VETERANSâ€™ EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES Published July 3, 2013

Veterans’ Employment and Training Services Page 1

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

workforceCONNECTIONS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT AND

TRAINING SERVICES

Published July 3, 2013

Submission Deadline August 12, 2013 @ 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard

Time) Late submissions will not be accepted

workforceCONNECTIONS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request for individuals with disabilities from workforceCONNECTIONS

workforceCONNECTIONS’ hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CFDA 17.258 CFDA 17.278

REVISED 7/12/13


TABLE OF CONTENTS Public Notice ................................................................................................. 1

Calendar of Events ........................................................................................ 3

Statement of Need… ..................................................................................... 4

Overview………………................................................................................ 7

RFP General Information……….……………………………………...……9

Proposal Content...………………………...……………………………….12

Scoring Elements……..……………………………………………………14

Technical Review ........................................................................................ 18

Statement of Qualifications Review Process .............................................. 19

Proposal Review and Evaluation Process ................................................... 20

Budget Information ..................................................................................... 21

Award Process .............................................................................................23

Affirmation and Certification ......................................................................24

Proposal Cover Page................................................................................... 25

Appendix..................................................................................................... 26

Respondent Proposal Checklist ..................................................................27


Veterans Employment and Training Services Request for Proposal Timeline

(*All dates are subject to change)

Items submitted for newspaper publication

July 1, 2013

RFP Release

July 3, 2013

Mandatory Bidders Conference

Texas Station Casino 2101 Texas Star Lane North Las Vegas, NV 89032

July 16, 2013 @ 10:00am

Last day to submit RFP Questions

All questions must be submitted by email to: [email protected]

August 5, 2013 @ 4:30pm

RFP Proposal Submissions Due

August 12, 2013 @ 4:00pm

RFP Technical Review

August 13, 2013 @ 9:00am

Evaluation of Proposals

August 15-30, 2013

Recommended Bidders notified-Request SOQ August 30, 2013 Statement of Qualifications Due for Recommended Bidder

September 3, 2013 @4:00 pm

Contract Recommendation (s) Presented for Approval

September 11, 2013 ADW September 24, 2013 (Board)

Contract Negotiations

September 25-30, 2013

Contracts/Programs Commence

October 1, 2013


STATEMENT OF NEED

Though the focus of this solicitation will be on recently separated veterans (Gulf War era

II or Post-9/11), other veterans (e.g., WWII, Korean, Vietnam, etc.) will not be excluded

from participation.

In 2012, 21.2 million men and women in the civilian non-institutional population ages 18

and over were veterans. Veterans are defined as men and women who have previously

served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and who were civilians at the time this

data was collected. In 2012, about 2.6 million of the nation's veterans had served during

Gulf War-era II (post-9/11). About 17 percent of these veterans were women. Almost

half of all Gulf War-era II veterans are between the ages of 25 and 34. In August 2012,

approximately 35 percent of Gulf War-era II veterans reported that they had served in

Iraq, Afghanistan, or both. In 2012 these veterans had an unemployment rate of 10.9

percent. Twenty-eight percent of Gulf War-era II veterans reported having a service-

connected disability in August 2012, compared with 14 percent of all veterans.

The unemployment rate among younger veterans continues to outpace the share of out-

of-work civilians with nearly one in 10 ex-service members from Post-9/11 hunting for

jobs, according to figures released in March 2013 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS). Younger male veterans have an unemployment rate of 9 percent, compared to 7.6

percent in February 2012. Younger female veterans, who have faced far stiffer challenges

entering the civilian workforce, posted an unemployment rate of 11.6 percent last month

versus 7.4 percent at this time last year, according to the BLS.

In raw numbers, 203,000 post-9/11 veterans were unemployed in February 2013. One

year ago that number totaled 154,000. Their overall unemployment rate was 9.4 percent

in February, while the U.S. unemployment rate was 7.7 percent according to the U.S.

DOL.

Veterans can face challenges when trying to obtain civilian employment, including

identifying transferable skills, knowing when or how to disclose a disability and


assistance with interview skills or resume writing. Twenty percent of returning veterans

have mental health issues and there is a high suicide rate among veterans. Drug and

alcohol abuse, as well as homelessness, are also among the issues veterans face.

The number of U.S. active duty military suicides in 2012 reached 349. Ken MacLeish of

Vanderbilt University suggests that this toll is not only higher since the Iraq War began,

but may climb as the trauma from war often manifests in military personnel years,

sometimes decades, after they return home.

