TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute contracts totaling $1,029,073, with service providers to operate Workforce Investment Act Youth Academies, for the period of October 1, 2009 through March 30, 2011; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Investment Network (Network) operates the Youth Opportunity Center to facilitate assistance with education completion, access to career and technical education and training, participation in internships and other work-based experiences.
To maximize outreach in the communities covered by the Network and to deliver many of the above services prescribed by the Workforce Investment Act, the Network contracts with qualified community-based and educational institutions to deliver many of these intensive academic and vocational training program elements.
The Network has existing contracts with six providers for such Youth Academy Projects. In anticipation of additional services needed for youth residing in Network's area, the Workforce Investment Board's Youth Council released a Request for Proposals to identify projects and service providers for the period of October 1, 2009 through March 30, 2011. The procurement focused on projects to serve youth who are economically disadvantaged and possess various barriers to completing an educational program or securing and retaining employment. Proposals were required to provide:
· Collaborative partnerships with education, business, labor, social services and community-based organizations to provide strong career pathways strategies
· Academic achievement and improvement, especially for youth who are basic skills deficient or in need of returning to school
· Education (short- and long-term vocational training) and work experience strategies tied to industry needs that expose, prepare and place youth in high growth, high-demand industries
· Sufficient supportive services and resources to ensure youth success
Four proposals were received and rated by the Youth Council Review Team. Based on proposal scores, a mix of services prioritizing the harder-to-serve out-of-school youth population, and funding availability, the Youth Council reviewed and recommended funding and service levels on August 20, 2009 to the Workforce Investment Board and approved forwarding of the recommendations to the City Council.
Exhibit A outlines the recommended projects, target populations, industry focus areas, approximate numbers to be served, and proposed contract amounts.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson August 27, 2009 and by Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on September 1, 2009.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 6, 2009 in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD). There is no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS J. THYS
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |