Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): 220111
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): NPower Inc. DBA Tech TSC, Inc.
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent for approval of an award on the basis of best proposal meeting requirements and that the County Judge execute an agreement with NPower Inc. DBA Tech TSC, Inc. for training for apprenticeship workforce program for Harris County for the period of January 31, 2023- February 1, 2025, with one (1) two-year renewal options (220111), Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature.
end
Background and Discussion:
In March 2022, Commissioners Court approved advertisement of RFPs for Apprenticeship Workforce Program, targeting expansion and creation of opportunities for the US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs in traditional and high growth emerging industries within Harris County with wrap-around support services. The RFP selection committee reviewed proposals and the following subrecipient was chosen based on meeting program requirements and quality of program services: NPower Inc.
NPower is a national organization with an existing presence in Texas that has the required experience, industry-recognized curriculum, established employer and apprenticeship partnerships, culturally competent professional leaders, and financial capacity to deliver a holistic Tech Fundamentals program. The Tech Fundamentals program, administered by NPower, is a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the US Department of Labor, and provides trainees with half-day tech skills training, professional development, social support, job placement, and post-program career support.
The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the loss of employment by numerous Harris County residents. Cuts to consumption, widespread illness, and social distancing rules dramatically affected businesses, resulting in record job losses and layoffs. As with any other negative economic shock, the pandemic also resulted in certain industries shifting rapidly, creating a need to upskill and reskill large segments of the population. For example, the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk found that nationally, the lack of available and qualified construction personnel is affecting nearly all construction firms’ ability to complete projects on time and on schedule.
These apprenticeship programs will assist at correcting both the labor supply and labor demand problems that have been spurred by the pandemic. Long-term, high-quality training programs help workers and employers alike emerge in a better position from the negative economic shock of COVID-19. The Apprenticeship Advantage Program, a comprehensive workforce training initiative, and the trainings it provides will be essential to transform the economy into one that supports all workers.
Expected Impact:
The intended goals of the programs include:
• Expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities in high demand and/or growth industries and create new apprenticeship opportunities in high growth emerging industries in Harris County with individual coaching, and a pipeline to open employment opportunities.
• Incentivize the placement of workers in quality jobs that pay at least $15/hr. with employee health benefits.
• Provide wraparound support and financial resources to residents experiencing un- and under-employment for successful completion of programs and transition to work.
• Evaluate changes in job placement and wages over time and impact of wraparound support for clients served.
Funding for Apprenticeship Advantage will come from the State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and no increase will occur to DEEO’s general fund budget.
Alternative Options:
Not funding the Apprenticeship Advantage workforce program will result in Harris County not using available ARPA funds to create and expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities in high growth, in demand and emerging industries for Harris County residents to gain employment and increase their wages.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
X_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
3/22/2022 |
22-2006 |
Approval of a project scheduled for advertisement and consent for Request for Proposal for training for Apprenticeship Workforce Program for Harris County (220112) |
Location:
Address (if applicable): N/A
Precinct(s): Countywide
|
Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
|
Service Name |
Apprenticeship Advantage |
|
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FY 23 |
FY 24 |
Next 3 FYs |
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Incremental Expenditures (do NOT write values in thousands or millions) |
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Labor Expenditures |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Non-Labor Expenditures |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Incremental Expenditures |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Funding Sources (do NOT write values in thousands or millions) |
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Existing Budget |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Current Budget |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Additional Budget Requested |
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2651 - American Rescue Plan 2021 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Additional Budget Requested |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Funding Sources |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
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Additional Positions Requested |
- |
- |
- |
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Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: 1/31/2023
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Diana Ramirez, Executive Director, Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity; Estella Gonzalez, Director, Program Planning & Innovation, Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity; Hope Jackson, Sr. Program Manager, Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity, Kenneth Jackson, Senior Buyer, Purchasing
Attachments (if applicable): Letter