Vocational Training Program Development Services P-1081

Request for Proposal

Vocational Training Program Development Services P-1081

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is being sent to individuals and/or firms interested in submitting a proposal to perform a review of our Vocational Training Program and provide training and development services for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Proposals for providing these services will be received until 4:30 p.m. on November 30, 2010. The proposals must be delivered to:

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

3900 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44115

Re: Vocational Training Program Services

Late submittals will not be considered. Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Mr. Russell Rys, OED Consultant, by calling (216) 881-6600 or by e-mail at:. Questions related to the RFP will be answered through November 29, 2010. The RFP is organized as follows

SECTION 1.0 - INTRODUCTION

SECTION 2.0 - SCOPE OF SERVICES

SECTION 3.0 - PROPOSAL CONTENT AND FORMAT

SECTION 4.0 - PROJECT SCHEDULE

SECTION 5.0 - EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

SECTION 6.0 - SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

The following attachments are included in this RFP:

Attachment A:Plant Utility Maintenance Person Coursework and Training Curriculum

Attachment B: System Utility Maintenance Person’s Coursework and Training Curriculum Attachment C: Plant Maintenance Electrician’s Coursework and Training Curriculum

Attachment D: Instrument Technician’s Coursework and Training Curriculum

SECTION 1.0 - INTRODUCTION

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District(the “District”) is a regional sewer district, a political subdivision of the State of Ohiocreated and operating under Chapter 6119 of the Ohio Revised Code. The District owns and operates threewastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), an Environmental and Maintenance Services Center(EMSC) and an Administration Building:

Overview

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has established a Vocational Training Program pursuant to its collective bargaining agreement with Ohio Council 8 and Local Union 2798 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.

The purpose of the Vocational Training Program is to provide opportunities for advancement into vocational job classifications for those employees who desire to develop qualification forthe skills and abilities used in the operation and maintenance of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s collection and treatment system.

The Vocational Training Program is designed to provide a reliable supply of qualified job candidates. Program participants enter the program by completing coursework at local schools. Upon completing the required courses, participants partner with skilled technicians and receive on-the-job training through work assignments. Upon successful completion of the coursework and demonstration of proficiency with the assignments, the individual is eligible to apply for a vocational job classification.

There are four vocational job classifications comprising the training program;

Plant Utility Maintenance Person (PUMP)

The Plant Utility Maintenance Person performs skilled work in the following three areas:

1. Maintenance of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment at wastewater treatment plants and pump stations;

2. Repair and fabrication of equipment by use of welding equipment;

3. Maintaining and repairing piping, fixtures and equipment for gas and fuel systems.

Systems Utility Maintenance Person (SUMP)

The Systems Utility Maintenance Person is responsible for maintenance of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment at pump stations, and combined sewer overflow control facilities.

Plant Maintenance Electrician (PME)

The Plant Maintenance Electrician is responsible for maintaining electrical wiring, fixtures, apparatus, and control equipment

Instrument Technician (IT)

The Instrument Technician is responsible for performing highly skilled work in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, mechanical and other recording, telemetering and instrumentation devices and equipment.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and the Local Union 2798 have agreed to augment the vocational training program to assure the skills and abilities of our workforce are able to meet future talent demands and required certification.

The District is seeking two separate proposals, one for the provision of mechanical training and the second for provision of electrical/instrumentation training.

The mechanical component includes installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, analyzing, repairing and modifying plant equipment; plumbing, pipefitting, grinding, cutting with torch, welding, equipment repair, conduit installation, electrical maintenance and troubleshooting, fabrication, hydraulics, pneumatics, valves, pumps; reading and understanding blueprints, schematics, drawings and service manuals; preventive and predictive maintenance programs; specific maintenance systems operating theory and maintenance procedures.

The electrical and instrumentation component includes installing, troubleshooting and analysis, repairing, maintaining and calibrating instrumentation, in the areas of but not limited to electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic and microprocessor based equipment such as programmable logic controllers, motor control centers, motor starters, controls loops, generators, medium voltage substations, transformers, switchgear and other related equipment; calibration, and minor fabrication; preventive and predictive maintenance programs; specific maintenance systems operating theory and maintenance procedures.

The individual(s) will develop training program materials and deliver in-house training at the District’s facilities which includes standard operating procedures for equipment maintenance. The individuals will assist with the development of selection, promotional and performance assessments, and establish re-training methodologies.

The individuals must have proven industry experience along with comprehensive understanding ofbasic mechanical or electrical principles. The individuals must be skilled atproviding instruction on troubleshooting, repair,and maintenance of equipment using specific industry standards. The selected individuals must be able to create learning environments by planning, coordinating and facilitating training, maintaining training databases, developing lesson plans, prescribing learning criteria, researching and developing materials. The selected individuals will operate under an initial contract for a maximum of one year. The individual should also be familiar with all safety regulations, such as NFPA 70E, that are pertinent to each craft.

SECTION 2.0 - SCOPE OF SERVICES

The scope of work shall consist of, but not be limited to, the tasks as outlined below. The tasks as described are the preferred means and methods of the District. The individual or firm should base its proposal on the described tasks. All work described herein shall be performed by the individual or firm.

