Item Description:
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Agmt PR00007154 with National Able Network, Inc. for the provision of One-Stop Operator services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Young Adult Program, 06/01/25-05/31/28, NTE $150,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Agreement providing One-Stop Operator services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act during the period June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2028 be approved.
PR00007154 with National Able Network, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $150,000.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners delegates to the County Administrator authority to finalize the agreement with National Able Network, Inc., that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the county; and the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the acceptance of grant funding for this program by Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
Under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) American Job Centers (or CareerForce Centers in Minnesota) are required to partner with a range of federally-funded employment and training programs to promote the coordination of services on behalf of job seekers and businesses. The One Stop Operator is integral in supporting the system and in coordinating services among these partners, often referred to as “required partners”.
One-Stop Operator services include but are not limited to coordinating service delivery, leveraging resources, and increasing collaboration among the required federally-funded employment and training programs and local workforce providers that comprise the local one-stop system, both within the CareerForce Centers and out in the local community; and assist with implementing the Hennepin-Carver Workforce Development Board’s (HCWDB) Strategic Vision through collaboration, coordinating required one-stop partner activities, and strengthening the talent development ecosystem.
Under Resolution 21-0229, Hennepin County is authorized to receive funds from the Department of Employment and Economic Development during the period April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2026 for the provision of Title I WIOA Services, State Dislocated Worker, and Minnesota Youth Program services.
On September 18, 2024, the Workforce Development Board (WDB) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) pursuant to sec.121(d)(2)(A) of WIOA as well as Hennepin County requirements for WIOA One-Stop Operator services. An independent panel of five reviewed and selected National Able Network, Inc. to provide services for the period of June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2028. On November 13, 2024 the Hennepin-Carver WDB approved Hennepin County Department of Workforce Development (DWD) staff to enter into contract negotiations with the recommended organization established by the RFP evaluation panel.
The agreement includes programmatic services such as:
• Convening local WIOA required partners;
• Developing and implementing a system-wide referral process among required programs;
• Developing and implementing common tools and strategies to streamline information sharing and service-delivery and analyze customer satisfaction data;
• Developing and implementing cross-training opportunities for required program staff;
• Assisting Hennepin County and HCWDB staff with the development and implementation of the local Infrastructure Funding Agreements (IFA) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU);
• Developing and implementing a system-wide outreach strategy;
• Compiling and analyzing partner performance outcomes, referral and co-enrollment data, and customer satisfaction data, and developing strategies for continuous improvement.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval