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To: Prospective Applicants for WIA Youth Education/ Employment Services From: SIWIB Youth Council Date: March 6, 2022 Re: 2014 Youth Education / Employment Services Request for Proposal Thank you for your interest in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) 2014 Youth Empowerment Service (YES) Education and Employment Program for Local Workforce Area 25. The purpose of this Workforce Investment Act (WIA) RFP is to provide funding to a broad range of organizations to provide much needed education and employment services to hard to serve youth, 16-21 years of age. The Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council will oversee selected WIA youth programs that can provide or refer WIA youth to educational and employment services July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015. If you are interested, please fully review and respond to the attached RFP. The application packet may also be found at www.siwib.org . For this grant cycle, the Youth Council is releasing a combined education and employment RFP. Proposers may apply for either or both contracts. Respondents may expect one or both of the proposals to be awarded based upon a successful application and scoring of the various proposals. We look forward to receiving your proposal and working with you to promote a brighter future for the youth of this region.

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To: Prospective Applicants for WIA Youth Education/ Employment Services

From: SIWIB Youth Council

Date: May 7, 2023

Re: 2014 Youth Education / Employment Services Request for Proposal

Thank you for your interest in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) 2014 Youth Empowerment Service (YES) Education and Employment Program for Local Workforce Area 25. The purpose of this Workforce Investment Act (WIA) RFP is to provide funding to a broad range of organizations to provide much needed education and employment services to hard to serve youth, 16-21 years of age. The Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council will oversee selected WIA youth programs that can provide or refer WIA youth to educational and employment services July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.

If you are interested, please fully review and respond to the attached RFP. The application packet may also be found at www.siwib.org.

For this grant cycle, the Youth Council is releasing a combined education and employment RFP. Proposers may apply for either or both contracts. Respondents may expect one or both of the proposals to be awarded based upon a successful application and scoring of the various proposals.

We look forward to receiving your proposal and working with you to promote a brighter future for the youth of this region.

______________________

Tyler Young, ChairpersonSIWIB Youth Council

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WORKFORCE

INVESTMENT BOARDYOUTH COUNCIL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Workforce Investment Act 2014 Youth Empowerment Service (YES) Education Program

2014 Youth Empowerment Service (YES) Employment Program

Number 14-01PY 2014

Administered by:

MANAGEMENT, TRAINING AND CONSULTING CORPORATION3000 WEST DEYOUNG STREET

SUITE 800-B MARION, IL 62959

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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SPECIAL NOTICE

CURRENTLY, CONGRESS IS CONSIDERING LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE THE

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA). LOCAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AREA

#25 RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL OR MODIFY THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

OR THE SCOPE OR THE FUNDING OF AN APPROVED WIA PROGRAM TO ANY

EXTENT NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND/OR FEDERAL

GUIDELINES, INCLUDING THE PERCENTAGE OF OUT OF SCHOOL YOUTH TO BE

SERVED, ONCE REAUTHORIZATION IS SIGNED OR IF AVAILABLE WIA FUNDING IS

IMPACTED DUE TO FEDERAL AND/OR STATE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS. THIS

MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO OR DURING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WIA

PROGRAMS. THEREFORE, ALL SUCCESSFUL PROPOSERS MUST DEMONSTRATE

THE CAPABILITY AND AGREE, IN ADVANCE, TO MODIFY THEIR PROGRAM

DESIGN TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REGULATIONS AND/OR CHANGES TO

AVAILABLE FUNDS.

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Table of Contents Special Notice4

Section 1- General InformationProject Abstract 5Background and Purpose 6Who is Eligible to Apply 7Distribution Mechanisms/Contact Information 7Important Dates and Submission Procedures 8Questions Regarding Proposals and RFP Modifications 8Contract Timeframe 8Funding Amounts 9Availability and Awarding of Funds 9Contingences 9How Proposals Will Be Evaluated 10

Contact Modifications and Renewals 10Appeal Process 11

SECTION 2- Recruitment, Intake, and Enrollment Basic Target Populations for Education Providers 12

Basic Target Populations for Employment Providers 13Recruitment 13Intake Process 14Enrollment Timeline 14Roll Over and Re-Enrollment of Youth 14

SECTION 3- Required Services and Program Elements WIA Required Program Elements 15

For Education Providers 15For Employment Providers 16Orientation 17Group Meetings 17Case Management 17Hours of Service 18

Professional Development 18Reporting Outcomes 18Monitoring Performance 18Subcontracting 18Required Documentation for Reimbursement 19Financial Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements 20Achievement Incentives 20

Supportive Services Performance Timelines 20SECTION 4- Preparation of the Proposal / Application Proposal Format 21

Content of Proposals 21 Required Attachments 23Appendix #1- Income Levels for Program Qualification 24Appendix #2- Enrollment & Attainment Goals 25Appendix #3- Math and Reading Goal Chart 26Appendix #4- Proposal Checklist 27Appendix #5- Cover Sheet Template 28Appendix #6- Scoring Rubric for Proposal Evaluation 29Appendix #7- Fiscal Questionnaire 31

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Section 1: General Information

Project Abstract

Local Workforce Area #25 (LWA 25) will be authorizing the use of funds, through this RFP, for the delivery of Youth Employment and Educational services for PY2014. The project delivery will be accomplished by the solicitation of one or more vendors to supply staff and programmatic support to accomplish the outcomes stated in the RFP.

In general, the services contemplated in this RFP should include educational / employment programming designed to promote one or more of the following outcomes to program enrollees:

Literacy and Numeracy Gains for Out of School Youth who are basic skills deficient. Attainment of Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Attainment of sustained and verifiable employment or enrollment and verifiable

attendance in a post-secondary institution.

Prospective service providers will provide documentation, through the submission of the RFP, as to their general ability and demonstrated program execution in support of these outcomes.

Vendors will be selected on the basis of (1) existing program efforts, (2) ability to comply with the requirements and accountabilities indicated within the RFP and (3) a demonstrated capacity to deliver educational and /or employment outcomes to the program enrollees.

ManTraCon Corporation, as the sub-grant recipient and administrative entity for the WIA Title I-B youth funds, will administer the RFP, secure the financial award and administer the fiscal monitoring process of all funds awarded under this proposal. ManTraCon Corporation will also provide the design framework component, such as services for intake, objective assessment, and the development of an individual services strategy. This will ensure that all participants meet the required enrollment standards, as well as provide a non-biased appraisal of the initial educational attainment prior to the beginning of any remedial or developmental program.

Successful awardees will receive payments for each verified enrollee as well as for each benchmark obtained by enrollees as outlined in the RFP. It is anticipated that educational service providers will be eligible to receive a maximum of $2,500.00 for each out-of-school enrollee served, and a maximum of $1,500.00 for each in-school enrollee served, based upon successful completion of benchmarks obtained by enrollees as outlined in the RFP. It is anticipated that employment services providers will be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $2,500.00 for each enrollee served, based upon successful completion of benchmarks obtained by enrollees as outlined in the RFP.

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Background

The Youth Council of the Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board (SIWIB) was established in 1999, pursuant to a requirement of the federal Workforce Investment Act, to provide leadership and advocacy in support of youth in Local Workforce Area 25. Since its inception, the Council has overseen funding for numerous high-quality youth providers, serving youth 14-21 years of age. Building on this past experience the SIWIB’s Youth Council is again, focusing its efforts on education and employment services with this Request for Proposal (RFP).

The mission of the SIWIB Youth Council is to recommend a system that advances the education and training of youth in Local Workforce Area (LWA) 25 and provides programs that include career development, work readiness skills and job placement.

ManTraCon Corporation, as the sub-grant recipient and administrative entity for the WIA Title IB youth funds, is a partner in the One-Stop Business and Employment Centers located in Marion and Mt. Vernon and an active member on the Youth Council for LWA #25. ManTraCon also has offices in West Frankfort, DuQuoin, and in multiple locations throughout the WIA. ManTraCon has managed educational and training programs in the area for more than 40 years.

Purpose

ManTraCon Corporation and the SIWIB Youth Council, under the provisions of WIA, are soliciting proposals for innovative and performance driven educational and employment programs for Program Year 2014. The Youth Council intends to be as inclusive as possible in this solicitation and desires to receive a wide variety of proposals providing educational / employment programs that result in youth obtaining:

In the Educational Services Program - a. Secondary school diploma or equivalency.b. Basic skills levels of 9th grade or higher in math and reading;

In the Employment Services Program – a. Unsubsidized employment.b. Post secondary enrollment.

The Youth Council will not discriminate against any person or organization submitting a proposal pursuant to this RFP because of race, religion, sex, age, disability, ethnic group, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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Who is Eligible to Apply?

Agencies and Organizations within the LWA #25The Youth Council encourages youth-oriented service organizations, with or without previous experience as a service provider with ManTraCon, but with significant capacity and demonstrable experience in providing education /employment services to hard-to-serve youth to respond to the RFP. Proposals from organizations that are located within Local Workforce Investment Area #25 consisting of Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry and Williamson Counties will be accepted. Service providers must provide assurances that they comply with Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Illinois Accessibility Code. Programs providing activities that result in a financial profit for the proposing agency will not be funded.

Agencies and Organizations outside the Workforce Investment AreaIf an agency does not have a physical facility or staff in LWA #25, they must present a plan describing how they would intend to provide services and provide a timeline with tasks to be accomplished in order to meet the prescribed date for client services to begin, IN ADDITION to the fully completed RFP. All programs MUST have a locally designated WIA liaison to ensure all services in the proposal are being adequately provided. Service providers must provide assurances that they comply with Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Illinois Accessibility Code. Programs providing activities that result in a financial profit for the proposing agency will not be funded.

Distribution Mechanisms/Contact Information

This RFP has been released on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and is available for download at the Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board website at www.siwib.org . Interested parties may obtain additional copies of the RFP by writing, faxing or E-mailing;

Jean Ondo ManTraCon Corporation618-998-0970, ext. 252

618-998-1291 [email protected]

When requesting a RFP, please specify the RFP name and number and whether it should be mailed by hard copy, e-mailed or will be picked up in person.

Once you have received or downloaded the RFP, please contact Jean Ondo at [email protected] to put your name on the list of respondents known to have received the RFP. The Youth Council, at its discretion, may revise any part of this RFP. These revisions will become addendums to the RFP and will be posted on the SIWIB website, www.siwib.org.

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Important Dates & Submission Procedures

Prospective Bidder’s Pre-submission Conference / RFP Workshop Tuesday, April 15, 2014 – 10:00 a.m. (Local Time)

In order to facilitate a successful application, representative(s) of interested organizations are encouraged to attend the RFP workshop conducted by ManTraCon Corporation at MTC-Marion, located at 3000 W. DeYoung Street, Suite 800 B. Pre-registration is a requirement so adequate material can be prepared in advance. Please contact Jean Ondo with attendee name(s), representative organization and number of people attending. The RFP documents will be reviewed at the workshop.

