YSO RFP 24-600-4095, Revision A.pdf

Flager Volusia Youth Services Operator

RFP 24-600-4095

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Flager and Volusia Youth Services Operator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

SECTION 2 - BACKGROUND

SECTION 3 – ELIGIBLE RESPONDENTS

SECTION 4 – CONTRACT TYPE AND AMOUNT

SECTION 5 – PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

SECTION 6 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

SECTION 7 – YOUNG ADULT (YOUTH) SERVICES

SECTION 8 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONSINCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

SECTION 9 – PROPOSAL SCHEDULE

SECTION 10 – PROPOSAL INQUIRIES

SECTION 11 – PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

SECTION 12 – PROPOSAL PREPARATION

SECTION 13 – PROPOSAL FORMAT

SECTION 14 – PROPOSAL EVALUATION

SECTION 15 – CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS

SECTION 16 – APPEAL PROCEDURE FOR PROCUREMENT ACTIONS

Attachments:

A – Cover Sheet B – Past Performance Table C – Budget D – Representations and Certifications

1. PURPOSE

Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the “Board” or “BWDB” is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to serve as Youth Service Operator hereinafter referred to as” YSO” BWDB is seeking proposals from experienced organizations to provide career and training services to Young Adults, within the two-county region of Flagler and Volusia. Workforce development-minded organizations with successful experience who can thoroughly demonstrate that they have the ability to provide management and the services requested will be considered.

The expected contracts awarded under this RFP solicitation will start on July 1, 2024, and maybe be renewed annually as allowed by Florida Statutes, provided measurable performances are successfully achieved and it’s in the best interest of BWDB. All contractors are required to serve those participants already enrolled in the Workforce and Innovation and Opportunity Act (Opportunity Act) Young Adult Programs as of June 30, 2024. BWDB reserves the option to modify contracts on a year-to-year basis.

For the purposes of this RFP, BWDB is currently unable to define the Opportunity Act allocation (administrative and programmatic funds) that will be awarded for July 1, 2024. The State of Florida allocates annually late spring. It is anticipated that the projected amount will be known on or about the time of the final negotiations of each contract based on Federal appropriations to the State of Florida. Final contract funding awards will be based upon funding allocations, local priorities, and legislative mandates at the discretion of BWDB. The actual amount of the contract award will be based on the proposed budgets, availability of funds, and the standards for the use of public funds (all costs must be reasonable and necessary to carry out the planned functions, allowable, and allocable to the proper grant/cost categories). The proposals most advantageous to BWDB in terms of quality and cost will be considered for funding.

Respondents to this proposal are expected to acknowledge as part of their response, that the work of the YSO requires knowledge of the following laws, rules and guidance:

⬧ The Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) WIOA No. 15-16 provides information on the requirements to designate or certify one-stop operators through a competitive process as set forth in sec. 121(d)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

⬧ Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) [Public Law 113-128 (29 U.S.C. Sec.

3101, et. seq.)] and associated WIOA Final Rules [20CFR Parts 603, 652-654, 658, 675

- 688] and [34CFR Parts 361 and 463].

⬧ As subrecipients of Federal funds, one-stop operators must follow the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR part 200, including the contractual provisions in 2 CFR 200.326 and 2 CFR part 2900.

⬧ The Florida Workforce Innovation Act (Chapter 2000-165, Laws of Florida)

⬧ Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 Welfare Transition Program

(WTP)

⬧ The Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP)

⬧ The Wagner-Peyser Labor Exchange Program

⬧ Social Security Act, Title IV, as amended

⬧ Various Federal and State guidance and policy issued from the U.S. Department of

Labor, Employment & Training Administration and the Florida Commerce Department.

o Federal is available at this link: https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/.

o State is available at this link: http://floridajobs.org/local-workforce-development- board-resources/policy-and-guidance/guidance-papers

⬧ Special emphasis on the most recent WIOA Advisories and Guidance related to Youth, Adults and Dislocated Workers.

Youth Services Operator (YSO) - Roles and Prohibited Functions At a minimum, the YSO must ensure that in carrying out this role they will do the following:

⬧ Disclose any potential conflicts of interest arising from the relationships of the one-stop operators with training service providers or other service providers, including but not limited to, career services providers.

⬧ In coordinating services and serving as a YSO, refrain from establishing practices that create disincentives to providing services to individuals with barriers to employment who may require longer-term services, such as intensive employment, training, and education services; and

⬧ Comply with Federal regulations and procurement policies, relating to the calculation and use of profits.

⬧ BWDB may establish additional roles for the YSO, including the following: being the primary youth services provider within the center; providing some of the youth services within the center; coordinating youth and other service providers within the center and across the one-stop system; and coordinating service delivery in a multi-center area, which may include affiliated sites. The role of the YSO must be clearly articulated in all phases of the procurement process, as well as in the legally binding agreement between the Local WDB and the YSO.

Youth Services Operators’ may not perform the following functions:

⬧ Convene system stakeholders to assist in the development of the local plan;

⬧ Prepare and submit local plans (as required under WIOA sec. 107);

⬧ Be responsible for oversight of itself;

⬧ Manage or significantly participate in the competitive selection process for one-stop operators or any services considered part of the one-stop delivery system or its menu of services;

⬧ Select or terminate one-stop operators, career service providers, and youth providers;

⬧ Negotiate local performance accountability measures other than with BWDB;

⬧ Or develop and submit budgets for activities of the Local WDB in the Local Area.

Pursuant to the Stevens Amendment, this project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration, Health and Human Services, Education and Agriculture as part of awards not to exceed $16,000.000 with 0% percentage financed from non-governmental sources.

2. BACKGROUND

BWDB is a private non-profit corporation designated as the administrative entity, planner and grant recipient of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Opportunity Act) funds, the employment and training funds for the State of Florida’s Welfare Transition Program (WTP), Wagner–Peyser funds (WP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Food Stamp Training & Employment Program (SNAP). Currently, one of 24 local workforce https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/ http://floridajobs.org/local-workforce-development-board-resources/policy-and-guidance/guidance-papers http://floridajobs.org/local-workforce-development-board-resources/policy-and-guidance/guidance-papers http://floridajobs.org/local-workforce-development-board-resources/policy-and-guidance/guidance-papers development boards (LWDB) in the State of Florida, BWDB is responsible for arranging a network of service delivery that meets the workforce needs of businesses and the public alike.

Through three Career Centers and additional young adult program sites, BWDB provides the framework for a local workforce preparation network that is quality focused, businesses-driven and customer-centered. This framework is designed to increase access to, and opportunities for, the employment, education, training, and support services that individuals need to succeed in the labor market, particularly those with barriers to employment.

Targeted populations include economically disadvantaged adults and young adults, adults, dislocated workers, people with disabilities, long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, underemployed, and veterans.

BWDB strives to provide the business community with a well-trained and job-ready workforce. To support businesses and industry sectors effectively, Career Center staff identify and understand skill needs and form strategies to assist businesses. This philosophy incorporates integrated and aligned business services among a collaboration of entities responsible for providing resources to ensure seamless service delivery to jobseekers and businesses alike.

Values are the unswerving core beliefs and foundation of the system. These values express the things about the Florida Workforce System brand that won’t change over time; they are the bedrock and are embraced by the entire system and everyone doing business with it.

Our Values:

• Business-Driven: We believe Florida employers – the State’s job creators – are essential to our overall success in providing effective, market-relevant workforce solutions that drive economic growth and sustainability.

• Continuous Improvement: Driven by our commitment to excellence, we respond to changing market dynamics. We continually strive to improve our performance to better anticipate and address the talent needs of employers and the employment and skills needs of job seekers and workers. We identify, measure and replicate success.

• Integrity: We fulfill our mission with honesty and accountability and strive in every decision and action to earn and protect the public trust.

• Talent Focus: We believe in the power of talent to advance every enterprise and open the door to life-enhancing economic opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. Our commitment is to make talent Florida’s key competitive asset.

• Purpose-Driven: Our work is meaningful and through it, we can inspire hope, achievement and economic prosperity in the lives of the customers we serve.

All proposals must be geared to result in meeting the vision and values of BWDB.

BWDB is designated as the administrative entity and grant recipient for federal workforce investment programs in Flager and Volusia Counties in Florida. An essential element of the organization’s operating criteria is to respond to a demand-driven economy based on local employer needs and equipping jobseekers with the skills and knowledge to meet the current and future occupational needs of the region’s businesses.

3. ELIGIBLE RESPONDENTS

All public or private not-for-profit corporations, organizations or agencies, or private for-profit corporations and businesses, not otherwise excluded; and properly organized in accordance with applicable state, local and federal law, that can demonstrate the capacity to successfully provide the services identified in this RFP may submit a proposal. Minority, Veteran, and women-owned and operated businesses are encouraged to submit a proposal.

Proposals from consortia, partnerships or other combinations of organizations can be submitted, provided one organization is designated as the lead agency, fiscal agent, and prime contractor with details provided on the assignment of consortium/subcontracting relationship. A proposal that includes subcontracting all activities and services in this RFP to other organizations will not be considered responsive. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

In accordance with Florida Statutes Sections 607.1501, 605.0902, and 620.1902, foreign corporations, foreign limited liability companies, and foreign limited partnerships must be authorized to do business in the State of Florida. Any organization awarded a contract as the result of this solicitation will be required to be authorized and licensed to conduct business in the state of Florida prior to contract execution.

No entity may compete for funds if: (1) the entity has been debarred or suspended or otherwise determined to be ineligible to receive federal funds by an action of any governmental organization; (2) the entity’s previous contract(s) with BWDB has been terminated for cause; (3) the entity has not complied with an official order to repay disallowed costs incurred during the conduct of services under any contract; (4) the entity or its parent organization have filed for bankruptcy during the past (5) years; (5) the entity has been convicted of a public entity crime pursuant to 287.133(1)(a) Florida Statutes, or (6) the entity developed or drafted work requirements, or statements of work for this RFP. All proposals shall be reviewed for a perceived conflict of interest.

Respondents shall have direct experience with, and broad knowledge of, the federal workforce investment system, the services and programs associated with it, and employ a team who can promptly respond to BWDB needs. The ability to provide innovative, high-quality services, flexibility, and timely response to BWDB requirements is of utmost importance.

This RFP does not commit or obligate BWDB to award a contract, to commit to any funds identified in this RFP document, to pay any costs incurred for the preparation or presentation of a proposal to this RFP, to pay for any costs incurred in advance of the execution of a contract, or to procure or contract for services or supplies.

4. CONTRACT TYPE AND AMOUNT

Any contract awarded under this RFP is subject to available funding. BWDB contemplates awarding a cost reimbursement, performance-based incentive fee contract. BWDB does not guarantee any minimum or maximum amount of work and/or dollar value associated with this procurement. However, the Board does not anticipate the necessity of committing funding more than $450,000.00 per year for the services awarded under this RFP. This amount is provided as a planning figure only and does not commit BWDB to award a contract for this amount. Respondents should keep in mind that funding associated with training are not part of this contract and are funded under the BWDB budget. The specific method of payment for services to be rendered and award fee earned shall be as set forth in the negotiated contract and will be contingent upon demonstration that the negotiated performance deliverables have been successfully accomplished to BWDB’s satisfaction, and submittal of an invoice with supporting documentation.

The primary funding sources are the US Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration (USDOL-ETA) for all WIOA-related services; and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services Funding during the initial contract period, or any option period, may be adjusted at the sole and absolute discretion of BWDB. Reductions in the funding level of any contract resulting from this solicitation process may be considered during the contract period when a Contractor fails to meet expenditure, participant, and/or outcome goals specified in the contract or when anticipated funding is not forthcoming from the federal or state funding sources.

Due to the nature of the funding sources, potential changes in legislation, policies and performance achieved, Respondents are advised that any contract awarded under this RFP may be modified to incorporate such changes. The Respondent’s ultimate role in any new grants, reductions or increases in funding are at the discretion of BWDB.

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The duration of the contract to be awarded as a result of this RFP shall be for a one-year period provided performance remains acceptable to BWDB during that period. Time will be of the essence for performance of services under the contract. Any contract awarded as a result of this RFP will provide that BWDB shall have the option to extend the term of the Contract. The duration of the contract, including any exercise options, will not exceed four (4) years. BWDB anticipates the following periods of performance, provided contractor performance remains acceptable to BWDB.

Year Contract Phase Contract Period

From: To:

1 Initial July 1, 2024 June 30, 2025

2 Option 1 TBD TBD TBD

3 Option 2 TBD TBD TBD

4 Option 3 TBD TBD TBD

The offer of an option renewal period is not guaranteed, and the award of the initial contract does not imply an exercise of the option renewal. The option to renew and the terms and conditions of the option to renew shall be exercised at the sole and absolute discretion of

BWDB.

6. SCOPE OF SERVICES – GENERAL

The following scope of services shall apply to any contract awarded because of this RFP.

Upon contract award, Contractor shall:

6.1 The Contractor will be required to provide youth services and activities in accordance with, and as subscribed and authorized by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) [Public Law 113-128 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 3101, et. seq.)] and associated WIOA

USDOL Final Rule [20CFR Parts 603, 652-654, 658, 675, 679 – 688] and Joint USDOL and US Dept. of Ed. Final Rules [20CFR Parts 676-678 and 34CFR Parts 361 and 463], related state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy, guidance, communiqués, and memoranda, as well as BWDB policy.

6.2 Utilize universally accessible system using standard business software for all service areas and or facilities to include BWDB-related procedures, forms and policies that is available to all career centers and BWDB staff. Currently, BWDB utilizes Microsoft 365, SharePoint and or Teams to accomplish this.