Just over 2.5 million U.S. service men and women deployed in operations in Iraq and

Afghanistan. More than 1.5 million have already left active duty and become eligible for

veterans medical and disability benefits. Linda Blimes of Harvard University shows these

veterans are already very ill, with one-third diagnosed with mental health issues. High

rates of traumatic brain injury, the need for prosthesis, and musculoskeletal disorders,

have put a burden on Veterans Affairs to process all the applications for benefits and

treatment of the soldiers. The costs of medical and disability care for the veterans of Iraq

and Afghanistan will rise, and Blimes projects they will reach over $970 billion by 2053.

Approximately 800,000 of all veterans are jobless, 1.4 million live below the poverty

line, and one in every three homeless adult men in America is a veteran. Though the

overall unemployment rate among America's 21 million veterans in November 2012

(7.4%) was lower than the national rate (9%), for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan it was

11.1%. And for veterans between the ages of 18 and 24, it was a staggering 37.9%, up

from 30.4% just a month earlier.

More soldiers are male than female, and the male jobless rate exceeds women's. Since

many soldiers lack a college degree, the fact that the recession has been particularly hard

on the less educated hits veterans disproportionately. Large numbers of young veterans

work, or worked, in stricken industries such as manufacturing and construction. Whatever

the cause, this bleak trend is occurring as the last American troops leave Iraq at the end of

2012, and as more than 1 million new veterans are expected to join the civilian labor

force over the next four years.


On April 15, 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate for

Post-9/11 veterans was 9.2 % in March 2013, 1.6 percentage points higher than the rest of

the country. Nationally, the report showed lower job growth from previous months, a

trend that would have a greater impact on Post-9/11 veterans who, statistically, face a

higher rate of unemployment. The BLS report comes just weeks after the Center for

Investigative Reporting released a shocking new report showing widespread and lengthy

delays for veterans who cannot work because of service-connected injuries to receive

disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Approximately 900,000

veterans are waiting for a disability benefits claims decision, with veterans waiting an

average of 273 days.

According to the graph below published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Post-9/11

veterans’ unemployment numbers far exceed that of non-veterans as well as veterans

from other periods in history.


SECTION I. OVERVIEW A. Overview of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs prepare individuals for the labor market and assure the skills and knowledge that prepare workers to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. The WIA adult and dislocated worker program targets unemployed and underemployed adults with barriers to employment and provides them with employment and training services that prepare them for entrance into the workforce.

workforceCONNECTIONS (wC) is a public agency that provides a variety of workforce development services to Southern Nevada’s residents and businesses. The funds to provide these services are made available to wC through the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and are designated for employment and training activities for adult and dislocated workers.

B. Request for Proposal Overview wC is currently soliciting proposals from organizations that have the experience and expertise to provide workforce development services for veterans described in this Request for Proposal. wC announces the availability of up to $650,000 of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds to assist veterans’ transition to civilian life into high-wage, high-growth occupations. wC’s intent is to procure a qualified provider (or providers) to enter into a one-year contract with wC to provide up to 260 veterans with re-employment services. WC may extend the contract for an additional two years, in increments of one year, depending on program performance, availability of funds and if it is determined to be in the best interest of WC. For the purposes of this RFP, the focus of services will be on recently separated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, Reservist, as well as eligible military spouses, to include widows or widowers. Successful applicants under this RFP must use sector strategy approaches to meet the workforce and training needs of potential employers for employing recently separated service men and women. Proposals will be accepted from public and private non-profit organizations, as well as faith-based, for-profit and community based organizations. Successful applicants will serve as sub-grantees of Adult and Dislocated Worker funds administered by the U.S. Department of Labor under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

C. Eligible Veterans

For the purposes of this RFP, the term “veteran” as defined in the United States Code, Title 38, Part I, Chapter 1, Section 101, refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Wherever eligibility of veterans is referenced in this


document, eligible spouses of veterans are included in accordance with the Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA) Public Law 107-288 Section (2) (2) codified at 38 United States Code, U.S.C. 4215. Though the focus is on recently separated veterans, other veterans will not be excluded but must be in at least one of the priority groups listed below:

1. Service-Connected Disabled Veterans These are veterans who are entitled to compensation under laws administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or individuals who were discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

2. Recently Separated Veterans These are veterans who have separated from the military within 48 months prior to application and have received a DD214 or condition other than dishonorable.

