Request for Applications for Service Providers

Request For Applications For Service Providers

The South Texas Workforce Development Board is seeking service providers (institutions/schools/vendors) whose programs are open to the general public, for the individual referrals of eligible Adultsand/or Youth, to provide BasicSkills training. Approved training programs must enhance the participant’s opportunity to obtain employment by establishing fundamental skills that will build towards a career pathway.

Please mail completed form and any additional documentation to: South Texas Workforce Development Board. In addition to a hard copy, submission of application electronically (via email) can expedite the review process. Paper applications with original signature are required and may not be substituted with an electronic version. Email to: .

See Exhibit A for the Background and Instructions.

Vendor’s Information

Full Legal Name of Vendor: ______

Vendor’s Mailing Address: ______

Vendor’s Street Address: (if different than above)______

City/State/Zip: ______

Vendor’s Authorized Representative:

Name: ______Title: ______

Telephone Number: ______Fax Number: ______

Email Address: ______

Vendor’s Authorized Contact Person:

Name: ______Title: ______

Telephone Number: ______Fax Number: ______

Email Address: ______

Vendor’s Federal Employer Identification Number: ______

Is this a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)?YESNO

Do you currently have programs certified for Workforce Investment Act Funding through the Texas Workforce Commission Training Provider Certification System? YES NO

NOTE: If you do not currently have training programs certified through the Texas Training Certification System, please attach a copy of your most recently audited financial statement.

Type of Provider-please check all that apply

Charitable/Faith Proprietary Community Other (specify)
Based Org. School College ______
Community Non Profit Org. University Entity Regulated
Based Org. ___Public by Another
___Private Agency
If any regulatory body such as the Texas Education Agency or the TexasWorkforceCommissionProprietarySchools regulates your organization, please include as part of this application the performance data submitted annually to the regulatory body.
Nature of Organization
Corporation For Profit Non-Profit
Sole Proprietorship Partnership Other

Type of Service-please check all that apply

Basic Skills Instruction
Computer Skills Instruction
Workplace Literacy
Comprehensive Guidance/
Counseling*
*STWDB cannot pay for counseling that is administered by a medical professional in a medical setting. / Other ______

***

Reason for applying-please check all that apply

R

Tuition - base contract
Fee-for-service contract
Referral to service only (Workforce
Center staff to refer youth to your
Services as applicable, no fee or
contract)
Other: ______

Program Information

For each program or service a separate application must be submitted.

Program Name: ______

Program Address/Location: ______

Program Business Hours: ______

Program Web Address: ______

Does your facility meet the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act? YES NO

Are the facilities easily accessible by bus? YES NO

Do you maintain liability insurance? ______Amount of Insurance: ______

If not will you provide? ______

Provider Background and Experience

We require our vendor’s to have at least one-year prior experience providing the services being applied for. Has your organization been providing educational/training services for at least one year? YES NO

Proposed Program

Provide a detailed description of your program to include the following:

• List the length of time in business, credentials, services you provide, how you make others aware of your programs and activities.
• Detail of the services and/or activities;
• The contribution expected from the participant;
• Outline of entry level requirements and/or characteristics; and
• Expected outcomes and how documented or measured.

PLEASE COMPLETE APPLICABLE LINES:

Total Hours of Instruction: ______Classroom Hours: ______Lab Hours: ______

Average Class Size: ______Minimum Class Size: ______

Instructor to Student Ratio: ______

Instructor Qualifications: ______

Student to Equipment Ratio: (if applicable) ______

Certificates Issued upon Completion?

Yes What Kind? (AAS, Certificate, etc.) ______CIP Code: ______

No

Is this program currently certified through the Texas Workforce Commission WIA Training Provider Certification System?

Yes – Expiration Date: ______Certifying Boards: ______

No

How many customers successfully completed this program or participated in activities in the last 12 months? ______

Completion Rate: ______

Program Placement Rate: ______Program Avg. Wage at Placement: ______

REQUIRED – If applicable, please attach the following documentation to all applicants.

1. Curriculum Outline
2. Course / Program Catalog
3. Brochures
4. Teacher’s Credentials and Resume

(Not applicable for ProprietarySchoolCommunity College or University Instructors)

1. Counselor’s Credentials and Resume
2. Copy of Refund Policy
3. Attendance Policy

Cost Information

Proposed costs including budget details on how the cost was determined. The following are sample budget categories, but costs are not limited to these:

TUITION / FEES
Tuition / $ / Books / $
Equipment / $
Supplies / $
Tools / $
Uniform / $
VENDOR’S REQUIRED FEES / OPTIONAL FEES
Item (Fee for Service) / Cost / Item / Cost
$ / $
$ / $
$ / $
Cost Per Participant / $
Monthly Cost / $
Timeline for Services (Beginning & Ending Estimate)
Budget Detail
Provide information applicable to any of the budget items listed above.
Author and title of book(s) used in program
Description of equipment used in the program.
Description of supplies used in the program.
Description of tools used in the program.
Description of uniform needed while enrolled in the program.
Description of any other fees listed in budget.
All books, equipment, supplies, tools & uniforms purchased by STWDB for customers will either become the property of the STWDB or the customer, not the training provider.

Business Statement

The South Texas Workforce Development Board (STWDB) requires some organizations to have an on-site quality assurance review prior to approval. Furthermore, STWDB staff may conduct quality assurance reviews after a provider is approved.

By signing this application, the signatory authorizes the STWDB to conduct an on-site quality assurance review.

The Applicant hereby acknowledges that an application has been submitted to request funding to provide education and training services for eligible participants under the South Texas Workforce Development Board Request for Application for Intensive/Basic Skills Training.

______

Authorized SignatureTitle

______

Typed or Printed NameDate

FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION

All applicants must provide evidence of financial stability prepared by a certified public accountant. Documentation of financial stability attached: Yes No

For each program or service a separate application must be submitted

Exhibit A

South Texas Workforce Development Board

Request for Application (RFA)

Background and Instructions

The South Texas Workforce Development Board is the administrative entity and grant recipient charged with administering workforce development programsin theCounties of Webb, Zapata, and Jim Hogg. The Board will enter into agreements with eligible providers for the delivery of necessary workforce development services. Group and individual activities designed to improve the employability and earnings capability of participants in SouthTexasWorkforceCenter programs are among the services provided.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible providers of activities may include secondary and post-secondary educational institutions; proprietary schools; and other public, private non-profit and private-for-profit entities. Entities are subject to the Texas Proprietary School Laws must comply with those laws to be eligible.

All programs and services must be available to the general public, not just SouthTexasWorkforceCenter participants, and at the same or lesser cost. Special discounts and matching of funds for TexasWorkforceCenter referrals are encouraged.

Description of the Services Program

The South Texas Workforce Centers currently provides recruitment, labor market information, intake, registration/eligibility determination, placement and follow-up services, and referrals to various activities. These services are provided on school campuses, at the Workforce Centers, and at other designated locations throughout the three counties of Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb.

The South Texas Workforce Development Board (Board) is seeking service providers (institutions/schools/vendors) whose programs are open to the general public, for the individual referrals of eligible Adults and/or Youth, to provide Basicskills training. Approved services must enhance the participant’s opportunity to obtain employment by establishing fundamental skills that will build towards a career pathway.

The South Texas Workforce Development Board is seeking providers for, but not limited to:

Computer Skills Instruction

Courses on computer software applications such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and similar software products (not tied to a specific occupation)

Literacy, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language and GED preparation instruction

Specialized education, training or counseling services for youth ages 14 to 18

Improving Educational Achievement- tutoring, study skills training, preparation for Texas End of Course exams, TAKS testing, advanced placement exams, college entrance exams and other assistance leading to completion of secondary school, including drop-out prevention services; and summer academic activities; alternative school services;

Preparation for and Success in Employment

Support for Youth Services- mentoring, comprehensive guidance and counseling, which can include career counseling and may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling

Other Youth Services-leadership, mentoring, money management skills, life skills such as parenting, stress management and conflict resolution

Services for Adults ages 19 and Older

Life skills such as personal finance and budgeting, personal finance and budgeting

Other Adult Services- entrepreneurial training, job readiness, skills development

Counseling Services-One on-one or group personal or substance abuse counseling (no medical treatments) Services must be provided by experienced and appropriately licensed individuals

(STWDB cannot pay for counseling that is administered by a medical professional in a medical setting)

Services for Dislocated Workers

Change/Stress Management Seminars- Seminars to help workers cope with the stress of job loss and change

Financial/Debt Management Seminars-Seminars to provide dislocated workers with essential financial planning and debt management.

Emergency Crisis Counseling-Crisis counseling services for affected workers who show visible signs of despondent or other at-risk behavior

Entrepreneurship seminars

Training must generally be no longer than 6 months to be considered for approval.

Purpose of the RFA

The purpose of the RFA is to gather information and create a directory of adult and youth services and projects available in Jim Hogg, Webb, and ZapataCounties. As a result of this RFA, the Board will compile and maintain a “vendor list” of eligible service providers to conduct activities on an “as needed” basis for program participants of youth and adult services available in the region. The Career Specialists at the South Texas Workforce Centers will then select appropriate activities from this list for each program participant and follow their participation and progress throughout the activity.

Contracts resulting from this application process will be executed between the applicant and the Board’s contractor for the South Texas Workforce Centers. Be advised that this is a fee for service contract based on the cost per participant or seminar. The South Texas Workforce Development Board (STWDB) does not guarantee the referral of any participant to any selected provider. Payment for services will be contingent upon whether the activity was provided according to the terms of the contract.

Questions about the RFA may be sent via fax to: Ludivina Solis at (956) 722-3973 or email to:

. One original and three copies, signed applications must be submitted to the South Texas Workforce Development Board. In addition to hard copies, submission of application electronically (via email) can expedite the review process. Applications are due May 31, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.

Submission of Applications

Applications shall be submitted to:

By MailHand Delivery

South Texas Workforce Development BoardSouth Texas Workforce Development Board

Attention: Ludivina SolisAttention: Ludivina Solis

P.O. Box 17571701 E. Hillside Road

Laredo, Texas 78044Laredo, Texas 78041

Submit one original and three, signed copies of the Application form (Exhibit A). In order to expedite the review process, you may submit an additional copy via email to .

If your organization is interested in providing services through referrals, please contact Ludivina Solis.

Application of Selection Process

The application evaluation will be performed by the South Texas Workforce Development Board to determine appropriateness of activities proposed. However, the South Texas Workforce Development Board (STWDB) reserves the right to select an independent review team for the purpose of RFA evaluation should the need arise. Selected service providers will be required to enter into a written agreement for a period beginning after September15, 2006. These providers will be placed on an approved Vendor’s List in order to receive individual referrals for services. STWDB does not guarantee the referral of any participants to any selected provider. The following considerations apply to the selection process:

1. All applications considered must be responsive to the RFA instructions:

1. The South Texas Workforce Development Board will base their selection on demonstrated competence and qualifications, including Demonstrated Performance, Program Design, Reasonableness of Cost, and Responsiveness to RFA.

1. In accordance with the 73rd Texas Legislature, the South Texas Workforce Development Board will make a good faith effort to award contracts to Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB’s). It is the policy of this organization to pursue HUB business. However the final decision as to the award of this contract will be contingent upon weighted evaluation criteria.

1. Applications will be scored as received. All applicants will receive notification of application approval. A bidder who wishes to protest the decision will be required to notify the Board’s Complaint Officer, in writing, within fifteen (15) days from the date of the notification letter. The complaint letter must specify the nature of the protest and any desired remedies of action. The South Texas Workforce Development Board reserves the right to determine whether the protest is valid and merits further consideration.

Complaint letters shall be submitted to:

South Texas Workforce Development Board

Blanca Stevenson

Quality Assurance/EO Officer

P.O. Box 1757

Laredo, Texas 78044

Application Evaluation Criteria

The review and selection process will include the following criteria and value system:

Demonstrated Performance:Value 30 Points

This criterion examines the past experience and demonstrated effectiveness in providing the proposed educational or training service of the applicant in a timely manner.

Program DesignValue 30 Points

This criterion examines the quality and innovativeness of the program activity and the outcomes desired, as well as the inclusion of any additional components.

Reasonableness of Cost:Value 30 Points

This criterion examines the cost of services being purchase. Please provide cost per participant information.

Responsiveness of RFA:Value 10 Points

This criterion examines the extent to which minimum requirements of the RFA were complied with.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria /

Points

Demonstrated Performance

/ 30
Program Design / 30
Reasonableness of Cost / 30
Responsiveness of RFA / 10
Subtotal / 100
Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) / 5
Total Possible Points / 105

RFA Conditions

1. South Texas Workforce Development Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications submitted.

1. South Texas Workforce Development Board is exempt by law from payment of Texas Sales Tax and Federal Excise Tax.

1. This RFA does not commit South Texas Workforce Development Board to pay for any cost incurred prior to the execution of any contract. All contracts are contingent upon availability of funds from the U.S. Department of Labor and/or Texas Workforce Commission.

1. The intent of this RFA is to identify the various contract alternatives and estimates of costs for the items solicited. South Texas Workforce Development Board is under no legal requirement to execute a contract from any application submitted.

1. Applicants shall not make offers of gratuities or favor, to any office, employee, Board member of South Texas Workforce Development Board, or any subcontractor employees of the Board. Contact for technical assistance is allowed with the RFA contact person. Violation of this instruction will result in immediate rejection of the application.

1. South Texas Workforce Development Board specifically reserves the right to vary the provisions set herein anytime prior to the execution of the contract where such variance is deemed to be in the best interest of the Board.

1. All applications and their accompanying attachments will become property of the Board after submission and materials will not be returned. In addition, all materials that are produced as a result of this RFA become the property of South Texas Workforce Development Board.

1. The contents of a successful application may become contractual obligations, if a contract is awarded. Failure of the applicant to accept those obligations may result in the cancellation of the application for selection. The contents and requirements of this RFA may be incorporated into any legally binding and duly negotiated contract between South Texas Workforce Development Board and the selected vendor(s).

1. South Texas Workforce Development Board reserves the right to select and/or contract with more than one vendor from the applications submitted.

1. Costs incurred by a contracted entity in the delivery of services shall be reimbursed based on mutually agreed on conditions and delivery schedules with the submission of appropriate documentation. Delivered services must meet standards agreed upon during contract negotiation before reimbursement is made.

1. The Board is an equal opportunity employer and complies fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the applicable laws.

The South Texas Workforce Development Board encourages potential service providers to collaborate with other educational institutions, including community colleges and universities, school districts, youth advocacy centers, and other public and private entities/businesses in order to maximize services and benefits for youth.

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION