SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30.

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF 71

1630-OAA-26-CTR-0023

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3.AWARD/EFFECTIVE 4. ORDER NUMBER

DATE

a. NAME

7. FOR SOLICITATION

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

1605C2-26-R-00004

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

04/01/2026

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

INFORMATION CALL: Alexis Johnson

202-693-7197

05/04/2026 1200 ET

9. ISSUED BY CODE CAS 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

US Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave, NW N-2305 Washington DC 20210

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY

DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

8(A)

NORTH AMERICAN

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

STANDARD (NAICS):

611513

SIZE STANDARD:

$11.5

11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON

BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION

12. DISCOUNT TERMS 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

REQUEST

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

THE DEFENSE PRIORITIES

AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

REQUEST

FOR QUOTE

(RFQ)

INVITATION

FOR BID

(IFB)

FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE ETA OCM NATIONAL

Multiple Destinations US Department of Labor

Office of Contracts Management 200 Constitution Ave, NW Room N-4643 Washington DC 20210

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

OFFER BELOW IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of the Senior Procurement Executive (OSPE),on behalf of the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Office of Apprenticeship (OA) has a requirement for Growing Quality

Continued...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. ADDENDA

FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE OFFER

DATED. . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH

AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND

ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Valerie S. Pickard

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

19.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Registered Apprenticeship Programs Through

Industry Intermediaries as defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

The Government intends to award multiple contract for period of performance of one (1) 12-month Base period and four (4) 12-month Option periods.

Base Period: Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Product/Service Code: U008

1001 Option Period One: Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

(Option Line Item) (Anticipated Option Exercise Date) 05/01/2027 Product/Service Code: U008

Period of Performance: 06/01/2027 to 05/31/2028

2001 Option Period Two: Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

Continued...

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. EMAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL

STOCK RECORD (S/R) 40. PAID BY

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE 42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE RECEIVED (MM/DD/YYYY) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED

1605C2-26-R-00004

PAGES

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F) (Option Line Item)

(Anticipated Option Exercise Date) 05/01/2028

Period of Performance: 06/01/2028 to 05/31/2029

3001 Option Period Three: Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

(Option Line Item) (Anticipated Option Exercise Date) 05/01/2029

Period of Performance: 06/01/2029 to 05/31/2030

4001 Option Period Four: Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries

(Option Line Item) (Anticipated Option Exercise Date) 05/01/2030

Period of Performance: 06/01/2030 to 05/31/2031

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

B - Supplies or Services/Prices

BASE PERIOD

LABOR CATEGORY

QUANTITY

UNIT MEASURE

RATE

TOTALS

Project Director

500 hours

Project Manager 1665 hours

Senior Subject Matter Expert 1500 hours

Subject Matter Expert 3960 hours

Research Analyst 1500 hours

Analyst 1665 hours

Facilitator 700 hours

Marketing & Business Development Specialist 1500 hours

Trainer 500 hours

Editor and Writer 500 hours

Graphic Artist 300 hours

Clerical/Admin Support 400 hours

ODC'S CATEGORY NTE:

Supplies and Materials Travel Program Development

$ 185,000.00

OPTION PERIOD 1

Subject Matter Expert 3960 hours

Research Analyst 1500 hours

Analyst 1665 hours

Facilitator 700 hours

Marketing & Business Development Specialist 1500 hours

Trainer 500 hours

Editor and Writer 500 hours

Graphic Artist 300 hours

Clerical/Admin Support 400 hours

ODC'S CATEGORY NTE:

Supplies and Materials Travel

$ 190,550.00

OPTION PERIOD 2

Subject Matter Expert 3960 hours

Research Analyst 1500 hours

Analyst 1665 hours

Facilitator 700 hours

Marketing & Business Development Specialist 1500 hours

Trainer 500 hours

Editor and Writer 500 hours

Graphic Artist 300 hours

Clerical/Admin Support 400 hours

ODC'S CATEGORY NTE:

Supplies and Materials Travel

$ 196,266.50

OPTION PERIOD 3

LABOR CATEGORY QUANTITY UNIT MEASURE RATE TOTALS

Subject Matter Expert 3960 hours

Research Analyst 1500 hours

Analyst 1665 hours

Facilitator 700 hours

Marketing & Business Development Specialist 1500 hours

Trainer 500 hours

Editor and Writer 500 hours

Graphic Artist 300 hours

Clerical/Admin Support 400 hours

ODC'S CATEGORY NTE:

Supplies and Materials Travel

$ 202,154.50

OPTION PERIOD 4

UNIT MEASURE RATE

Subject Matter Expert 3960 hours

Research Analyst 1500 hours

Analyst 1665 hours

Facilitator 700 hours

Marketing & Business Development Specialist 1500 hours

Trainer 500 hours

Editor and Writer 500 hours

Graphic Artist 300 hours

Clerical/Admin Support 400 hours

ODC'S CATEGORY NTE:

Supplies and Materials Travel

$ 208,219.13

Contract Total Summary

Pricing Element

Base Period Total Option Period 1 Total Option Period 2 Total Option Period 3 Total Option Period 4 Total Total Contract Value (Base + 4 Options)

Amount

C - Description/Specifications

PART 1: General Information

The Office of Apprenticeship (OA) within the Department of Labor’s (DOL or the Department) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) proposes to seek the services of multiple offerors to grow Registered Apprenticeships (RA or RAs) in new and high growth Industries and Occupations through rapid development of programs and quality technical industry expertise.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction:

The Offeror shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform tasks defined in this Performance Work Statement. Except as specified in section C-3 as government-furnished property and services at the Offeror’s location, unless otherwise required to perform work at the Government location. The Offeror shall perform to the standards in the resultant contract.

1.2. 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 , 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. 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 ), Maritime (EO 14269 ), and Nuclear Energy (EO 14302 ). 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.

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 , 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 high-paying jobs in their communities and ensuring companies can find the best talent.

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.

The Department proposes to award multiple contracts.

1.3. Objectives:

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.

DOL is exploring the continued use of this strategy in industries where RA is new and/or emerging and industries where RA is well established to provide program development services to employers. The following breakdown outlines the industry:

• 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): Healthcare, Telecommunications; Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing.

Additionally, the Department is interested in exploring a non-industry specific Intermediary with capabilities to support multiple industries— including, but not limited to: Public Services, Information Technology, 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.

For the purpose of these contract awards, the target industries are listed in the table below:

Tier Sub

Tier

Industry NAICS, ONET, or Other Links

1 1.1 Agriculture Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (NAICS 11) -https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/11--12

1.2 Energy (including

Nuclear Energy)

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

1.3 Defense Industrial

Base (Including Aerospace/ Aviation, Shipbuilding/ Maritime, etc.

Defense

· 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

1.4 Education Educational Services (including Private, State, and Local Government Schools) (NAICS 61) -https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/61--62

1.5 Healthcare 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

1.6 Telecommunications Telecommunications (NAICS 517) -

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

1.7 Cybersecurity · O*NET occupations:

- 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 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/11--12 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/221100 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/221200 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/221113 https://www.onetonline.org/find/result?s=Defense%2BIndustry https://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=Military https://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/competency-models/aerospace.aspx https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/336400 https://www.onetonline.org/find/result?s=aerospace https://www.onetonline.org/find/result?s=Naval https://www.maritime.dot.gov/maritime-workforce/data-and-reports-education-training-and-https://www.maritime.dot.gov/maritime-workforce/data-and-reports-education-training-and-https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/336600 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/61--62 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/62--63 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/621000 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/624000 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/517000 https://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=cybersecurity https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/cyber-career-pathways-tool

1.8 Advanced

Manufacturing

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

1.9 Financial and

Insurance

Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52) – https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/52--53

2.0 Non-Industry Specific

Services (including, but not limited to Public Services, Information Technology, Professional Services, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, Accommodation and Food Services)

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

Information Technology

· Software Publishers (NAICS 513200) - https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/naics4_513200.htm

· Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518000) -https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/naics3_518000.htm

NOTE: Information Technology may also include AI-Centric Occupations that are cross-industries and not exclusive to specific NAICS codes. AI-Centric occupations are categorized by their O*NET-SOC code.

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

NOTE 1: Sub-tiers 1.1-1.9. industries cannot be duplicated under sub-tier 2.0 (see Figure 1). For example, a Offeror who is applying to sub-tiers 2.0, cannot cover the Agriculture (sub-tier 1.1) industry.

NOTE 2: Offerors applying for sub-tier 2.0 must provide program development services to all other industries not listed in the Industry Specific Services (i.e., sub-tier 1.1-1.9).

QUALIFICATIONS:

ETA seeks Offerors with expertise or knowledge in the following areas:

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

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

• Ability to serve as a national intermediary with the capability to offer RA program development services to a broad range (i.e. size, industry, level of support needed, etc.) of employers and/or sponsors.

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

https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/311000 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/335900 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/334400 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/336400 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/52--53 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/999200 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/999300 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/naics4_513200.htm https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/naics3_518000.htm https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/54--55 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/71--72 https://data.bls.gov/oes/%23/industry/72--73

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

• 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.

• Ability to timely secure and utilize a list of Subject Matter Experts (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 sub-tiers 1.3 and 2.0 Only)

• Ability to develop “registration-ready” RA standards across diverse occupations within industry(ies).

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

• 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).

1.4. Scope:

Offerors, 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. Offerors 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, workforce and education system stakeholders, and others, to increase awareness of the value of RA programs.

• Advancing “RA Accelerator” Models and Registration Support. Offerors 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. Offerors may be expected to lead and/or assist in facilitating Apprenticeship “Accelerator” convenings, in coordination with OA.

• Expansion of Degreed RA programs. Offerors shall provide technical assistance to facilitate and accelerate the development and expansion of degreed RA programs. This includes, but not limited to:

o Support in engaging and/or partnering with post-secondary education stakeholders;

o Developing RA programs integrated with post-secondary degree pathways; and o Articulating learning through the RA program into post-secondary credit, and other efforts that support expansion of education-aligned RAs.

• Target Industry Sectors in Apprenticeship. Offerors 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 Offeror 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. Offerors shall perform activities that support innovations promoting advancements in the RA ecosystem.

Innovations may include, but not limited to:

o Building consensus within industry partners on the appropriate standards;

o Utilizing RA as a workforce solution for organization’s recruitment strategy;

o Utilizing cross-sector collaboration which allows multiple employers from different sectors to share administrative responsibilities;

o Making RA adoption more accessible, etc.

• Provide SMEs and Facilitation. Offerors 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, Related Training Instruction (RTI) Outlines, and Occupational Outlines. Offerors shall serve as Intermediaries providing SMEs to develop and/or propose new curricula, RTI outlines, occupational outlines, RA program models, and other necessary instruments.

• Sustain new RA Programs and Partnerships. Offerors 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.

Additionally, Offerors 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. Offerors 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.

• Coordinate with and leverage the Department’s AI Integration and Education Intermediary to 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, 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.

See Part 5 of this PWS for the full list of tasks that the Offeror shall perform.

1.5. Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for one Base Period of 12-months with four 12-month option periods at the government's discretion. The Period of Performance shall be as follows:

Base Period: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 Option Period 1: June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028 Option Period 2: June 1, 2028 – May 31, 2029 Option Period 3: June 1, 2029 – May 31, 2030 Option Period 4: June 1, 2030 – May 31, 2031

1.6. General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control:

The Offeror shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Offeror shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure the non-recurrence of defective services.

The Offeror’s quality control (QC) program is the means by which it confirms that the work complies with the requirements of the resultant contract. At a minimum, the Offeror shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, “Performance Requirements Summary”. After acceptance of the Quality Control Plan (QCP), the Offeror shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to their QC system. The QC Plan is to be delivered 30 days after the contract is awarded.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance:

The government shall evaluate the Offeror’s performance under the resultant contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Offeror has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3 RESERVED

1.6.4 Recognized Holidays:

Offeror is not required to perform services on these Holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Day Christmas Day Independence Day

1.6.5 Hours of Operation / Place of Performance:

The Contractor is responsible for conducting performance under the awarded contract between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

EST Monday thru Friday, except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings. The Offeror shall at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this statement of work when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

The place of performance for this contract is remote/ telecommuting (work at home). Travel is required under the contract as identified via the project work plan.

1.6.6 Type of Contract:

The government contemplates award of a Fixed Price contract.

1.6.7 Security Requirements:

The Government shall exercise full and complete control over granting, withholding, or cancelling clearances for offerors’ employees.

The Government may grant temporary clearances to employees of the Offeror; however, the granting of a temporary clearance shall not be considered an assurance that full clearance shall in no way prevent, preclude, or bar the withdrawal or termination of any such clearances by the department.

Background Investigations

Individual Offerors on task with the resultant contract may be required to submit information for security and background prescreening sufficient to meet Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements.

The Offeror shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24, and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

The Offeror shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the sub-Offeror is required to have physical access to a federally-controlled facility or access to a Federal information system.