3. Campaign Veterans These are veterans who served on active duty in the United States armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which campaign badges or medals were authorized. (A list of Wars, Campaigns, and Expeditions can be found at the Office of Personnel Management Web site).

4. Veterans with Significant Barriers

“Significant Barrier(s)” is defined as: characteristics that may hinder an individual’s hiring, promotion, or participation in the labor force. Some examples of individuals who may face barriers to employment include: single parents, displaced homemakers, public assistance recipients, older workers, substance abusers, teenage parents, and those with limited English speaking abilities, or a criminal record, mental health barriers, or with a lack of education, work experience, credentials, child care arrangements, or transportation.

5. Eligible Spouses/Widows/Widowers

These are veterans’ spouses as defined in the Jobs for Veterans’ Act, Public Law 107-288. Applicants may also reference Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 22-04 for additional information on the qualifications for “eligible spouse”.

D. Funding Availability

Up to $650,000 in funding is available through this RFP. These funds will be utilized to serve up to 260 eligible veterans. The funds will be awarded on a sub-award basis and successful applicants will serve as Sub-grantees. The use of funds awarded in this RFP is governed by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and associated federal regulations, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the State of Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and workforceCONNECTIONS (wC).


E. Length of Project

The performance period for this project will begin on October 1, 2013, and end on September 30, 2014. WC may extend the contract for an additional two years, in increments of one year, depending on program performance, availability of funds and if it is determined to be in the best interest of WC.

F. Priority of Service to Participants

Project must be conducted in accordance with the Veterans’ Priority Provisions of the “Jobs for Veterans’ Act,” Public Law 107-288. The Training and Employment Guidance Letter 10-09, November 10, 2009, provides general guidance regarding the implementation of the Veterans’ priority and how this priority will affect current business practices. Applicants must be familiar with Veterans Benefits Title 38, US Code (U.S.C.), Section 101 (2).

SECTION II. RFP GENERAL INFORMATION

I. PROPOSALS RESPONSE FORMAT

Each respondent is requested to submit their proposal in a format that is easy to read and understand. Respondent should avoid repetitious material. The proposal(s) should clearly demonstrate the respondent’s ability to effectively manage and operate a program under the Workforce Investment Act and provide the services requested.

a. All proposals must be addressed and delivered on or before August 12, 2013, no later than

4:00 P.M. to the following workforceCONNECTIONS’ administrative office at: workforceCONNECTIONS ATTN: Veterans’ Employment and Training Services RFP 7251 West Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 200 Las Vegas, Nevada 89128

b. All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope and plainly marked, “Request for

Proposal” with the name of the proposed description of services and also the name and address of the “Proposer” clearly marked on the outside, in the upper left hand corner of the sealed envelope. No faxed or E-mail responses will be accepted.

c. All proposals shall be time-stamped by wC upon receipt. Proposals may not be sent via e-mail or facsimile. Please provide one (1) original, sealed, unbound response and four (4) stapled or bound copies, and one (1) electronic copy of the proposal.


d. All responses must comply with the following layout specification requirements:

Cover Page Include a Table of Contents Program requirements i.e. Scope of Work; Program Design, and all other required

components, total cannot exceed 15 pages (excluding appendix). 12 Point Font Times New Roman Margins: One-inch minimum (this applies to all margins) Spacing : Double Pages: Single Sided Footer: The name of the organization submitting the proposal and the page number Label each section and applicable subsection Appendix

e. All respondents may request the withdrawal of a sealed proposal submitted prior to the

scheduled closing date and time provided. The request for withdrawal must be submitted in writing to wC’s Executive Director.

f. All proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall remain valid for 120 calendar days from the scheduled closing date and time of the RFP.

g. All questions relating to the RFP must be submitted to wC via e-mail at: [email protected].

h. This RFP does not commit wC to accept any proposal submitted, nor is wC responsible for any costs incurred in the preparation of responses to this RFP.

i. workforceCONNECTIONS reserves the right to accept/reject any or all proposals, to accept/reject any or all items in the proposals, and/or to award the contract in whole or in part as is deemed to be in the best interest of the participants to be enrolled in the program and/or wC and the local area.

j. workforceCONNECTIONS reserves the right to negotiate separate proposal components after the proposal(s) are reviewed if such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the participants to be enrolled in the program and/or wC.

k. workforceCONNECTIONS reserves the right to cancel, delay, amend, or reissue the RFP at any time.

II. LATE PROPOSALS, MODIFICATIONS & ADDENDA

a. The first page of this document designates the closing date and time August 12 2013, 4:00p.m. by which the proposals must be received by wC. Proposals received after the denoted closing date and time will not be considered.


b. Any respondent/ proposer may modify their proposal in writing at any time prior to the scheduled closing date and time for receipt of proposals. Proposal modifications must be submitted in the same manner required for the original proposal.

c. If it becomes necessary for wC to revise any part of this RFP, a written addendum will be provided

on the website at: www.nvworkforceconnections.org. WorkforceCONNECTIONS is not bound by or responsible for any oral representations, clarifications, or changes made to this RFP by wC s’ employees, unless such clarifications or changes are provided to proposers and/or interested parties of the general public in a written addendum from workforceCONNECTIONS via the web site at: www.nvworkforceconnections.org.

d. Each proposer/respondent, upon receiving notification by workforceCONNECTIONS of a published addendum, must insert the information indicated in the RFP package. Failure to acknowledge any addenda may result in disqualification and rejection of the proposal.

III. EX PARTE COMMUNICATION

workforceCONNECTIONS prohibits ex parte communication with any wC’s Board member and/or staff member after the deadline of the publication and receipt of proposals. No Board member and/or staff member shall initiate or accept oral communication regarding any RFP under consideration. Any communication by telephone, email, letter, face-to-face conversation, or other off the record contact, are strictly prohibited. The restriction against ex parte communication applies when a decision must be made on the record. Any discovered ex parte communication will be provided to wC’S Executive Director for review and appropriate action. Respondents who attempt to improperly influence the proposal review and evaluation process in any way shall be disqualified.

IV. DISPUTES

a. Any respondent who has a dispute in connection with this request shall have the right to submit, in writing, their protest to workforceCONNECTIONS within 10 calendar days. The written protest should be submitted to: Ardell Galbreth, Executive Director Workforce Connections 7251 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 200 Las Vegas, Nevada 89128.

b. The protest must be in a format as outlined in workforceCONNECTIONS’ Policy 5.7. This

policy is located at: www.nvworkforceconnections.org.

c. Failure by the respondent to request clarification of any inadequacy, omission or conflict will not relieve the proposer/respondent of this responsibility. The signing of the proposal form, however, will be considered as implicitly denoting that the proposer/respondent has a thorough comprehension of the full intent and scope of this RFP.


SECTION III. PROPOSAL CONTENT

A. Required Elements

All proposals must adhere to the required format and, in order to be competitive, must include all of the requested information, completed forms, and attachments. Applicants are required to demonstrate knowledge, experience, and capacity to provide services to veterans through the proposal narrative. The applicant must clearly describe its capability to conduct and administer a federally funded project including the ability to collect and report financial and participant data as required. Applicants must also be aware of the state and federal disability laws and procedures for ensuring universal access. The proposal must specifically address the following elements:

1. Partnerships: Applicants must include established partnerships with other veteran serving organizations such as U.S. Vets, Veterans’ Village, American Red Cross, Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation, AMVETS, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs-Southern Nevada, etc. Applicants who include established, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) are preferred. Refer to workforceCONNECTIONS’ policy 2.2.

2. One-Stop Career Center: Successful applicants are required to have one or more co-located staff members in workforceCONNECTIONS’ comprehensive One-Stop Career Center. Applicants are also required to enter into a MOU agreement as both a One-Stop Center partner and a One-Stop system partner.

3. Services: The proposal must address the services to be delivered under the program. Services to be provided must include outreach, eligibility determination, assessment, referral to and coordination with support service providers, case management to include the provision of mental health and substance abuse treatment, training, job search and placement assistance, and follow-up services.

4. Outreach and Recruitment: The successful applicant will be required to conduct outreach and recruitment for program participants, as well as providing eligibility determination prior to enrollment. The provider will enroll up to 260 participants, with not less than 50 percent of those served being Gulf War-era II (Post-9/11) veterans. The provider will provide outreach to community service providers and agencies, including veterans’ service organizations, social service agencies, Veterans Administration programs, county and government programs, shelters, resource fairs, etc. Proposal may include letters of commitment from such organizations.


5. Timely Data Entry: Selected provider will be required to enter all participant data into workforceCONNECTIONS data tracking system, NVTrac. wC will provide training on this system upon approval of funding, and before contract execution. Provider will be required to follow wC’s policy 5.8 regarding requirements for data entry.

6. Individual Employment Plan: Selected provider will be required to develop

an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) with each program participant after the determination of eligibility and enrollment into the NVTrac system. The IEP is developed based upon the results of the participant’s assessed vocational interests, aptitude, barriers, skills and skill deficiencies and training needs. The IEP will include, but is not limited to goals pertaining to services such as training activities, job search skills and job retention skills. The IEP will also include a clear employment objective, with a focus on at least one of the industry sectors identified in the Governor's Economic Development Plan:

http://www.diversifynevada.com/documents/Objective%202%20‐%20Advance%20Targeted%20Sectors%20and.pdf

• Aerospace & Defense • Agriculture • Business Information Technology Ecosystems • Clean Energy • Health & Medical Services • Logistics and operations • Mining • Manufacturing • Tourism, Gaming & Entertainment

Based on individual needs, an IEP may also include a plan for the provision of mental health services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial counseling, referrals to housing services, legal aid, and other necessary social services that are employment-focused.

7. Training: Awardees are required to provide training services from approved training providers. A list of training providers can be found on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) located on the wC website. Occupational Skills Training must focus on at least one of the industry sectors identified in the Governor's Economic Development Plan. On the Job Training (OJT) can be with any employer that will commit to full time, permanent employment for the participant at the end of the OJT contract term. Awardees are required to offer certified professional training which leads to an industry-recognized


certificate for any of the targeted industry sectors. Any grant application that does not focus on certified professional training which leads to industry-recognized certifications will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed or considered for funding. STRIKE

a. Awardees will focus on STEM training and partner with STEM employers to prepare adult workers for fast-growing STEM occupational clusters. The training should promote skills development and local employment opportunities in fields such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, clean energy, transportation, healthcare, hospitality, aerospace, mining and agriculture. As well as other science, technology, engineering and math careers through partnerships between training providers and local employers.

8. Connection to Counseling: Applicants must demonstrate the availability of a licensed or credentialed mental health and/or substance abuse counselor/practitioner through a partnership or referral as appropriate. Examples include, but are not limited to, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (MSW), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC) and Licensed Educational Psychologists.

B. SCORING ELEMENTS

1. Demonstrated Ability

a. Provide a clear description of the organization including history,

programs and services, populations served and major funding sources. Explain the organization’s experience providing high quality services to veterans and your organization’s capacity to serve the proposed number of participants. (10 point maximum)

b. Applicant must present specific quantitative outcomes of previous veterans’ workforce development or related work. Outcomes must present a compelling case for past success. Explain how these outcomes have been used to improve program performance. (10 point maximum)

c. Applicant must present detailed strategies to meet performance measures (WIA Common Measures). Applicant must describe a plan to ensure that performance measures are properly managed and regularly monitored. (10 point maximum)


2. Proposed Services

a. Applicant must present a detailed strategy to deliver activities and services. Applicant must describe a plan to ensure the delivery of appropriate activities and services to achieve positive outcomes and measure success. (5 point maximum)

b. Applicant must present a detailed strategy that will ensure the provision of services to WIA-eligible veterans. Applicant must describe a clear plan that includes specific requirements to meet and determine WIA eligibility specific to veterans and eligible spouses. (5 point maximum)

c. Applicant must describe a staffing plan – including positions, areas of

responsibility, and selection criteria for hiring – that is adequate, appropriate and likely to successfully support the program. Present a plan to successfully integrate the program into the organization structure that will appropriately support the program. Provide written references of prior funders. (5 point maximum)

3. Program Components

a. Applicant must present a detailed strategy for recruiting the target population. Applicant must describe effective methods for assessing participants to determine their interests, skills and aptitudes prior to enrollment. Applicant must describe an appropriate recruitment plan for this population. (5 points maximum)

b. Applicant must present detailed strategies for training participants

across the industry sectors identified by the Governor’s Economic Development Plan. (5 points maximum)

c. Applicant must illustrate to what extent the program design

incorporates STEM focus. Applicants must demonstrate any established employer partnerships. Explain how the program design addresses local industries and industry-related certifications. (5 points maximum)


d. Describe an effective method for providing veterans and eligible spouses the opportunity to reflect on their activities and progress and describe in detail how the program will intentionally pursue those goals. Present a clear detailed effective schedule for a typical week in the program, as well as for the entire program, that appears appropriate to deliver the proposed program. (5 points maximum)

