Scope of Service_Keiki Water Safety Pool only-Scope of Service_Keiki Water Safety Pool only.docx

ATTACHMENT I

KEIKI WATER SAFETY INITIATIVE – SWIMMING POOL ONLY

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND INJURY PREVENTION SYSTEMS BRANCH

ESTIMATED TERM OF CONTRACT

Start Date – 8/1/2026 End Date – 9/30/2026

For the purpose of this contract, Amanda Allison, or designee, is designated Contract Administrator (CA). The telephone number and email at which she may be reached is (808) 830-5053, Amanda.allison@doh.hawaii.gov.

Contractor shall enter into a contract for furnishing services for a two-month (2) period. The State reserves the right to extend the contract for up to five (5) additional contract periods if the cost to the State is equal or lower than the current contract.

The Contractor shall offer free water safety lessons to children ages 1-15 for two months. The awarded contractor will be expected to conduct services during the months of August 2026 and September ending September 30, 2026.

The Contractor or the State may terminate the contract at any time upon one (1) months prior written notice.

Scope of Work The Department of Health ("DOH"), Emergency Management Systems & Injury Prevention Systems Branch ("EMS&IPSB") seeks to enter into a contract with a qualified organization to offer free water safety lessons to children ages 1-15 for the summer of 2026. The awarded Contractor will be expected to conduct services during the summer ending September 30, 2026. Coalitions, partnerships, and strategic alliances are essential to improving public health, particularly those addressing macro-level challenges through policy and systems change. Coalition building is aligned with the Essential Public Health Service #4 of the Ten Essential Public Health Services: Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health.

Building and sustaining a strong coalition fosters collaboration across organizations, agencies, and sectors to identify shared goals and create and coordinate strategic actions/activities that improve health outcomes.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-15 in Hawai'i, and less than 2% of our second graders have the water safety competencies to avoid or recover from drowning. According to a 2019 report by the Hawai‘i Aquatics Academy, swimming skill and water safety competence for Hawai‘i’s children from lower-income areas are consistent with national statistics when compared to moderate and higher-income populations. The report goes on to say, “Nationally, both the fatal and non-fatal drowning rates are higher for children who are in low-socioeconomic status groups or ethnic minority groups.”

According to the CDC Vital Signs Newsletter from June 18, 2024, "Drowning Increases in the U.S., Making swimming lessons more accessible can save lives... Basic swimming and water safety skills training is a proven, effective way to prevent drowning. Some groups of people are less likely to report taking swimming lessons. Differences in access to swimming lessons are one barrier that could contribute to these outcomes. Swimming lessons can be expensive or may not be available in some communities. When swimming lessons are available, some people may be hesitant to participate due to complex social and cultural factors. Everyone should have access to basic swimming and water safety skills training."

Description of the Service Goals:

With the goal of reducing drowning fatalities in low-income children, the Department of Health has allocated $20,000 in funds for one organization to offer free pool-based water safety competency lessons for low-income children this summer.

Description of the Target Population to Be Served:

Lessons should be provided for children ages 15 and under, and they should prioritize children who have had little to no water safety lessons when possible. A majority of the participants should be from low-income families.

This can be determined by student scholarship applications, or by offering programs in areas with high volumes of QUEST participants.

Geographic Coverage of Services:

State of Hawai'i, areas on the island of O‘ahu, excluding the Wai‘anae District. O‘ahu is the island with the highest numbers of fatal child drownings in the state.

Specifications and Requirements:

1. The bidder should have a proven, research-backed program focused on water safety and water competencies as defined by the American Red Cross.

2. Funds should cover all necessary personnel, supplies, aquatic facilities, operational costs, and administrative costs.

3. An established measurement tool should include a pre- and post-skills check conducted by trained staff.

4. At least 4 sessions should be offered that include the following:

1. Five one-hour lessons.

2. Minimum group size per lesson: 20 children. Maximum group size per lesson: 48 children. Goal of serving 80-92 unduplicated youth total.

3. Instructor-to-student ratio: 1:8 maximum.

5. The lessons should:

1. Teach essential water survival skills: safe entry into and exit from the water, techniques for unexpected water situations, and a variety of aquatic safety topics (e.g., what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help, how to exit the water in rough conditions such as strong waves/currents or on the rocks).

2. Build confidence & overcome fear: Exercises to help kids adjust and become comfortable with being in the water. Water acclimation, water movement, and water stamina. Instruction in skill sets children can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water.

