Title
Joint resolution authorizing three contracts for the Opportunity Youth Program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with 160 Driving Academy (Evanston, IL), SGA Youth & Family Services (Chicago, IL), and Youth Conservation Corps (Waukegan, IL), totaling $504,306.30 to serve WIOA-eligible out-of-school youth.
Staff Summary
• The Workforce Development Board recommends approval to authorize sub-recipient agreements for Opportunity Youth Programs with qualified providers to deliver employment and training services to out-of-school youth under the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• Lake County issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), which was extended to 32 vendors, seven proposals were received, and four vendors were shortlisted.
• Based on the RFP evaluation criteria the Workforce Development Board has approved entering into a sub-recipient agreement with the following three entities.
o 160 Driving Academy - Serve 18 out-of-school youth for $128,571.30
o SGA Youth & Family Services - Serve 25 out-of-school youth for $248,535
o Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) - Serve 18 out-of-school youth for $127,200
• Contracts are not to exceed $504,306.30 and will be funded through the County’s allocation of U.S. Department of Labor WIOA grant funds.
• Contract terms will be for the time period of March 2025 through June 2026, with the option to renew for up to two additional two-year periods, contingent upon acceptable performance by the contractor and the appropriation of sufficient grant funds.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter 33.051 of the Lake County Purchasing Ordinance, proposals were solicited by publication to establish contracts with qualified providers for youth services to deliver employment and training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as approved and recommended by the Lake County Workforce Development Board; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to said publication, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was extended to 32 vendors; and
WHEREAS, sealed proposals were received and opened from seven vendors; and
WHEREAS, based on the criteria set forth in the RFP, the evaluation team selected 160 Driving Academy (Evanston, IL), SGA Youth & Family Services (Chicago, IL) and Youth Conservation Corps (Waukegan, IL), as the most qualified and favorable proposals for Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Workforce Development Board has approved and is recommending all contracts for the time period of March 2025 through June 2026, with the option to renew for up to two additional two-year periods, contingent upon acceptable performance by the contractor and the appropriation of sufficient funds; and
WHEREAS, performance and budgets have been negotiated with the selected providers to ensure high-quality employment and training services, and work-based learning opportunities for program participants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Purchasing Agent is hereby directed to enter into contracts with:
• 160 Driving Academy to serve 18 out-of-school youth for $128,571.30
• SGA Youth & Family Services to serve 25 out-of-school youth for $248,535
• Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) to serve 18 out-of-school youth for $127,200
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned contracts shall not exceed $504,306.30 and shall be funded through Lake County’s WIOA allocation for the Opportunity Youth Program.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on March 11, 2025.