Proposal Submission: No Later than Friday, May 9, 2014 – 3:00 p.m. (Local time)

Applications must be received in ManTraCon’s Marion, Illinois office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2014. No changes, additions or re-submissions will be accepted after the initial deadline for submission, unless requested by the Youth Council or ManTraCon Corporation.

Pre-Award Notification and Negotiations Friday, May 23, 2014

Notification of Youth Council recommendations will be issued on Friday, May 23, 2014, and contracts are contingent upon successful contract negotiations, submittal or revisions of proposals as needed and SIWIB approval. Final recommendations must be completed by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2014.

Award of ContractFriday, June 20, 2014

The SIWIB will officially award contract(s) to successful respondents at its evening meeting.

Questions R egarding P roposals and RFP Modifications

Questions regarding development and submissions of proposals in response to this RFP, MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING to Jean Ondo (by fax at 618-998-1291 or e-mail no later than Friday, May 2, 2014 at noon.) Please include a contact person and return phone number with your questions.

To ensure a fair and objective evaluation, questions and answers will be posted on the following website: www.siwib.org on or before Friday, May 2, 2014 by 4:30 p.m.

Contract Timeframe

The Contract timeframe is from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, with the possible extension of the agreement for as many as two successive contract periods, at the discretion of SIWIB’s Youth Council.

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Funding Amounts

All allocations outlined in this RFP are based on availability of funds for PY 2014 and are subject to change. For purposes of responding appropriately to this RFP, the availability of up to $2,500.00 per qualified out of school participant and up to $1,500.00 per qualified in school participant enrolled in an educational program, and as much as $2,500.00 per qualified participant enrolled in an employment program, is available and should be used as the basis for calculating possible total awards for youth education and employment programs in LWA 25. The Youth Council wishes to fund services in all five counties of LWA 25: Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry and Williamson. The funds for all services rendered will be disbursed by ManTraCon Corporation.

Availability and Awarding of Funds

It is anticipated that funding for a minimum of 30 enrollees will be made available under this RFP for any respondent. Respondents are advised that the initial funding levels provided represent an anticipated load of no less than 30 individuals receiving services from any provider at one time. Funding will be made available, contingent upon successful contract negotiations, SIWIB approval and demonstrated outcome achievements by participants.

ContingenciesManTraCon Corporation retains the right to:

cancel this RFP in whole or in part at any time during the selection process; withdraw a contract-funding award if it is determined that the award was based

on false information provided by the applicant; seek additional proposals beyond the final submission date if, at their discretion,

they feel the proposals received did not meet the requested needs; return proposal(s) to bidder(s) for revisions or rewrite, as agreed upon during

the negotiations, with resubmission no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2014;

accept or reject all proposals received or cancel in whole or in part contracts not in the best interest of LWA 25;

monitor and/or speak with each person associated with the program or proposal;

tour the proposer’s training facility as part of the proposal review process; conduct an EO accessibility and audit; provide services to youth not eligible for service by approved contractors; modify the contract on an “as needed basis”; and, change contract requirements to adhere to WIA modifications, reauthorization

and/or related compliance and regulatory issues.

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How Proposals Will Be Evaluated

Proposals will first be reviewed to verify they are complete and consistent with guidelines set forth in this RFP. If the proposal was not received by the closing date and time or any section of the proposal is missing or illegible, it will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered. No incomplete, faxed, e-mailed or late applications will be considered.

Proposals that do not follow the required format will not be reviewed. ManTraCon will NOT advise a proposer that their proposal is incomplete prior to rating or disqualification.

To ensure fair and unbiased reviews, all proposals are reviewed and rated by a minimum of three independent qualified individuals using a generalized scoring rubric (see Appendix 1). The highest scoring (average of the three rankings) proposals will be reviewed by the Youth Council who will make recommendations to the SIWIB for funding approval.

In order to avoid conflict of interest, WIA requires that any SIWIB member or Youth Council member affiliated with an organization submitting a proposal excuse himself/herself from development or solicitation of the RFP, review, evaluation, ranking and selection of proposals. The SIWIB and Youth Council will adhere to these requirements.

Contract Modifications and Renewals

During the program year, service providers may request contracts be modified to include additional tasks reasonably related to the initial project and necessary funding to support those tasks. Requests for any modifications to the original contract must be submitted in writing to the Chief Executive Officer of ManTraCon Corporation. In accordance with established policies concerning modifications, this request will either be approved by the Chief Executive Officer of ManTraCon Corporation or presented to the Youth Council for review at the next regularly scheduled meeting. SIWIB will have final approval of all modifications regarding funding.

The Youth Council reserves the right to procure new proposals for contracts beginning July 1, 2014, or extend contracts for as many as two additional contract periods. Decisions to renew contracts will be at the Youth Council’s discretion and may be based on the achievement of performance goals, positive monitoring evaluations conducted by Department of Commerce and Economics (DCEO) and/or ManTraCon Corporation on behalf of the Youth Council, and availability of funds. The contract renewal process will delineate any program changes required by the funding source and will allow an opportunity for the service provider to propose changes in the program design and/or specifications.

