RFP for Consultant for Comprehensive Program Evaluation

RFP for Consultant for Comprehensive Program Evaluation HECC is seeking a consultant for a comprehensive program evaluation Comprehensive Program Evaluation Page 1 of 34 State of Oregon Consultant for Comprehensive Program Evaluation Intermediate Request for Proposal: OregonBuys #S-52500-00015043 HECC #24-179 Date of Issue: 9/29/2025 Closing Date 10/30/2025 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time Single Point of Contact (“SPC”): Derek Dizney derek.dizney@hecc.oregon.gov and copy HECC.procurement@hecc.oregon.gov Page 2 of 34 1. INTRODUCTION The State of Oregon, acting by and through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (“HECC”), is issuing this competitive Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for a consultant for a comprehensive program evaluation, as further described in this RFP. HECC anticipates the award of one Contract from this RFP. The initial term of the Contract is anticipated to expire September 30, 2026. HECC reserves the right to amend the resulting Contract for related services and time as HECC determines necessary. HECC is conducting this formal procurement under the authority of House Bill 3026, Section 4 (Regular Session 2025). This project will be completely or partially funded with federal funds. 2. BACKGROUND Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission is responsible for developing goals and a strategic plan for the state’s postsecondary education and training system through a wide range of policy and funding strategies. In 2022, the Oregon legislature made a historic investment in workforce education and training through Future Ready Oregon, which included a range of programs that work together to advance a diverse workforce and emphasize alignment across the broad workforce education and training ecosystem. HECC is responsible for administering a majority of the $200 million investment through six of these programs, with its partners at Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry and Youth Development Oregon administering Registered Apprenticeship and Youth Program investments. Hereafter, the Future Ready Oregon program is referred to as “FR Program.” The Oregon legislature and Governor’s Racial Justice Council charged Future Ready Oregon with implementing and administering programs that were intended to approach workforce and talent development differently; acknowledging that a one-size-fits all approach was not sufficiently expanding our labor force, not adequately meeting the State’s workforce needs, and not serving the diverse needs of communities across Oregon. FR Program was intended to advance innovation in workforce education and training by identifying replicable and scalable strategies that address barriers to equitable access and success in education and employment. 3. OBJECTIVE AND INTENDED AUDIENCE The objective of this work is to contextualize the Future Ready Oregon investment nationally and in Oregon, evaluate programmatic models, identify innovative approaches to workforce and talent development and postsecondary education and training, describe Future Ready Oregon projects and programs as case studies, and elevate impacts; and to create a lasting artifact of the work that is accessible to practitioners and policymakers to inform future workforce investments. For avoidance of doubt, the work shall analyze the entirety of the FR Program, not just HECC’s programs. The intended audience for the work product created out of this work is: Governor’s Office, Oregon Legislature, Racial Justice Council, Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Page 3 of 34 Workforce and Talent Development Board, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Technology Industry Consortium, State of Oregon agencies; educational institutions, workforce service providers, community-based organizations, employers and industry associations; grantees and subgrantees; other research, policy, associations, and think tanks. 4. THE PROJECT SCOPE The Successful Proposer will evaluate the FR Program in two ways: a) Evaluate impacts and outcomes (accountability) i. Continuous improvement in process – pre- versus post-comparison/evaluation; inclusive, accessible grantmaking and grant administration ii. Collective impact; ecosystem impacts – pre- versus post-comparison/evaluation iii. Impacts to individuals – pre- versus post-comparison/evaluation b) Statewide return on investment (economic impact analysis) 5. TASKS AND DELIVERABLES The proposed Tasks and Deliverables below are examples of what HECC thinks it may want. Proposer should use their experience and expertise to propose how the work shall progress. Task #1: Review Documents The Successful Proposer's first task should be to conduct a review of documents. At a minimum, the informational documents reviewed should include:

• Senate Bill 1545 (Regular Session 2022) Sections 1 through 16
• Future Ready Oregon Year One Report (December, 2022)
• Future Ready Oregon Year Two Report (December, 2023)
• Future Ready Oregon Year Three Report (December, 2024)

Deliverable: Email confirmation that Successful Proposer has reviewed the above document(s) and any additional materials to inform research questions and approach. Deadline: As soon as possible following contract execution. Task #2: Kick-Off Meeting The Successful Proposer will facilitate a Kick-Off Meeting with the HECC staff and other key interested parties identified by HECC to be scheduled as soon as possible after the review of documents. A critical goal of the Kick-Off Meeting will be to discuss the progression of the work and support needed by the Successful Proposer. Deliverable: Kick-Off Meeting held. Deadline: Within 14 days of completion of Task #1. Page 4 of 34 Task #3: Engage a Steering Committee The Successful Proposer will work program staff at the HECC to convene a steering committee to inform the development of project deliverables, including but not limited to informing research questions, reviewing draft deliverables, and providing final approval of deliverables. Deliverable: Successful Proposer will convene and facilitate a minimum of six meetings with steering committee members. Deadline: Upon conclusion of last steering committee meeting, to occur no later than May 31, 2026. Task #4: Summary of National Landscape The Successful Proposer will research and summarize the national landscape of postsecondary education, training, and workforce development, including equity-based and sector-specific strategies (hereafter referred to as, “Landscape”). Questions to be answered include, but are not limited to: i. What is working nationally to advance equitable access and success in postsecondary education and training? ii. What are the external factors, current events, economic climate and regional activities affecting the Landscape? iii. What immigration, migration, and population changes affect the Landscape? iv. What other investments in postsecondary education, training, and workforce development affect the Landscape? Deliverable: Summary report of national landscape. Deadline: December 31, 2025 Task #5: Summary of Unique Attributes of Future Ready Oregon Investment The Successful Proposer will summarize what is unique about the Future Ready Oregon investment, including, but not limited to analyzing: engaging underserved communities, statewide sector-based talent development strategies (including, but not limited to healthcare, manufacturing, technology), shared leadership strategies (including community-based organizations or intermediaries, education and training providers, employers and industry partners), and funding type restrictions/flexibility. Topics to be addressed in the summary include, but are not limited to:

• Provide a situational/contextual assessment of the Future Ready Oregon investment

origin story.

• Describe the holistic approach of the FR Program and how the program elements work

together.

• Describe how the FR Program expanded existing programs, and created novel and

innovative approaches.

• Describe the FR Program’s recruitment, retention, and advancement strategies.

Page 5 of 34

• Describe how the FR Program engaged community-based organizations.
• Describe the FR Program’s approaches to education and training, including but not

limited to: culturally-responsive supports, bilingual curriculum, mobile lab/learning opportunities, augmented reality/virtual reality, earn-and-learn models, noncredit and short-term credentials as points of connection or reconnection to postsecondary education and training, incumbent worker training, on-site training, and faculty sharing/partnerships, etc. Deliverable: Summary of the Unique Attributes of the Future Ready Oregon Investment. Deadline: January 31, 2026 Task #6: Comparison Report The Successful Proposer will compare the FR Program strategies with the national landscape, and other similar programs or program elements, and create a report. Deliverable: Comparison Report. Deadline: February 28, 2026 Task #7: Additional Reports The Successful Proposer will analyze and submit a combined report or separate reports to HECC addressing the following:

• Has the FR Program utilized a continuous improvement process? If so, what are the

results?

• What successful strategies have emerged for increasing equitable access and success in

postsecondary education, connecting individuals, particularly those who are unemployed, underemployed, or underserved, to employment and/or career advancement? How can these strategies be applied to address the state’s educational attainment goals?

• What challenges were faced by the FR Program and its partners with implementation,

across program components, etc.? What worked and didn’t work, and why?

• How are grantees and workforce education and training ecosystem partners thinking

about the sustainability of programs beyond the Future Ready Oregon investment? Are there examples of strong sustainability plans/strategies? What role can/should the State of Oregon play going forward?

• Describe the collective impact on statewide and regional partnerships. Has the

investment expanded the state’s ability/capacity to provide workforce education, training, and employment supports for Oregonians?

• Provide an economic impact analysis on wages/tax revenue generation, cost savings,

business productivity, labor availability, labor force participation, productivity, vacancies, and hard to fill positions. Deliverable: Additional report or reports answering the above topics. Deadline: March 31, 2026 Page 6 of 34 Task #8: Final Report, Tools, and Deliverables The Successful Proposer will provide HECC a Final Report and the following tools:

• Presentation materials (short form and long form PowerPoint)
• Case studies—FR Program grantees’ impacts from the point they applied to the grant

application through implementation, with a focus on projects that are replicable and scalable

• Practitioner and policymaker toolkits
• Draft press release(s)

Deliverable: Final Report and above-described tools submitted to HECC for review and approval. Deadline: May 31, 2026 Notwithstanding any provision in the resulting Contract to the contrary, the parties may mutually agree in writing to adjust any deadline—email agreement is acceptable. Attachment B is a list of Themes, Considerations, and Research Questions that should be addressed through the Successful Proposer’s engagement. 6. REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION Any requests for clarification must be submitted via email to HECC.Procurement@hecc.oregon.gov with a copy to Derek.Dizney@hecc.oregon.gov no later than 3:00 PM Pacific Time on October 14, 2025. The subject line should include a reference to this solicitation number, HECC #24-179. 7. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION Proposals must be submitted through the state’s electronic procurement system, OregonBuys, no later than 3:00 PM Pacific Time on October 30, 2025. The OregonBuys number is shown on the first page of this RFP. HECC cannot accept any proposals outside of the OregonBuys system. 8. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS Proposals must address each of the items listed in this section and all other requirements set forth in this RFP. Proposer shall describe the Goods to be provided or the Services to be performed or both. A Proposal that merely offers to provide the Goods or Services as stated in this RFP will be considered non-Responsive to this RFP and will not be considered further. A. Proposal Certification Sheet The Proposer shall complete and submit the Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment A). B. Introduction to Proposer and Proposer’s Relevant Experience Describe Proposer. Describe the firm. How long has it been in business? From which locations will the services be performed? How does Proposer support diversity, equity, and Page 7 of 34 inclusion? How does Proposer support responsible environmentally sustainable practices? The Proposal must contain information that clearly demonstrates that Proposer has a minimum of three years of professional experience within the past five years, successfully providing services that are comparable to those described in this RFP. HECC prefers Proposers that have experience working with a government entity. If your firm has this experience, include a discussion that describes the experience. Proposals should contain a discussion on Proposer’s ability to successfully complete the Project on time and within budget. C. Proposer’s Implementation Plan The Proposer shall describe how they intend to do the work. The description should include:

• Proposer’s knowledge and understanding of the Project.
• The approach that Proposer will take in performing the work described in this

RFP; must include a sample timeline and proposed schedule.

• If possible, how Proposer’s plans will help HECC achieve the goals outlined in

HECC’s Equity Lens. Working toward equity requires an understanding of historical contexts and the active investment in changing social structures and practice over time to ensure that individuals from all communities have the opportunities and support to realize their full potential. The HECC applies its Equity Lens to all aspects of its work.

• If possible, how Proposer’s plans will further responsible environmentally

sustainable practices and products used in this Project. D. Key Person Experience and Resumes The Proposer should describe its relevant experience and include the resumes of all key staff to perform the Services. E. Cost Proposal For each activity described in the Tasks and Deliverables Section (Section 5 of this solicitation), the cost proposal must include identifiable costs, time estimates for completing each activity, and a summary of all proposed costs pertaining to each deliverable listed in accordance with the itemized activity. HECC prefers Proposals with a fixed fee per task/deliverable but will consider Proposals to state the hourly rates for Proposer’s key staff performing the Services and a total not-to-exceed limitation per each task/deliverable. F. Agreement with Sample Contract The Proposer must note any exceptions to the terms and conditions contained in the Sample Contract attached as Attachment C to this solicitation. Failure to do so will be treated as agreement to the terms and conditions during contract negotiations. Page 8 of 34 9. EVALUATION Proposals shall be evaluated on the following criteria and scored out of 100 possible points: Experience (25 points possible)

• How well has the Proposer demonstrated their experience in conducting

comprehensive program analyses, comparative analyses, and reports of this nature?

• How experienced is Proposer with primary and secondary research, qualitative and

quantitative approaches?

• How experienced is Proposer in data visualization and development of compelling

and engaging materials?

• What is Proposer’s experience convening and engaging a steering committee of

diverse constituents?

• What is Proposer’s experience with equity-minded planning, tools, and programs?

Project Approach (35 points possible)

• How well does the Proposer clearly and concisely describe their intended approach

to performing the work described in this solicitation?

• How well does the Project Approach demonstrate an understanding of the Project

requirements?

• Does the Proposer offer any new or enhanced ideas to add value to the work

described in this solicitation?

• Does Proposer itself, or through their Project Approach further HECC’s goals of

diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility? Cost Proposal (25 points possible)

• How clearly and concisely does the Proposer convey the cost per deliverable?
• How clearly and concisely does the Proposer convey the basis on which prices are

quoted?

• How well do the proposed costs align with the Proposer’s Project Approach?
• What is the overall cost?

Resources (10 points possible)

• How well does the Proposer demonstrate they have the resources to successfully

provide the Services described in this solicitation in the timeframe required by HECC? Page 9 of 34 Public Information/Past Performance (5 points possible)

• Publicly available information, if any, may be used to evaluate Proposers.
• Past performance with State of Oregon agencies, if any, may be used to evaluate

