Request for Information (RFI) - RA Industry Intermediary.docx

This is a Sources Sought Notice for Request for Information (RFI) #OAA-26-00024

Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Industry Intermediary

This Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute solicitation. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 10.002(b) (2) (i), this notice is issued for the purpose of conducting market research.

Market research is being conducted to determine if there are potential business with the capacity and experience to perform the required work.

This notice is not to be misconstrued as a Request for Proposal or Quotation.

All information received in response to this Request for Information/Sources Sought that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. Information provided in response to this RFI is submitted voluntarily and is not being requested as part of a solicitation for actual pricing. This request for capability information does not constitute a request for proposals/quotes; submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary; the government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred.

Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Request for Information (RFI).

Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) Office of Apprenticeship (OA) is conducting market research and seeks sources for potential procurement to provide National Registered Apprenticeship’s (RA) Program Development Support and Artificial Intelligence Integration and Education in RA Support as defined in this document.

***THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/QUOTE***

Acknowledgment of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified regarding the results of the Government's evaluation of the information received.

*** NO PHONES WILL CALL BE ACCEPTED and NO REPONSES TO ANY QUESTIONS***.

I. Synopsis:

The Department of Labor (the Department or DOL) Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) Office of Apprenticeship (OA) proposes to award multiple contracts through two Request for Proposals (RFPs) to Industry Intermediaries[footnoteRef:2] to 1) new and high growth Industries and Occupations through rapid development of programs and quality technical industry expertise; and 2) advance AI skills development in RA programs, both through the expansion of RA programs in AI-related occupations and the integration of AI education in RA programs across a broad range of industries. [2: Industry Intermediary, for the purposes of this work, is defined as an entity which serves as a conduit between employers, as well as other industry partners, and OA to accelerate Registered Apprenticeship program development, and help broker new sector-based apprenticeship partnerships at the regional and national level. Intermediaries are uniquely positioned to convene employers within an industry or sub-sector to determine national workforce trends, to work with employers across state lines (particularly employers with a nationwide footprint) in the creation of apprenticeship programs (particularly competency-based programs), and to accelerate Registered Apprenticeship’s market penetration in growing areas of the U.S. economy. ]

NOTE 1: Funds to be awarded come from the authority provided in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 appropriation, which provides funds to expand RA opportunities. Funds must be used to support the expansion of RA.

II. Background:

The Department has increased efforts to expand and modernize RA, a proven and industry-driven workforce training model, to connect all Americans to good-paying jobs. Executive Order (EO) 14278, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future[footnoteRef:3], directs the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to develop a plan to reach and surpass one million new active apprentices in RA programs. The EO also commits to protecting and strengthening RAs as a means of unlocking the limitless potential of the American worker and business. In addition, several EOs focus on bolstering critical industries and direct federal agencies to increase the use of RA as a critical strategy to strengthen workforces in key industries, including AI (EO 14277[footnoteRef:4]), Maritime (EO 14269[footnoteRef:5]), and Nuclear Energy (EO 14302[footnoteRef:6]). Finally, America’s AI Action Plan directs DOL to prioritize AI skills development as a core objective within RAs and to expand the use of RAs in occupations critical to AI infrastructure. To support these goals, ETA proposes prioritizing the country’s reindustrialization needs through quality RA programs that equip American apprentices with the skills they need to fulfill a growing demand, especially in specific, targeted industries and occupations including in AI, maritime, and other strategic sectors. [3: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/preparing-americans-for-high-paying-skilled-trade-jobs-of-the-future/] [4: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/advancing-artificial-intelligence-education-for-american-youth/] [5: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/restoring-americas-maritime-dominance/] [6: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/reinvigorating-the-nuclear-industrial-base/]

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. economy is projected to add over 6 million new jobs over the next decade[footnoteRef:7], including millions of new jobs in critical and emerging sectors such as agriculture, technology (including AI), healthcare, nuclear, and maritime. The full range of the nation’s education and workforce training systems must adapt to the emerging needs in these sectors while also increasing access to training opportunities. Channeling the full skills and talents of all Americans means ensuring access to good-paying jobs in their communities and ensuring companies can find the best talent. [7: Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf.]

RA can be instrumental in enabling all Americans to obtain relevant skills and provide a pathway to a well-paying career. Yet many employers are not benefiting from the value of RAs as a talent development, recruitment, and retention solution.

III. Objective:

Over the last 10 years, DOL has made significant investments in expanding RA, including investing in Industry Intermediaries as a strategy to expand RAs in key sectors, many of which have experienced significant growth in coordination with these investments. For the purpose of the RFI, there are two industry tiers. Under Tier 1, DOL is exploring the use of this successful strategy in industries where RA is new and/or emerging and industries where RA is well established to provide program development services to employers. For Tier 1, the industry breakdowns are:

· RA is new and/or emerging (not traditionally scaled): Agriculture, Energy (including nuclear energy), Defense Industrial Base (including Aerospace/Aviation, Shipbuilding/Maritime, etc.), Education, and Financial and Insurance; and

· RA is existing and in in-demand/critical sectors (established): Telecommunications; Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing.

Additionally, under Tier 1 the Department is interested in exploring a non-industry specific intermediary with capabilities to support multiple industries— including, but not limited to: Public Services, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Information, Professional Services, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, and Accommodation and Food Services— that are established, new, and/or emerging and not otherwise covered by the above industry list. See industry tiers as displayed on industry Figure 1 for additional details on list of industries.

NOTE 2: Tiers 1.1-1.8. industries cannot be duplicated under Tier 1.9 (see Figure 1). For example, a Vendor cannot cover Agriculture (Tier 1.1) under Tier 1.9.

NOTE 3: The Department may choose to refine and/or identify additional industries within the Figure 1 to invest (via RFPs) in as a result of the RFI.

Under Tier 2, DOL is exploring how to advance AI skills development in RA programs, both through the expansion of RA programs in AI-related occupations and the integration of AI education in RA programs across a broad range of industries. Through this RFI, the Department aims to provide these services to employers and potential sponsors who may need a high level of support to develop, expand, adopt, and/or hire apprentices.

ETA plans to release two RFPs:

1. Tier 1: National RA Program Development Support (4-5 Awards)

Vendors shall work with the Department to develop quality RA programs that create sustainable career pathways for apprentices and a trained talent pipeline for employers ready to grow and expand their organization. Vendors shall undertake activities that support ETA’s efforts to:

· Support the Department in growing the number of active apprentices to over 1 million by increasing access to RA and connecting career seekers to RA job opportunities.

· Increase development of RA in all industries, especially new and emerging high-demand industries and occupations.

· Increase multi-employer/national programs to grow the participation of signatory employers and reduce the burden of program registration in RA.

· Increase the integration of AI skills development in apprenticeable occupations across a broad range of industries, ensuring that apprentices acquire essential skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven workforce.

· Advance “RA Accelerator” Models and Registration Support to facilitate and accelerate the process to create “registration-ready” standards for employers.

· Develop and support curricula, Related Training Instruction (RTI) outlines, and occupational outlines that align with the RA program models.

· Strengthen connections between the Departments of Labor, Department of Education, and Department of Commerce by amplifying opportunities, including the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins V) Act and Federal student aid, to enhance connections between the education system and RA.

NOTE 4: The Department is interested in gathering information on Vendor capabilities to support the above activities for one of the identified industries in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - The RFI is included in word as an attachment for NAICS Code links

Energy

· Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (NAICS 2211) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/221100

· Natural Gas Distribution (NAICS 2212) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/221200

Nuclear Energy:

· Nuclear Electric Power Generation (NAICS 221113) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/221113

· https://www.onetonline.org/find/result?s=Defense+Industry

· https://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=Military

Aerospace/Aviation

· https://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/competency-models/aerospace.aspx

· Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (NAICS 3364) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/336400

· https://www.onetonline.org/find/result?s=aerospace

Maritime - https://www.onetonline.org/find/result?s=Naval

· U.S. DOT - https://www.maritime.dot.gov/maritime-workforce/data-and-reports-education-training-and-workforce

Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/336600

https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/517000

· https://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=cybersecurity

· NIST and CISA Resources:

· https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

· https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/cyber-career-pathways-tool

Advanced Manufacturing

· Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/311000

· Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (NAICS 3359) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/335900

· Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (NAICS 3344) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/334400

· Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (NAICS 3364) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/336400

https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/52--53

NOTE: Tiers 1.1-1.8. industries cannot be duplicated under Tier 1.9. For example, a Vendor cannot cover Agriculture (Tier 1.1) under Tier 1.9.

Public Services:

· State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/999200

· Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) (NAICS 9993) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/999300

Healthcare and Social Assistance:

· Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/62--63

· Ambulatory Healthcare Services (NAICS 621) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/621000

· Social Assistance (NAICS 624) -https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/624000

Information (NAICS 51) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/51--52

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (NAICS 54) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/54--55

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (NAICS 71) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/71--72

Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72) - https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/72--73

Part 2: “AI-centric” occupations Part 3: AI infrastructure occupations Part 1: All RA occupations Part 2: AI-centric occupations include (These RAPIDS AI-centric occupations are registered under the following O*NET code, but are not limited to):

· AI Data Annotator (O*NET Code 15-1212.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1212.00

· AI Solutions Specialist (O*NET Code 15-1299.08) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1299.08Bioinformatics Technician (O*NET Code 15-2099.01) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-2099.01

· Machine Learning Data Curator (O*NET Code 15-2051.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-2051.00

· Prompt Engineer (O*NET Code 15-1251.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-2051.00

Part 3: AI Infrastructure occupations include (but are not limited to):

· Electricians (O*NET 47-2111.0) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2111.00

· Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (O*NET 49-9021.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.00

· Construction Laborers (O*NET 47-2061.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2061.00

· Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (O*NET 47-2152.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2152.00

· Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (O*NET 51-4121.00) - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4121.00

NOTE 5: Vendors who respond to Tier 1.3 are encouraged to address their capabilities providing services to the Defense Industrial Base, including Aerospace/Aviation, Shipbuilding/Maritime, etc. industries.

Example: Vendor A intends to provide a response detailing their capabilities for Tier 1.3 – Defense Industrial Base (including Defense, Aerospace, Shipbuilding/ Maritime, etc.), but Vendor A only has expertise in Aerospace/Aviation. Vendor A can provide capabilities for the RFI; however, Vendor A would also be required to demonstrate the ability to identify additional SME(s) via teaming arrangement, etc. for the remaining Defense, Shipbuilding, and Maritime industries to be fully responsive.

NOTE 6: For Tier 1.9, the Department is interested in a Vendor who can provide program development services and SME support across multiple industries serving as a non-industry specific intermediary.

Example: Vendor B intends to provide a response detailing their capabilities for Tier 1.9 – Non-Industry Specific Services (limited to Public Services, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Information, Professional Services, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, Accommodation and Food Services, etc.) Vendor B only has expertise in Information, Vendor B can still provide capabilities to this RFI, and for this specific tier; however, Vendor B would need to demonstrate the ability to identify additional industry/occupation SME(s) via teaming arrangement, etc. for the remaining industries: Public Services, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Professional Services, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, Accommodation and Food Services, etc.to be fully responsive.

2. Tier II: AI Skills Development within RA Programs t (1 Award)

· Vendors shall work with the Department to implement a three-part approach to prioritize the development and growth of AI-related apprenticeships. The three parts of the approach are: Part 1: Expand AI skills development within all RA occupations – ensuring that foundational AI literacy and skills development are embedded across RA occupations, as AI tools and systems become more pervasive across industries Part 2: Expand RA programs for “AI-centric” occupations – supporting the development and expansion of RA programs for roles that directly use, build, or manage AI technologies as a core function of their daily responsibility Part 3: Expand RA programs for AI infrastructure occupations – supporting the development and expansion of RA programs for roles that build and maintain the infrastructure that enables AI systems.

The Vendor shall undertake activities that support ETA’s efforts to:

· Serve as Subject Matter Experts to RA stakeholders who are interested in integrating AI into new or existing work process schedules to create sustainable career pathways for apprentices and a trained talent pipeline for employers ready to grow and expand their organization.

· Increase AI literacy in all industries, especially new and emerging high-demand industries and occupations.

· Increase the integration of AI in apprenticeable occupations across a broad range of industries, ensuring that apprentices acquire essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a technology-driven workforce.

· Develop and support curricula, Related Training Instruction (RTI) Outlines, and Occupational Outlines that align with the RA program models.

IV. Funding Mechanism Overview:

Awards: Funds will be awarded through competitive contracts. The Department is issuing this RFI to gather information on the capabilities of various organizations, expected to be followed by an RFP based on the information received.

V. General Requirements:

Vendors, or Industry Intermediaries (e.g., Industry Associations, Workforce Intermediaries, and others) through this opportunity, shall provide the following activities:

· Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment. Vendors shall develop and implement outreach and marketing, in coordination with the Department, for their industry sector(s) to reach a variety of stakeholders, such as employers, industry associations, and others, to increase awareness of the value of RA programs.

· Advancing “RA Accelerator” Models and Registration Support. Vendors shall provide technical assistance (TA), advice, and support to employers, in conjunction with OA and State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) staff, to facilitate and accelerate the process of creating “registration-ready” standards for employers. Vendors may be expected to lead and/or assist in facilitating Apprenticeship “Accelerator” convenings, in coordination with OA.

· Target Industry Sectors in Apprenticeship. Vendors shall develop and implement business-driven, sector-based strategies to expand apprenticeships. National industry partnerships provide an opportunity to engage businesses and stakeholders to address industry-wide obstacles to RA expansion, provide technical assistance collectively to multiple businesses in a sector, and ultimately accelerate the adoption of quality RA programs in targeted industries. Each Vendor shall support RA expansion in target industry sectors, by conducting activities including, but not limited to the following: 1) providing industry technical expertise, 2) conducting outreach to member organizations to support target industry development, and 3) convening stakeholders within target industries, providing logistical and administrative support, etc.

· Promote Innovation in RA. Vendors shall perform activities that support innovations promoting advancements in the RA ecosystem.

· Provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Facilitation. Vendors shall provide SME positions dedicated to the development of RA programs in the target industries. The responsibilities of the SMEs will include providing support to RA staff in the development of standards and competencies for apprenticeable occupations.

· Develop Curricula, RTI Outlines, and Occupational Outlines. Vendors shall serve as intermediaries providing SMEs to develop and/or propose new curricula, RTI outlines, occupational outlines, RA program models, and other necessary instruments. The design of these resources should target the population being served.

· Sustain new RA Programs and Partnerships. Vendors shall leverage partner and stakeholder resources (including employers, consortia of employers, industry associations, and other stakeholders) to replicate, expand, and sustain RA programs developed through this funding after project completion. Efforts should also support partnerships with education and workforce systems to ensure long-term sustainability of these efforts.

VI. Qualifications and Expertise:

OA is seeking Industry Intermediaries to serve as vendors who will provide technical assistance for program and partnership development strategies to support the expansion of RA in target industries. OA seeks proposals from Industry Intermediaries (e.g., Industry Associations, Workforce Intermediaries, and others). The Vendor(s) shall serve as an Industry Intermediary, in partnership with OA, to provide technical assistance that 1) supports program development and advances RA expansion efforts for employers within target industries, and 2) support the integration and education of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in RA programs across a broad range of industries.

NOTE 7: All respondents must identify which Tiers they are submitting responses for. Specifically, Tier I respondents must address the information request to a specific industry (from Figure 1 above by identifying one sub-Tier within 1.1- 1.9) in which they have relevant experience. OA is looking for expertise in a variety of industries and encourages respondents to comprehensively detail their industry experience and knowledge of apprenticeships, workforce development, and training.

Vendors may submit individual responses within Tier I (i.e., Tiers 1.1-1.9) industries and a response for Tier II that the vendor has experience and knowledge of apprenticeships, workforce development, and training.

All interested parties are invited to submit in writing, by the closing date indicated below for receipt of responses, a package entitled “Statement of Qualifications/Capabilities Statement” (which must include the Vendor’s indication of their ability to fulfill requirements, [Tier I or Tier II]).

Additionally, please note that past performance and industry diversification will be considered as criteria factors. The response must be specific to each of the capability requirements listed above and include a description of the responder’s organizational structure. The submittals for each response shall not exceed 15 pages, TOTAL.

VII. Vendor Response

Vendors shall use the following format for their written responses to this RFI.

Page Size: 8 ½ x 11” with at least 1” margins on all sides Font Size: 12 point Page Numbering: Pages consecutively numbered within each section. There are seven (7) sections, which will require a response. Partial response (to a sub-set of the listed sections) is acceptable.

Format of Vendor Responses

The capabilities statement package must be transmitted under a one (1) page cover letter and must cite the following information at a minimum:

I. Response to RFI Number:

II. Tier # submitting application (please be sure to include the sub-Tier) Answer:

[Example: Tier 1.2 or 1.9]

III. Organization Type:

IV. Company Name, Address, and Company Point of Contact

V. DUNS Number

VI. Are you registered as a Small Business in the System for Award Management (SAM) CERTS & REPS for any NAICS codes?

Answer: Yes or No.

VII. Your Primary NAICS code that is registered in SAM.

PAGE 2 through PAGE 15- Each Section response should have the Title of the response section and have consecutively numbered pages.

Title and Response Sections:

The Department seeks capability statements that provide evidence of Vendors’ industry-specific expertise and experience to achieve the activities listed below:

Tier I Only:

1. Ability to assist employers align existing professional experience and transferable skills with education opportunities for reskilling and upskilling.

2. Ability to develop sector-based partnerships that convene small, medium, and national employers as well as workforce system partners to advance RA and broader workforce system alignment.

3. Ability to serve as a national intermediary with the capability to offer RA program development services to diverse groups of employers and/or sponsors.

4. Ability to increase multi-employer/national programs and facilitate RA program registration.

5. Ability to recruit small, medium, and large employers to develop and/or join multi-employer/national programs that can be replicated across partner and stakeholder networks.

6. Ability to provide subject matter expertise and TA to rapidly expand the number of sustainable RA programs in target industries and promote innovation in RA models and practices.

7. Ability to timely secure and utilize a list of SMEs who are ready and available when needed for multiple industries, including industries in which the respondent is not an industry expert to assist employers in program development. (For Tiers 1.3 and 1.9 Only)

8. Ability to develop “Registration-Ready” RA standards across diverse occupations within industry(ies).

9. Ability to serve as a multi-employer and national RA program sponsor to expand RA on a national or regional scale.

10. Ability to develop partnerships and create referral processes to assist employers in accessing and leveraging financial assistance (including employer incentive funding) in support of expanding employers’ RA program(s).

Tier II Only:

1. Expertise in managing projects with multiple stakeholders and prioritizing and submitting deliverables timely and accurately.

2. Expertise in applying and/or integrating innovative AI solutions across all industries and RA occupations to help employers bridge human and technology solutions to create and expand career pathways to economic opportunity for American workers.

3. Facilitate the use of AI in critical industries by helping employers remove barriers to AI adoption, including assisting the Department in simplifying registration, supporting intermediaries, and aligning program design with employer needs.

4. Expertise in identifying and prioritizing high-demand occupations essential to the buildout of AI-related infrastructure through collaboration with employers, industry groups, and other workforce stakeholders to develop or identify national skill frameworks and competency models for these roles.

5. Ability to convene national industry associations, RA sponsors, employers, and other key national stakeholders to assist in developing high quality RA standards for new programs in AI-centric occupations, as well as expanding and adopting existing programs.

6. Ability to partner with education and workforce system stakeholders to expand early career exposure programs and pre-apprenticeships that engage middle and high school students in priority AI infrastructure occupations.

7. Ability to develop and/or publish reports, issue papers, publications, data synopsis, blogs, podcasts, and other materials from multiple partners.

8. Experience in utilizing SMEs to support the creation of industry-driven training programs that address workforce needs tied to priority AI infrastructure occupations.

9. Ability to plan and coordinate high-profile national meetings and conferences (virtual and on-site) in close coordination with Departmental and OA leadership.

10. Ability to design 508-compliant products (fact sheets, one-pagers, slide decks, etc.).

V. Response due date, title and E-Mail address

The closing date for the receipt of responses is [Insert]. E-Mail your response to Contract Specialist: [ ] and Contracting Officer: [ ] with the subject line: "Response to RFI #[] –[Title] with your company Name”.