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Appeal Process

Applicants may appeal the recommendations of the Youth Council to accept or reject any applicant’s proposal based only upon a failure of the procurement protocols detailed in the RFP document or violation of the Workforce Investment Act. Differences of opinion about the merits of proposals recommended for funding are not grounds for submitting an appeal. The following is the appeal process and must be adhered to:

a. Within fifteen working days after the Youth Council and/or Administrative Entity have rendered a funding decision, the applicant must submit a written request for the application to receive a second review to ManTraCon Corporation by the close of business.

b. Within 15 working days of the receipt of the request for the second review, the Youth Council will convene members from the following: ManTraCon Corporation, Youth Council; the RFP committee; and representative(s) of the applicant organization.

c. The Youth Council Chairperson will chair the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a second review of the application on the basis of violation of procurement protocols detailed in the RFP or violation of the Workforce Investment Act.

d. Within five working days after the meeting, the Chair of the Youth Council and the RFP Committee will prepare a recommendation for the Youth Council.

e. If the appellant receives support from the Youth Council, the staff will enter into negotiations with the appellant to develop a satisfactory program contract. If the Youth Council does not support the appellant, the appeal is denied.

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Section 2: Recruitment, Intake and Enrollment

The following information is intended to supply prospective respondents with an overview of the responsibilities for the Recruitment, Intake and Assessment of potential service recipients.

Basic Target Populations for Education Providers

Services contemplated under this RFP must be designed to serve WIA eligible youth. Youth must be documented as in need and suitable for services by meeting one or more of the following categories:1. Age 16-212. Low Income (Appendix #1)3. Eligibility also requires youth to meet a minimum of one of the following barriers:

a. deficient in basic literacy skills (assessed below 9th grade in reading and/or math with a Youth Council approved assessment instrument);

b. school drop-out (an individual who is no longer attending any school including alterna-tive school, and who has not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent.)

c. homeless, runaway, or foster child;d. pregnant or parenting;e. offender;f. an individual (including youth with disabilities) who requires additional assistance to

complete an education program, or to secure and hold employment due to one of the following barriers:

1) is a member of family receiving Medicaid;2) is attending an alternative school to complete secondary education;3) has repeated a minimum of one secondary grade level;4) is a minimum of one year older than normal “age for grade”;5) is at least 2 semester credits behind rate required for graduation;6) has a grade point average of 1.5 or less or has dropped a minimum of

a 1.5 grade point average from previous report card;7) is on school “D” or “F” list;8) has been suspended from secondary school 3 or more times or has

been expelled;9) has been mandated by court to attend school;10) has aged out of foster care;11) resides in nontraditional family setting (single parent, lives with

grandparent(s), lives with siblings etc.);12) has an IEP with listed disability;13) has documented emotional, medical, physical or psychological disabil-

ity;14) receives Supplemental Security Income;

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15) is receiving counseling or has been referred to agency for substance abuse related problems;

16) has documentation of termination from employment within last 12 months;

17) has held a minimum of 3 jobs for less than 45 days;18) has not held full time employment for more than 13 consecutive

weeks;19) does not have a vocational or educational goal;20) has documented gang activity; or21) is an ethnic minority youth.

Basic Target Populations for Employment ProvidersMust accept referrals of enrollees deemed to be work-ready from Education Providers. Employment Providers may additionally recruit from the above listed basic target population – however, to be considered eligible for enrollment with an employment provider, prospective enrollees must be work-ready (i.e., prospective enrollees must have attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and must not be basic skills deficient; enrollees must test at or above 9th grade level in both math and reading.)

Recruitment

A demonstrated process should be in place to inform youth of the totality of services available to them through the local WIB and through the service offerings of this RFP.

The actual elements accessed by a WIA youth participant will depend upon the needs and outcome goals documented in their Individual Service Strategy (ISS). The ISS will be created by the ManTraCon Staff (in conjunction with the participant and prospective service provider) and reflect the total service needs of the individual, as well as document the goal attainment required to reach the individuals desired educational, career or employment outcomes. All program elements undertaken must be thoroughly documented including the need for service, attendance, progress, and program outcomes. Service providers not providing all elements will be expected to coordinate with ManTraCon and other service providers to ensure availability and delivery.

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Intake Process

ManTraCon Staff will coordinate on-site visits with applicants, at the provider’s location(s), to provide intake services. All youth must meet the definition of WIA eligibility as outlined in the preceding “Basic Target Populations and Recruitment” sections of this RFP. ManTraCon staff will certify each applicant as “WIA services eligible” before placement into any program offering.

Youth will be pre-screened for need, suitability and eligibility by the service provider. ManTraCon Corporation will complete intake and certification process, administer

the TABE and Interest Inventory tests and complete the Individual Service Strategy (ISS) and Objective Assessment.

ManTraCon staff will complete the certification process and determine appropriate benchmarks.

Enrollment Timeline

It will be the responsibility of the successful respondent to provide the necessary outreach and sustained recruitment efforts to insure that the minimum target number of 30 enrollees is met in most reasonable time frame possible. It is anticipated that an additional five enrollees, above and beyond the minimum requirement, are allowable, and encouraged, without prior authorization from ManTraCon Corporation. Any enrollments in excess of 35 will require prior approval from ManTraCon Corporation. Planned enrollment must follow the following timeframe: 50% by September 30, 2014, 75% by December 31, 2014 and 100% by March 31, 2015.

WIA requires a minimum of 30% of funding be spent on out-of-school youth. If WIA Re-authorization is approved mandating a higher percentage of the funding be spent of out-of-school youth contracts will be modified to reflect the new rules. Proposers may elect to serve in-school youth only, out-of-school youth only or a combination of both (in-school youth must be in senior status or its equivalent). ManTraCon Corporation will ensure that the in-school ratio of all approved proposals does not exceed 70%. In the event proposals equal more than 70% of in-school youth, ManTraCon Corporation will negotiate with proposers to stay within mandated guidelines.

Roll Over and Re-Enrollment of Youth

A minimum of 60% of the youth counted in Program Year One must be new enrollments. Youth rolled over from the previous year may be counted in the total number of youth served only if youth are active in the program for a minimum of three month in the first year. Subsequent contract renewals will require a minimum of 30 new enrollees.

Youth recruitment and eligibility determination for new enrollments will proceed in a coordinated manner with shared responsibility between ManTraCon and service providers.

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Section 3: Required Services and Program Elements

The following information is intended to supply prospective respondents with an overview of the responsibilities for required program services, supportive services, case management and follow up services for potential service recipients. Additional information on professional development and financial reporting requirements are also included.

WIA Required Program Elements

For each respondent under this RFP, WIA mandates the following program elements be made available to all WIA youth involved with respective service providers and be included in the service delivery plan by the service provider, based upon the ISS documentation.

For Education Providers:

Alternative or Secondary School services as appropriate and based upon the ISS.

Summer programming; since this is a year round program, all contracts must include a plan to provide continued services during the summer months. Normal breaks for holiday periods, spring breaks and summer intersession periods are allowable, but should not constitute more than a two week period at any one time.

Leadership Development Opportunities may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors. They may also include, but are not limited to the following: team-work training, negotiating, problem solving, decision making, self-esteem building, positive attitude development, initiative-development, community and service learning projects, cultural diversity training, and life skills training. The WIA regulations also include “exposure to post-secondary educational opportunities” and “peer-centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring” as leadership development activities

Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies.

Adult Mentoring for the period of enrolled participation.

Supportive Services include linkages to community services for assistance with transportation, child care, appropriate work attire and work-related tools. All youth participating in a WIA program will have the opportunity to earn incentives for participation in WIA activities.

The achievement incentives will be paid to participants every two weeks by ManTraCon Corporation based on completed program documentation.

The successful service provider will provide the supportive service voucher-ing along with any required documentation to insure timely payment of sup-portive services funding every two weeks.

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Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling may include drug and alcohol counseling and referrals.

For Employment Providers:

Occupational Skills Training must be job specific and in locally stable or growth occupational areas and must be in demand in the local labor market. The participant must have been assessed as interested in and capable of successfully completing the course work needed to obtain a job in the occupation. The specific Occupational Skills Program is required to be pre-approved by ManTraCon Corporation. Credentialing or certification at completion of the pre-approved skills training is a requirement.

Paid and unpaid work experience including internships and job shadowing.

Summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to academic and occupational learning.

Follow up Services for not less than 12 months (365 days) after participant exits from the program. Bidders will be responsible for a follow-up system that can be gauged for effectiveness and appropriateness. Follow up must include a plan to keep in contact with youth, keep contact information current and monitor success in post secondary school or employment if applicable. Service providers will be responsible for providing follow up on all youth exited during the WIA contracted program, including youth still enrolled in follow up after a contract ends.

Adult Mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months.

Supportive Services include linkages to community services for assistance with transportation, child care, appropriate work attire and work-related tools. All youth participating in a WIA program will have the opportunity to earn incentives for participation in WIA activities.

The achievement incentives will be paid to participants every two weeks by ManTraCon Corporation based on completed program documentation.

The successful service provider will provide the supportive service voucher-ing along with any required documentation every two weeks to ensure timely payment of supportive services.

Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling may include drug and alcohol counseling and referrals.

The actual elements accessed by a WIA youth participant will depend upon the needs and outcome goals documented in the Individual Service Strategy (ISS). All elements provided must be thoroughly documented including the need for service, attendance, progress and results.

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Service providers not providing all elements will be expected to coordinate with ManTraCon, other community agencies, and/or other service providers to ensure availability and delivery.

Orientations Youth must receive an orientation to each service provider’s program. The orientation must include all of the service provider’s policies and procedures and a complete description of the services available. Youth must be informed of all achievement incentives, the criteria utilized to award incentives and the process and timeline for payment. ManTraCon staff will also provide an orientation describing the full array of WIA services during the intake process.

Group MeetingsAll service providers must have regular, additional meetings with WIA youth. It is important that WIA participants receive services above and beyond other students in the service provider’s program, in order to justify the supportive services paid. Supportive services are not provided solely because a youth qualifies for WIA, but are to support the ADDITIONAL efforts participants are making toward goal attainment.

Case ManagementCase management will be a team effort, with ManTraCon staff and service providers working together to provide youth with the support necessary for success. When youth are enrolled with more than one WIA service provider and/or receiving services through ManTraCon, case managers will meet frequently to discuss the youth’s progress and challenges and craft strategies for successful completion. Service providers should be prepared to provide:

Updates and Review of the Individual Service Strategy and Objective AssessmentParticipant’s Individual Service Strategy (ISS) and Objective Assessment will be completed at enrollment, reviewed and updated periodically to document changes in progress. Case notes will be entered in the State’s database by the service provider, not less than monthly to document services and support as well as challenges toward progress.

Educational Assessments and Documented Goal Obtainment All out-of-school youth scoring below 9th grade in reading and/or math must have a basic skills goal to reach the next educational functioning level within one calendar year from enrollment date. Education service providers will be required to post-test and document progress in educational functioning level gains. Post testing for basic skills must be administered at least six months after enrollment and periodically thereafter, until such time as youth score at the 9th grade or higher in reading and math or reach the limitations (dates) of the program services.

Linkage with other Services and ProvidersSuccessful bidders will be expected to coordinate efforts with other systems and services in LWA #25 to eliminate barriers to success.

Wrap-around and Retention StrategiesSuccessful bidders will be expected to coordinate the support of youth through consistent active communication with all of the youth’s service providers. A demonstrated strategy to

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retain and re-engage youth is required as an element of case management services.

Hours of Service

Service providers must document at least 20 hours of service per week. All applications must include a plan to provide continued services during the summer months. Normal breaks for holiday periods, spring breaks and summer intersession periods are allowable, but should not constitute more than a two week period at any one time. The Youth Council prefers providers who can offer services during daytime and evenings hours.

Professional Development

Service providers will be required to participate in all training related to the administration of WIA services under this RFP. A mandatory training session will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2014. Any staff member, whose service costs are used as a voucher item toward WIA costs, MUST attend the meeting. This is to insure that each staff member has a complete understanding of the limits and allowable costs associated with WIA funds. In addition, other key organizational staff members such as accountants or grant monitors are strongly encouraged to attend. ManTraCon staff will have an individual meeting with each service provider the first week of the contract to cover contract specific items.

Meetings and/or training sessions for WIA liaisons will be held quarterly (at a minimum) and are mandatory. Additional meetings may be requested based on the needs of the providers.

Reporting Outcomes

Service providers must have a demonstrated internal monitoring process to ensure performance is being met. Providers will be required to submit monthly reports to the Youth Council documenting participant numbers, activities and goals met. All goals attained and documentation of attainments will be submitted to ManTraCon when achieved. Service providers will be responsible for tracking the performance of WIA program participants in accordance with other guidelines presented in this RFP.

Monitoring Performance

ManTraCon will perform a formal, comprehensive monitoring of programs. In addition, service providers may be subject to monitoring by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or United States Department of Labor. Performance assessments may be based on journals, records, projects, Supportive Services Vouchers, case notes and other performance documentation.

Subcontracting

Program providers may not subcontract any portion of contracted activities/services to another organization.

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Required Documentation for Reimbursement

To obtain reimbursement for participant’s outcomes and achievements, service providers must provide the following documentation:

Out-of-School Youth (Educational Service Providers)

Activity Reimbursement Required Documentation Critical Dates

Enrollment $500 Completed application with certification and testing complete.

Per Contract

Meet LNG Goal-Youth participant whoincreases one or more educationalfunctioning levels.

$1000 Documented attainment of literacy achievement ( TABE inventory )

Monthly

Meet ADC Goal -Youth who attain a diploma, GED,or certificate by the end of the thirdquarter after exit.

$1000 Documented credential from accredited institution.

*See Appendix #2 and #3

Monthly

In- School Youth (Educational Service Providers)

Activity Reimbursement Required Documentation Critical Dates

Enrollment $500 Completed application with certification and testing complete.

Per Contract

Meet ADC Goal $1000 Documented credential from accredited institution.

Monthly upon Completion

Employment / Post-Secondary Skills & Job Search (Employment Service Providers)

Activity Reimbursement Required Documentation Critical Dates

New Enrollment or Referral From Education Institution

$500* Completed application with certification and testing complete.

Monthly Submission

Post Secondary Enrollmentor Employment Entry

$500 Documented enrollment and /or employment record.

Monthly Submission

Continued Enrollmentor Employment past 1st Qtr.

$1000 Documented enrollment and /or employment record.

Monthly Submission

12 Month Follow -Up $500 Monthly Case Notes. Monthly

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Submission

*Enrollment benchmark of $500.00 is per participant per contract

Financial Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

WIA funds may not be used to duplicate services or support non-WIA activities or personnel. All service providers are subject to unannounced monitoring visits to verify appropriate WIA activities are being performed.

Service providers must maintain records documenting utilization of WIA funds as a separate cost account. Vouchers must document only WIA allocated costs. Initial vouchers must be completed and submitted no later than the second quarter of the grant award period. Monitoring will be conducted during the program year to verify all WIA funds are only to be used for WIA activities.

Achievement Incentives

Supportive services are available for all enrolled youth. ManTraCon Corporation will centrally administer all incentive achievement payments to youth.

Service providers will be required to submit Supportive Services Vouchers and other documentation to ManTraCon bi-weekly for daily achievement incentives, bonuses, transportation and/or childcare for each WIA participant enrolled.

Appropriate documentation must be included for each supportive service and Supportive Services Vouchers must include signatures by youth, instructors, supervisors and service providers.

Service providers will be responsible for submitting Supportive Services Vouchers within the required timeframe.

Failure to submit Supportive Services Vouchers in a timely manner (as prescribed by this RFP) may result in contract termination.

