TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents, and any needed subsequent amendments, with the Department of Defense through the Office of Economic Adjustment, to accept funds totaling $3,995,609 funded by the Community Economic Adjustment Assistance for Reductions in Defense Industry Employment to implement a project that would address the economic and workforce impact of the C-17 plant closure, for the term of June 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016; execute a contract with Bluedrop Performance Learning in the amount of $2,500,000 to develop web-based platform materials to assist dislocated workers in transitioning their skills; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP) by $3,645,609. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway administers various employment and educational training programs through its Career Transition Center, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, and partnerships with selected community organizations. These programs assist job seekers in acquiring skills leading to employment in high demand occupations by local employers.
Last year, Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the City of Long Beach, submitted a grant request to the Department of Defense through the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) seeking funds to support the anticipated C-17 plant closure in Long Beach. The project will integrate direct services to dislocated workers and create a master plan for the C-17 plant and surrounding parcels to ensure future users can maximize economic benefits of the facility. Pacific Gateway was recently notified that it was approved for $3,995,609 to administer the project.
In support of this program design, Pacific Gateway collaborated with various City Departments to establish program goals and ensure that dislocated workers are given access to services provided under this project. Pacific Gateway will contract with Bluedrop Performance Learning, a company that provides on-line learning and simulation/curricula, and which has an existing contractual relationship with OEA, to develop web-based platform materials to assist dislocated workers in transitioning their skills. The project will include various other elements, once the scopes have been determined, some of which will be provided through existing contracts, and others that will require future Council approval.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson November 6, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on November 2, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 17, 2015, in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pacific Gateway will receive up to $3,995,609 in direct federal funding from the OEA, under the Community Economic Adjustment Assistance for Reductions in Defense Industry Employment funds. This funding requires a non-federal match contribution of up to $446,075, for a total estimated project cost of $4,441,684. The non-federal match requirement will be met through a combination of existing grant-funded employment and training programs, $270,000 of leveraged resources contributed by Bluedrop Performance Learning, and existing staffing resources from the Economic and Property Development and Long Beach Airport Departments.
Pacific Gateway has identified existing budget to support programing expenses in the amount of $350,000. The remaining funding of $3,645,609 is not budgeted; therefore, an appropriation increase for this amount is requested in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150), in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP).
Implementation of this program design will result in a positive local job impact through the services provided to dislocated workers, job seekers and the local business community.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER