determine what requirements in this RFA and in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” and to what degree, and within what timeframe, will be required prior to the Applicant being offered a Contract by ODHS to provide ILP Services, pending successful negotiations. If multiple Applicants are listed in a specific District/Service Area, ODHS will select the successful Applicant(s) and initiate Contract negotiations based on each Applicant’s ability to perform services and which best meet the needs of the State.

2.4.2 ODHS Overview and Background

The Office of Child Welfare Programs, an agency within the Oregon Department of Human Services, is responsible for: defining and developing safety, well-being, and permanency programs for the administration of child welfare services; proposing child welfare related legislation; and setting standards of practice and expectations by development of administrative rules and policy for the safety, well-being, and permanency of children. CW manages a continuum of safety, family based, and out-of-home care services, including child

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The various ILP Services outlined in this RFA will assist ODHS by providing Young People who are in or have experienced the Foster Care system with the knowledge, skills, and ability to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and adulthood. ILP Services assist Young People with their educational and employment skills, health education and access, Life Skills, healthy and supportive relationships, transportation, and housing needs.

2.4.3 Project Overview, Background, and Purpose

ODHS has experienced unexpected turnover in ILP Providers in recent months in different areas of the state, which has resulted in eligible Young People experiencing long wait times to access ILP Services in those areas.

Because of this, and to avoid such waits again in the future for a new, additional, supplemental, or secondary ILP Provider to be selected, this RFA will create an Alternate ILP Provider List ODHS can immediately refer to and begin negotiations for services should the need arise.

Those interested in being placed on the Alternate ILP Provider List in one or multiple District/Service Areas should refer to the instructions, terms and condition in Section 3 “Application Requirements for Listing on an Alternate ILP Provider List” and Section 4 “When ODHS Determines a Need for Services.”

2.5 ILP OVERVIEW

2.5.1 ILP Services are intended to assist eligible Young People to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to make a successful transition to adulthood. The Young People served may be in foster care, residing with adoptive parents or guardians, residing with a parent, or residing in their own residence interdependently within their community. The RFA requires each ILP Provider to provide trauma informed, equitable services, based on age and developmental readiness.

2.5.2 The ILP Services model is built upon a practice and service delivery model that ILP Contractors are expected to incorporate, that:

2.5.2.1 Involves a Young Person in making decisions that affect their life;

2.5.2.2 Involves a Young Person in planning, developing, and providing services whenever possible;

2.5.2.3 Recognizes and values a Young Person’s strengths and seeks ways to support them;

2.5.2.4 Promotes a Young Person’s development in a planful way rather than identify and seek to “fix” a Young Person through crisis services;

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2.5.2.5 Honor and promote the diversity of the Young Person involved, including sexual orientation and gender identity; and

2.5.2.6 Incorporate trauma informed practices when interacting with and implementing services for Young People.

2.6 ILP SPECIFICATIONS

The purpose of ILP Services is to assist children and Young Adults with their educational and employment skills; health education and access; life skills; healthy and supportive relationships;

transportation needs; and housing needs. Specific ILP life skill domains and activities that may be appropriate include, but are not limited to, the following:

2.6.1 Personal Growth and Social Development: Services designed to assist a child or Young Adult to gain self-determination skills including, but not limited to: self-esteem, internal motivation, planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, communication skills, help-seeking skills, and Social Capital skills.

2.6.2 Academic Supports: Services designed to help a child or Young Adult complete High School or obtain a General Equivalency Degree (“GED”). Services are individually based on the child or Young Adult and may include: academic counseling, preparation for a GED, assistance in applying for or studying for a GED exam, tutoring, help with homework, study skills training, literacy training, and help accessing educational resources.

2.6.3 Post-Secondary Educational Supports: Services designed to help a child or Young Adult enter or complete a post-secondary education, which may include: test preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (“SAT”) or the ACT (originally an abbreviation of American College Testing); counseling about college; college tours;

information about financial aid and scholarships, including the Chafee Education and Training Grant (“ETG”) and the Oregon Tuition and Fee Waiver programs; help completing college or loan applications; and tutoring while accessing post-secondary education or training.

2.6.4 Career Preparation: Services may include instruction and support services for vocational and career assessment, career exploration and planning, guidance in setting and assessing vocational and career interests and skills, and help in matching interests and abilities with vocational goals. Services may also include:

job seeking and job placement support, including identifying potential employers;

writing resumes; completing job applications; developing interview skills; job shadowing; receiving job referrals; using career resource libraries; understanding employee benefits coverage; securing work permits and, when necessary, a driver’s license; job retention support, including job coaching; learning how to work with employers and other employees; understanding workplace values such as timeliness and appearance; and understanding authority and customer relationships.

