CALL FOR PROPOSAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING (CET) CENTRES AND PROGRAMME PARTNERS FOR THE SERVICE EXCELLENCE COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK Ref. No.: WDA.GSD.27.27.26 .C.V1 CALL FOR PROPOSAL (CFP) FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING (CET) CENTRES AND PROGRAMME PARTNERS FOR THE SERVICE EXCELLENCE COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK BACKGROUND Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) 1. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) was formed on 01 September 2003 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Manpower. Our mission is to enhance the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life, and advance with skills. This will in turn help our companies compete, and strengthen our economy. 2. In today's workplace, most jobs require knowledge as well as skills, which include the right attitude for the job, foundational and technical competencies. Many employers therefore look for and value workers with the right skills to do the job. Hence, WDA's role is to develop and strengthen skills-based training for adult workers to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives, over and above academic upgrading pathways. 3. To achieve this, WDA is developing a Continuing Education and Training (CET) infrastructure under the CET Masterplan, announced by the Prime Minister in Feb 2008. We work with many partners, including employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop skills based training that are relevant to industries, accessible and open to all in the workforce - young and old, from rank and file to professionals and executives. A key initiative under the Masterplan is to continue to strengthen the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system as a national credentialling system for skills. WSQ is relevant to and recognised by industry, embraces adult learning principles, and provides means and pathway to help all workers learn for life, and advance with skills. Singapore’s Service Landscape 4. In MOM’s 2012 Labour Market Report, it was reported that the Services Sector contributed to the majority of employment gains in 20121 (77,900), with a total employment level of 2.3 million which represents 70% of the total employment level. 5. Over the same period, the tourism sector saw international visitor arrivals reached a high of 13.2 million visitors in 2011, up from 11.6 million in 2010, with most visitors staying an average of 3.7 days in Singapore. Labour 1 Source: Labour Market Report 2012, Ministry of Manpower Page | 2 productivity for the services sector, on the other hand, continued to lag behind that of other sectors at -2.9%2. Against a backdrop of tightened labour market situation and rising customer expectations, the impetus to transit from a manpower-driven to innovation and productivity driven delivery model will be become a mainstay for businesses to compete and thrive. 6. At the national level, service and customer satisfaction via the Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG)3 has also focused the spotlight on the level of service delivered by organisations through its workforce. Background on the Service Excellence WSQ (SV WSQ) 7. The Service Excellence WSQ (SV WSQ) framework was first developed in November 2006 and endorsed by a Cross Sector Reference Group, to raise service standards in Singapore. The SV WSQ framework was aligned to SPRING Singapore’s Business Excellence Niche Standard (Service). When the SV WSQ was first developed, it comprised 19 competency units arranged at the Operations, Supervisory and Managerial levels. Subsequently, two new competency units namely “Assess organisation for Business Excellence” and “Manage Business Excellence” which were jointly developed by WDA and SPRING Singapore and validated by SPRING Singapore’s subject matter experts were added to the framework. 8. In September 2010, three more competency units in Service Innovation were added to the Supervisory and Operations levels, in line with the 2009 ESC Report that stressed the importance of skills, innovation and productivity as the basis for sustaining Singapore’s economic growth. These additions bring the SV WSQ framework to a total of 24 competency units across the 3 levels. To date, close to 132,000 service workers had been trained under the SV WSQ, with more than 200,000 Statements of Attainments (SOAs) issued to these workers. Service Excellence WSQ Moving Forward 9. In view of the pressing need to restructure the services sector and the changing nature of customer demands and expectations, service excellence now goes beyond ‘exceeding customer expectations’ to encompass customer experience, customer engagement, service innovation and service productivity. To manage these challenges, the Service Excellence WSQ Framework (SV WSQ) has been revised to the Service Excellence Competency Framework (SV CF). 2 Source: Singapore Yearbook of Statistics, 2012, Department of Statistics The annual Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG) was launched in 2007. The index is implemented and managed by the Institute of Service Excellence at Singapore Management University, appointed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA). The results have been 68.7% in 2007, 67.8% in 2008, 68% in 2009, 67.2% in 2010, 69.1% in 2011 and 69.9% in 2012. CSISG scores customer satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 100 with higher scores representing better performance. 3 Page | 3 10. The new SV CF, which has been endorsed by the Service Excellence Skills and Training Council (SESTC4), has a total of 42 units, comprising of 35 WSQ units and 7 non-WSQ units, which cuts across five occupational levels: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 11. Service Professional Service Coach Service Leader Service Champion C-Suite (non-WSQ) The SV CF also incorporates four WSQ Qualifications: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Certificate in Service Excellence Advanced Certificate in Service Excellence Diploma in Service Leadership Specialist Diploma in Service Excellence 12. These qualifications are aimed at strengthening the core competencies of the various jobs in the services sector. The new qualifications pathway also aims to promote jobs in the services sector as a long-term viable career with opportunities to grow and develop professionally. Please refer to Annex A for the new Service Excellence Competency Framework. 13. A key highlight of the SV CF is the introduction of Level 6 non-WSQ competencies for the C-suite Executives. This new addition signals the importance of re-thinking the paradigm to service excellence, which should move from a modular needs-based (SOA) training approach to a holistic organisational-wide or whole-of-company model to achieve maximum business impact. As a non-WSQ level, more flexibility can be incorporated to designing knowledge platforms that can effectively engage the C-suites who can in turn, create the catalytic change within their organisations for service transformation. 14. To this end, WDA is inviting best-in-class training and consultancy providers (hereinafter referred to as the “Proposers”) to champion the next wave of service excellence as Singapore transforms its service economy from a manpower-led to a productivity- and innovation-led growth model. The intent of this Call-For-Proposal (CFP) will be to appoint quality Proposers as Continuing Education and Training Centres (CET-Cs) and Programme Partners (PPs) who have the capability to deliver holistic interventions for service transformation by leveraging on the Service Excellence Competency Framework. 4 The Service Excellence Skills and Training Council (SESTC) was formed in Feb 2013 to tap on the combined expertise and experience of employers, organisations, service champions and government agencies to build capability, professionalism and capacity in Singapore’s service workforce through sharp-focused consultation on skills needs in the services sectors. The 25member SESTC, comprises senior representatives from 8 key Services Sectors namely, Retail, Financial Services, Healthcare, Info-Communication, Transportation & Logistics, Education, Tourism, and Food & Beverage. These are also the sectors currently driving customer satisfaction scores at the national level via the Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG). Page | 4 CALL-FOR-PROPOSAL (CFP) OBJECTIVES 15. This Call for Proposal (CFP) invites quality Proposers to submit their proposals to design, develop and deliver holistic training interventions based on the Service Excellence Competency Framework to transform Singapore’s services landscape and elevate the professional standing of the service workforce by offering progressive WSQ qualifications and upgrading opportunities. This will hereinafter be referred to as “the Project”. WDA will, through the CFP appoint selected Proposers as Continuing Education and Training Centre(s) (CET-C) or Programme Partner(s) (PP) for a period of up to 3 years, from 1 October 2013 onwards, or at a later date, to be determined at WDA’s discretion. 