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ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
Economic Security for All
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS and
APPLICATION GUIDE
Document 1 of 2 – Proposal Application attached
Distributed March 15, 2019
Contact: John Traugott, ESD Workforce Initiatives Manager [email protected]
360-701-8731
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL
Building system level change to measurably reduce poverty.
Governor’s federal WIOA Statewide Activities funds
$5.8 million for up to 4 high-poverty, geographically defined communities, led by local WDC
Coordinate local agencies and providers, including WIOA funds and locally identified leveraged resources, to measurably reduce poverty
Include people experiencing poverty in the design and planning
Include mentors from the community, so individual success is seen as community success
Address personal trauma, historical trauma, and behavioral health to help individuals build the necessary foundation for success
Access all eligible benefits to build a financial foundation for success
Move families above 200% FPL and reduce total number in poverty in the community
SECTION ONE: OVERVIEW
BACKGROUND: There are currently 1.9 million Washingtonians experiencing poverty, with income levels that would qualify them for food stamps under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These families struggle to make ends meet, so that their children and families may reach their full potential. Helping people move out of poverty is essential for these 1.9 million Washingtonians, and for all Washingtonians who desire a compassionate society with an inclusive economy. Economic Security for All (EcSA) is intended to support a long-term, systemic approach to help Washingtonians move out of poverty at large scale. In this first round of funding, $5.8 million is available for up to four high-poverty communities in Washington to lead the way, by demonstrating that they can reduce the number of people living in poverty in a specific geographic community. A systemic approach is required: these funds must drive change in existing programs and funding streams, so that local programs work together seamlessly to reduce poverty in their community. Communities should be high-poverty geographically defined communities such as counties, cities, towns, or tribal reservations, and of an appropriate size so that this investment can be expected to generate noticeable and measurable reduction in poverty. Local designers are encouraged to develop new and impactful models which are informed by the direct input of individuals experiencing poverty. Listen to and engage your community, think differently and systematically, design innovative strategies, and change lives! Working together, you are able to determine how you will come together to reduce poverty and change your community. As these four communities demonstrate success, we will consider additional rounds of funding to replicate their work in other parts of Washington, so that more and more people can lift themselves out of poverty, and more and more geographic communities can measurably reduce the number of people living in poverty.
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
The intention is innovative and systemic change to:
Permanently move individuals and households out of poverty and into middle income earnings;
Utilize EcSA WIOA funds and locally identified leveraged resources to measurably reduce the number of people living in poverty in a community; and
Spread success to other parts of Washington over time.
PURPOSE: Applicants should work with individuals experiencing poverty and other community partners to design comprehensive models for systemic change that reduce poverty in their community. These models must be designed for replication in other similar communities around the state, if successful. To ensure the ability to demonstrate measurable community level impacts, applicants should identify and serve one specific high-poverty geographic community within their local area, such as a county, city, town, or tribal reservation. The identified community should be of an appropriate size and scale to make reducing overall poverty in that community with these funds realistic. The intention is to concentrate resources in order to produce noticeable and measurable reductions in poverty, to prove that we can make a real impact on poverty if we resource the effort appropriately and work together across programs. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: EcSA applicants must:
1. Include individuals experiencing poverty in all phases of design and implementation, by working with an organization representing people of color, tribal nations, or rural areas with high poverty.
2. Identify and engage at least six partner organizations from the list of recommended partners, below. Three of these must be the WDC, an organization representing individuals experiencing poverty (see #1, above), and the local DSHS Community Service Office(s).
3. Serve one high-poverty geographic community, such as a county, city, town, or tribal reservation. This should be of an appropriate size so that this investment can be expected to generate noticeable and measurable reduction in poverty. For example, selecting a very large community with a very high number of people in poverty is not advised, since the impact of this investment on such a large community would be difficult or impossible to measure.
4. Develop and implement career plans for all EcSA participants that identify how they will reach earnings above 200% FPL. Career plans should access leveraged resources and services from all local partners as needed. The intention is to bring the resources of multiple programs together to support EcSA participants in a user-friendly and streamlined manner.
5. Engage organizations representing individuals experiencing poverty, with expertise and community awareness, to provide community mentors for EcSA participants, so that these individuals experience inclusion and feel strong support from their peers and community, and so individual success is seen as a success for the whole community.
6. Identify the proposed systemic changes in existing programs, local practices, and funding streams by each partner, to empower local programs to work together seamlessly to reduce poverty in their community.
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
7. Identify how you will help EcSA participants establish personal stability as a foundation for success, by addressing individual trauma, historical trauma, behavioral health, soft skills/workplace readiness, or other barriers.
8. Identify how you will help EcSA participants establish initial financial stability as a foundation for success, by ensuring they receive all available housing and financial benefits for which they are eligible.