2.6.5 Employment Programs/Vocational Training: Services designed to build skills for a specific trade, vocation, or career through classes or on-site training.

Employment programs may include participation in an apprenticeship, an internship, or a summer employment program. Vocational training includes

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2.6.6 Budget and Financial Management: Services include training and support of the following: living within a budget and fiscal responsibility, including utilizing the Youth Transitions housing budget worksheet; opening and using a bank account, both checking and savings; balancing accounts; developing consumer awareness and smart shopping skills; accessing information about credit, loans and taxes; and filling out tax forms. Assist in review of the Young Person’s credit report and remediation if needed.

2.6.7 Housing Education and Home Management: Housing education includes assistance or training: in locating and maintaining affordable housing, filling out a rental application and acquiring a lease, handling security deposits and utilities, understanding practices for keeping a healthy and safe home, understanding tenant’s rights and responsibilities, and handling landlord complaints. This may also include assistance in preparation for applying to the Youth Transitions housing programs or being referred for a housing voucher. Home management includes instruction in food preparation, laundry, housekeeping, living cooperatively, meal planning, grocery shopping, and basic maintenance and repairs.

2.6.8 Health Education and Risk Prevention: Services include providing information about: hygiene, nutrition, fitness, exercise, weight control, and first aid; medical and dental care benefits, health care resources and insurance, prenatal care and maintaining personal medical records; sex education, abstinence education, and HIV prevention, including education and information about sexual development and sexuality, pregnancy prevention and family planning, and sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS; substance abuse prevention and intervention, including education and information about the effects and consequences of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, and tobacco; and substance avoidance and intervention.

2.6.9 Family Support, Healthy Relationships, and Community Connections: Services include education and information about healthy relationships, safe and stable families, and healthy marriages; communication skills, parenting, and childcare skills; domestic, family and dating violence prevention or intervention and supportive services; involvement of the Young Person, their biological parents, and, if appropriate, relatives, mentors, and resource parents in the development of the Young Person’s goals, comprehensive Transition Plan, and related services; and assisting a Young Person to access additional services and supports available in the local community.

2.6.10 Mentoring: Matching with a screened and trained adult for a one-on-one relationship that involves the two meeting on a regular basis. Mentoring can be short-term, but it may also support the development of a long-term relationship.

2.6.11 Supervised Independent Living Housing Services: Includes assisting Young People with preparing for the housing screening committee, and completion of Youth Transitions housing documents, including the housing budget worksheet.

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Close coordination with the Young Person’s ODHS or Tribal caseworker is required for a Young Person to access the Independent Living Housing Subsidy Program.

2.6.12 Coordination with other components of the State's Youth Transitions services, including teen events, conferences, and the National Youth in Transition Database (“NYTD”) requirements. Also included is establishment of linkages with federal, state, and local agencies providing similar youth services, for example, homeless and runaway service providers, transitional living programs, Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (“WIOA”) programs, Vocational Rehabilitation services, Housing Authorities, etc.

2.7 ILP STATEMENT OF WORK

2.7.1 The Statement of Work (“SOW”) for all ILP Service Providers is in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” which incorporates the principals and concepts of subsection 2.6 “ILP Specifications.” Applicant shall read and understand subsection 2.6 and Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” to familiarize themselves with the required terms and conditions of providing ILP Services.

2.7.2 Precedence of the Statement of Work. In all situations, the “Specifications” in subsection 2.6 “ILP Specifications,” above, are secondary to the Statement of Work found in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” Attachment C “Sample Contract” is substantially similar to the Contract that will be executed with the successful Applicant and shall be the basis for any Contract negotiations with the successful Applicant. In referencing all contracting matters, the terms and conditions of Attachment C shall take precedence.

2.8 ALTERNATE ILP PROVIDER LIST

In plain language, when ODHS knows a vacancy will or has occurred, or additional needs are required, they will contact each Applicant on the Alternate ILP Provider List for that District/Service Area and discuss whether the Applicant is interested, how prepared they are to provide the required services, what their needs are to provide the services according to the ILP Provider Contract (Attachment C), and an initial timeline to begin services. Services must be performed in accordance with the Contract, although some phasing-in of some responsibilities, in some circumstances, may be allowed by ODHS.

2.8.1 ODHS shall maintain 17 separate Alternate ILP Provider Lists, one for each District/Service Area identified in paragraph 2.2.5 “’District’ or ‘Service Area.’”