Proposers. Proposers will be ranked in order of median scores calculated from points awarded by a scoring evaluation committee. After an initial evaluation session, HECC may ask leading Proposers for interviews. 10. SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER REQUIREMENTS A. Insurance Prior to execution of the Contract, the apparent Successful Proposer shall secure and demonstrate to HECC proof of commercial general liability insurance coverage in the amounts of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, unless otherwise negotiated. Policies can usually be obtained for short-term durations for relatively low cost—please consult an insurance broker if you do not already carry the above-described insurance. B. Taxpayer Identification Number The apparent Successful Proposer shall provide its Taxpayer Identification Number on a completed W-9 form (which can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs- pdf/fw9.pdf). The apparent Successful Proposer must provide its backup withholding status on the W-9 form if either of the following applies: 1. When requested by HECC (normally in an intent to award notice), or 2. When the backup withholding status or any other information of Proposer has changed since the last submitted W-9 form, if any. HECC will not make any payment until HECC has a properly completed W-9. C. Business Registry If selected for an award, Proposer shall be duly authorized by the State of Oregon to transact business in the State of Oregon before executing the Contract. The selected Proposer shall submit a current Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry number, or an explanation if not applicable. All Corporations and other business entities (domestic and foreign) must have a Registered Agent in Oregon. See requirements and exceptions regarding Registered Agents. For more information, see Oregon Business Guide, How to Start a Business in Oregon and Laws and Rules. The titles in this subsection are available at the following Internet site: http://www.filinginoregon.com/index.htm. D. SAM.Gov Registry If selected for an award, Proposer must be registered, active, and in good standing in SAM.Gov in order to receive federal funds. Registration information can be found here: Page 10 of 34 https://sam.gov/entity-registration. 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A. Governing Laws This RFP is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. Venue for any administrative or judicial action relating to this RFP, evaluation and award is the Circuit Court of Marion County for the State of Oregon; provided, however, if a proceeding must be brought in a federal forum, then it must be brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. In no event shall this Section be construed as a waiver by the State of Oregon of any form of defense or immunity, whether sovereign immunity, governmental immunity, immunity based on the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution of the United States or otherwise, to or from any Claim or from the jurisdiction of any court. B. Ownership All Proposals submitted in response to this RFP become the Property of HECC. By submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP, Proposer grants the State a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide license for the rights to copy, distribute, display, prepare derivative works of and transmit the Proposal solely for the purpose of evaluating the Proposal, negotiating an Agreement, if awarded to Proposer, or as otherwise needed to administer the RFP process, and to fulfill obligations under Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 through 192.478). Proposals, including supporting materials, will not be returned to Proposer unless the Proposal is submitted late. C. Cost of Submitting Material Proposer shall pay all the costs in submitting its Proposal, including, but not limited to, the costs to prepare and submit the Proposal, costs of samples and other supporting materials, or costs to participate in demonstrations. D. Statewide E-waste If applicable, Proposer shall include information in its Proposal that demonstrates compliance with the Statewide E-Waste/Recovery Procedure 107-011-050_PR. Download the procedure by visiting www.oregon.gov/DAS, then enter the procedure number into the search bar, and find the procedure in the search results window. E. Recyclable Products Proposer shall use recyclable products to the maximum extent economically feasible in the performance of the Services or Work set forth in this document and the subsequent Contract. (ORS 279B.025) F. Printing, Binding Work Except as provided in ORS 282.210(2), all printing, binding and stationery work, including the manufacture of motor vehicle registration plates and plates required to be affixed to motor carriers, for the State or any county, city, town, port district, school district, or other Page 11 of 34 political subdivision, must be performed within the State of Oregon. Page 12 of 34 ATTACHMENT A — PROPOSAL CERTIFICATION SHEET Legal Name of Proposer: Address: City, State, Zip: State of Incorporation: Entity Type: Contact Name: Telephone: Email: Any individual signing below hereby certifies they are an authorized representative of Proposer and that: 1. Proposer understands and accepts the requirements of this RFP. By submitting a Proposal, Proposer agrees to be bound by the Contract terms and conditions in Attachment C and as modified by any Addenda, except for those terms and conditions that Agency has reserved for negotiation, as identified in the RFP. 2. Proposer acknowledges receipt of any and all Addenda to this RFP. 3. Proposal is a Firm Offer for 180 days following the Closing. 4. If awarded a Contract, Proposer agrees to perform the scope of work and meet the performance standards set forth in the final negotiated scope of work of the resulting Contract. 5. I have knowledge regarding Proposer’s payment of taxes and by signing below I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, Proposer is not in violation of any tax laws of the state or a political subdivision of the state, including, without limitation, ORS 305.620 and ORS chapters 316, 317 and 318. 6. Proposer does not discriminate in its employment practices with regard to race, creed, age, religious affiliation, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin. When awarding subcontracts, Proposer does not discriminate against any business certified under ORS 200.055 as a disadvantaged business enterprise, a minority-owned business, a woman-owned business, a business that a veteran owns or an emerging small business. If applicable, Proposer has, or will have prior to contract execution, a written policy and practice, that meets the requirements described in ORS 279A.112, of preventing sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination against employees who are members of a protected class. HECC may not enter into a contract with an anticipated contract price of $150,000 or more with a Proposer that does not certify it has such a policy and practice. See https://www.oregon.gov/DAS/Procurement/Pages/hb3060.aspx for additional information and sample policy template. 7. Proposer complies with ORS 652.220 and does not unlawfully discriminate against any of Proposer’s employees in the payment of wages or other compensation for work of comparable character on the basis of an employee’s membership in a protected class. “Protected class” means a group of persons distinguished by race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or age. Contractor’s continuing compliance constitutes a material element of this Contract and a failure to comply constitutes a breach that entitles Agency to terminate this Contract for cause. Page 13 of 34 Contractor may not prohibit any of Contractor’s employees from discussing the employee’s rate of wage, salary, benefits, or other compensation with another employee or another person. Contractor may not retaliate against an employee who discusses the employee’s rate of wage, salary, benefits, or other compensation with another employee or another person. 8. Proposer and Proposer’s employees, agents, and subcontractors are not included on: A. the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury found at: https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/sdnlist.pdf., or B. the government-wide exclusions lists in the System for Award Management found at: https://www.sam.gov/SAM 9. Proposer certifies that, to the best of its knowledge, there exists no actual or potential conflict between the business or economic interests of Proposer, its employees, or its agents, on the one hand, and the business or economic interests of the State, on the other hand, arising out of, or relating in any way to, the subject matter of the RFP. If any changes occur with respect to Proposer’s status regarding conflict of interest, Proposer shall promptly notify the State in writing. 10. Proposer certifies that all contents of the Proposal (including any other forms or documentation, if required under this RFP) and this Proposal Certification Sheet are truthful and accurate and have been prepared independently from all other Proposers, and without collusion, fraud, or other dishonesty. 11. Proposer understands that any statement or representation it makes, in response to this RFP, if determined to be false or fraudulent, a misrepresentation, or inaccurate because of the omission of material information could result in a "claim" (as defined by the Oregon False Claims Act, ORS 180.750(1)), made under Contract being a "false claim" (ORS 180.750(2)) subject to the Oregon False Claims Act, ORS 180.750 to 180.785, and to any liabilities or penalties associated with the making of a false claim under that Act. 12. Proposer acknowledges these certifications are in addition to any certifications required in the Contract and Statement of Work in Attachment C at the time of Contract execution. 13. Proposer is registered in the State’s electronic procurement system, OregonBuys, found here: https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/. (Registration is free by clicking the blue “Register” button on the top right corner of the webpage.) Authorized Signature Date (Printed Name and Title) Page 14 of 34 ATTACHMENT B — THEMES, CONSIDERATIONS, AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED

• Summary of national landscape
• Summary of Oregon’s postsecondary education, training, and workforce development

ecosystem o Are there things the state can learn about demand for workforce training programs, the associated costs, etc.? o Review of all funded and unfunded grant applications to help HECC identify what was missed, if anything.

• Summary of what is unique about the Future Ready Oregon investment

o Describe the workforce system before the FR Program  What was the state doing before?  Did it need improvement? What was and wasn’t working, including why and for whom?  What are some of the observations drawn about that body of work?  In the consultant’s opinion, is FR Program achieving more and/or better quality than the approach before the FR Program arose? o How do we know the FR Program is working?  How does it approach partnerships?  Is utilizing community-based organizations as workforce service providers successful?  What are the statewide sector strategies?  What are the advantages and disadvantages to using the funding sources (federal ARPA funds, federal WIOA funds, state general funds)?

• Analyze blended/braided funding; using funding to fill gaps in other

funding  Does the FR Program provide comprehensive wraparound supports for participants?  Is FR Program’s culturally-informed programming successful?  Does FR Program align education/training and employment pathways? o What are the outcomes the FR Program is working towards? o Does the FR Program augment what is/was working well, and if so, how?  Does the FR Program focus on underserved communities?  Does the FR Program improve the system, focusing on coordination and engaging new partners?

• Are individuals benefited?
• Is the system benefited?
• Analyze labor force participation and workforce engagement.
• Compare the FR Program strategies with the national landscape
• Analyze FR Program’s ability to adapt and improve processes

o What challenges did FR Program see and hear from its grantees?  Did the challenges get addressed successfully? o How many applicants utilized HECC’s provided technical assistance contractors across all three grant application rounds? Page 15 of 34 o How many applicants in the first and second rounds that had utilized technical assistance received an award in subsequent rounds? o What percentage of applicants applied for all three rounds, two rounds, and just a single round?  For applicants that applied twice, how many received an award?  For applicants that applied three times, now many received an award? o What didn’t work in the process?  What are persistent challenges for grantees?  What program/project elements needed to change throughout the course of implementation and why?

• If there was a change, what was the impact?

o What were the collective impacts?  How many FR Program grantees have never received funding through HECC before?  How many FR Program grantees have never received funding from the State of Oregon?  What do we know about the collective impact and the partners who comprise of the workforce system based on the grant applications received?  What are the levels of engagement by partners related to informing policy, priorities, and programming?  If possible, consultant should create sector-specific “heat” maps to help audiences understand where grant funds were awarded and the significance  Describe the demand by sector, region and by improvement or capacity growth o Analyze the economic impacts  How many participants have FR Program, workforce ready grantees specifically, served?  How many participants have verified improvements in wage and/or career outcomes?

• Are the results statistically significant?

 How many participants have been able to access retirement and healthcare benefits?  What do we know about labor force participation and workforce engagement for Oregon as a whole compared to Workforce Ready grant participants? o Conduct a gap analysis (status prior to FR Program and status after FR Program implemented)  How many partnerships existed among HECC and grantees prior to the FR Program and following implementation of the FR Program?  What is the quality of the partnerships pre- and post- FR Program implementation?  Flexibility of FR Program funding versus other state and federal workforce investments (e.g., Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds)  Does flexible funding make a difference in outcomes?  Describe the referral networks pre- and post- FR Program implementation and analyze access to services and resources Page 16 of 34  Describe the customer service experience among grantees, consortium members, and training participants pre- and post- FR Program implementation Page 17 of 34 ATTACHMENT C — SAMPLE CONTRACT STATE OF OREGON CONTRACT FOR SERVICES This Contract for Services (this “Contract”) is between the State of Oregon (“State”) acting through its Higher Education Coordinating Commission ("HECC"), and ___________________ ("Contractor") and is effective as of the Effective Date. Contractor’s Contract Administrator for this Contract is: Contractor Contract Administrator Street Address City, State Zip Phone: Phone Number Email: E-mail HECC’s Contract Administrator for this Contract is: HECC Contract Administrator 3225 25th Street SE Salem, OR 97302 Phone: Phone Number Email: E-mail Either party may change its Contract Administrator by providing the other notice in compliance with Section 17.6 of this Contract. 1. CONTRACT TERM. The “Effective Date” of this Contract is the date this Contract has been fully executed by each party and, approved as required by applicable law. Unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, this Contract terminates on Expiration Date. The termination of this Contract will not extinguish or prejudice HECC’s right to enforce this Contract with respect to any default by Contractor that has not been cured. 2. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. This Contract consists of the following documents, which are listed in descending order of precedence:

• This contract less all exhibits;
• Exhibit A (Statement of Work); and
• Exhibit B (Required Insurance).

The foregoing documents and Exhibits are attached hereto and made a part of the Contract by this reference. 3. SERVICES. 3.1. Performance of Services. Contractor shall perform the services (the “Services”) and deliver to HECC the deliverables (“Deliverables”) set forth in Exhibit A, the Statement of Work (the “Statement of Work”). The Statement of Work includes the delivery schedule for Page 18 of 34 the Deliverables and Services. Contractor shall perform the Services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Contract. 3.2. Submission and Acceptance of Deliverables. When the Statement of Work requires Contractor to deliver Deliverables to HECC, then Contractor shall deliver Deliverables that comply with the requirements and acceptance criteria set forth in the Statement of Work. 3.3. Rejection of Deliverables; Corrections. If HECC determines that a Deliverable(s) does not have the characteristics or otherwise meet the acceptance criteria set forth in the Statement of Work in all material respects, HECC will notify Contractor in writing of HECC’s rejection of the Deliverable(s) and describe in reasonable detail in such notice HECC’s basis for rejection of the Deliverable(s). Upon receipt of notice of non-acceptance, Contractor shall, within a 15 business day period, modify or improve the Deliverable(s) at Contractor’s sole expense so that the Deliverable(s) has the characteristics described in the Statement of Work and meets, in all material respects, the acceptance criteria, and notify HECC in writing that it has completed such modifications or improvements and re-tender the Deliverable(s) to HECC. Failure of the Deliverables to have the characteristics or meet in all material respects the acceptance criteria set forth in the Statement of Work after the second submission will constitute a default by Contractor. In the event of such default, HECC may either, (i) notify Contractor of such default and instruct Contractor to modify or improve the Deliverables as set forth in this Section, or (ii) notify Contractor of such default and pursue its remedies for default provided for by law or the terms of this Contract. 4. COMPENSATION. 4.1. Fixed Fees. HECC shall pay Contractor a fixed fee for each task/deliverable as described in Exhibit A - Statement of Work, in addition to any allowable expenses described in Section 4.6 below. 4.2. Not-to-Exceed Compensation. The maximum, not-to-exceed compensation payable to Contractor under this Contract, which includes any allowable expenses, is $__________. HECC will not pay Contractor any amount in excess of the not-to-exceed compensation of this Contract, and will not pay for Services performed before the Effective Date or after the expiration or termination of this Contract. If the maximum compensation is increased by amendment of this Contract, the amendment must be fully effective before Contractor performs Services subject to the amendment. 4.3. Method of Compensation. Contract performance shall be based on the tasks and deliverables described herein. Contractor shall invoice HECC based on work completed. All work must be performed to the satisfaction of HECC prior to release of payment for services. 4.4. Payments. Payments, including interim payments, to Contractor are subject to ORS 293.462, will be made only for completed and accepted Deliverables and Services, and will be made in accordance with the payment schedule and requirements set forth in Exhibit A - Statement of Work. 4.5. Invoices. Contractor shall submit invoices in accordance with the payment schedule set forth in Exhibit A - Statement of Work or, if no payment schedule is set forth therein, then no more frequently than once per month for accepted Deliverables and Services; regardless, any payments due shall be invoiced within 45 days of performance of the services or delivery of the goods. To be processed for payment, Contractor’s invoice(s) must include the following information: Page 19 of 34

