Active SLED Opportunity · TEXAS · HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL
AI Summary
H-GAC seeks a contractor to provide family engagement and outreach services supporting Workforce Solutions in Texas's Gulf Coast region. The project includes financial services, needs assessments, community collaboration, and early childhood program support. Proposals must demonstrate financial stability, cloud security compliance, and relevant experience. Virtual pre-proposal meeting on 2026-04-15.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments, acting as fiscal agent for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, issues this Solicitation on behalf of the Board and Workforce Solutions to identify a qualified contractor to provide financial services to support the Workforce Solutions system. The Gulf Coast Workforce Board, through its affiliate brand Workforce Solutions, operates a central Workforce Financial Aid Services that manages vendor billing and payments for participant financial aid and supports the Board’s financial aid policies and reporting requirements.
Notice of this solicitation is also posted on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd
This procurement is conducted in accordance with 2 CFR part 200 the applicable OMB Circular, Texas Government Code Chapter 783 Uniform Grant and Contract Management Act supplemented by the final rules promulgated by the Office of the Texas Governor under the Texas Grant Management Standards (TXGMS), and the Texas Workforce Commission’s Financial Manual for Grants and Contracts.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) is a regional, voluntary association comprising 133 local governments and elected officials within Texas's 13-county Gulf Coast Planning region. Established under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 391, H-GAC's mission is to facilitate cooperation among local governments, supporting the region's orderly development and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
H-GAC serves as the fiscal and administrative agent for the Gulf Coast Local Workforce Board. In this role, H-GAC is responsible for issuing procurements, managing local, state, and federal grant funds, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, addressing audit findings, preparing financial reports, and providing technical assistance to subrecipients on fiscal issues. H-GAC is the primary contact for fiscal and administrative matters, operating under the guidance of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board, hereinafter referred to as GCWB or the “Board”, is a workforce development organization established under Section 2308.253 of the Texas Government Code, Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and its replacement, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Public Law 113 Sec. 107 (29 USC 3122). GCWB serves as the governing body for the public workforce system for the 13-county area of the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Counties within the Gulf Coast Workforce Board serve area include Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.
Slides & Attendance
The organization’s last three (3) years' independent audit and audited financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement document are provided. Business demonstrates acceptable business viability.
Respondent submitted a completed questionnaire and written evidence of the applicable Acceptable Cloud Security Credential for each proposed SaaS/cloud service provider (e.g., TX‑RAMP listing/certificate, FedRAMP authorization, CSA STAR listing, SOC 2 Type II report cover page/executive summary, or ISO/IEC 27017 certificate/report summary). The evidence submitted is sufficient to verify the credential, its scope, and that it is current. Systems also used later during the course of the contract not in use at the time of proposal submission, will be required to meet this compliance, and will be evaluated by the same compliance measures with a completed questionnaire. Failure to identify proposed SaaS/cloud service providers in the proposal, or failure to submit evidence of an Acceptable Cloud Security Credential for each proposed provider, will result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive, and it will not be evaluated.
H-GAC will accept only the following as equivalent compliance evidence (in lieu of TX-RAMP), provided documentation is current and issued by the applicable authorizing body/certifying organization or an independent third party as noted:
Failure to provide a completed questionnaire and acceptable evidence of TX-RAMP certification/authorization or one of the listed equivalent certifications/attestations will render the proposal non-responsive and be rejected.
Detailed response information is provided and demonstrates satisfactory past performance. All information is submitted and acceptable. Additionally, for Proposers who are current or former contractors of the Workforce Board, the Board may also review available internal contract records. These records may include, but are not limited to, audit or monitoring committee reports, performance metrics, compliance records, committee statistics, and any other relevant reports or documentation maintained by Workforce Board contract managers. Information obtained from these sources will be used to assess the Proposer’s demonstrated ability to successfully perform the required services, including compliance with contract requirements, quality of service delivery, timeliness, and overall contract performance.
Demonstrated experience, qualifications and capability of the proposed team, key team members and other personnel as evidenced by statement of experience and resumes. Evidence that the contractor meets the minimum qualifications and ability to comply with all contractual requirements. Contractor demonstrates expertise and practical experience in providing the requested services. Detailed information provided in the Qualifications/Experience/Capability questions is acceptable. If included, additional information submitted contains pertinent information and supports detail related to qualifications and/or experience.
The submission delineates an effective approach and methodology to achieving project objectives and demonstrates a clear understanding of the tasks to be undertaken in this Solicitation. Acceptable use of innovative technology enhancements that add value to the system operations. All Scenario Methodology Questions were completely and satisfactorily responded to in narrative form.
Additional components of the viable business, including responses to these submission criteria and disclosures, are acceptable and demonstrate further financial stability and capability.
Detailed narrative is provided and demonstrates experience and planned service model. Joint submission describes how the partners will support each other. Organizational structure is effective and acceptable to accomplish the desired service outcome. Detailed questionnaire information is provided in the Organizational Structure and information and is acceptable.
Demonstrated ability to deliver services at a reasonable cost and all elements of cost detail are provided.
Potential proposers invited to Phase 3 will be notified of the time and place of oral interviews.
This letter must include a summary of key aspects of the contractor’s qualifications and must indicate the Respondent’s commitment to provide the services proposed and certify that all statements and information prepared and submitted in the response to this Solicitation are current, complete, and accurate; and that the proposed solution for the project meets all the requirements of this Solicitation.
For Profit
Private for-profit corporations submitting a proposal must include a statement signed by an authorized representative of the corporation authorizing submission of a proposal.
Non-Profit
Private non-profit organizations and agencies of state or local government responding to this solicitation must include the following: 1) a resolution from the respondent’s governing body or board authorizing the submission of a proposal; and 2) a letter of transmittal from the chief executive officer of the respondent’s organization.
Independent Auditor * Does the proposer engage a licensed independent auditor to produce certified financial statements for the organization? If not, please explain in your documentation. If yes, please submit your organization’s last three (3) years' independent audit and audited financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. These documents must reflect the financial position of the respondent and demonstrate adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). If your organization is part of a parent or umbrella entity, provide both consolidated and program-specific financials where applicable.
If your organization is required to have a single or program-specific audit in accordance with 2 CFR 200, please include these reports with your submission. Submit your organization’s last three (3) years' independent audit and audited financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. These documents must reflect the financial position of the respondent and demonstrate adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). If your organization is part of a parent or umbrella entity, provide both consolidated and program-specific financials where applicable.
FAILURE TO LOAD THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE RESPONSE BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND DISQUALIFIED
If Respondent proposes to use, provide, or rely upon any SaaS or other cloud service provider to store, process, transmit, or otherwise access (i) customer information (including PII), (ii) financial aid/payment information, or (iii) any data contained in or exchanged with WIT, FAMS, or other systems used to fulfill the contract, Respondent shall identify each proposed SaaS/cloud service provider in its proposal and shall ensure that each such provider has obtained and maintains, at a minimum, one of the following (each, an “Acceptable Cloud Security Credential”):
Respondent shall submit, with its proposal, written evidence of the applicable Acceptable Cloud Security Credential for each proposed SaaS/cloud service provider (e.g., TX‑RAMP listing/certificate, FedRAMP authorization, CSA STAR listing, SOC 2 Type II report cover page/executive summary, or ISO/IEC 27017 certificate/report summary). The evidence submitted must be sufficient to verify the credential, its scope and that it is current. Failure to identify proposed SaaS/cloud service providers in the proposal, or failure to submit evidence of an Acceptable Cloud Security Credential for each proposed provider, will result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive and it will not be evaluated.
Confidential Audit Reports.
If Respondent relies on a SOC 2 Type II report or ISO/IEC 27017 report/certification as its Acceptable Cloud Security Credential and the underlying report contains confidential security information, Respondent may submit with its proposal (i) the report cover page, (ii) the independent auditor’s opinion, (iii) the scope of services/systems covered, and (iv) the report period, together with a written statement that the full report will be made available to H‑GAC and the Board for verification under a nondisclosure agreement upon request. Failure to provide sufficient documentation to verify the credential may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive.
Please download the below document, complete, and upload.
The Past Performance Questions must be completed below for all respondents. For proposers who are current or former contractors of the Workforce Board, available contract records may also be reviewed. These records may include, but are not limited to, audit or monitoring committee reports, performance metrics, committee statistics, and any other relevant reports or documentation maintained by Workforce Board contract managers. This information will be used to assess the proposer’s past performance.
Describe any awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements that your organization has received during the past three (3) years.
How does your organization maintain cost control while executing a project? Has your organization ever achieved a major cost savings under a contract? If so, please provide details in the field below.
As a contractor or grantee in the past five (5) years, have you ever been placed in a Performance Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Technical Assistance Plan or equivalent? If so, for each such Plan or equivalent, please provide project name and customer point of contact, to include name, phone number, email, dates, reason(s), your response(s) and the outcome(s).
Has your organization ever held a contract with any governmental entity that was declined a renewal or was terminated for cause or default? If so, please state the contract and reason for the termination.
Provide a list of any legal actions involving your organization or its owners, officers and managers, including lawsuits, arbitrations, injunctions, or other court orders pending at any time in the past five (5) years. Include the case number, the court or tribunal where the case was filed, a list of the parties, a description of the claims asserted and the outcome. Include any pending litigation or arbitration during this period regardless of date initiated.
Please provide detailed responses to A-G below for five contracts or grants under which the proposer has provided similar services to the proposal here in the past five years. If you had a contract with a public assistance entity, regional planning organization, or organization similar to H-GAC, please include them in the list. H-GAC reserves the right to verify the information listed.
Please provide detailed responses to A-G below for five contracts or grants under which the proposer has provided similar services to the proposal here in the past five years. If you had a contract with a public assistance entity, regional planning organization, or organization similar to H-GAC, please include them in the list. H-GAC reserves the right to verify the information listed.
Please provide detailed responses to A-G below for five contracts or grants under which the proposer has provided similar services to the proposal here in the past five years. If you had a contract with a public assistance entity, regional planning organization, or organization similar to H-GAC, please include them in the list. H-GAC reserves the right to verify the information listed.
Please provide detailed responses to A-G below for five contracts or grants under which the proposer has provided similar services to the proposal here in the past five years. If you had a contract with a public assistance entity, regional planning organization, or organization similar to H-GAC, please include them in the list. H-GAC reserves the right to verify the information listed.