2.8.2 When ODHS determines a need exists in a District/Service Area for new, additional, supplemental, or secondary ILP resources, the ODHS shall contact all Providers listed on the Alternate ILP Provider List for that specific District or Districts to determine interest, readiness, needs, and a time-expectation to begin providing ILP services. In negotiations with ODHS, in some circumstances, a short-term phased initial implementation period of any aspects of the requirements may be permitted.

2.8.3 If approved by ODHS, the Alternate ILP Provider shall perform the Work under Contract to ODHS in accordance with subsection 2.7 “ILP Statement of Work” of this RFA and Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of

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Work,” with the Work being paid at the rate, terms and conditions as stated in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exbibit A Part 2 “Payment and Financial Reporting,” relative to pro rata rates in Attachment B “Independent Living Skills Funding by District,” and other terms and conditions included in the ILP Provider Services Contract. Applicant shall read and understand the Statement of Work in Attachment C to familiarize themselves with the required terms and conditions of providing ILP Services.

SECTION 3: APPLICATION REQUIREMENT FOR LISTING ON AN

ALTERNATE ILP PROVIDER LIST

Applications for being placed on an Alternate ILP Provider List shall include the following:

3.1 SUBMISSION/APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

3.1.1 Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet”

Applicant shall download Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet,” known informally as the “Application,” from OregonBuys, complete the information requested, sign to certify compliance with its terms and conditions, format as an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) document, then submit the entire Attachment A in OregonBuys as a “Quote.”

3.2 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

3.2.1 Submit through OregonBuys

Once completed, Applicant should submit its Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet” electronically through OregonBuys in accordance with subsection 5.3 “Application Delivery Options.” Applicant should follow the guidelines outlined in paragraph 2.3.1 “OregonBuys Guidelines” for electronic submission.

3.2.2 Authorized Representative

Failure to demonstrate compliance with Oregon Tax Laws by not signing Attachment A “Applicant’s Information and Certification Sheet,” or to indicate a minimum of at least one District/Service Area, may result in a finding of non-Responsive and the Application may be rejected.

3.3 APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE

3.3.1 Acceptance of Applications

Applications will be accepted by ODHS within the first seven calendar days of each calendar month in which Applications were received in the previous calendar month.

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3.3.2 Application Acceptance

There is no evaluation or review process for those Applications that are submitted to be placed on a District/Service Area Alternate ILP Provider List. All that submit an Application will be listed.

SECTION 4: WHEN ODHS DETERMINES A NEED FOR SERVICES

When ODHS determines a need for new, additional, supplemental, or secondary ILP resources in one or more District/Service Area, ODHS will consult the Alternate ILP Provider List and contact all Applicants listed for that specific area.

Applicants may be required to complete some or all of the requirements in this Section 4 to be considered for the available Work. In addition to the response to these requirements, ODHS will also consider the Applicant’s interest, how prepared they are to provide the required services, what their needs are to provide the services according to the ILP Provider Contract (Attachment C), and their initial timeline to begin services.

4.1 REQUIREMENTS/SET ONE – MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant may be asked by ODHS to document some or all of the following:

4.1.1 Applicant Education or Experience

Applicant shall meet the requirements of either subparagraph 4.1.1.1 or subparagraph 4.1.1.2:

4.1.1.1 The Applicant’s representative in its executive position, the Executive Director, for example, or a similar position, shall have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in psychology, sociology, social work, social science, education, or a closely allied field; and two

(2) years minimum of professional experience in management of an organization, business, agency, or governmental entity; or

4.1.1.2 The Applicant’s representative in its executive position, the Executive Director, for example, or a similar position, shall have a minimum of four (4) years of experience in management of an organization, business, agency, or governmental entity, preferably in social services or education. Management experience shall include one or more of the following:

4.1.1.2.1 Supervision or management of professional, managerial, or supervisory staff; on-boarding of staff, including hiring, training, and assignment; and review of work, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action.

4.1.1.2.2 Development of agency long- and short-range goals and plans;

4.1.1.2.3 Program evaluation;

4.1.1.2.4 Development of program rules and policies;

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4.1.1.2.5 Development and management of technology and information systems; or

4.1.1.2.6 Budget planning and development;

4.1.2 Identification of Key Persons

4.1.2.1 Applicant shall identify all Key Persons or, if a Key Person position is currently vacant, a position description of Key Person positions.

4.1.2.2 Key Persons shall be age 23 or older, and shall have a minimum of three (3) years of education, preferably in psychology, sociology, social work, or social sciences, and/or experience in youth services with an organization, business, agency, or governmental entity, preferably in social services or education.

