Tattoo Artist Apprenticeship Program

RFP - Tattoo Artist Apprenticeship Program
TECHNICAL SUBMITTAL
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC) is seeking an Offeror to
provide an instructor for 32 to 40 hours a week to lead a Tattoo Artist Apprenticeship program for
incarcerated individuals. This program aims to provide an opportunity for incarcerated individuals
to learn the trade of tattoo art at Frackville SCI, 111 Altamont Blvd, Frackville, PA.
The apprenticeship program would include training for all aspects related to professional tattooing
such as disease prevention, design, application, customer service, and familiarization with shop
operations.
Please note an Offeror is defined as a person that submits a proposal in response to an RFP
(request for proposals).
I-1. SCOPE OF WORK
A. Statement of the Project. The PA DOC Tattoo Artist Apprenticeship Program aims to:
1. Reduce illicit tattooing and associated health risks,
2. Provide a structured, safe, and sanitary environment for tattoo education, teaching
a progression from classroom - paper - synthetic skin - supervised human
application,
3. Equip incarcerated individuals with employable skills for reentry,
4. Align with professional tattoo industry standards and state regulatory requirements,
if applicable and
5. Provide an opportunity for incarcerated individuals wishing to cover symbols of hate,
gang affiliation, or human trafficking.
B. Pre-proposal Conference. The Issuing Office will hold a Pre-proposal conference as
specified in the Calendar of Events and Jaggaer. The purpose of this conference is to provide
an opportunity for clarification of the RFP. Offerors should forward all questions to the
Issuing Office through Jaggaer to ensure adequate time for analysis before the Issuing
Office provides an answer. Offerors may also ask questions at the conference. In view of the
limited facilities available for the conference, Offerors should limit their representation
to two (2) individuals per Offeror. The Pre-proposal conference is for information only. Any
answers furnished during the conference will not be official until they have been verified, in
writing, by the Issuing Office. All questions and written answers will be posted in Jaggaer
and shall become part of this RFP. Attendance at the Pre-proposal Conference is optional.
C. Term of Contract. The term of the contract will commence on the Effective Date and will
end in Two (2) years from effective date, with the Commonwealth retaining the option to
renew the contract with three (3) optional one (1) year renewals. Should the renewal
option be exercised, pricing may change at the time of renewal. The price adjustment, not
to exceed 3%, must be by mutual agreement between the PA DOC and the Awarded
Contractor and must be submitted to the PA DOC no later than sixty (60) days prior to the
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contract end date. All supporting documentation must be submitted with the pricing to
justify any price increases.
The Issuing Office will fix the Effective Date after the contract has been fully executed by the
selected Offeror and by the PA DOC and all approvals required by PA DOC contracting
procedures have been obtained. The selected Offeror shall not start the performance of any
work prior to the Effective Date of the contract and the PA DOC shall not be liable to pay the
selected Offeror for any service or work performed or expenses incurred before the Effective
Date of the contract.
D. Facility Responsibilities. The PA DOC will be responsible for the following:
1. Providing a secure workspace,
2. Approval of the tattoo lesson plans,
3. Approval of any/all applied tattoos,
a. No apprentice will perform tattooing on a person until the apprentice has
demonstrated competency and received written approval from the
appropriate PA DOC authority and contracted instructor.
4. Approval and purchase of all necessary equipment and materials such as tattoo
machines, ink, needles and cartridges, drawing supplies, gloves, furniture, etc.,
5. Approval of apprentice roster,
6. Approval for an apprentice to perform a tattoo on a person; approval will not be
granted until the apprentice has demonstrated competency and received written
approval from the appropriate DOC authority and contracted instructor.
7. Supporting licensing and compliance, if applicable
E. Subcontractors: Offeror may not utilize subcontractors for Tattoo Artist Apprenticeship
program services. It is the intent of PA DOC to work directly with the Awarded Contractor.
F. Financial Capability. The PA DOC reserves the right to request additional information to
evaluate an Offeror's financial capability.
G. Offeror Requirements.
1. Company Overview and Experience. The Offeror should provide an overview of
their individual experience, and if applicable, an overview of their current business.
Response should include resumes including any experience providing
instruction/training, professional tattooing, and/or experience with having had
apprentices.
Offeror Response in Jaggaer system
2. Experience. The Offeror:
a. Must be an actively practicing professional tattoo artist for a minimum for 3
years with the ability to supervise apprentices participating in the tattoo
apprenticeship program
b. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent,
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c. Must possess current OSHA compliant Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP)
certification,
d. Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills, and
e. Reliable transportation.
Please acknowledge that you meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
3. Portfolio. Please include a portfolio of recent tattoo art to highlight technical skills,
creativity, experience and style. Portfolio must only depict original work of the
Offeror.
Offeror Response - Upload Portfolio in Jaggaer system
4. Security. The Awarded Contractor will be required to successfully complete/pass
the following (please document your acknowledgement in the response):
a. Pass background checks as required by PA DOC and the Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA),
b. Comply with all PA DOC security protocols,
c. Comply with PREA requirements,
d. Follow all staff instructions while onsite, and
e. Complete required annual training.
A mandatory requirement of this program is that Offeror shall obtain a Centralized
Clearance Check and pass a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) background check prior to
contract award, with frequency as required by PA DOC. The PA DOC will request a
Centralized Clearance Check of the Offeror during the procurement process, prior to
contract award. Details regarding this process can be found here at
https://www.pa.gov/services/cor/centralized-clearance-request
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
5. Video Submission: Offeror shall provide a 5-to-10-minute video demonstrating
their ability to instruct a group in tattoo artistry. Offeror may include an example of
their lesson plan and the student instruction associated with the lesson plan. It is
preferable the demonstration is made available via a YouTube channel/link or other
remote media capability, however if a hard copy (flash drive) is to be mailed, it should
be submitted to the contact listed below:
Elizabeth Lenhart, Administration - Procurement
C/O PA Department of Corrections
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
PA DOC reserves the right to request additional information after receipt of video
submission.
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Trade Secret. Any Offeror who determines that it must divulge trade secrets or confidential
proprietary information as part of its proposal must submit a redacted version of its
proposal, which removes only the confidential proprietary information and trade secrets, for
required public disclosure purposes.
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
6. Travel. This program may require travel to another PA DOC site, other than the
primary work location, for training, meetings or presentations. This occasional travel
would be reimbursed in accordance with Management Directive 230.10.
Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.
Offeror Response
7. Additional Standards: The PA DOC prefers the following standards, but they are
not required:
a) Experience with covering existing tattoo art,
b) Experience instructing vocational or technical training programs,
c) Tattoo related continued education certifications,
d) Familiarity with correctional environments and security protocols, and/or
e) Experience operating a tattoo studio.
Offeror Response
I-2 PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Awarded Contractor will be responsible for end-to-end delivery and management of the PA
DOC's Tattoo Apprenticeship Program. The Awarded Contractor will work directly with the PA
DOC's project manager to ensure successful facilitation of program operations.
A. Program Development and Design
The Awarded Contractor shall work with the PA DOC's Tattoo Project Manager to develop, design,
and implement instructional materials and lesson plans to deliver the PA DOC's established
curriculum for up to six (6) apprentices. The Awarded Contractor shall also be responsible for the
creation of periodic evaluations or competency assessments which ensure appropriate apprentice
skill development prior to lesson advancement.
The PA DOC's proposed 12-month curriculum for the vocational apprenticeship program for
incarcerated individuals includes the following components:
Introduction to Professional Tattooing
I. Overview of the PA DOC's tattoo apprentice program structure and expectations
II. Roles and responsibilities of a professional tattoo artist
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III. Consent forms, documentation, and legality concerns
IV. Professional ethics and client communication
Health, Safety, and Sanitation
I. Bloodborne pathogens and disease transmission prevention
II. Universal Precautions and protective equipment
III. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization procedures
IV. Appropriate after-care
V. When to refuse service for safety reasons
Art and Design Fundamentals
I. Drawing lines, shapes, shading, and texture
II. Tattoo design principles
III. Creating stencils and transferring images
Tools, Equipment, and Technology
I. Tattoo machine nomenclature and familiarization
II. Needles, cartridges, and groupings
III. Ink types, pigments, and safety concerns
Tattoo Techniques and Application
I. Needle Depth and machine speed
II. Linework Techniques
III. Shading and color packing
IV. Layering and Blending
Practice-Based Skill Development
I. Practice on paper and synthetic skin,
II. Managing client comfort and communication,
III. Avoiding blowouts, scarring, and overworking skin,
IV. Linework and shading exercise,
V. Individualized skill coaching and feedback, and
VI. Completing full designs.
Professionalism and Business Skills
I. Information and education regarding building a portfolio,
II. Understanding tattoo shop operations,
III. If applicable, understanding state and/or local requirements, inspections and/or licensure,
IV. Workspace ethics and conflict resolution,
V. Preparing for employment after release, and
VI. Connecting with tattoo studios
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
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Offeror Response
B. Licensing & Regulatory Compliance. The Awarded Contractor shall:
1. Manage the licensed body art establishment application process, when applicable,
ensuring the program meets all requirements set by the PA DOC and all applicable local
and/or state guidelines,
2. Ensure all equipment, procedures, and instructional content comply with any applicable
local and state health and safety regulations,
3. Maintain documentation required for tattoo apprenticeship tracking and licensing
eligibility,
4. Ensure all appropriate release and consent forms are complete and
5. Ensure the tattoo studio is compliant with any/all required regulations.
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
C. Equipment Procurement & Management. The Awarded Contractor shall:
1. After initial equipment purchase and supply set up, the Awarded Contractor shall maintain
all equipment in good operating condition and maintain inventory records in accordance
with manufacturer safety standards.
2. Work with PA DOC Staff to order supplies and ensure storage in compliance with PA DOC
facility rules.
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
D. Program Implementation & Instruction. The Awarded Contractor shall:
1. Deliver the curriculum through classroom instruction, demonstrations, and
supervised hands-on practice.
2. Supervise participants during tattooing experiences; track their hours, and evaluate skill
development toward apprenticeship advancement.
3. Maintain discipline and structure in accordance with PA DOC facility policies.
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
E. Apprenticeship Management. The Awarded Contractor shall help manage the
apprenticeship and application process for participants, ensuring they meet eligibility
requirements. The Awarded Contractor will:
1. Assist the PA DOC with the selection of eligible incarcerated individuals for enrollment,
2. Maintain accurate records of attendance, completed procedures, and skill progression, and
3. Provide regular progress updates to PA DOC staff.
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Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
F. Community & Industry Engagement. The Awarded Contractor shall:
1. Act as a liaison with the body art and tattoo community to support post-
release employment opportunities,
2. Build partnerships with tattoo studios, apprenticeship sponsors, and industry
professionals, and
3. Provide incarcerated individuals with information on licensing pathways and career
opportunities.
Please acknowledge that you understand and can meet this requirement.
Offeror Response
I-3 Training. The Offeror will be required to educate PA DOC staff about appropriate tattoo
after-care and possible signs of infection.
Please acknowledge below in the response area.
Offeror Response
I-4. Contractor Tasks. Offeror shall describe in narrative form your technical plan
for accomplishing the deliverables listed below for a 1:6 student ratio.
Deliverable Description Due Date
Licensing Compliance If applicable, apply for, manage compliance Within 45 days if
and maintain current licenses as required. applicable
Equipment Procurement Plan Maintain a list of required equipment and Within 30 days.
supplies.
Lesson Plans Prepare instructor's materials ensuring the Within 90 days.
PA DOC curriculum is covered.
Monthly Reports Attendance, progress, issues & Monthly.
recommendations.
Final Apprentice Evaluations Hours, procedures and skill progression Upon apprenticeship
tracking summary. conclusion.
Provide narrative response.
Offeror Response
I-5. Reports. The Awarded Contractor shall submit a monthly report detailing program
progress, participant performance, equipment status, and any issues requiring attention to PA
DOC. A final apprenticeship report documenting procedures learned, skill evaluations, and general
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progress through the program will be due for each of the 6 apprentices at the conclusion of the 12-
36-month program.
Please acknowledge this requirement in the area below.
Offeror Response
I-6. Invoicing
Contractors must follow the following invoicing requirements:
* Accurately bill the PA DOC for actual services rendered on all invoices.
* Submit invoice to appropriate resource account within 10 business days of completed
service.
* Comply with PA DOC's practices for supplier payments.
The Awarded Contractor should submit all invoices, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Office of
the Budget, as a PDF file to 69180@pa.gov. The following link will provide more
information regarding the Office of the Budget's invoicing requirements and resources:
https://www.budget.pa.gov/Services/ForVendors/Pages/default.aspx
Please acknowledge.
Offeror Response
I-7. Objections and Additions to Standard Contract Terms and Conditions. The Offeror
will identify which, if any, of the terms and conditions contained in the Buyer Attachments section
that it would like to negotiate and what additional terms and conditions the Offeror would like to
add to the standard contract terms and conditions. The Offeror's failure to make a submission
under this paragraph will result in its waiving its right to do so later, but the Issuing Office may
consider late objections and requests for additions if to do so, in the Issuing Office's sole
discretion, would be in the best interest of the PA DOC. The Issuing Office may, in its sole
discretion, accept or reject any requested changes to the standard contract terms and
conditions. The Offeror shall not request changes to the other provisions of the RFP, nor shall the
Offeror request to completely substitute its own terms and conditions for this RFP. All terms and
conditions must appear in one integrated contract. The Issuing Office will not accept references to
the Offeror's, or any other, online guides or online terms and conditions contained in any proposal.
Regardless of any objections set out in its proposal, the Offeror must submit its proposal, including
the cost proposal, on the basis of the terms and conditions set out in the Terms and
Conditions contained in the Buyer Attachment section. The Issuing Office will reject any proposal
that is conditioned on the negotiation of the terms and conditions set out in the Terms and
Conditions contained in the Buyer Attachment section or to other provisions of the RFP
Offeror Response
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