Please provide detailed responses to A-G below for five contracts or grants under which the proposer has provided similar services to the proposal here in the past five years. If you had a contract with a public assistance entity, regional planning organization, or organization similar to H-GAC, please include them in the list. H-GAC reserves the right to verify the information listed.
Respondents must provide a comprehensive overview of their experience in delivering high-quality, inclusive, and outcomes-driven services. Responses should reflect the organization’s ability to serve diverse populations, operate effectively in complex service environments, and maintain a strong record of compliance and performance.
Describe your organization’s experience operating within a multi-provider system, where your team functions as one of several delivering aligned or complementary services. Include examples of:
Technical Expertise in Early Childhood and Family Engagement
Describe your organization’s demonstrated expertise in the following areas as directly related to this Scope of Work:
For each area, briefly describe:
Project-Specific Staffing Plan
Operational Readiness and Infrastructure
Community Collaboration Capacity
Risk Mitigation
Identify up to three (3) anticipated challenges in implementing this scope and describe practical mitigation strategies.
Respond to the following scenario:
Workforce Solutions awards your organization this contract effective October 1, 2026.
At the time of award:
Describe your first 90 days of implementation.
Your response must address:
Response to the following scenario:
Six months into the contract:
Your response must address:
Response to the following scenario:
A Texas Rising Star center identifies a pattern among enrolled families:
The center requests structured support but has limited staff capacity.
Describe how you would coordinate a response.
Your response must address:
To assess fiscal responsibility, internal controls, and the ability to manage public funds effectively, respondents must provide the following documentation and narrative listed below. This section is designed to ensure that selected partners possess the financial integrity, controls, and capacity necessary to responsibly manage public funding and sustain high-quality workforce services over the life of the contract.
Provide a brief narrative describing your organization’s current financial stability. Include relevant information regarding:
Indicate whether your organization holds a credit rating or has undergone a third-party fiscal risk assessment, and summarize any outcomes or recognitions received (e.g., from Charity Navigator, GuideStar, accreditation bodies, or audit entities)
Describe your standard payment terms and policies for vendors and subcontractors, and your approach to budget management and oversight. Include information about internal financial controls, segregation of duties, and fraud prevention procedures.
Disclose whether your organization has experienced any financial difficulty, significant cash flow issues, debt restructuring, etc within the past five years.
If applicable, describe the circumstances, how the issue was resolved, and what safeguards have since been put in place to ensure long-term financial health.
Has the proposer ever filed for, entered, or come out of bankruptcy? If yes, please explain.
If applicable, describe the circumstances, how the issue was resolved, and what safeguards have since been put in place to ensure long-term financial health.
Has the proposer, or its principals, had a judgment from the Internal Revenue Service or owed back taxes, interest and penalties to the IRS? If yes, please explain.
If applicable, describe the circumstances, how the issue was resolved, and what safeguards have since been put in place to ensure long-term financial health.
Has the proposer had any adverse judgments or findings, including audit findings, or sanctions by a professional or governmental body or court of law in the last three years? If yes, please explain.
If applicable, describe the circumstances, how the issue was resolved, and what safeguards have since been put in place to ensure long-term financial health.
As a contractor or grantee in the past five (5) years, have you ever had to repay or been denied reimbursement for costs associated with a service contract (disallowed cost)? If so, for each disallowed cost, please provide project name and grantor/funder point of contact, to include name, phone number, email, dates, the amount(s), reason(s), your response(s) and the outcome(s). Please refer to the Federal Code of Regulations for the definition of Disallowed Cost: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A
If applicable, describe the circumstances, how the issue was resolved, and what safeguards have since been put in place to ensure long-term financial health.
Provide details about any financial or operational excellence recognition, accreditations, or certifications your organization has received from regulatory, professional, or accrediting bodies (e.g., ISO, COA, CARF, financial transparency awards).
Respondents must submit a detailed narrative that demonstrates the organization’s capacity to deliver high-quality workforce services aligned with the Gulf Coast Workforce Board’s strategic goals, operational expectations, and commitment to excellence.
For joint submissions, the proposal must clearly define how each partner organization will contribute to achieving successful project outcomes, ensuring seamless coordination and shared accountability.
The Board operates under strict requirements related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). This section must include specific information regarding the planned use of technology or AI tools in augmenting service or staffing.
Provides detail regarding your organization’s experience and planned service model. Joint submissions must describe how the partners will support each other in ensuring a successful outcome.
Provide an organizational chart that shows how your organization operates. Include in the chart the positions and for each position a summary of the duties and who holds the positions. Describe the organizational structure and why it is structured this way. Explain how this arrangement supports Workforce Solutions’ business model. State whether there has been any staff changes/turnover in the chief executive and chief financial officer positions (or equivalent) during the past five years and describe the reason for the changes/turnover.
Provide Information about any governing boards, such as a Board of Directors or advisory boards. Provide the names and terms of Board members, the regular employers of those Board members and list the other companies they or their family members are owners of ten percent or more of or otherwise control and state their ownership interest.
Provide information about all affiliated organizations such as subsidiaries or parent companies of the proposer and its executive officers and managers and specifically describe relationships. Include a discussion regarding all organizations in which the proposer, its executive officers and managers, or their immediate family members, owns ten percent or more of or otherwise controls.
Provide a list of the key staff for your organization and resumes for each (resumes must be uploaded in the Resume section below). Identify the principals and leadership and describe their responsibilities, experience, and length of service with your organization. Which principals, if any, would be assigned to work on Workforce Solutions’ contract and what percentage of their time would they be expected to work on it?
Upload all required resumes in this section.
Who controls the management of your organization?
Is the organization for profit or non-profit? Provide statements of your organization’s mission, vision, and values. Describe who developed them and how they were developed. How does your organization communicate the vision, mission, and core values to the community? How are they expressed within the organization?
Provide a description of how your organization’s mission supports that of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board. Describe how your organization’s existing mission, vision and values will not supplant or confuse the Workforce Board’s mission in operation of the project.
Provide a description of your organization’s policies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and how compliance with those policies is monitored. Include the steps that you take to make sure any facilities you control or utilize to provide services meet physical accessibility requirements. Also include the processes in place to ensure the service you provide is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Use the Budget forms (Workforce Solutions Request for Proposals-Workforce Financial Aid Services) provided including a budget narrative accurately reflecting project delivery and support the budget with detailed costs. If using funds from this proposal to pay for the salaries of personnel not listed in the tables, list those positions in a separate summary, give the name of the current occupant of the position (if filled), and the amount and percent of the salary anticipated for charging to this project.
Provide a budget for the first year of the project only.
Complete the staffing table and provide job descriptions for all positions in the staffing summary; address how the staff jobs incorporate the following functions:
Respondent must agree to comply with all rules, policies, directives, and plans issued by the Board and the Texas Workforce Commission. Contractor shall be responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and directives governing the programs identified under this solicitation.
Respondent agrees and must submit signed compliance documents and statutory assurances which will govern program operations. In addition, respondents may be asked to submit additional information by H-GAC during the Solicitation process or at any time during the fiscal year.
Awardees are required to disclose any changes in and circumstances regarding the method of security or protecting funds under the workforce service provider’s control.
(1) Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
As a condition of the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under WIOA, the respondent must assure compliance with nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws throughout the duration of the award.
Section 188 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, disability, or political affiliation or belief, or against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship status or participation in any WIOA-financially assisted program or activity;
29 C.F.R, Part 38, Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions of WIOA.
Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., and § 2000e-16, as amended which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in federally assisted programs and prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities;
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs.
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age;
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;
Non-Traditional Employment for Women Act of 1991, as amended;
Texas Government Code, Chapter 469, Elimination of Architectural Barriers and 16 TAC, Chapter 68, Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation;
Assistive Technology Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 3003)
The respondent guarantees that, as a recipient of WIOA (federal) financial assistance, it, along with any subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors, and service providers, will adhere to all applicable nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of federal and state laws, as well as all regulations implementing these laws.
The Respondent must include this certification language in all sub-awards at every level (such as subcontracts, sub-grants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and require all sub-recipients to certify and disclose accordingly.
The Respondent and its subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors, and service providers may not deny services under the grant to any person and are prohibited from discriminating against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, and gender identity), national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, disability, or political affiliation or belief or against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship status or participation in any federal or state financially assisted program and/or activity.
The Respondent and its subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors, and service providers shall ensure that the evaluation and treatment of employees and applicants for employment are free from discrimination.
The grant applicant understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance.
Applicant’s signature below indicates the organization is agreeing to comply fully with the assurance and certifications as part of its responsibilities as a successful contractor.
Respondent acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent Respondent owes any debt including, but not limited to, delinquent taxes, delinquent student loans, and child support owed to the State of Texas, any payments or other amounts Respondent is otherwise owed under the contract may be applied toward any debt Respondent owes the State of Texas until the debt is paid in full. These provisions are effective at any time Respondent owes any such debt or delinquency.
By signing below, Respondent certifies, represents, and warrants as follows:
1) Truthfulness and Completeness
Respondent certifies that the information contained in its proposal and all attachments is true, correct, and complete to the best of Respondent’s knowledge and belief, and that Respondent has not knowingly made any false statement or material misrepresentation in connection with this Solicitation.
2) Authority
Respondent certifies that the undersigned is authorized to submit this proposal on behalf of Respondent and to bind Respondent to the representations made in the proposal and attachments.
3) Non‑Collusion; Antitrust Compliance
Respondent certifies that it has not colluded with any other respondent, bidder, or competitor in any manner that restricts or eliminates competition or otherwise restrains trade in connection with this Solicitation. Respondent further certifies that it has not communicated the contents of its proposal to any competitor prior to the submission deadline, except as necessary for lawful subcontracting, teaming, or joint venture arrangements that are permitted by the Solicitation and disclosed in Respondent’s proposal. Respondent certifies that it has complied with applicable antitrust laws, including Texas Government Code § 2155.005, the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983 (Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 15), and applicable federal antitrust laws.
4) No Participation in Specification/Solicitation Preparation; Eligibility.
Respondent certifies that neither Respondent nor any person or entity represented by Respondent has received compensation from H‑GAC to participate in the preparation of this Solicitation or its specifications. Respondent further certifies that Respondent is not ineligible to receive an award under Texas Government Code § 2155.004. Respondent acknowledges that an award may be withheld, or a contract terminated and payment withheld, if this certification is inaccurate.
5) Acknowledgement of Consequences
Respondent acknowledges that these certifications are material and that any false statement or material misrepresentation may result in disqualification, termination for cause, and any other remedies available under the Solicitation, any resulting contract, and applicable law.
Contractor shall promptly disclose any actual or apparent conflict of interest to H‑GAC and the Board Executive Director (or designee) and shall comply with applicable conflict-of-interest requirements. Post-award disclosure requirements include the CIQ and Form 1295, as applicable.
Successful applicants are required to comply with relevant federal and state statutes and regulations related to standards of conduct and conflict of interest provisions, including but not limited to:
(A) 29 C.F.R. §97.36(b)(3), which encompasses requirements from the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
(B) Applicable OMB Circular requirements
(C) WIOA Regulations
(D) Texas Grant Management Standards (TxGMS),
(E) Texas Workforce Commission Rule 40 TAC §802, Workforce Board and H-GAC Conflict of Interest policies
(F) Professional licensing requirements, when applicable.
Additionally, applicants must refrain from using nonpublic information obtained through a relationship with the Texas Workforce Commission or its employees, a Board, or a Board employee to seek or gain financial benefits that could result in a conflict of interest or the appearance of one.
Conflict of interest standards for grant awards are established by federal Uniform Guidance, WIOA Regulations, Texas Grant Management Standards (TxGMS), Texas Workforce Commission Rule 40 TAC §802, Workforce Board and H-GAC Conflict of Interest policies.
Texas Workforce Commission Rule 40 TAC §802.2 (4) defines Conflict of interest—as a “circumstance in which a Board member, Board employee, workforce service provider, or workforce service provider's employee is in a decision-making position and has a direct or indirect interest, particularly a substantial financial interest, that influences the individual's ability to perform job duties and fulfill responsibilities.
Texas Workforce Commission Rule 40 TAC §802.2(14) defines Substantial financial interest as:
An interest in a business entity in which a person:
(A) owns 10 percent or more of the stock, shares, fair market value, or other interest in the business entity;
(B) owns more than $5,000 of the fair market value of the business entity;
(C) owns real property if the interest is an equitable or legal ownership with a fair market value of $2,500 or more used for the business entity;
(D) receives funds from the business entity that exceed 10 percent of the person's gross income for the previous year;
(E) is a compensated member of the board of directors or other governing board of the business entity;
(F) serves as an elected officer of the business entity; or
(G) is related to a person in the first degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Texas Government Code, Chapter 573, who has a substantial financial interest in the business entity, as listed in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of this section. First degree of consanguinity or affinity means the person's parent, child, adopted child, or spouse
Respondent affirms and certifies that:
Neither they nor any of their employees in decision-making positions have a substantial financial interest in a business entity that is a party to any business transaction with a Board member or Board employee who is in a Board decision-making position.
They are not related to someone in the first degree by consanguinity or affinity who has a significant stake in a business entity that would be pecuniarily affected by any official Board action or that is a party to any business transaction with a Board member or Board employee who is in a decision-making position.
No member of the Board, the Board Executive Director or Board employee, H-GAC’s Executive Director or H-GAC employee holds a substantial financial interest in the Respondent’s business entity.
No manager, employee or paid consultant of the Respondent is a member of the Board, the Executive Director, or an employee of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
No employee, agent or paid consultant of the Respondent has provided any gratuity, favors or anything of monetary value to any Board member, officer, employee or authorized agent of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board or Workforce Solutions or elected official for the purpose of influencing this procurement.
No employee, officer, agent, or paid consultant has lobbied (as defined in Chapter 305 of the Texas Government Code) or attempted to influence any Board member, officer, employee, or authorized agent of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board or Workforce Solutions or elected official for the purpose of influencing this procurement.
No employee, officer or agent of the contractor shall participate in the award, or administration of a contract supported by public funds if a conflict of interest or apparent conflict of interest would be involved.
No member of the Board will participate in the award or administration of the contract supported by Board funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved.
Respondent shall certify that it will not employ or otherwise compensate a former board employee who:
Respondent certifies that no employee, agent, or paid consultant of the Respondent is married to a member of the Board, the Board Executive Director, an employee of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, H-GAC Executive Director, or H-GAC employee.
Respondent certifies that no member of the Board, Board Executive Director or employee of the Board is an employee, agent, or paid consultant of the respondent applicant.
Respondent shall promptly disclose any of the above conflicts to the Gulf Coast Workforce Board Executive Director or designee or claim any exemption pursuant to 40 TAC §802.42. Failure to comply may result in the application being disqualified or termination of the contract. Respondent will not be entitled to recovery of any costs or expenses incurred if the application is disqualified.
I, the undersigned Respondent certify there are no existing or potential conflicts of interest associated with this application.
Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning set forth in 2 CFR 200.216 and includes the categories described in the Solicitation’s Contract Terms and Conditions section titled “Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Using Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Equipment.
Failure to submit this document will result in the submission being deemed non-responsive and it will not be evaluated.
Certification (Required; Pass/Fail)
By signing below, Respondent certifies, represents, and warrants that:
Acknowledgement of Prohibition. Respondent acknowledges the prohibition in 2 CFR 200.216 and understands that any contract resulting from this Solicitation may not use Federal award funds to procure or obtain, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.
Compliance Commitment. Respondent certifies that it will not provide and will not use in performance of any resulting contract any equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.
Subcontractor/Subrecipient Compliance. Respondent certifies that it will ensure compliance with this prohibition by all subcontractors and subrecipients at all tiers.
If Respondent is a taxable entity as defined by Chapter 171, Texas Tax Code, Respondent certifies that it is not currently delinquent in the payment of any taxes due under Chapter 171, or that Respondent is exempt from the payment of those taxes. If awarded a contract, Contractor shall maintain compliance with this requirement throughout the contract term.
Respondents must certify that they are current in all Unemployment Insurance taxes, Payday and Child Labor Law monetary obligations, and Proprietary School fees and assessments payable to the State of Texas. Respondents must also certify that they have not outstanding Unemployment Insurance overpayment balances due to the State of Texas.
The undersigned authorized representative of the Respondent certifies that the following statements are true and correct and that the undersigned understands that making a false statement will prevent H-GAC from contracting with the organization.
The corporation certifies, by checking the boxes below, that:
It is current in Unemployment Insurance taxes, Payday and Child Labor Law monetary obligations, and Proprietary School fees and assessments payable to the State of Texas.
It has no outstanding Unemployment Insurance overpayment balance payable to the State of Texas.
Respondent agrees and certifies that Workforce Solution Offices will be free of defects and conditions that materially affect health and/or safety and adhere to Texas Government Code, Chapter 469, Elimination of Architectural Barriers and 16 TAC, Chapter 68, Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation;
A space must be free of conditions that materially affect heath and/or safety for the space to be considered suitable for its intended purpose. The co-located space must meet the following non-exclusive standards to be considered suitable for its intended purposes:
There must be clean, hot, and cold running water, or tepid running water, at all times
The roof must be free of leaks and defects;
There must be working HVAC that maintains an appropriate temperature during all hours of operation
All doors must lock and stay shut as intended. All locks must be in adequate working condition
The space must be free from structural damage, faulty wiring, sewage backup, and pest infestation such as rodents, roaches, termites, etc.;
The space must be free from hazardous materials, toxic fumes, or loud noises that impact provision of normal government functions
The space must be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances including building codes.
Any lease agreement executed for the purpose of operating a workforce solutions career office must contain a requirement that the premises be maintained in a suitable condition. Failure of the Respondent or subcontractors to maintain the Workforce Solutions Career Offices in accordance with this provision will be considered as a breach of any executed contract. Failure to accept this provision will lead to disqualification from consideration of the proposal.
Workforce Solutions Offices, also known as American Job Centers, in compliance with 40 TAC, Chapter 801, Subchapter B, and will provide public access to workforce development services as specified in 40 TAC § 801.22. When relocating or planning new locations for Workforce Solutions Offices, the Board will assess the proposed location’s proximity to both the population served and accessible public transportation. Offices must be located in areas that are closest to the highest density of the population served and that have accessible public transportation available.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 2264.051, the Respondent certifies that the business, or a branch, division, or department of the business does not and will not knowingly employ an undocumented worker as defined in Texas Government Code § 2264.001(4).
The Contractor shall implement policies and procedures concerning this law by following TWC’s Workforce Development Policy guidance in WD Letter 07-08 and subsequent issuances WD Letter 07-08: House Bill 1196: Repayment of Public Subsidies by Businesses Convicted of Knowingly Employing Undocumented Workers
The Respondent certifies that it shall establish and implement reasonable internal program management procedures sufficient to ensure its compliance with Texas Government Code § 2264.051.
Texas Government Code § 2264.052 mandates that a business convicted of a violation under 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(f) (unlawful employment of undocumented workers), shall repay the amount of the public subsidy with interest not later than the 120th day after the entity is notified of the violation.
In accordance with Texas Government Code § 2264.053, the Board has determined that if the Contractor is convicted of such a violation, the interest rate to be applied to the public subsidy is fifteen percent (15%).
The authorized representative of the Respondent understands and certifies that the following statements are true and correct:
1. That making a false statement is a material breach of contract and grounds for contract cancellation; and
2. That after receiving a public subsidy, if the Contractor is convicted of a violation under 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(f), relating to the unlawful employment of undocumented workers, the Contractor shall repay the amount of the public subsidy with interest, at the rate of fifteen percent (15%).
Pursuant to 231.006, Texas Family Code, a child support obligor who is more than 30 days delinquent in paying child support and a business entity in which the obligor is a sole proprietor, partner, shareholder, or owner with an ownership interest of at least 25 percent is not eligible to receive payments from state funds under a contract to provide property, materials, or services.
The undersigned authorized representative of the respondent hereby certifies that the individual or business entity named in the proposal is not ineligible to receive payments based on Texas Family Code 231.006 and acknowledges that a contract may be terminated, and payment may be withheld if this certification is not true and accurate.
Submission must be signed by a duly authorized representative(s) of the respondent, which must be the actual legal entity that will perform the contract if awarded and any total fixed price contained therein will remain firm for a period of one-hundred eighty (180) days following the submission due date and can be further extended by mutual written agreement.
A signature (electronic) constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of all the Solicitation Terms and Conditions. Respondents, their authorized representative, and their agents are responsible for obtaining, and will be deemed to have, full knowledge of the conditions, requirements, and specifications of this Solicitation at the time a response is submitted to H-GAC. This Solicitation does not commit H-GAC to award a contract, issue a Purchase Order, or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission to this Solicitation. The submission will become part of H-GAC’s official files without any obligation on H-GAC’s behalf. All Submissions will be held confidential from all parties other than H-GAC, and only released in accordance with Public Information Act requirements.