16. The 3 Key Thrusts of the Project are: Thrust 1: To redefine the service experience through innovation- and productivity-led interventions This will include leveraging on the Service Excellence Competency Framework to provide a holistic whole-of-company approach to help companies shift from a manpower-focused service model to new innovative ways of creating, delivering and sustaining a differentiated service culture and experience. The possible outcomes indicators under this thrust may include but is not limited to improved business profitability, improved service productivity, enhanced customer satisfaction, enhanced employee engagement etc. Thrust 2: To spur career and wage progression via skills upgrading While gearing towards an innovation and productivity led growth, it is essential not to lose sight of the importance of the individual delivering the final touch to the service experience. To this end, it is important to professionalise the services careers as delivering on the service experience no longer stops at the ability of a staff to greet, smile and say “Thank You”. Service professionals need to constantly acquire new service skills to deal with diverse situations and exceed changing customer expectations. Their resilience and constant upgrading with a passion to serve and delight must be recognised and rewarded. Companies, on the other hand, need to re-evaluate its recruitment, remuneration, training and talent management strategies to attract the right people and retain valuable staff who can support the service transformation. The employer-employee relation has to be revisited for progressive business and career outcomes. In this regard, training providers should leverage on the SV CF to offer WSQ qualification programmes and/or bundled solutions to help individuals expand their repertoire of service skills and for the companies, to provide advisory services on how to adopt the SV CF to design and Page | 5 implement HR practices5 that recognise and reward the best customer-centric individuals. The possible outcomes indicators under this thrust may include and not be limited to improved staff engagement, reduced staff attrition, enhanced service experience, improved service productivity, progressive career and wage improvements, etc. Thrust 3: To re-design service jobs to address manpower shortfall without compromising the service standard It is essential that companies relook at how service jobs can be re-designed to optimise on limited manpower and yet not compromise on the desired service experience. This may include multi-skilling of existing workforce for flexible deployment, designing tasks for special workforce segments such as mature workers/ women/ persons with disabilities who are interested to rejoin the workforce, or devising flexi-work arrangements for part time positions. Under thrust 3, the appointed CETC/PP should be able to work with WDA appointed Programme Partners 6 and/or have their own expertise to help companies re-examine their workplace contexts to re-design jobs. The possible outcomes indicators may include and not be limited to enhanced job scopes, creation of flexible job scopes for the special workforce segment, improved staff engagement, reduced staff attrition, enhanced service processes which eventually lead to improved service level, enhanced service experience and service productivity/efficiency. PRE-REQUISITES 17. WDA would like to invite quality Proposers with the relevant experience and a good track record in undertaking projects with similar objectives as described in Paragraph 16 to respond to this CFP. Having prior experience in providing WSQ or competency-based training will be an advantage. In addition, the provider must: a. Be a registered company in Singapore; b. Proposers who are interested to deliver WSQ programmes must be able to meet the organisational requirements to be accredited as an Approved 5 In this regard, WDA and MOM have launch the Enterprise Training Support (ETS) scheme to help companies implement holistic and progressive human resource (HR) systems; enhance in-house training infrastructure and capabilities that will help raise the skills and productivity of workers. The scheme is effective from 1 April 2013. For information, pls visit www.wda.gov.sg/ets 6 Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) have been appointed as the Programme Partners for WorkPro. WorkPro is a one-stop programme to help employers undertake job redesign, improve worklife harmony, and to recruit and retain mature workers and back-to-work locals to meet their manpower needs. For more information on Workpro, please go to www.wda.gov.sg/workpro Page | 6 Training Organisation (ATO) under the WSQ system7. Proposers who are interested to deliver only the Level 6 C-suite non-WSQ programmes must similarly be able to demonstrate sound financial, administrative, organisational, marketing and have the requisite adult educators capabilities to support the delivering of its programmes; and, c. Be able to meet the regulatory requirements by the Council for Private Education (CPE) under the Private Education Act8 (where applicable). 