The Idaho Office for Refugees a program of Jannus, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization On behalf of Career Pathway Navigators Anti-Poverty Strategies for New Americans I didn t know where to go to find a better paying job. I didn t know what jobs pay better. I didn t know where to go to get that information. I had to find it out from a friend years later. This information needs to be more available (Cambodian Refugee). [1] REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Released October 26, 2016 [1] Nibbs, Faith, Moving into the Fastlane: Understanding refugees upward mobility in the context of resettlement; (Arlington, TX: Forced Migration Upward Mobility Project, 2016), 6.
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND... 3 PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)... 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION... 4 PROJECT OVERVIEW... 4 SCOPE OF WORK... 5 NUMBERS TO BE SERVED AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES... 6 ADMINISTRATIVE... 7 CONTACT INFORMATION... 7 DUE DATES... 8 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS... 8 LETTER OF INTENT TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL... 8 BIDDERS CONFERENCE... 9 GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION... 9 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION... 9 DETAILED RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS... 10 COVER LETTER WITH PROPOSAL SUMMARY... 10 APPROACH TO SCOPE OF WORK... 10 COST... 10 PROPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION FACTORS... 10 REVIEW PANEL... 10 EVALUATION CRITERIA... 10 APPENDIX: RESUMES AND LETTERS... 12 APPENDIX: BIDDER QUALIFICATION... 12 2
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) The Idaho Office for Refugees, a program of Jannus, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, awards contracts to organizations and individuals for the provision of services that promote the economic self-sufficiency and social integration of refugees residing in the State of Idaho. The Idaho Office for Refugees intends to award federal funds from DHHS/ACF/Office of Refugee Resettlement to a qualified organization for professional services and operational support for Career Pathway Navigators: Anti-Poverty Strategies for New Americans. The primary purpose of this Request for Proposal is to identify and fund the most qualified bidder to establish a new structure and process for addressing the selfsufficiency needs of refugees who have gone through the initial resettlement system in Idaho, yet continue to struggle because of under-employment, low wages and undeveloped potential to generate the income needed to move out of poverty and into the mainstream of economic participation. The Career Pathway Navigators project will create new opportunities for low-income refugees, setting them on a path toward earning a living wage. The principal objectives proposed for the Career Pathway Navigators project include the following: 1) Increase successful employment and employment upgrades among refugees who are not making progress toward earning a living wage, targeting women and youth; 2) Increase wages and employment for refugees whose careers have been interrupted by forced migration; and 3) Increase training opportunities for refugees to acquire higher levels of English proficiency. The Career Pathway Navigators project supports the mission of the Idaho Office for Refugees, which is to promote mutual understanding between refugees and the larger community by encouraging social interaction and developing opportunities for refugees to participate in all aspects of community life. DESCRIPTION OF AWARDING ORGANIZATION The Idaho Office for Refugees (IOR) has statewide responsibility for the provision of assistance and services to refugees. Under agreement with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, the IOR endeavors to ease the difficult transition that refugees face as 3
they adjust to life in the United States. Our national commitment to offer refuge and safe haven to persecuted people informs and guides the work of the IOR and its local service partners. Refugees arrive in Idaho from many areas of the world, forced to flee their native lands because of the persecution they have endured due to their beliefs, opinions or ethnic heritage. Once newly arriving refugees have been resettled, the IOR provides assistance and services designed to help these new Americans become integrated into their communities as productive, contributing members of society. The IOR supports, through contracts and cooperative agreements, the provision of interim financial assistance, English language training, employment services, case management and social adjustment services in the communities where refugees are resettled. The administrative responsibilities of the IOR include program development and evaluation, policy development, allocation of funds to best meet refugee needs throughout the state, fiscal oversight and monitoring of programs. Jannus, Inc. has a 40 year history in Boise and the State of Idaho, serving individuals and families to promote positive change in their lives. Jannus administers over twenty programs in the areas of Community Health, Public Policy and Economic Opportunity and has an annual budget of approximately $15 million. PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROJECT OVERVIEW Despite a growing economy in Idaho, refugees arriving in Boise and Twin Falls are often at a competitive disadvantage when trying to enter or move up in the U.S. job market. They earn, on average, half the salary of other Idaho workers. Barriers to living wage employment include limited English proficiency, lack of transferable job skills, and limited understanding of how to access mainstream employment services especially for individuals with limited English. Refugees are often unfamiliar with the American workforce expectation of marketing their work history, educational attainment and skills to match local labor market demands; and those with medical conditions and histories of trauma face even more challenges to finding successful employment during the first twelve months of resettlement. These significant challenges, combined with growing levels of global migration, underscore the need for new approaches over an extended period of economic integration. Financial independence for refugees, especially youth, women with no previous work experience and skilled professionals, can be catalyzed by strategically tiered job services and targeted job development strategies that set jobseekers on a career pathway to upward mobility. The IOR has tested an array of employment related 4
case management strategies along with individualized career pathway plans with a high degree of success through Global Talent Idaho (GTI). GTI has utilized the Upwardly Global curriculum and customized its implementation to include employment related case management, internships and training. The Career Pathway Navigators project in Boise and Twin Falls the two refugee resettlement communities in Idaho will adopt best practices from GTI and other successful employability programs. It will deploy community-based employment related case management, enhance English language support and develop new career pathways to address the gaps in the current mainstream employment services while helping to break down barriers of access, lack of social capital and Made in America predisposition of U.S. employers. Mobile offices that are co-located with the Idaho Department of Labor, public libraries and other community partners will increase access, develop relationships and share knowledge across service providers to increase the capacity of mainstream job services to support refugees. The eligible population for this project includes refugees and other populations eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement services who have been in the US between 12 months and 5 years. Successful bidder(s) will be required to document eligibility for all individuals served under this project. The target population is described in the objectives listed above. SCOPE OF WORK The IOR intends to award funds to the successful bidder(s) for the services described in the following Scope of Work during federal fiscal year 2017. The subaward may be extended beyond the first year, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding to carry on the effort. The principal features of the Career Pathway Navigators project, as approved by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, include the following: Highly qualified Career Pathway Navigators based in Boise and Twin Falls. Mobile offices and flexible office hours in the evenings and on weekends, to include co-location where there is easy and comfortable access for refugees., i.e. public libraries, community centers, high schools, the English Language Center in Boise, churches and IDOL one-stop career centers. Volunteers recruited and trained by Navigators to support program activities. Outreach and Recruiting: successful bidder(s) will detail an outreach and recruiting plan to achieve the objectives described in the Purpose of Request for Proposal section above. 5
Employment related case management services will be the primary delivery strategy. These are services geared towards achieving self-sufficiency through employment, increasing family income, and maintaining employment. Identification and referral activities to connect job seekers to appropriate training resources. Enhanced English language support including easy access and online support to refugees, conversational classes and mock interviews, and assistance for completing applications and perfecting resumes and cover letters. Development of at least one vocational training program, with an English Language instructor embedded akin to the multicultural CNA program at the College of Western Idaho, during each year of the project period; collaboration with GTI, CWI and CSI to develop programs in response to demand and labor market drivers. Collection of all essential data as defined by IOR and reporting of all activities and outcomes. NUMBERS TO BE SERVED AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES Caseload Goals Indicator Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 3 Year Total Youth served, ages 17-25 18 22 22 62 Women served, no prior work history 18 20 24 62 Refugees in US more than 12 months not making progress on career ladder 52 66 66 184 Total Number served by Navigator project 88 108 112 308 Expected Outcomes 1. Become employed or re-employed (# who become employed including job upgrade) 57 (65%) 86 (80%) 90 (80%) 233 (76%) 2. Average hourly wage $12 $13 $13.50 $13 3. Demonstrate 90-day employment retention 4. Enter employment with available health benefits 5. Increase employability by completing classroom instruction, vocational training, OJTs, paid internships, testing fees 90% 90% 90% 90% 85% 85% 85% 85% 12 12 12 36 6
The IOR sets goals for performance and outcome achievement in response to federal funding requirements. The Caseload Goals and Expected Outcomes matrix has been approved by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement for the Career Pathway Navigators project. Bidders are expected to adopt these specified performance standards and goals. The matrix represents aggregated caseload and employment goals for both Boise and Twin Falls. For proposal development, consider that two thirds (2/3) of the caseload and outcome projections will be accomplished in Boise and one third (1/3) will be accomplished in Twin Falls. Preferred qualifications for the successful bidder include the following: Agency or organization that has extensive experience working with the refugee community and a track record of success in employment and training or related experience. Track record of meeting and documenting monthly/quarterly/annual job seekers career plans, training completion and job placement goals. Demonstrated knowledge of career counseling, planning, coaching from supporting clients in developing a career plan, practice interviews, cover letter writing, and referrals to wrap around services as needed. Experience developing partnerships and relationships with employers, communitybased organizations, government organizations, colleges, English language providers, religious institutions and ethnic groups. Experience working with relational databases. High degree of commitment to implementing positive change. Ability to leverage non-ior funds to support the Career Pathways Navigators project. The term Bidder is used throughout this document and is defined as an organization or individual responding to this request with the goal of being selected for an award of contract. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT INFORMATION It is very important to the IOR that the successful bidder have a collaborative approach to implementation. Please direct any questions concerning technical specifications, requirements, contractual terms or proposal format to: 7
Name Jan Reeves Address 1607 West Jefferson Street, Boise Idaho 83702 Phone 208 336-4222, ext. 1 Email DUE DATES jreeves@idahorefugees.org All proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2016. Any proposal received at the designated location after the required time and date specified for receipt shall be considered late and non-responsive. If special considerations are absolutely necessary, please contact the person listed above. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Event Date 1. RFP Distribution to Public October 26, 2016 2. Due Date for Letter of Intent to Submit Proposal November 11, 2016 3. Bidders Conference November 16, 2016 4. Proposal Due Date November 30, 2016 5. Target Date for Review of Proposals December 5-9, 2016 6. Interviews of Qualifying Bidders--Week of December 12, 2016 7. Anticipated date for decision on selection of Successful Bidder December 16, 2016 8. Anticipated commencement date of work January 1, 2017 LETTER OF INTENT TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL The IOR strongly encourages potential bidders to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to submit a proposal in response to this RFP. The LOI should include the identity and geographical location of the bidder, the area(s) of the state in which services will be proposed and contact information, including name of principal contact, email address and phone number. The LOI will not be used for review of proposals, but will be used to identify potential bidders to be invited to the Bidders Conference. 8
BIDDERS CONFERENCE The IOR will hold a Bidders Conference for all interested bidders in order to provide additional background information and answer questions related to the project and proposal preparation. All potential bidders submitting an LOI will be notified of the opportunity to attend the Bidders Conference. GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION PROPOSAL SUBMISSION Award of the contract resulting from this Request for Proposals will be made to the responsive organization(s) whose proposal best matches the requirements and expectations of the IOR in terms of meeting program requirements, efficiency, professionalism, and capacity. Bidders may submit proposals to provide services in one or both of the target areas identified in this RFP. The IOR reserves the right to reject any or all offers and discontinue this RFP process without obligation or liability to any potential contracting organization. Proposals shall be submitted in several parts as set forth below. Bidders will confine their submission to those matters sufficient to define the proposal and to provide an adequate basis for evaluation of the proposal. Proposals in response to this RFP will be incorporated into the final agreement between the IOR/Jannus and the successful bidder. The submitted proposals should include each of the following sections: 1. Cover Letter with Proposal Summary 2. Approach to Scope of Work 3. Cost 4. Appendix: Resumes of key personnel 5. Appendix: Bidder Qualifications with citations of similar or related work performed The detailed requirements for each of the above-mentioned sections are outlined below. 9
DETAILED RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS NOTE: All information provided in the detailed response will be held in strict confidence. COVER LETTER WITH PROPOSAL SUMMARY This section will present a synopsis of the bidder s responses to the RFP. The Proposal Summary should be a brief overview of the project, and should identify the main features and benefits of the proposed work. Proposals must clearly identify the target area(s) in which services are to be provided. APPROACH TO SCOPE OF WORK Include detailed approach for carrying out the scope of work and rationale for the approach. This section should describe your approach to addressing each major area in the Scope of Work, including target populations, outreach strategies, project timeline and outcomes to be achieved. COST Total annual cost to perform the Scope of Work should not exceed $150,000: $100,000 to be available in Boise and $50,000 to be available in Twin Falls. This section should include a Breakdown of Cost using the attached budget template. PROPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION FACTORS REVIEW PANEL The IOR will convene a panel of impartial reviewers with subject matter expertise to evaluate proposals and score them based on established criteria. Reviewers will evaluate and score each proposal based on the documents presented and will make funding recommendations. EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated using the criteria described below. The corresponding point values indicate the relative importance placed on each review criterion. Points will be allocated based on the extent to which the proposal addresses each of the criteria listed. Approach (40 points): The proposal clearly articulates a plan of action that includes reasonable and viable employment and employability activities and that relates to the stated objectives and scope of the project. The proposal defines a time frame for different stages of the project and includes a complete and realistic description of 10
activities, a reasonable schedule of target dates for achieving objectives, and identifies factors that may accelerate or decelerate the work. The approach addresses social adjustment factors related to achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency and incorporates these considerations into the work plan. The approach addresses cultural differences within the target population and clearly describes service delivery strategies that will be effective within ethnically diverse communities. The proposal clearly addresses staffing qualifications and plans for staff training. Access to Target Population (20 points): The proposal clearly identifies the population to be served. The proposal identifies credible outreach strategies and demonstrates that the bidder has existing connections to the target population. The bidder has a viable plan to successfully engage the target population in navigator services and to be able to report back employment results. Performance Evaluation and Outcomes (15 points): The applicant clearly describes outcomes to be achieved and links them to inputs included in the approach. The proposed outcomes include time frames, target numbers, and key indicators. The proposal fully addresses outcomes and expectations specified in the RFP. The proposal includes an effective and efficient plan for data collection and analysis. The proposal clearly defines the management strategy that will be followed during the project to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and programmatic guidance including a protocol for modifying ineffective plans, activities, and expenditures. Budget (10 points): The proposed budget is detailed, accurate, reasonable, and costeffective. The proposal utilizes the attached budget template and provides a detailed narrative justification and calculation for each line item. NOTE: Successful bidder(s) must follow federal cost principles as outlined in 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance). Bidder Qualification and Demonstrated Ability to Leverage Additional Resources (15 points): The bidder has a proven track record for managing employment, employability, and social adjustment projects. The bidder has acknowledged relationships with key community partners to be engaged in this project and has a track record of working across agencies in a collaborative manner. The bidder has experience working with refugee communities and/or other groups with similar barriers to successful employment and self-sufficiency. The applicant proposes key project staff who have the appropriate professional background or work experience related to proposed allowable activities or, alternatively, the bidder provides detailed job descriptions for key project staff. The roles and responsibilities of key staff are clearly defined (10 points). The bidder presents a credible plan for leveraging additional resources through collaborative partnerships or by committing internal or external resources to be applied to the Career Pathways Navigators project (5 points). 11
APPENDIX: RESUMES AND LETTERS Provide current resumes of key staff overseeing or providing services. If you do not currently have staff for this project, please include a job description for the positions. Letters of Support are welcome. APPENDIX: BIDDER QUALIFICATION Provide the following: Legal name, address, main telephone number, toll-free numbers, and email address. Key contact name (if different than legal name), title, address, direct telephone and email address. Person authorized to contractually bind the organization for any proposal against this RFP. Brief statement of bidder s qualifications to perform the Scope of Work outlined. Bidders must have a DUNS Number (http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform) and an active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration at SAM must be active throughout the entire award period. 12