Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: November 9, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Roseann Harrington, Chief of Staff, County Mayor’s Office
PHONE: 407-836-7370
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2402, Providing Orange County Accelerated Workforce Training & Apprenticeship Pilot Training Program
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2402, Providing Orange County Accelerated Workforce Training & Apprenticeship Pilot Training Program, Federal Subrecipient Agreement, between Orange County and School Board of Orange County, Florida, in the amount not-to-exceed $880,000 for a two-year term.
Further request Board authorization of delegation of authority to the Procurement Division Manager or designee to execute such Federal Subrecipient Agreement on a form approved by the County Attorney’s Office and Risk Management Division. ([County Mayor Innovation and Emerging Technologies Office] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This Subaward was issued from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (the “Recovery Fund” or “Federal Award”) allocation received by the County on May 18, 2021.
Orange County Government is engaging with the public education providers to research, design, and deploy an accelerated workforce training and apprenticeship pilot program inclusive of two paths:
1. Wireless Path (5G and beyond)
2. Fiber Broadband Path
Establishing this pilot program that integrates both academic and apprenticeship components is a crucial component for advancing the County’s broadband and digital equity goals. The performance period will begin upon contract execution through December 31, 2026.
FUNDING:
Funds are available in account Number 5896-019-8634-3197. This procurement is federally funded through ARPA.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part I, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
The County is establishing an Accelerated Telecommunications Workforce Training and Apprenticeship Pilot Program with the Subrecipient, Orange County Public Schools - Orange Technical College. The Subrecipient is a school district that focuses on ensuring every student has a promising and successful future. The district services about 209,000 students at 210 schools and is one of the largest employers in Central Florida, with more than 25,000 team members. The program integrates both academic and apprenticeship components for advancing the County’s broadband and digital equity goals. The dual approach ensures that trainees not only gain access to theoretical knowledge necessary to understand advanced telecommunications technologies but also acquire hands-on, practical skills through real-world experiences. By aligning the program with the County’s specific objectives, we address the crucial skills and labor gaps in the telecommunications sector, enabling a proficient workforce ready to implement and maintain wireless and fiber broadband infrastructure. This initiative promotes digital equity by ensuring all communities have access to high-speed broadband services, which is essential for economic development, education, and social inclusion. This initiative fosters local talent, reduces unemployment, and supports sustainable growth within the telecommunications industry.
The Subrecipient will conduct industry surveys of telecommunications industry leaders, crucial when designing curricula and to help ensure that curricula is designed and aligned with the current and future occupational needs of the telecommunications industry. This is a pilot program allowing apprenticeship opportunities for students to earn while they learn through industry partnerships. This outreach benefits both students and employers. They will work directly with Career Source of Central Florida to assist in identifying candidates to participate in the Program and to assist in the direct job placement.
The proposed accelerated workforce training and apprenticeship pilot program will consist of three phases:
(1) Research, Design and Program Awareness Campaigns - Provides expanded accessibility to specialized certificate programs in the 5G and fiber broadband telecommunications field. Each cohort program will include at least 20 students.
(2) Delivery of Educational Offerings - Enable residents to obtain the necessary skills through specialized certificates in the growing field of telecommunications.
(3) Apprenticeship and Direct Job Placement - Provide for internships, apprenticeships and direct placement for Careers related to the 5G wireless and fiber broadband technologies.