Supportive Services Performance Timelines

Incentive payments to youth participants to encourage achievement will be available for a maximum total per enrollee of:

For Education Providers;A. 44 Weeks of active participation for the obtainment of the Literacy Numeracy Goal.B. 52 Weeks of active participation for the obtainment of diploma, degree, or certificate

credential.For Employment Providers;

C. 52 Weeks of active participation for the obtainment of un-subsidized employment and/or enrollment in post secondary educational program.

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Section 4: Preparation of the Proposal / Application The preparation of the proposal should follow the outline prescribed here, paying specific attention to the content areas, sub headings and the descriptions of the information required. A check list to help in the preparation of the proposal can be found in Appendix #4. The proposal scoring point value for each major section is indicated. Proposal FormatProposals must be submitted on one sided letter size paper (8 ½ x 11) with the original signed proposal, 4 additional hard copies, and 1 digital copy (in Microsoft Word format) including all required attachments. The proposal should be formatted using a 1” margin and no smaller than 12pt. font. Each page of the proposal should be numbered sequentially. Agencies need only supply one copy of requested audit documentation. Proposals should be limited to no more than 20 pages. (excluding required attachments)

Content of Proposals Proposals should follow adhere to the following guidelines as to content and sequence of information to enable reviewers to more easily evaluate the merits of each proposal in a systematic consistent fashion:

A. INTRODUCTION

Cover Sheet The cover sheet must be completed, signed and attached to the front of the proposal. Do not leave any items blank. The cover sheet may be found in Appendix #5

Executive Summary of the Proposed YES Education / Employment ProgramThe summary should be a separate, short overview (one/two pages) of proposed YES program for education / employment services.

B. NARRATIVE- SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE PROPOSED EDUCATION / EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM The narrative portion of the application should provide reviewers a clear understanding of the scope of work to be provided and include;

1. Ability, Capacity and Experience Delivering Services: (1-15 points)

i. Describe the mission and philosophy of the organization.

ii. Describe the capacity and experience of the organization. Detail such items as prior youth educational / employment program development experience, previous WIA program involvement and current/ planned youth program services.

iii. Describe the management structure and governance of the organization and its impact on positive youth outcomes. Identify the proposed WIA liaison.

iv. Describe the proposed program delivery location. Indicate the kind and type of educational employment tools or assets available for use in service delivery.

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2. Recruitment and Enrollment: (1-10 Points)

i. Describe the youth population targeted for the program.

ii. Describe the recruitment process.

3. Required Services and Education / Employment Program Elements (1-35 points) Independent Proposal - (1-70 Points) for Joint Proposal

i. Respond separately to each WIA required element for education providers and/or employment providers. Provide a detailed plan of how each service is to be delivered.

ii. Describe the processes planned to ensure participants make reasonable and sustained progress toward stated educational / employment goals.

iii. Describe planned WIA group meetings;

a. Content of meetings

b. Frequency

iv. List the hours of service that will be available to youth for the entire 12 month contract period. (Include breaks, holidays and intercessions)

v. Describe existing linkages with other agencies/organizations/entities where youth may be referred.

4. Case Management: (1-25 points)

i. Describe in detail how case management will be provided for each youth

including process for updating the Individual Service Strategy.

ii. Identify the person/persons responsible for monitoring participant performance.

iii. Identify the person/persons responsible for coordinating the timely submission of documentation of supportive services.

iv. Identify the person/persons responsible for reporting program outcomes and submitting those outcomes for reimbursement.

v. Indicate processes/strategies which will be used to encourage youth persistence and /or re-entry into services.

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5. Follow-up and Monitoring for Employment Proposals Only (1-10 points)

i. Describe the processes/methods involved in providing continued contact during follow-up services for the 12 month follow-up period.

Maximum points available for each independent Education proposal will be 85 points, encompassing Sections 1-5. Proposals for Employment Services will be scored on Sections 1-6 and have a maximum of 95 points. Proposals that include both Education AND Employment components will have a maximum of 130 points, as Section 4 will include service delivery elements for both programs and have a value of 70 points. A scoring rubric may be found in Appendix #6.

C. Required Attachments

1. Latest Audit: Provide prior year audit and current year audit (if available). The audit must be performed by a licensed CPA firm. If the organization is awarded a contract, the contracted organization will have full responsibility for any disallowed costs discovered as a result of an audit.

2. Job Descriptions: Submit a detailed resume of key staff members responsible for the proposed services to WIA youth.

3. Fiscal Questionnaire: Provide accurate and complete answers to each question. (Appendix #7)

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Appendix #1

Income Levels for Program Qualification

Family size Total Income1 $11,490.00 2 $15,510.003 $20,635.004 $25,475.005 $30,061.006 $35,163.00For families with more than 6 members, add $5,102.00 for each additional member.

Note: Youth residing in family household or with any family member that receives or has received food stamps in the last six months are income eligible.

Effective 04/03/2013

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Appendix #2

Enrollment & Attainment GoalsName: Service Provider: Application Date School Youth:

Math goal (enter grade level goal)

Reading goal (enter grade level goal)

Attain GED/diplom

a,Degree or

Occupational Skills

Certificate

Enrolled in Post Secondary/

Occupational Skills

Training/Employed at time of Exit

Number of goals set

Set Goal

     

GoalAttaine

dDate

                 

GoalAttaine

d

     

BLUE SECTION Out of School Youth:

o Youth scoring 8.9 or below in reading or math, must set a goal of reaching the next functioning level in that subject within one year.

o Youth scoring 8.9 or below in both reading and math must set a goal to the next functioning level in ONE of the areas to be attained within one year of the anniversary of the application date.

o If they did not score 8.9 or below in reading or they are In-School do not set a goal in this area.

