Governance

Career Center Charter

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Career Center Charter (FY ’10 – FY ’14)

Background:
Upon determination of the Vendor/Sub-recipient status of New Directions Southcoast, Inc. (NDS), the Executive Committee approved the extension of the Career Center Charter through 12/31/10. Since NDS has been determined to be a Sub-recipient, the WIB is not obligated to procure services through the RFP process, but reserves the right to go through a formal procurement process. On 09/29/10 the WIB unanimously voted to extend the charter for NDS to operate the Greater New Bedford Career Center and Wareham Career Center from 06/30/10 through 12/31/10.

The Charter Subcommittee conducted an exhaustive review of policies and procedures relative to the Career Center Charter. Working with the city auditor and Mayor Lang, it was determined that the lead operator may be viewed as a sub-recipient rather than a vendor; as such, the WIB may award a Charter without undertaking a competitive bidding process. The Mayor’s focus on a high standard of service provision and quality performance is incorporated into the Charter document by way of an annual business plan, which must be submitted by the lead operator and must be responsive to the questions posed by the WIB. The business plan was submitted by NDS on 10/15/10. The Finance and Performance Measurement Committee has asked that the solutions or action steps that must be taken by NDS to address the challenges presented in the business plan be submitted in the form of an addendum and/or addenda, and the Committee has approved the plan. The Finance and Performance Measurement Committee then recommended to the Executive Committee at its 12/01/10 meeting, that the Charter be awarded to NDS for the period FY ‘11 through FY ‘14. The recommendation was approved unanimously.

In keeping with state policy and the WIB/CEO Agreement, the awarding of the Charter must be in agreement with the Chief Elected Official (Mayor of New Bedford).

Motion:
On 12/15/10 the WIB moved to ratify the 12/01/10 vote of the Executive Committee to award the Charter to New Directions Southcoast, Inc. for the period FY ‘11 through FY ’14.

Upon a motion made by John Fernandes and seconded by Alice Oliveira, the Charter was unanimously ratified, with Joe Notini and Brenda Francis abstaining.