Ossining, Peekskill Seek Workforce Development Consultant

The Ossining Union Free School District and the Peekskill City School District seek a qualified consultant to conduct a feasibility study as they explore launching an advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program to serve both districts in partnership. The research is intended to inform the Districts whether consideration of such a program is a viable opportunity. The Districts and Tara Seeley will facilitate introductions to stakeholders and experts to be interviewed.

The consultant will produce a report and make a presentation to the Districts which will, at minimum, address the following:

· Define any NYS Department of Education and any NYS Department of Labor requirements for a high school-based pre-apprenticeship program.

· Compile information through desk research and interviews on relevant high school-based pre-apprenticeship models in place across New York State, including the Pine Bush High School advanced manufacturing program, the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (Rochester), and the CareerWise Greater Buffalo Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program developed for Say Yes to Education Buffalo.

· Engage the Council of Industry to gather feedback on 1) the characteristics of well-run, successful pre-apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, including curriculum focus and industry-valued certifications offered, and 2) characteristics of advanced manufacturing industry in and around Ossining and Peekskill, including current “skills gaps” and an assessment of employer readiness to provide leadership in supporting a pre-apprenticeship program including through work-based learning opportunities. Request the Council’s introductions to representatives of advanced manufacturing in Westchester County.

· Conduct interviews and/or focus groups with representatives and leadership from the advanced manufacturing industry, local school districts, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, and Westchester Community College. The focus of these conversations should solicit information and feedback on how a proposed advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program could meet industry talent development pipeline needs.

· Produce a list of conditions that need to be in place before implementing this type of program.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Approximately 2-3 months beginning no later than April 17, 2023 and concluding no later than July 17, 2023.

BUDGET GUIDANCE

Proposal budgets should not exceed $20,000.

SELECTION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

The Foundation will follow the timetable below, with Consultant(s) selected by February 10, 2023 date. Applications will be accepted until 5 PM EST on January 27, 2023.

The Districts are open to reviewing proposals from an individual or team of consultants or qualified technical assistance firms.

January 3, 2023: RFP Issued

January 27, 2023: Deadline for submission of proposals 5 PM EST to tseeley@wcf-ny.org.

January 30-February 3, 2023: Zoom interviews may be scheduled with select top candidates

February 10, 2023: Contractor selected

The primary consideration in selecting a qualified Consultant will be an evaluation of the bidder’s experience in successfully providing the services being requested, or similar services, staff qualifications, cost reasonableness, administration, and oversight. All quotes will receive equal consideration.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING PROPOSAL

A. All proposals should be emailed to tseeley@wcf-ny.org with a cc to info@wcf-ny.org no later than January 27, 2023 by 5 PM EST. Title the email Responding to RFP. Late bids (received by the Foundation after 5 PM EST on January 27, 2023) will not be accepted. All respondents will receive an electronic confirmation that the proposal was received.

B. Responses should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the request. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

C. All responses must include the following information:

i. Cover Page, including:

a. Name and contact information of the Consultant(s)

b. Name and contact information for the lead staff

ii. Work Plan: Describe the overall work plan for the period of performance, and the key benchmarks for progress on the study. Describe how the proposer will organize and coordinate relationships. Describe the methodologies to be employed for achieving the goals of the project and any anticipated challenges. Provide a timeline for the whole initiative that includes key milestones for the full period of performance.

iii. Key Products and Deliverables: At a minimum, proposers must offer the products and deliverables detailed above.

iv. Relevant Expertise: Brief description of general qualifications, specific evidence of relevant experience that aligns with scope of work, and the listing of individuals who will undertake this project.

v. Comparable Projects: Summary of similar projects in progress or completed.

vi. Projected Budget: Provide detailed budget and budget narrative for the project, describing the total budget. Provide a brief description of budgetary controls and spending procedures you expect to apply.

vii. Contact information for at least three past clients.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. The Districts reserve the right to reject any and all applications, and to waive minor irregularities in any proposal.

B. The Districts reserve the right to request clarification of information submitted, and to request additional information from any applicant.

C. The Districts reserve the right to award any contract to the next most-qualified applicant, if the successful respondent cannot execute the contract within a period deemed reasonable by the Districts.

D. The Districts shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by the Consultant(s) in preparing, submitting, or presenting its response to the RFP.

E. The Districts reserve the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposal submitted. Therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms which the Consultant can propose. The Districts reserve the right to contact a Consultant for clarification of its proposal.

F. The Consultant should be prepared to accept this RFP for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFP. Contract negotiations may incorporate some or the Consultant’s entire proposal.

G. The Districts will consider any work product produced by the winning Consultant “work for hire” and as such the property of the Districts.

TO RESPOND: Qualified applicants are invited to submit a proposal no later than 5 PM EST Friday, January 27, 2023 to Tara Seeley, Senior Program Officer, at tseeley@wcf-ny.org, who is advising the Districts.

QUESTIONS? Please email tseeley@wcf-ny.org. Phone conversations can be scheduled.