6.3 Ensure that services are broadly available to customers beyond traditional hours of operation during times that will meet the needs of most customers. Contractor must have a staff presence whenever they are in operation. At a minimum, they must be open to the public from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. The Career Centers will be closed on applicable State and Federal holidays and any other additional days approved by BWDB. The presence of staff in the career center’s outside of these hours shall be mutually agreed to between the Contractor and BWDB prior to the contract start date. Center hours may be adjusted at BWDB discretion. Saturday hours must be available if special conditions warrant as instructed by BWDB. In addition, Contractor must ensure that arrangements are made to keep service delivery available throughout the holiday seasons with limited closings for major holidays.

6.4 Be required to meet all youth performance requirements as indicated by BWDB.

Current performance requirements include but are not limited to WIOA Primary Indicators of Performance Measures, Monthly Management Report (MMR) and CareerSource Florida Letter Grade Measures. Reports may be periodically changed depending on grantor and BWDB requirements. The contractor will be responsible for meeting specific grant reporting requirements for any new grants received during the contract period.

6.5 Ensure compliance with all State and Local policies and procedures relative to youth services and the WIOA. Contractor may suggest revisions, additions and deletions to policies based on program knowledge and expertise.

6.6 Be required to provide monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly progress reports or presentations of program performance and expenditures in comparison to the deliverables agreed upon in the contract.

6.7 As requested by BWDB, work collaboratively with Board staff, partners, community members and others to provide the resources necessary to support other funding opportunities; assist with the preparation of reports and other documentation as requested; and provide quotations or project costs as required.

6.8 Be required to implement and fulfill BWDB cooperative agreements and memorandum of understanding (MOU) with partners.

6.8.1. Understand the mission, vision, and service delivery requirements of the required one-stop partners to better strategically align with BWDB priorities and services.

6.8.2. Work to support building relationships with the required partners of the designated comprehensive one-stop center, as defined by BWDB.

6.8.3. Facilitate conversations and support the development of a mutual client assessment and referral process; an agreed upon data sharing process, and a mechanism to capture performance between all partners.

6.8.4. Convene quarterly meetings to share information, discuss strategies to positively impact employment outcomes for shared customers and problem-solve collaboration issues.

6.8.5. Make recommendations for additional partners that will help improve and support the one-stop system.

6.8.6. Provide quarterly reports that includes updates to partner strategies to coordinate and deliver services, participant outcomes, partner success stories, and highlights of services coordination efforts, to BWDB’s designee.

6.9 Additional grants, contracts and workforce services may be obtained and provided by BWDB during the contract period. It is anticipated that most of the additional service programs will have deadlines and performance measures. Contractor will be required to support BWDB in the administration/local management of these additional grants and contracts regardless of whether the performance is listed as specific pay point in the final contract. The Service Provider shall provide information specific to the capacity of the organization to respond to additional requirements while still maintaining normal programs and services and all expected performance levels. Contractor shall provide services for those special projects funded by BWDB or some other funding source.

Contractor shall also provide technical assistance and staff training to these special projects as requested by BWDB.

6.10 The Board’s revenues, which it uses to fund contracts and operations, are primarily federal and state funds, subject to the requirements for use of public funding. The Contractor is expected to understand and use applicable federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost and administrative circulars including 2 CFR, Chapter II, Part 200, et al., and applicable federal and state laws and regulations in budgeting and expending the public funds in their BWDB contracts. Contractors must maintain cost allocation plans that properly allocate costs between management/administrative functions and operations, as well as among the various service modules funded by BWDB. Contractors’ cost allocation plans must meet BWDB requirements and will be reviewed and approved by Board staff. BWDB will ask Contractors to develop their allocation plans when negotiating a contract budget.

6.10.1. Contractor will be subject to mandatory, BWDB-provided, independent programmatic and financial monitoring evaluations as well as separate monitoring evaluations conducted by the Florida Department of Commerce and the US Department of Labor.

6.10.1.1 Contractor will be required to develop internal monitoring procedures to ensure that program operations are conducted in compliance with WIOA Final Rules and Regulations, as well as Federal, State and Board requirements.

6.10.1.2. Contractor will be required to respond to any findings in accordance with Board requirements.

6.10.2. If indirect costs are included in the budget, then include either, a) an agency-approved indirect cost rate with a copy of the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), a description of the base used to calculate indirect costs along with the amount of the base, and the total indirect costs requested, or b) if you meet the requirements to use the 10 percent de minimis rate as described in 2 CFR 200.414(f) then include a description of the modified total direct costs base (see 2 CFR 200.68 for definition) used in the calculation along with the amount of the base, and the total direct costs requested based on the 10 percent de minimis rate.

6.10.3. Contractor must accept complete liability for its role in providing services for all aspects of any youth services and or other WIOA program conducted under contract with BWDB. Contractor will be liable for repayment of any disallowed costs or illegal expenditures of funds or program operations conducted.

6.11 As required by BWDB, Contractor shall attend both regularly scheduled and impromptu meetings, either in person or via teleconference, to review overall performance, and to address issues to ensure that the needs of employer and jobseeker customers are met, and duplication of services is minimized or eliminated. Contractor will be expected to provide timely response and action as course corrections dictate. Contractor is expected to make suggestions and recommendations to maximize performance.

6.12 Upon contract award, Contractor shall designate a knowledgeable primary point of contact who shall have optimum management and operations authority and be available to the Board during normal business hours as defined by BWDB with the ability to provide live assistance during those times. During peak performance periods, or emergencies, Contractor primary contact and/or staff may be required to be available beyond these parameters. Contact information shall be made available to BWDB for after-hours assistance. Contractor is expected to notify BWDB if there are any changes to the primary point of contact within 24 hours of a change.

6.13 Contractor is responsible for the control of any assigned property. A Property Account Custodian shall also be designated to account for all acquired and BWDB-tagged property assigned to the YSO and verify property is maintained and controlled. All property is to be used for the sole purpose of the delivery of workforce services. All property purchased under the contract will comply with the terms of the State of Florida policy regarding Accounting and Reporting Requirement for WIOA Property (FMA- 86- 3). Accountability for property purchased with WIOA funds must be in accordance with Chapter 273, Florida Statutes and Rules of the Auditor General - Chapter 10.300 State- Owned Tangible Personal Property. Equipment ownership will vest with the Service Provider until the end of the program at which time ownership will revert back to the Board.

6.13.1. Contractor must notify BWDB immediately when property is acquired, lost, missing, destroyed, relocated, or sent for maintenance or repair. Contractor must ensure theft of property is reported to proper authorities immediately.

Depending upon the circumstances and value of the lost, missing or destroyed property, Contractor may be liable for the cost of replacement.

6.14 Services include, but are not limited to, registration, assessment and testing services, job search and placement assistance, GED preparation, resume assistance, labor market information, employability skills workshops, job clubs, career planning and counseling, case management, interviewing skills training, and referral to educational and training programs. WIOA contemplates additional services not listed here but may be requested in the future. Contractor is expected to be knowledgeable of such services and provide recommendations when appropriate.

6.15 BWDB staff plans and directs all external marketing, outreach and system communications. Contractor involvement in these efforts is at BWDB direction.

Contractor is expected to provide suggestions and recommendations to BWDB to maximize service to customers. Internal communications, flyers, etc. are produced by the Contractor and must be in compliance with BWDB guidelines and policy.

6.15.1. Internal printed material and other written information must be language accessible for Flagler-Volusia County’s diverse population of jobseekers.

Whenever feasible, language barriers should be removed so that all feel welcome and can benefit from the workforce services experience. Depending on future guidance, the contractor may establish and maintain a Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP Plan), including services for individuals with a hearing impairment.

6.16 Contractor will be required to maintain accurate auditable records, including, but not limited to, records, timesheets, activity logs, invoices, or other expense records, which are the basis of charges for any fees, expenses or other charges to BWDB under the contract. State regulations require that all records attributable to the contract must be maintained for a minimum period of 5 fiscal years after all applicable audits have been released.

6.17 Any work product developed by Contractor in performance of this contract will require review and approval by BWDB and shall be the sole property of BWDB. BWDB shall have the right to copyright or otherwise protect its rights in, and ownership of, the work product.

6.18 Contractor will be required to develop systems to provide user-friendly ad hoc reporting capability and ensure that such systems produce all information needed to manage the daily operations of the YSO. This information includes, but is not limited to, program operation, performance outcomes, customer satisfaction, cost effectiveness, unduplicated customer and transaction counts, training enrollments, etc. The monthly report will include information about progress on the Key Performance Indicators for the continuous improvement model in use by the contractor. Contractor will be responsible for submitting reports with real-time data that reflect progress towards meeting these metrics.

6.19 Contractor shall serve any specific industry or population that BWDB identifies and targets as special priority.

6.20 Contractor shall not at any time or in any manner, either directly or indirectly, disclose, publish or otherwise reveal information obtained by Contractor in performance of the contract to any other party for any purpose not in conformity with state and federal regulations without the prior approval of BWDB.

6.21 Contractor is required to utilize the US Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify ) to verify employment eligibility of all persons employed during the contract term by Contractor to perform employment duties within Florida; and all persons assigned by Contractor to perform work under the terms of the contract.

6.21.1 All employees of YSO contractors, subcontractors, or agents with access to, and the ability to change or destroy confidential data, including data stored in the information systems used by workforce service providers to manage and report participant information, are required to undergo background screening as a condition of employment or contract award. Contractors shall be rescreened upon assignment to a new contract, or after a new contract award period or based on the screening standards prescribed by the State of Florida.

All staff are required to have a Level 1 background screening.

6.21.2 Section 435.03 mandates that a Level 1 background screening shall include but not be limited to, employment history checks and statewide criminal correspondence checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Local criminal records check through local law enforcement agencies may be included. Any person for whom an employment screening is required by statute must not have been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any offence prohibited under Section 435.04(2) or similar law of another jurisdiction. The background screening results shall be used to determine eligibility for employment or continued employment, and approval of contractor/agent personnel performing work on behalf of BWDB.

6.22 The Contractor shall, at its sole expense, maintain the following insurance. A certificate of insurance satisfactory to the Board and evidencing the coverage must be presented to the Board prior to commencement of services and updated upon exercise of any option to extend the contract. All policies of insurance referenced herein will be primary and will include BWDB as an additional insured party with the exception of Workers’ Compensation. All policies will include provisions that the insurers waive the rights of recovery or subrogation against BWDB. BWDB shall be exempt from, and in no way liable for, any sum of money which may represent a deductible in any of the insurance policies. The payment of such deductible shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

6.22.1. Liability Insurance: A standard liability insurance policy in the single limit amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 as an aggregate amount. General liability insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 per person and $200,000 per occurrence.

6.22.2. Worker’s Compensation: Workers' Compensation or similar insurance which provides coverage to all staff in at least the minimum statutory limits required by the state of Florida.

6.22.3. Bonding: A company-wide blanket Employee Fidelity Bond intended to cover every officer, director, agent, subcontractor, or employee authorized to receive or deposit funds under the contract, or issue financial documents, checks, or other instruments of payment of program costs. This bond shall be in the http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/Chapter435/All https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/Chapter435/All amount of $100,000 or the highest planned single payment by the BWDB during the contract period, whichever is more.

6.22.4. Motor Vehicle Insurance: When using motorized vehicles in performance of actions authorized by the Contract, Contractor agrees to obtain Motor Vehicle Insurance coverage in the amounts of not less than $500,000 property damage, and $1,000,000 per person, per occurrence. Contractor shall require and maintain proof of current motor vehicle insurance and vehicle registrations of all employees receiving any vehicle reimbursement expenses, including, but not limited to, mileage reimbursement.

6.23 Contractor shall submit timely reports in accordance with Schedule of Reports and Deliverables, as established at contract execution, and as requested by BWDB.

Content and format shall be in accordance with BWDB guidelines. BWDB retains the right to seek clarification or to request expansion or modification of Contractor submittals.

7. YOUNG ADULT (YOUTH) SERVICES

Contractor will provide Young Adult/Youth Services as prescribed in WIOA Title 1, Subtitle B - “Workforce Investment Activities and Providers”, Chapter 2, §129, USDOL WIOA Final Rule at 20 CFR Part 681 and TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE LETTER WIOA NO. 21-16 OPERATING GUIDANCE No. 21-16, “Third Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Title I Youth Formula Program Guidance.

Proposals should focus on excellent customer service, innovative and effective service design, integrated management, and high-quality staffing. Customers of the Young Adult programs must know upon arrival what services are provided on site, what they may/may not be eligible for, and how the program can best suit their individual needs. The staff should be knowledgeable about all available workforce development opportunities in the area to fulfill collaboration with partner programs, including but not limited to, services within and outside of the programs.

The successful respondents will be able to manage the customer flow and provide a successful customer experience creatively and effectively. Identifying the level of customer satisfaction is key to providing workforce services. Respondents must describe how they will provide services always cognizant of the needs of the customer. Respondents should describe the steps that will be taken to maintain high customer satisfaction (i.e. collecting data both internally and externally) through direct methods (personal interviews, focus groups, surveys, etc.) or indirect methods (performance data.) Proposals should show how this data will be used to adjust and measure the impact of improvements to customer flow.