The District will be evaluating each proposal on the approach to the project. The District will consider alternative creative approaches that provide value to the District for this project. For the purpose of this RFP, the project will be the services provided in this scope of work.

Task A - Program Status

Schedule meetings with select workforce to understand program history, content, procedures, curriculum, participation, and current practices

Task B – Training Curriculum

Based on the information collected under Task A, make recommendations for any revisions needed to the existing curriculum. See Attachment “A” for a description of the Plant Utility Maintenance Person’s existing coursework and training curriculum; Attachment “B” for a description of the System Utility Maintenance Person’s existing coursework and training curriculum; Attachment “C” for a description of the Plant Maintenance Electrician’s existing coursework and training curriculum; Attachment “D” for a description of the Instrument Technician’s existing coursework and training curriculum. Develop, revise and implement curriculum. Deliver instruction and facilitate student learning. Relate successfully with students and staff of diverse cultural, social or educational backgrounds. Curriculum should include all applicable safety regulations (general industry and construction) and other industry best practices (e.g. NFPA 70E).

Task C– Training Methodology

Provide a detailed description of the methods that would be used to convey the necessary information to the trainee. Create a facilitator's guide outlining key components for each topic area. Demonstrate an ability to work with students in both one on one and group instruction situations. Ensure that all maintenance training is properly documented.

Task D – Training Materials

Design and deliver the recommended materials associated with the curriculum using a standardized format. Demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, instruct and facilitate educational courses of quality. Demonstrate the ability to utilize technology which supports teaching and learning.

Task E – Skill and Ability Assessment

Identify standardized methods with which to assess an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities at any point throughout the training process. Methodology should include processes to qualify employees as determined by OSHA regulations (e.g. Electrical Safety, NFPA 70E, etc.)

Transfer of Records

All records and deliverables shall be the property of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

SECTION 3.0 - PROPOSAL CONTENT AND FORMAT

All responses to Requests for Proposals should be complete and must include all of the information requested by the District. If errors are found in the response to the RFP, or if the response fails to conform to the essential requirements of the RFP, the District, in its sole judgment, shall determine whether that Response to RFP is accepted.

Each copy of the Response to RFP shall be bound in a single volume where practical. All documentation submitted with the Response to RFP shall be bound within that single volume.

If your response to this RFP includes any comment in addition to the specific information requested in this RFP, include this information as a separate appendix to your response.

The individual or firm shall submit one original and seven (7) copies of the proposal. Firms are encouraged to organize their proposal by following the criteria outlined below. Individuals or firms are required to submit the following information in the proposal:

General Information:

Briefly state your understanding of the work to be done as outlined in Section 2.0 Scope of Services
Identify your principal strengths.
Name of the person who will be authorized to represent you or your firm and all applicable contact information.
State whether or not you or your organization has been involved in any litigation or administrative agency review within the past five (5) years arising out of your performance. Explain fully if it has been involved in any litigation.

Experience and References:

Provide past performance information
Provide at least three (3) examples of previous work that demonstrates your experience on projects of similar size, scope, and features as those required on this project.
Provide at least three (3) references that you have successfully performed for of similar size, scope, and features as those required on this project.

Approach:

Provide a section describing in detail the approach to be used to conduct the tasks of this project, including interviews, review of required documentation,

Schedule of Deliverables:

Identify the list of proposed deliverables for each of the major tasks listed under the Section 2.0 of this RFP. Identify other major deliverables as part of the overall project and scope of work.

Project Plan:

Provide an overall project plan with time estimates for all identified work.

Project Cost Proposal:

Include a cost proposal for the performance of services described in this RFP with an itemized estimated hours and costs for each task, including hourly rates and any other anticipated costs for completion of the work described in this RFP. Costs for alternativeservices must be listed separately.

SECTION 4.0 - PROJECT SCHEDULE

The following is the proposed schedule of the major milestones in the RFP process. The District reserves the right to modify the schedule as needed based on unforeseen events or organizational need.

November 5, 2010RFP released
November 30,2010Proposal due to District by 4:30 p.m. local time
December 7, 2010District will notify the short-list of top qualified firms
December 20 to 30, 2010 Proposal presentations and consultant interviews for the short-list of top qualified firms
January 3 to 7, 2010Selection and Contract negotiations begins
January 20, 2010Contract Award (Board of Trustees Meeting)
January 21, 2010 Notice to Proceed - Project Begins

The District may make follow-up calls to the individual or firm for clarification at anytime during the evaluation period from November 30, 2010 through December 30, 2010.

SECTION 5.0 - EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Evaluation of Proposal

The District reserves the right to make the finaldetermination as to the individual's or firm’s ability to provide the services requested herein, before enteringinto any contract.

Selection and Notification

A Selection Committee will determinethe best individual or firm. The selection process will include a review of the proposalsto identify qualified candidates based on Section 3.0 Proposal Content and Format. Those individuals or firms who are qualified will be scheduled for apersonal interview. Selection will be based uponthe following criteria (100 points):

Method of accomplishing the scope of work (40 points maximum)
Relevant experience, qualifications, and commitment of person (20 points maximum)
Quality of the interview and oral presentation of proposal (20 points maximum)
Written quality of the proposal (10 points maximum)
Cost (10 points maximum)

The District will notify the selectedindividual or firm in writing. This work may be contracted in whole or inpart at the sole discretion of the District. In general, the contract will comply with applicablelaws and standard provisions and shall contain the following terms:

Detailed scope of services
Schedule for providing services, detailing activity and estimated time required
Hours and costs of services should be identified such that the proposal clearly defineswhere and when work is to be performed. This will allow for proper tracking of projectmilestones.

SECTION 6.0 - SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals shall be properly addressed with the name of the individual or firm and the description “Vocational Training Program Services” written on the outside of the package.

One original and seven (7) copies of the technical proposals are to be delivered to:

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

3900 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2504

Re: Vocational Training Program Services

Deadline for submission of proposals is 4:30 p.m. November 30, 2010. Late submittals will not be considered. All questions regarding this RFP shall be directed to Mr. Russell Rys by calling (216) 881-6600 or by e-mail to:. Questions related to the RFP will be answered through November 29, 2010.

Proposals may be mailed or hand delivered. If sent by mail, the responsibility of timely delivery is entirely up to the sender.

Attachment A:Plant Utility Maintenance Person

Coursework

1. Basic Algebra
2. Principles of Technology
3. Fluid Power
4. Millwright Tools
5. Hydraulic Circuits
6. Electrical for non-electricians
7. Pneumatic Systems
8. Blueprint Reading
9. Pump Rebuilding / 10. Mechanical Power Transmission
11. Fluid Power Control
12. Basic Arc and Gas Welding
13. Machining and Manufacturing processes
14. Metallurgy
15. Piping for Steam Systems
16. Plant Layout & Equipment
17. Industrial Safety
18. System Troubleshooting

Training Curriculum

Safety Training: Receives training in the following areas, and demonstrates ability to incorporate safety awareness with day-to-day work practices.

Confined Space Training
Lockout-Tag Out and the safe release of stored energy
Personal Protective Equipment as it relates to the position
Electrical Safety Awareness Class
Ladders and personal lift devices
Tow motor training

Blueprint Reading:Demonstrate the competency and skill level in these areas:

Basic applied math skills
Parts prints fundamentals
Dimensional techniques
Sectional views
Multi-view drawings
Schematics and drawings
Geometric Characteristic Symbols
Datum coordinates
Abbreviations
SOP for print altering

3.Plumbing and Pipefitting:Demonstrates competency and skill level in these areas:

Work with plastic pipes of different types and schedules- such material as PVC, CPVC (plain and bell end), Schedule DWG, 40 and 80, fiberglass, stainless, etc. Exhibit outlined proficiency in the following.

Cutting, cleaning, gluing, mechanical joints and flanges
Supporting plastic pipe and fittings

Work with copper pipe and tubing- Type K, L and M.

Exhibit outlined proficiency in cutting, cleaning, measuring, soldering and supporting copper pipe and tubing. Proficient in methods of connection such as compression flared and soldered

Work with piping and fittings- Such as galvanized and black steel.

Exhibit outlined proficiency in measuring, cutting, threading,supporting and assembling pipe and fittings

Identify different types of valves and their proper application.

Demonstrate ability to fabricate gaskets from a variety of materials.

4.Shop Equipment Training: Demonstrates competency and skill level in these areas:

Level to set-up and safely operate the following:

Radial Arm Drill Press
Mechanical Shears
Punch Press
Horizontal and Vertical Band Saws
Bench and Hand Grinders
Hydraulic Press, fixed and portable
Pipe Threading Machine
Internal and External Micrometers

5.Equipment lubrication and lubricants:Demonstrate competency and skill level in these areas:

Interpret grease and oil specification charts to select the best lubricant for conditions.
Recognize why grease and oil conditions should be periodically monitored for preventative maintenance.
Recognize importance of referring to O&M manuals.
Demonstrate knowledge of consequences related to improper lubricant selection.

6.Welding (arc/gas) and Fabrication: Demonstrates the competency and skill level in these areas:

Oxygen/Acetylene, cutting and brazing.
Arc Welding.
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG).
Metal Inert Gas (MIG).
Metal layout and fabrication.

7.Equipment Rigging:Demonstrate the competency and skill level in these areas:

Proper use of ropes, chains, pulleys, and slings.
Familiar with proper methods of moving equipment safely and efficiently.
Proper selection of equipment to secure and move objects.
Inspecting, maintaining and repairing equipment.
Installing cables, pulleys and other tackle.

8.Shaft alignment and machine vibration: Demonstrate competency and skill level in these areas:

Alignment fundamentals of laser and dial count alignment.
Alignment preparation.
Usage of a laser alignment tool (Belthog).
Soft Foot correction.
Stages of alignment.
Bar Sag compensation.
Tolerances.
Familiar with causes of vibration.
Familiar with detection methods and analysis.
Identify causes of vibration.

9.Pump rebuilding:Demonstrate competency and skill level in these areas: