STATE OF DELAWARE

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

State of Delaware

Adult Blue Collar (ABC)

Request for Proposal

Contract No. LAB-ABC-26R-001

February 4, 2026

- Deadline to Respond - March 12, 2026

1:00 PM (Local Time)

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

CONTRACT NO. LAB-ABC-26R-001

ALL VENDORS:

The enclosed packet contains a "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" for LAB-ABC-26R-001. The proposal consists of the following:

Contents:

I. INTRODUCTION

II. SCOPE OF WORK

III. FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL

IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES

V. MANDATORY PREBID MEETING

VI. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

VII. PROPOSAL REPLY SECTION

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT 1 - NON-COLLUSION STATEMENT

ATTACHMENT 2 - EXCEPTIONS FORM

ATTACHMENT 3 - CONFIDENTIALITY FORM

ATTACHMENT 4 - BUSINESS REFERENCE

ATTACHMENT 5 - SUBCONTRACTOR INFORMATION SHEET

ATTACHMENT 6 - MONTHLY USAGE REPORT

ATTACHMENT 7 - SUBCONTRACTOR 2ND TIER QUARTERLY REPORT

ATTACHMENT 8 - OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY

ATTACHMENT 9 - PROPOSAL REPLY REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A - MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR SUBMISSION

APPENDIX B - STATEMENT OF WORK & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

APPENDIX C - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION TEMPLATE

APPENDIX D - BUDGET

APPENDIX E - TERMS AND CONDITIONS

APPENDIX F - HIGH DEMAND OCCUPATION LIST

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

In order for your proposal to be considered, the Proposal Reply Section shall be executed completely and correctly and returned by email by March 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM (Local Time) to be considered.

Proposals must be emailed to:

Email Address: DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov

Subject Line: “BID ENCLOSED: LAB-ABC-26R-001, PROVIDER NAME, ABC Submission”

Please review and follow the information and instructions contained in the General Provisions and this Request for Proposal (RFP). Should you need additional information, please contact the Procurement Officer John Quick at DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov mailto:DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov mailto:DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

I. INTRODUCTION

A. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to obtain sealed proposals to describe the material and/or non-professional service being sought. It is the goal of this Request for Proposal to identify a vendor(s) and execute a contract to organizations with the expertise and demonstrated capacity to provide high quality occupational skills training and/or workforce preparation programs for adult career entrants or adult career changers. Programs will support the attainment of the Performance Measures identified. This request for proposal (RFP) is issued pursuant to 29 DEL. C. §§ 6981 and 6982.

1. COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL

It has been determined by The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training (DOL), pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 6924 (a) that this solicitation be offered as a request for competitive sealed proposals because the use of competitive sealed bidding is not practical and/or not in the best interest of the State. The use of competitive sealed proposals is necessary to:

• Use a contract other than a fixed-price type; or

• Conduct oral or written discussions with vendors concerning technical and price aspects of their proposals;

or

• Afford vendors an opportunity to revise their proposals through best and final offers; or

• Compare the different price, quality and contractual factors of the proposals submitted; or

• Award a contract in which price is not the determining factor.

2. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

This contract will be issued to basic description of contract requirements.

3. AGENCY USE CONTRACT

Pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6904(e) respectively, if no state contract exists for a certain good or service, covered agencies may procure that certain good or service under another agency's contract so long as the arrangement is agreeable to all parties. Agencies, other than covered agencies, may also procure such goods or services under another agency's contract when the arrangement is agreeable to all parties.

4. MULTIPLE SOURCE AWARD

The Agency reserves the right to award this contract to more than one vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6926.

5. POTENTIAL CONTRACT OVERLAP

Vendors shall be advised that the State, at its sole discretion, shall retain the right to solicit for goods and/or services as required by its agencies and as it serves the best interest of the State. As needs are identified, there may exist instances where contract deliverables, and/or goods or services to be solicited and subsequently awarded, overlap previous awards. The State reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part, to make partial awards, to award to multiple vendors during the same period, to award by types, on a zone-by-zone basis or on an item-by-item or lump sum basis item by item, or lump sum total, whichever may be most advantageous to the State of Delaware.

6. SUPPLEMENTAL SOLICITATION

The State reserves the right to advertise a supplemental solicitation during the term of the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the State.

7. CONTRACT PERIOD

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c069/sc01/index.shtml http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c069/sc03/index.shtml#6926

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

Each Vendor’s contract shall be valid for one (1) year 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027. Each contract may be renewed for four (4) one (1) year periods through negotiation between the Vendor and The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) and the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training. Negotiation may be initiated no later than ninety (90) days prior to the termination of the current agreement.