4. Partnerships

a. Applicant must present a list of partners, or potential partners, appropriate to carry out the program as it is described. Applicant must describe the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of each partner, appropriately fulfilling all functions in a manner that is likely to ensure successful outcomes. Applicants must identify the fiscal agent for the project, if other than themselves. STRIKE Include the appropriate MOU from each confirmed partner, on organizational letterhead, that identifies roles, responsibilities, and commitments. Applicant must describe an effective method for providing participants with mental health and substance abuse counseling. Also describe method to be used to deliver housing and medical services. (5 points maximum)

5. Budget (20 points maximum)

a. The majority of funds are budgeted for direct participant services (budget pages A. and B. combined). 4 pts – 55.0% or more of the funds allocated to participant services 3 pts – 50.0-54.9% allocated to participant services 2 pts – 45.0-49.9% allocated to participant services 1 pts – 40.0-44.9% allocated to participant services 0 pts – 39.0% or less allocated to participant services

(4 point maximum)

b. The budget demonstrates overall cost effectiveness and matching

resources that will leverage operating costs (4 point maximum)

c. Participant costs, direct staff, and overhead costs are clear and correctly categorized with appropriate narrative descriptions. (4 Point maximum)


d. The project’s proposed budget supports the stated objectives and

activities in the project narrative. (4 point maximum)

e. Overhead costs are minimized to allow for more direct participant services (budget pages E. through J. combined). (4 Point maximum)

6. Fiscal Plan

a. Briefly describe the elements of the organization’s internal fiscal

system and fiscal controls that demonstrate the ability to manage Federal funds. (4 points maximum)

b. Describe the experience that fiscal staff employed by the organization have in administering Federal funds. (3 points maximum)

c. Describe the organization’s process for self-monitoring of financial

and budgetary performance and compliance that will ensure effective fiscal quality control. (3 points maximum)


TECHNICAL REVIEW

Respondents that have successfully completed their Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and submitted a proposal will next undergo a Technical Review. This review is conducted to ensure that all the technical requirements of the RFP have been met. Those proposals passing the technical review will be forwarded to the Evaluation Committee for review. Those proposals that fail any requirement of the technical review will not be forwarded to the Review Committee for further consideration. The Technical Review checklist is as follows:

TECHNICAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS CHECK ONE:

Table of Contents Yes No

Response to RFP Submitted by Deadline Yes No

Attended Mandatory Bidders Conference Yes No

Correct Proposal Format in the following areas:

Include a Table of Contents

Program requirements i.e. Scope of Work; Program Design,

and all other required components total cannot exceed 15

pages. (proposals exceeding the 15 page limit will be

excluded)

12 Point, Font Times New Roman

Margins: One-inch minimum (this applies to all margins)

Spacing : Double

Pages: Single Sided

Footer: The name of the organization submitting the

proposal and the page number.

Label each section and applicable subsection

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Appendix items: Resumes, Job Descriptions, Number of Years in

Business, Past Experience Information, etc. Yes No

Budget Detail and Narrative Submitted Yes No

One Original sealed Copy of the Proposal, Three (3) Unbound

Copies, One Electronic Copy in a sealed envelope submitted

correctly

Yes No


STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS

The selection process will be conducted utilizing a fair and objective process that adheres to workforceCONNECTIONS’ (wC) Procurement Policy (Reference: wC Policy 2.2). Prior to an award of funds, a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be completed and approved by wC staff. A template for this document is available at: www.nvworkforceconnections.org and the workforceCONNECTIONS’ administrative offices located at 7251 West Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 200, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89128.

The SOQ, when completed must be submitted to workforceCONNECTIONS by August 28, 2013 by 4:00 p.m. Only those organizations that are being considered for a recommendation of funding will be required to submit an SOQ. Organizations will be contacted by wC and notified of the requirement to submit an SOQ. All questions relating to this document should be addressed to: [email protected]. Respondents will be notified in writing by workforceCONNECTIONS regarding the status of their SOQ. Respondents who fail to provide significant and required information in their SOQ will be notified of this and their proposal may be considered non-responsive.


PROPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCESS

The proposal review and evaluation process will be conducted utilizing a fair and objective process that adheres to workforceCONNECTIONS’ Procurement Policy and all other applicable state and federal regulations. (Reference: workforceCONNECTIONS Policy 2.2) Proposals receiving an overall rating of 80 points or above will be considered as qualified to receive an award. Proposals will be selected for funding based on a favorable assessment by the Evaluation Committee and/or to organizations whose proposal is most advantageous to the Local Area, with price and other factors considered as long as they are in the evaluation range of 80 points or above. Priority may be given to those proposals that illustrate the most comprehensive range of services that the respondent has provided for veterans and eligible spouses. Note, the Executive Director will have the responsibility of providing this recommendation 29 CFR Part 97.36 (d) (3) (iv).

workforceCONNECTIONS may select a proposal based on the initial information received without modification; however, workforceCONNECTIONS reserves the right to request additional data, conduct oral interviews, and/or conduct a workforceCONNECTIONS management review of the evaluation process prior to making a recommendation of an award to the Adult and Dislocated Worker Committee and workforceCONNECTIONS Board.

If it is determined by workforceCONNECTIONS that an oral interview is necessary, workforceCONNECTIONS staff will schedule the time and location for these interviews.

The primary purpose of the oral interview is to address areas of respondent’s proposals that may need additional clarification during the evaluation process.

NOTE: Handouts, promotional materials, videos, overheads, etc., are not permitted at oral presentations. Proposers will also be evaluated on their demonstrated ability to provide services for the targeted population as indicated in this RFP. The proposer’s SOQ, as well as additional information designated in this RFP, will be evaluated on the following demonstrated ability criteria:

1. Description of experience providing similar services during the past two years, as well as experience working with any specific demographic groups/special populations. Size, scope and funding source of similar services during the past two years will also be evaluated.

2. Description of program success, outcomes measured and success in meeting performance to goals.


3. All proposals shall be reviewed through a technical review process to determine that the minimum eligibility requirements have been met. Ineligible proposers will be informed in writing. See technical review on page 18.

4. All proposals that pass the technical review shall be reviewed, scored and ranked. 5. At workforceCONNECTIONS’ sole discretion, oral interviews may be held

with top scoring proposers, or proposers that are deemed by wC to be proposing services that best serve the targeted population. The results of the oral interview may be considered when determining final funding recommendations.

6. A pre-award interview, site inspection and or telephone conference may be

implemented with applicants.

7. Proposals will not move forward for a recommendation of funding unless the SOQ has been received, reviewed and approved by wC staff.

8. All bids may be rejected if it is determined to be in the best interest of the

targeted population to do so.

BUDGET INFORMATION Budget & Budget Narrative

Each Respondent is required to submit a project budget using the workforceCONNECTIONS Excel budget template that is located at: www.nvworkforceconnections.org under the RFP tab at the top of the home page.

The budget template has a summary page and 11 budget detail pages that require line item detail, for a total of 12 pages. There are lines identified at the bottom of each budget detail page for a concise narrative, and each line item is required to have narrative description justifying the charges. Each budget detail section should not exceed one page including the narrative. Any separate budget narrative submitted will not be reviewed.

There are detailed instructions contained in the budget template as Excel comments that are revealed by hovering with a mouse over the red triangles. The summary page is locked and auto-populates based on information entered on the budget detail pages. All charges are to be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

On the Budget Summary Form, identify the name and contact information for the staff person who may be contacted for any questions regarding your budget submission.

Budget Period and Amount

The WIA requested funding portion of this line-item budget cannot exceed $650,000 and should identify all proposed costs for the initial funding period of 12 months from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014. Any matched or leveraged resources anticipated


to be utilized in support of this program should be included on the Match/Leveraged Resources form. Matched resources are not required.

Budget Requirements

Each budget submitted must meet the following requirements:

1. Training costs (budget tab A.) must equal at least 30% of the total wC request. 2. Training and Supportive Services costs (budget tabs A. and B. combined)

must equal at least 40% of the total wC request. 3. To ensure sufficient case management for this project, there must be at least

one case manager full time equivalent for every 100 new participants expected to be served by this project.

The budget has formulas built into the summary page that will flag an error message if any of the above three requirements are not met.

Allocated Costs: Respondents are required to describe their “Allocation Base” (e.g. Direct Hours Worked, Square Footage Usage, etc.) on several budget detail pages. This allocation base describes the existing or anticipated methodology that will be used to prorate common or shared operating costs among projects. Examples of shared operating costs are infrastructure/operating costs (e.g., rent and copier machines), as well as personnel (e.g., receptionist, fiscal staff, senior management) providing benefits to multiple funding sources. Computation columns are provided on the budget detail pages to aid in this calculation.

Profit and Indirect Costs: The extent to which a respondent can meet performance objectives while minimizing indirect and profit costs will be a factor in the evaluation process.

Indirect costs are costs incurred by an organization that do not directly benefit any one program or project, but indirectly support all aspects of the organization. For agencies awarded funds, any indirect costs budgeted must be supported by an indirect cost rate agreement with a federal or state cognizant agency or a cost allocation plan approved by workforceCONNECTIONS that describes how indirect and common operating costs are distributed to the different funding sources. workforceCONNECTIONS does not have the authority to award indirect cost rates, but may allow those that have been awarded by another agency.


AWARD PROCESS

Each respondent submitting a proposal will be notified in writing of workforceCONNECTIONS’ decision concerning their proposal. Formal notification to award a contract, and the actual execution of a contract, are subject to the following conditions:

Receipt of SOQ and approval of wC staff

Approval by the Adult and Dislocated Worker Committee and full

workforceCONNECTIONS Board

Receipt of WIA funds from federal and state administering agencies

Continued availability of WIA funds

If the results of the review indicate, in the opinion of workforceCONNECTIONS, that the proposed service provider may not be able to fulfill contract expectations, workforceCONNECTIONS reserves the right not to enter into contract with the organization, regardless of the ranking and/or approval of the respondent’s proposal. workforceCONNECTIONS may require selected service providers to participate in negotiations and, modify their proposals, based on the outcome of those negotiations. workforceCONNECTIONS may decide not to fund part, or all, of a proposal even though it is found to be in the competitive range if, in the opinion of workforceCONNECTIONS, the services proposed are not needed, the goals of the proposal do not align with goals of workforceCONNECTIONS, or the costs are higher than workforceCONNECTIONS finds reasonable in relation to the overall funds available. workforceCONNECTIONS reserves the right to modify or alter the requirements and standards

as set forth in this RFP based on program requirements mandated by State or Federal agencies. In such instances, workforceCONNECTIONS will not be held liable for provisions in the RFP package that become invalid.

Additional funds received by workforceCONNECTIONS may be used to expand existing contracts or to fund competitively rated proposals not initially funded under this RFP. These decisions shall be at the discretion of workforceCONNECTIONS. Applicants are encouraged to utilize evidence-based, promising practices, best practices and/or research in developing the program designs. The activities and services described in the proposals can be provided through a lead agency or through partnerships.


AFFIRMATION and CERTIFICATION I affirm that the information within this proposal is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the specifications and requirements of the Request for Proposal (RFP), and that my agency/firm is prepared to deliver the proposed activities as described herein. Further, I certify that I am duly authorized to submit this proposal on behalf of my agency/firm. I also understand that by signing any contract initiated as a result this proposal, my agency/firm is responsible for meeting each deliverable objective set forth in this RFP and/or established federal, state and local Workforce Investment Act directives. I fully affirm and understand that failure to deliver on the objectives set forth in this RFP and my agency/firm’s proposal may result in my agency/firm’s contract being terminated.

Print:

Name of Agency/Organization:

Name:

Title:

Authorized Signature: Date:


PROPOSAL COVER PAGE

1. Organization/Agency Information: (Please print all information on this page)

Name:

Agency’s Address:

E-Mail Address:

Federal Tax I.D. #: ______

Phone #: Fax#:

Contact Person:_____________________________________________________________


APPENDIX

Please attach the following items:

Attachment A Affirmation

Attachment B Resumes

Attachment C Letter of Collaboration, Partners and Subcontractors

Attachment D Two References

Attachment E Job Descriptions of Key Staff


RESPONDENT PROPOSAL CHECKLIST Those agencies or organizations wishing to submit proposals should verify that they have included in their response package to this RFP each of the following required items: Cover Page Completed, signed and dated Yes The following Format requirements have been met:

Table of Contents

Program requirements i.e., Scope of Work, Program Design, and all other required components total cannot exceed 15 pages.

12 Point, Font Times New Roman

Margins: One-inch minimum (this applies to all margins)

Spacing : Double

Pages: Single Sided

Footer: The name of the organization submitting the proposal and the page number

Label each section and applicable subsection

Yes

Technical Review Requirements Submitted Yes Budget and Budget Narrative Submitted Yes Additional Appendix Items Submitted Yes

Affirmation and Certification Signed and Submitted

Two References

Agreements & Letters of Collaboration with Partners/Subcontractors (if indicated in your proposal)

Yes

Yes

Yes


VETERANS RFP REVISIONS

Page13/14,Pt.#7STRICKEN:

“Any grant application that does not focus on certified professional training which leads to industry-recognized certifications will be considered non-responsive andwill not be reviewed or considered for funding.”

Page16,Pt.#4aSTRICKEN:

Applicants must identify the fiscal agent for the project, if other than themselves.

Documents

VETERANSâ€™ EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES Published July 3, 2013