3. Instill a lifelong commitment to water safety: Promoting responsible aquatic behavior. Encouraging swimming as a life skill and healthy activity. Offer fun activities that reinforce skills.

4. Children can be asked to bring Swimsuit and Towel, but these should be provided for participants who do not have them. Swim goggles are optional.

Offeror Qualifications

The program shall be delivered by a team of certified and experienced aquatics professionals including an Aquatic Director and Aquatic Coordinator, two (2) Lifeguards, and Swim Instructors plus additional volunteers for safety and supervision.

Certified lifeguard supervision is required during all pool operating hours. Lifeguards must be certified in an accredited lifeguard curriculum, (YGuard and/or American Red Cross), first aid, CPR for professional rescuers, emergency oxygen administration, and AED.

All staff must be trained in child abuse recognition, prevention, and reporting.

Bid Preparation

The Contractor is requested to submit its offer using the Contractor’s exact legal name as registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Failure to do so may delay proper execution of the contract.

Bid Quotation

Bid price shall be all inclusive, and include, but not limited to, all applicable taxes and expenses incurred to provide services specified herein. Bid must be submitted through HIePRO system.

Tax Liability

Work to be performed under this solicitation is a business activity taxable under Chapter 237, HRS, and vendors are advised that they are liable for the Hawaii General Excise tax (GET) at the current rate for each county. If, however, the Contractor is a person exempt by the HRS from paying the GET and therefore not liable for the taxes on this solicitation, the Contractor shall state its tax-exempt status and cite the HRS chapter or section allowing the exemption.

References

The Contractor shall list as references companies for whom bidder has provided or is currently providing on a regular basis, services similar in nature and in volume to services specified herein. The State reserves the right to contact the references to inquire about the Contractor’s past performance.

Award of Contract

Method of Award. Award, if made, shall be to the responsive, responsible Contractor submitting the lowest offer. Must submit prices for all groups in order to qualify for award.

HRS Chapter 237 tax clearance requirement for award. Instructions are as follows:

Pursuant to §103D-328, HRS, lowest responsive Contractor shall be required to submit a tax clearance certificate issued by the Hawaii State Department of Taxation (DOTAX) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The certificate shall have an original green certified copy stamp and shall be valid for six (6) months from the most recent approval stamp date on the certificate. It must be valid on the date it is received by DLNR, State Parks.

Hawaii Compliance Express

At the time of award and throughout the period of the contract, the Offeror shall be a member of good standing in the Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE). Information on joining and the requirements for HCE can be found at: https://lala.ehawaii.gov/lala/account/new.lala?returnUri=https%3a%2f%2fvendors.ehawaii.gov%2fhce%2f

Notice to Proceed

Work will commence on the official commencement date specified by an authorized and signed Purchase Order from the State of Hawaii.

No work is to be undertaken by the Contractor prior to the official commencement date. The State is not liable for any work, contract, costs, expenses, loss of profits, or any damage whatsoever incurred by the Contractor prior to the work start date.

Liability Insurance The following minimum insurance coverage(s) and limit(s) shall be provided by the Contractor:

Coverage Limits

Commercial General Liability $1,000,000 combined singled limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage $2,000,000 general aggregate

Each insurance policy required shall contain the following conditions and clause:

0. This insurance shall not be canceled, limited in scope of coverage or non-renewed until after 30 days written notice has been given to the State of Hawaii, Department of Health Resources, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch, 3675 Kilauea Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816.

1. The State of Hawaii is added as an additional insured as respects to operations performed for the State of Hawaii.

3. "It is agreed that any insurance maintained by the State of Hawaii will apply in excess of, and not contribute with, insurance provided by this policy."

The minimum insurance required shall be in full compliance with the Hawaii Insurance Code.

Prior to the commencement of the work, the Contractor agrees to deposit with the State of Hawaii certificate(s) of insurance necessary to satisfy the State that the insurance provisions have been complied with.

Failure of the Contractor to provide and keep in force such insurance shall be regarded as material default, entitling the State to exercise any or all of the remedies provided for the termination of services.

The procuring of such required insurance shall not be construed to limit Contractor's liability hereunder nor to fulfill the indemnification provisions and requirements. Notwithstanding said policy or policies of insurance, Contractor shall be obliged for the full and total amount of any damage, injury, or loss caused by negligence or neglect connected with the services.