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North Tennessee Workforce Board, Inc.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

(RFP)

FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION and OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) TITLE I

OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES

Program Year 2015

(January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016)

*With possible extension for an additional 4 years

October 6, 2015

*** Note***

The requirements under this solicitation are based on the new federal Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act signed into law on July 22, 2014, with an effective date of July 1, 2015. This

legislation represents a significant change in priorities and requirements from previous federal

workforce legislation. All potential applicants should read this RFP carefully. In addition, Final

WIOA Regulations will not be released until early 2016. NTWB reserves the right to cancel,

modify or edit any terms of this proposal and subsequent contracts in order to be in compliance

with the applicable rules and regulations.

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Part One: Background Information

A. Purpose

The North Tennessee Workforce Board (NTWB) is soliciting proposals from qualified sources to

provide services to eligible youth in Local Workforce Development Area 8 (LWDA 8) which

consists of Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner

and Williamson Counties in Tennessee. All services will be delivered in accordance with the

federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) which was enacted on July 22,

2014, and implemented on July 1, 2015. Please refer to http://www.doleta.gov/WIOA for more

information on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

This request is being released to solicit proposals from those interested in working

collaboratively to provide comprehensive educational, developmental and employment

preparation services to eligible, disadvantaged youth. It is anticipated that up to $300,000 will be

made available for the period 1/1/16 – 6/30/16 to serve youth in LWDA 8. Contingent on

successful contractor performance and funding availability, contracts may be renewable up to 4

additional years. Up to $2,500,000 is anticipated to be available over the 4.5 year period. The

available funding is an estimate solely for the purpose of offering guidance to bidders. The

NTWB reserves the right to limit the contract awards so that all counties in LWDA 8 can be

served. The entirety (100%) of the youth funding available through this solicitation must be

spent on out-of-school youth. In addition, a minimum of 30% of the funds awarded through this

RFP must be spent on WIOA Work Experience activities and will be defined in the budget

accordingly.

In keeping with the intent of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the NTWB is

committed to assisting disadvantaged youth prepare for and enter employment, increase

occupational and academic skills, attain a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent,

enroll in job training or higher education and increase earnings. The NTWB is seeking

organizations that have a successful record of serving youth and can demonstrate the ability to

meet the challenges of creating effective, performance-based services. Youth serving

organizations are invited to respond to this RFP as an important step toward building a system of

integrated youth services that provide LWDA 8 youth with the necessary skills and opportunities

to succeed in education, at work and as members and leaders in their communities.

Workforce Essentials, Inc., (WEI) a partner in the American Job Center (AJC) (formerly the

One-Stop Center) is designated as the fiscal agent to provide design framework services under

Section 123 of WIOA and §681.400 CFR. Framework services include determining youth

eligibility for program services, conducting employment assessment, developing the Individual

Service Strategy (ISS) for each youth, providing case management services to eligible youth, and

referring youth for program services contracted from this RFP. Youth program services are

based on 14 program elements identified in Section 129 (c) (2) of the federal WIOA and include:

1. TUTORING, study skills training, instruction, and evidence- based dropout

prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a

secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate

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of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized

postsecondary credential.

2. ALTERNATIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL SERVICES, or dropout recovery

services, as appropriate; For out-of-school youth seeking dropout recovery or high school

equivalency, referrals will be made to the appropriate Adult Education provider.

https://www.tn.gov/workforce/topic/high-school-testing Services are rendered free of

charge locally and will not be duplicated by contracting agency under this proposal.

3. 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; and

on-the-job training opportunities

*Please Note: WIOA places increased emphasis on work-based learning and work

experience opportunities for eligible youth. This type of service element (i.e., summer

employment opportunities and other employment opportunities, pre-apprenticeship

training, on-the-job training, shadowing and internships that have academic and

occupational education as a component) should be integral to youth program design. A

minimum of 30% of available funding must be spent on Work Experience services and may include associated staff cost.

4. OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING, which shall include priority

consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that

are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area. Note: Out-

of-school youth can access occupational skills training via Individual Training Accounts

(ITA’s). Direct referrals will be made to vendors on Tennessee’s Eligible Training

Provider list by AJC staff during the design framework phase including service strategy

development.

5. EDUCATION offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce

preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

6. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT opportunities, which may include community

service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social

and civic behaviors, as appropriate.

7. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES e.g. Driver Education including the road test,

Transportation, Child Care, Work Clothing and Equipment, Incentives, etc.

8. ADULT MENTORING for the period of participation and a subsequent period,

for a total of not less than 12 months. E.g. one to one mentoring, Big Brother/Big Sister

programs.

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9. FOLLOW-UP SERVICES for not less than 12 months after the completion of

participation, as appropriate; updated on a monthly basis from date of exit. Any service

listed in the fourteen program elements may be considered as a follow up service as well

as job retention and career advancement services.

10. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING, which may include

drug and alcohol abuse counseling, and referral, as appropriate; Case management

services will be provided by AJC staff as needed. Individuals needing comprehensive

guidance and counseling will be referred to area social services agencies such as

Centerstone, Vocational Rehabilitation and Post Secondary Guidance Officers if enrolled

in training.

11. FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION such as helping participants create

household budgets, initiate savings plans, manage credit and debt and navigate the

financial aid process for post-secondary education; AJC staff will provide financial

management workshops, free of charge to all customers based upon FDIC’s Smart

Money program. https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/adult.html

12. ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS training such as discussing characteristics of

entrepreneurs, developing business ideas, creating a business plan and inviting local

entrepreneurs to speak to youth. Referrals will be made to the Tennessee Small Business

Administration.

13. LABOR MARKET AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION services about in-

demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career

awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; AJC staff will provide

LMI services in the AJC through JOBS4TN.GOV and other LMI sources.

14. PREPARATION ACTIVITIES for transition to postsecondary education and

training. These services will be provided by AJC staff through the design framework and

if necessary Tennessee Adult Education providers.

The intent of this RFP is to enhance existing programs/services rather than to duplicate them.

Through a Resource Mapping Process, the NTWB was able to identify several youth program

elements already available in the community and have been listed in the elements above.

It is the mission of the NTWB to: promote an integrated system using sound youth development

practices which enable LWDA 8 youth to obtain the skills needed to succeed in the workplace

and beyond. The system will be supported by a partnership, which includes all appropriate

public and private providers of education, workforce and supportive services.

The system should link services to local labor market needs, community youth programs, and

services that have strong connections between academic and occupational learning and which

provide for the holistic development of youth. Program activities should also address “career

pathways” for eligible youth. A priority is placed on providing services to youth with disabilities.

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The NTWB intends to:

-fund a cost reimbursement contract that result in measureable outcomes for youth;

-allocate a minimum of 100% of available funding for services to out-of-school youth;

-expend a minimum of 30% of the available funding on Work Experience; and

-provide services to youth in all nine counties in LWDA 8.

In addition, the NTWB will view favorably programs that:

-link services to the AJC including co-locations and partnerships with AJC service providers

-establish and maintain strong partnerships with providers that serve youth,

-leverage other funding resources to provide WIOA youth services,

-target youth transitioning from school to work, and

-incorporate targeted industry clusters (Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Information

Technology and the Skilled Trades)

-emphasize Work Experience activities that result in unsubsidized employment

-support the concept of developing and building upon the assets of youth rather than focusing on

barriers.

A sub-committee of the NTWB will review and accept proposals and make a recommendation to

the full NTWB for approval. Procedures and criteria for evaluating potential contracts are

outlined in Part Three, section C of this RFP. Key definitions can be found in Attachment A of

this document.

B. Target Population

Youth to be served in these programs must be between the ages of sixteen (16) and twenty-four

(24). And considered as out-of-school youth.

Eligible youth are those age sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) and who is:

a resident of LWDA 8 or receiving full-time residential services in LWDA 8, AND at enrollment

is:

Eligible to work in the United States (see revised Homeland Security I-form available at

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf ; AND

(if applicable) a male who meets the requirements of Section 3 of the US Military

Selective Services Act; AND an

OUT-OF SCHOOL YOUTH – the term ‘out-of-school’ youth means a youth described in

WIOA Section 129(a)(1)(B).

In this title ‘out-of-school’ youth means an individual who is:

(1) Not attending any school (as defined under State law): AND

(2) Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24 years; AND

(3) 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

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>A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a

low-income individual AND

(a) basic skills deficient; OR

(b) an English language learner

>An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system

>A homeless individual (as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against

Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)), a homeless child or youth (as defined

in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42

U.S.C.11434a(2)), a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care

system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act

(42 U.S.C. 677), 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.

**Recruitment-The applicant will be responsible for the recruitment of eligible youth.

The intent is to use WIOA funds to serve out of school youth who would benefit from

WIOA services and meet the targeted eligibility requirements above.

C. Eligible Providers

The applicant can be a private, public, for profit or not for profit service provider. The applicant

must demonstrate capability and effectiveness in establishing and maintaining partnerships,

recruitment and integration of partners from business and education, ongoing creative program

design and development and ability to administer services outlined in this RFP. Examples of

eligible providers are: Rehabilitation Agencies, Community Based Organizations, Proprietary

Schools, and Post Secondary Institutions.

The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal

Awards, Section 200.50 calls for audits to be required of agencies that received $750,000 in

federal funding for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2003. See

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-12-26/pdf/2013-30465.pdf for further guidance. Any

agency or provider receiving funding through this RFP is subject to this directive and will need

to forward a copy of their audit when requested to do so.

D. Priority Program Elements

1. Program Activities:

WIOA specifies fourteen elements that may be funded under the Act as part of a youth’s

Individual Service Strategy (ISS). As some elements were identified as being readily available

in the local community from a resource mapping process, the NTWB will give priority to

applications that address the following program elements which are not considered readily

available:

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TUTORING, study skills training, instruction, and evidence- based dropout prevention

and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school

diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or

similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary

credential.

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; and

on-the-job training opportunities

*Please Note: WIOA places increased emphasis on work-based learning and work

experience opportunities for eligible youth. This type of service element (i.e., summer

employment opportunities and other employment opportunities, pre-apprenticeship

training, on-the-job training, shadowing and internships that have academic and

occupational education as a component) should be integral to youth program design. A

minimum of 30% of all available funding awarded must be spent on Work

Experience services. Work Experiences leading to unsubsidized employment will be

viewed favorably. Contracting agency will be responsible for providing wage

reimbursement and applicable insurance/worker’s compensation for the eligible

participants.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT opportunities, which may include community

service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social

and civic behaviors, as appropriate.

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES e.g., Transportation, Child Care, Work Clothing and

Equipment, Incentives, Driver Education including the road test etc.

ADULT MENTORING for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a

total of not less than 12 months. E.g. sports programs, Big Brother/Big Sister programs,

Job Shadowing/Internships.

FOLLOW-UP SERVICES for not less than 12 months after the completion of

participation, as appropriate; updated on a monthly basis from date of exit. Any service

listed in the fourteen program elements may be considered as a follow up service as well

as job retention and career advancement services.

EDUCATION offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce

preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

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Proposals are being solicited that fall into any one or combination of the categories listed. For

example, proposals may be submitted for one activity or service such as an after school tutoring

program or supportive services. Proposals may also be submitted for programs that provide a

full range of services to youth. These programs could include many of the youth program

elements such as tutoring, leadership development, mentoring, and other services as well.

Creativity and innovativeness in program design and program services is encouraged.

For out-of-school youth programming, the intent is to provide comprehensive, long-term services

for young people who are not currently attached to an educational entity or school. For those

who have not completed secondary school, the ISS should address secondary school attainment

along with a strong work strategy that attaches the individual to the workforce.

The ISS, started in the design framework is a written plan of short and long-term goals

addressing educational, occupational or vocational, and personal supportive services needs and

will help identify which of the program elements youth participants will need to access. The ISS

shall identify career pathways that include education and employment goals, appropriate

achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the youth based off of informal and formal

assessments.

Part Two: Program Operation

A. Case Management and Eligibility

Workforce Essentials’ staff at the AJC office will assess eligible youth and develop an ISS that

will contain education and/or employment goals and the steps that will be followed to achieve

them. This will include identification of needs and referral to provider services approved

through this RFP to address those needs.

AJC case managers will refer youth to provider services to assist youth in achieving their

planned goals. The provider will be responsible for administering the service and achieving the

desired outcome(s). The outcomes will be defined in the contract with each provider. The AJC

Case Manager will track activities and convene partner meetings as appropriate. All required

reporting for Title I Youth will be the responsibility of WEI. However, contracted agencies will

be required to submit youth progress reports on a weekly and/or monthly basis.

The North Tennessee Workforce Board and Workforce Essentials use the Tennessee Department

of Labor and Workforce Development’s Virtual One Stop Operating System (VOS) for tracking

and recording youth progress and outcomes. Contractors to this agreement will be required to

report services and outcome information to WEI on a weekly basis so information can be entered

into VOS within 5 business days. WEI will oversee the reporting on this system. Contractors

will be required to expend a minimum of 100% of funds awarded on out-of-school youth and to

report actual expenditures for these services on a monthly basis. In addition, contractors will be

required to report all Work Experience program expenditures on a monthly basis as WEI will

need to show a minimum of 30% of available funding is expended on Work Experience.

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B. Performance

The Performance Measures from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) will carry over into

Program Year 2015 (7/1/15 – 6/30/16). Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

measures will be implemented in Program Year 2016 (effective 7/1/16). Additional information

on WIOA performance measures will be provided and incorporated into contracts as WIOA

regulations are finalized.

For Program Year 2015 (7/1/15 - 6/30/16), youth program providers will be responsible for

meeting the following youth performance measures:

Placement in Employment or Education

Youth who are not enrolled in post-secondary education, employment or the military at

the point of participation are included in this measure. Positive outcomes include

placement at any point in the first quarter after the exit quarter in:

>Military service;

>Post-secondary education;

>Advanced training and additional occupational skills training;

>Full-time employment; or

>Qualified Apprenticeship

Attainment of a Degree or Certificate

Youth who are enrolled in education or training at the date of participation OR become

enrolled in education at any point during the program are included in this measure.

Youth count as positive in this measure if they attain a diploma, high school

equivalency, or qualified certificate by the end of the third quarter after the exit quarter.

The educational or occupational skills credential must be approved by one of the

following:

>State educational or vocational and technical educational agencies;

>Institutions of higher education;

>Professional, industry or employer organizations;

>Registered apprenticeship programs;

>Public regulatory agencies;

>Programs approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs;

>Office of Job Corps and Tribal Colleges

Literacy and Numeracy Gains

Out-of-school youth who are basic skills deficient are included in this measure. From

the State perspective, the literacy and numeracy gains measure is only applicable to out-

of-school youth who score below a 9th

grade reading or math level at the time of program

entry. The literacy/numeracy goal is met when a youth increased his functioning level

by one Educational Functional Level (EFL) on the Test of Adult Basic Education

(TABE) – within one year of program participation. This measure evaluates gains in

educational levels, as assessed via pre and post TABE tests. The same assessment tool

must be used for pre and post testing.

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The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has six performance measures

that will replace the measures outlined above on 7/1/16. These measures are:

Placement in Employment or Education (2nd

quarter after exit) – the percentage of

program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized

employment, during the 2nd

quarter after exit from the program.

Placement in Employment or Education (4th

quarter after Exit) – the percentage of

program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized

employment, during the 4th

quarter after exit from the program.

Median Earnings – the median earnings of program participants who are in

unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program.

Attainment of a Degree or Certificate – the percentage of program participants who

obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, or a secondary school diploma or its

recognized equivalent, during participation in, or within 1 year after, exit from the

program.

Skills Gain – the percentage of program participants who, during a program year, are in

an education or training program that leads to a recognized post-secondary credential or

employment, and who are achieving measure skill gains toward such a credential or

employment.

Serving Employers – the indicators of effectiveness in serving employers (TBD)

Youth performance measures are calculated from data recorded in the VOS and/or wage and

taxation records. Data collection and reporting are done by WEI. However, contracted

agencies will be required to report on every WIOA participant in their individual programs on a

weekly basis so information can be entered into the VOS system. This report should include the

youth’s progress and any achievement of performance measures.

Benchmarks tied to performance will be negotiated with each partner agency and program

contractor. Benchmarks, contract costs and youth progress will be monitored regularly by the

NTWB. The NTWB retains the right to monitor all aspects of approved programs and the

provider agrees to retain all records pertinent to this agreement, including financial, statistical,

property, participant, and supporting documentation for a period of six (6) years.

Following are the performance standards that the NTWB negotiated with the Tennessee

Department of Labor for Program Year 2014. The goals for PY2015 are subject to change and

will be shared once released by the State of Tennessee.

NTWB Projected Performance Standards

WIA

Common Measures

PY 2014 Goal

Placement in Employment or Education 88%

Attainment of Degree or Certificate 85%

Literacy and Numeracy Gains 70%

Note: Satisfactory performance is determined by meeting/exceeding 90% of identified goal.

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How WIA Youth Common Measures are Calculated

Placement in Employment or Education

Positive Outcome Number in employment, military, post-secondary

education and/or advanced training/occupational skills

training in the 1st qtr. after exit.

Participants Included in the

Measure

Not in post-secondary education or employment

(including military) at the date of participation

(Participants in secondary school at exit are included in

the measure)

Attainment of a Degree or Certificate

Positive Outcome Number who attain a diploma, GED/HSE, or certificate

by the end of the 3rd qtr after exit.

Participants Included in the

Measure

Enrolled in education (at the date of participation or at

any point during the program)

Literacy and Numeracy Gains

Positive Outcome Number who increase one or more educational

functioning levels.

Participants Included in the

Measure

Out of School Youth determined to be basic skills

deficient at pre-test, the number who have completed 1-

year in the program PLUS the number who exit before

completing 1-year in the program.

Part Three: Contractual Information

A. Timeframes for Contracts

a. Proposals accepted through this RFP will be valid for the period January 1, 2016

through June 30, 2016.

b. Contracts will be awarded for a six-month period with an option to renew up to four

additional years. Contracts are renewed annually based on achievement outcomes as

outlined in this RFP, and at the discretion of the NTWB.

c. Renewal of contracts is also contingent upon availability of sufficient Youth program

funding under WIOA.

d. Contracts awarded will be written agreements between the NTWB, the

bidder/awardee as the contractor, and Workforce Essentials as the grant

recipient/fiscal agent.

B. Contracting:

A contract will be developed with the providers selected from this RFP outlining the terms of the

contract and the services and locations each provider is authorized to provide. WEI will issue a

referral authorizing services (based on the terms outlined in the contract) for each eligible

participant.

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Contractors must submit a monthly invoice for reimbursement of the costs for providing these

services. Payment will be made on a monthly basis, based upon actual costs expended in the

agreed upon budget (Reference Page 24) and in the contract. In addition, appropriate progress

reports and and/or other required documentation (as will be outlined in the contract) must be

submitted on a monthly basis with the invoice to claim reimbursement.

C. Selection Criteria

Service Providers will be selected by the NTWB according to the following qualities determined

by their proposals:

Design and Responsiveness of Program Proposed

Qualification(s) of Bidder

Cost Effectiveness

Timely Implementation

Past Experience and Success

D. Review and Award Process

A sub-committee of the NTWB will review and make recommendations to the full NTWB on

each proposal submitted. The NTWB will make the final decision on which proposals will be

awarded contracts. Providers selected through this process will be notified in writing.

See RFP Bid Proposal Evaluation Form to see how proposals will be scored. The highest

scoring proposals will be awarded contracts.

E. Limitations on the RFP

This RFP does not commit the NTWB to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the

preparation of a proposal.

The NTWB reserves the right to:

Accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request

Modify any portion or other terms of this RFP

Negotiate with all qualified proposing organizations/individuals

Cancel in part, or in its entirety, this RFP if it is in the best interest of the NTWB to do so

Solicit additional proposals as necessary

Only Proposals accepted by NTWB will be used. If approved as a service provider, youth will

be referred to you for services. Payments will be authorized for each individual referred based

on the budget outlined in the RFP. There is no guarantee of a referral for any program or

service. Referrals are contingent upon the needs of each youth and continued, sufficient levels of

WIOA funding.

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F. Timeline

RFP Issue Date Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Technical Assistance

Ongoing

Please email questions to Angela Miller @

Amiller@workforceessentials.com. Answers to

all questions will be posted at

www.workforceessentials.com

Bidders Conference

RSVP by October 13, 2015

Thursday, October 15, 2015, 9 am

@ Workforce Center 523 Madison Street Suite

A-Dickson Room Clarksville, TN 37040

RSVP to Amiller@workforceessentials.com Completed RFP Proposal Due Date

Hard copies delivered to Angela Miller @

The Workforce Center 523 Madison St. Suite A

Clarksville, TN 37040

Friday, November 6, 2015, 4 pm

Proposal Review Starting Monday, November 9, 2015

WIB Approval Wednesday, November 18, 2015(*tentative)

Contract Award Notification Letters Go Out By December 11, 2015

Sign Contracts By January 1, 2016

Contract Dates

1/01/2016 - 6/30/2016

Part Four: Proposal Submission

A. General Instructions

All proposals must be in accordance with the format specified below. Applicants should follow

all instructions in this document and must include all completed forms and budget pages. The

narrative should be printed in 12 point font on 8 ½” by 11” paper.

1. Submit one original proposal and four copies. No faxed copies will be accepted.

2. Proposals should be submitted to:

o Angela Miller

o North Tennessee Workforce Board

o The Workforce Center

o 523 Madison Street Suite A

o Clarksville, TN 37040

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3. Questions can be directed via email to amiller@workforceessentials.com through

November 14, 2015. Questions and answers will be posted on the website @

www.workforceessentials.com

4. Submissions must be accurate, adequate and clear. Proposals that are vague or reflect

omissions will not be interpreted favorably.

5. Proposals must be received at the NTWB 4:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2015.

6. Proposals submitted will be for the period January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016.

B. Proposal Outline

A proposal containing the following information must be submitted using Attachment B:

Proposal and Attachment C Budget/Budget Narrative:

1. Agency Information

1. Organization Name

2. Signatory Name, Title, Address (for contract)

3. Organization Address

4. Voice and Fax Telephone Numbers

5. Contact Person, telephone number and e-mail address for this project

2. Applicable WIOA youth program element(s) (e.g., Work Experience, mentoring,

leadership, supportive services, etc.). Describe Program participation requirements such

as age, grade level, etc. Indicate if activities are targeted for out-of-school youth.

3. Program Target Population Information. Provide details regarding experience with the

groups named in Part 1, Section B including quantitative data on outcomes, placements,

retention, and certification.

4. Program Description

1. Describe recruitment strategy of targeted youth.

2. Describe the process for accepting referrals to your program and

coordination with AJC staff that will be providing design framework

services..

3. Location(s) where activity(ies) takes place. If provider does not have a

location, space can be made available in the AJC in order to better align

services. It is the goal to provide services in all nine counties in LWDA 8.

4. Provide description of each of the program activities required under this

contract to include:

a. Tutoring

b. Paid and Unpaid Work Experience

c. Leadership Development

d. Supportive Services

e. Adult mentoring

f. Follow-up services

g. Education

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5. Activity duration.

6. Time frame of services (specific start and end dates or open enrollment).

7. Number of youth who can be served.

5. Program Outcomes

1. What are the main program goals or outcomes (e.g. credential attainment;

entry to employment, employment retention, budgeting, life skills, etc.)?

2. How do these outcomes relate to the youth performance standards?

3. How do these outcomes relate to youth asset development?

6. Budget Information/Budget Narrative

1. Amount requested through this RFP and breakdown of costs (i.e. staffing,

program services, supplies, support services, etc.). This will be a cost

reimbursement contract.

2. Approximate number of participants the provider can serve in the program

annually.

3. Cost per youth to enroll in program/activity? How many can be accepted

at that cost?

4. Please Provide a copy of your Support Services Policy.

7. Program Effectiveness

1. Describe the success of your program and the overall success of your

agency in dealing with this population.

2. Remark on goals and positive outcomes.

8. Staffing.

1. Describe proposed staffing plan to include number of full time/part time

positions etc.

2. Provide staff resumes or job descriptions with minimum qualifications of

those who will be working with this project.

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Attachment A

Definitions of Key Terms

Advanced Training/Occupational Skills Training - An organized program of study that provides specific vocational skills that lead to proficiency in performing actual tasks and technical functions required by certain occupational fields at entry, intermediate, or advanced levels. Such training should: (1) be outcome-oriented and focused on a long-term goal, as specified in the Individual Service Strategy and be on Tennessee’s Eligible Training list, (2) coincide with exit, rather than short-term training that is part of services received while enrolled in ETA-funded youth programs, and (3) result in attainment of a certificate as defined below.

Appropriation Level - The amount of Federal funding authorized by Congress for a program.

Basic Skills Deficient - The individual computes or solves problems, reads, writes, or speaks English

at or below the 8th grade level or is unable to compute or solve problems, read, write, or speak English

at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual's family, or in society.

Certificate - A certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual's attainment of measurable technical or occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an occupation. These technical or occupational skills are based on standards developed or endorsed by employers. Certificates awarded in recognition of the attainment of only generic pre-employment or work readiness skills are not included in this definition. A certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual's attainment of technical or occupational skills by:

a state educational agency, or a state agency responsible for administering vocational and technical education within a state

an institution of higher education described in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act (20 USC 1002) that is qualified to participate in the student financial assistance programs authorized by Title IV of that Act. This includes community colleges, proprietary schools, and all other institutions of higher education that are eligible to participate in Federal student financial aid programs

a professional, industry, or employer organization (e.g., National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification, National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc., Machining Level I credential) or a product manufacturer or developer (e.g., Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Certified Novell Engineer, Sun Certified Java Programmer) using a valid and reliable assessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities

a registered apprenticeship program.

a public regulatory agency, upon an individual's fulfillment of educational, work

experience, or skill requirements that are legally necessary for an individual to use

an occupational or professional title or to practice an occupation or profession

(e.g., FAA aviation mechanic certification, state certified asbestos inspector).

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A program that has been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer

education and training to veterans and other eligible persons under provisions of

the Montgomery GI Bill.

Office of Job Corps.

Educational Gain - At post-test, participant completes or advances one or more educational functioning levels from the starting level measured on entry into the program (pre-test).

Employed at the Date of Participation - An individual employed at the date of participation is one who, during the seven consecutive days prior to the date of participation:

did any work at all as a paid employee (except the individual is NOT considered employed if: a) he/she has received a notice of termination of employment or the employer has issued a WARN or other notice that the facility or enterprise will close, or b) he/she is currently on active military duty and has been provided with a firm date of separation from military service);

did any work at all in his/her own business, profession, or farm;

worked 15 hours or more as un unpaid worker in an enterprise operated by a member of the family; or

was not working, but has a job or business from which he/she was temporarily absent because of illness, bad weather, vacation, labor-management dispute, or personal reasons, whether or not paid by the employer for time off, and whether or not seeking another job.

Employed in Any Quarter After the Exit Quarter - The individual is considered employed in a quarter after the exit quarter if wage records for that quarter show earnings greater than zero.

Exit - Exit occurs when a participant does not receive a service funded by the program or funded by a partner program for 90 consecutive calendar days. The term "service" does not include activities that are open to non-participants, services and activities specifically provided as follow-up services, or regular contact with the participant or employer to only obtain information regarding his/her employment status or educational progress or need for additional services.

Exit Date - The date of exit is the date on which the last service funded by the program or a partner program is received by the participant.

Individual Service Strategy – A written plan of short and long-term goals addressing educational, occupational and vocational, and personal and supportive service needs. The ISS shall identify education and employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the youth based off of informal and formal assessments.

Low Income - The term ‘‘low-income individual’’ means an individual who— (i) receives, or in the past 6 months has received, or is a member of a family that is receiving or in the past 6 months has received, assistance through the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families program under

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part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or the supplemental security income program established under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), or State or local income-based 19 Key Provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) public assistance; (ii) is in a family with total family income that does not exceed the higher of— (I) the poverty line; or (II) 70 percent of the lower living standard income level; (iii) is a homeless individual (as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e–2(6))), or a homeless child or youth (as defined under section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2))); (iv) Receives or is eligible to receive a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); (v) is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made; or (vi) is an individual with a disability whose own income meets the income requirement of clause (ii), but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet this requirement Military Status at the Date of Participation - An individual is considered to be in the military at the date of participation if: a) he/she currently is serving on active military duty and has NOT yet been provided with a firm date of separation from military service, or b) he/she is a member of the National Guard or one of the Military Reserves AND currently is serving in a mobilized (i.e., active military duty) status.