WIOA emphasizes providing high quality services for youth and young adults beginning with career exploration and guidance, providing continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations, and culminating with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in post-secondary education. WIOA also emphasizes work experience opportunities. The primary focus is on Out-of-School Youth (OSY) with 75% of available funding allocated to OSY vs 25% on In-School-Youth (ISY). However, BWDB has placed emphasis on OSY and historically we have been in the

80th percentile of OSY.

Out-of-school young adults must be aged 16-24, not attending any school, and meet one or more additional conditions, which could include:

• School dropout; within age of compulsory attendance but has not attended for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter;

• holds a secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent and is low-income and is basic skills deficient or an English language learner;

• subject to the juvenile or adult justice system;

• homeless, runaway, in foster care or aged out of the foster care system,

• eligible for assistance under Section 477, Social Security Act, or in out-of-home placement;

• pregnant or parenting;

• an individual with a disability;

• low income person who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment.

In-school young adults must be aged 14-21, attending school, low income, and meet one or more additional conditions, which could include:

• Basic skills deficient;

• English language learner;

• an offender;

• homeless, runaway, in foster care or aged out of the foster care system;

• pregnant or parenting;

• an individual with a disability;

• person who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment.

Young adult services provide a coordinated, integrated service strategy for in-school and out-of-school youth facing serious barriers to future employment. The current BWDB Youth Services strategy is designed to be the one-stop contact for all youth services offered.

Contractor staff provide youth services and dedicated recruitment of young adults into BWDB’s NextGen Program.

BWDB envisions a network where all young adults in the Flagler and Volusia regions can easily access a comprehensive and integrated set of education and training supports that increase the number of young adults productively engaged in the workforce, thereby increasing self-sufficiency, and reducing poverty. BWDB seeks to be a leader in empowering “Opportunity Youth” (young adults who are disconnected from school or work) ages 16-24 to obtain employment, re-engage in school, prepare for post-secondary education and/or connect to industry-focused education and training programs.

Additionally, respondents must clearly identify services to be provided, with collaboration and linkages to other agencies. Respondents must show that they have the professional experience, prior training, and applicable professional judgment within their staff/organization to perform and accomplish the proposed goals, objectives and activities submitted in accordance with all programs within this RFP.

At a minimum the narrative must describe the steps that will be taken to accomplish the following:

• Develop, offer, and deliver quality business services that assist specific businesses and industry sectors in overcoming the challenges of recruiting, retaining, and developing talent for the regional economy.

• Improve the skills of job seekers, including those with disabilities, to compete successfully in today’s global economy.

• Implement practices that actively engage industry sectors and use economic and labor market information, sector strategies and career pathways.

• Create career pathways that lead to industry-recognized credentials, encourage work-based learning, and use state-of-the-art technology to accelerate learning and promote college and career success.

• Organize and integrate services by function (rather than by program.)

• Develop and implement operational procedures that reflect an integrated network of performance, communication, and customer service.

• Capitalize on the latest technological advances to expand services expeditiously.

• Train and equip staff in an ongoing learning process with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to provide superior service to job seekers, including those with disabilities, and businesses in an integrated, regionally focused framework of service delivery.

Recruitment includes engaging regional community and industry organizations to participate in work experience or OJT opportunities by communicating the benefits and opportunities available through the NextGen Program.

BWDB funding is intended to support the Contractor’s ability to incorporate participants into existing program and service offerings including a youth employment program. Contractor will be required to manage and provide resources and designated staff for young adult services in accordance with the design and elements identified in WIOA §129(c). It is not required to provide all the following services to all participants; however, Contractor must ensure the services are available to youth participants.

Preparation for and success in Employment

1. Paid and unpaid work experiences

2. Occupational skills training

3. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific operation or occupational cluster

4. Entrepreneurial skills training

5. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area (e.g. career awareness, counseling, or exploration)

Improving Education Achievement

6. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential.

7. Alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services

8. Activities that help young adults prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training.

Support for Youth

9. Supportive services that enable an individual to participate in WIOA activities.

10. Adult mentoring that includes structured activities where the mentor offers guidance, support and encouragement to the participant to develop competence and character.

11. Follow-up services

12. Comprehensive guidance and counseling

Services to develop the potential of young adults as citizens and leaders

13. Leadership development activities that encourage responsibility, employability, and other positive social behaviors

14. Financial literacy education

Assessments are a huge part of successful customer advocacy and provide valuable information to help develop the success of each individual customer. Assessments involve gathering information and appraising, analyzing, and using it to assist customers.

Assessments of the skill levels and service needs of adults, dislocated workers and young adults, may include diagnostic testing, such as Myers Briggs, TORQ, CareerScope or other assessment tools. An in-depth interviewing technique and evaluation is needed to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment goals.

The goal of an assessment is to identify academic and skill levels, service needs, strengths, deficiencies, prior work experiences, interests and aptitudes, employability, and attitudes relating to vocational training, basic education, and careers. Assessments are completed to determine appropriate services and career pathways for participants. It forms the basis for career services by measuring academic development, workplace skills, interests, job seeking and retention skills, financial situation, work readiness, employment and family barriers, and the ability to learn to do work tasks.

A thorough assessment of a customer should identify whether or not a customer has:

• Adequate basic education, skills, and work background for their choice of services or employment opportunities.

• Required occupational tasks and any skills the participants must develop to achieve their employment goals.

• Realistic job seeking skills and the work maturity (attitude) to get and keep a job.

• Sources of additional support needed for success and the agencies that can provide this support.

Respondents must provide assessment services including assessment of basic skills, abilities, interests, evaluation of work history, evaluation of support service needs and other assessment instruments that might be of value in assisting the customer. Respondents should select appropriate assessment tools to use. All assessment processes and tools must be approved by BWDB prior to implementation and must be applied in a consistent and equitable manner.

Services provided will be creative, flexible, effective, age and culturally appropriate for youth populations in a manner that educates youth about the workforce system: services and the benefits these services provide for youth. Additional services include, but are not limited to, the following:

7.1 Collaborate with organizations to ensure an effective, streamlined youth referral/eligibility process is maintained to serve the most at-risk youth populations including youth who are out of school, aging out of foster care, offenders or at-risk of offending, or who have a disability.

7.2 Conduct and document a comprehensive assessment of all participants, to include basic skills, occupational skills, interests, aptitude, work readiness skills, barriers, and supportive service needs in order to develop Individual Service Strategies (ISS) that include education, training and employment.

7.3 Respondents must employ best practices and demonstrate proven and meaningful partnerships that incorporate concepts of (1) young adult development that meet the psycho/social/emotional needs of young people (2) career-focused strategies with an emphasis on meaningful and attainable career ladders, and (3) wrap-around services with particular focus on long-term careers. Specifically, respondents must show how their programs have a proven history of providing: of the initial contract period effective date, develop for BWDB approval, a year-round youth employment program which includes an on-the- job work experience and incorporates the best practices of the existing BWDB summer youth employment program.

7.3.1 Proven recruitment strategies to effectively outreach, engage, enroll, and retain young adults.

7.3.2 A continuum of service that allows participants to progress along GED/High School diploma attainment, matriculation into post-secondary education/training and placement into employment with a career path.

7.3.3 Meaningful partnerships with businesses in high growth industries that support career pathways through internships and work-based learning opportunities for young adults. Use structured career exploration, while providing maximum opportunities for young adults to learn theoretical and practical skills relevant to their career interests.

7.3.4 Provide long-term career development services such as occupational training leading to unsubsidized employment in high demand industries with wage progression.

7.3.5 Employ career pathways model, with structured sequences of activities and multiple entry and exit points that provide adequate support services to meet the wide range of barriers of various young adult populations.

7.3.6 Include innovative post-secondary bridge programs designed to accelerate credentials and skill building, such as use of contextualized and integrated curriculum and instruction.

7.3.7 Provide intensive customer and support services, including financial literacy education, to help young adults overcome complex barriers and to successfully complete programs, and secure and retain employment.

7.3.8 Demonstrate investment in long-term follow-up with participants upon program completion. This intensive customer service after the young adult has exited the program must show how to ensure continued success in post-secondary education, training, or employment.

7.4 In addition, BWDB seeks proposals demonstrating collaborations with other agencies to access an appropriate range of services for participating young adults.

Proposals are expected to demonstrate capacity to fulfill all Opportunity Act service requirements but may do so with partnerships.

7.5 Funds awarded through this RFP will be used for Opportunity Act eligible young adults, ages 16-24, who are seeking workforce services.

8. SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of the solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at the following addresses. This address list is not inclusive, and it remains the responsibility of each Respondent to research the related laws and regulations of prevailing legislation.

United States (USC): http://uscode.house.gov/download/download.shtml Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx/ Federal Register (FR): https://www.federalregister.gov/ Florida Statutes (FS): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/ State Workforce Board Guidance, Policy, Memoranda, Communiqués, Monitoring Tools, etc. (Department of Economic Opportunity [DEO]):

http://www.floridajobs.org/workforce-board-resources Executive Orders (EO): http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/disposition.html Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html US Department of Labor/Employment & Training: https://www.doleta.gov/wioa/

⬧ Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-Profit and with Commercial Organizations, and other International Organizations. (29 CFR Part 95 et al)

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