RFP #13-9513-11KS

November 12, 2013

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Out of School Youth Services

Work ReadinessTraining

Your firm is invited to submit a proposal to provideOut of School Youth Services for the Workforce Investment Actin accordance with the enclosed specifications. The submittal, consisting of the original proposal and five(5) additional copies marked. “Out of School Youth Services”will be received no later than 2:00p.m., December 5, 2013, by:

IN PERSON OR SPECIAL COURIERU.S. POSTAL SERVICE

County of HenricoCounty of Henrico

Department of FinanceDepartment of Finance

Purchasing Division ORPurchasing Division

1590 E. Parham RoadPO Box 90775

Henrico, Virginia23228Henrico, Virginia23273-0775

This RFP and any addenda are available on the County of Henrico Purchasing website at To download the RFP), click the link and save the document to your hard drive. To receive an email copy of this document, please send a request to:

Time is of the essence and any proposal received after 2:00 p.m. December 5, 2013whether by mail or otherwise, will be returned unopened. The time of receipt shall be determined by the time clock stamp in the Purchasing Office, Department of General Services. Proposals shall be placed in a sealed, opaque envelope, marked in the lower left-hand corner with the RFP number, title, and date and hour proposals are scheduled to be received. Offerors are responsible for insuring that their proposal is stamped by Purchasing Office personnel by the deadline indicated.

Nothing herein is intended to exclude any responsible firm or in any way restrain or restrict competition. On the contrary, all responsible firms are encouraged to submit proposals. The County of Henrico reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals submitted.

The awarding authority for this contract is the Purchasing Director

Technical questions concerning this Request for Proposal should be directed to Kevin Steinbrecher, , no later than November 19, 2013.

Very truly yours,

Cecelia H. Stowe, CPPO, C.P.M.

Purchasing Director

Kevin Steinbrecher, A.P.P., CPPB

Procurement Supervisor

1590 E. PARHAM ROAD/P O BOX 90775/HENRICO VA 23273-0775

(804) 501-5660 FAX (804) 501-5693

OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES WORK READINESS TRAINING

FOR THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT

LOCAL WORKFORCE AREA #9

I.Purpose

  1. It is the intent and purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) and resulting annual contract(s)to obtain the services of qualified Offeror(s) capable of delivering year round work readiness preparation services to a minimum of 137 out of school economically disadvantagedyouth ages 17-21 in accordance with the requirements of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law 105-20 (WIA) and in accordance with the requirements and definition of “work ready” as defined by the Resource Workforce Investment Board, the Resource Youth Network and Virginia Workforce Letter 12-06 Youth Work Readiness and Life Skills (See Attachment G).
  1. The Goals Institute is the County of Henrico’s lead agency for the delivery of services to the region’s out of school youth. This Request for proposal would result in a sub-contract with the Goals Institute. Successful Offers must be able to provide these services in coordination with The Goals Institute in the Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan and the City of Richmond.

II.Background and General Information

A.The vision of the Resource Youth Council and Resource Workforce Investment Board is for youth in the region to be a well-educated, emerging workforce with a strong foundation of basic skills, critical thinking skills, and personal qualities with competencies to be effective workers, good citizens, and entrepreneurs. To promote this vision, the youth participating in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Out of School Youth Program must be exposed to a variety of learning options that may include: work experience, skills development, leadership development, counseling and support, and connectionsto post-secondarytrainingand education.

B.This RFP for Work Readiness and Life Skills Training Services is essential to the development of youth and in their preparation for additional skills development, successful self-management and the development of personal qualities that will position them into the future as effective learners and workers, as good citizens and capable of choosing and pursuing with a strong focus a career path that will reinforce their understanding and use of personal responsibility.

C.The overall goals for the use of the WIA out of school youth funds are to assist economically disadvantaged youth ages 17-21 achieve major educational attainments, secure needed work related credentials, develop work specific skills and enter employment or post-secondary education and training that will lead to long term self-sufficiency. Services must be designed and delivered in a manner that maintains focus on and is relevant to personal responsibility, educational attainment, career development, credentialing, and ultimately being ready to enter employment with the skills, credentials, knowledge and self-awareness essential for employment success.

III.Scope of Work/Services

A.The Successful Offeror(s) must be flexible and willing to partner with any other related Workforce Development activities being operation in the area and through the GOALS Institute (the WIA Out of School Youth Program manager). For example, it is possible that two or more entities may be engaged in delivering separately funded WIA initiatives on behalf of the Resource Youth Council and the GOALS Institute. If this is the case, then all such providers will be expected to work collaboratively to carry-out their individual roles in the most complementary and supportive way possible in order to best serve the needs of any mutual enrollees.

B.Services should be designed and delivered in a manner that maintains focus on and is relevant to job placement, career development and educational attainment. The work readiness and life skills training should ensure that youth take advantage of needed development in both academic and occupational learning, preparation for further education, additional training and eventual employment. The Successful Offeror(s)’s services should provide the preparation for taking advantage of the additional needed services and the foundation for being work and/or training ready.

C.TheWorkforceInvestment Act stronglyconsiders“Leadership Development” skills such aswork readiness skills, andlifeskills arevalued skill sets alongthe path of workforcedevelopment that willcontributeto successful employment andretention, and better dailylivingbased on informed decision-making. Theseskills sets must bethe foundation and platform on which to build and provide other services/trainingactivities that will lead to gainfulemployment and economicsecurityin their lives.

D.Theseskillsets consist of world-of-work awareness, labormarket knowledge, occupational information, values clarification and personal understanding, career planningand decision making, computer literacy and job search techniques (resumes, mock job interviews, applications, and follow-up letters). Theyalso encompass survival/dailyliving skills such asusingthe phone, tellingtime, financial literacy, budgeting, shopping, rentinganapartment, openingabank account, and using publictransportation. Theyalso include positivework habits, attitudes, and behaviors suchas punctuality, regularattendance,presentinganeatappearance,getting alongandworkingwell with others, exhibitinggood conduct, followinginstructions and completingtasks, accepting constructive criticismfrom supervisors and co-workers, showinginitiative and reliability,and assumingthe responsibilities involved in maintainingajob. This categoryalso entails developing motivation and adaptability, obtainingeffectivecopingand problem-solvingskills, and acquiring an improved self-image.”

E.All services are intended to develop the potential of young people as citizens and leaders. They should encourage responsibility, employability, and other positive social behaviors. Outcome of this component is for youth to be able to demonstrate organizational and professional leadership skills.

F.Selected offerors will be encouraged to incorporate quality youth program approaches developed by David P. Weikart with the Center for Youth Program Quality ( in their approach to work readiness/life skills training. The Resource Youth Network highly recommends inclusion of the curriculum of the Youth Work Method Series: Building Community and Reflection. These interactive and hands-on courses provide service providers with practical skills that are geared to improve the quality of interactions with youth.

G.Successful Offeror(s) Responsibilities

The Successful Offeror (s) responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited to:

  1. Curriculum development and measurement of the competencies in each of the eight (8) competency areas included in the definition of work ready for Out of School youth.
  2. Fiscal Management of the resources awarded
  3. Monitoring/evaluation of the training and activities delivered
  4. Client tracking and documentation of outcomes and progress made
  5. Timely billings with required supporting documentation and Reports (monthly)
  6. Timely data entry and reporting of all data and information (daily)
  7. Cooperation and coordination with the GOALS Institute Staff and its partners for all participants referred by the GOALS Institute for work readiness/life skills training
  8. Assistance and support of the GOALS Institute’s efforts to provide work experience as appropriate for youth who have successfully completed the Work Readiness/Life Skills Curriculum

H.Target Populations to Be Served

The Specific populations for service include:

  1. Economically Disadvantaged Youth (as defined by WIA) ages 17 through 21 years of age;
  2. A High School Dropout (must be at least 18 years of age), or a
  3. A High School Graduate or GED Holder who is basic skills deficient (reading and/or math below the 8.9 grade level) and is unemployed or underemployed
  4. A resident of the Capital Region (City of Richmond or CharlesCity, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent or PowhatanCounty; and
  5. Have at least one of the following barriers:
  • Deficient in basic literacy skills
  • School drop-out
  • Homeless, runaway or foster child
  • Pregnant or Parenting Youth
  • Offender; or
  • Is an Individual requiring additional assistance to complete an educational program, or secure and hold employment, due to other significant barriers as defined by Resource Management Policy #3.

All youth served must meet the WIA eligibility requirements.

The Successful Offeror is not responsible for determination of the WIA eligibility of out of school youth participants referred to the work readiness/life skills program.

Ineligible youth shall be formally referred to other youth programs and services in the region that may meet their needs by the GOALS Institute staff.

I.Work Readiness/Life Skills Program Overview

1.Work readiness skills are a set of skills and behaviors that are necessary for any job. Work readiness skills are sometimes called “soft skills”, “employability skills”, or “job readiness skills”. There can be differences between defined sets of work readiness skills but there are many common elements in all sets.

2.It is important to note that occupational skills and work readiness skills are not the same thing. Occupational skills are a set of knowledge and skills that young people need for a specific occupation or closely related set of occupations. Work readiness skills/Life skills prepare young people for any job. Often employers are satisfied with a person's occupational skills but have reservations when it comes to his or her work readiness/life skills.

