LAB26001-ISY_ad1rev.pdf

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) addendum issued by the Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training (DOL) for In-School Youth (ISY) program services under Contract No. LAB-ISY-26R-001. The solicitation seeks qualified organizations to deliver comprehensive workforce development programming for Delaware youth ages 14-21 who are currently attending school and face significant barriers to secondary school completion, employment, and post-secondary enrollment. Required services include career exploration and guidance, counseling support, occupational skills training aligned with in-demand industries, and comprehensive case management with 12-month post-exit follow-up. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for February 19, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 PM, with written questions due by February 24, 2026 and responses posted by March 2, 2026. Proposals are due March 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM local time via email to DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov. Evaluation is scheduled for April 1, 2026 with oral clarifications on April 2, 2026. The contract period runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with options to renew for four additional one-year periods through negotiation. Contract awards are expected within 90 days of bid opening.

Applicants must implement trauma-informed care approaches, address all 14 WIOA-mandated program elements, establish meaningful employer partnerships, and allocate a minimum of 25% of requested funds specifically for Work Experience (WEX) services while maintaining indirect costs at no more than 10% of the total budget. The total anticipated funding available is $534,841, supported by both Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Youth funds and State Blue Collar funds, though this amount is subject to change based on fund availability. Performance metrics required include 66% employment or training activities in the second quarter post-exit and 72.5% in the fourth quarter, $2,500 median earnings, 74.5% credential attainment, and 60.5% measurable skill gains. Applicants must serve low-income youth with documented barriers including basic skills deficiencies, English language learner status, homelessness, foster care involvement, disability, or parenting status. Required submissions include notarized Non-Collusion Statements, business references, and identification of any subcontractors. The RFP does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and no incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified. The state reserves the right to award multiple vendors, make partial awards, or reject all proposals.