YELLOW SECTION Only Youth that are or will be enrolled into Academic Services need to have a goal set in

this area.

PINK SECTION Youth that are in post-secondary education and/or are employed at the time of enrollment

do not have a goal set in this section.

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ALL GOALS NEED TO BE SET AND TURNED IN WITH APPLICATION BEFORE THE YOUTH WILL BE CERTIFIED

ALL ATTAINMENTS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH DOCUMENTATION OF GOAL AND WITHIN 45 DAYS OF THE ATTAINMENT DATE

Appendix #3

Math and Reading Goal Chart

Grade Levels Functioning Levels

0 - 1.9 32 - 3.9 44 - 5.9 56 - 8.9 6

9 - 10.9 7 11 - 12 8

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Appendix #4

Proposal ChecklistSince proposals with incomplete or missing sections will be considered ineligible, and will not be considered, please take the time to ensure that all of the following information is included in your proposal package.

A. Cover Sheet- fully completed and signed by the authorized agency representative.

B. Summary

C. Narrative - Scope of work, including details on;

Ability, Capacity and Experience Delivering Education Services

Targeted Youth

Objective Assessment/Individual Service Strategy

WIA Elements

Group Meetings

Assessments/Goal Reporting

Case Management

Linkages

Hours of Service

Reporting Process for Incentives to Perform

Reporting Outcomes

Monitoring Performance

D. Audit(s)

E. Job Descriptions

F. Fiscal Questionnaire

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Appendix #5

SIWIB YOUTH COUNCILWorkforce Investment Act Title I-B

YES PROPOSAL COVER SHEETProgram Year 2014, Program Dates July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015

Proposer:     FEIN#     

Address:      

Program Name:     

Program is for: Employment Services _____ Educational Services ______ Both _______

WIA Facilitator:      

Proposal Contact Person:     

Phone:     FAX:      E-mail:      

Person authorized to sign contracts for proposer:      

Title:      

(Authorized Signature) (Date)

Date Proposal Received by Man-Tra-Con: Time: Completed by Man-Tra-Con

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Appendix #6

Scoring Rubric for Proposal Evaluation for Education / Employment Providers

EVALUATION AREA POSSIBLE POINT SCORE

ACTUAL SCORE

1 Completed signed cover sheet REQUIRED2 Summary-two page or less overview REQUIRED3 Ability and Experience Delivering Education Services.

Previous experience with WIA funded services Mission and philosophy is detailed and in-line with requested outcomes.

Demonstrated capacity and experience of the organization to meet outcomes.

Management structure supports accountability and governance.

The human resources of the organization, as well as its tools and assets, will allow it to carry out the activities indicated.

1- 15

4 Recruitment and Enrollment Description of targeted youth and recruitment plan Description of recruitment process that will encourage youth

to enroll Methodology for identifying and pre-qualifying youth.

1-10

5 Required Services and Education / Employment Program Elements WIA elements that will be provided in either Employment or

Education services are listed and their delivery. Orientation described with details of information that will be

given to youth. All WIA elements that apply to education are being provided. All WIA elements that apply to employment are being

provided. Description of content and services offered at Weekly WIA

group meetings Hours of Service are listed and described. Description of continuity of services during summer months

is provided. Linkages to other services /organizations are described.

1-35 Education or Employment

Or

1-70 for both Education and Employment

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6 Case Management Capacity to enter progress notes into state system is clearly

demonstrated. Detailed description of case management services and their

application to WIA clients. Clear description of performance monitoring on an

individualized basis. Accountability for individual performance is emphasized.

Process described for ISS updates. Description of case coordination strategy with granting

agency is included. Retention / re-entry activities are addressed.

1-25

7 Follow-up and Monitoring (Employment Only)

Follow-up services and monitoring program are established and appropriate to provide expected outcomes upon participant exit.

Methodology for sustaining contact over the 12 month period is clear and deliverable.

Staffing and resources are adequately provisioned.

1-10

8 Job Descriptions attached REQUIRED9 Audit is attached REQUIRED10 Fiscal Questionnaire is attached REQUIRED11 Total Points for Education, Employment, or Both 85/95/130

Appendix #7

FISCAL QUESTIONNAIRE1. Name/Title of person(s) responsible for bookkeeping, billing, record-keeping and reporting

relative to this project:

Name:       Title:      

2. Are all persons responsible for fiscal matters bonded? Yes NoIf "yes", name of bond carrier:      

3. Has any officer of your agency ever been convicted of fraud or embezzlement?

Yes No

If "yes", please explain:      

4. Does your agency have written guidelines for fiscal management? Yes No

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5. List the control ledgers/journals and any subsidiary registers or books of accounts used by your agency:           

           

           6. Does your agency maintain a general liability or other type of insurance policy that will

hold Man-Tra-Con, Corporation harmless from liabilities arising from bodily injury, illness, or other damages or losses of person or property, or any claims arising out of any activity under a WIA contract or agreement?

Yes No

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that       is my correct Federal Taxpayer Identification Number. I am doing business as a (Please check one):

Individual Real Estate Agent Sole Proprietorship Government Entity Partnership Tax Exempt Corporation Organization Medical and Health Service Prov. Corp (IRC 501 (a) only

......... Trust or Estate

______________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date

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