9. Identify the amount and intended use of specific cash and in-kind contributions each local partner is contributing.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: EcSA applicants must:
Commit to assisting other areas of the state in replicating similar models, if successful.
Follow the law and regulations governing use of WIOA Statewide Activities funding.
Determine eligibility under WIOA Adult for all enrolled participants, or WIOA Youth or Dislocated Worker as necessary. EcSA enrolled participants will count toward federal performance measures at the state level, but not at the local level.
Establish a baseline:
Identify the number of households living below 200% FPL in the targeted community, prior to this intervention (baseline). (based on U.S. Census data or other reliable data sources that can be verified)
Eligible participants:
Serve people in poverty, defined as SNAP recipients and SNAP-eligible. EcSA participants must be people receiving food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). EcSA participants may also be SNAP-eligible individuals or households, but in this case you are required to help them apply for and receive SNAP as part of their career plan.
Identify participant outcomes:
Identify how many SNAP and SNAP-eligible households will move up to income above 200% FPL.
Project the number of households living below 200% FPL in the targeted community at the end of the intervention; and the percent decrease.
LOCAL DESIGN FLEXIBILITY: Applicants may design their model in any manner that they believe will move people out of poverty effectively and at large scale relative to the resources available. Projects funded through this round will serve as proof of concept that these locally-designed models can effectively move individuals out of poverty and reduce overall poverty in a community. Promising practices and additional planning resources are provided online, and two Q & A webinars will be held for bidders. We encourage local innovation to discover highly effective and replicable ways to help individuals, households, and entire communities move up out of poverty.
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
FUNDING: The Governor’s Office has identified $5.8 million in WIOA Governor’s Statewide Activities funds for local contracts in this first round of funding. The period of performance for these funds is July 1, 2019 to March 31, 2022. Local WIOA fund use must comply with all WIOA requirements, Uniform Guidance, State WIOA Title I policies, and the terms and conditions of EcSA contracts. ESD will fund up to 4 grant applications, with a funding range of $1,250,000 - $1,750,000. Applicants must expend 75% of awarded funds by June 30, 2021, and indicate what they can accomplish and how much they can reduce poverty with their requested amount. ELIGIBILITY: Local Workforce Development Councils (WDC) are the required applicant for the Economic Security for All initiative and will serve as the local project coordinator and fiscal agent, to ensure compliance with federal WIOA law and regulations. WDCs must apply as the lead agency of a local partnership. See “Design Requirements,” above, for more detail on the local partnership requirements. We plan to fund projects from a diverse cross-section of the entire state. WDCs may choose to work together to share expertise and learn from this experience for future replication, but only one geographic area in one WDC may be served. See the “Purpose” section and item 3 in the “Design Requirements” section, above.
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
SECTION TWO: APPLICATION INFORMATION
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Complete applications should be emailed to John Traugott at [email protected] by 11:59pm, May 22, 2019.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Applicants should design approaches that include all design requirements and address the purpose of the Economic Security for All initiative outlined above.
Applicants must stay within word limits defined for each section of the EcSA Proposal Application (attached) and must only include the application elements identified below.
EcSA Proposal Application must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document with responses clearly aligned with the section they are addressing.
Incomplete applications and missed due dates: ESD staff will screen proposals for completeness and give applicants 24 hours to correct deficiencies. Minor administrative deficiencies may be allowed, at ESD’s sole discretion. Proposals must be received prior to the application deadline to be considered.
APPLICATION ELEMENTS: A complete application packet will include all of the following:
1. EcSA Proposal Application (attached as a separate document)
Executive Summary
Proposal Details
2. EcSA Budget Form
Complete (attached) budget form, including: o Line Item Budget: complete line item detail for all expenses for WIOA funds and
leveraged resources; complete budget narrative including enough detail to highlight the program activities supported and to allow reviewers to determine whether costs are reasonable and necessary.
o Quarterly Expenditures: complete quarterly expenditures tab, including the amount of WIOA funds that are planned to be expended in each quarter; must demonstrate that 75% of awarded funds will be expended by June 30, 2021; expenditure total should equal the total amount of WIOA funds requested.
o Quarterly Outcomes: complete quarterly outcomes tab, including the planned quarterly outcome target for each required performance indicator and each optional indicator that you plan to include; must include at least 1 locally determined indicator each for “Personal Foundation for Success” and “Financial Foundation for Success”; quarterly target totals should show the ramp up each quarter, and the targets for the final quarter must equal the project targets set in the EcSA Proposal Application for each indicator. WDCs are encouraged to turn in a draft quarterly outcomes tab early for review, to ensure it is completed correctly.
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
3. Attachments
One-page logic model outlining program design
Letters of commitment from each partner. These are more than just letters of support, and must include evidence of significant engagement in the application design and specific commitments such as donated staff time, facilities use, cash, in-kind etc. Applications with letters that do not include this evidence will be considered incomplete.
