REGION Q Request for Proposals 3/27/2015 REGION Q Request for Proposals Bidders’ Conference Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program Program Year 2015

AGENDA Welcome & Purpose Region Q Website Overview of Request for Proposal Purpose of RFP Target Populations Program Design Performance Standards Financial Information Proposal Instructions Questions and Answers

REGION Q WEBSITES www.regionqwdb.org www.regionqyouthatwork.org

Region Q Five County Region: Overview of RFP Funding Period: July 1, 2015– June 30, 2016 Possible Extension of Contract - 1 Year Region Q Five County Region: BEAUFORT BERTIE HERTFORD MARTIN PITT

PURPOSE OF RFP The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from qualified organizations for funding of comprehensive youth services and activities under the Workforce Innovative and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Proposals are to be submitted to serve a combination of in-school and out-of-school youth. Proposals should be based on youth development principles and best practices that support, motivate, and prepare youth for continuing educational achievements, successful transition into adulthood, and long-term success in employment.

PURPOSE OF RFP Region Q is seeking an innovative and original program design for this proposal that indicates a clear approach to delivering a broad range of comprehensively designed, fully integrated and coordinated services. The contract will be awarded to the service provider who can showcase a creative and groundbreaking approach to serving youth.

TARGET POPULATIONS Eligible Youth Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen; and, Resident in Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin or Pitt County; and, Comply with the military Selective Service Act; if applicable WIOA Funded Services may be provided to In-School and Out-Of-School youth.

Out-of-School Youth Not attending any school Age 16 – 24 And be identified as one or more of the following A school dropout A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is‑ Basic skills deficient; or An English language learner An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system

Out-of-School Youth Not attending any school Age 16 – 24 And be identified as one or more of the following A homeless individual, a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under the Social Security Act, or in an out-of-home placement. An individual who is pregnant or parenting A youth who is an individual with a disability A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

In School Youth Attending school (as defined by State Law) Between the ages of 16 and 21 A low-income individual And be identified as one or more of the following: Basic skills deficient An English language learner An offender A homeless individual, a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under the Social Security Act, or in an out-of-home placement.

In School Youth Attending school (as defined by State Law) Between the ages of 16 and 21 A low-income individual And be identified as one or more of the following: Pregnant and parenting A youth who is an individual with a disability An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. * Not more than 5% of in school youth may have the requires additional assistance barrier. Sec 129(3)(B)

groundbreaking approach not “business as usual” PROGRAM DESIGN creative comprehensively designed fresh approach groundbreaking approach not “business as usual”

WIOA Youth Programs Must Provide 3/27/2015 WIOA Youth Programs Must Provide an objective assessment of the academic levels, skill levels, and service needs of each participant. service strategies for each participant. activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized post-secondary credential. preparation for post-secondary educational and training opportunities. strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational education that lead to the attainment of recognized post-secondary credentials. preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, in appropriate cases. effective connections to employers in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor markets.

Five Components of Service Education Career Pathways Career Experience Leadership Development Mentoring

14 Program Elements Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies Alternative secondary school services or dropout recovery services Paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education which may include: Summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year Pre-apprenticeship programs Internships and job shadowing On-the-job training opportunities Occupational skills training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized post-secondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster

14 Program Elements Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities Supportive services Adult mentoring for a period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of no less than 12 months Follow up services for no less than 12 months after the completion of participation Comprehensive guidance and counseling Financial literacy education Entrepreneurial skills training Services that provides labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS WIOA Placed in Employment or Education   Credential Attainment Literacy & Numeracy Gains Retention Median Earnings

Region Q Youth Programs Beaufort County Youth@Work Martin County Youth@Work 1385 John Small Avenue 407 East Boulevard Washington, NC 27889 Williamston, NC 27892 Phone: 252.946.3116 Phone: 252.792.7816 Fax: 252.946.8700 Fax: 252.792.2479   Bertie County Youth@Work Pitt County Youth@Work 1001 King Street 3101 Bismarck Street Windsor, NC 27983 Greenville, NC 2783 Phone: 252.794.5616 Phone: 252.355.9067 Fax: 252.794.5684 Fax: 252.355.9075 Hertford County Youth@Work 109 Community College Road H B Suggs Community Center Ahoskie, NC 27910 3632 South George Street, Farmville, NC 27828 Phone: 252.862.1200 Fax: 252.862-1270  Phone: 252.753.6400

FINANCIAL INFORMATION Cost Reimbursement Contract Programs must serve a minimum of 75% out-of- school youth and may serve up to 25% in-school youth. Proposed budgets must reflect at least 75% expenditures for out-of-school youth, and no more than 25% expenditures for in-school youth. The 75% requirement should be viewed as a minimum expenditure and enrollment level for out-of-school youth.

Work Based Learning At least 20 percent of local Youth formula funds must be used for work experiences, such as summer and year-round employment, pre-apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or internships and job shadowing.

PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS Deadline for the Request for Proposal Original signed RFP and five (5) additional copies must be received by 2:00 pm EDT, Friday, April 24, 2015. www.time.gov –EST Electronic copies, faxes, and late submissions will not be accepted. The completed RFPs are to be submitted or delivered to the attention of Walter Dorsey, Workforce Development Director, Mid-East Commission, the administrative entity for the Region Q Workforce Development Board’s Programs. (as shown below) Walter Dorsey, Workforce Development Director Mid-East Commission 1385 John Small Avenue Washington, NC 27889

Proposals Must Include: Page Numbers (1) One copy labeled “Original” (5) Five additional copies of RFP Submitted in 3-ring binder Completion of all forms Tabbed Proposal Format and Required Forms in Order

REMEMBER….. AFTER THE BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE, STAFF WILL RESPOND ONLY TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS RECEIVED BY MARCH 27, 2015, 5:00 PM.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

REGION Q YOUTH@WORK PROGAMS

REGION Q WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities