1. REGION Q Workforce Development Board
3/27/2015
REGION Q Workforce Development Board
Information Session
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

2. AGENDA Welcome & Overview Purpose of RFP Target Populations Youth
Adult/Dislocated Worker
One-Stop Operator
Integrated Service Delivery
Program Design
Financial Information
RFP Schedule
Questions and Answers

3. Region Q serves a five county region:
Overview
The Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium, a public-private partnership, administers a five-county system of workforce development programs that prepare citizens for the workforce- including those who are facing economic disadvantages, job loss and other barriers to employment.
Region Q serves a five county region:
BEAUFORT
BERTIE
HERTFORD
MARTIN
PITT

4. OVERVIEW
The programs, Adult/Dislocated Worker and Youth/NEXTGEN function inside the NCWorks Career Centers, which provide a central point for businesses to list jobs, screen applicants, receive business assistance and information and develop training systems.
The Region Q Workforce Development Board develops policy and oversees these programs, with the Mid-East Commission serving as the grant recipient/administrative entity for the Consortium.

5. ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS A public, private, or nonprofit entity, including:
An institution of higher education
A community-based organization, nonprofit organization, or intermediary
A private for profit entity
A government agency
A secondary school
Another interested organization or entity, which may include a local chamber of commerce or other business organization

6. Website
For more information , visit our website

7. Adult/Dislocated Worker
PURPOSE OF RFP
The purpose of a Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from qualified organizations for funding of comprehensive services and activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
On March 19, 2018, the Region Q WDB will release three (3) RFP’s for providers for:
Adult/Dislocated Worker
Youth/NEXTGEN
One-Stop Operator
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.

8. PURPOSE OF RFP
Region Q is seeking innovative and original program designs that indicates a clear approach to delivering a broad range of comprehensively designed, fully integrated and coordinated services. We are searching for service providers who can showcase a creative and groundbreaking approach to providing services to the target populations.

9. TARGET POPULATIONS- YOUTH
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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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)

14. 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.

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
WIOA YOUTH
Workforce Development Board:
Region Q
Performance Measure
Youth
PY 2016
PY 2017
Employment Rate 2nd Quarter
70.0%
73.0%
Employment Rate 4th Quarter
65.0%
68.0%
Median Earnings
———
Credential Attainment Within 4 Quarters
59.0%
61.0%

19. Adult/Dislocated Worker
TARGET POPULATIONS-
Adult/Dislocated Worker
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 Adults and Dislocated Workers age 18 and over.

20. ADULT In general, to be an eligible for the adult program:
an individual must be 18 years of age or older.
Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible to work in the US
If male and required to register, must be registered with selective Service
For adult employment and training activities, priority shall be given to recipients of public assistance, other low income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient for receipt of career services and training services.

21. The term “dislocated worker” means:
(1) An individual who has been terminated or laid off, or who has received notice of termination or layoff, from employment, and is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation, and is unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation.
(2) An individual who has been terminated or laid off, or who has received notice of termination or layoff, from employment, and has been employed for a duration sufficient to demonstrate, to the appropriate entity at a one-stop center referred to in section 134(c), attachment to the workforce, but is not eligible for unemployment compensation due to insufficient earnings or having performed services for an employer that was not covered under a State unemployment compensation law, and is unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation.

22. 3/27/2015
DISLOCATED WORKER
(3) An individual who has been terminated or laid off, or who has received a notice of termination or layoff, from employment as a result of any permanent closure of, or any substantial layoff at, a plant, facility, or enterprise.
(4) An individual who is employed at a facility at which the employer has made a general announcement that such facility will close within 180 days.
(5) For purposes of eligibility to receive services other than training, intensive, or supportive services, an individual who is employed at a facility at which the employer has made a general announcement that such facility will close.
(6) An individual who was self-employed (including employment as a farmer, rancher, or fisherman) but is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of a natural disaster
(7) An individual who is a displaced homemaker.
(8) The spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty and who is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.
(9) An individual who is long-term unemployed (unemployed 13 consecutive weeks or more).

23. CAREER SERVICES Orientation WIOA Eligibility Determination
At a minimum:
Orientation
WIOA Eligibility Determination
Outreach, Intake
Initial Assessment
Labor Exchange Services
Coordination with Other Programs
Job Search & Placement Assistance
Provision of Employment Statistics
Performance Information & Program Cost
Assisting in establishing eligibility for Financial aid & other Services
Supportive Services
UI Information
Follow-Up
Screened Referrals
Job Club
Job Development

24. Career Services (cont.)
Development of IEP
In-depth interviewing & evaluation to identify employment barriers & appropriate employment goals
Comprehensive & Specialized Assessments
Group Counseling
Internships and Work Experience linked to careers
Out of area job search assistance and relocation assistance
Individual Counseling & Career Planning
Case Management
Short-term pre-vocational services
Financial Literacy Services
English language acquisition and integrated education and training
Workforce preparation activities

25. TRAINING SERVICES
Occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment
On-the-job training
Incumbent Worker Training in accordance with the Act
Programs that combine workplace training with related instruction which may include cooperative education programs
Training programs operated by the private sector
Skill upgrading and retraining
Entrepreneurial training
Transitional jobs in accordance with the Act
Job readiness training in combination with other services to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training

26. TRAINING SERVICES (cont…)
Adult education and literacy activities provided in combination with services described above, and
Customized training conducted with a commitment by an employer or group of employers to employ and individual upon successful completion of the training

27. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
WIOA ADULT &
DISLOCATED WORKER
Workforce Development Board:
Region Q
Performance Measure
Adult
Dislocated Worker
PY 2016
PY 2017
Employment Rate 2nd Quarter
66.0%
68.0%
73.0%
76.0%
Employment Rate 4th Quarter
69.0%
71.0%
74.0%
Median Earnings
$4,600
$4,800
$5,720
$6,020
Credential Attainment Within 4 Quarters
50.0%
52.0%
60.0%
62.0%

28. Integrated Service Delivery
ONE-STOP DELIVERY SYSTEM
The WDB, in partnership with the workforce development agencies, has developed a system of comprehensive NCWorks Career Centers in the five-county region. The system design currently includes five (5) Certified NCWorks Career Centers.
Region Q requires that all contractors operate from the applicable NCWorks Career Center.

29. Integrated Service Delivery
COLLABORATION
Leveraged Funding and Service Coordination
Bidders will leverage community resources to create a seamless network of services that are easily accessible and relevant to customers. To have a meaningful impact on the quality and breadth of the NCWorks services system, bidders must be able to draw upon a resource base that extends beyond WIOA funding. Bidders should describe connections to other funding sources that will benefit participants and increase the cost effectiveness of federal funds.

30. Integrated Service Delivery
NCWorks Career Centers in the Region Q Local Area deliver workforce development services through an integrated service delivery model.
Included in this integration model will be staff which deliver funded services through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs, Wagner-Peyser, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and Veterans Services programs.
The Adult and Dislocated Worker contractor will provide staffing and program services through WIOA funding in the context of this integrated environment.

31. Integrated Service Delivery
FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
In the Region Q NCWorks Career Center integrated model, functional supervision will play a key role within the operations. To implement this supervisory approach, each full-service NCWorks Career Center will have a Functional Leader (Manager/Supervisor) who is directly responsible for day-to-day operational activities. The Functional Leader will make operational decisions concerning customer flow, deploy staff as necessary to manage the customer flow, and be responsible for the overall quality and effectiveness of the center. The functional supervision model recognizes that the Adult and Dislocated Worker contracting organization is considered the Employer of Record and has internal human resource functions that must be managed within their organization. Such functions would include final hiring and firing decisions, benefits administration, and time and attendance reporting. However, it should be noted that even in these critical human resource areas, the Functional Leader will have input and the opportunity to influence decisions.

32. Integrated Service Delivery
TEAM-BASED STAFF DEPLOYMENT
In the Region Q NCWorks Career Center integrated model, staff will be deployed in functional teams that work together to meet the needs of job seeker and employer customers.
The specific functional teams that will operate in each NCWorks Center at a minimum will include the Welcome Team, the Skills Team, and the Employment Team.
The Region Q Workforce Development Board requires the contractor through this Request for Proposals to staff these functional teams with high energy professional staff who can deliver high quality services to customers and who also have the ability to determine the need for supportive services for employment and training, assessing availability, suitability, and identifying resources to meet those needs.

33. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ONE-STOP OPERATOR
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The One-Stop Operator will be expected to:
Coordinate service delivery among required one-stop partners and service providers
Manage hours of operation
Manage partner responsibilities as defined in the Memorandum of Understanding
Coordinate services for businesses and individuals through an integrated services delivery infrastructure to better meet their needs
Ensure basic services such as orientations, information on career and labor markets, and resource rooms are provided
Follow federal, state, and local area regulations/policies concerning handling of EEO responsibilities, customers complaints, and physical and programmatic accessibility
Follow appropriate North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions Policy Issuances
Follow and implement Region Q Workforce Development Board Local Area Issuances
Report to Region Q Workforce Development Board, as required
Ensure staff/partners of the NCWorks Career Center receive necessary training in customer service, use of the NCWorks Online system, and partner agency services
Offer demand driven resources to the public
Use employer, customer, and staff feedback to drive the model
Make decisions/develop strategies based on data and successful practices

34. Priority Populations. WIOA requires states, Workforce Development Boards, and One-Stop Career Centers to connect supports and services for priority populations that lead to long-term employment and outcomes for individuals seeking services, especially those with significant challenges to employment, including:
Unemployment insurance claimants
Youth and adults with disabilities
Veterans
Low-income residents
Returning citizens
Older workers
Out of school youth
The Career Center will also work closely with local businesses, particularly those in healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries (and others as identified by Region Q Workforce Development Board). Additionally, the Career Center will collaborate with partners including community-based service agencies, community colleges, and local and state government.

35. NOTE:
A WIOA service provider may be the one-stop operator; however, there must be firewalls in place to ensure that the operator is not conducting oversight of itself as a service provider. The concept of firewalls is to ensure that job seeker and employer customers both perceive and receive counsel and information that is not biased toward any specific organization(s). This issue can arise in perception or in reality, whenever an organization that operates education or training services also operates a NCWorks Career Center. Therefore, proper internal controls and firewalls must be in place to ensure that the entity, in its role as a one-stop operator, does not conflict with its role of the service provider.

36. Organization Qualifications
Organization Qualifications. Who may be a One-Stop Career Center Operator? Eligible entities include [WIOA Section 121(d)(2)(B)]:
A public, private, or nonprofit entity, or
A consortium of entities that must include at least three (3) or more required one- stop partners located in the local area
It CAN be:
An institution of higher education
An employment service State agency established under the Wagner-Peyser Act [29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.] on behalf of the local office of the agency
A community-based organization, nonprofit organization, or intermediary
A private for profit entity
A government agency
Another interested organization or entity, which may include a local chamber of commerce or other business organization, or a labor organization
It CANNOT be:
An elementary or secondary school, or
Staff of the local workforce development board

37. Region Q NCWorks Career Centers
Beaufort County
Martin County
1502 N Market Street, Suite A
407 East Boulevard
Washington, NC 27889
Williamston, NC 27892
Phone:
Phone:
Fax:
Fax:
Bertie County
Pitt County
128 East Granville Street
3101 Bismarck Street
Windsor, NC 27983
Greenville, NC 27834
Phone:
Phone:
Fax:
Fax:
Hertford County
*All programs are located inside NCWorks Career Centers
109 Community College Road
Ahoskie, NC 27910
Phone:
Fax:  

38. PROGRAM DESIGN groundbreaking approach Innovative creative
comprehensively designed
fully integrated
groundbreaking approach
Innovative

39. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Cost Reimbursement Contract
Advances- Upon written request by the Subrecipient at the beginning of the contract period, an advance payment against future services rendered under the contract will be considered.  Such advance payment will be based on one month’s allocation of approved funding under the contract and will be repaid by 10% deductions (recapture) from Subrecipient’s future payment requests.  Recapture of advance payments will start with the expenditures reported for the month of August which are reimbursed in September and shall continue until 100% of the advance payment has been recaptured.  Such advance payments shall be tracked and reported on the subrecipient’s accounting records as well as the Region Q WDB monthly financial reports. 

40. WIOA Budget Sheets- Budget Summary and Back Up Sheets
Contract Extension
Allocation of funds-
The Local Area expects at least 35% of Adult and Dislocated Worker funds to be used for training services, including classroom and work based training

41. For Youth Contracts,
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- The law requires 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. The Local Area expectation is 30 percent.

42. RFP Schedule
RFP’s will be released on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
MANDATORY Bidder’s Conference will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the NCTeleCenter in Williamston, NC beginning at 9:00 a.m.
All written questions must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, April 4, All questions and answers will be posted to the Region Q website by Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
RFP’s will be due Monday, April 23, 2018 by 5:00 p.m. EST.

43. QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS

44. 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