Narrative: c. 1.

The State Workforce Development Board (MOWDB) requires that local boards award grants for local youth activities through a competitive procurement process in accordance with their local procurement procedures which must be in compliance with the provisions of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations based on recommendations of the Local Youth Advisory Committee and/or Workforce Development Board. The only exception to this requirement is for the design framework component such as services for intake, objective assessment and development of the Individual Service Strategy (ISS).

The procurement must be a process that provides for full and open competition and avoids even the appearance of a conflict of interest (either individually or organizationally). Procurement actions must be conducted in a manner that provides for full and open competition and prevents the existence of conflicting roles that might bias judgment and cause unfair competitive advantage. Such actions must assure separation of those who develop or issue the solicitation, or are involved in the selection process, from those who bid upon it. Accordingly, an identifiable sub-unit of the local government or non-governmental organization may not submit a bid or an offer on a grant or contract solicitation if that sub-unit is involved in the development of the solicitation, the review, evaluation and selection process, or the ongoing post award administration (including oversight) of the award.

Supporting documentation of the history of each procurement action must be maintained. Such documentation must include a rationale for: the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Such documentation also includes evaluation criteria or rating factors to support the provider’s ability to perform successfully, with consideration given to integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, in addition to financial and technical resources, that follow state and federal guidelines.

Contracts must be awarded based on the vendor’s:

• Ability to deliver services to the targeted population in accordance with locally established guidelines;

• Experience in working with youth in similar programs and activities;

• Past and current collaboration with other service providers

• Past performance record, including both programmatic and fiscal integrity;

• Understanding of and commitment to meeting goals and objectives; and

• Demonstration of understanding of and commitment to continuous improvement methods.

The following requirements can be found in OWD Issuance 15-2019:

If a LWDB chooses to award grants or contracts to youth service providers, to carry out youth workforce investment activities it must:

o Identify youth service providers based on criteria established in the State Plan;

o Take into consideration the ability of the provider to meet performance accountability measures;

o Award such grants or contracts on a competitive basis and in accordance with the Procurement Stands found at Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR parts 200 and 2900; and

o If the service provider (entity) selected fulfills another role in the local area, the LWDB must provide a signed written agreement40 with the LWDB and CEO which clarifies expectations for those roles and describes a clear method of tracking effective execution and accountability for the distinct roles.

Local regions must follow the substate monitoring guidelines for programmatic and financial monitoring of youth providers.  They also must do data element validation to insure performance of youth providers.