18. Interested Proposers are to include clearly as part of their submission, how they propose to achieve the outcomes under the three Key Thrusts of the Project in Paragraph 16 as well as their plans to ensure continual innovation in courseware design, training methods, assessment methodologies, marketing outreach as well as strategy to achieve the outcome(s). SCOPE OF APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERABLES 19. The appointed CET-C/PP is expected to perform the following: For CET-C For PP a. Minimally able to offer at least 1 WSQ Qualification under the Service Excellence Competency Framework; a. PP has the option to offer targeted programmes or modules for a specific sector e.g. tourism sector, and/or a specific target workforce segment e.g. C-suite/PMEs/RnFs, and/or a specific competency category e.g. customer experience/ service innovation etc; and, b. Develop at least 50% of the Competency Units and impact at least 12,000 training headcounts under the Service Excellence Competency Framework; and, c. Able to leverage on the SV CF and commit to all the 3 Key Thrusts of the Project as stipulated in Paragraph 14 and achieve outcomes that are impactful for the companies and individuals to transform the service landscape; and, d. Have a local presence and physical location with adequate facilities for the proper and efficient b. Impact at least 5,000 training headcounts for PP offering WSQ and non-WSQ programmes), or at least 1,000 training headcounts for PP offering only non-WSQ programmes under the Service Excellence Competency Framework; and, c. Able to leverage on the SV CF and commit to at least 2 Key Thrusts of the Project as stipulated in Paragraph 14. It is mandatory for 7 For information on how to become an ATO, pls go to http://www.wda.gov.sg/content/wdawebsite/L225ForTrainingProviders/L325A-001TP-ATO.html 8 Information on the regulatory requirements under the Private Education Act can be found on CPE’s webpage at www.cpe.gov.sg Page | 7 For CET-C centre management operations. For PP and the PP to commit to “Thrust 2: To spur career and wage progression via skills upgrading” as one of the two key thrusts; and, d. Have a local presence and access to physical location with adequate facilities for the proper and efficient centre management and operations. 20. Other compulsory obligations of the appointed CET-C/PP include: a. To champion the implementation of the Service Excellence Competency Framework and inculcate service leadership development by providing holistic solutions to companies through but not limited to consultancy services and training programmes to raise the service standards of the firms and the Singapore workforce thereby creating a world-class customer experience. This will include implementing successful enterprise level service improvement project(s) leveraging on WDA’s ETS Scheme (see footnote 5) at a mutually agreed set-target; b. To provide contextualised training to tailor to companies’ needs such as the use of on-site, bite-size learning, blended learning, e-learning and/or mobile learning; c. To commit to concrete outcomes with clear measures of indicators and methods to collect/track the evidence of outcome improvements at company- and individual-levels as suggested in Paragraph 14; d. To build capabilities for innovative curriculum development, delivery and assessment methods that would be attractive to, and effective for, the target workforce segment in the services sector; e. To submit WSQ courses for accreditation to WDA and ensure that all accreditation requirements are met (see footnote 7); f. To offer the WSQ accredited and/or non-WSQ courses to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) based on open access that is regardless of age, educational qualifications, self- or employer-sponsored status, at the nett course fees (after WDA subsidy). CETC/PP is expected to provide clear and complete information on such requirements to trainees and to ensure that the trainees understand and accept these requirements prior to enrolment; Page | 8 g. To review and revise curricula and assessment plans for all WSQ and/or non-WSQ programmes regularly to ensure its currency and relevance; and to align with new requirements (if any) under the Service Excellence Competency Framework if there are subsequent framework change(s); h. To ensure that the WDA’s guidelines of annual training places be targeted at individuals as well as those sponsored by companies across both service and non-service sectors; i. To promote the 3 key Thrusts of the Project as stipulated in Paragraph 14 through strong outreach to employers and individuals for a holistic approach to service transformation and continual skills upgrading to achieve overall progressive business, career and wage improvements; j. To put in place a dedicated team to drive, promote, manage and administer the Project with due diligence; k. To forge new capabilities through strategic partnerships with reputable local and/or overseas academic, leadership institutes, thought leaders and/or professional certification/accreditation bodies, where appropriate to enhance the delivery of the programmes and outcomes attainment; l. To submit monthly reports that are truthful and accurate, on the trainee profile, take up rate, pass rate, number of Statement of Attainments (SOAs) achieved, post training evaluation report, training outcome report, demographics report, sponsoring companies, establishments which trainees are attached and any other reports requested by WDA from time to time and by the required deadline. Please refer to Annex B for the list of outcome tracking required for the Project; m. To maintain proper records of all training expenditure details for the Project, including payment receipts and invoices; n. To ensure timely and accurate updating of company profile and course details on the Skillsconnect system (for WSQ programmes); and o. To support WDA in its promotion and publicity of the Service Excellence Competency Framework, including media feature of successful stories of company’s/trainee’s improvements as a result of the Project intervention. 21. Notwithstanding the above requirements listed, WDA reserves the right to consider and appoint CET-C/PPs who are unable to meet some of the requirements listed, but have strong value propositions such as the merit of the programmes, outcomes to be achieved, deliverables proposed, etc. Page | 9 MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT 22. The appointed CET-C/PP will be managed by a Joint Committee formed with WDA. The Terms of Reference about the Joint Committee will be shared separately after the appointment. FUNDING FROM WDA 23. WDA will consider providing the following funding support to the appointed CET-C/PP: a. Course Fees Funding9, subjected to the following: i. A specific dollar cap at prevailing funding rates to ensure that courses are affordable to Singaporeans and Singapore Permenent Residents (SPR), and are determined by WDA which excludes Goods and Services Tax (GST); and ii. Pre-agreed number of training places that the CET-C/PP is expected to deliver. The number of funded training places during the Project duration will be subjected to WDA’s decision. Any request to increase/decrease the number of training places during the programme duration is subject to management approval. Interested Proposers should provide a detailed breakdown of proposed course fees, including the duration of programme, programme format and design in their proposals. The course fee should factor in overheads and variable costs attributed to the delivery of the training programmes. b. Absentee Payroll (AP) for participating employers to defray the manpower cost incurred when employers send their staff for WSQ training under the SV CF. Participating employers can apply for, and claim AP for their employer-sponsored employees via the Skillsconnect system. The award of AP is subjected to the Terms and Conditions listed on the Skillsconnect system. c. Discretionary Marketing Grant for innovative ways of promoting the SV CF and engaging companies and individuals to achieving outcomes as suggested under the 3 Key Thrusts. The allocation of the marketing grant is based on WDA’s sole discretion and will be evaluated against the Proposer’s Project plan and commitment to meeting the 3 Key Thrusts and it’s the corresponding outcomes. 24. The disbursement of the grants mentioned in Paragraph 21 above shall be mutually agreed with the appointed training providers. 9 Proposers should provide a detailed breakdown of proposed course/ assessment fees (taking into account all training related cost including courseware and assessment plan development cost, trainers/ assessors’ cost, rental, etc) in their proposals. Page | 10 25. The course fees grant for the training places will be provided on a quarterly advanced disbursement basis, based on the estimated SOAs to be achieved for the coming quarter. Exact disbursement figures will depend on achievements of SOAs in the preceding quarter. The first quarter advance disbursement will be upon signing of the Letter of Offer based on the projections for that quarter. The marketing grant, if awarded, will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon receipts of payment evidence. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 26. WDA reserves the right to select and appoint more than one CET-C/PP from this CFP exercise, as well as to decide on the respective scope, number of training places and funding rates for each selected training provider. WDA also reserves the right not to appoint any CET-C/PP for this CFP exercise. 27. The selected CET-C/PPs will be appointed for a period of up to 3 years effective 01 October 2013 or a later date at WDA’s discretion. Subject to the performance review of the appointed CET-C/PP, WDA may extend the contract and reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions of any extension. 28. The appointed CET-C/PP shall undertake all the costs related to the implementation of the Project, which includes monthly rental of space (including GST payable), utilities, staff costs and salaries, curriculum enhancement costs, trainers capability building costs, training materials, marketing costs, career advisory costs, and any other related costs to be used for the delivery of its training programmes. 29. The contract for the appointed CET-C/PP shall be enforceable and valid for the whole duration of the Project from the time of award to the full and satisfactory completion of the Project as stated in this Project Specifications and a Letter of Offer that will be agreed upon with the appointed CET-C/PP. SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION 30. Interested Proposers are invited to submit a comprehensive three-year Business proposal detailing the following: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Organisational and corporate governance structure Stated appointment preference to as a CET-C or PP (if submitting as PP, please indicate the selected Thrust(s) of your proposal) Proposed Training and Consulting Capability Development Plan Outcomes Tracking and Records Management Industry and Marketing Outreach Plan Credentials, Experience and Track Record Prices and Costing Financial practices and business viability Page | 11 i. Any other details that would be useful for assessing the Proposers’ suitability to undertake the Project. All Proposers are required to respond based on the Proposal template provided in Annex C. Supporting documents may be attached where relevant. 31. While Proposers may submit a projection of their training capacity over the next three years, the final allocation of training places/headcounts will be at WDA’s sole discretion. SHORTLISTING CRITERIA 32. The Proposals will be shortlisted based on the following critical criteria: a. b. c. d. Declaration of Proposal Compliance with pre-requisites as stipulated in Paragraph 17 above; Compliance with deliverables stipulated in Paragraph 19 above; Completeness of submission for: Annex B – Proposed Outcome Tracking Template Annex C – Business Proposal Template Annex D – List of Proposed Service Excellence Programmes Annex E – Breakdown of Proposed Course Fees per module/ bundle/qualification 33. Interested Proposers are required to submit two (2) hard copies and one (1) CD of the documents stipulated in Paragraph 32. 34. Only Proposers who comply with the critical criteria in Paragraphs 32 and 33 will be subjected to further evaluation. 35. All CFP submissions will be reviewed by WDA for suitability and WDA’s decision is final. EVALUATION CRITERIA 36. The Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: a. Organizational and Corporate Governance b. Proposed Training and Consulting Capability Development Plan to Meet the 3 Key Project Thrusts c. Outcomes Tracking and Records Management d. Industry & Marketing Outreach e. Credentials, Experience & Track Records f. Prices and Costing g. Financial Practices and Business Viability 37. All CFP submissions will be reviewed by WDA for suitability and WDA’s decision is final. Page | 12 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION 38. The Proposer shall maintain strict confidentiality of any information/material provided by WDA or any other organisation for this CFP and shall not under any circumstances release any information to any third parties, without the prior written approval of WDA. CFP BRIEFING 39. A briefing will be conducted to provide interested Proposers an overview of the Project and for training providers to seek clarifications on the Project. 40. Details of the session are as follows: Date : Time : Venue : 20 June 2013, Thursday 10.00 a.m. Singapore Workforce Development Agency 1 Marina Boulevard, Level 16, WDA Conference Room One Marina Boulevard Singapore 018989 41. Attendance at the briefing is compulsory. The Proposers may send up to 2 (two) representatives for the briefing. Only Proposers who attend the briefing are allowed to submit their proposals. 42. Interested Proposers may register their attendance for the briefing with following details: 43. Company Name Attendees Name and designation Contact Number Registration for the briefing should be done before 19 June 2013, 5.00 p.m. via email to: Ms Karen Tan Karen_TAN@wda.gov.sg Page | 13 PROPOSAL PRESENTATION 44. Proposer(s) are advised to avail their schedules to dates which may be allocated for presentations. 45. These presentations are compulsory for the consideration of the award of the CFP. The decision on shortlisted Proposer(s) is made at the sole discretion of WDA and is final. Proposer(s) will be notified via email. 46. The dates are as follows: 24 July 2013 30 July 2013 CLOSING DATE OF SUBMISSION 47. The closing date/time of the submission is 12 July 2013, 4.00 p.m. sharp. Your proposal must be submitted manually into: CFP Submission Box No. D Singapore Workforce Development Agency 1 Marina Boulevard One Marina Boulevard #16-01 Singapore 018989 Closing Date Time : 12 July 2013, Friday : 4.00 p.m. sharp ENQUIRIES 48. All enquiries concerning this CFP should be directed in writing to: Name of Officer Designation Ms Karen Tan Manager Tel Contact Email Address 6512 7316 Karen_TAN@wda.gov.sg Ms Angeline Wee Principal Manager 6512 1163 Angeline_WEE@wda.gov.sg Page | 14