Respondent agrees and understands the above requirements, and by confirming, I certify that I am legally authorized to bind the entity to the Terms and Conditions of the Proposal as submitted. I also agree that any other related documents entered into in connection with this Proposal, which include a digital acknowledgement or electronic signature, are to be treated in all respects as having the same force and effect as original signatures.
Signature of the person authorized to bind Respondent company to any contract/purchase order that may result from this Solicitation and acknowledgement and acceptance of the full Solicitation Terms and Conditions.
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To ensure a fair and competitive environment, direct communication between H-GAC employees other than the Solicitation Contact or any party able to create an unfair advantage to Respondent or disadvantage to other Respondents with respect to the Solicitation process, or the award of a Contract is strictly prohibited. This restricted period of communication begins on the issue date of the Solicitation and for Respondent(s) not selected for award ends with the conclusion of the protest period identified in the Solicitation document and for Respondents(s) selected for award ends with the Contract execution. This restriction does not apply to communications to other H-GAC employees during a Pre-Proposal/Bid or Response conference or other situations where the Solicitation Contact has expressly authorized direct communications with other staff. A Respondent who intentionally violates this requirement of the Solicitation process or otherwise deliberately or unintentionally benefits from such a violation by another party may have its Submission rejected in accordance with H-GAC Procurement Policy. Respondent(s) will not offer any gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value to any official or employee of H-GAC (including any and all members of the evaluation committee) for the purposes of influencing consideration of any Submission.
Respondent agrees and understands the above requirement.
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Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) – A contract award (2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR Part 1966 Comp. p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR Part 1989 Comp. p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549. Respondent certifies that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency or by the State of Texas and at all times during the term of the Contract neither it nor its principals will be debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency or by the State of Texas. Respondent shall immediately provide the written notice to H-GAC if at any time the Respondent learns that this certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. H-GAC may rely upon a certification of the Respondent that the Respondent is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered contract, unless H-GAC knows the certification is erroneous.
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The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
Respondent certifies that no federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress on its behalf to obtain, extend, or modify this contract or grant. If non-federal funds are used by Respondent to conduct such lobbying activities, Respondent shall promptly file the prescribed disclosure form. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. § 1352(b)(5), Respondent acknowledges and agrees that it is responsible for ensuring that each subrecipient and subcontractor certifies its compliance with the expenditure prohibition and the declaration requirement.
Respondent shall include the certification provision in all award documents for any subawards at all tiers (including subgrants, contracts and subcontractors, under grants, loans and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by § 1352, Title 31, U.S.C. Any person who fails to file the required declaration shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
Definitions
Awarding office means H-GAC Contract Manager and Board Executive Director (or designee)
Board means the Gulf Coast Workforce Board (GCWB).
Contractor means the entity awarded and entering into a contract resulting from this Solicitation.
H‑GAC means the Houston‑Galveston Area Council of Governments, acting as fiscal and administrative agent for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
Respondent means an entity submitting a response to this Solicitation.
Drug-Free Workplace Act
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C. 702 et seq., and 2 CFR 182 require that all Contractors receiving awards from any Federal agency maintain a drug-free workplace. The Contractor must notify the Awarding Office if an employee of the Contractor is convicted of violating a criminal drug statute. Failure to comply with these requirements may be cause for suspension, termination, or debarment.
(A) Pre-Award (Respondent)
Respondent understands that this certification is a condition of award/contract execution. Respondent certifies that, if awarded a contract resulting from this Solicitation, it will comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 702 et seq.) and 2 CFR Part 182, including by maintaining a drug-free workplace, publishing a drug-free workplace statement, establishing a drug-free awareness program, and taking appropriate action with respect to employees convicted of violating criminal drug statutes in the workplace.
These certifications are a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction.
(B) Post-Award (Contractor)
Requirements of 2 CFR 182
Drug-Free Workplace Statement. Contractor will maintain a drug-free workplace in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and 2 CFR Part 182. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited on the Contractor’s premises and in any of its facilities and workplaces where employees are engaged in the performance of this award. Any employee who violates this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, consistent with applicable law. All employees, as a condition of employment, must comply with this policy.
Contractor agrees to establish a Drug Free Awareness Program to inform employees about:
The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace
Contractor’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace
Available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs
Penalties Contractor may impose for violating the Drug-Free Workplace policy
Contractor shall provide each employee involved in the performance of this award with a copy of the Drug-Free Workplace policy, ensure they sign an acknowledgment of the policy, and maintain a record of the signed acknowledgments. Contractor must have a policy statement and program in place within thirty (30) days after award.
Reporting Violations
Contractor will comply with the reporting and remedial action requirements of 2 CFR Part 182. If an employee engaged in the performance of this award is convicted of a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace, Contractor will notify the Awarding Office in writing within ten (10) calendar days after Contractor learns of the conviction (whether by employee report or otherwise). The notice will include the employee’s position title and the identification number(s) of each affected award. Contractor will also provide any additional notices required by applicable law or the Contract.
Within thirty (30) calendar days after Contractor learns of the conviction, Contractor will either: (i) take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with applicable law (including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended), or (ii) require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
Identification of all Work locations covered by the Award
Within 30 days after award, Contractor will identify to the Awarding Office all known workplaces where employees are engaged in the performance of this award, and will update such information as workplaces change, to support compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Additional Information
This policy does not require drug testing.
To the extent permitted by the Contract and applicable cost principles, reasonable costs incurred to comply with the requirements of this policy may be allowable.
Contractors are not required to pay for rehabilitation programs for employees.
Alcohol is not covered by this policy.
Respondent represents and warrants its compliance with all applicable duly enacted state and federal laws governing equal employment opportunities. The equal opportunity clause provided under 41 CFR 60-1.4(b) is hereby incorporated by reference.
Under Section 161.0085 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract. A business in this state may not require a customer to provide any documentation certifying the customer's COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the business. A business that fails to comply with this subsection is not eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract payable with state funds.
No officer, member or employee of the Contractor or Contractors subcontractor, no member of the governing body of the Contractor, and no other public officials of the Contractor who exercise any functions or responsibilities in the review or Contractor approval of this Master Agreement, shall participate in any decision relating to this Master Agreement which affects his or her personal interest, or shall have any personal or pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Master Agreement.
As required by Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code. H-GAC will not enter a Contract with Contractor unless (i) the Contractor submits a disclosure of interested parties form to H-GAC at the time the Contractor submits the contract H-GAC, or (ii) the Contractor is exempt from such requirement. The required form and instructions are located at the Texas Ethics Commission website https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm. Respondents who are awarded a Contract must submit their Form 1295 with the submission to H-GAC.
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No officer, member or employee of the Contractor or Contractors subcontractor, no member of the governing body of the Contractor, and no other public officials of the Contractor who exercise any functions or responsibilities in the review or Contractor approval of this Master Agreement, shall participate in any decision relating to this Master Agreement which affects his or her personal interest, or shall have any personal or pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Master Agreement.
Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires contractors contracting or seeking to contract with H-GAC to file a conflict-of-interest questionnaire (CIQ) if they have an employment or other business relationship with an H-GAC officer or an officer's close family member. H-GAC officers include its Board of Directors and Executive Director, who are listed on the H-GAC website. Respondent must complete and file a CIQ with the Texas Ethics Commission if an employment or business relationship with H-GAC officer or an officer's close family member as defined in the law exists. The required questionnaire and instructions are located on the Conflict of Interest page on the Texas Ethics Commission website. https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/conflict/
Please confirm to acknowledge that the form will be filed if applicable.
Respondent represents and warrants that all statements and information prepared and submitted in this response are current, complete, true, and accurate. Submitting a Response with a false statement or material misrepresentations made during the performance of a contract is a material breach of contract and may void the submitted Response and any resulting contract.
Pursuant to Section 2155.004(a) of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that neither Respondent nor any person or entity represented by Respondent has received compensation from H-GAC to participate in the preparation of the specifications or solicitation on which this Response or contract is based. Under Section 2155.004(b) of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that the contract may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.
Respondent will not collude, in any manner, or engage in any practice, with any other Respondent(s) which may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade. Respondent also represents and warrants that, in accordance with Section 2155.005 of the Texas Government Code, neither Respondent nor the firm, corporation, partnership, or institution represented by Respondent, or anyone acting for such a firm, corporation or institution has (1) violated any provision of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983, Chapter 15 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, or the federal antitrust laws, or (2) communicated directly or indirectly the contents of this Response to any competitor or any other person engaged in the same line of business as Respondent.
Respondent agrees that it has read, understands, and fully intends to comply with the solicitation terms and conditions, and any additional terms and conditions (as applicable and included as additional sections, attachments or additional documents) of this solicitation as applicable to any subsequent contract or funding agency requirements or agreements. Exceptions to these Terms and Conditions are not permitted and will not be reviewed.
Q (Service Regions): Should the proposed bid cover all 13 service regions, or can it include only a subset, such as Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston?
A: The proposed bid should cover the entire 13 county Gulf Coast region.
Q (Staffing): While the Gulf Coast Workforce Board is already proposing the staffing structure, can we propose additional staff in our bid?
A: Although the board has included guidance on a staffing structure, a proposal can include additional staff. The proposal will need to provide justification for the proposed staffing structure.
Q (Alignment to Scope): Could you please clarify whether respondents must propose a solution that addresses all tasks in Sections 5.2 through 5.6, or whether H-GAC will consider proposals from organizations that address only part of the scope? For example, if an organization’s expertise is concentrated in early childhood literacy materials, family learning activities, and family engagement experiences, but not the full range of outreach, referral, and monitoring activities described across all tasks, would that organization still be considered responsive under this solicitation?
A: Respondents will need to address all of the task outlined in the Scope of Work in the submitted proposal.
Q (Application Form - Similar service contracts): If an organization has implemented fewer than 5 similar service contracts, will its application be automatically rejected?
A: No.
Q (No subject): Are there any subcontracting opportunities with this bid? If so, how can we become a subcontractor?
A: Agencies wishing to serve as a subcontractor will need to coordinate with an agency proposing as a Prime Contractor. Please reference the Pre-Proposal Attendance list posted in Notice 1 for potential Prime Contractors.
Q (No subject): Do the child care services refer only to children ages 0-5?
A: The child care services are not only for children aged 0-5.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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