• Invoice date;
• HECC’s Contract number: 24-179; OregonBuys # PO-52500-_______________
• HECC’s Contract Administrator;
• A detailed description of all Services performed, including

o the dates Contractor performed the Services for which it is requesting payment; and o the total amount due and the payment address. Contractor shall send invoices to the Contract Administrator at their email addressed listed in on the first page to this Contract, with a copy to HECC.finance@hecc.oregon.gov 4.6. Expenses. HECC will not pay or reimburse Contractor or any other third party for any expenses under this Contract other than those listed in Exhibit A – Statement of Work. 4.7. Funds Available and Authorized. Contractor will not be compensated for Services performed under this Contract by any agency or department of the State of Oregon other than HECC. HECC believes it has sufficient funds currently available and authorized for expenditure to make payments under this Contract within HECC’s biennial appropriation or limitation. Contractor understands and agrees that HECC’s payments under this Contract are contingent on HECC receiving appropriations, limitations, or other expenditure authority sufficient to allow HECC, in the exercise of its reasonable administrative discretion, to continue to make payments under this Contract. 5. CONTRACTOR’S PERSONNEL. 5.1. Key Persons. Contractor acknowledges and agrees that HECC selected Contractor, and is entering into this Contract, because of the special qualifications of Contractor's key persons identified in the Statement of Work (each a “Key Person” and, together, “Key Persons”). Neither Contractor nor a Key Person may delegate performance of the powers and responsibilities that a Key Person is required to provide under this Contract to another Contractor employee, subcontractor or agent without first obtaining the written consent of HECC. Further, Contractor may not re-assign or transfer a Key Person to other duties or positions such that the Key Person is no longer available to provide HECC with the required expertise, experience, judgment, and personal attention, without first obtaining HECC's written consent to such re-assignment or transfer, which HECC will not unreasonably withhold or delay. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Contractor may replace a Key Person in the event the Key Person is no longer available due to circumstances beyond Contractor’s reasonable control, such as death, illness, or termination of employment with Contractor. In the event Contractor requests that HECC approve a re-assignment or transfer of a Key Person, or if Contractor must replace a Key Person, HECC may interview, review the qualifications of, and approve or reject the proposed replacement for the Key Person. Any such replacement must have substantially equivalent or better qualifications than the Key Person being replaced. Any replacement personnel approved by HECC in writing (email acceptable) will thereafter be deemed a Key Person for purposes of this Contract, and the Statement of Work will be deemed amended to include such Key Person. 5.2. Payment for Replacement Key Personnel. If HECC is paying Contractor on an hourly or other periodic basis, then Contractor will not charge HECC, and HECC will not pay, for a replacement Key Person while such replacement acquires the project knowledge and skills necessary to perform the Services. Such period of non-charge will be agreed upon by the parties. Page 20 of 34 5.3. State Premises. Contractor and Contractor staff shall comply with all policies, rules, procedures, and regulations established by HECC and the State for access to and activities in and around premises controlled by HECC or any other agency of the State. 6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR; RESPONSIBILITY FOR TAXES AND WITHHOLDING. 6.1. Independent Contractor. Contractor shall perform all Services as an independent contractor. HECC reserves the right (i) to determine and modify the delivery schedule for the Services and (ii) to evaluate the quality of the Services; however, HECC may not and will not control the means or manner of Contractor's performance. Contractor is responsible for determining the appropriate means and manner of performing the Services. 6.2. No Conflicts. Contractor, by signature to this Contract, represents and warrants that Contractor’s performance of the Services under this Contract creates no potential or actual conflict of interest as defined by ORS 244; and no statutes, rules or regulations of any State of Oregon or federal agency for which Contractor currently performs work would prohibit Contractor from performing the Services under this Contract. 6.3. Affiliation. Contractor understands and agrees that it is not an "officer," "employee," or "agent" of the State of Oregon, as those terms are used in ORS 30.265 or otherwise. 6.4. Taxes and Benefits. Contractor is responsible for all federal or state taxes applicable to compensation or payments paid to Contractor under this Contract and, unless required by applicable law, HECC will not withhold from such compensation or payments any amount to cover Contractor's federal or state tax obligations. Contractor is not eligible for any social security, unemployment insurance or workers' compensation benefits from compensation or payments paid to Contractor under this Contract, except as a self-employed individual. 7. SUBCONTRACTS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNMENTS. 