Experience shall include engagement with and services for Young People between the ages of 14 to 24, and include responsibility for at least three (3) of the following:

4.1.2.2.1 Assisting Young People develop long- and short-range goals;

4.1.2.2.2 Engagement in developing program curriculum and implementation of curriculum or activities;

4.1.2.2.3 Working with technology and information systems;

4.1.2.2.4 Understanding and implementation of budgeting and financial literacy;

and

4.1.2.2.5 Oversight and supervision of Young People during activities;

4.1.2.3 Time spent in foster care may be considered lived experience and may substitute for two (2) of the three (3) years of required Experience of a Key Person.

4.2 REQUIREMENTS/SET TWO – ASSESSING CAPABILITIES BY RESPONDING TO THE

FOLLOWING:

Applicant may be asked by ODHS to respond to some or all of the following.

References to the “Statement of Work” in this subsection 4.2 refers specifically to Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work.”

4.2.1 Regarding Organizational Capacity:

4.2.1.1 How many years of experience does the Applicant have serving Young People in the life skill domains identified in subsection 2.6, above. Please provide a time-frame.

Provide a brief description of the Applicant’s experience and describe populations served.

As this Work utilizes a fee-for-service reimbursement model that relies on strong Youth engagement, is the Applicant able to remain fiscally solvent given the funding available

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4.2.1.2 Provide a brief description of the Applicant’s fiscal management and audit strategy, including experience ensuring the Applicant conducts business in a fiscally responsible manner and remains financially solvent through the proposed Contract period.

Include a projected budget for implementing services.

4.2.1.3 Section 7 “Engagement Efforts Only (EEO)” in Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” explains requirements for a Contractor to receive a reduced payment for unsuccessful attempts to engage a Young Person in services. Has the Applicant factored into the proposed budget a percentage of the monthly payment at the lower EEO rate? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response

Provide the anticipated rate of EEO’s to be billed per month.

4.2.1.4 Does the Applicant possess the capacity to implement services as described in the Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” in a timely manner? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

Provide a brief description of Applicant’s implementation plan including a time-line for when direct services to Young People could begin.

4.2.2 Regarding Implementation:

4.2.2.1 Section 3 “ILP Group Based Skills Services” of Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” outlines expectations for Groups and Experiential Learning excursions or activities. Does Applicant have experience planning and implementing Groups and Experiential Learning excursions or activities which assist Young People to connect to build community with their peers or build connections within the broader community? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

If yes, provide a brief description of the types of Experiential Learning activities you have provided.

4.2.2.2 Subsection 2.6 “ILP Specifications” and Section 3(h) of Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” outlines the various life skill domains services should address, both tangible and intangible.

Does Applicant have experience addressing the life skill domains through service delivery? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

4.2.2.3 Provide a brief description of how your services will be equitable, trauma informed, responsive, and appropriate to diverse populations, including age, race and ethnicity, and gender expression.

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4.2.2.4 Throughout Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” there are references to working in collaboration with Young People to implement services, also referred to as “youth voice.” Does Applicant have experience including Young People in program development, such as youth advisory group, selecting group topics, planning activities, among others?

Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

If yes, provide a brief description of examples of using “youth voice” in your current Programs.

4.2.2.5 Section 4 “ILP Skill Building Services” of Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” outlines services to be provided that including a minimum of 60 minutes per month with each Young Person, one-on-one and in-person. Does the Applicant have the ability to meet this Contract expectation? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

Provide a brief description of the Applicant’s ability to engage Young People in ILP Skill Building Services, in accordance with Section 4, for a minimum of 60 minutes each month.

4.2.2.6 Section 4 of Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” also outlines life skills assessment and transition planning requirements. Does the Applicant have experience in conducting skills assessments, assisting young people with developing plans for transition to adulthood, and including the young person’s supportive adults in planning meetings? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

If yes, provide a brief description of Applicant’s experience with these tasks.

4.2.2.7 Section 5 “ILP Plus ‘ILP+’” of Attachment C “Sample Contract,” Exhibit A Part 1 “Statement of Work,” details the ability to provide additional skill building services beyond the initial 60 minutes to support a Young Person during a time of higher need or transition. Is the Applicant able to provide ILP+ services to Young People that will benefit from more intensive skills training focused on developing internal assets and external resources? Please provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.

If yes, please provide a brief description of the Applicant’s ability and plan to oversee ILP+ hours to ensure the Young People receiving additional skill training time mirrors the demographic makeup of their overall population to ensure equity in…