CITY OF LOS ANGELES ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Workforce Development Consultants

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1 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS -- REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CITY OF LOS ANGELES ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Workforce Development Consultants RFQ Issue Date Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Proposers Conference Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 10 a.m. Economic & Workforce Development Department 6 th Floor Main Conference Room 1200 West 7 th Street Los Angeles, CA RSVP by Monday, June 6, 2016 via to: EWDD.planning@lacity.org MANDATORY Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal Deadline Request for Technical Assistance Note: Proposers must bring their own copies of the RFQ and related documents to the conference. Monday, June 13, 2016, by 12:00 noon Submit by to: RFP.intenttopropose@lacity.org Wednesday, June 8, 2016 Friday, June, 17, 2016, by 11:59 p.m. Submit by ONLY to: EWDD.planning@lacity.org Questions and answers will be posted at: Proposal Submission Deadline Submission Address Term of Anticipated Contracts Thursday, June 23, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER DEADLINE City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department 1200 W. 7 th Street, 6 th Floor Los Angeles, CA Attention: Paul Nakama Approximately August 1, 2016 July 31, 2017 (eleven months) With an option to renew for an additional two one-year terms. Note: See Section 2.1 Contract Term for clarification. As a covered entity under Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disability Act, Pub. L , the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its program, services, and activities. To ensure availability, your request should be received at least 72 hours in advance of need. This WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities are available upon request.

2 1. BACKGROUND / INTRODUCTION Purpose Administrative Entity Vision/Overview RFQ SPECIFICATIONS Contract Term Eligible Proposers Requirements for Procuring Subcontractors Source of Funding, Amount of Funding Preliminary Schedule Proposers Conference Technical Assistance and Deadline for Technical Assistance Mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal Proposal Format and Submission Requirements Proposal Review Process and Award of Contract Proposal Appeal Process PROGRAM DESIGN Regional Workforce Development Strategic Planning (Regional Plan) Out of School/Disconnected Youth Strategic Planning (P3) Apprenticeship Workforce Development Strategic Plan and Coordination Services (Apprenticeship Strategic Plan) EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR WORKFORCE CONSULTANTS PROPOSERS (PROGRAMS 1, 2, 3) Demonstrated Ability (Programs 1, 2, 3) Total 40 Points Program Design (Programs 1, 2, 3) Total 50 Points Cost Reasonableness (Programs 1,2,3) Total 10 Points REGIONAL PLAN PROPOSAL PACKAGE Narratives Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 2 of 54

3 5.2 Narrative 1 Demonstrated Ability Program 1 Regional Plan (40 Points) Narrative 2 Program Design (50 Points) Narrative 3 Cost Reasonableness (10 Points) P3 PROPOSAL PACKAGE Narratives Narrative 1 Demonstrated Ability Program 2 P3 Program (40 Points) Narrative 2 Program Design (50 Points) Narrative 3 Cost Reasonableness (10 Points) APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGIC PLAN PROPOSAL PACKAGE Narratives Narrative 1 Demonstrated Ability Program 3 Apprenticeship Strategic Plan (40 Points) Narrative 2 Program Design (50 Points) Narrative 3 Cost Reasonableness (10 Points) GENERAL PROPOSAL PREPARATION GUIDELINES Overview Proposal Contents Checklist Required Documents Submitted with Proposal GENERAL RFP AND CITY CONTRACTING INFORMATION General Proposal Conditions Applicable Laws and Regulations Standard Provisions for City Contracts General City Reservations Pre-Award Negotiations Contract Negotiations Standing of Proposer Proprietary Interests of the City Discount Terms Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 3 of 54

4 9.10 Assurances ADDITIONAL RFP AND CITY CONTRACTING INFORMATION Bidder Campaign Contributions and Fundraising; Los Angeles Municipal Lobbying Ordinance Contractor Responsibility Ordinance Equal Benefits Ordinance Living Wage Ordinance and Service Contractor Worker Retention Ordinance Nondiscrimination, Equal Employment Practices and Affirmative Action Program (Non-Construction) Slavery Disclosure Ordinance Certification Regarding Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act- Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) Child Support Assignment Orders First Source Hiring Ordinance Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) Reporting Contract Execution Requirements Certifications Affirmative Action Plan Collaboration City Contracting Method/Payment for Services Contract Cost Records Retention Security Clearance and Tuberculosis Test of Staff and Volunteers Governing Law Commitment to Carry-Out Contractor Responsibilities City Attorney Contract Approval Contractor Non-Performance Breach of Contract Amendments/Modifications/Change Orders Prime Contractor Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 4 of 54

5 10.26 Subcontractors/Joint Ventures Copies of Subcontractor Agreements Supplier Performance Feedback Meeting Periodic Independent Audit Financial Audit Contractor Evaluation Ordinance Conflict of Interest Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 5 of 54

6 EXHIBITS I. Proposer Information and Los Angeles Residence Information Form II. Executive Summary Signature Page and Non-Collusion Affidavit III. Program Diagram IV. Certification Regarding Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) V. Mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal BUDGET FORMS Budget Form #1: Budget Form #2: Budget Form #3: Budget Form #4: Budget Form #5: Budget Form #6: Budget Form #7: Budget Form #8: Budget Form #9: Guidelines for Preparation of Budget Forms (4 pages) Budget Narrative Budget Summary Budget Detail Schedule of Personnel Costs Spending Plan Worksheet Schedule of Leveraged Resources Salary Range Summary Position Description APPENDICES A. Economic & Workforce Development Department s Policy on Conflict of Interest B. Standard Provisions for City Contracts Rev 4/14 C. Guidelines for the Procurement of Services for EWDD Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 6 of 54

7 1. BACKGROUND / INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose The purpose for the release of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to solicit qualifications from organizations or individuals interested in providing workforce consulting services to the Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) in the following areas: 1. Regional Workforce Development Strategic Planning 2. Out of School/Disconnected Youth Strategic Planning (P3) 3. Apprenticeship Workforce Development Strategic Plan and Coordination Services 1.2 Administrative Entity The Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), administers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program for the City of Los Angeles (City). The EWDD has complied with the requirements of City of Los Angeles Charter Section 1022, which requires that the City Council or designee determine that the work may be performed more economically or feasibly by independent contractors than by City employees. The EWDD serves as the administrative entity for this RFQ, and is authorized to release this RFQ pursuant to action(s) approved by the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor (Council File , dated June 30, 2015.) 1.3 Vision/Overview The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law by President Obama in 2014, introduced a number of significant changes to the Workforce Development Systems of the nation. Although the City is well positioned to implement such changes by virtue of the recent redesign of its YouthSource and WorkSource Systems, by issuing this RFQ, the City is seeking additional focus and refinement by identifying professional consulting services for assistance with developing strategic plans in three key areas. A proposer may submit a proposal to one of the following three key areas: 1. Regional Workforce Development Strategic Planning (Regional Plan) The California State Unified Plan requires that a Regional Plan be developed supporting regional economic growth by aligning workforce services and strategies across the seven Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) of the greater Los Angeles area (Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, Verdugo, Foothill, Pacific Gateway, South Bay, and South East Los Angeles County (SELACO)). Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 7 of 54

8 Regional alignment will be conducted by implementing the following strategies of the Unified Plan: sector strategies, career pathways, and organized regional partnerships, as set forth to Local Development Boards by the State Board. WIOA Section 106 requires that regional Workforce Development Boards (WDB) come together into regional planning units. Regional partnerships must include community colleges, other training and education providers, the state s Adult Education Block Grant regional consortia, and other providers appearing on the state s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Regional Plans must build Regional Sector Pathway programs, i.e., career pathway programs that result in the attainment of industryvalued and recognized post-secondary credentials. Such pathways must be aligned to regional industry workforce needs. Regional Sector Pathway programs should be flexibly designed and must include remediation of basic skills and limited English language skills. The EWDD is seeking a workforce consultant to aid and facilitate the development of a unified regional plan. 2. Out of School/Disconnected Youth Strategic Planning (P3) In 2015, the Los Angeles Region partnership -- the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Los Angeles Community College District -- received a Performance Partnership Pilot (P3) grant from the U.S Department of Education to improve outcomes for disconnected youth by addressing low high school graduation rates and high youth unemployment rates. The P3 Project will bring together the Partnership s key education,training and workforce development services. The EWDD is seeking a consultant to convene existing and new partners, to review and assess opportunities for addressing youth graduation and unemployment problems, and to align and/or coordinate services offered by all partners, including the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development System, the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Los Angeles Community College District. 3. Apprenticeship Workforce Development Strategic Plan and Coordination Services Both the WIOA and the State Unified Plan promote the implementation of Earn and Learn training models that combine applied learning opportunities with material compensation and skills development in the context of actual labor market participation. The success of Earn and Learn programs depend on sustained employer engagement, and where appropriate, the involvement of organized labor, especially in bringing about partnerships for labor-management apprenticeships, preapprenticeships, and non-traditional apprenticeship programs. EWDD is seeking a consultant for the following: 1) to determine the availability of apprenticeship opportunities in key employment sectors in the greater Los Angeles area, 2) to provide apprenticeship policy recommendations to the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, and 3) to aid in implementing apprenticeship programs in the greater Los Angeles area. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 8 of 54

9 2. RFQ SPECIFICATIONS 2.1 Contract Term The initial contract term, with options for the City to renew for two additional, one-year terms, will be for a period of eleven months (August 1, 2016 June 30, 2017). An extension of the contract term will be at the City s sole discretion, and will be contingent upon the availability of funds for the program, the contractor s successful and timely performance of the scope of work, the contractor s continuing compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and upon approval by the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board (WDB), the City Council and the Mayor. The City reserves a right to adjust the initial contract term in order to best serve the needs of the City and the program. 2.2 Eligible Proposers For-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, education/training institutions, public agencies and individuals that meet the following qualifications are eligible to apply to this RFQ: 1. Proposer must be registered to do business in the State of California (State); 2. Proposer, if a corporation, limited liability company or non-profit, must be in good standing with the Office of the California Secretary of State; 3. Proposer must be qualified to conduct business in the State; 4. Proposer must be eligible for fidelity bonding; 5. Proposer must have a Los Angeles City Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC), or a Vendor Registration Number (VRN) (information regarding the BTRC/VRN is available at 6. Proposer must not have been determined to be non-responsive, nor have been debarred by the City pursuant to the Contractor Responsibility Ordinance (CRO); 7. Proposer must not have been debarred by the federal government, the State, or local government; 8. Proposers who have previously contracted with the City or State must not have an outstanding debt that remains unpaid or for which a repayment agreement plan has not been implemented. If the proposer has previously contracted with the CDD/EWDD, it must not have an outstanding disallowed cost, unpaid debt or other Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 9 of 54

10 liability owed to the City for which a repayment agreement has not been implemented; 1 9. Proposer must not have significant unresolved fiscal, reporting, or program issues with any of its current or past grantor funding sources; 10. Neither Proposer, nor its key staff, nor any member of its executive management or Board of Directors may be involved in litigation or other legal matter that might compromise Proposer s ability to carry out its proposed program services; 11. Proposer must be familiar with the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its regulations and programs, the Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), as well as other federal and State statutes and municipal ordinances relative to business; and 12. Proposer must have a thorough knowledge of the business environment in the selected industry sectors, as appropriate. 2.3 Requirements for Procuring Subcontractors Proposers who will work with subcontractors in providing consulting services included in this RFQ must procure those subcontractors prior to submitting their proposals to this RFQ. Once the procurement is completed and the selected organization(s) have agreed to subcontract with the proposer, the proposer must list such subcontractors as funded partners in its proposal. Additional information concerning procurement requirements for programs funded by the WIOA may be found in Appendix C, Guidelines for the Procurement of Services for EWDD. 2.4 Source of Funding, Amount of Funding The EWDD anticipates selecting a total of three contractors to provide consulting services in each of the areas listed immediately below. Individuals and organization may only apply for one program area. Funding may consist of WIOA monies, California Employment Development Department monies, City of Los Angeles General City Purpose funds or other monies authorized by the Workforce Development Board. 1. Regional Plan The City anticipates awarding one contract, funded by California Employment Development Department funds for an 11-month period. Proposer s bid should include best offer to complete proposed scope of work. 1 On July 1, 2013, the City disbanded the Community Development Department (CDD) and created the EWDD in its stead. Functions related to economic and workforce development were transferred from the CDD to the EWDD. Human service functions of the CDD were transferred to the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCID). Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 10 of 54

11 2. (P3) The City anticipates awarding one contract funded by WIOA, U. S. Department of Education and/or Los Angeles General City funds. Proposer s bid should include best offer to complete proposed scope of work. 3. Apprenticeship Strategic Plan The City anticipates awarding one contract funded by WIOA funds. Proposers bid should include best offer to complete proposed scope of work. 2.5 Preliminary Schedule RFQ Release Date Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Proposers Conference Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit Monday, June 13, 2016, by 12:00 noon Proposals Submission Deadline Thursday, June 23, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. WDB Approval City Council and Mayor Approval Initial Contract Term TBD TBD As discussed in Section 2.1 Contract Term 2.6 Proposers Conference The RFQ document will be reviewed during the proposers conference. RFQ requirements will be discussed, and questions regarding the RFQ will be answered. However, proposers are advised that City staff will not provide assistance regarding a proposer s individual project design or submission. Attendance is optional for all prospective proposers. Proposers must bring their own copies of the RFQ to the conference Copies WILL NOT be provided at the Conference. Proposers attending the proposers conference must RSVP to EWDD.planning@lacity.org by Monday, June 6, 2016 to confirm their attendance. The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities. The EWDD should be contacted at (213) at least 72 hours in advance to request an accommodation for the proposers conference. Hearing-impaired persons requiring assistive devices at the conference may communicate their request via the EWDD s TTY/TDD telephone number at (213) Technical Assistance and Deadline for Technical Assistance Technical assistance will be available for questions regarding the requirements of the RFQ. Such assistance is intended to clarify the City s requirements and expectations. The City will not provide assistance as to a proposer s narratives, nor will the City review or evaluate a proposer s responses to the RFQ prior to the close of the RFQ process. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 11 of 54