The State reserves the right to extend this contract on a month-to-month basis for a period of up to three months after the term of the full contract has been completed.

B. KEY RFP DATES/MILESTONES

The following dates and milestones apply to this RFP and subsequent contract award. Vendors are advised that these dates and milestones are not absolute and may change due to unplanned events during the bid proposal and award process.

Activity Due Date

RFP Availability to Vendors February 4, 2026 Mandatory Pre-bid Conference February 19, 2026, at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Written Questions Due No Later Than (NLT) February 24, 2026 Written Answers Due/Posted to Website NLT March 2, 2026 Proposals Due NLT March 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Proposal Evaluation April 1, 2026 Oral Clarification, as required April 2, 2026 Contract Award Will occur within 90 days of bid opening

C. INQUIRIES & QUESTIONS

We welcome your interest in working with us, and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have in formulating your response to this Request for Proposal.

All questions with regard to the interpretation of this solicitation, drawings, or specifications, or any other aspect of this RFP must be received in writing by February 24, 2026 questions are due date. All questions will be answered in writing by March 2, 2026, Responses will be Posted and posted on https://bids.delaware.gov/ website. All questions must make specific reference to the section(s) and page numbers from this RFP where applicable. Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding.

D. RFP DESIGNATED CONTACT

All requests, questions, or other communications about this RFP shall be made in writing to the State of Delaware. Address all communications to the person listed below; communications made to other State of Delaware personnel or attempting to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid and may disqualify the vendor. Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by the RFP designated contact.

NAME: John Quick DEPARTMENT: Delaware Workforce Development Board EMAIL ADDRESS: DWDBDETContracting@delaware.gov

To ensure that written requests are received and answered in a timely manner, electronic mail (e-mail) correspondence is acceptable, but other forms of delivery, such as postal and courier services can also be used.

https://bids.delaware.gov/

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

II. SCOPE OF WORK

1. OVERVIEW

The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials and labor to supplement the State of Delaware’s need for Adult Blue Collar as described herein. The contract will require the Vendor(s) to cooperate with the ordering agency to insure the State receives the most current state-of-the-art material and/or services.

2. BACKGROUND

The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training (DOL) solicits organizations with the expertise and demonstrated capacity to provide high quality occupational skills training and/or workforce preparation programs for adult career entrants or adult career changers. Programs will support the attainment of the Performance Measures identified. This request for proposal (RFP) is issued pursuant to 29 DEL. C. §§ 6981 and 6982.

3. STATEMENT OF NEEDS

The intent of this RFP is to fund programs that provide services, instruction, and support that results in the outcomes described in the Performance Measures. The intended result is that participants obtain unsubsidized employment or unsubsidized employment in combination with continued education as appropriate for the industry/occupation to enable participants to realize their career path and put their plan into action. To accomplish this, there are required elements and training strategies.

a. Activities must support adult occupational skills training, consistent with DWDB and DET priorities and Blue

Collar fund requirements.

b. Required Elements: All providers will:

• Recruit, determine, and document eligibility for Provider’s program participants.

• Maintain and upload into Delaware JobLink (DJL) the documentation for each participant, including eligibility, attendance, assessments, credentials, certificates, and outcomes. Providers will provide documentation to Delaware and/or their designees upon request;

• Enter participant information and activities into Delaware JobLink (DJL) in accordance with DOL E&T policies and procedures for participant tracking and performance measure reporting. Budgets should reflect staffing to complete this task;

• Attend all required meetings and trainings.

• Provide objective assessments to determine participants likelihood for success in proposed program as well as service needs. This will include assessments to:

o Determine reading and math skills. Basic language and numeric skills training will be provided concurrently with skills training as appropriate. Assessments provided by the local education agency (e.g. Smarter Balance, PSAT, and SAT) may be used to assess reading and math skills. Providers are encouraged to use assessment approved by the National Reporting System found here https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/13/2016-29899/tests-determined-to-be-suitable-for-use-in-the-national-reporting-system-for-adult-education. Assessments may be completed by Provider or by a partner. Assessments previously completed within the 6 months prior to enrollment into the programs may be used;

o Career/Occupational Interests through tools such as the O*Net Interest Profiler found at https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip or other method to determine interest, appropriate career pathway and fit for program. Prior assessments or planning tools completed may be used such as the Student Success Plan completed in Delaware’s secondary schools; and o Wraparound/Supportive Service needs of each participant to identifying appropriate services and referrals for participants. This may be done through the completion of an Individualized Service Strategy.

b. Develop Individualized Service Strategy (ISS): The ISS will include an ultimate employment goal, along with incremental work readiness, academic steps and credentials needed to achieve the goal. The ISS will be reviewed and updated regularly by program staff and will need to be uploaded in DJL;

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

c. Offer training appropriate to the intended job placement opportunity and demonstrate that the curriculum/services being offered through proposed training meets the current and projected needs of the local employers;

d. Alignment with Delaware’s Labor Market: Proposals must describe how funded activities respond to current and projected needs in Delaware’s labor market, using labor market intelligence or employer input.

e. Offer, or refer to, entrepreneurial skills training, when appropriate to the occupation and/or individual service strategy;

f. Integrate the use of Paid Work Experience into proposed program. See section III.E below. For those offering Occupational Skills Training Programs, any participant that is not employed within 30 days of the 90-day intensive job search and placement period (see k. below) will go into Paid Work Experience.

g. Provide intensive job search and placement assistance to participants which includes preparing participants for unsubsidized employment opportunities. For those offering Occupational Skills Training (see section 2 below), Provider will have up to a 90-day intensive job search and placement period to obtain Day 1 outcome. This period begins the last day or completion of the education/training;

h. Utilize Delaware JobLink to maximize participants’ job search and placement. At a minimum, participants will create a jobseeker account in Delaware JobLink (https://joblink.delaware.gov) which includes building at least one (1) resume;

i. Track, document and record employment outcomes and retention up to 90 days;

j. Have and maintain appropriate linkages to various supportive services to ensure wrap around services enabling successful program completions, job placement and retention. Linkages shall include referrals for substance/alcohol abuse, financial literacy, basic needs, and mental health. Providers that request funds for supportive services will document linkages with other human service Providers; and

k. Provide retention services, as necessary, including during the day and evening to meet performance measures for 6 months following exit of participants.

l. Training Strategies: In addition to the Required Elements, Provider must implement one or more of the following Training Strategies:

m. Occupational Skills Training – Occupational Skills training is occupational specific training designed to provide individuals with the technical skills and information required to perform a specific job or group of jobs.

Occupational Skills Training can occur in the classroom and/or online. Occupational Skills Training is any training of the type normally conducted in an institutional setting, including vocational education, which is designed to provide individuals with technical skills and information required to perform a specific job or group of jobs. This training must meet all the following:

• Provide training that leads to an occupation or advancement in an occupation that is on the High-Demand

Occupation List (Appendix F) and/or aligned to a Department of Education (DOE) state model program of study found at https://de.gov/DOEprogramsstudy. Proposals for occupational skills training in occupations not targeted on the high-demand occupations list or within a DOE state model program of study are permissible with comprehensive documentation supporting the need for training. The supportive documentation (Appendix F) must accompany the proposal; and

• Lead to a credential; and

• Have the required Pathways Common Elements as described in the chart below. Some of these common elements are required and some are considered a bonus, in which, bonus points will be allotted by the evaluation team when the proposals are scored. The following is a list of all the Career Pathways common elements and if they are required or additional points:

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

Pathways Common Element Required or Additional

Sector Based Engagement Strategies: Education and training align with the academic and technical skills needed by Delaware employers. Employer engagement occurs within targeted industry sectors, representing high-growth potential to the State of Delaware or regional economies, to determine prerequisite employment and career progression skill requirements for in- demand occupations.

Required

Contextualized Learning: Education and training focused on academic and technical content. Curricula and instructional strategies are designed to engage employers through authentic work experiences and to help adults attain work-readiness skills. Work based learning where participants can engage and learn from employers is a required element. This can include job shadowing, paid work experience/internship, and clinical.

Required

Industry-recognized Credentials: Education and training programs lead to the attainment of industry-recognized credentials and/or an associate or bachelor’s degree that has value in the labor market. Please see the definition of Credential.

Required

Wraparound Services: Career pathways incorporate academic and career counseling and support services. Services are targeted at points of transition, provide individualized career plans, and support communities that are high poverty. Further, career pathways provide supports for nontraditional learners and individuals with barriers to employment.

Required

Stackable Educational and Training Options: Education and training includes the full range of secondary, adult education, and postsecondary education programs, including registered apprenticeships. Career pathways are a non-duplicative progression of courses clearly articulated from one (1) level of instruction to the next and provide opportunities to earn high school credit, adult basic education, and postsecondary credit, culminating in industry-recognized credentials and/or an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Required

Accelerated/Integrated Education and Training: Career pathways combine occupational skill training with adult education services, give credit for prior learning, offer remedial services as needed, and apply strategies that accelerate the educational and career advancement of adults.

Additional

Multiple Entry and Exit Points: Career pathways provide participants with opportunities to transition between formalized education and training programs and competitive employment, thus allowing participants of varying skill levels to pursue education or training to enter or advance in a specific sector or occupational field.

Additional

n. Workforce Preparation Programs – Workforce Preparation Programs may or may not target a specific occupational skill, but more broadly address barriers to unsubsidized employment. The delivery of services may take place in a classroom setting, one on one coaching, workshops, and use of Work Experience, and requires a focus on specific work behaviors, which may or may not be occupational skills. These programs must have intensive case management or career coaching services that support the participant’s career exploration, barrier busting, and achievement of skills to obtain and retain employment. The training is provided for individuals who lack actual work experience, who have unacceptable work behaviors, or have other barriers to employment.

o. ABE/GED – Instruction on the basic skills required to achieve a High School Diploma/GED. This is completed as classroom training by a State of Delaware, Department of Education approved program. This training is provided for individuals who lack a high school diploma or GED and will be offered in conjunction with any of the above Training Strategies, but it is not an allowable activity as a standalone service.

p. Integration of AI Training: Providers are strongly encouraged to include AI skills training modules or components (such as upskilling, AI-related certifications, or digital literacy relevant to employment sectors).

q. Business Engagement and Showcase of Talent: Proposals mut detail engagement strategies with Delaware businesses (e.g., partnerships, internships, job placement efforts) and explain how participant achievements, Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training skills, or innovations will be showcased to employers (e.g., work-based learning evidence, portfolio presentations, job fairs).

r. Work Experience -- All Providers must integrate the use of Paid Work Experience into proposed program. All Providers should budget for this expense in their Proposals. Budgets should include wages, fringes, temporary staffing fees, and provider staff to develop and monitor Work Experience sites. For all participants, it provides skills that may be added to participants’ resumes as well as linking participants to local employers. Participation in work experience shall be for a reasonable length of time, based on the needs of the participant, which shall be documented in the participant’s ISS. Generally, work experience for adults may not exceed the greater of six (6) months. All participants who participate in Work Experiences must be paid as an employee earning at least the State of Delaware minimum wage and may not be classified as independent contractors that would necessitate the issuance of a form 1099. Labor standards apply in any work experience where an employee/employer relationship, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act or applicable State law, exists. Funds provided for work experiences may not be used to directly or indirectly aid in the filling of a job opening that is vacant because the former occupant is on strike or is being locked out in the course of a labor dispute, or the filling of which is otherwise an issue in a labor dispute involving a work stoppage. No worker should be supplanted due to a Work Experience. When implementing this, Provider must either: opt to place participants on your organization’s payroll. Participants must be treated like all other employees, for example, having all required deductions, including FICA, UI taxes, etc., as well as be covered under your organization’s worker’s compensation policy during their work experience time; or opt to use a temporary staffing agency to employ participants during the work experience time. The following is the link to the state procured temporary service agencies http://contracts.delaware.gov/contracts_detail.asp?i=3600

s. There are the following exemptions to paid Work Experiences when implemented with Occupational Skills Training Programs that lead to employment in an occupation that requires all of the following:

i. A state issued license is required to work in the occupation;

ii. That license requires clinical hours; and

iii. It is common practice that the clinical hours are not paid.

iv. An example is the required clinical hours for a CNA program.

t. Participants doing Experiences with contractor’s organization shall be limited to 10% of the total participants for the contract period. A waiver to this may be requested and approved at the sole discretion of DOL.

4. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

The technical requirements of this RFP are stated in Appendix B. Vendors must provide pricing for the items listed in the Excel Spreadsheet, Appendix D.

III. FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL

1. INTRODUCTION

This section prescribes the mandatory format for the presentation of a proposal in response to this RFP. Each Vendor must provide every component listed in the order shown in this RFP, using the format prescribed for each component.

A proposal may be rejected if it is incomplete or conditional.

2. PROPOSAL RESPONSE

The Request for Proposal may contain pre-printed forms for use by the vendor in submitting its proposal. The forms required by this solicitation shall be considered mandatory, prevailing documents.

When preprinted forms are used, the forms shall contain basic information such as description of the item and the estimated quantities and shall have blank spaces for use by the vendor for entering information such as unit bid price, total bid price, as applicable.

If items are listed with a zero quantity, Vendor shall state unit price ONLY (intended for open end purchases where estimated requirements are not known). The proposal shall show a total bid price for each item bid and the total bid price of the proposal excluding zero quantity items.

http://contracts.delaware.gov/contracts_detail.asp?i=3600

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

Vendors’ proposal must respond to each and every requirement outlined in the RFP criteria in order to be considered responsive. Proposals must be clear and concise.

3. NON-CONFORMING PROPOSALS

Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Non-conforming proposals are defined as those that do not meet the requirements of this RFP. The determination of whether an RFP requirement is substantive or a mere formality shall reside solely within the State of Delaware.

4. CONCISE PROPOSALS

The State of Delaware discourages overly lengthy and costly proposals. It is the desire that proposals be prepared in a straightforward and concise manner. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other promotional materials beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired. The State of Delaware’s interest is in the quality and responsiveness of the proposal.

5. COVER LETTER

Each proposal will have a cover letter on the letterhead of the company or organization submitting the proposal. The cover letter must briefly summarize Vendor’s ability to provide the services specified in the RFP. The cover letter shall be signed by a representative who has the legal capacity to enter the organization into a formal contract with Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training.

6. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Each proposal must include a Table of Contents with page numbers for each of the required components of the proposal.

7. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Each proposal must contain a detailed description of how the Vendor will provide the goods and services outlined in this RFP. This part of the proposal may also include descriptions of any enhancements or additional services or qualifications the Vendor will provide that are not mentioned in this RFP.

8. SAMPLES OR BROCHURES

Samples or brochures may be required by the agency for evaluation purposes. They shall be such as to permit the

Agency to compare and determine if the item offered complies with the intent of the specifications.

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF TERMS

By submitting a bid, each Vendor shall be deemed to acknowledge that it has carefully read all sections of this RFP, including all forms, schedules and exhibits hereto, and has fully informed itself as to all existing conditions and limitations.

10. NUMBER OF COPIES WITH MAILING OF PROPOSAL

All proposals must be submitted via Email to the provided email address prior to the submission deadline. No other submission type will be accepted.

11. PROPOSAL EXPIRATION DATE

Prices quoted in the proposal shall remain fixed and binding on the bidder at least through June 30, 2027. Delaware reserves the right to ask for an extension of time if needed.

12. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

A Vendor may withdraw its proposal unopened after it has been deposited, if such a request is made prior to the time set for the opening of the proposal.

13. PROPOSAL MODIFICATIONS

Any changes, amendments or modifications to a submitted proposal requires that the original proposal be withdrawn, prior to the time set for the submission of the proposal, and a new proposal submitted prior to the deadline for submission of proposals.

Changes, amendments or modifications to proposals shall not be accepted or considered after the hour and date specified as the deadline for submission of proposals.

14. LATE PROPOSALS

Proposals received after the specified date and time will not be accepted or considered.

15. ADDENDA TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, revisions will be posted at https://bids.delaware.gov/ . By submitting an offer to the State, vendors have acknowledged receipt, understanding and commitment to comply with all materials, revisions, and addenda related to the Request for Proposal.

16. INCURRED EXPENSES

The State will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by the vendor in preparing and submitting a proposal.

17. ECONOMY OF PREPARATION

Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straight-forward, concise description of the

Vendor’s offer to meet the requirements of the RFP.

18. DISCREPANCIES AND OMISSIONS

Vendor is fully responsible for the completeness and accuracy of their proposal, and for examining this RFP and all addenda. Failure to do so will be at the sole risk of vendor. Should vendor find discrepancies, omissions, unclear or ambiguous intent or meaning, or should any questions arise concerning this RFP, vendor shall notify the State of Delaware’s Designated Contact, in writing, of such findings at least ten (10) days before the proposal opening. This will allow issuance of any necessary addenda. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective proposal and exposure of vendor’s proposal upon which award could not be made. All unresolved issues should be addressed in the proposal.

Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of the solicitation, will be disallowed if these faults have not been brought to the attention of the Designated Contact, in writing, no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the time set for opening of the proposals.

19. EXCEPTIONS

Bidders may elect to take minor exception to the terms and conditions of this RFP by completing Attachment 2.

Delaware Workforce Development Board shall evaluate each exception according to the intent of the terms and conditions contained herein, but Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training must reject exceptions that do not conform to State bid law and/or create inequality in the treatment of bidders. Exceptions shall be considered only if they are submitted with the bid or before the date and time of the bid opening.

https://bids.delaware.gov/

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

Exceptions must be submitted utilizing Attachment 2 to be considered. Exceptions listed elsewhere in the Vendor’s proposal will not be considered. Enter Agency Name maintains sole discretion to reject any vendor exceptions that are submitted.

20. BUSINESS REFERENCES

Provide at least three (3) business references consisting of current or previous customers of similar scope and value using Attachment 4. Include business name, mailing address, contact name and phone number, number of years doing business with, and type of work performed. Personal references cannot be considered.

21. SUBCONTRACTS

Subcontracting is permitted under this RFP and contract. However, every subcontractor shall be identified in the

Proposal using Attachment 5.

22. CONFIDENTIALITY

Subject to applicable law or the order of a court of competent jurisdiction to the contrary, all documents submitted as part of the vendor’s proposal will be treated as confidential during the evaluation process. As such, vendor proposals will not be available for review by anyone other than the State of Delaware/Proposal Evaluation Team or its designated agents. There shall be no disclosure of any vendor’s information until a fully executed contract is received unless such disclosure is required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

The State of Delaware and its constituent agencies are required to comply with the State of Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del. C. § 10001, et seq. (“FOIA”). FOIA requires that the State of Delaware’s records are public records (unless otherwise declared by FOIA or other law to be exempt from disclosure) and are subject to inspection and copying by any person upon a written request. Once fully executed contracts are received, the contents of all vendor proposals are subject to FOIA’s public disclosure obligations and exemptions.

The State of Delaware wishes to create a business-friendly environment and procurement process. As such, the State respects the vendor community’s desire to protect its intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential business information (collectively referred to herein as “confidential business information”). Proposals must contain sufficient information to be evaluated. If a vendor feels that they cannot submit their proposal without including confidential business information, they must adhere to the following procedure or their proposal may be deemed unresponsive, may not be recommended for selection, and any applicable protection for the vendor’s confidential business information may be lost.

In order to allow the State to assess its ability to protect a vendor’s confidential business information, vendors will be permitted to designate appropriate portions of their proposal as confidential business information.

Vendor(s) may submit portions of a proposal considered to be confidential business information in a separate, sealed envelope labeled “Confidential Business Information” and include the specific RFP number. The envelope must contain a letter from the Vendor’s legal counsel describing the documents in the envelope, representing in good faith that the information in each document is not “public record” as defined by 29 Del. C. § 10002, and briefly stating the reasons that each document meets the said definitions.

Upon receipt of a proposal accompanied by such a separate, sealed envelope, the State of Delaware will open the envelope to determine whether the procedure described above has been followed. A vendor’s allegation as to its confidential business information shall not be binding on the State. The State shall independently determine the validity of any vendor designation as set forth in this section. Any vendor submitting a proposal or using the procedures discussed herein expressly accepts the State’s absolute right and duty to independently assess the legal and factual validity of any information designated as confidential business information. Accordingly, Vendor(s) assume the risk that confidential business information included within a proposal may enter the public domain.

23. EMPLOYER PARTNER REQUIREMENTS

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c100/index.shtml

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

Providers must obtain letters of support from employer partners who agree to interview their graduates for open positions within their company. Example: Provider is completing two (2) cohorts of CNA students with eight (8) expected participants per cohort. Provider will need to have letters of support from one (1) or multiple employers who agree to interview the graduates for potential openings. The letters of support need to cover 100% of the enrollment goal for interviews.

24. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1– Non-Collusion Statement Attachment 2 – Exceptions Attachment 3 – Confidentiality and Proprietary Information Attachment 4 – Business References Attachment 5 – Subcontractor Information Form Attachment 6 – Monthly Usage Report Attachment 7 – Subcontracting (2nd Tier Spend) Report Attachment 8 – Office of Supplier Diversity Certification Application Attachment 9 – Proposal Reply Requirements Appendix A – Minimum Criteria for Submission Appendix B – Statement of Work & Technical Specifications Appendix C – Proposal Submission Template Appendix D – Budget Appendix E – Terms and Conditions Appendix F – High Demand Occupation List

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES

1. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

A. STATE’S RIGHT TO REJECT PROPOSALS

Enter Agency Name reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part, to make multiple awards, partial awards, award by types, item by item, or lump sum total, whichever is determined to be the most advantageous to the State of Delaware. Vendors submitting proposals may be afforded an opportunity for discussion. Vendors may be requested to provide a best and final offer during the negotiation process. Negotiations may be conducted with responsible Vendors who submit proposals found to be reasonably likely to be selected for award. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed so as to be available to competing vendors during the negotiation process.

B. STATE’S RIGHT TO CANCEL SOLICITATION

The State of Delaware reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time during the procurement process, for any reason or for no reason. The State of Delaware makes no commitments expressed or implied, that this process will result in a business transaction with any vendor.

This RFP does not constitute an offer by the State of Delaware. Vendor’s participation in this process may result in the State of Delaware selecting your organization to engage in further discussions and negotiations toward execution of a contract. The commencement of such negotiations does not, however, signify a commitment by the State of Delaware to execute a contract nor to continue negotiations. The State of Delaware may terminate negotiations at any time and for any reason, or for no reason.

C. DELIVERY OF PROPOSALS

Each proposal must be submitted with all electronic copies and the proposal checklist confirming the items submitted. All proposals are to be submitted and received no later than 1:00PM (EST) on March 12, 2026. The proposals must be delivered by email to the following contact email address:

DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov and in the subject line contain: “BID ENCLOSED: LAB-ABC- 26R-001, PROVIDER NAME, ABC Submission”

Any proposal received after the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals date and time shall not be considered and shall not be reviewed. The proposing vendor bears the risk of delays in delivery and any costs. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed as to be made available to competing entities during the negotiation process. Upon receipt of vendor proposals, each vendor shall be presumed to be thoroughly familiar with all specifications and requirements of this RFP. The failure or omission to examine any form, instrument or document shall in no way relieve vendors from any obligation in respect to this RFP.

D. PUBLIC OPENING OF PROPOSALS

There will be no public opening of proposals, but a public log will be kept of the names of all vendor organizations that submitted proposals. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed in accordance with Executive Order #31 and Title 29, Delaware Code, Chapter 100. Any unopened proposals will be returned to the submitting vendor.

E. AUTHORITY OF AGENCY

On all questions concerning the interpretation of specifications, the acceptability and quality of material furnished and/or work performed, the classification of material, the execution of the work, and the determination of payment due or to become due, the decision of the Agency shall be final and binding.

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

2. PROPOSAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE

The Proposal Evaluation Committee (“Committee”) is comprised of representatives of the State of Delaware.

The Proposal Evaluation Committee shall be comprised of at least three (3) members. The Committee must have at least one (1) DWDB board member. Other members will include subject matter experts (determined by the DWDB staff), Department of Labor, those that represent the target population (identified in WIOA section 3(24) as well as veterans and other targeted populations at the DWDB’s discretion). A DWDB member will chair the Committee.

Committee members will remain on the same panel for the entire life of the process. The Committee shall determine which vendors meet the minimum requirements pursuant to selection criteria of the RFP and procedures established in 29 Del. C. §§ 6981 and 6982. Professional services for this solicitation are considered under 29 Del. C. § 6982(b). The Committee may negotiate with one or more vendors during the same period and may, at its discretion, terminate negotiations with any or all vendors. The Committee shall make a recommendation regarding the award to the DWDB Executive Director and the DET Director, who shall have final authority, subject to the provisions of this RFP and 29 Del. C. § 6982(b), to award a contract to the successful vendor in the best interests of the State of Delaware.

Delaware Reserves the right to respond to submitted proposals and create or remove Evaluation Team(s) as Delaware sees fit.

The Committee reserves the right to:

• Select for contract or for negotiations a proposal other than that with lowest costs.

• Reject any and all proposals or portions of proposals received in response to this RFP or to make no award or issue a new RFP.

• Waive or modify any information, irregularity, or inconsistency in proposals received.

• Request modification to proposals from any or all vendors during the contract review and negotiation.

• Negotiate any aspect of the proposal with any vendor and negotiate with more than one vendor at the same time.

• Select more than one vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6926. Such selection will be based on the following criteria:

NOTE: If agency does not intend to multi-source, this can be removed

The Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part, to make multiple awards, partial awards, award by types, item by item, or lump sum total, whichever may be most advantageous to the State of Delaware.

3. REQUIREMENTS OF THE VENDOR

The purpose of this section is to assist the Proposal Evaluation Committee to determine the ability of the organization to provide the materials and services described in the application. The proposal response should contain at a minimum the following information:

a. General Information

a. Geographical Location

b. Targeted Industry

b. Concise Summary of Program

c. Demonstrated Ability

a. Experience and Reputation

b. Capacity to meet requirements (Size, financial condition, etc.)

c. Expertise

d. Program Design

e. Outcomes/Placement/Letters of support from employer partners

f. Cost/Budget

g. Leveraged Resources

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

4. CRITERIA AND SCORING

EVALUATION CRITERIA POINTS

Demonstrated Ability:

• Provider demonstrates the ability to advertise, recruit, retain and operate like or similar high quality training programs that have resulted in (at a minimum) high employment rates in quality jobs or similar Performance Measures as described.

Program has or plans to hire qualified staff who can meet the service needs of participants.

Program Design:

• Superior case management and wrap around services.

• All required program elements are addressed in proposal.

• Program design provides training in Durable/Soft Skills as integrated parts of the training curriculum.

• Program design provides training in Digital Literacy as an integrated part of the curriculum.

• Linkages are established to provide adequate wrap around services for participants during the post exit follow up period.

Marginalized Communities and how they will be served are clearly articulated.

Outcome Placement:

• The proposed program addresses current and future needs of local employers, targeted industries, and all stakeholders through durable skills training, job readiness, and resume and interview preparation.

• Program provides contextualized learning experiences or work-based learning experiences for participants

• Program highlights students to employer partners - i.e. A Demonstration Day to allow students to meet employers where they are.

• Outcome statement that describes what a participant will have achieved after successfully completing the program. Including credential (s), job title, and expected wages.

• Letters of support from employer partners agree to interview a portion of program enrollments. 100% of enrollment goals must be covered by one (1) or multiple employer partners. This is a mandatory requirement for all submissions.

Cost/Budget

• Costs are reasonable and competitive as compared to other similar programs.

• Costs will be reviewed as a cost per participant and cost per proposed hour trained.

• Budget requires 25% of requested amount be used on Work Experience.

Indirect Costs are limited by USDOL to 10% of the total budget.

Leverage Resources:

Braided funding from multiple resources.

Employer Participation:

At least 3 business partnerships provided. This is a mandatory requirement and does not award points.

Total: 100 Additional Points: The following categories will be given extra consideration and if warranted points will be awarded.

Program incorporates financial literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into training. 5 Serving Justice Involved Clients.

Proposal includes service delivery targeted to this population.

Program targets an occupation within Tier 1 of the High Demand Occupation List found in Appendix F

Additional Total: 15

TOTAL SCORE 115

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

Procurement Evaluation Committee members will assign up to the maximum number of points listed for each of the criteria listed above. For items having quantitative answers, points will be proportionate to each proposal’s response.

Items with qualitative answers will receive the average of points assigned by Proposal Evaluation Committee members.

5. BEST AND FINAL OFFERS

Once the proposals have been evaluated and negotiations have been held with the vendor(s) determined to be likely to receive an award, the Procurement Evaluation Committee issue a request for Best and Final Offers from the vendor(s).

6. REFERENCES

The Committee may contact any customer of the vendor, whether or not included in the vendor’s reference list, and use such information in the evaluation process. Additionally, the State of Delaware may choose to visit existing installations of comparable systems, which may or may not include vendor personnel. If the vendor is involved in such site visits, the State of Delaware will pay travel costs only for State of Delaware personnel for these visits.

V. MANDATORY PREBID MEETING

A mandatory pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. This is a mandatory meeting.

If a Vendor does not attend this meeting, they shall be disqualified and shall not be considered for further evaluation during this RFP.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODc0NWY4ZTgtOTc0ZC00MGRiLTkxOWMtOTU2ZDM2ZmE4MmM0%40thread.v2/0?context =%7b%22Tid%22%3a%228c09e569-51c5-4dee-abb2-8b99c32a4396%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229295ce0d-da36- 474e-a9d3-85862f60fac4%22%7d

VI. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

The attached Definitions and General Provisions apply to all contracts and are part of each Request for Proposal. The requirement to furnish a bid bond and performance bond is applicable unless waived. Should the General Provisions conflict with the Special Provisions, the Special Provisions shall prevail. Vendors or their authorized representatives are required to fully acquaint themselves as to State procurement laws and regulations prior to submitting bid.

A. DEFINITIONS:

Whenever the following terms are used, their intent and meaning shall be interpreted as follows:

STATE: The State of Delaware

AGENCY: State Agency as noted on cover sheet.

BID INVITATION: The "invitation to bid" or “Request for Proposal” is a packet of material sent to vendors and consists of General Provisions, Special Provisions, specifications, and enclosures.

BOND: The approved form of security furnished by the Vendors and its surety as a guaranty of good faith on the part of the Vendor to execute the work in accordance with the terms of the contract.

CONTRACT: The written agreement covering the furnishing and delivery of material or work to be performed.

DESIGNATED OFFICIAL: The agent authorized to act for an Agency.

GENERAL PROVISIONS: General Provisions are instructions pertaining to contracts in general. They contain, in summary, requirements of laws of the State, policies of the Agency, and instructions to vendors.

LOCAL TIME: Eastern Standard Time/Eastern Daylight Time

OPPORTUNITY BUY: A special offer from a supplier that is usually associated with a limited time to respond.

Delaware Workforce Development Board and Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training

PROPOSAL: The offer of the Vendor submitted on the approved form and setting forth the Vendor's prices for performing the work or supplying the material or equipment described in the specifications.

RFP: Request for Proposal.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS: Special Provisions are specific conditions or requirements peculiar to the contract under consideration and are supplemental to the General Provisions. Should the Special Provisions conflict with the General Provisions, the Special Provisions shall prevail.

SURETY: The corporate body which is bound with and for the…