Military Status in First Quarter After Exit Quarter - The individual is considered in the military if U.S. Department of Defense wage records for the first quarter after exit show earnings greater than zero.

Participant - Individuals who are determined eligible and receive any service funded by the program in a physical location (e.g., an American Job Center) are participants. The criteria that are used to determine whether an individual is eligible to participate will be based on the guidelines for the program. (Note: Individuals who only receive a determination of eligibility, but do not receive an additional service, are not participants. Individuals who visit a physical location for reasons other than its intended purpose - e.g., use of restrooms or ask staff for directions -are not participants. States and grantees may choose, but are not required, to consider as participants those individuals who receive services that are available through the Internet and are not accessed through a physical location, e.g., a One-Stop career center.)

Participation Date - The date of participation is the date of the first service received after the individual is determined eligible.

Post-Secondary Education - A program at an accredited degree-granting institution that leads to an academic degree (e.g., A,A., A.S., B.A., B.S.). Programs offered by degree-granting institutions that do not lead to an academic degree (e.g., certificate programs) do not count as a placement in post-secondary education, but may count as a placement in "advanced training/occupational skills training."

Post-test - A test administered to a participant at regular intervals during the program. Pre-test and post-test must be the same test.

Pre-test - A test administered to a participant within 60 days of the date of participation. Pre-test and Post-test must be the same test.

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ATTACHMENT B

PROPOSAL

Agency Information

Organization Name:

Signatory Name, Title, Address (for contract):

Organization Address:

Voice and Fax Telephone Numbers:

Contact Person (name, title, phone number, e-mail):

Fiscal Contact (name, title, phone number, e-mail):

Tax ID#:

Dunns#:

Organization Type: ( ) For-Profit

( ) Non-Profit

( ) Government Entity

( ) Educational Institution

( ) Other: ___________________

Target Group: ( ) Out-of-School Youth

Provide a brief description of the history of the organization including years in business,

mission, vision, total revenue, programs operations, etc.

Has the organization ever had to repay funds to a government unit due to a questioned or

disallowed cost: If yes, please explain:

If funded, what percentage of the organization total budget would the contract funds

represent? _______

Does your organization have additional funding sources to serve youth? If yes, please

explain.

Does your organization understand and agree to comply with the Uniform Administrative

Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and to submit

audit information as requested?

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Applicable WIA youth program element(s) you are applying to provide: Provide a description of the services you are proposing to provide and which of the

program elements these services address: e.g. Work Experience, mentoring, leadership,

supportive services, etc. Also list each county that you would provide services in. See

pg. 6 and 7 for a list of the Program Elements being procured.

Program Target Population Information:

Provide details regarding experience with the groups named in Part 1, Section B

including quantitative data on outcomes, placements, retention, and certification.

Program Description:

Describe the process for accepting referrals to your program.

Location(s) where activity(ies) takes place. (Counties)

Activity duration.

Time frame of services (specific start and end dates or open enrollment).

Number of youth who can be served.

Provide a brief description of the activity. Attach a curriculum if the activity is a

workshop/training session. Provide copy of organizations support services policy.

Program Outcomes:

What are the main program goals or outcomes (e.g. credential attainment; entry to

employment, employment retention, budgeting, life skills, etc.)?

How do these outcomes relate to the youth performance standards?

How do these outcomes relate to youth asset development?

Budget Information/Budget Narrative

(1) Complete the attached budget worksheets to identify amount requested through this

RFP. Cost will be broken down by line item (Page 24) and by activity (Page 22-23).

(2) Attach a budget narrative to explain how costs were determined.

(3) Demonstrate agency’s working knowledge of OMB circulars

(4)Provide copy of most recent Single Audit

(5) Include copies of any program monitoring reports

(6) Provide qualifications of Accounting Director/staff

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Budget should address:

Approximate number of participants the provider can serve in the program annually.

Cost per youth to enroll in program/activity?

How many youth can be accepted at that cost?

Program Effectiveness: Describe the success of your program and the overall success of your agency in dealing

with this population.

Remark on goals and positive outcomes.

Staffing:

Provide staff resumes or job descriptions with minimum qualifications of those who will

be working with this project.

Contract Assurances: Please include a copy of the signed Contractor Assurances with

your proposal. (Attachment D)

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ATTACHMENT C

BUDGET

Organization Name:

Contact:

Phone: E-mail:

$ Total WIOA Funds Requested

$ Amount to be spent on Out-of-School Youth

Note: A minimum of 100% of funds must be spent on out-of-school youth and a minimum

of 30% of the available funding must be spent on Work Experience.

Total operational budget shown on Page 24 should be broken out by activity below to

reflect an estimated cost per participant.

Program Elements

Total Cost Total

Number of

Participants

to be

Served

Cost Per

Participant

(total cost

divided by

total

participants to

be served)

Tutoring: *

Work Experience: *

Leadership Development: *

Supportive Services: *

Adult Mentoring: *

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Follow-up Services: *

Education Offered Concurrently with

Workforce Preparation: *

Alternative Secondary School Services:

Occupational Skills Training:

Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling:

Financial Literacy Education:

Entrepreneurial Skills:

Labor Market and Employment Information:

Preparation Activities for Transition to Post-

Secondary Education/Employment:

***Please take total operational budget on Page 24 and allocate costs to activities above.

Contract will be awarded on cost reimbursement basis from budget on Page 24.

Will other funding be leveraged to serve participants? If yes, please describe:

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Line Item Operational Budget:

Salaries & Benefits

Rent/Utilities

Supplies

Communication/Internet/Recruitment

Other Operational Expenses

Support Services

Participant Work Experience*

Other Participant Cost

Total Expenses

Total Number of Participants

Project Cost Per Participant

*Must be 30% of total Contract (Staff cost can be included to support Work Experience

Activity—Please detail Participant wages verses staff cost in this line item) Contract will be

awarded based upon Total Expenses specified in budget. NTWB reserves the right to

negotiate award with each proposer.

Provide narrative description of each line item.

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Youth RFP Evaluation Form

1. Project Name:

2. Project Bidder:

A. Design and Responsiveness of Program to the RFP(100 points)

Max

Points

Actual

Points

Does the proposal contain information as required by the RFP?

Agency Information

Identified program element(s)

Targeted Population

Program Description

Program Outcomes/Performance Expectations

Budget Information

Program Effectiveness

Creativity/Innovativeness

Staffing

50

Does the proposal target services to out-of-school youth? Does the proposal

target the provider’s experience with the target populations identified in the

RFP?

10

Does the Proposal address at least one WIOA Youth Program element and/or

Basic Skills deficiency? Is the bidder able to provide multiple (more than

one) youth program Elements in the RFP response?

15

Can the Proposal be implemented by January 1, 2016?

15

Does the proposal outline where the services will take place for

each of the required Elements and are the facilities suitable for

the proposed activities/services?

10

Total Points

100

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B. Qualification and Experience of Bidder (60 points)

Max

Points

Actual

Points

Is staff qualified to provide the activities/services? Does the bidder provide

resumes or job descriptions for staff.

20

Does the bidder have adequate experience to operate

the activities/services proposed?

20

Does the bidder have prior successful experience and a demonstrated record of

meeting performance?

20

Total Points

60

C. Cost Effectiveness (70 points)

Max

Points

Actual

Points

Are the costs justified and reasonable for the activities/services

proposed?

50

Does the bidder have adequate personnel and financial systems in

place to ensure costs are properly allocated? (Include last audit

report)

20

Total Points

70

D. Bonus Points (35 points)

Max

Points

Actual

Points

Does the bidder have past experience/success providing services in LWDA 8

or with disadvantage youth?

15

Does the bidder’s application include at least two of the priority elements

identified in section D. Program Elements?

10

Is the proposal coordinated with other entities to leverage resources? Is the

bidder awarding academic credits, scholarships or other incentives not paid for

by WIOA Funds?

10

Total Points:

35

Cumulative Score

Max

Points

Actual

Points

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A. Design and Responsiveness of Program (100 points)

100

B. Qualification of Bidder (60 points)

60

C. Costs (70 points)

70

D. Bonus Points (35 points)

35

Total Points

265

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ATTACHMENT D

ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS

The authorized representative agrees to comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations governing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Workforce Investment Boards, and any other applicable laws and regulations. The authorized representative certifies that the proposing organization possesses legal authority to offer the attached proposal. A resolution, motion or similar action has been duly adopted or passed as an official act of the organization's governing body authorizing the submission of this proposal.

In addition, the authorized representative assures, certifies and understands that: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) recipients are obligated to maintain the following assurance for the period during which WIOA Title I financial assistance is extended. Each request for proposal, proposal and application for financial assistance under WIOA Title I shall contain the following assurances.

"As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I of WIOA, the recipient assures that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws:

Section 188 of the WIOA, which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States or participation in any WIOA Title -financially assisted program or activity; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color or national origin; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of age; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs."

The recipient also assures that it will comply with WIOA implementing regulations and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. This assurance applies to the recipients operation of the WIOA Title financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements the recipient makes to carry out the WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity. The recipient understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance.

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Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters: This certification is required by the Federal Regulations, implementing Executive Order 12549, Government-wide Debarment and Suspension, for the Department of Agriculture (7 CFR Part 3017),Department of Labor (29 CFR Part 98), Department of Education (34 CFR Parts 85}, Department of Health 'nd Human Se-vices (45 CFR Part 76).

The undersigned applicant certifies that neither it nor its principals:

(1) Are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal department or agency;

(2) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or Local) transaction or contract under a public transaction, violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

(3) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in Paragraph (2) of this section; and

(4) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application had one or more public transactions terminated for cause or default.

Nondiscrimination: The undersigned applicant certifies that it shall comply with the nondiscrimination provisions outlined in the WIOA of 2014 including Title I, Sec. 188.

Conflict of Interest: The undersigned applicant certifies that:

(1) No manager, employee or paid consultant of the Respondent is a member of the Board of Directors, or an employee of the Board;

(2) No manager or paid consultant of the Respondent is married to a member of the Board of Directors, or an employee of the Board;

(3) No member of the Board of Directors, or an employee of the Board owns or has any control in the Respondent's organization;

(4) No spouse of a member of the Board of Directors, or employee of the Board receives compensation from Respondent for lobbying activities;

(5) Respondent has disclosed within the proposal response any interest, fact or

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circumstance which does or may present a potential conflict of interest;

(6) Should Respondent fail to abide by the foregoing covenants and affirmations regarding conflict of interest, Respondent shall not be entitled to the recovery of any costs or expenses incurred in relations to any contract with the Board and shall immediately refund the Board any fees or expenses that may have been paid under the contract and shall further be liable for any other costs incurred or damages sustained by the Board relating to that contract.

Lobbying: This certification is required by the Federal Regulations, Implementing Section 1352 of the Program Fraud and Civil Remedies Act, Title 31 U.S. Code for the Department of Agriculture (7 CFR Part 3018),Department of Labor (29 CFR Part 93),Department of Education (34 CFR Part 82),Department of Health and Human Services (45 CFR Part 93).

The undersigned applicant certifies that:

(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence any officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress, or locally elected officials.

(2) In connection with the awarding of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan or cooperative agreement.

(3) If any funds, other than Federal appropriated funds, have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, any officer or employee of Congress, an employee of a Member of Congress, or locally elected officials in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying", in accordance with its instructions.

(4) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award for all sub-awards at all tiers (including subcontracts, sub-grants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub- recipients shall certify and provide disclosure accordingly.

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Drug-Free Workplace: This certification is required by the Federal Regulations, Implementing Section 5150-5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, 41 U.S.C. 701; for the Department of Agriculture (7 CFR Part 3017),Department of Labor (29 CFR Part 98), Department of Education (34 CFR Part 85, 668 and 682), Department of Health and Human Services (45 CFR Part 76).

The undersigned applicant certifies that it shall provide a drug-free workplace by:

(a) Publishing a policy statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the consequences of any such action by an employee;

(b) Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees of the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the Contractor's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, the availability of counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed on employees for drug abuse violations in the workplace;

(c) Providing each employee with a copy of the Contractor's policy statement;

(d) Notifying the employees in the Contractor's policy statement that as a condition of employment under this contract, employees shall abide by the terms of the policy statement and notifying the Contractor in writing within five (5) days after any conviction for a violation by the employee of a criminal drug statute in the workplace;

(e) Notifying the Commission within ten (10) days of Contractor's receipt of a notice of a conviction of an employee; and,

(f) Taking appropriate personnel action against an employee of violating a criminal drug statue or require such employee to participate in drug abuse assistance or a rehabilitation program.

These certifications are material representations of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction.

WIOA Sec.184 (f): Discrimination Against Participants: If the Secretary determines that any recipient under WIOA Title I has discharged or in any other manner discriminated against a participant or against any individual in connection with the administration of the program involved, or against any individual because such individual has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to WIOA Title I, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding or investigation under or related to WIOA Title 1, or otherwise unlawfully

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denied to any individual a benefit to which that individual is entitled under the provision of WIOA Title I or the Secretary's regulations, the Secretary shall, within 30 days, take such action or order such corrective measures, as necessary, with respect to the recipient or the aggrieved individual, or both.

WIOA Sec.188 (a):

(1) Federal financial assistance. For the purpose of applying the prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of age under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101et seq.),on the basis of disability under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794),on the basis of sex under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 {20 U.S.C. 168 let seq.),or on the basis of race, color or national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), programs and activities funded or otherwise financially assisted in whole or in part under this Act are considered to be programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.

(2) Prohibition of discrimination regarding participation, benefits and employment. No

individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to

discrimination under, or denied employment in the administration of or in connection with,

any such program or activity because of race, color, religion, sex (except as otherwise

permitted under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), national origin, age,

disability, or political affiliation or belief.

(3) Prohibition on assistance for facilities for sectarian instruction or religious worship.

Participants shall not be employed under WIOA Title I to can-y out the construction,

operation, or maintenance of any part of any facility that is used or to be used for sectarian instruction or as a place for religious worship (except with respect to the maintenance of a facility that is not primarily or inherently devoted to sectarian instruction or religious worship, in a case in which the organization operating the facility is part of a program or activity providing service to participants).

(4) Prohibition on discrimination on basis of participant status. No person may discriminate against an individual who is a participant in a program or activity that receives funds under WIOA Title I, with respect to the terms and conditions affecting, or rights provided to, the individual, solely because of the status of the individual as a participant.

(5) Prohibition on discrimination against certain non-citizens. Participation in programs and activities or receiving funds under WIOA Title I shall be available to citizens and nationals of the United States, lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens, refugees, asylum seekers, and parolees, and other immigrants authorized by the Attorney General to work in the United States.

Section 188 (3) WIOA Title I funds may not be spent on the employment or training of participation sectarian activities. Further, the undersigned applicant certifies that

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it shall comply with the provisions outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (45 CFR 80 and 84).

With regard to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), the provider agrees to comply with the implementing regulations that require that each program of training services, when funded in all or in part with federal funds, shall be accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities. The provider further agrees to meet all applicable requirements regarding facility access.

By signing, the applicant certifies that it will comply with all other regulations implementing the laws cited above. This assurance applies to the applicant's operation of the WIOA Title I - financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements, the applicant makes to carry out the WIOA Title !-financially assisted program or activity. The applicant understands that the Tennessee Department of Labor and the Board have the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance. NOTE: WIOA non-discrimination regulations to be published in spring of 2015. WIOA Section 188 and WIA Section 188 are identical.

Documentation of Financial Stability., The undersigned applicant certifies that it

shall comply with the procedures and agreements provided to the Tennessee Department of Labor by the ETA Office of Grants and Contract Management with regard to providing documentation of financial stability. As part of their local application requirements, the Board is to specify its local protocol for documentation and submission requirements.

Reporting Requirements: The undersigned applicant certifies that it shall comply with the provisions of Sec. 122 of the Workforce Innovation Act of 2014 and the reporting and procedural requirements issued by the Department of Labor Guidance policies, and all other applicable Federal and State laws.

Where the prospective recipient of federal assistance funds is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective recipient shall attach an explanation to this certification.

The undersigned Authorized Representative of the applicant herein certifies that the statements above pertaining to Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Nondiscrimination; Conflict of Interest; Education Standards and Procedures; Documentation of Financial Stability and Reporting Requirements are true and correct as of the date of submission. This does not preclude the Board from requiring additional assurances as part of the local application requirements.

Further, the Authorized Representative acknowledges that if the information given to the Board by the applicant causes harm to a third party, then applicant will be held liable for any Board action resulting from reliance on that information.

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The applicant herby agrees to comply with all of the above referenced assurance and

will notify the Board in writing if the authorized signatory changes. Certified by:

Signature of Authorized Official Title Date

Typed/Printed Name of Signatory

Name of Organization

Dunns Number ______________________________________________

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