REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Entrepreneurship Training Requested by: Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council Due Date: Monday, February 2, :00 P.M. (Pacific Time) Send Proposals/Questions To: 1

2 i. INTRODUCTION The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) is seeking proposals from interested organizations that have significant understanding of and experience delivering programs that provide assistance and training for individuals who want to become self-employed in the PacMtn Region. This RFP represents a partnership between the public workforce system and knowledgeable community based organizations or training agents with expertise in entrepreneurship development. ii. BACKGROUND INFORMATION PacMtn is a Washington State 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation responsible for the administration and finances of the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs, operating within the jurisdictions of Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. The administrative offices are located at the Thurston County WorkSource site located at 1570 Irving St. SW, Tumwater, WA PacMtn receives federal funds that are authorized for entrepreneurial training and micro-enterprise services. Funds available through WIA provide critical funding to help low-income youth, unemployed adults and dislocated workers enter and re-enter the workforce. Some of the people served through WIA are interested in self-employment and are the target population for the entrepreneurial services described in this RFP. WorkSource is looking for opportunities to connect with this population of creative minded people who have the ideas and abilities to start their own business, but need specialized guidance and tools that will help them get started. WorkSource direct service staff need additional training and information to properly triage individuals being served by the public workforce system who want to choose a path to self employment. This RFP seeks a partner who will develop orientation and guidance for those being served by WorkSource who are considering self employment. This includes information related to the entrepreneurial mindset, the logistics of business development, and identification of critical community resources. This project will have three (3) phases: 1. Design an Icon and related resource database for WorkSource Resource Room computers 2. Develop workshop curriculum and materials and including a train the trainer model, 3. Organize and develop materials for a Champions Network which will recruit business mentors for appropriate participants. PacMtn s focus and interests are on delivering highly intensive, specialized and individualized support to connect the participant to the marketplace with the goal of self-employment. We expect these workshops to mirror this focus and support. iii. CONTRACT TERM The term of the contract will commence upon signature of agreed upon contract terms, scope of work and deliverables and will continue through final completion of the project. PacMtn is looking for this project to start as soon as possible and run through completion of the deliverables but must be complete by September 30, The amount to be awarded for this project will be $15,000 $20,000 depending on design and detail of the deliverables. A detailed project schedule identifying tasks and milestones as well as a budget will be developed upon contract award. 2

3 iv. EXPECTATIONS AND NEEDS In order to achieve the mission of the project, PacMtn has outlined the key deliverables for this request. Phase 1 Icon and Regional Resource Development Icon/Web Application Develop an icon/web application to be placed on Resource Room computers in each WorkSource. This includes 6 WorkSource sites throughout the 5 county region. This web application will include a bank of information and links to resources for interested participants or customers to learn about and access tools on the subject of becoming self-employed. In addition, develop a method to track users who access the web application for continued support from our staff. Three 2-hourTraining session Develop three 2-hour training sessions for WorkSource staff to review and learn aspects of the icon/web application and familiarity with the nature and kind of available resources. Placement on Pac Mtn Web Page Work with IT staff to properly load the same web application on PacMtn websites under WorkSource Services. Phase 2 Workshops Workshops Series Develop and present a series of three 2-part workshops, consisting of a curriculum entitled Entrepreneurship and Exploring Business Ownership and would include related handouts and materials. The workshop design will be 3 separate 2-part workshops for participants interested in becoming self-employed. The 2-part design means 2 separate days giving them opportunity to learn and also do homework in preparation for the next level of information on the 2 nd day. Staff who attend would be taught how to deliver this exploratory entrepreneurial curriculum. This exploratory workshop will ultimately be integrated into the repertoire used by WorkSource staff to facilitate and present future workshops offered by WorkSource. These workshops would include information and self assessment for future business owners. This might include: What are the leadership, management skills and determination necessary to start and run a business? How viable is the business sector of interest? How could the business idea be financially sustainable? Is the individual ready and able to benefit from self-employment or entrepreneurial training? Overall, how can one determine the likelihood of success for the venture? These workshops will help participants and staff assess whether self-employment is a good career choice for someone and the workshops will also help in determining the next steps an individual will take toward self-employment, and what WorkSource can do to provide support to the individual. This orientation and assessment workshop does not substitute for more in-depth training by providers on the Eligible Training Provider list for which individuals may receive a credential or related credit. Phase 3 Champions Network 3

4 Establish or enhance an Entrepreneurs Champion Network. Organize and develop materials for development of or integration of WorkSource into an on-going activity called Entrepreneurs Champions Network. This activity will recruit appropriate business mentors and connect potential entrepreneurial participants with other established entrepreneurs to provide resources and inspiration in product development, leadership, organizational development, community engagement and networking. The Champions Network would be comprised of employers, educators, and community members who will act as mentors for those who show interest in exploring entrepreneurship and becoming self-employed. Those part of the Network would meet regularly, build relationships and act as a resource for emerging entrepreneurs. It is envisioned each WorkSource would have access to such a Network. In communities where such a Network already exists resources would be dedicated to enhancement and expansion. v. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS Proposal packet shall include: 1. Proposal cover page & certification (form attached) 2. Response to requested information (questions attached) 3. References Please provide the name, title, address, telephone number and address of three references for clients whom you have provided similar services. Please follow formatting guidelines: Provide one hard copy of entire proposal 8 1/2 x 11 white bond paper, single-sided 1 margins, 12 point font, double spaced, clip type binding only, no staples, glue etc.) No attachments not called for in the RFP Electronic copy sent to Info@pacmtn.org vi. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA Primary consideration in selecting the successful applicant will be based on the consultants experience providing public outreach and similar content services; familiarity with population and service area; and the experience of key personnel. vii. RFP TIMELINE January 12, 2015 RFP release February 2, :00pm RFP closing February 16, 2015 Selection and announcement February 16, - 28, 2015 Negotiation and finalization of deliverables, timelines; contract starts Contact Information For more information please contact: Pam pam@pacmtn.org,

5 Qualifications Cover Page A. Application Cover Sheet Date of Application: Legal Name of Organization: DBA (if different than Legal Name): Mailing Address: Telephone Number: Name and Title of person authorized to enter into contracts: Physical Address: Fax Number: Name and Title of contact person for this application: Is your organization an IRS 501(c)(3)? Yes No If no, please list type of organization: B. Certification CERTIFICATION The information contained in this proposal fairly represents the proposer s agency, organization, or business and its proposed operating plans. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the requirements of the RFP and am prepared to implement services as specified in this proposal. I certify that the proposed program services have been designed in compliance with the RFQ requirements and WIA regulations. I also certify that I am authorized to sign this proposal. This proposal is firm for a period of at least ninety (90) days from the deadline for RFQ submission. I affirm that no employee and/or PacMtn Council Member or officer of any governmental agency has any financial or other interest in this organization. Signature of Authorized Representative Signature Date 5

6 C. Requested Information Note: This section is limited to a maximum of six (6) pages. Provide the following information: a. A brief history including how long you have been in business, organizational chart, the type of work you do, your Mission and Vision statement, describe your customers and how many you served last year. b. Describe your experience and familiarity with the following: i. Designing training for professional staff ii. Developing workshop material and providing information in the field of entrepreneurship, business start-ups and self-employment. iii. PacMtn region and workforce services iv. Developing web based resource applications for users in the public domain; v. Connecting with related community organizations and business mentors c. Identify the key personnel that will provide these services and summarize their education, experience and knowledge that qualify them to provide these services. d. Please tell us why your firm is pursuing this work. Identify what you believe is innovative, entrepreneurial and unique in your organization s ability to deliver these services. 6