INFORMATION BULLETINS (PY 2004)
WIA YOUTH PROGRAM – CAREER PATHWAYS PILOT PROJECTS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
ALAMEDA COUNTY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD
WIA YOUTH PROGRAM – CAREER PATHWAYS PILOT PROJECTS
RFP BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE
June 3, 2005
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the ACWIB Targeted Youth funds?
A: Community Colleges and Districts, Community-Based Organizations and businesses are required to partner and leverage resources to prepare youth to succeed in continuing education and training for preparation into high wage, high growth, employer demand-driven jobs.
Q2: How many copies of the RFP should we submit?
A: Eight (8)copies of the RFP must be submitted. One copy must have original signatures. Due to the need for original signatures, proposals may not be faxed, or electronically transmitted. The submission deadline is 3:00p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2005. Late Proposals will not be accepted.
Responses to the proposals can be on white paper. WIB staff is not mandating color-coding paper responses.
Q3: How many copies of the Single Audit do we need to submit?
A: One complete summary copy of the latest agency audit (Fiscal Year 2003/2004) is required. A “Management Letter” from the CPA firm will not suffice.
If an agency has not completed their audit for fiscal year 2003/04, they must submit a copy of their IRS 990 Form for 2003/2004.
Q4: Can WIB staff email the RFP in Word format and are there any page requirements for margins in answering the RFP?
A: Yes, there are requirements for page format, 1” margins on top, bottom left and right side of each page. Please be sure and have Header on each page (including budget forms) with the funding category: “Career Pathways Pilot Project” and name of the agency who is submitting the proposal.
To request a copy of the RFP by mail and/or e-mail refer to page 16, top of page. Please e-mail ACWIB Secretary Josephine Zaraspe at: Jzaraspe@acgov.org Please write a formal request and include your name, organization, address, phone, FAX and e-mail address when requesting a copy of the RFP either hard copy or e-mail form.
Q5: What is the definition of “subcontracting” and are there requirements to monitor subcontractors?
A: Please refer to page 8 of RFP.
Subcontracting is an activity of paying another entity to perform services.
The Lead Agency must clearly identify the subcontracting organization; the amount of the subcontract and services they will provide to the pilot program. Also, the Lead Agency is responsible for monitoring of any subcontractor twice a year (one programmatic and fiscal) to ensure contract compliance. ACWIB monitoring staff will request proof that subcontract monitoring has been completed. A “Financial Memorandum of Understanding” is applicable.
Q6: What is an objective assessment?
A: Please refer to page 10 of RFP.
During the recruitment and enrollment phase of a project, an objective assessment is required. An objective assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual to identify skills, abilities, aptitude, and interests. The assessment determines the plan and/or strategy for each participant. ACWIB does not mandate the type of assessment tools to use. For example, there are several state approved testing instruments such as the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or CASAS Survey Achievement Tests.
As your Bridge Program develops and you offer financial aid assistance to your participants, check with the Financial Aid Office of the community college regarding required TABE A&B Test Assessments that must be performed on each student, as criteria for applicants to apply for financial aid.
Q7: What are the Service and Funding Cycles?
A: The ACWIB Career Pathways Pilot will provide for the following:
1. Two year service cycle for participants.
2. Year-to-year funding cycle. Over a 2-year period, contracts will be renewed on a year-to-year basis, based upon availability of funds and satisfactory contractual and program performance.
3. The cycle of funding will be for a minimum of two pilot programs within Alameda County for PY 2005/06 as shown below: (leverage funding from the Walter S. Johnson Foundation may affect the outcome):
Pilot #1 Pilot #2 Total
PY 2005/06 1 Cohort of 21 Students 1 Cohort of 21 Students 2 Cohorts Totaling 42 enrollees
21 x $ 6,000= $125, 000 21 x $ 6,000= $125, 000 42 enrollees Totaling $ 250,000
Q8: Is there a required percentage of matching funds?
A: No. WIA dollars should only be utilized to finance gaps in service. The intent of the WIA law is to leverage existing community service, public or education dollars in order to create a more comprehensive system and to utilize WIA funds to complement, not replace these resources.
Q9: What are the agency responsibilities regarding Financial Aid for participants?
A: A College Financial aid component will be required by the Lead Agency that will assist students in completing necessary applications to expedite provision of full financial aid packages based on eligibility including provision of Pell Grant, Cal grant and Chafee awards. Through enrollment eligible students can receive full post-secondary financial aid, estimated at $6250-$11,250 yr as a direct cash grant.
Q10: Is the Lead Agency required to start the “Bridge” classes on the same schedule of Community College class schedules?
A: No. It is suggested that Lead Agencies discuss with Community College Managers as to type of classes that could be developed through “Contract Education” and/or other contract for services. Lead Agencies should consider developing “phases of activities” to start their programs, i.e.:
(Dates to be Determined)
First Phase - Contract negotiations w/ACWIB staff
Second Phase - Planning, curriculum development & recruitment of youth
Third Phase - Enrollment of participants and start of Bridge classes;
assisting participants with part-time jobs
Fourth Phase - Assist participants with Financial Aid packets; assist with
enrollment into Community College and/or Vocational
Schools; simultaneously, Lead Agency begins recruitment for second cohort
Q.11: How does Walter S. Johnson Foundation funds assist with program activities?
A: Walter S. Johnson Foundation funds will be used in the first year of cohort to help pay for instructional fees. Thereafter, since foundation funds are considered discretionary, ACWIB will have the flexibility to further enhance program activities in the second year.
Q.12: On page 3 of Proposal Application Forms (Blue sheets), is the Lead Agency required to complete Geographic Area and Dollar Amounts?
A: Yes. Agency may state the geographic area they will concentrate enrollments and signify those numbers across the areas of interest.
Q.13: Is the Lead Agency allowed to develop two (2) Pathways in one cohort, i.e., Construction Trade and Healthcare?
A: Yes. An agency may concentrate in one or two “Career Pathways” for youth.
Q.14: Are you required to exit all participants by June 30, 2006?
A: No. The “Individual Employment Plan (IEP)” of each individual will determine the best time to exit a youth. Agencies need to plan benchmarks as to when a participant enters a program and appropriate time periods to exit individuals (according to the IEP). Since this pilot is funded to demonstrate academic and career ladder achievements, most of your pilot goals should be met within the 2-year period.
Q15: Is the Lead Agency required to find jobs for participants?
A: Yes. Lead Agencies are required to offer work opportunities for youth to provide an environment for learning, building responsibility, achieve personal development and growth. Job placement is not intended to be the primary element of a youth’s service strategy, but will complement academic instruction and provide an opportunity to apply skills in the workplace. Paid work experience including internships and job shadowing can be offered, as appropriate.
The California School Age Consortium (CalSAC) will assist Lead Agencies to facilitate development of salaried part-time jobs as after-school workers. In addition, it is expected that partners will develop additional part-time jobs.
Q16. How will we know if a partner or employer has a conflict of interest?
A: You can review the list of WIB members and Youth Policy Council members on the Alameda County website: www.acwib.org.
Q17: Is there a limit on the number of pages for the proposal? Is the Narrative Summary the same as an Executive Summary?
A: Yes, the Narrative Summary under Part III, page 4 of the RFP Application Forms is the same as an “Executive Summary”. Please provide a brief and concise overview of the youth services that you are proposing.
There is not a limit on the number of pages for proposals submitted. However, responses should be specific, complete and concise. The norm is one to two paragraph responses per question. Additional paragraphs are acceptable.
Q18: What is the age breakdown for Younger Youth and Older Youth? Are there performance standards?
A: Please refer to page 10 regarding Activities and Service elements.
Younger Youth are 18yrs. and Older Youth are 19 – 21 years of age. Please keep in mind that the needs and performance strategies for Older Youth and Younger Youth are different. It is ACWIB’s request that models being proposed will address the similar service strategies and outcomes as outlined on page 10.
Furthermore, on page 12 & 13 Performance Standards, the State of California has established performance goals under WIA for ACWIB. These State imposed performance goals will be used as the measure of accountability for each pilot selected.
Q19: Since performance is important, are the funds tied to meeting benchmarks?
A: Yes. Renewal of contracts each year is dependent upon your ability to meet enrollments and exit benchmarks, as well as State mandated performance standards.
Q20: Do we need to provide information on organizations we plan to subcontract with?
A: Yes. Lead agencies that intend to subcontract any portion of their services must include all details of the subcontract(s) in their proposal (see Part I General Guidelines page 8, bottom of the page- Collaborations).
Q21: Are letters of support allowed?
A: Yes. Letters of support are allowed but not required.
Q22: Are the readers for the proposal from other WIB’s?
A: Yes. In addition to staff participation in the rating process, an outside Review Committee will review and score each proposal that has met the Minimum Qualifications.
LIST OF ATTENDEES AT
CAREER PATHWAYS PILOT PROJECT FORUMS & BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE
Allan Fleisoner asqf@msn.com UC Berkeley Sage Program
Alton Jelks (E-mail) ajelks@peralta.edu Peralta Community College
Andres Paez (E-mail) andy@youthradio.org Youth Radio
Arron Jiron (E-mail) ajiron@calsac.org CalSAC
Barbara Des Rochers (E-mail) bsdesroch@hotmail.com Vista Community College
Bernard Ashcroft (E-mail) rttcjobs@aol.com RTTC
Christine Edwards cedwards@communitycollege.org The Community College Foundation
Ed Mullins (E-mail) mullins@baiec.org Bay Area Industry Council
Elber Sanders (E-mail) esanders@ebcc.school.org East Bay Conversation Corp
Ellen Turner (E-mail) etfoundation@yahoo.com Tri Valley Community Foundation
Hermia Yan (E-mail) hyam@peralta.edu Vista Community College
Jose Arredondo (E-mail) Josea@sscf.org Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation
Joseph Billingsley (E-mail) jbillingsley@ebcc.school.org East Bay Conservation Corps
Kelly Wallace (E-mail) kelly.wallace.b@bayer.com Bayer
Kevin Williams (E-mail) Kevin@byaonline.org Berkeley Youth Alternative
Kim Bradley (E-mail) kbradley@communitycolleges.org The Community College Foundation
La Tronda Smith Lumpkins (E-mail) latronda@ppys.org. Pivotal Point Youth Services
Lai Luu (E-mail) ebvietnamese@sbcglobal.net East Bay Vietnamese Center
Lee Copenhagen (E-mail) leec@edenrop.org Eden ROP
Leslie (Roe) Larrabee (E-mail) llarrabee@clpccd.org Las Positas Community College
Leslie Gravino (E-mail) LGravino@gw5mail.clpccd.cc.ca.us Las Positas Community College
Leta Stagnaro (E-mail) lstagnaro@ohlone.edu Ohlone Community College
Linda Collins (E-mail) lcollins@careerladdersproject.org Comm. College/Career Ladders Proj.
Loretta Morris (E-mail) lmorris@cccoe.k12.ca.us Contra Costa County of Education
Majorie Weingrow weingrow@socrates.berkeley.edu UC Berkeley SAGE Program
Mario Rivas (E-mail) mrivas@peralta.edu Vista Community College
Mark Gambala (E-mail) WIA@byaonline.org Berkeley Youth Alternative
Mary Miller (E-mail) MPMiller@acgov.org Eden One Stop Career Center
Michael W. Longeuay (E-mail) longeuay.michael@dol.gov DOL Apprenticeship Programs
Monique Perkins (E-mail) mperkins@peralta.cc.ca.us College Alameda One Stop Career Ctr.
Mose De Los Reyes (E-mail) mosesd@acpwa.org Alameda County Public Works Dept.
Rachelle Di Stefano rdistefano@acoe.org Alameda County Office of Education
Rae Ianniello (E-mail) raeann.ianniello@csu@eastbay.edu Cal State East Bay
Richard Otto (E-mail) rotto@casey.org Casey Family Foundation
Robert Goetsch (E-mail) goetsch@beamentor.org Students In Business
Rose Hansen (E-mail) rm_hansen@yahoo.com. Hayward Adult School
Susan Schacer (E-mail) susan4@jps.net Laney College Bridge Program
Susanne Wong (E-mail) swong@sanleandro.k.12.ca.us San Leandro Adult School
Sylvia Llanes (E-mail) sylvial@vcet.org Vallecitos
Thou M. Ny (E-mail) Nyt@acgov.org CFS Foster Youth/ACWIB Empl. Spec.
Tina Dodson (E-mail) tdodson@ohlone.edu Ohlone/Newark One Stop Center
Umar Goodspeed (E-mail) omar@ppys.org Pivotal Point Youth Services
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