Key Personnel curriculum vitae (2 page max for each key person)
APPLICATION REVIEW:
1. Review and approval processes – Proposals will be scored and evaluated by a proposal review team selected by ESD. The proposal review team will recommend funding based on scores and other considerations, such as reviewer comments, review team discussion, proposal components (e.g. partner letters of commitment, quarterly outcomes tab, budgets, and other components); and equitable geographic distribution of projects. Up to four applicants will be funded. ESD may require project modifications, including budget modifications.
2. Scoring Criteria
EcSA Application Form – Proposal Details Possible Points
1. Outcomes (40 points)
Projected Outcomes Table.
Baseline data is provided for each identified outcome.
Outcome are ambitious, but realistic and feasible given the partners, design of program activities, timeline, and budget.
Projected outcomes indicate substantial increases over baseline
35
Data Sources.
The data source(s) used are clearly explained
Applicant utilized credible or suggested sources (ALICE, American Fact Finder)
5
2. Geographic Community (20 points)
Description of the the identified geographic community and demonstrating the need for this program. (question 2a)
Statistics describing poverty in the area (number of individuals or households receiving SNAP benefits, number of individuals or households below 100% of FPL) are provided to clearly demonstrate the need for this project in the target community
Specific marginalized or underserved populations in the target community are identified and described, with appropriate supporting data
10
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
Description of changes to existing programs, local practices, and funding streams that will occur as a result of your program. (question 2b)
There is a clear description of how existing programs, practices, and funding streams will change for each partner agency
The application clearly outlines how the proposed model will empower local programs to work together seamlessly to reduce poverty in this community
10
3. Partnership (20 points)
Description of the program partnership plan. (question 3a)
The response clearly outlines how partnering organizations will collaborate to improve outcomes for individuals in poverty
There is a description of each partner’s role in planning, implementation and governance and key personnel involved and their roles and responsibilities are identified
The response identifies team that will meet to review progress and ensure the outcomes are achieved and identifies how frequently this team will meet
10
Description of how individuals in poverty are included in all phases of program design. (3b)
The response clearly outlines how equity is factored into the program design and how individuals in poverty are included all phases of program design and implementation
5
Description of local leveraged resources. (3c)
The response clearly outlines the resources each partner organization will contribute (cash and in-kind, described in specific dollar figures).
The response includes indication of the total cash leverage and total in-kind leverage for the program
5
Program Design (45 points)
Outline of key program objectives, outcomes the project will achieve, and activities that will be conducted to accomplish intended outcomes. (4a)
The applicant addresses all design requirements
The response clearly explains how program objectives and activities will lead to the intended outcomes
The applicant explains the reasons for their program design decisions
25
Partnership development and implementation of career plans that lead to earnings above 200% of FPL and streamlining of access to leveraged resources and services from all local partners. (4b)
The response clearly explains how career plans will be developed and how career plans will lead to earnings above 200% of FPL
5
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
The response clearly outlines how partners will streamline services and leveraged resources
Engagement of organizations representing low-income individuals to provide community mentors for EcSA participants. (4c)
Response demonstrates a clear plan to provide mentors that establish community and peer support for participants
5
Helping participants establish personal stability as a foundation for success. (4d)
Applicant clearly explains how they will address individual and historical trauma, behavioral health, soft skills/workplace readiness, and other issues that are barriers to success for participants
5
Helping EcSA participants establish initial financial stability as a foundation for success. (4e)
Applicant clearly explains how they will ensure participants receive all housing and financial benefits for which they are eligible
5
EcSA Budget Form (25)
Line Item Budget
Includes line item detail for all expenses for WIOA funds and leveraged resources
Budget narrative includes enough detail to highlight the program activities supported and to allow reviewers to determine whether costs are reasonable and necessary.
Quarterly Expenditures
Includes the amount of WIOA funds that are planned to be expended in each quarter
Demonstrates that 75% of awarded funds will be expended by June 30, 2021 expenditure
Total dollar amount equals the total amount of WIOA funds requested. Quarterly Outcomes
Includes the planned quarterly outcome targets for each required performance indicator and applicable optional indicators
Includes at least 1 locally determined indicator “Personal Foundation for Success”
Includes at least 1 locally determined indicator “Financial Foundation for Success”
Target totals equal targets set in the EcSA Proposal Application for each indicator.
25
Total Points Possible 150
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
SECTION THREE: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TIMELINE:
March 15 - RFP released March 20, April 1 – Q & A Webinars May 22 - RFP application due date June 4 - applications reviewed June 14 - Awards announced. Letters to applicants and stakeholders July 1, 2019 - contracts complete, performance period begins Quarterly throughout life of the contract: Quarterly reports and performance review March 31, 2022 - End of contract June 30, 2022 - Final close out
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
Number of SNAP/SNAP-eligible households moved to household income above 200% of FPL.
Number of EcSA participants moved to income above $32,480. (200% of FPL for a family of 2) (optional)
Number of households below 200% FPL in the community pre-intervention (baseline); number post-intervention; and total decline in poverty (below 200% FPL) as a percentage and total number of households. (based on U.S. Census data or other reliable data sources that can be verified)
Locally-determined measure(s) for personal stability, see item #7 in Design Requirements, above.
Locally-determined measure(s) for financial stability, see item #8 in Design Requirements, above.
PARTNERSHIPS:
The EcSA initiative encourages applicants to develop strong, lasting partnerships, with clearly identified governance structures and coordinated staff expertise, resources, and services across multiple organizations. They should also take into account local community needs and resources, with attention to racial and cultural equity, and should consider including partners that represent the range of services available in the local area to support individuals as they move out of poverty.
Required Partners
At least one organization that serves individuals experiencing poverty, such as communities of color, high-poverty rural communities, and tribal nations.
A local DSHS Community Service Office
Recommended Partners to Consider:
Homeless providers funded by Department of Commerce
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
WorkSource Centers including Strategies for Success
Tribal nations
Refugee service organizations
Local employers
Local nonprofits
Labor organizations
Department of Commerce programs
Department of Social & Health Services
Rural Resources/Community Action Networks
Basic Food Employment & Training Providers
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Division of Services for the Blind
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation
Behavioral health providers
Health Care Authority
Children’s Administration/Childcare providers
Housing agencies
Local municipalities or government authorities
Legal support agencies
Jobs for Washington Graduates;
Social Enterprise entities (e.g.Goodwill, Fare Start, Pioneer Human Services, Skills Inc.)
Pre-apprenticeship programs;
Registered Apprenticeship (including TERO)
Registered apprenticeships
Higher Education/CTE programs
Community and technical colleges
Private Career Schools
Open Doors Schools
Other postsecondary education and training providers
Gear-Up
College Success Foundation
Washington State Opportunity Scholarships
Core-Plus
MESA
WIOA ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES:
Grants awarded through this solicitation will be subject to and governed by all applicable WIOA regulations and the WIOA Federal Award Terms. The WIOA Eligibility Policy Handbook is a helpful policy reference. If you have WIOA policy related questions, contact [email protected] and include John Traugott at [email protected].
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
APPLICANT PLANNING RESOURCES:
During the application period, ESD will provide access to RFP related information, data available from the Governor’s Poverty Reduction Workgroup, Frequently asked questions (FAQs), and other resources to local teams to assist with proposal development. This information will be available on the Workforce Professionals Center webpage. Additionally, ESD will host two Q & A webinars: March 20, 2019 – 10:00am to 11:30am PST and April 1, 2019 – 3:00pm to 4:00pm PST. Participation in these webinars by potential applicants and partners is encouraged, but not mandatory. The webinars will cover questions raised by the RFP. For connection information, contact the RFP Coordinator, John Traugott or visit the Workforce Professionals Center webpage. For questions related to Economic Security for All and the RFP process, contact:
John Traugott Workforce Initiatives Manager Washington State Employment Security Department Ph. 360.701.8731 [email protected]
CONTRACT AWARDEE EXPECTATIONS: Reporting WDCs will collect data from partners and submit a single quarterly report to ESD, in a format provided by ESD. Program participants and the services they receive will be documented in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) management system, or its successor. Peer-to-Peer Calls To enable learning and replication of successful ideas across the state, representatives of the WDCs and their local partners will take part in statewide quarterly peer-to-peer learning event (by phone or in person) and lead discussion of promising practices, challenges, and shared technical assistance to other project teams to encourage peer learning and enhance teamwork. 3rd Party Evaluation Funded applicants are required to cooperate with a third party evaluator to collect and report data elements for all participants. This is intended to enable a better understanding of initiative’s initial impacts and potential long-term outcomes. Third party evaluation will provide value-added information to partners and policy makers, inform future implementation and funding, and ensure compliance with WIOA program evaluation requirements.
REVISIONS TO THE RFP:
Addenda will be provided via e-mail to all individuals who have made the RFP Coordinator aware of their interest. Addenda will also be published on the Workforce Professionals Center. For this purpose,
ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALL APPLICATION 2019
the published questions and answers and any other pertinent information or changes shall be provided as an addendum to the RFP and will be placed on the website. If you downloaded this RFP from the Agency website located at: Workforce Professionals Center, you are responsible for sending your name, e-mail address, and telephone number to the RFP Coordinator in order for your organization to receive any RFP addenda.
The AGENCY also reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFP, in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract.