WORKFORCE INNOVATION and OPPORTUNITYACT (WIOA)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Comprehensive Youth Program

Issued for Local Workforce DevelopmentArea 11

Southwest Human Resource Agency, Local Workforce Development Area 11 and its Youth Committee announce the release of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to organizations interested in providing youth workforce development services to youth ages 16 – 24 for the following counties:

______Chester______Haywood

______Decatur______Henderson

______Hardeman______Madison

______Hardin______McNairy

The Youth Committee for LWDA 11 is soliciting proposals for:

  • Youth services to be provided to out-of-school youth in the above-mentioned counties

The initial contract will be for one twelve (12)-month period beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017 with the option to renew dependent upon available funding and successful performance outcomes.

All services will be delivered in accordance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) which was enacted on July 22, 2014, and implemented on July 1, 2015. Please refer to for more information on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The West Tennessee Workforce Development Board reserves the right to accept or reject, wholly or in part, any or all proposals submitted. Only completed Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be considered for funding. A completed RFP will thoroughly respond to all questions and will include all required information.

Service providers will be recommended by the Youth Committee to the West Tennessee Workforce Development Board. Selection will be based on the information provided in the enclosed Request for Proposal. Providers selected for funding under this request for proposal may be eligible for program extensions depending on performance and availability of funds as determined by the West Tennessee Workforce Development Board. All contracts are contingent upon availability of funding.

Schedule for RFP Submission, Review, and Awards

ACTION / DATE
RFP Notification Released / February 3, 2016
Proposals Due / April 1, 2016
(By 4:00 P.M. CDT)
Youth Committee Review / April 7, 2016
Recommendations Made to LWDB Executive Committee / May 12, 2016
Announcement of Awards / May 31, 2016
Contract Start Date / July 1, 2016

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Auxiliary Aids and Services Are Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities

Tennessee Local Workforce Development Area 11

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PROPOSAL SIGNATURE SHEET

Agency Name:
Address:
Agency Telephone #: Agency Fax #:
Administrative/Fiscal Contact Person: Title:
Program Contact Person: Title:
Contact Fax#: Contact Email:
Agency Type (indicate where appropriate)
Governmental ______For Profit ______Corporation ______Non-Profit ______
Number of Participants to be Served/Funds Requested/Cost Per Participant:
(the Local Workforce Development Board would like the Proposer to provide different levels of service and related cost to allow for options in purchase )
Number of Participants / Funds Requested / Cost Per Participant
Certification of Proposal Content:
Duplication of Services and Conflict of Interest: To my knowledge, this proposal does not duplicate services or resources available in the area that are or may be provided by non-WIOA sources. This organization, its members and collaborators are not now and shall not in the future be engaged in any activity resulting in a conflict of interest, real or apparent, in the selection, award, or administration of a contract for WIOA funds.
Cost/Price Data and Proposal Content:This is to certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the cost/pricing data submitted, either actually or by specific identification in writing to the Local Workforce Development Area 11 in support of this proposal, is accurate, complete and current as of the date below. This certification includes the cost/pricing data supporting any agreements or contracts that may be agreed upon between the Offeror and the Local Workforce Development Area 11 that are part of the result of submitting this proposal.
Agency understands that the proposal submitted in response to the RFP is not a legally binding document; however, any contract to be awarded shall be based on information contained in the proposal.
______Signature of Authorized Representative Date Title of Representative
  1. General Information

A.The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. The West TN Workforce Development Board is responsible for the administration and oversight of WIOA programs operated in Local Workforce Development Area 11 (LWDA 11). The Act also encourages the appointment of a Youth Committee which is responsible for the planning, oversight and recommendation of programs and activities for youth. Additionally, the Act specifies that program services for youth shall be procured on a competitive basis except in those areas where waivers are in place.

  1. This Request for Proposal is for the operation of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth programs in LWDA 11, which include: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman,Hardin, Haywood,Henderson, Madison, and McNairy counties.
  2. Funds allocated for eligible youth should offer youth programs that:

1)Provide an objective assessment of the academic levels, skill levels, and service needs of each participant.

2)Develop service strategies for each participant that shall identify an employment goal (including, in appropriate circumstances, nontraditional employment), appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment conducted.

3)Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school; diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized postsecondary credential;

4)Provide preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities.

5)Provide strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational learning.

6)Provide occupational education that leads to the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials;

7)Provide preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities.

