Request for Proposals #08-001 Bidder’s Conference Workforce Investment Act Title I

1. Request for Proposals #08-001 Bidder’s Conference Workforce Investment Act Title I In-School & Out-of School Youth Academy Programs

2. About the Network • Administered by the City of Long Beach • Coordinates and brokers services to communities • Supports workforce needs residents and businesses • Service area includes: • Lomita • Long Beach • Signal Hill • Torrance

3. Purpose of Solicitation • Select qualified organizations and partnerships to provide services • Ensure balance of services among cities • Focus strategies on youth 16-21 yo • Emphasize efforts to out-of-school yth • Serve economically disadvantaged that have 1 or more identified barrier

4. Anticipated Service Levels • Approx. $1.4M available over 2 Years • Approximately 375 youth served • 7/1/08 – 6/30/10 • An estimated 3-8 contracts will be awarded for services that span 24-month period • Estimated that 2/3 of funding awarded to out-of-school youth projects

5. Program DesignSuccessful Strategies • Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate • Education, business, labor, social services and CBOs • Strategies that link community colleges, adult schools, ROP programs, K-12 learning, and other vocational training programs with business and industry • (Letters of commitment/leveraging to document) • Expose youth to high-growth/high-demand industries and foster awareness of career pathways • Academic achievement and improvement • Supportive services and resources for youth to achieve successful outcomes

6. Program DesignRequired Elements • Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation • Eligibility/Initial Certification • Basic Skills Assessment • Enrollment and Case Management • Work-Readiness Skills Training • Occupational Skills Training • Exiting and Reporting Performance Outcomes • Supportive and Referral Services • Follow-up Services • Remaining WIA-Required Elements

7. Program DesignBasic Skills Assessment • Initial basic skills assessment (TABE) for all participants • All deficient youth must receive remediation in the area of deficiency and a basic skills goal must be set • Post-test must be administered to determine a functioning level / grade level increase • Non-basic skills deficient youth may also participate in remediation activities

8. Program DesignWork-Readiness Training • All must receive work-readiness training that address, at minimum, the following: • Job search techniques, application completion and resumes • Interviewing skills and attire • Appropriate workplace behavior, ethics, and leadership • Communication skills, working in teams, conflict resolution • Financial literacy and responsibility • Incorporate info that further exposes youth to high-growth/high-demand occupations/industries

9. Program DesignOccupational Skills/Industry Certificates • All must receive occupational skills training that focuses on a high-growth/high-demand occupation(s)/industry(ies) • Training may include apprenticeships, vocational (classroom) training, or other activity that provide career-specific, professional, technical or advanced training • All youth participating in the sub-contractor’s program are expected to earn an industry-recognized certificate

10. Program DesignOccupational Skills/Industry Certificates • Organizations are encouraged to incorporate career exploration activities in program design…further exposing youth to high-growth/high-demand occupation(s)/industry(ies): • Work experience/internship and on-the-job training • Summer employment and year-round job placement • Job shadowing, mentoring, interviews with industry leaders, guest speakers series, demonstrations and field trips • Entrepreneurial/Business start-up and volunteer opportunities

11. Program DesignWho Allowed to Issue Industry-Recognized Certificates • State boards of education, State boards governing community colleges and universities • State licensing boards for private schools, State education associations • Integrated post-secondary or higher education reporting units • State Department of Professional or Occupational Regulation • Professional, industry, or employer organizations or product manufacturers or developers • Training institutions/providers, Adult Basic Education providers (GED/equivalent testing agencies) • Registered apprenticeship programs, Office of Job Corps

12. Program Performance • WIA Youth Performance Measures • Federal Waiver for State: Common Measures • Network has released Addendum 1 to RFP - WIA Youth Performance Measures • Replaces performance measures previously referenced in the Program Performance section of the RFP, numbers 1-9

13. Number and re-state questions in same order as they appear in the RFP document Answer all questions with sufficient detail Complete, sign and submit all requested/required forms and documentation Narrative response max. # pages: 20 Insurance Requirements March 17, 2008; 4:00 p.m.; no postmarks; must be in-hand Submission Instructions/Reminders

14. If partnership, Lead Applicant accepts fiscal responsibility Budget section includes narrative, Budget Form (and Budget Detail) & Match Form Match Form captures Optional Cash Match, as well as Leveraging with Partners In-Kind vs. Cash Match Budget

15. QUESTIONS Additional information posts to web site Bidder’s Conferences info Q & A submissions Final questions deadline: March 12, 2008; 4:00 p.m. www.pacificgatewayworkforce.com, click on Contracting Opportunities Labor Market Info links at same web site