12 All technical assistance questions must be submitted via to: The proposer s question must identify the RFQ page number and the section of the subject matter for which the proposer is seeking clarification. A Question-and-Answer (Q & A) document, that will set forth the questions received and answers provided, will be posted on the EWDD website at To ensure fairness, consistency and openness, proposers are advised that questions will not be answered individually, and that a consolidated answer may be provided in response to several similar questions. The EWDD Q&A website will be updated regularly, all questions will be responded to within three business days, and answers will be posted daily, or as needed, until Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Technical assistance will commence on Wednesday, June 8, 2016; and the final deadline for submitting technical questions is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 17, Mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal In order to manage a potentially large number of proposals to this RFQ, the City requires that proposers submit the Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal form (Exhibit V). The Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal must be ed to RFP.intenttopropose@lacity.org by Monday, June 13, 2016 by 12:00 noon. Please title the Workforce Development Consultants RFQ Notice of Intent to Submit. Upon submission, a confirmation receipt from the above address will be generated. Proposers should save the confirmation receipt as proof of submission. Early submission is recommended to allow sufficient time to resubmit in the event problems arise. 2.9 Proposal Format and Submission Requirements Proposals must be completed in writing. Proposers must complete and return all required documents, including, but not limited to, forms, appendices, specifications, drawings, schematic diagrams, and any technical and/or illustrative literature. The City may deem a proposal non-responsive if the proposer fails to provide all required documentation and all required copies. Proposers must submit one original and four complete copies of the proposal using 8 ½ x 11 inch, 2, 3-ring binders. Copies will NOT be made at the EWDD or by EWDD staff. The proposal designated as original must be marked ORIGINAL on the cover letter and must bear the actual wet signature of the person(s) authorized to sign the proposal. Tabs and labeled dividers are required to separate each section identified in the Proposal Contents Checklist (Attachment A). In addition, proposers are required to provide a copy of the proposed budget forms in their original formats (Microsoft Word and Excel) on a CD, DVD, or thumb drive/flash drive/usb memory stick. The CD, DVD, or thumb drive should be labeled with the name of the proposer and the title of the RFQ, and placed in a sealed Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 12 of 54

13 envelope with the proposer s name and RFQ title written across the front of the envelope. The envelope should then be affixed to the inside front cover of the original proposal. A hard copy of the entire budget must also be provided within the relevant section of the submission. A cover letter accompanying the proposal package must be addressed to: City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department 1200 W. 7th Street, 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA Attention: Paul Nakama THE PROPOSAL MUST BE HAND DELIVERED OR SENT BY COURIER IN A SEALED PACKAGE TO ARRIVE AND BE STAMPED AS RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. OF THE SUBMISSION DATE SET FORTH ON THE COVER PAGE OF THIS RFQ. Proposals will be time and date stamped when received. The person who delivers the proposal package will be issued a Notice of Receipt of Proposal showing the date and time received. Timely submission of proposals is the sole responsibility of the proposer. Proposers are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of the proposal due date. Prior to Thursday, June 23, 2016, the EWDD will accept hand-delivered proposals from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the 6 th floor EWDD reception desk. A confirmation receipt will be provided. On the due date (Thursday, June 23, 2016), the EWDD will accept proposals from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at a desk set up in the First Floor Lobby Level of the EWDD building, 1200 W. 7 th Street, Los Angeles, CA In order to avoid delays, proposers should be in the EWDD lobby no later than 4:00 p.m. Proposers are cautioned to allow sufficient time for traffic and parking, and for lengthy security checks upon entering the building. The EWDD will not be responsible for delays related to traffic, parking and/or security checks. Proposals submitted via U.S. Postal Service, fax or WILL NOT be accepted. Proposals must be date/time stamped by 5:00 p.m. on or before Thursday, June 23, 2016, or they will not be accepted. No exceptions will be made to these procedures; however, the City reserves a right to extend the submission deadline should this be in the interest of the City or the program. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 13 of 54

14 2.10 Proposal Review Process and Award of Contract The proposal review process will include the following major activities to ensure that the procurement meets audit standards: 1. All accepted proposals will be reviewed to determine that minimum eligibility requirements have been met. Ineligible proposers will be so informed in writing. 2. All eligible proposals will be reviewed, scored, and ranked. 3. All eligible proposals will be reviewed for costs to ensure that such costs are reasonable, allowable, necessary, and competitive. The budget review will include a review of the line-item budget, the program design, and the competitive standing of the proposal in comparison to all other proposals submitted to this RFQ. 4. At the City s sole discretion, oral interviews may be held with qualifying proposers. 5. A minimum score of 70 is required for a proposal to be considered for funding. However, a score of 70 or more will not be a guarantee of funding. Proposals with scores of 70 or greater that are not recommended for funding will be placed on a List of Qualified Consultants, which may be utilized if one of the selected proposers is unable to perform. 6. Proposers may be requested to make an oral presentation to the review panel. The results of this presentation may be used in determining final recommendations. 7. The EWDD will submit its recommendations for funding to the WDB. The WDB will consider the EWDD's recommendations during a public meeting, and in coming to a final decision, may accept or reject the EWDD's recommendations. The WDB's funding decisions will then be submitted to the City Council and Mayor for final consideration and approval. 8. Final funding recommendations will be provided to the proposers in writing Proposal Appeal Process 1. Process/Appeal Rights The City will notify all proposers in writing of proposal evaluation results. Proposers may appeal procedural issues only. Such appeals must be based upon specific facts demonstrating that the RFQ criteria or process were not followed in the review of proposals. A disagreement with, or objection to, the points awarded does not constitute a basis for an appeal. Differences of opinion about the merits of a proposal do not constitute grounds for submitting an appeal. 2. Letters of Appeal and Deadline To file an appeal, a proposer must submit a written request setting forth the specific reason for the appeal. As stated above, proposers may appeal procedural issues only. Letters of appeal must be hand-delivered no later than five business days after the date of the RFQ results notification letter to the following: Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 14 of 54

15 City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department RFQ Appeal Workforce Development Consultants 1200 W. 7th Street, 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA Attention: Paul Nakama Written appeals shall be no more than three typewritten 8 ½ x 11 inch pages in length, single side, and shall include a specific request for an appeals review. Written appeals must include the following information: a. The name, address and telephone number of the proposer. b. The name/title of the RFQ to which the organization responded. c. A statement describing in detail the grounds for an appeal. Written appeals may not incorporate any new or additional information that was not submitted with the original proposal. A proposer is limited to submitting only one appeal per proposal. In order to be considered, appeals must be submitted within the time limits set forth in Section 2.11 above. 3. Appeals Review Panel Since this RFQ is a WIOA-funded procurement, an Appeals Board will be established in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act/Local Elected Official agreement, otherwise known as the WIB/LEO (Council File No S2). Appeals Board members will be provided with a copy of the procurement document, a copy of the Procurement Guidelines (as set out in the current WIB Annual Plan, available at a written summary of the procurement process, a summary of facts relative to the specific procurement, a copy of all appeals to this RFQ submitted to the Department, and the Department s response to each appeal. At the appeals hearing, appellants will make an oral presentation detailing their reasons for appealing. At the discretion of the Board, this may then be followed by a question-and-answer period. Time limits for the oral presentation and questionand-answer period are at the discretion of the Appeals Board. The decision of the Appeals Board is final and will constitute the EWDD s final recommendation. 4. Disclaimer The City is not responsible for representations made by any of its officers or employees prior to the approval of an agreement by the Los Angeles WDB and City Council unless such understanding or representation is included in this RFQ or in subsequent written addenda to it. The City is responsible only for that which is expressly stated in this solicitation document and any authorized written addenda thereto. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 15 of 54

16 3. PROGRAM DESIGN 3.1 Regional Workforce Development Strategic Planning (Regional Plan) 1. Qualifications for the Regional Planner Within the last three years, a minimum of one year s experience working as a workforce consultant, strategic planner or local economic development corporation. 2. Program Deliverables a. The Regional Planner will be responsible for developing a Regional Plan that aligns workforce development strategies and activities for the seven workforce development areas within the Los Angeles Region. The Plan shall include the following elements: Shared vision and goals Develop a shared vision of sector strategies that focuses on serving and positively impacting the regional economy and workers/jobseekers. Training and capacity building (Technical assistance) Coordinate and provide training and support to local area stakeholders to develop, launch and expand their sector partnerships. Sharing Best Practices Identify, document, and share examples of success. This should constantly inform performance metrics and high performance partnership guidelines/criteria. Industry data and analysis tools Access the multiple sources and layers of data, and organize such data into useable tools, which will then be utilized by local areas to make informed decisions about target industries. Ensure that such tools are designed for use by multiple regional stakeholders (teams) so that working together they may reach joint decisions about critical industries for their regions. Performance metrics tools Create a common dashboard of success indicators, a set of criteria for high performing partnerships, and associated tools to ensure consistency across sector partnerships. Guide partnership development. Provide the State with aggregate common Return-on- Investment metrics. Communication and Awareness Disseminate information about the value of sector partnerships. Actively recruit champions from public systems and the private sector. Communicate the value of the sector partnership approach to industry associations, agency leaders, and individual private sector members. Administrative Policy On an ongoing basis, determine whether policy barriers exist that currently hinder, or that may hinder in the future, the Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 16 of 54

17 establishment and progress of sector partnerships; also determine whether means exist for creating policies that facilitate the development of partnerships. Legislative Policy Review legislative policies, especially those relative to 1) funding for sector partnerships; 2) codifying sector partnerships as vehicles for cross-system collaborations and employer engagement; and 3) building career pathways, apprenticeships or other major initiative that require employer engagement. Funding and Investments Identify and map out funding sources, the repurposing of funding streams, and finding new funding in order to establish and expand sector partnerships. State-Regional Communication Create a feedback loop among local areas about 1) lessons learned, 2) insights obtained about the needs of industry and workers, and 3) changes in policies and investments that must be introduced by the State to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly, coherently and efficiently. Both formal and informal communication mechanisms may be utilized here. b. Additional tasks may include: Attending and/or convening industry council meetings on the City s behalf; Attending and/or convening quarterly meetings of employers from the targeted industries, and including, as appropriate, representatives from local government and local workforce development boards, economic research councils, and education or training providers; Attending WDB meetings, as requested, and presenting on consultant s regional planning activities; Submitting a quarterly report to the EWDD detailing industry council meetings attended, industry news, employers contacted, and courses developed; Submitting a final report to the EWDD; and Serving as liaison and coordinator among employers, education providers and the WorkSource System. c. Other tasks necessary for the completion of a comprehensive Regional Plan as determined by the City. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 17 of 54

18 3.2 Out of School/Disconnected Youth Strategic Planning (P3) 1. Qualifications for P3 Consultant/Strategist a. Within the last three years, a minimum of one year s experience working as a workforce consultant, or local economic development corporation, or b. Currently provides training and recognized credentials in a selected industry to individuals; or c. Has existing established partnerships with key stakeholders identified in the P3 program. 2. Program Deliverables a. Coordinate planning activities for the P3 to include the following elements: Convening a P3 partnership to assess opportunities for better aligning and/or coordinating program services for disconnected youth. Serving as liaison and coordinator among employers, education providers and the WorkSource System. Providing recommendations on aligning local and regional policies and programs to further the development of a regional sector strategy. Leading P3 partners in a formal strategic plan process in order to optimize information sharing and increase organizational coordination. Capturing recommendations from all Greater Los Angeles regional planning groups in order to 1) align local and regional policies and programs, and 2) enhance efforts at developing a regional strategy for P3 youth. Coordinate written planning activities from active P3 committees. Submitting a quarterly report to the EWDD detailing industry council meetings attended, industry news, employers contacted, and courses developed. Attending meetings, including WDB meetings, as requested, and presenting on consultant s activities to internal and external parties. Preparing a document detailing all partners, activities, plans and programs of the P3 project and publishing it to all stakeholders, including the EWDD and WDB. Preparing policy recommendations related to Disconnected Youth. b. Other tasks necessary for the completion of a comprehensive regional plan. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 18 of 54

19 3.3 Apprenticeship Workforce Development Strategic Plan and Coordination Services (Apprenticeship Strategic Plan) 1. Qualifications for Apprenticeship Consultant/Strategist a. Within the last three years, a minimum of one year s experience working as a workforce consultant or local economic development corporation; or b. Experience leading regional strategic planning efforts; or c. Existing established partnerships with employers in selected high-demand industry sectors, with particular focus on developing training and/or apprenticeship programs. 2. Program Deliverables a. Develop a comprehensive strategic plan for implementing apprenticeship programs within the Los Angeles Region Workforce Development Area. The strategic plan should be a comprehensive report, identifying and recommending the top twelve apprenticeship opportunities for Los Angeles region; and include a listing of the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for implementing apprenticeship programs within the Los Angeles Region. At a minimum, the strategic plan should include the following elements: Research, inventory and assess existing apprenticeship program opportunities available within California and Los Angeles County. The inventory should determine a) the extent of use and activity of each of the program opportunities, b) whether the apprenticeship program is currently active, and c) the number of apprentices recruited and accepted on an annual basis. The inventory should also include apprenticeship program opportunities, not currently utilized or in existence in California or Los Angeles County, but which are capable of being implemented in Los Angeles. Assess apprenticeship opportunities that exist within the eight designated high growth sectors identified by the City s Workforce Development Board. Identify any best practices that exist in California or nationwide that are practical and are capable of replication in the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development System. Conduct a skills analysis of the City s job seeker populations/demographics and compare/correlate the results to entry level requirements for available apprenticeships. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 19 of 54

20 Include an executive summary and data tables of the apprenticeships assessment. Provide recommendations on aligning local and regional policies and programs to further the development of a regional apprenticeship strategy. Report shall identify possible and known actions and preparations necessary to implement the apprenticeships. Present findings and recommendations to the EWDD and WDB staff (including EWDD and WDB staff and general board meetings), as requested. b. Additional tasks may include: Attending and/or convening industry council meetings on the City s behalf. Attending and/or convening quarterly meetings of employers from the targeted industries, and including, as appropriate, representatives from local government and local workforce development boards, economic research councils, and education or training providers. Attending meetings, including WDB meetings, as requested, and presenting on consultant s activities to internal and external parties. Submitting a quarterly report to the EWDD detailing industry council meetings attended, industry news, employers contacted, and courses developed. Submitting a final report to the EWDD. Serving as liaison and coordinator among employers, education providers and the WorkSource System. Other tasks necessary for the completion of a comprehensive Apprenticeship Strategy, as determined by the City, including, but not limited to, the use of a City prescribed database for tracking employer contacts. This will be a regional effort covering the greater Los Angeles area. Each consultant will be expected to work in cooperation with the following seven Workforce Development Areas Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, Verdugo, Foothill, Pacific Gateway, South Bay, and South East Los Angeles County (SELACO). 4. EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR WORKFORCE CONSULTANTS PROPOSERS (PROGRAMS 1, 2, 3) The City reserves the right to verify information contained in proposals. If the information cannot be verified, and errors are not willful, the City reserves a right to reduce the rating points. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 20 of 54

21 Proposals may be awarded a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 70 is required to qualify for funding. Proposals with a score of 70 or greater that are not recommended for funding will be placed on a list of Qualified Workforce Development Consultants. In the event that a selected Consultant is unable to continue in its funded capacity, the City may replace that provider from the list of replacement providers. Such action will require approval of the WDB, City Council and Mayor. Proposals will be evaluated and scored using a point system for Demonstrated Ability, Program Design, and Cost Reasonableness. 4.1 Demonstrated Ability (Programs 1, 2, 3) Total 40 Points Favorable consideration will be given to proposers with demonstrated experience in the past three years for the following: 1. Developing regional workforce strategies of comparable scope and value funded by the WIA, WIOA and/or other federal monies. 2. Providing the professional consulting services for programs set forth herein. 3. Leveraging City, State and Federal resources to enhance services provided to businesses. 4.2 Program Design (Programs 1, 2, 3) Total 50 Points The proposer s program design will be evaluated based on the narratives and exhibits submitted with the proposal. Proposers will be evaluated on their understanding of the Program Areas described herein, and their approach to developing comprehensive strategies and policy recommendations as described above. The City reserves a right to require a pre-award interview, and/or telephone conference call to verify information contained in the proposal. 4.3 Cost Reasonableness Total 10 Points All proposed costs will be evaluated against the City s independent cost estimate and compared with the costs submitted by other applicants. Costs will be evaluated on the following factors: 1. Accurate and Complete Budget Proposed budget must be accurate and complete in order to be awarded any points. 2. Dedicated Program Staff Proposed budgets that show a greater amount of full-time equivalent program staff dedicated the activities described above will receive a greater number of points. 3. Leveraged Resources Proposed budgets with a higher percentage of leveraged resources will receive a greater number of points. Leveraged resources may be monetary or in-kind. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 21 of 54

22 Any proposer that has an unresolved fiscal finding with the City must have that finding resolved prior to being considered for funding. Any proposer that is not currently funded by the EWDD will be required to submit a copy of its audited financial statements for the last two years. Any proposer determined to be insolvent will not be considered for funding. 5. REGIONAL PLAN PROPOSAL PACKAGE 5.1 Narratives Narrative responses may not exceed 15 pages (excluding flowcharts and exhibits). Proposers must respond to the questions and follow the instructions below. Questions should be answered in concrete language, using quantifiable measurements whenever possible, and the role of each collaborator must be set forth with specificity. Narratives should answer the following questions: What will be done? Who will do it? Who will receive services? How and where will the services be provided? 5.2 Narrative 1 Demonstrated Ability Program 1 Regional Plan (40 Points) The questions below must be answered in describing the proposer s qualifications and capability within the past three years in providing the solicited services. Measurable outcomes and the roles of specific partners involved in achieving program goals must be set forth clearly in concrete language and using quantifiable descriptions whenever possible. 1. Describe the proposer s programmatic and administrative experience, as well as successful performance, in developing a Regional Plan that aligns workforce development strategies and activities for the seven workforce development areas within the Los Angeles Region including but not limited to: developing a shared vision of sector strategies; coordinating and providing training and support; creating success indicators etc. Please refer to Section Regional Workforce Development Strategic Planning (Regional Plan)/Program Deliverables. 2. Describe the proposer s programmatic and administrative experience engaging workforce stakeholders, including industry employers, educational providers, and career one-stop service providers in developing and/or implementing workforce programs. 3. Describe the proposer s experience developing policy and/or best practices recommendations to workforce development boards and/or City, State or federal governments. 5.3 Narrative 2 Program Design (50 Points) 1. Regional Area Background Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 22 of 54

23 a. Describe the proposer s knowledge of the Greater Los Angeles Labor Market and the region s network of workforce development areas, career services providers, training / educations systems, employer groups, and other key stakeholders. b. Describe the Los Angeles Labor Market strengths and weaknesses. 2. Program Diagram a. Provide a diagram setting forth the key elements of the proposed Regional Plan. b. Describe how each element of the plan will contribute toward establishing an effective regional collaboration between key industry stakeholders, including but not limited to, key employers, the regional workforce development system, education and training providers and local economic development entities. c. Describe an approach for assessing any existing regional plans as to 1) effectiveness in promoting regional economic growth, and 2) alignment of existing workforce services and strategies with current economic and business needs. 3. Define Economic and Business Needs for Alignment a. Define how Proposer will identify business needs for regional employee talent to which the regional plan will align its workforce development efforts. b. Identify the industry data and analysis tools that Proposer will utilize in identifying business needs for regional employee talent, including 1) economic research -- publications, industry publications, etc. -- for a minimum of four local key industries, and 2) outreach to key industry entities, whether employers or industry councils. 4. Outreach Strategies to Economic Development Partners, Workforce Development Partners, and Education/Training Providers. a. Describe how Proposer will identify the above entities to which it will outreach for this program. b. Describe how Proposer will outreach to 1) key industry leaders, industry councils and economic development entities, 2) workforce development areas, and 3) education/training providers in the greater Los Angeles area (the seven Workforce Development Areas). c. Describe Proposer s process for developing and/or enhancing business participation in order to develop a Regional Plan. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 23 of 54

24 5. Regional Collaboration a. Describe how Proposer will bring together a regional collaboration of key industry employers, members of industry councils, regional Workforce Development Boards, education/training providers, etc. Where does Proposer intend to convene meetings with its regional collaborators, and how often? b. Proposer must name a minimum of a) four key regional industry sectors; b) five employers per each cited key industry sector; c) two industry councils per each cited key industry sector; and d) four education/training providers that already have in place training courses (including remediation of basic skills and lack of English skills) applicable to the key industry sectors. 6. Identification and Possible Emendation of Education/Training Resources a. Identify the specific training/education providers that will provide training to employees to meet employer talent needs; identify the training each provider will have on offer, including remediation of basic skills and limited English language skills. b. Describe where and how Proposer will seek out alternative training resources. c. Describe how, and on what impetus, Proposer will seek to adjust available training courses. d. Describe Proposer s process for ensuring that any new courses that are developed to meet the needs of a key industry employer qualify for funding under the WIOA. e. Describe how Proposer and the regional collaboration will determine performance metrics for assessing the effectiveness of training individuals to employers specifications. f. Describe how Proposer will ensure that such metrics are deployed regionally. 7. Best Practices and Communication a. Describe how Proposer and the regional collaboration will gather and retain best practices from any training programs developed to employer specifications. b. Describe how Proposer and the regional collaboration will disseminate best practices or newsworthy items to 1) all collaborators, 2) the regional Workforce Development System, and 3) the State of California Employment Development Department. c. Describe where, other than in Southern California, the regional plan will seek best practices. Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 24 of 54

25 8. Policies Administrative and Legislative Describe how Proposer and the regional collaboration will attempt to develop or influence policies, both administrative and legislative, on a City-wide or regional basis, in order to develop an all-encompassing regional training and economic development plan. 9. Lead Convener for the Regional Collaboration a. Proposer should identify a minimum of three business entities or regional economic development organizations that will serve as lead convener/coordinator for the regional collaboration. b. Identify the salient characteristics necessary for a lead convener, and describe why such characteristics, including ties to various government entities, workforce development entities, education/training providers, industries, media, etc., are necessary for the role of lead convener. c. Describe how Proposer will outreach to one of the above business entities or regional economic development organizations in order to 1) bring it into the collaboration, and 2) cause it to serve as lead convener or coordinator. 10. Management and Operation Provide an Organization Chart laying out intended operations and detailing key staff positions for the Regional Plan project. The Chart should be labeled Attachment B. The narrative should describe the following: The staffing plan for the project, including the credentials of Proposer s staff that will work on this project and the percentage of staff members time that will be devoted to the project. A description of any in-house teams that will be brought together to achieve project deliverables. 11. Timeline Provide a twelve-month timeline of activities for the above items, to terminate with the submission to the EWDD of a completed regional plan. 5.4 Narrative 3 Cost Reasonableness (10 Points) Please complete the following budget forms and prepare a 12-month budget in accordance with the Guidelines for Preparation of Budget Forms (Form #1): Form #2: Budget Narrative Form #3: Budget Summary Workforce Development Consultants RFQ 2016 Page 25 of 54