8)Provide effective connections to employers, including small employers, in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor market

It is the Youth Committees expectation that proposals will include the above-mentioned youth service delivery requirements outlined in WIOA, with the possible exception of # 8. Any supportive services will be delivered directly through the WIOA Program.

  1. CONTACT PERSON: All questions concerning this RFP should be directed to: Betsy Riley, Youth Program Coordinator(731-983-3687) .
  2. RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • More information on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act at
  • LWDA 11 at
  1. BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS: Proposals will be accepted from any private for-profit entity, private non-profit entity, government agency, or educational institution that can demonstrate the capacity to successfully provide the services identified in this RFP. Proposals from consortia, partnerships or other combinations of organizations are encouraged, but must identify one organization as the lead agency and prime contractor. In addition, past contractors will be evaluated on history of performance.
  2. COLLABORATION AND LINKAGES: Proposals may be a collaborative efforts or a single entity as a sole provider. Local Career Centers have been established to serve as a community-wide resource and a centralized place where community members and employers can access information and resources on education and workforce development. Many services and informational resources already exist that could meet the needs of young people. Each successful bidder is required to develop linkages and access appropriate resources from the Career Center. The goal is to provide young people with exposure to the Career Center’s informational resources and services and to integrate young people into a mainstream system. Each proposal must show tangible ways the Career Center services and resources will be used to support their program design.
  3. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:All proposals must be double spaced on white 8 ½” by 11” paper using a 12-point font. Staple the original and each copy firmly in the upper left hand corner. Specialized bindings or coverings, paper clips, or other removable fasteners are not acceptable.

In order to be considered for funding, the following materials MUST arrive in the Southwest Human Resource Agency Office, no later than 4:00PM on April 8, 2014.

  • The original proposal, with original signature (s) of the person (s) authorized to sign the proposal using blue ink for signatures.
  • Four (4) stapled copies of the proposal.
  • A computer disk or other electronic version containing the proposal and the budget. The disk should be formatted in Microsoft Word of Rich Text formats
  • All materials should be delivered in a sealed envelope.
  • No fax or emailed proposals will be accepted.

Proposals may be mailed to:Proposals may be hand delivered to:

Southwest Human Resource AgencySouthwest Human Resource Agency

PO Box 2641527 White Avenue

Henderson, Tennessee 38340Henderson, TN 38340

Attn: Betsy RileyAttn: Betsy Riley

  1. TARGETED POPULATION: Youth to be served in these programs must be between the ages of sixteen (16) and twenty-four (24). And considered as out-of-school youth.

Eligible youth are those ages sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) and who is:

A resident of LWDA 8 or receiving full-time residential services in LWDA 8, AND at enrollment is:

  • Eligible to work in the United States (see revised Homeland Security I-form available at ; AND
  • (if applicable) a male who meets the requirements of Section 3 of the US Military Selective Services Act; AND an

OUT-OF SCHOOL YOUTH – the term ‘out-of-school’ youth means a youth described in WIOA Section 129(a)(1)(B).

In this title ‘out-of-school’ youth means an individual who is:

(1) Not attending any school (as defined under State law): AND

(2) Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24 years; AND

(3) One or more of the following:

>A school dropout

>A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter

A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual AND

(a) basic skills deficient; OR

(b) an English language learner

An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system

A homeless individual (as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)), a homeless child or youth (as defined in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.11434a(2)), a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement.

An individual who is pregnant or parenting

A youth who is an individual with a disability

A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

  1. PROGRAM ELEMENTS: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requires the inclusion of fourteen program elements in all youth programs. These program elements can be made available directly or through partnerships. All youth do not need to take part in each of these elements, but each element must be available to all youth who are identified through a comprehensive assessment to need that element. Services may be provided through documented partnerships that service the “lead agency”. Youth may also be referred to services currently available within a community, if needed, to meet the required access to all ten elements. Service providers will be required to document activities, attendance and progress of youth enrolled into each element. The successful bidder may access services at no cost to the Workforce Development Act when alternative resources exist.

Activities for youth should be designed as a year-round program, including summer months. Programs that are funded must also provide effective and comprehensive activities, with a variety of options for improving educational and skill competencies and provide effective connections to employers through the following fourteen required program elements:

  1. TUTORING, study skills training, instruction, and evidence- based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential.
  2. ALTERNATIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL SERVICES, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate; for out-of-school youth seeking dropout recovery or high school equivalency, referrals will be made to the appropriate Adult Education provider. Services are rendered free of charge locally and will not be duplicated by contracting agency under this proposal.
  3. PAID AND UNPAID WORK EXPERIENCES that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include—
  4. summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year;
  5. pre-apprenticeship programs;
  6. internships and job shadowing; and
  7. on-the-job training opportunities

*Please Note: WIOA places increased emphasis on work-based learning and work experience opportunities for eligible youth. This type of service element (i.e., summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities, pre-apprenticeship training, on-the-job training, shadowing and internships that have academic and occupational education as a component) should be integral to youth program design. A minimum of 30% of available funding must be spent on Work Experience services and may include associated staff cost.

  1. OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area. Note: Out-of-school youth can access occupational skills training via Individual Training Accounts (ITA’s). Direct referrals will be made to vendors on Tennessee’s Eligible Training Provider list by AJC staff during the design framework phase including service strategy development.

*Please Note: WIOA places increased emphasis on work-based learning and work experience opportunities for eligible youth. This type of service element (i.e., summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities, pre-apprenticeship training, on-the-job training, shadowing and internships that have academic and occupational education as a component) should be integral to youth program design. A minimum of 30% of available funding must be spent on Work Experience services and may include associated staff cost.

  1. EDUCATION offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.
  2. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate.
  3. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES e.g. Driver Education including the road test, Transportation, Child Care, Work Clothing and Equipment, Incentives, etc.
  4. ADULT MENTORING for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months. E.g. one to one mentoring, Big Brother/Big Sister programs.
  5. FOLLOW-UP SERVICES for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate; updated on a monthly basis from date of exit. Any service listed in the fourteen program elements may be considered as a follow up service as well as job retention and career advancement services.
  6. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling, and referral, as appropriate. Individuals needing comprehensive guidance and counseling will be referred to area social services, Vocational Rehabilitation and Post-Secondary Guidance Officers if enrolled in training.
  7. FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION such as helping participants create a household budget, initiate savings plans, manage credit and debt and navigate the financial aid process for post-secondary education.
  1. ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS training such as discussing characteristics of entrepreneurs, developing business ideas, creating a business plan and inviting local entrepreneurs to speak to youth. Referrals will be made to the Tennessee Small Business Administration.
  2. LABOR MARKET AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION services about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; American Job Center (AJC) staff will provide LMI services in the AJC through JOBS4TN.GOV and other LMI sources.
  3. PREPARATION ACTIVITIES for transition to postsecondary education and training. These services will be provided by AJC staff through the design framework and if necessary Tennessee Adult Education providers.
  1. PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) measures will be implemented in Program Year 2016 (effective 7/1/16). Additional information on WIOA performance measures will be provided and incorporated into contracts as WIOA regulations are finalized.

For Program Year 2015 (7/1/15 - 6/30/16), youth program providers will be responsible for meeting the following youth performance measures:

  • Placement in Employment or Education

Youth who are not enrolled in post-secondary education, employment or the military at the point of participation are included in this measure. Positive outcomes include placement at any point in the first quarter after the exit quarter in:

>Military service;

>Post-secondary education;

>Advanced training and additional occupational skills training;

>Full-time employment; or

>Qualified Apprenticeship

  • Attainment of a Degree or Certificate

Youth who are enrolled in education or training at the date of participation OR become enrolled in education at any point during the program are included in this measure. Youth count as positive in this measure if they attain a diploma, high school equivalency, or qualified certificate by the end of the third quarter after the exit quarter. The educational or occupational skills credential must be approved by one of the following:

>State educational or vocational and technical educational agencies;

>Institutions of higher education;

>Professional, industry or employer organizations;

>Registered apprenticeship programs;

>Public regulatory agencies;

>Programs approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs;

>Office of Job Corps and Tribal Colleges

  • Literacy and Numeracy Gains

Out-of-school youth who are basic skills deficient are included in this measure. From the State perspective, the literacy and numeracy gains measure is only applicable to out-of-school youth who score below a 9th grade reading or math level at the time of program entry. The literacy/numeracy goal is met when a youth increased his functioning level by one Educational Functional Level (EFL) on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) – within one year of program participation. This measure evaluates gains in educational levels, as assessed via pre and post TABE tests. The same assessment tool must be used for pre and post testing.