REGION Q Request for Proposals Bidders’ Conference

1. REGION QRequest for ProposalsBidders’ Conference Workforce Investment Act Title 1 Younger & Older Youth Year Round Youth Programs & Services Program Year 2007 March 29, 2007 9:00 A.M.

2. Agenda • Welcome & Purpose • Region Q Websites • Overview of Request for Proposal • Performance Standards • Financial Information • Important Dates • Questions and Answers

3. Region Q Websites www.regionqwdb.org www.regionqyouthatwork.org

4. Overview of RFP • Funding Period • July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008 • Possible Extension of Contract - 1 Year Five County Region BEAUFORT BERTIE HERTFORD MARTIN PITT

5. PURPOSE OF RFP • The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals for the operation of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I Youth Services in one or more of the following counties of the Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium: Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Counties. Any governmental, educational, community-based organization or non-profit agency engaged in public service; or any private-for-profit agency may apply. Each entity proposing to provide the employment and training services as prescribed by this RFP, must do so as an individual company or agency, and be prepared to either provide the services directly or establish an agreement with the appropriate provider(s) of the services.

6. PURPOSE OF RFP • Proposals are being solicited for services for eligible In-School and Out-of-School Youth. WIA requires that a minimum of 30 percent of a local area’s WIA youth funds be allocated to out-of-school youth programs. However, the Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium is placing additional emphasis on Out-of-School youth and requires that a minimum of 60 percent of the WIA youth funds be spent on out-of-school youth. Successful bidders will be responsible for ensuring that all WIA Youth required services are provided to every WIA-enrolled youth and that all ten of the WIA youth program elements are accessible to all enrolled youth as needed, when needed.

7. PURPOSE OF RFP • While eligibility as well as program content and elements apply to both in-school and out-of-school youth, WIA creates distinctions between these two populations by creating separate funding streams, as well as by differentiating performance outcomes by age, funding, outcomes and in-school versus out-of-school program design. Therefore bidders must be aware of the relationships between ages, funding streams, outcomes, in-school versus out-of-school program design when describing comprehensive system program vision.

8. ONE-STOP DELIVERY SYSTEM • Workforce Investment Act Interim Final Rules were published by the US Department of Labor in the August 11, 2000 Federal Register and are available on the internet at: http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/. On the right side of the page, review the column and locate “Laws and Regs.” Clicking on Laws and Regs will take the viewer to Workforce Investment Act Interim Final Rules. • The WDB, in partnership with the workforce development agencies, has developed a system of comprehensive JobLink Career Centers in the five-county region. The system design currently includes five (5) full-service JobLink Career Centers and 3 JobLink Information Sites. Region Q requires that all youth contractors operate from the applicable JobLink Career Center or in close proximity if space is not available in the applicable Center. Bidders are expected to meet with the applicable JobLink Center lead agency/operator to discuss provisions for shared space, and costs for this should be reflected in the bidder’s proposal. A letter of agreement from the JobLink Center Manager per coordinated services and physical space commitments must also be included in this proposal.

9. IN-SCHOOL YOUTH IN-SCHOOL YOUTH (ISY) The Workforce Investment Act defines an in-school youth (ISY) as a young person who • has not received a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED) and • is attending school (including alternative secondary school) at the time of WIA registration.

10. OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH Out-Of-School Youth (OSY)\ The Workforce Investment Act defines an out-of-school youth (OSY) as a young person who: • Is a school dropout, or • Has a high-school diploma or GED, but is basic-skills deficient, unemployed or underemployed.

11. YOUNGER YOUTH YOUNGER YOUTH AGE 14-18 YEARS OF AGE

12. OLDER YOUTH OLDER YOUTH AGE 19 – 21 YEARS OF AGE

13. Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation Eligibility Determination and Registration Objective Assessment Individual Employment Plan (IEP) Case Management Referral Required Services

14. COLLABORATION Employer Connections The Region Q Workforce Development Consortium seeks an increase in career development experiences that demonstrate meaningful employer involvement. Many youth programs have built connections to a wide range of local employers. Youth are placed in subsidized summer jobs or internships with area businesses and community based organizations, while other employers participate as job-shadow hosts and mentors for young people. However, few initiatives exist to engage specific employers in comprehensive youth-serving partnerships – i.e. partnerships that use employer resources to support youth as they explore or progress upon a career pathway. Bidders should include innovative, sustainable employer partnerships in their WIA Youth program implementation plan. These connections must lead to increased youth placements in employment and post secondary education as well as meaningful exposure to the world of work with measurable skill gains. These experiences must be increasingly challenging over the course of a given youth’s participation and be linked to recognized career pathways.

15. COLLABORATION Target Diverse Population of Youth when Designing Programs Examples may include, but not be limited to, the following: a blend of in-school and out-of-school youth working together on common projects and experiences; older youth mentoring younger youth within a given program; a racially and ethnically diverse group of youth participating in a learning center; disabled youth working together with non-disabled peers. Diversity enriches programming, youth experience, and encourages peer development, understanding, and mutual awareness and respect.

16. COLLABORATION Leveraged Funding and Service Coordination Bidders will leverage community resources to create a seamless network of services that are easily accessible and relevant to youth. To have a meaningful impact on the quality and breadth of the youth services system, Bidders must be able to draw upon a resource base that extends beyond WIA funding. Bidders should describe connections to other funding sources that will benefit participants and increase the cost effectiveness of federal funds.

