TCSO - Inmate Employment Services

Stephanie Klein Corrections Lieutenant Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Facility 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Bldg. 3 Olympia, WA 98502 Phone: (360) 709-5939 Fax: (360) 357-2480 E-mail: stephanie.klein@co.thurston.wa.us 1.6 Proposal Submission and Delivery to the County One (1) original and (4) exact duplicate copies of the proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope no later than 1:00 p.m. on September 28, 2023. No telegraphic, telephone, or facsimile Proposals will be accepted. If mailed, the Vendor should use receipted mail. All envelopes or packages shall be clearly marked on the outside with Vendor’s company name and Inmate Employment Services RFP. Proposals submitted under improperly marked covers may be rejected. Mail Proposals to: Heidi Thomsen Chief Deputy Financial Services Thurston County Sheriff’s Office 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Bldg. 3 Olympia, Washington 98502 1.7 Withdrawal, Resubmission,

or Modification of Proposals A Responder may withdraw the Responder’s final Proposal any time prior to 1:00 pm on September 28, 2023, by submitting a written request for its withdrawal to the county contact. The Responder may thereafter submit a new or modified Proposal prior to 1:00 pm on September 28, 2023. Modification offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered. 1.8 Responder Representative’s Signature The Proposal shall be signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the responding firm contractually. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the company. Companies who sign their contracts with the name of the firm must provide the name of a corporate officer for signature validation by the County. A Proposal may be signed by an agent of the responder only if he/she is an officer of a corporation the responder has authorized to sign contracts on its behalf, a member of a partnership company, or is properly authorized by a power of attorney or equivalent document submitted to the County prior to the submission of Proposals or with the mailto:stephanie.klein@co.thurston.wa.us Proposal. The name and title of the individual signing the Proposal must be typed immediately below the signature. Any unsigned Proposal will be rejected. 1.9 Pre-Proposal Conference and Tour A pre-proposal conference and tour of the facilities will be held at 1:00 p.m. on September 7, 2023. The tour will take place first. Meet in the Reception Area of the Jail, 3941 Ferguson Street SW, Tumwater, Washington 98512. Participation in this Pre- Proposal Conference and tour is recommended for all vendors who wish to participate. Questions may be submitted ahead of time to the Point of Contact listed below. The purpose of the tour will be to offer all interested parties an opportunity to ask questions about the current Employment and Training Services needs. Any substantive questions will be addressed officially in written response. Any addendum or modifications to this Request for Proposal will be mailed to vendors within a reasonable time following the vendor's tour. 1.10 Contract Period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. The County reserves the right to extend the contract for four (4) one-year terms. 1.11 Proposal Opening Proposal Opening will occur in the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Facility on, September 29, 2023, at approximately 8:30 a.m. At the time of opening, only the names of those who submitted proposals will be made public information. No pricing or staffing information will be released until after the award is made. 1.12 Schedule of Events Vendor’s Tour September 7, 2023 Deadline for Receiving Questions September 12, 2023 Deadline for Answering Questions September 21, 2023 Proposal Deadline September 28, 2023 Proposal Opening: September 29, 2023 Contract Commencement January 1, 2024 1.13 Selection of Service Provider and Negotiation of Terms Pursuant to the County’s Purchasing Policy the County reserves the right to select the service provider by a process of discussions and negotiations with any or all qualified responders. Alterations by negotiation in the nature of a proposal and in prices/rates may be made after proposals are opened. The award of the contract may be made to the most responsive/responsible proposal offering a product of service deemed to be the best fit for the jail. The County reserves the right to make award by items, groups, classes, or items as a whole (or not at all) in whichever is deemed to be in the best interest of the County. 1.14 Delays The County reserves the right to delay the scheduled due dates and start dates if it is to the advantage of the County. There shall be no additional costs assessed by responders do to these delays should any occur. 1.15 Accuracy Disclaimer Information and data provided throughout this RFP are believed to be reasonably accurate. The responder shall thoroughly acquaint themselves with the proposed project and all State Statutes, and regulations relating to the execution of the Proposal. The responder will not be allowed additional compensation for their failure to be informed. 1.16 Cost Liability The County assumes no responsibility and no liability for costs incurred by Responders for preparing Proposals. All Proposals shall provide a straight forward, concise delineation of the responder’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFP. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content. RULES AND FORMAT 2.0 Evaluation The evaluation team will conduct an initial review and short-list 2 or 3 firms to be evaluated and scored. The Evaluation Team may invite the Respondents submitting the most appropriate proposals for an oral interview at the Thurston County Corrections Facility. The Team may also ask these selected Respondents for further written information related to the proposed services, respondent capabilities, and client references. The evaluation of proposals and the determination as to the quality of Employment and Training Services shall be the sole and final responsibility of the County and will be based on the information furnished by the vendor, references, interviews, background and financial checks, and the highest score shall be the finalist. This evaluation shall be performed by a project evaluation team, which will be comprised of personnel employed/ contracted by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Correction’s Bureau. The evaluation will consist of the following categories: a. Inmate Employment Service experience, particularly jail experience working with a population who have issues with a substance abuse disorder and/or mental health. (50%), b. Recruitment and Screening plan for staff (15%), c. References of organization (15%), d. Cost Proposal (10%), e. Interviews (10%) 2.1 Contract Award Process and Rejection of Proposals When the Evaluation Team has completed its deliberations, it may then engage in the selection process referenced in Section 1.13. The decision of the Committee shall be final and conclusive. The County reserves the right (i) to reject any and all proposals for good cause, including any proposal that is materially incomplete or irregular or any part of any proposal, (ii) to waive minor defects or technicalities, or (iii) to solicit new proposals on the same project or on a modified project that may include portions of the originally proposed project as the County, in the exercise of their sole and unfettered discretion, may deem necessary. Vendors may be required to submit satisfactory evidence that they have the necessary financial resources to perform and complete the work outlined in this RFP. If the Evaluation Team and the Finalist are unable to agree to contract terms and conditions, Thurston County reserves the right to terminate negotiations with the Finalist and initiate negotiations with the Respondent receiving the next higher score. Upon completion of negotiations, the Team will develop the contract and submit it to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. Submission of a proposal implies the Respondent’s acceptance of the evaluation criteria and process and recognition that subjective judgments may be made by the Evaluation Team. 2.2 Term of the Proposed Contract The contract resulting from this Request for Proposal shall be for a one year period beginning January 1, 2024 and continuing through December 31, 2024. The contract may be extended for four (4) one year terms. 2.3 Format for Proposal Each vendor must respond to each and every component outlined in this RFP. Proposals must be submitted in Times New Roman font, size 12 on 8.5 by 11 inch paper bound securely. Do not use italic type, acronyms or abbreviations in the document. Proposals should be organized and presented in the order and by the number assigned in the RFP to be considered responsive. A proposal that fails to follow this format or that takes exceptions, or is incomplete or conditional may be rejected. COMPANY PROFILE 3.0 Organization Specify the date the responder became an Employment Services provider. Also include when the responder began providing services in or out of correctional facilities. Provide a brief history of the organization, management structure, and current services provided, target populations served, and any other relevant information pertinent to demonstrating the firm’s capability. 3.1 Experience Specify experience in Inmate Employment Services. Include in your discussion: a. Number of employees employed by the corporation, b. Annualized dollars of payroll, and c. Number of years in business. 3.2 Current Contracts Describe current contracts and include the following information: a. Client name, address, and telephone number, b. Date of original contract and expiration date, c. Number of renewals (if applicable), d. Type and size of facility, and e. Dollar amount of contract. 3.3 Malpractice and Litigation History Provide a list of all litigation the Corporation has been or is currently involved in during the last three years. Include a narrative describing all cases that were settled and amounts of settlement. 3.4 Prior Performance Fines and Penalties Provide a listing of fines incurred under contracts in other jurisdictions for non- performance of duties in whole or in part, which exceed $10,000 for the past three years. List all contracts in which you experienced a loss of funds due to delays, damages, liquidated damages, and or forfeiture of performance bond in whole or in part. 3.5 Contractual Experience List all contracts lost, or not renewed (list contact person and telephone number), for a three-year period. Provide a narrative describing reason for contracts that have not been renewed. Specify any contracts from which the Responder was relieved or any contracts that have been canceled prematurely. 3.6 Corporate Reorganization Discuss any corporate reorganization or restructuring that has occurred within the last three years and discuss how the restructuring will impact upon the firm’s ability to provide services proposed. Responder shall disclose the existence of any related entities (sharing corporate structure) or principal officers doing business in the field of Inmate Employment and Training Services. 3.7 Merger or Acquisition The responder is required to notify the County of any potential for merger or acquisition of which there is knowledge at the time that the proposal is submitted. 3.8 Contractual Obligations Describe other current or anticipated contractual obligations that have been awarded which will coincide with the terms of this contract. 3.9 Organizational Structure Provide an organizational chart delineating corporate office organizational structure. Include a project organizational chart showing your proposed employment services team. 3.10 Financial Statements Provide financial statements for a two-year period. If the responder is a solely owned subsidiary of another company or corporation, and does not possess financial statements, un-audited financial statements for the subsidiary for a two-year period must be submitted as supplemental information to the company’s financial statements in order to meet this requirement. Audited financial statements shall be submitted to the County annually during the term of this Contract. 3.11 References Submit the names, business address, telephone and fax numbers of at least five individuals and/or organizations who can attest to the responder’s capability to carry out the requirements set forth in this offer. The responder is cautioned that it is the responder’s sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories. Failure of the responder to submit such information may cause and adverse impact on the responder’s proposal. Thurston County reserves the right to conduct an extensive background check and consider historic information and facts gained from the responder’s proposal, oral presentation, references or other objective data, in the evaluation process. SCOPE OF SERVICES 4.0 Statement of Work • Provide direct service to Thurston County Corrections point of contact and respond to directions necessary to meet the Corrections Facility’s rules and regulations and to ensure staff and program compliance. • Provide general and specific pre-employment skills training at the Thurston County Corrections facility for their General Population and at contractor’s worksite for Options (Work Release) inmates. The target population is male and female adults within the Thurston County Corrections system. Inmates participating in the program will have histories of mental health issues and/or repeated drug-related arrests and offenses. In many cases, they may have repeated failed attempts in substance abuse treatment programs. Inmates identified with mental health issues are assessed by Mental Health Professionals who work closely with Corrections Deputies and Treatment Staff. Mental health and substance abuse treatment services are provided for the target population. • The minimum number of participants in the program each quarter is 25 and 100 for each year. • Provide employment readiness assessments, case management and re- employment workshops to Thurston County jail inmates and Work Release inmates during the contract period. • Provide job readiness assessments to all referred inmates, using an evidenced based assessment tool, in addition to an intake assessment, to determine each inmate’s education level, work experience, skills and interests, barriers to employment and involvement in therapeutic services (treatment, groups, AA, etc.) • Provide “soft skill” training, including reviewing the importance of punctuality and attendance, appropriate attire, the ability to accept criticism, working collaboratively, and work ethic. • Provide staff training, supervision, competency and support in program development, curriculum delivery and proficiency. • Provide case management support services for program participants focused on identifying and overcoming barriers to employment and developing specific skills and resources for program participants. • Complete an individualized transition portfolio for program participants to document essential information in order to assist participants in moving and obtaining current and post release goals. • Provide or link clients to the support services they need to help them retain employment including addressing child support issues, housing, childcare, and transportation, which can all compromise employment success. • Recruit employers to hire individuals with criminal records. Emphasize the financial incentives employers can accrue when they hire qualified applicants with criminal histories. Assist employers in securing federal bonds through the Federal Bonding Program or tax credits (Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and State tax incentives, if available) and other employee training funds that may be available through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) assistance. • Provide mentoring days to give the offender the opportunity to connect with employers who hire ex-offenders. • Provide post-placement or follow-up services that include crisis intervention, continued support and career advancement guidance. • Form collaborations with other agencies that will enhance and support successful workforce development. • Provide the database, tracking and statistical information related to program