7.1. Subcontracts. Contractor shall not enter into any subcontracts for any of the Services required by this Contract without HECC 's prior written consent. In addition to any other provisions HECC may require, Contractor shall include in any permitted subcontract under this Contract provisions to ensure that HECC will receive the benefit of subcontractor’s performance as if the subcontractor were Contractor. HECC’s consent to any subcontract does not relieve Contractor of any of its duties or obligations under this Contract. 7.2. Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Contract are binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Contract, their respective successors, and permitted assigns, if any. 7.3. No Assignment. Contractor shall not assign or transfer any of its rights or delegate its obligations under this Contract without HECC’s prior written consent. 8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. 8.1. Contractor’s General Representations and Warranties. Contractor represents and warrants to HECC that: 8.1.1. Contractor has the power and authority to enter into and perform this Contract; 8.1.2. This Contract, when executed and delivered, is a valid and binding obligation of Contractor enforceable in accordance with its terms; Page 21 of 34 8.1.3. Contractor shall, at all times during the term of this Contract, be qualified, professionally competent, and duly licensed to perform the Services; 8.1.4. Contractor prepared its proposal related to this Contract, if any, independently from all other proposers, and without collusion, fraud, or other dishonesty; and 8.1.5. Contractor (to the best of Contractor’s knowledge, after due inquiry), for a period of no fewer than six calendar years preceding the Effective Date, faithfully has complied with: 8.1.5.1. All tax laws of this state, including but not limited to ORS 305.620 and ORS chapters 316, 317, and 318; 8.1.5.2. Any tax provisions imposed by a political subdivision of this state that applied to Contractor, to Contractor’s property, operations, receipts, or income, or to Contractor’s performance of or compensation for any work performed by Contractor; 8.1.5.3. Any tax provisions imposed by a political subdivision of this State that applied to Contractor, or to goods, services, or property, whether tangible or intangible, provided by Contractor; 8.1.5.4. Any rules, regulations, charter provisions, or ordinances that implemented or enforced any of the foregoing tax laws or provisions; and 8.1.6. Contractor has no undisclosed liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State or any department or agency of the State. 8.2. Contractor’s Performance Warranties. 8.2.1. Contractor has the skill and knowledge possessed by well-informed members of its industry, trade or profession and Contractor shall apply that skill and knowledge with care and diligence to perform the Services in a professional manner and in accordance with the highest standards prevalent in Contractor’s industry, trade or profession; 8.2.2. The Services and each Deliverables delivered by Contractor pursuant to the Services will materially comply with any service descriptions, specifications, standards or requirements set forth in this Contract; 8.2.3. Except as otherwise provided in this Contract (including Section 9), Contractor shall transfer all Deliverables to HECC free and clear of any and all restrictions on or conditions of transfer, modification, licensing, sublicensing, direct or indirect distribution, or assignment, and free and clear of any and all liens, claims, mortgages, security interests, liabilities, and encumbrances of any kind; and 8.2.4. Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, any subcontractors performing work for Contractor under this Contract have assigned all of their rights in the Deliverables to Contractor or HECC and no third party has any right, title or interest in any Deliverables supplied to HECC under this Contract. 8.2.5. Contractor shall disclose to HECC any Products and/or Services that utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) and shall not employ any Products and/or Services that utilize AI without prior written authorization from HECC and applicable safeguards in providing the Products and/or Services under this Agreement. Changes to Contractor’s use of AI will require an amendment to this Agreement. 8.3. Warranties Cumulative. The warranties set forth in Section 8 are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other warranties set forth elsewhere in this Contract. 9. OWNERSHIP OF WORK PRODUCT. 9.1. Definitions. As used in this Section 9, and elsewhere in this Contract, the following terms have the meanings set forth below: 9.1.1. “Contractor Intellectual Property” means any intellectual property owned by Contractor and developed independently from the Services. Page 22 of 34 9.1.2. “Third Party Intellectual Property” means any intellectual property owned by parties other than HECC or Contractor. 9.1.3. “Work Product” means everything that is originally made, conceived, discovered, or reduced to practice by Contractor or Contractor’s subcontractors or agents (either alone or with others) pursuant to this Contract, including every invention, modification, discovery, design, development, customization, configuration, improvement, process, work of authorship, documentation, formula, datum, technique, know how, secret, or intellectual property right whatsoever or any interest therein (whether patentable or not patentable or registerable under copyright or similar statutes or subject to analogous protection). 9.2. Original Works. All Work Product created by Contractor pursuant to the Services, including derivative works and compilations of Work Product, and whether or not such Work Product is considered a work made for hire or an employment to invent, is the exclusive property of HECC. HECC and Contractor agree that such Work P