1.6.7.1 Physical Security.

The Offeror shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for Offeror use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.6.7.2 Information.

Any information gathered by the Contractor in the course of performing this contract shall be used only for the purpose of performance under the resulting contract. Furthermore, no article, book, pamphlet, recording, broadcast, speech, television appearance, film, or photograph concerning any aspect of work performed under the resultant order shall be published or disseminated through any media to the public or any third party without prior written authorization from the government.

The Contractor shall not make use of any information obtained from the performance of this work for any activity outside the scope of this project. All records/documents developed during the course of the resulting contract shall be protected from examination by unauthorized persons. Such records include all forms, computer files, program listings, manuals, documentation; correspondence files contract records and reports. The contractor shall retain all records/ documents in a secure manner. No materials or any summary of these materials shall be released to any individual or organization without prior written permission from the COR.

These obligations do not cease upon the expiration or termination of the resultant contract. The Contractor shall include the substance of this provision in all contracts for employment and subcontracting work performed under the resultant contract. The Contractor shall require all employees to sign non-disclosure agreements in compliance with this requirement.

1.6.8. Special Qualifications.

Not Applicable

1.6.9. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings:

The Offeror agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and other government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Offeror to review the Offeror’s performance. At these meetings, the Contracting Officer will apprise the Offeror of how the government views the Offeror’s performance, and the Offeror shall apprise the government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.6.10. Contracting Officer’s Representative:

A COR will be delegated under separate cover.

1.6.11. Key Personnel:

The personnel listed below are considered essential to the work being performed hereunder.

Prior to substituting, removing, and replacing any of the key personnel, the Offeror shall notify the Contracting Officer 10 working days in advance and shall submit a written request and justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract. The proposed substitution of personnel must meet or exceed the education, experience, and other technical requirements of the personnel being replaced, and the position must be filled within 14 days of being vacated. No change in personnel shall be made by the Offeror without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. Resumes for the proposed replacement must be provided to the COR for review. The Government must approve the replacement candidate in writing before he/she can start work.

Before removing, replacing, or diverting any of the listed or specified personnel, the Offeror shall:

1. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) at least 14 calendar days in advance;

2. Submit a resume for review and approval with a justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract; and

3. Obtain the COR’s written approval.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Offeror deems immediate removal or suspension of any member of its management team is necessary to fulfill its obligation to maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, and integrity under the clause at 48 CFR 970.5203–3, Offeror’s Organization, the Offeror may remove or suspend such person at once, although the Offeror shall notify COR prior to, or concurrently with, such action.

At the point of contract award, key personnel must be identified. Offeror is expected to be at full staff capacity at time of award.

a) The list of personnel may, with the consent of the contracting parties, be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to add or delete necessary or required labor categories.

List of Key Personnel for this contract:

1. Project Director

2. Project Manager

3. Senior Subject Matter Expert

4. Marketing and Business Development Specialist

1.6.11.1 Key Personnel Qualifications:

Project Director:

Individual with overall responsibility for the project, including quality assurance; serves as the main Point of Contact (POC) with OA relating to contractual obligations.

Individual qualified by both education (Bachelor’s level) and experience (8+ years) or relevant experience (10+ years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Leadership – Provides oversight and direction to a team of staff;

• Contracts – Interprets contracts, ensures responsiveness, and achieves successful performance; this may include subject matter expertise and specific technical knowledge; and

• Management – Establishes schedules, meets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of project (including budgets).

Project Manager:

Individual qualified by both education (Bachelor’s level) and experience (8+ years) or relevant experience (10+ years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Leadership: Provides oversight and direction to a team of staff;

• Contracts: Interprets contracts and work requirements, ensures responsiveness, and achieves successful performance; may include subject matter and specific technical knowledge;

• Deliverables: Writing, editing, ensuring final products are proofread and meet certain content standards;

• Analysis: Assists in analysis, evaluation, and implementation of projects/goals;

• Management: Establishes schedules, meets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of project (including budgets); and

• Reporting: Prepares reports for senior management and DOL leadership regarding the status of projects.

Senior Subject Matter Expert: Individual qualified by both education (Bachelor’s level) and experience (8+ years) or relevant experience (10+ years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially related to the following areas:

• Familiarity with concepts, practices, and procedures under Tasks 2-4;

• Expertise with RA system, including but not limited to, §29 part CFR 29, scaling RA nationally, building high quality career pathways to RA, convening a broad range of stakeholders, improving processes, and developing partnership strategies, etc.;

• Writing, editing, and proofreading technical assistance products, ensuring final products meet certain content standards;

• Applying data-driven strategies to process and implement tasks listed within the PWS;

• Thinking creatively and innovatively;

• Skill set shall include strong verbal communication, organization and attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure in fast-paced professional environments, the ability to manage competing and evolving priorities, and the ability to quickly incorporate constructive feedback;

• Ability to conduct partnership activities with other workforce system partners and higher education; and

• Accelerate expansion of the RA model in industries and sub-sectors that have not traditionally used RA.

Marketing and Business Development Specialist: Individual qualified by both education (Bachelor’s level) and experience (8+ years) or relevant experience (10+ years without a degree) to conduct the primary tasks described in the PWS, especially within the following areas:

• Familiarity with concepts, practices, and procedures under Tasks 2-4; and

• Expertise with RA system, including but not limited to, §29 CFR part 29, scaling RA nationally, building high quality career pathways to RA, convening stakeholders, improving processes, and developing partnership strategies

• Additionally:

o Market - Researching and developing new opportunities to meet PWS objective;

o Outreach - Contacting potential sponsors, employers, and other stakeholders to establish partnerships and facilitate strategies discussions on the expansion of RA;

o Awareness - Attending conferences and industry events to meet objective of PWS; and o Sustainability - Educating existing and new stakeholders on the value of RA.

Note: The government reserves the right to waive any Personnel Qualifications if determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

1.6.12. Identification of Offeror Employees:

All contract personnel attending meetings, answering government telephones, and working in other situations where their Offeror status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Offerors are suitably marked as Offeror products or that Offeror participation is appropriately disclosed. If required, all Offeror personnel shall be required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of the resultant contract.

1.6.13. Organizational Conflict of Interest:

Offeror and sub-Offeror personnel performing work under the resulting award action may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI), as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Offeror shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Offeror’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Offeror from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.6.14. Offeror Travel:

Offeror shall be required to travel within the Continental United States and within the National Capital Region during the performance of this contract in support of communication and transformation activities, such as attendance at related conferences and forums. The Contractor will be authorized for travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and FAR 31.205-46. All travel requires advance Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR.

1.6.15. Phase In/Phase Out Period:

To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the Offeror shall have personnel on board during the thirty (30) day phase-in/phase-out periods. During the phase-in period, the Offeror shall become familiar with performance requirements in order to commence full performance of services on the contract action start date.

PART 2 - DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

Best Effort: That effort expended by the Vendor to perform within the awarded ceiling price all work specified in this acquisition and all other obligations under this acquisition. This effort includes providing required qualified personnel, properly supervised, and following industry accepted methodologies and other practices. The effort is further characterized by operating at all times with the government’s best interest in mind, using efficient and effective methods, and demonstrating sound cost control. The effort must be identical to the effort that would be expended if this were a firm-fixed price acquisition and the Vendor’s profits were dependent upon reducing costs while meeting the government’s requirements in terms and quality and schedule. Failure to provide this required effort may result in the withholding of payment for hours expended that do not qualify as best effort or a reduction in the rate per hour to reflect decreased value of services received.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A representative from the requiring activity assigned by the Contracting Officer to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the Vendor.

Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the Performance Work Statement.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Vendor performance.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a Vendor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the

PWS.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement.

ACRONYMS

AJC – American Job Center CO – Contracting Officer COR – Contracting Officer's Representative CFR – Code of Federal Regulation CTE – Career and Technical Education DOL – Department of Labor ETA – Employment and Training Administration FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulation KPI – Key Performance Indicators NAS – National Apprenticeship System OA – Office of Apprenticeship OPA – Office of Public Affairs OMB – Office of Management and Budget POC – Point of Contact PoP – Period of Performance PWS – Performance Work Statement QASP – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QCP – Quality Control Plan RA – Registered Apprenticeship RAPIDS – Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database ROI – Return on Investment SAA– State Apprenticeship Agencies SME – Subject Matter Expert SSME – Senior Subject Matter Expert VETS – Veterans’ Employment and Training Service

PART 3 - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3.1 General:

If applicable and available, the Government will provide working space including furniture, computers, network connections, and telephone access for official work-related calls only. Appropriate software will be provided on-site for use in task completion.

