Alameda County Social Services Agency ======
COUNTY OF ALAMEDA
Request For Proposals (RFP)
For
2010/2011 Refugee Employment & Social Adjustment (Employment Services Department)
ADDENDEM #1
Refugee employment & Social Adjustment RFP Bidders Conference Q & A
ALAMEDA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY
REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RFP 2010-11
BIDDERS CONFERENCE Questions and Answers
October 14, 2010 – Hayward & Oakland
Q # 1:“Non-Refugee sources” of funding? What would this include?
A # 1:In-kind contribution and any additional resources that are not refugee funds, other Federal funding or funds fully restricted by the specific grantor of those funds.
Q # 2:Can SSA be listed as a reference?
A # 2: Yes.
Q # 3:On page # 7 of the RFP (first paragraph) where it states “ services for refugee participants should be no more than 6 months duration with a Full time schedule (5 days/week and at least 6 hours a day).
Does this mean that participants have to be enrolled in a 5 day/week, 6hours/day VESL program?
How doe this Full-time participant schedule look for employment services?
A # 3: Participants are required to attend ES and VESL training 30 hours a week.
Q # 4:Are you looking for a (minimum) percentage of services to be offered in South County VS North County.
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A # 4:we are looking for services to be provided at a ratio of 25% for the South County and 75% for the North County.
Q# 5. Can one organization apply for the same service (for example: ES) in different proposals (One by itself and one in partnership with other organizations)?
A # 5: Yes. Proposer need to describe how the partnership is formed and the role and responsibility of partners in the proposal.
Q # 6: Will current providers received preferential treatment?
A # 6: No. Proposals are rated by independent rating panel and the rating is based on the RFP rating criteria.
Q # 7: In the RFP, on page 31 under Program design # 9 (Agency’s own description of current and recent past performance, as compared to the County’s records?). How will it be assessed if we don’t have contract with the County?
A# 7: It will be assessed based on what you presented in the proposal.
Q # 8: Explain why the County's SLEB program is not required in the RFP?
A # 8: Because Federal Funds will be used to fund this program, geographical preferences, such as the SLEB program, are prohibited by Federal law.
Q # 9: Explain the County's rationale for requesting a waiver of Alameda County's SLEB program at the time the County applied for HHS funding? Provide a copy of the waiver request.
A # 9: The Federal Code of Regulations (CFR) specifically prohibits geographical preferences for this procurement. This program is covered under CFR number 45 CFR-92. A copy of the waiver is attached.
Q # 10: Explain why the County's First Choice Program is excluded from the RFP?
A # 10: The First Source component of the SLEB Program is also a geographic preference, and is prohibited by Federal law when Federal funds are involved.
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Q # 11: Explain why federal DBE participation goals are not required in the RFP since this project is 100% federally funded?
A # 11: Federal DBE goals are applicable only to highway, mass transit and transportation research and technology programs. Federal DBE requirements do not apply to this program.
Q # 12: Explain why SSA didn't request written questions prior to the date set for the RFP conference?
A # 12: SSA accepts written questions before an RFP conference which are then shared and answered along with other questions that may be presented at the actual conference.
Q # 13: Explain how SSA will assure fair and open competition for SLEBs when there are no SLEB requirements?
A # 13: Alameda County bid programs are open to all qualified competitors. Although no preferences for SLEBs are legally available for this RFP, SLEB bidders are welcome to submit proposals, and their proposals will be fairly considered.
Q # 14: Explain how certified federal DBE's will compete on a level playing field for federally funded projects without DBE participation goals in the RFP?
A # 14: Please see the answer to question four, above.
Q # 15: Explain your definition of "adequate facilities" as set forth in the RFP? CheckBox1 A # 15: Adequate facilities would include ability to provide training and educational type services in a classroom setting of clientele that may vary in number, but inclusive of total number of clients to be served over the award period as specified in the Specifications, Terms & Conditions of this RFP.
Q # 16: Explain why 5 years experience is required as a minimum threshold in the RFP?
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A #: 16: The Social Services Agency is seeking proposals from vendors with extensive direct service provider experience which includes successful service delivery models incorporating language translation, cultural sensitivity to current priority refugee populations leading to positive employment outcomes. The Agency has set a minimum of five years of successful service delivery as aits minimum standard for this project.
Q # 17: Confirm the name of the current provider of these services and how long they've had the contract?
A #17: Lao Family Community Development & Catholic Charities of the East Bay – 3 years each
Q # 18: Please incorporate certified DBE goals in this RFP to comply with 49 CFR 26 et seq., and amend the RFP to incorporate 20% mandatory SLEB revenue participation without exemption.
A # 18: As stated above, DBE goals do not apply to this RFP, and the SLEB program, a geographic preference, is specifically prohibited by the Federal Code of Regulations (CFR).
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