Request for Proposal

“Workforce Analysis and Emerging Sector Strategic Analysis & Action Plan”
Workforce, Education & Economic Development Strategy
Green River Region of Kentucky

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) and the Green River Workforce Investment Board (GRWIB) are seeking proposals from professional firms to assist in the preparation of a Regional Economic Growth Strategy consisting of three components:

• Workforce Skills Analysis of the Green River seven (7) county region;
• Sector Analysis, identifying emerging sectors of the region's economy with the most promise for economic growth; and an
• Action Plan that outlines implementation strategies and specific action activities for the Region.

The focus of this project is to position our regional economy in the most competitive and sustainable position over the next five (5) to ten (10) years and beyond. The Region is seven (7) counties located in the North West area of Kentucky. Counties included in the regional analysis are Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster. The economic impact of the region also extends into several other counties in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

To help identify these unique opportunities, the GRADD/GRWIB is seeking highly qualified professional and creative regional economic development assistance. The assistance includes not only the preparation of the report, but also the clear articulation of these findings and directions in communicating to the Workforce, Education, and Economic Development community for their understanding and support of these strategies/actions. Funding for the project is 100% federal funds provided by Workforce Investment Act.

Vendors are encouraged, but not required to submit proposals electronically. Proposals, whether mailed, hand delivered, or submitted electronically, must arrive at the GRADD no later than 4:30 pm (CDT) on October 5, 2011.

>>View the full RFP

>>View Sector Report

>>Post a comment or ask a question


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS >>
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Question:
Are you able to tell us the anticipated budget for this project?
Answer:
The GRWIB has not established a budget for this project. The board understands that the scope of the project is extensive and wants to evaluate the merits of each proposal and the applicable cost. If the cost exceeds what the board determines to be reasonable for the project scope, they may decide to negotiate to reduce the scope and the cost accordingly.

Question:
How much input from leadership, businesses, and your citizens do you desire for this project? You mention that several plans have already been done recently, which probably required a lot input which can be inserted into this project. Do you expect the required community forums to be focused on local leadership, or be more broad-based (citizens, businesses, etc.)?
Answer:
By coordinating with economic development, education, and other workforce agencies, the WIB anticipates input from a significant number of sources. The forums should be focused on local leadership and business/industry.

Question:
We like that you see this project as "developing projects/strategies/ideas rather than just a planning document." Our target selection process emphasizes the requirements of companies and target sectors as a primary driver of the plan and the workforce strategies. Would you be open to a process that splits the Workforce report in two: Workforce Assessment and Workforce Needs/Strategies?
Answer:
Yes, this approach is acceptable.

Question:
We can't say where the workforce gaps are until we assess which industries will be the drivers of growth and targets for the community. This is how we conducted the Pennyrile plan that we completed last November. The RFP references assessment of the workforce in adjacent counties outside of the region. Do you also want to consider the perspective of employers in those adjacent counties?
Answer:
Not particularly.

Question:
What other regions do you see as your competitor regions? In Kentucky, elsewhere in the US, and globally?
Answer:
Paul Coomes from the University of Louisville identified 10 benchmark regions for Owensboro as follows:
    • Dubuque, IA
    • Kokomo, IN
    • Danville, VA
    • Albany, GA
    • Jonesboro, AK
    • Pine Bluff, AK
    • Lewiston-Auburn, ME
    • Elmira, NY
    • Victoria, TX
    • LaCrosse, WI

Question:
Do you envision a survey of businesses or even citizens to aid in our assessment of the workforce's capabilities? These can be expensive and time-consuming if so.
Answer:
The proposal left it open for the consultant to determine the best way to conduct the assessment and/or obtain the information. The Board is open to a range of possibilities!  We are currently using forums and Survey Monkey to obtain information from health care employers. This information will be available to the consultant along with surveys conducted by local economic development agencies. We had not considered a survey of citizens but are certainly open to it.

Question:
Do you have a budget range for this project? Our planning process for the Pennyrile had a budget of more than $200,000, while the ADD/WIB plan for West Kentucky (Paducah) was under $100,000. Knowing an approximate range helps us package the right level of research, input, and consultant trips. Sending you a proposal with a budget that 2x or 1/2x isn't all that helpful to you.
Answer:
The GRWIB has not established a budget for this project. The board understands that the scope of the project is extensive and wants to evaluate the merits of each proposal and the applicable cost. If the cost exceeds what the board determines to be reasonable for the project scope, they may decide to negotiate to reduce the scope and the cost accordingly.

Question:
Do you have an approximate percentage split between the two components, either in terms of hours, budget or emphasis?
Answer:
The board did not determine a split, but the emphasis is certainly on the strategic/action plan.

Question:
Who are the local, state, and federal funding contributors to this plan? Are both the WIB and ADD contributing to the budget? The RFP states that it’s 100% WIA funds.
Answer:
At this time, the WIB is providing 100% of the funding from WIA.

Question:
At the top of page 4, the RFP states that the Green River WIB, Regional Leadership Team, and GRADD staff will provide community insight…”. Can you tell us who comprises the Regional Leadership Team? We are not seeking names here, rather the type of representation, numbers, level of representation, etc.
Answer:
The Regional Leadership team is comprised of the following representatives: LWIB Chairman, Business & Industry (Rio Tinto Alcan, Owensboro Medical Health Systems, Tyson Foods), Office of Employment & Training (Regional Manager),Workforce Development Director (LWIB),  Economic Development Directors (5), Career & Tech Ed (Secondary), Area Technology Center (Secondary), Kentucky Adult Education, Henderson City Government, Community Colleges (2 Presidents), Regional Transportation Agency (GRITS), and a Public University (Western KY University – Owensboro Campus).

Question:
Can you clarify what the “Organizational Financial Information” that needs to be included entails, listed on page 9?
Answer:
Please include the type of organization and details that may become contract issues, such as: kind of financial process/system you have in place, can you pay bills until reimbursed, any financial monitoring issues, do you have financial procedures in place, any audit findings and resolutions.

Question:
How much budget detail are you looking for? Since this is a fixed-price contract, is it OK to simply quote one amount for the total of all deliverables?
Answer:
At a minimum, please break it out by the three components: workforce skill analysis, sector analysis, and the action plan.
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