3.2 Equipment:

If applicable, the Government will provide laptops and necessary software to perform under the resulting contract. The Offerors shall keep and maintain an inventory of Government-furnished equipment, which shall be made available to the Federal Program Manager upon request.

The Offeror shall be responsible for the security and integrity of any GFE and any data it contains used off-site, with prior approval from the Government.

3.3 Services.

3.3.1 Reserved.

3.4 Facilities:

For other than government-furnished equipment, the Vendor shall furnish necessary equipment to perform the effort(s) outlined in this PWS remotely, at a location other than a government-owned or Offeror-owned facility. If deemed necessary, the government may issue, at its discretion, supplemental equipment (e.g., computing equipment).

PART 4 - CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1 General:

Except for those items specifically stated to be government furnished in Part 3, the Offeror shall furnish all other items required to perform the services in this PWS.

4.2 Clearance:

The Offeror shall possess or be eligible to receive and maintain a Public Trust clearance. The Offeror’s employees, performing work in support of this contract action, shall have been granted a Public Trust clearance security clearance.

See Section 1.6.7 “Security Consideration”.

PART 5 - SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Services:

The Offeror shall provide sufficient personnel in number, training, and qualifications to perform the PWS requirements. The Government will NOT pay costs associated with Offeror employees attending training in order to meet the education, certification, and experience requirements of this contract.

Task 1 – Project Management. Offeror shall provide overall project management and maintain regular communication with OA (including ETA and staff) to ensure timely and quality completion of all project deliverables. Task 1 activities include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in a virtual or in-person kickoff meeting in Washington, D.C.

• In coordination with OA, participate in intermediary orientation trainings;

• Participate in in-person and/or virtual (ad-hoc, monthly, and yearly) meetings with OA and other stakeholders regarding project status, and progress on project deliverables;

• Submit all onboarding documents, including ETA systems application (Salesforce) requests, timely and accurately to the COR and the Department;

• Submit resumes for all key personnel demonstrating their ability to deliver a high-quality work product as described under Tasks 2-4 within 30 days of contract award prior to working on project;

• In coordination with COR, submit monthly invoices and applicable supporting documentation timely and accurately;

• Manage delivery of work including financials, staffing, and project schedule, per the PWS;

• Develop, maintain, and submit a project monthly Work Plan (see tasks 2-4 below). The Work Plan shall consist of work to be completed, maintained, updated, and submitted throughout the period of performance. The Work Plan shall be provided and maintained in draft form so ETA can provide comments. Final draft shall include ETA/OA comments and will be a working document to be updated as needed based on continued guidance on project needs. The Work Plan shall include the following:

o Task or Project Description;

o Due dates;

o Status;

o Estimated Budget / Actual Costs;

o List of both draft and final deliverable deadlines (for OA comment);

o Format of deliverables (draft and final);

o OA staff’s approval received for each task; and o Entity responsible for item—Offeror, OA, or other (including staff member primarily responsible for item/activity)

• Enter accurate and timely data into ETA systems (e.g., Salesforce [customer relationship management system], etc.) as determined by OA. Data includes, but not limited to new accounts, contact information, outcomes and information related to project calls and meetings, event-related activities and outcomes, marketing and outreach materials, webinar links, and enrollment and outcome data of registered apprentices (including retention of apprentices);

• Ensure OA approval is obtained on project deliverables and final products planned for dissemination;

• Develop and submit status reports (ad-hoc, monthly, quarterly, and yearly) on activities and deliverables completed for the specified reporting period. Format and template of status reports are to be determined in coordination with OA;

• Submit quarterly all final public facing deliverables to OA using the Deliverable Tracker spreadsheet tab (via the OA provided work plan template);

• Submit a final project-end report detailing the project results, promising practices, and challenges identified throughout the project;

and

• Provide all deliverables intended for dissemination to OA in “plain language,” “post-ready,” “editable electronic,” and “508 compliant” format as requested by OA on or before an OA-specified due date.

Task 2 –Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment. Offeror shall develop and implement outreach and recruitment strategies (including Departmental sector-based RA Accelerators [e.g., DOL- or White House-led sprints, challenges, etc.]) for their industry sector(s) to reach a variety of stakeholders (e.g., employers, Industry Associations, Unions and Joint Labor-Management organizations, RA Intermediaries, and workforce partners) to accelerate RA expansion and increase opportunities in apprenticeship occupations. All activities and outcomes shall be tracked in Salesforce.