Workforce Investment Act Youth Employment and Training Program

County of MarinDepartment of Health and Human Services

Division of Social ServicesEMPLOYMENT & TRAINING BRANCH

Workforce Investment Act Program

HHS RFP 2007-3 ISSUED March 22, 2007

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTTITLE I-B

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PURPOSE.................................................................................................................................... 1

WIA YOUTH PROGRAM.......................................................................................................... 2

SCOPE OF SERVICES............................................................................................................... 5

EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA...........................................................................10

GENERAL SUBMISSION AND FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS.................................................10

TIMELINE……………………………………………………………………………………….12

PROPOSAL NARRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................................13

PROPOSAL REVIEW PROCESS............................................................................................. 16

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS………………………………………………………………..…….18

ATTACHMENT A1: PERFORMANCE MEASURES................................................................. i

ATTACHMENT A2: WIA PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE..................................................ii

ATTACHMENT B1: BUDGET FORM INSTRUCTIONS........................................................iii

ATTACHMENT B2: BUDGET FORM...................................................................................... iv

ATTACHMENT C: COUNTY CONTRACT BOILERPLATE………………………………vi

PURPOSE

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the Marin County Department of Health & Human Services in partnership with the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Marin County to solicit proposals for the provision of federally-funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I-B year-round youth employment and training services within Marin County.

The WIB is comprised of representatives of local businesses, labor organizations, education providers, public agencies, and other entities interested in workforce development issues and is charged with workforce policy development and implementation for the Marin Workforce Investment Area. The WIB receives input and advice from a Youth Council comprised of organizations and local individuals interested in youth-related issues.

This RFP is designed to identify programs that assist youth to become life-long learners with the necessary skills to support long-term success in the job market. The overall goal of this RFP is to identify programs that assist at-risk youth ages 14-21 in achieving major educational attainment, skill development, and/or employment through:

Focus on intensive year round programming; Emphasis on long term outcomes; Delivery of ten specific service elements: tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading

to completion of secondary school (including dropout prevention strategies); alternative secondary school services; summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning; paid and unpaid work experiences as appropriate (including internships and job shadowing); occupational skill training; leadership development; adult mentoring; comprehensive guidance and counseling (which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral); supportive services; and follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation; and

Increased connections to employer and labor market information.

This can be accomplished through a variety of youth development strategies such as:

Tying services to labor market needs; Creating effective connections to local and regional employers; Developing meaningful connections between academic and occupational learning; Providing education or training relevant to the job market and further education; Linking to post secondary educational opportunities; and Providing activities and services that support youth development.

This procurement action may result in contract(s) award(s) totaling a projected amount of $74,000, contingent upon the amount of the WIA allocation awarded to Marin County for 2007-08. Contracted services are to be provided July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Contracts may be extended for up to three years if funds are available and performance has been satisfactory Proposals are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 13, 2007.THE WIA YOUTH PROGRAM

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A. Workforce Investment Act Law and Regulations

Please see the following website for a copy of WIA and relevant regulations: http://wdr.doleta.gov/readroom/legislation/pdf/105-220.pdf. In particular, read the following sections that pertain to youth eligibility (Title I, Section 101 Item (13) of the Act); program design elements (Title I, Section 129 C (1); and required program elements (Title I, Section 129 C (2).

B. Definitions

Academic Requirements: In order to assist participating youth in both academic and occupational success, services must have a strong emphasis on academic skill gains in English language literacy skills and math computation skills. The target population to be served includes youth who have low basic skills, defined as below 8th grade level. All programs must provide academic services to assist in skill gains for basic skills deficient youth. Assessment instruments must be utilized to show skill level gains. There are a variety of strategies that may help youth attain academic skills. The following are examples:

Instruction leading to high school diploma or GED; Basic skills instruction leading to grade or skill level increase, including English as a Second

Language; Preparation for entry into post-secondary education; Project-Based Learning with learning objectives tied to academic competencies; Community and Service Learning; and Tutoring and/or Study Skills leading to educational success and ultimate school completion.

Allowable Costs: Those costs which are necessary, reasonable, allocable and allowable under applicable Federal, State and Local law for the proper administration and performance of services to customers.

Assessment: Each participant shall be provided with an objective assessment of his/her academic, employment skills, and supportive service needs. This includes a review of educational skill levels, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, and aptitudes. Where appropriate, recent assessments can be used in lieu of additional assessment. The goal is to accurately evaluate the youth in order to develop an appropriate service strategy to meet his/her individual needs.

Basic Skills Deficient: An individual who has English reading, writing or computing skills at or below the eighth grade level on a generally accepted standardized test or a comparable score on a criterion-referenced test.

Coordination with One-Stop System: The One-Stop system provides workforce development services to job seekers and employers. WIB youth contractors will be expected to engage in partnerships to provide resources and services to youth. Specifically, programs should provide for a seamless transition to the One-Stop system.

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Cost Reimbursement Contracts: This is an agreement format that provides for reimbursement of all allowable costs which have been identified and approved in the contract budget. Contractors must maintain documentation to support the costs.

Employer Connections: Connections to employers are essential in the creation of a system of providers that can effectively assist youth to become highly skilled and employable. Bidders are being asked to demonstrate meaningful employer connections. These connections should lead to placements in employment or continuing education, as well as meaningful exposure to the world of work with resultant measurable skill increases.

Career development experiences should demonstrate meaningful employer involvement. These may be described as structured, supervised, contextual world-of-work experiences, with documented learning outcomes. Work-based learning experiences are those that take place in the context of actual work environments, link to learning outcomes, are developed with employer input, align with industry-specific skill standards and competencies, and are based upon labor market information.

Employment-related activities can include subsidized or unsubsidized work experiences; internships; job shadows; exposure to various aspects of industry; job search assistance, placement and retention; project-based learning; career mentoring; service learning; occupational skill training; and employment opportunities directly linked to academic and/or occupational goals.

Bidders are encouraged to make employer connections to leverage resources in the form of staff, funds for training, wages, operational needs related to training space/equipment, etc.

Intake/Eligibility Determination: Under the WIA legislation, all youth must meet eligibility criteria as defined in the “Target Population” section of this RFP. Certification of eligibility for any WIA- funded programs must be completed prior to enrollment. Certification includes income determination. One stop staff will assist Contractors by providing technical assistance on the certification process to determine eligibility.

In-kind Contribution: The value of services that are provided by the contractor at no cost to the County.

Individual Service Strategy: An individualized, written plan of long and short-term goals (that includes needed educational, employment related and personal support services) must be developed and maintained for each participant. Programs should use objective assessment information to develop this plan. The plan should be used to track services to be delivered and/or coordinated by the program and should be regularly reviewed and updated as changes occur.

Job Readiness: Activities that prepare participants for work by assuring that they are familiar with general workplace expectations and exhibit work behaviors and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor market. This may include life skills training.

Orientation: All participants must receive information on the full services that are available.

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Participant: An individual who has been determined to be eligible to participate in, and who is receiving services under this program. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with the term “customer”.

Placement: Placement into unsubsidized employment full time (at least 30 hours per week).

Referral: Programs are strongly encouraged to link and share information with other youth-serving agencies, organizations and training providers in order to meet the individual needs of all youth.

C. Demographics of the Youth Population and the Workforce Investment Labor Market Area.

The Marin WIB has compiled a five year plan that is available through the Marin Employment Connection. This plan contains valuable demographic and labor market information. Please contact Cynthia Gunselman for this information at (415) 473-3322.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. Youth Eligibility

For purposes of this RFP, an eligible youth is defined as an individual who:

1. Is age 14 – 21 (Note: Youth 18 – 21 may also be served through the WIA Title I-B Adult program);

2. Is a low income individual, as defined in the WIA section 101(25); and 3. Is within one or more of the following categories:

Deficient in basic literacy skills School dropout (A “dropout” is defined as an individual no longer attending any school,

including an alternative school) Homeless, runaway, or foster child Pregnant or parenting Offender Is an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to

complete an educational program or secure and hold employment (WIA sec. 101(13)) Resident of a high crime/high poverty area Substance abuser.

If the family of a youth with a disability does not meet the income eligibility criteria, the youth may be considered low-income if the youth’s own income meets the eligibility criteria established in WIA section 101(25)(B), or meets the income eligibility criteria for cash payments under any Federal, State or local public assistance program.

Youth are further categorized as in-school or out-of-school. Currently, a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of available youth funds must be expended on out-of-school youth. This figure is

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subject to revision dependant upon change in federal requirements. An out-of-school youth is an individual who, at the time of program enrollment:

1. Is an eligible youth who is a school dropout; or2. Is an eligible youth who has either graduated from high school or holds a GED/CHSPE, but is

basic skills deficient, unemployed, or underemployed.

A youth’s dropout status is determined at the time of registration. A youth attending an alternative school at the time of registration is not a dropout. An individual who is out-of-school at the time of registration and subsequently placed in an alternative school, may be considered an out-of-school youth for the purposes of the 30% expenditure requirement for out-of-school youth.

Preference will be given to that combination of barriers that are unlikely to be served by other agencies/programs in the area.

Up to five percent of youth served in WIA Title I-B funded programs may be youth that do not meet the income criterion, provided that they are within one or more of the following categories:

1. School dropout2. Basic skills deficient, as defined in WIA section 101(4)3. Are one or more grade levels below the grade level appropriate to the individual’s age4. Pregnant or parenting5. Possess one or more disabilities, including learning disabilities6. Homeless or runaway7. Offender 8. Face serious barriers to employment as identified by the local board9. Substance Abuser

Proposals may serve any or all ages within the allowable 14 – 21 age range. In addition, proposals may be written for the specific target group, such as out-of-school youth. The WIB has allocated a minimum of 30% of total available youth dollars to out-of-school youth.

B. Program Design Features

In addition to the required program elements listed below, there are some important features of the program design being requested by the Marin WIB and Youth Council. No fewer than 20 youth shall be enrolled into the WIA program, of which at least 6 must be out-of-school youth. Additional points will be awarded for proposals that serve higher numbers. Any contractor currently working with WIA youth may negotiate the number of new enrollments for this contract to take into account any “rollover” cases. The program of service should include a focus on training in demand occupations, and result if possible in industry recognized certifications. Programs should be able to offer incentives/stipends for participation to high-risk youth. The budget must include funds to provide supportive services such as childcare, transportation, and training related supplies. There should be a provision for the award of academic credit where appropriate.

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Recruitment, intake/eligibility determination, orientation, assessment, development of an individualized service strategy, referral, case management, coordination with one-stop services (for youth 18 – 21, as appropriate), academic requirements, and employer connections must also be incorporated into the program design.

National research identifies the following elements of effective practice and bidders are encouraged to embed the following principles in the delivery of services to youth: relationships that maintain continuity of contact with caring adults; strong connections to employers; a variety of contextual educational options for skill/competency gains or academic learning through

practical application; opportunities for leadership and decision-making; positive peer support; opportunities for post-secondary education; opportunities for meaningful service to others; and follow-up support over a sustained period.

There are several model programs that have employed effective practices and combinations of service for this target population. The following website is a good source of information for these examples: http://nyec.modernsignal.net/page.cfm?pageID=110

C. Required Program Elements

All ten WIA-required program elements must be addressed in the bidder’s program design. Elements can be made available directly or through partnerships. The primary goals are meeting individual needs and continuity of services. If partnering to provide these elements, programs must show how they will ensure follow through and coordination of services.

All youth do not need to take part in each of these elements, but each must be available to youth that need them.

Programs funded must provide effective and comprehensive activities, with a variety of options for improving educational and skill competencies, and provide effective connections to employers through the following ten required program elements:

Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school (including dropout prevention strategies);

Alternative secondary school services;

Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning. WIA moves the workforce development system away from short term interventions, instead emphasizing the long term development of young people;

Paid and unpaid work experiences as appropriate (including internships and job shadowing);

Occupational skill training;

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Leadership development;

Adult mentoring;

Comprehensive guidance and counseling (which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral).

Supportive services defined as those necessary to assist the youth to be successful in achieving their goals. This may include transportation, childcare, work-related tools, clothing, etc; and

Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation.

D. Outcomes

The following table shows the County’s youth performance goals for Program Years 2005-06. These goals are determined by US Department of Labor and State of California policy and performance negotiations. The State has not yet proposed performance goals for 2006-07 or 2007-08, but we anticipate that they will be similar to or slightly higher than the goals for 2005-06. The contractor will be expected to achieve performance goals at the same level that the County of Marin is held to by the State of California for 2007-08. Furthermore, the County reserves the right to change the performance outcomes should the Department of Labor change the youth performance to their proposed Common Measures.

LOCAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND GOALS (1)

WIA Requirements at Section 136©Marin County goals, 2005-06

YOUTH AGED 19-21

Older Youth Entered Employment Rate 72.8%Older Youth Retention Rate 73.0%Older Youth Earnings Gain $3,098Older Credential Attainment Rate 38.0%

YOUTH AGED 14-18

Younger Youth Skill Attainment Rate 88.0%Younger Youth Diploma or Equivalent Rate 66.0%Younger Youth Retention Rate 66.2%(1) For guidance on definitions of specific indictors, please see Attachment A.

E. Program Administration

In addition to the program services listed above, the contractor will be responsible for fiscal record keeping, participant reporting and record keeping, any necessary audits, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the contract and any subcontracts entered into by the contractor. The contractor will be responsible for complying with all requirements of the Workforce Investment Act, including the completion of the WIA Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Self-Evaluation Guide (please see the Employment Development Department’s WIA Directive number WIADO2-15 for further information).

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F. Period of Performance

The period of performance begins July 1, 2007 and continues through June 30, 2008. At its discretion, based on funding, performance and adherence to WIA and contract requirements, the WIB and County may extend the length of contract for up to three additional years (through program year 2010-2011), contingent upon a yearly review.

G. Funding

The funding award is based on WIA Title I-B Youth allocations for Program Year 2007-08 (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008). Any contract awarded as a result of this RFP will be contingent upon the availability of funding. In the event the dollar amount changes, the WIB may amend any awarded contract to reflect such changes. Such amendment to increase or decrease the dollar value of the contract shall be at the sole discretion of the WIB. In the event additional funds become available, any contract awarded may be renegotiated to provide for additional services. Proposals in excess of the stated amounts will be rejected as non-responsive.

For any additional information or questions, proposers should submit questions in writing by postal mail, or e-mail. No telephone questions will be accepted or considered. E-mail is the preferred means of correspondence. Email subject line should read: QUESTION REGARDING RFP. Questions should refer to the specific RFP paragraph number and page and should quote the passage being questioned. Send all inquires to the attention of:

Workforce Investment Board of Marin County120 N. Redwood Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903

Attention: Racy Mingor

[email protected]

The final date for receipt of questions is March 28, 2007. All questions received and the answers provided will be posted on the County of Marin website at http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/HH/main/RFPs as well as www.MarinWIB.org.

Please ensure that you are submitting a complete proposal. Also, please ensure that all electronic files are clearly identified with your business name and address.

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EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

A. General Submission and Format Instructions

Please prepare your response to the RFP in the following manner providing accurate, valid and full disclosure of information. If you fail to follow instructions and/or fail to respond to all parts of the RFP, your proposal shall be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered. The County will not accept any amendments, revisions or alterations after the proposal due date unless the changes are requested by the WIB.

The proposal package (signed original and six (6) copies) must be delivered, sealed and properly identified, to the following location no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2007.

Workforce Investment Board of Marin County120 North Redwood Dr., Third Floor EastSan Rafael, CA 94903Attention: Racy Ming

Proposals received with insufficient copies cannot be properly disseminated to the Evaluation Committee and other reviewers for necessary action and therefore may not be processed. Faxed copies will not be accepted. A proposal received after the date and time indicated above will not be accepted. Verbal proposals will not be considered in making the award of any contract as a result of this RFP.

PROPOSAL FORMAT

All proposals must be on eight and one half by eleven-inch (8 1/2" x 11") paper, with font no smaller than 12 point. The proposal should be limited to an eight page maximum for the Proposal Summary, Project Description and Design, and Budget sections. In addition, the proposal should be provided on a floppy disk in Microsoft Word or a word processing program that can be converted into Word.

REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

The County and the WIB reserve the right to reject any or all proposals received and to negotiate with any or all-prospective contractors on modifications to proposals.

FAILURE TO COMPLY

Failure to comply with any part of this RFP may result in rejection of the proposal as non-responsive. The proposed services and program approach must comply with the requirements set forth in this RFP. The design elements for WIA youth employment training programs funded by the WIB are prescribed by the WIA Title I-B grant provisions of the Workforce Investment Act, its implementing regulations, and the State of California and local WIB and Youth Council policy.

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DISPUTES

The WIB encourages the use of informal resolution to address complaints or disputes arising over any actions in implementing the provisions of this RFP. Written complaints should be addressed to Mary Donovan, Employment and Training Program Manager, 120 N. Redwood Dr., Third Floor East, San Rafael, CA 94903.

APPEAL PROCESS

Any organizations that are disqualified for not meeting the minimum criteria may appeal this decision. The review shall be limited to information provided in writing. The appellant must set forth the facts which support the requested relief. The review will be limited to violations of the Minimum Requirements of the Solicitation for Proposal.

The full name, address, and telephone number of the appealing party.

A brief statement of the reasons for appeal including any citations to the Solicitation for Proposal and other pertinent documents.

A statement of the relief sought.

Appeals regarding the Proposal Evaluation Committee’s decision for approval or non-approval of a proposal for funding must be submitted in writing to Mary Donovan, Employment and Training Program Manager, 120 N. Redwood Dr., Third Floor East, San Rafael, CA 94903, within five (5) calendar days of the issuance of the notice of approval or non-approval.

Any organization formally appealing the decision of the Evaluation Committee (with regard to their proposal) will be scheduled to meet with the Marin WIB for the purpose of such an appeal.

COST OF PREPARING PROPOSALS

Costs for developing the proposals are solely the responsibility of the bidders. The County and the WIB will not provide reimbursement for such costs.

SUBCONTRACTING

In the event the bidder intends to subcontract any of the proposed work stated in its proposal, the bidder shall submit a “Contractor Qualifications” form for each proposed subcontractor. The WIB recommends submission of a joint proposal if an organization plans for some of the funds to go to another agency. If a joint proposal is not submitted, any subcontracts will be subject to WIA procurement and RFP requirements.

MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

The County and the WIB reserve the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposal submitted. Therefore, proposals should be submitted initially with the most favorable terms that the bidder can propose.

Bidders should be prepared to accept this RFP for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFP. A template of the contract is attached. Contract negotiation may provide for the

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incorporation of the bidder's proposal. It is understood that the proposal will become a part of the official file on this matter without obligation to the County or the WIB.

LIMITATIONS

This RFP does not commit the County or the WIB to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the development of the proposal, or to procure or contract for services or supplies. The County and the WIB reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal submitted in response to this RFP, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP if it is in their best interest to do so. In the event no proposals are deemed acceptable for Marin County, the County and the WIB may select to operate by other means. TIMELINE:

3/21/07 Request for Proposal (RFP) approved by WIB

3/22/07 Public Notice Issued, RFP Distributed via email and posted on website

3/28/07 Submittal of Questions Due Date

4/13/07 Proposals due no later than 4:00 PM to:Workforce Investment Board of Marin County120 North Redwood Dr., Third Floor EastSan Rafael, CA 94903Attention: Racy Ming

4/16- Selection committee from Marin Youth Council meets and scores proposals4/20/07 and prepares recommendation to the Workforce Investment Board

5/2/07 Workforce Investment Board Executive Committee meets and receivesMarin Youth Council Recommendation and Evaluation Materials

5/16/07 Workforce Investment Board votes to approve recommendation for award of contract.

5/16- Award Announced – Contract Negotiations begin5/23/07

7/1/07 Estimated Contract Start Date

B. Proposal Narrative Instructions

Each proposal must include the following four components (Proposal Summary, Project Description and Design, Budget, and Contractor Qualifications).

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"Proposal Summary"Part I: The Proposal Summary (please label it as such) is designed to serve as the cover sheet. Your summary should consist of the following information:

legal name of agency or business; address; telephone; fax number; contact person; contact person’s e-mail address; type of organization (private for profit; unit of local, regional, or state government; public non-

profit; private non-profit; or other [specify]); ages to be served; target groups, if applicable; total number of youth to be served; total dollar amount requested; cost per participant; and the following statement signed by a person authorized to make proposals and enter into contact

negotiations on behalf of your agency: “I certify that to the best of my knowledge the information contained in this proposal is accurate and complete and that I have the legal authority to commit this agency to a contractual agreement. I understand that final funding for any service is based upon funding levels and the approval of the Marin County Workforce Investment Board and the Marin County Board of Supervisors.”

“Project Description and Design”

Part II: The Project Description and Design (please label as such) is your opportunity to describe the program design, the collaboration and sustainability and the planned project outcomes to the extent that they exceed the required outcomes.

At a minimum this description shall include:The main purpose of the program; the need for the program; geographic area to be served; the goals and objectives, including performance levels; the target group(s) to be served; a participant flow description; staffing plan; and a description of partnerships including operational linkages.

"Budget"

Part III: The Budget (Please use attachment C and attach a narrative if necessary) includes your agency's line item budget and service plan for this program and should be formatted as follows:

I. Funds Requested

Staff Positions – these are personnel costs (include a breakout that lists job titles, rate of pay, and full time equivalent (FTE) or anticipated time to be spent in project activities, as well as fringe benefit rate)

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Other costs – these are operating expenses (includes such things as staff travel; communications; facilities [including rent/maintenance/utilities]; consumable office supplies/training materials; equipment; insurance;

Participant expenses (includes tuition; participant specific training materials, books, and supplies; participant wages/fringes [detail by activity]; other participant payments [detail by activity]; and support services [include a breakout of child care, transportation, and other]); and

Subcontracted services (detail by subcontractor/partner agency).

II. In-Kind funds. List other resources that contribute to the delivery of the proposed program. Include Budget Item (type of resource: training wages, staff, operating, etc), brief description, actual or estimated amount, and source that contributes to the delivery of the proposed program.

III. Complete a separate budget for In-school and out-of-school youth services if applying for both.

“Contractor Qualifications”

Part IV: The Contractor Qualifications (please label it as such) includes the description of your organization’s demonstrated capacity to successfully administer the program described. All businesses/organizations must meet the following administrative and fiscal contractor qualifications in order to contract with the Marin County Workforce Investment Board to provide Workforce Investment Act Title I-B services for youth. All bidders must certify that they (and their subcontractors/partners) meet the following “Contractor Qualifications,” including required documentation, as part of their application. The documentation mentioned in italics will be required at contract time. Sign and submit attachment D.

1. Demonstrable competency in the administration and operation of youth-specific programs. Such competency: 1) may be acquired or demonstrated by the organization itself, by key administrative and operational staff in that organization, or through partnership(s) with other organizations that operate youth-specific programs; and 2) must demonstrate the ability to address the unique needs of youth. Documentation: detailed description of the prospective contractor’s (and partners’, if appropriate) background as it relates to this requirement.

2. Demonstrable competency in the administration and operation of employment and training programs. Such competency may be acquired or demonstrated by the organization itself, by key administrative and operational staff in that organization, or through partnership(s) with organizations that operate employment and training programs. Documentation: detailed description of the prospective contractor’s (and partners’, if appropriate) background as it relates to this requirement.

3. Must be legally authorized to conduct business in the State of California and have established administrative and program resources in the Marin County. Documentation: Tax Identification Number and a description of the applicable administrative and program resources.

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4. Is eligible to receive Federal funds. Documentation: debarment certification statement.

5. Must be able to provide the following written policies/procedures which comply with the Workforce Investment Act and are otherwise acceptable to the Workforce Investment Board:

1) Conflict of interest policy for staff and governing board. Documentation: copy of the conflict of interest policy.

2) Grievance procedure for customers/clients. Documentation: copy of grievance procedure.

6. Does not discriminate against nor deny employment or services to any person on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, political affiliation or belief. Documentation: certification statement.

7. Complies with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Documentation: certification statement.

8. Must have proven fiscal capacity including capacity for fund accounting. Documentation: copy of most recent formal audit completed within last 2 years, as well as documentation that all findings were satisfactorily addressed.

9. Must have access to non-WIA funds sufficient to cover any disallowed costs that may be identified through the audit process. Documentation: revenue documentation.

10. Has (or is able to obtain) up to $1,000,000 liability, motor vehicle, and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Documentation: certificate of insurance. Note: This may be submitted at time of contract execution.

11. Agrees that state, federal and/or local monitors or auditors, to ensure compliance with funding requirements, may review provider facilities and relevant financial and performance records. Documentation: certification statement.

12. Demonstrated ability to collect outcome data, which measures performance to plan. Documentation: copy of sample report showing actual to planned performance.

Bidders who do not meet these minimum qualifications shall be deemed non-responsive and will not receive further consideration. Any proposal that is rejected as non-responsive will not be evaluated and no score will be assigned.

C. Proposal Review Process:

Proposals received in response to this RFP will be evaluated in several stages. WIB staff will initially screen the proposals to assure compliance with all requirements of the RFP and all relevant federal and state legislation. Proposals not meeting minimum requirements shall be deemed non-responsive and be rejected.

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An Evaluation Committee appointed by the Youth Council will review and score proposals according to the criteria and assigned points specified later in this section. The Evaluation Committee, in conjunction with the WIB Director, will make award and funding recommendations on behalf of the Youth Council to the WIB. If oral presentations are required, the results will be factored into the final overall ratings. The WIB retains the right to request additional information from any bidder. The WIB will meet and vote on the recommendations on May 16, 2007. The outcome of the WIB vote, in turn, serves as a recommendation to the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Applicants will be notified of the contract recommendation following the WIB vote on May 16, 2007. The recommended grant award will only become finalized upon approval by the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

A respondent may not be recommended for funding, regardless of the merits of the proposal submitted, if they have a history of contract non-compliance with the WIB or other funding source and/or poor past or current contract performance with the WIB or other funding source. The respondent may be given a provisional award with the stipulation that special terms and conditions regarding the areas of concern will be a part of the contract.

Following the evaluation and selection process, WIB staff will negotiate with successful bidders to determine the contract terms and conditions. The WIB reserves the right to reject or to seek modification of any offer if, at the WIB’s sole discretion, the offer does not assist the system in meeting overall service and performance objectives. No award is final until a contract has been signed by both parties, and the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

Criteria: Each proposal received in response to this RFP that meets minimum requirements will be evaluated and scored based on, but not limited to, the following criteria.

PointsProgram Design & Outcomes 50Collaboration and Sustainability 20Demonstrated Capability 20Budget Detail 10Total 100

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Factors that may be evaluated include, but are not limited:

Program Design & Outcomes:Clarity, completeness and quality of overall service design and delivery plan and specific provisions for:

Youth target populations Assessment; case management; 10 required program elements; Job placement services; and Linkages and coordination The extent to which the project acknowledges and responds to community needs; The extent to which the project incorporates new and better strategies for serving youth under

WIA, including, but are not limited to: New and better ways that services can be accessed by participants; New and better ways for organizations to work together; and The replication of best practices/effective strategies The quality of the proposed outcomes and the extent to which the bidder proposes to exceed

outcomes. The extent to which the service plan responds to identified needs, the barriers faced by program

participants and the conditions of the local area as well as the likelihood that the proposed service plan will result in the proposed outcomes.

The number of youth the bidder proposes to serve. The reasonableness of the level of investment in relation to the proposed outcomes

Collaboration and Sustainability:

The extent to which the project is coordinated with other local youth programs; The extent and quality of local community partnerships involved in making contributions to the

project; and The involvement of local employers. Demonstrated Capability:

The extent to which the bidder and its partner organizations (if applicable) demonstrate a history of success in serving a comparable target group; and

The extent to which the bidder demonstrates the ability to effectively execute contract management responsibilities.

Budget Detail: Clarity and completeness of budget detail; Reasonableness of and need for program costs; Appropriateness of cost (proposals may not include non-allowable costs) Cost per individual; Projected budget effectively supports the proposed program; and

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Evidence in the proposal of leveraging of resources and in-kind contributions which will assist in meeting proposal outcomes.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Boilerplate ContractThis Request for Proposal and any resulting agreement, contract and purchase order shall be governed by all federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. All matters shall be in accordance with the substance and procedural laws of the State of California.

Attached is the County’s boilerplate contract. The successful bidder will be required to comply with the contract terms presented in this contract.

B. Governing Laws

This request for proposal and the resulting purchase order shall be governed by all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations including, but not limited to, those promulgated by CAL-OSHA, FED-OSHA, EPA, EEOC, DFEH, the California State Department of Health Services, and the County of Marin Environmental Health Department. This contract shall be in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of California.

C. Nuclear Free Zone

The County of Marin is a nuclear free zone in which work on nuclear weapons and/or the storage or transportation of weapons related components and nuclear material is prohibited or appropriately restricted. The County is prohibited or restricted from contracting for services or products with, or investing County funds in, any nuclear weapons contractor.

E. Assurances The contractor will be expected to be in compliance with all Workforce

Investment Act provisions and assurances as outlined in the contract exhibit.

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