17. COLLABORATION Collaboration and Partnerships Proposals are sought that demonstrates how partnership and community involvement will be used to meet the WIA youth program goals. Involving the local community means developing real partnerships among local schools, community college level, community based and faith based organizations, private sector employers and members of the community. Bidders are encouraged to leverage resources from partnerships and use them in development and implementation of the program. Key to providing comprehensive and improved services to more young people is the ability to leverage and coordinate a wide range of funding and community resources to provide quality youth opportunities. Collaboration and leveraging partnerships can meet service gaps, reach more young people, and use resources more efficiently.

18. COLLABORATION Skill Development Successful proposals will clearly emphasize the development of skills, knowledge and competencies that prepare youth for jobs and careers. Proposals should strongly link academic and occupational learning. Key strategies the Youth Committee is looking for in this area are linkages to apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, occupational skills training, OJT (On-the-Job Training), employers, transitional services and attainment of academic credit and credentials, which include work readiness certificates that lead to employment.

19. Ten WIA Required Elements • Tutoring • Alternative Secondary School Offerings • Summer Employment Opportunities • Paid and Unpaid Work Experiences • Occupational Skills Training • Leadership Development Opportunities • Supportive Services • Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling • Adult Mentoring • Follow-up Services

20. Performance Measures • Younger Youth 14 – 18 Years Old • Skill Attainment • Diploma Attainment • Retention • Older Youth Ages 19-21 Years Old • Entered Employment Rate • Employment Retention Rate • Earnings Change • Credential Rate

21. Region Q Workforce Investment ConsortiumProgram Year 2006 Youth Program Performance Goals

22. The 2006 WIA Performance Goals for Region Q Youth are given as a guideline. Region Q has not received Performance Goals for PY 2007. Note: Performance goals are pending WIA reauthorization and the implementation of Common Measures. All Region Q Operators are expected to exceed performance goals. Common Measures proposed to be implemented: Youth Measures: Placement inEmployment or Education Attainment of a Degree or Certificate Literacy or Numeracy gains

23. Financial Information • Contract Extension • Budget Plan Cost Reimbursement Contract

24. YouthPY 06Total Program Allocation(Includes Initial Program Award and Carryover) Beaufort $ 323,993 Bertie $ 248,114 Hertford $ 244,205 Martin $ 295,426 Pitt $ 246,091

25. WIA BUDGET SHEETS • IN-SCHOOL BUDGET • OUT-OF-SCHOOL BUDGET

26. Proposal Instructions Submit proposals no later than 4:00 p.m. EDT on April 20, 2007 to the Region Q Local Area Office. www.time.gov -EST Proposals must include: Page Numbers (1) One copy labeled “Original” (5) Five additional copies of RFP Submitted in 3-ring binder Completion of all forms Proposal Format and Required Forms in Order

27. Proposal Format & Required Forms • 2007 WIA RESPONSE PACKAGE COVER SHEET - Complete the information and indicate the type of activities proposed and funds requested, counties, and number of participants to be served, performance outcomes, and budget. The Response Package Cover Sheet Page must be completed entirely and Notarized. • PROGRAM – PROPOSAL NARRATIVE RESPONSE SECTION– This portion of the bid should give reviewers a detailed and clear picture of the design of the program, the anticipated outcomes, and the capability of the offeror to deliver the proposed services. Proposers should follow the alphabetical and numerical sequence of the attached format. If a section does not apply, write “N/A” or “Does not apply” by the respective section. Responses to questions should be typed under each question. and follow the alphabetical and numerical sequence. • PROGAM AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SECTION – • BUDGET – Complete the Budget Summary and supporting worksheets for all costs required to implement the program design. If there is no answer, please indicate N/A or zero (0). • JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND RESUMES – A Job Description – Workforce Investment Act form must be completed for each position funded by WIA Youth Funds.

28. Proposal Format & Required Forms ASSURANCES & CERTIFICATION • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NON-DISCRIMINATION (Complete form) • LA CODE OF CONDUCT/CONFLICT OF INTEREST - Requires signature of authorized representative & date. This form has to be completed by all WIA funded staff and submitted to the Local Area. • LA GENERAL ASSURANCES & CERTIFICATION FORM - Requires signature of authorized representative & date. Notary Required. • CERTIFICATE REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS - Requires signature of authorized representative & date. • STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE FORM - Requires signature of authorized representative & date. Notary required. • DRUG FREE CERTIFICATION - Requires signature of authorized representative & date. ) • ASSURANCES NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS - Requires signature of authorized representative & date. • COPELAND ACT CERTIFICATION - Requires signature of authorized representative & date.

29. Proposal Format & Required Forms • OTHER – ATTACH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: • Federal ID Number • Financial Statement and Copy of last audit • Agency Grievance Procedures • Copy of Bond Coverage (or explanation of planned coverage if an award is made) • Current Organization Chart • Charter and Bylaws of Organization, attach list of Current Board Members • Cost Allocation Plan (if applicable, provide a copy of the agency Indirect Cost Plan) • Letter of agreement from the JobLink Center Manager indicating coordinated services and physical space commitments .

30. Mark Your Calendars Proposals Due Friday, April 20, 2007 by 4:00 p.m. EDT Proposals will not be accepted after 4:00 pm., on Friday, April 20, 2007. • www.time.gov - EST • Contract Awards: May 09, 2007 • Program Year Starts: July 1, 2007

31. REMEMBER……. AFTER THE BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE, STAFF WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS ASKED IN WRITING, PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE!

32. QUESTIONS ANDANSWERS

33. REGION Q WORKFORCE INVESTMENT CONSORTIUM Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities