Q&A – Economic Security for All (State), WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Services

 

1) How many EcSA State CRF clients should the awarded contractor anticipate serving?

Variable, depending on the utilization of incentives ($1,000/month) versus Matched Investment Savings Accounts (up to $3,000/month) to align with eligible participant plans.

We anticipate a range between 50-100 individuals.

Please note that Workforce Snohomish will work with the selected subrecipient to set these targets, as it may be adjusted to account for additional individuals enrolled between October – December 2024.

2) Over how many months do you expect it will take the awarded contractor to reach the full enrollment of CRF clients?

We expect full enrollment to be reached by April 15, 2025. To maximize the impact of the funding for the target populations, it is important to enroll eligible individuals in the program as soon as possible.

3) On budget Exhibit F, we do not see a line item where we can add our state taxes and licenses in the budget. Can we add an additional line on the budget to add these costs?

Yes, you can add an additional line(s) to account for costs in row “I - Other” and detail in narrative as needed.

4) When is the webinar scheduled for?

The webinar on the RFP is scheduled for October 31^st from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Please note this time is Pacific Daylight Time (not Pacific Standard Time as printed in the RFP).

5) How can small agencies like ours effectively compete with larger agencies while also prioritizing service to underserved communities?

While we cannot specifically respond to the question of how organizations of any size or type can effectively compete, we acknowledge that the Request for Proposals reflects the requirements of administering federal and state funding as a subrecipient of Workforce Snohomish. The Request for Proposal was designed to support an organization(s), large or small that has existing capabilities to meet these requirements and to collaborate with partnering By and For organizations, in service to the target populations.

With that said, we do acknowledge and understand the intent of the question. If you/your organization is interested in discussing organizational capacity and prioritizing service to underserved communities, after the RFP closes, please send us an email.

6) Can all of the required proposal documents be combined into 1 single pdf document and uploaded to the Application Portal documents upload section - Proposal Narrative? In combining all the required documents, this would include the proposal narrative, required proposal narrative attachments, and required supplemental attachments.

No. Please separate the required supplemental attachments from the proposal narrative (encompassing the proposal narrative attachments).

In the Document Uploads Section of the Application Portal there are two upload prompts, including “Proposal narrative” and “Supplemental information.”

Proposal narrative: Upload your Proposal Narrative and Required Proposal Narrative Attachments (including Exhibits F, G & H as an excel document or PDF), as referenced on page fourteen (14) on the PDF version of the Request for Proposals (2. Proposal Narrative). Note the Budget form (Exhibits F, G & H) can be uploaded as a separate document under the Proposal narrative section, in either excel or PDF format.

Supplemental information: Upload the requested Supplemental attachments, as referenced on page fourteen (14) of the PDF version of the Request for Proposals (3. Required Supplemental Attachments).

7) How many Title I staff are there currently? What are their locations?

Approximately 10 FTE. All Title I staff are based at the WorkSource comprehensive site in Everett, but may serve customers at other locations in the community, based on client need and the program design.

8) Would you please share how many program customers have been enrolled in AD/DW in the last 2 program years?

For validated performance results, please visit: https://wtb.wa.gov/research-resources/performance-targets/

9) What are the PY to date expenditure rates on ITA/Training/WEX?

By expenditure rate, we surmise the question is asking about expenditures to-date for Program year 2024 that began on July 1, 2024.
Individual Training Account (ITA): Approximately $165,000
Work Experience (WEX): Approximately $ 54,000

10) Could you provide the current program performance?

For validated performance results, please visit: https://wtb.wa.gov/research-resources/performance-targets/

Utilize this dashboard to search for Snohomish County program performance data. All Snohomish County programs met or exceeded performance targets in PY23.

11) How many participants are in follow-up? Is the new operator expected to continue services for these participants?

Not applicable. Caseloads, including participant follow-up will remain with their assigned employment specialist(s)/subrecipient.

12) How much was spent on OJT last year?

Under $5,000

13) How much was spent on ITA in the last year?

In Program year 2023, between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 approximately $485,000 was expended in support of Individual Training Accounts (ITA).

14) How many participants were enrolled in a WEX?

Between 10-20 participants are enrolled in Work Experience (WEX) annually.

15) How much was spent on WEX last year?

In Program year 2023, between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 approximately $105,000 was expended in support of Work Experiences (WEX).

16) What were the supportive services costs for the program year?

In Program year 2023, between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 approximately $225,000 was expended for supportive services.

17) Who is the current provider of Title I services? How long have they been working in Snohomish County?

Career Path Services has provided Title I services in Snohomish County since June 2022. Pacific Associates and Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest are also authorized to deliver Title I services in Snohomish County and deliver Economic Security for All – Poverty Prevention program since 2023.

18) Is there any equipment or property that is going to be transferred with this contract?

No

19) In the budget, can workman’s comp insurance be taken from the work-based learning line or should it be reflected in other.

Include costs associated with participant costs in the respective line item(s).

20) Is the contractor required to pay any facility costs such as rent, utilities or internet to be housed in the one stop location?

Yes, however, these costs are budgeted separately and should not be a factor in the bidder’s proposed budget.

21) Is the contractor expected to serve as the employer of record for participants?

Yes, as applicable to eligible services provided.

22) We are focused on serving underrepresented communities, including minorities and veterans. We currently accept WIOA funds for training students. However, I’m unsure whether this RFP is specific to certain types of training or if it covers a broader range of industries. Am I understanding this correctly?

These funds are to be used with a broad range of training, training providers and other case management needs. It should not focus on one type of training area.