Youth Employment Services (2011)

February 2011

View entire RFP Youth Employment Services

This DCHS solicitation for youth employment services included an early attempt at including sustainable business practices criteria; allocating 15/120 evaluation points.  Below are samples of two responses to the sustainability question for this procurement.  

• Vendor A's response is an example of a good answer and excellent sustainability practices. They seem to clearly understand their impacts and are aware of industry programs and practices.  The practices are described in depth and they are able to provide details of specific benefits.
• Vendor C's response is generic in nature, and while they are demonstrating some practices, they are very basic and do not address the provision of service as requested in the question.  

Sustainability Question Used:

Describe your ability to conserve natural resources while still meeting the requirements within Section 2 – Scope of Services and Programmatic Requirements.

Evaluation Criteria:
The Proposer indicates the ability and the commitment to conserve natural resources. The Proposer specifically commits to one of the following practices:

• Use of some form of alternative transportation to and from meetings that are scheduled M-F between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. (Walking, biking, carpooling, Trimet, etc.);
• Use of electronic distribution of documents and meeting minutes at all times;
• When paper is required, use of 100% post consumer recycled PCF paper and duplex printing;
• Recycling all meeting materials and outputs in a manner consistent with Multnomah County recycling
• Purchase of renewable energy credits; and/or;
• Reduction of electrical consumption.

Vendor A Response

Vendor A is committed to embedding sustainable practices throughout our program, from building LEED and Earth Advantage homes in our construction training program, to keeping computers out of the landfill through our refurbishing work in our computer technology program. Vendor A provides students with the opportunity to get a free bike through our partnership with the a community cycling center; we operate an active school recycling and compost program; and through our Sustainability Committee - composed of students and staff - we promote sustainability within the school and brainstorm initiatives to further establish Vendor A as an exemplary green school. Over the last two years, our sustainability work has led to Vendor A’s accreditation as an Oregon Green School by the Oregon Green School Association. 

Use of Alternative Transportation: Vendor A’s school facility in the east neighborhood is well situated to serve both current students and prospective students as well as frequent public.  The train stops at

Anywhere Blvd. and Easy Street, and the number 1 and 2 bus lines serving Easy Street and Happy Avenue, respectively, provide easy access to our school facility. Vendor A is also located less than 100 yards from a multi-use path.

Electronic Communications: Vendor A will distribute information using electronic communications to the greatest degree possible. As has been our practice for a number of years, the distribution of Board of Directors and committee meeting minutes and related documents will make full use of electronic means. In order to “green" our school our students now have their own school e-mail accounts and the majority of assignments are done on-line.

Recycling Meeting Materials: All classrooms and meeting rooms at Vendor A have bins for mixed recycling, glass, and plastics. As a result of a "waste audit" conducted in 2010, we are now also recycling plastic bags) batteries, and lumber and scrap metal. Purchase of renewable energy credits and reduction of electrical consumption: Vendor A participates in Utility X’s Renewable Power program. In 2010, our actions resulted in -9,166Ibs. of C02 offset. Vendor A has reduced our electrical consumption by using compact fluorescent lighting and de-Iamping throughout our facilities. We have also replaced our T-12 Fluorescent Tube lights and fixtures with the more energy efficient T-8 model.

Vendor C Response

Vendor C conducts its business with respect and consideration for the environment. As a service organization, our environmental impact is small compared to manufacturing industries. However, in all of our operations, we strive to minimize our impact on the environment through reduction of waste and energy consumption. Vendor C encourages staff to use modern technology, such as email, teleconferencing, net meetings, webinars and video-conferencing, where possible, to reduce our travel impact on the environment. Locally, our office:

• uses recycled materials whenever possible
• recycles all appropriate recyclable materials
• Has easy access to public transportation enables more employees to utilize it instead of driving to work each day.
• Is encouraged to use energy efficient alternative transportation and give preference to preferred parking for high occupancy/fuel efficient vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles.

In late 2007, Vendor C moved into its new world headquarters, a “green building" downtown.  The new facility was designed with sustainable features that are aligned with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Our new world headquarters demonstrates our commitment to the environment and sets a benchmark for all future Vendor C office developments around the world.