RFP: WorkSource Pierce One-Stop System Operator

A WorkSource Pierce One-Stop System Operator was not selected as a result of the procurement that closed on November 20, 2020.  A One-Stop Operator was selected from a second procurement process and approved by the Workforce Development Board on April 21, 2022. See more information HERE.

WorkForce Central is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for WorkSource Pierce One-Stop System Operator services.

***We are no longer accepting submissions for this RFP.***

We are seeking proposals from local individuals and organizations with demonstrated expertise, neutrality, and capacity to administer the local service delivery system. The WorkSource Pierce One-Stop System Operator will collaborate with WorkForce Central and WorkSource Pierce partners to ensure the system is customer focused, integrated, relational, and offers comprehensive solutions to job seekers, workers, and businesses.

WorkSource Pierce One-Stop System Operator services will be funded under Title I of the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA). For planning purposes, bidders should estimate WIOA funding of up to $225,000 for this RFP.

We request your assistance in sharing this RFP with as many potential bidders as possible.

Please consider sharing with your networks. Local organizations and non-profits who work to advance equity and access are encouraged to apply. Thank you in advance for your help disseminating this opportunity, and for your partnership and investment in our community’s workforce development system.

Please email your questions regarding this RFP to procurement@workforce-central.org and include the RFP number in the subject line. Questions and answers will be posted to this webpage as they become available. The deadline for written questions is November 12, 2020, 5:oo pm PST.

Who currently serves as the OSSO and how long have they been in that role?

Lori Strumpf & Associates has served as our One-Stop Systems Operator for the past three years, building a critical foundation for the system.  The new OSSO will focus on sustaining that foundation, partnership engagement and streamlining system processes.

 

What is the seat cost per FTE?  Clarification:  What is the cost to the Operator for the space to be located at the WorkSource?

One office with a closed door will be provided for the OSSO selected. OSSOs do not need to budget that office space in their proposals.

 

How many staff is on the current team?

The WorkSource Pierce One-Stop Center has an estimated 60 personnel and eight system partners who operate out of the Center.

 

When is the next One-Stop Certification due?

The One-Stop Center just received its most recent certification, and it is not due again until July 2022.

 

Is cloud-based software supporting part of the participant intake process a permissible covered operational expense?  (Software as a service)

All software will be researched before approval and is an allowable cost.

 

Will an office space or cubicle space be provided for the One-Stop Operator? 

Yes, there is an office space with a door that will be provided to the OSSO with equipment ready for use.

 

How many affiliate sites are there?

In Pierce County we have one Comprehensive Center, two Affiliate sites, and the Pierce County Library System has 18 certified connection or satellite sites throughout Pierce County.

 

Who is the OSSO report too?

The OSSO reports out to the Center leadership team which is comprised of the MOU system partners and who are accountable for providing feedback and facilitating the systems work of the OSSO role.  Workforce Central is a trusted partner who assists in facilitating the contractor’s work and operates at the service of the system partnership.

 

Are you able to share any performance matrix used to evaluate the current OSSO role?

We will work  with the OSSO chosen through the RFP process to refine the deliverables of the contract. At a strategic level, performance will be determined by:

• Strength and quality of partner alignment in how the Pierce County WorkSource system partners are working together and delivering services
• Streamlined and high quality One-Stop Center operations
• Responsiveness to system partner priorities
• Development, implementation, maintenance of shared service and data collection systems in alignment with identified system partner priorities
• Ease and equitability of access to WorkSource system for businesses and job seekers

 

Is there currently a staff person to assist the resource room customers?  Or should that be budgeted in this RFP?

Employment Security Department is the partner whose role is to oversee the resource room.  System partners who work at the One-Stop Center also assist on a rotational basis.  A staff person to provide assistance in the resource room does not need to be included in proposal budgets.

 

Will we need to budget for supplies?

Yes.

 

Could you give a quick little clarification on the Conflict of Interest section?  I need more information about what that Conflict of Interest means.  If, for examples, our organization serves on one of the committees already, or if we were to be currently funded, or look at funding in the future, what does that mean for this role?

This role does not preclude any future funding opportunities through WorkForce Central.  WorkForce Central will work with the selected OSSO to ensure clearly defined and distinguished guidelines for how decisions are made and by whom, with a wall of neutrality maintained.

 

Are there any specific challenges that we should be aware of when writing our proposals?

There are no specific challenges to address in writing proposals.  Our recommendation is to review the RFP and approach your proposal with a systems and partnership mindset.

 

Will the OSSO service as a business services leader or assist with business services?

Our current OSSO facilitates the system’s Business Solutions Committee.  Workforce Central has recently resumed providing Business Services directly, rather than subcontracting this service, with the Business Services Team focusing on creating a system with a single point of contact across the partnership.  The selected OSSO may participate in this work but will not be expected to provide leadership.

 

I was wondering what format and information you would like included to submit an LOI for this RFP?

I have included language from the WorkSource Pierce One-Stop System Operator RFP concerning requirements for the Letter of Intent below.  You can access the full RFP at:  https://workforce-central.org/2020/10/15/request-for-proposals-worksource-pierce-one-stop-system-operator/

Letter of Intent Requirements: Entities planning to respond to this RFP must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to procurement@workforce-central.org by November 5, 2020 with the RFP number in the subject line of the email.  The LOI may be submitted as an attachment or included in the body of an email and must include the organization’s name, point person name, and contact information.  If the LOI is not received, proposal will be automatically disqualified.