3.Below are some of the reasons often noted as to why employers do not hire a young person interviewing for a position:

  • Inappropriate dress
  • Low level of academic accomplishment
  • Poor attitudes
  • Lack of self-confidence
  • Poor motivation
  • Lack of enthusiasm, drive
  • Little evidence of leadership potential
  • Lack of preparation for interview
  • Excessive interest in security and benefits
  • Unrealistic salary demands
  • Inadequate preparation for the job
  • Lack of extracurricular activities
  • Inadequate basic skills
  • Insufficient affective employability skills

J.Work Readiness/Life Skills Competency Requirements

The Successful Offeror will provide skills development and training in the following work readiness/life skills competencies and must use pre and post testing and observation and documentation of the successful mastery of the competencies included under each category of work readiness/life skills development (Attachment A):

1.Transition Skills

Participants will develop the skills that will benefit them in finding and keeping a job. They will learn how to and be able to demonstrate mastery of 85% of the competencies included:

  • Establish independent living arrangements
  • Organize activities and create a workable schedule
  • Demonstrated ability to build personal skills and access education / training to advance
  • Demonstrated ability to get to work and appointments using the best form of transportation/route
  • Dependability
  • Having a positive attitude toward work and learning
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate problems and identify possible solutions
  • Obtain necessary personal documents: working papers, social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, pay stubs, etc.
  • Understand the requirements and responsibilities of contracts, e.g., leases, health club memberships, and credit card applications, etc.
  • Open and manage a bank account
  • Access community resources

2.Job Search Skills

Participants will learn and be able to apply the skills that will benefit them in searching for and finding an appropriate job in a chosen career pathway. Participants must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Explore career options in the Resource Demand Occupations
  • Use labor market information to decide upon a career path
  • Identify and demonstrate the ability to use a variety of job search techniques
  • Complete job applications
  • Write an appropriate cover letter
  • Prepare a professional resume
  • Interview effectively
  • Use good telephone skills
  • Follow-up after an interview
  • Understanding employment laws and regulations

3.Job Keeping Skills

Participants are expected to learn the skills that will benefit them in keeping a job once secured. The training must result in the participant’s ability to understand and demonstrate:

  • An understanding of employers’ expectations for attendance and punctuality
  • An understanding of employers’ expectations for timeliness of task completion or product delivery
  • An ability to work without supervision
  • A positive work ethic
  • An ability to manage multiple tasks

4.Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Participants are expected to develop the interpersonal and communications skills that will benefit them in finding and keeping a job. Participants are to demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the following skills:

  • Friendliness, adaptability, and politeness demonstrated in group settings
  • The ability to present ideas clearly in work settings
  • The ability to speak, listen and utilize social skills as a team member.
  • The ability to communicate thoughts and feelings to justify decisions or support a position
  • The ability to ask for and accept constructive feedback
  • The ability to interact appropriately with those in authority
  • The ability to interact professionally with co-workers
  • The ability to respond appropriately to customer requests
  • The ability to engage in appropriate workplace conversations
  • The ability to choose appropriate language / manners of expression on the job and away from the job
  • The ability to resolve conflicts appropriately
  • The ability to understand the impact of their work on the work of others

5.Information Skills

Participants are expected to master information skills that will also assist them in securing and keeping a job. Participants are to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Select appropriate information sources
  • Read and understand instructions
  • Form your own opinion through research of issues and situations
  • Ask appropriate questions to clarify intent
  • Respond appropriately to instructions
  • Complete necessary forms appropriately

6.Systems and Technology Skills

Participants are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate Basic Computer Literacy
  • Follow procedures for use of equipment
  • Follow safety procedures
  • Know where to go when a problem arises
  • Select appropriate software tools and equipment for the task
  • Maintain assigned work equipment

7.Thinking Skills

Participants are expected to develop the capacity to and demonstrate the ability to:

  • Recognize problems, identify causes, and develop solutions
  • Recognize and apply new knowledge and skills
  • Develop and demonstrate higher order thinking skills
  • Develop and demonstrate decision making skills
  • Specify goals, generate alternatives to accomplish those goals, consider the risks, and evaluate solutions.

8.Personal Qualities

Participants are expected to be sufficiently trained and engaged in leadership and self-development that allows them to develop and demonstrate the following personal qualities:

  • Exert high levels of effort and perseverance
  • Seek out information to improve skills
  • Believe in self-worth and maintain a positive attitude
  • Be a self-starter
  • Have self-confidence
  • Project a positive self-image
  • Be flexible and adaptable
  • Possess qualities of honesty and integrity
  • Demonstrate self-control when responding to workplace requests
  • Demonstrate trustworthiness
  • Understand the impact of violating organizational values
  • Demonstrate honesty when faced with critical decisions
  • Select appropriate and clean clothing or uniform and maintain personal hygiene
  • Complete tasks even when unpleasant
  • Understand the Importance of Cultural Diversity

K.Work Readiness Activity Inclusions

  1. While the Successful Offeror(s) will ensure that all enrollees are able to demonstrate a minimum of 85% proficiency in each of the eight (8) skill areas, the offeror is also responsible for supporting each youth’s pursuit of post-secondary training and skills building that will lead to successful attainment of skills and a credential(s) that will assist them in entering the career path they have selected as a part of their individual service planning. The Successful Offeror will ensure that youth participants have the opportunity to participate in a variety of work readiness preparation activities that may include:
  • Exposure to postsecondary educational opportunities;
  • Community and service learning projects;
  • Peercentered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring;
  • Organizational and team work training, including team leadership training;
  • Work simulation activities.

No participant may participate in WIA funded Work Experience through the GOALS Institute who has not successfully completed the eight Work Readiness Training Components.(85% proficiency in each component represents successful completion)