STATE OF MAINE

Department of Labor Bureau of Employment Services

RFA# 202606099

Community Workforce Connections Program FY 2027

RFA Coordinator

Submitted Questions Due Date

August 11,2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., local time

no later than 4:00 p.m., local time

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

A. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

B. GENERAL PROVISIONS

C. ELIGIBILITY TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS

D. CONTRACT TERM

E. AWARDS

F. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

A. VENDOR SELF SERVICE SYSTEM (VSS)

B. INFORMATIONAL SESSION

C. QUESTIONS

D. AMENDMENTS

E. APPLICATION SUBMISSION

A. EVALUATION PROCESS – GENERAL INFORMATION

B. SCORING WEIGHTS & PROCESS

C. NEGOTIATIONS

D. SELECTION AND AWARD

E. APPEAL OF CONTRACT AWARDS

A. CONTRACT DOCUMENT

B. STANDARD STATE CONTRACT PROVISIONS

PUBLIC NOTICE

State of Maine

Bureau of Employment Services

RFA# 202606099

Community Workforce Connections Program FY 2027

The State of Maine is seeking applications from community-based organizations to partner with the Maine Department of Labor in helping unemployed and underemployed Mainers overcome barriers to employment through peer navigation, career support, and connections to sustainable job opportunities.

A copy of the RFA and all related documents can be obtained through the Vendor Self Service System (VSS): https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService

Applications must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via the Vendor Self Service System (VSS). Application submissions must be received August 27, 2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on. Applications will be opened the following business day.

RFA TERMS/ACRONYMS with DEFINITIONS

The following terms and acronyms, as referenced in the RFA, have the meanings indicated below:

State of Maine

Bureau of Employment Services

RFA# 202606099

Community Workforce Connections Program FY 2027

PART I INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Background

The Maine Department of Labor (Department) is seeking applications to implement a Community Workforce Connections Program that offers meaningful peer support and workforce navigation to unemployed and underemployed workers across Maine. This initiative, authorized under Title 26 § 2066, will engage peer navigators employed by community-based organizations (CBOs) to help individuals overcome barriers to employment and successfully connect with the Department’s programs and resources, ultimately supporting greater economic security through sustainable employment. The Department invites qualified community-based organizations to apply for funding to implement peer-based workforce navigation services under the Community Workforce Connections Program.

MDOL values the expertise and community trust that CBO partners contribute. Their involvement expands outreach, supports culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and advances equitable access for marginalized and underserved populations. Together, MDOL and selected CBO partners will implement a Community Workforce Connections Program to advance the following goals:

1) Expand Access and Engagement: Increase the number of individuals from populations facing significant barriers to employment who are meaningfully connected to workforce services and programs.

2) Strengthen Service Coordination to Improve Employment and Training Outcomes: Enhance the quality and frequency of engagement with each participant through multiple connection points, effective referrals to partners and service providers, and successful linkage to the resources needed to complete workforce programs and achieve employment stability.

3) Drive Systems-Level Improvement: Identify systemic barriers to employment and training and generate actionable recommendations for policy and program improvement. CBO partners are uniquely positioned - through trusted, ground-level relationships with participants - to surface the gap between formal policy and lived outcomes, and to serve as an ongoing feedback mechanism that strengthens Maine's workforce system over time. Systems change is a core program function, not a secondary objective.

Through this collaborative, person-centered approach, MDOL aims to strengthen Maine’s workforce system by empowering CBOs as trusted connectors - ensuring every Mainer, regardless of background or circumstance, can access opportunity, develop skills, and achieve meaningful employment.

As defined in this Request for Applications (RFA) document, this document provides instructions for submitting applications, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Applicant(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Applicant(s).

B. General Provisions

1. From the time this RFA is issued until award notification is made, all contact with the State regarding this RFA must be made through the RFA Coordinator identified on the cover page of this RFA. No other person/State employee is empowered to make binding statements regarding this RFA. Violation of this provision may lead to disqualification from the application process, at the State’s discretion.

2. Issuance of the RFA does not commit the Department to issue an award or to pay expenses incurred by an Applicant in the preparation of a response to the RFA. This includes attendance at personal interviews or other meetings, where applicable.

3. All applications must adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in the RFA and all written supplements and amendments (such as the Summary of Questions and Answers), issued by the Department. Applications must follow the format and respond to all questions and instructions specified in Part III of the RFA.

4. Applicants will take careful note that in evaluating an application submitted in response to this RFA, the Department will consider materials provided in the application, information obtained through interviews/presentations (if any), and internal Departmental information of previous contract history with the Applicant (if any). The Department also reserves the right to consider other reliable references and publicly available information in evaluating the Applicant’s experience and capabilities.

5. The application must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Applicant and must contain a statement that the application and the pricing contained therein will remain valid and binding for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.

6. The RFA and the awarded Applicant’s application, including all appendices or attachments, will be the basis for the final contract, as determined by the Department.

7. Following announcement of an award decision, all records and documents regarding this RFA, including bid submissions, will be public records, available for public inspection pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §1825 B (6 &15) and the State of Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) (1 M.R.S. § 401 et seq.). State contracts and information related to contracts, including all records, documents, supporting documents, and bid submissions, are public records unless otherwise excepted by statute (Id).

8. Subject to the above and pursuant to applicable law, in the event that an Applicant believes any information that it submits in response to this RFA is confidential, it must mark that information accordingly, and include citation to legal authority in support of the Applicant’s claim of confidentiality. In the event that the Department receives a FOAA request that includes submissions marked as confidential, the Department shall evaluate the information and any legal authority from the Applicant to determine whether the information is an exception to FOAA’s definition of public record. If the Department determines to release information that an Applicant has marked confidential, it shall provide advance notice to the Applicant to allow for them to seek legal relief.

9. The Department, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor informalities and irregularities found in applications received in response to the RFA.

10. If awarded a contract resulting from this RFA, vendors shall be required to disclose, in writing and in accordance with applicable Maine law, any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Such disclosure must include any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Failure to disclose a known conflict or appearance of conflict may result in disqualification, contract termination, or other remedies as provided by law.

11. All applicable laws, whether or not herein contained, shall be included by this reference. It shall be the Applicant’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.

C. Eligibility to Submit Applications

Eligible applicants are nonprofit, community-based organizations (CBOs) as defined in this RFA.

D. Contract Term

The term of anticipated contract period resulting from this RFA is defined in the table below. The dates below are estimated and may be adjusted, as necessary, in order to comply with all procedural requirements associated with the RFA, the specific project awarded, and the contracting process. The actual contract start date will be established by a completed and approved contract.

E. Awards

In accordance with 26 MRSA §2066 sub-§4, “Of the Competitive Skills Scholarship Fund planned yield described in section 1166, at least 12% of the annual planned yield must be used for the program.”

For Fiscal Year 2027, the Maine Department of Labor estimates that approximately $1.2 million will be available to support awards under this Request for Applications (RFA). Final award amounts will be contingent upon the actual planned yield of the Competitive Skills Scholarship Fund (CSSF) for the program year and may be adjusted accordingly.

Any funds not expended in the contract year by the contracted entity must be returned to the Competitive Skills Scholarship Fund, except that any funds for expenses that occurred in that contract year but were not yet paid in that year must remain available to the contracted entity. The department may also seek any available opportunities for funding as needed to support and enhance the workforce navigation services provided under this section.

The Department intends to award one (1) contract for statewide services, but reserves the right to make multiple awards to perform one (1) or more of the services described in Part II of this RFA as a result of this RFA process, including partial awards. The Department reserves the right to eliminate the lowest scoring application(s) and/or make awards at amounts less than that requested, whichever is in the best interest of the State.

F. Applicable Legislation

This grant program is authorized under Title 26 §2066, enacted in Public Law 2025 Chapter 396, signed by Governor Janet Mills on June 20, 2025. This legislation establishes the Community Workforce Connections Program and directs the Department to provide culturally appropriate, person-centered workforce connection services for populations facing significant barriers to employment. The RFA and resulting award(s) are designed to implement and carry out the provisions of this law.

PART II ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

A. Qualifications

a) Established, Trusted Relationships I. Applicants must demonstrate existing, trusted relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations from populations that face significant barriers to employment. These populations include, but are not limited to: immigrants; individuals with limited English proficiency; individuals without postsecondary training or college degrees; low-income and homeless individuals; individuals who have been out of the workforce for an extended period; individuals with low literacy, including digital literacy; individuals with substance use disorder; individuals facing gender-based discrimination; individuals with disabilities; Indigenous and tribal populations; single-parent households; individuals with justice involvement; and low-income working families.

II. Qualified entities are a recognized source of support, expertise, and community leadership for populations that face significant barriers to employment as described above, including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with low literacy, individuals with disabilities, and other low-income individuals with socioeconomic barriers to employment and education.

b) Capacity and Expertise I. Applicants must have demonstrated the capability to carry out the duties required under this program. This includes knowledge of eligibility requirements and application processes for education and training services, such as Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP), the Maine Apprenticeship Program (MAP), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, reemployment services, unemployment compensation, and other resources essential to helping populations with employment barriers successfully participate in the workforce and achieve economic security.

c) Confidentiality I. Applicants must comply with all existing Confidentiality Standards to protect the privacy of information collected from individuals receiving workforce connection services.

d) No-Cost Services I. Applicants must provide all services under this program free of charge to individuals receiving workforce connection services.

B. Required Activities

Awarded Applicants will operate the Community Workforce Connections Program by performing the following activities:

a) Provide culturally appropriate, person-centered, and relationship-focused peer workforce navigation services that are based on a strengths-based case management model and performed by individuals with shared lived experience. The program must advocate for, and provide sustained and reliable support to, individuals in their transitions to improved economic security through employment, including by providing education about program rules and community resources to facilitate informed self-advocacy and life planning;

b) Work with community organizations, known and trusted by individuals described above in Part II, A, a, and through trusted peer navigators to proactively identify and engage with unemployed and underemployed individuals and provide them with the workforce navigation services and opportunities for education, training, employment and reemployment assistance;

c) Introduce and connect individuals to Maine CareerCenters operated by the Department, its workforce partners and educational institutions and help the individuals, as needed, navigate, successfully connect with, and complete employment services and education and training programs operated by these entities including but not limited to;

I. Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP), II. Maine Apprenticeship Program (MAP), III. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs including Vocational Rehabilitation services, IV. Reemployment services, V. Unemployment compensation, and VI. Other resources essential to helping populations with employment barriers successfully participate in the workforce and achieve economic security.

The program will help facilitate communication and trust building between the individuals and these entities, including providing help completing applications; assistance with complying with eligibility verification processes; and support for participant progress and persistence;

d) Provide timely, responsive, flexible, and individualized support when necessary to help individuals meet basic needs so the individuals are more able to successfully engage with work-related support services and find and retain employment, which includes accessing support from both public and private sources, including support for transportation, utilities and childcare.

e) Promote trusted and successful relationships between individuals and government agencies by furthering understanding of employment, education and training programs, public assistance programs and associated rules, regulations, responsibilities and rights, and any socioeconomic barriers to accessing these programs.

f) Conduct outreach to communities with disproportionately low enrollment in unemployment insurance and reemployment assistance. Provide individual assistance, education and referrals for individuals applying for and making ongoing claims for unemployment compensation, including offering assistance connecting with Department staff and coaching on self-advocacy for claimants experiencing barriers to services. The program will inform individuals about provisions of law that may assist low-income and frequently unemployed individuals disproportionately, including the dislocated worker benefits program under section 1043, subsection 5, paragraph B and section 1191, subsection 4, paragraph A, partial unemployment benefits and reemployment services; and

g) Regularly collect and share key performance indicators to demonstrate successful connection to necessary workforce and employment resources, leading to employment outcomes (as specified in “Reports” below).

h) Ensure all connector services must be performed in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the population served, including individuals with limited English proficiency, persons with low literacy, and persons with disabilities, recognizing the varying levels of digital literacy and access to technology among individuals in need of services.

i) Provide or coordinate access to legal assistance and advocacy services to help individuals overcome legal barriers to accessing workforce programs, employment supports, and basic needs.

All services provided by the awarded Applicants that receive workforce navigation contracts must be coordinated with and supplement, not supplant, services provided by the Department.

Awarded Applicants must demonstrate measurable improvements in workforce engagement, service coordination, and employment outcomes consistent with MDOL’s performance reporting standards.

C. Systems Change and Policy Improvement

Identification of systemic barriers to employment and training and the development of recommendations for systems improvement is a core function of the Community Workforce Connection Program. Applicants must describe how their organization will contribute to identifying barriers, informing policy and practice improvements, and ensuring community experience is reflected in workforce system design.

D. Staffing Requirements

All connector services must be performed in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the population served, including individuals with limited English proficiency, persons with low literacy, and persons with disabilities, recognizing the varying levels of digital literacy and access to technology among individuals in need of services.

To achieve this goal, community connector services must be performed by individuals with shared lived experience and/or experience supporting underserved and underrepresented communities within the workforce.

Additionally, awarded Applicants will be required to have a clear program management support infrastructure to provide necessary training, support, and oversight of trained community workforce connectors, as well as clear accountability structures for program maintenance, monitoring, and reporting.

Department will provide regular technical assistance to awarded Applicants on relevant topics and collaborate on policy and systemic issues.

E. Allowable Use of Funds

Allowable activities may include, but are not limited to:

1. Purchase of supplies, which include all tangible personal property other than “equipment” with a unit cost of less than $5,000 (see 2 CFR 200.1 for the definition of Supplies).

2. Personnel, including fringe and benefits, to deliver the program.

3. Training costs, including instructional.

4. Travel costs related to direct delivery on the community connector program, including outreach.

5. Interpretation and Translation to do outreach and engage with customers.

6. Legal assistance and advocacy services to help individuals overcome legal barriers to accessing workforce programs, employment, and basic needs support.

F. Non-Allowable Use of Funds

Activities that are not allowable under this grant include:

1. Purchase of equipment, defined as an item with an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit and a useful lifetime of more than one year (see 2 CFR 200.1 for the definition of Equipment).

2. Construction costs.

3. Gift cards must NOT be purchased for the following:

a) To pay/compensate employees, interns, independent contractors, volunteers, or other individuals for services/work performed;

b) Holiday or other gifts to employees or suppliers;

c) To pay vendors, suppliers or consultants for goods and/or services received.

d) Gift cards to employees are strictly prohibited.

4. Any activities not aligned with the State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM)

G. Reporting Requirements

a) Track and record all data/information necessary to complete the required reports listed in Table 1:

Table 1 – Required Reports

H. Data Systems and State IT Requirements:

To accurately track outcomes, including successful linkage to workforce programs and resources to support sustainable employment, MDOL will provide selected applicants with technical assistance in leveraging BES’s case management system, Maine JobLink (MJL). MJL will capture PII of individuals served, as well as program enrollment and employment outcomes information.

If an applicant does not use MJL, they must propose and provide a substantially similar data collection and reporting system that meets or exceeds State OIT security and procurement standards. Any proposed system will be subject to MDOL review and approval to ensure compliance with these requirements prior to implementation.

Note: MDOL will provide templates and reporting guidance to ensure consistency.

1. Submit all the required reports to the Department in accordance with the timelines established in Table 2:

Table 2 – Required Reports Timelines

Data Quality and Confidentiality: Awarded Applicants must maintain secure data systems, protect participant confidentiality, and ensure accuracy and completeness of all reported outcomes in accordance with state and federal requirements.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement:

a) The Department will conduct ongoing monitoring of grantee performance through quarterly reviews, data validation, and technical assistance meetings.

b) Each awarded Applicant must implement an internal monitoring plan describing how data will be collected, validated, and used to improve program performance.

c) Performance indicators will align with MDOL’s Key Performance Metrics, including participant engagement, referrals, employment outcomes, and retention.

d) Applicants are encouraged to use data for learning and continuous improvement and to identify systemic barriers and policy recommendations for consideration by MDOL.

PART III KEY PROCESS EVENTS

A. Vendor Self Service System (VSS)

1. The Office of State Procurement Services Vendor Self Service System website is found at the link below: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/vendor-self-service-system

2. A copy of the RFA and all associated documents will be published in VSS.

3. Only documents published in VSS will be considered binding.

4. Any interested party may view open solicitations in VSS using the Public Access feature.

5. Vendors must have an active User ID and password in VSS to submit questions and respond to solicitations, including this RFA.

a. Vendor registration instructions and User Guide may be found at the link above, which include steps for searching for an existing account/User ID, or registering for a new account/User ID.

b. Vendors interested in responding to a solicitation are encouraged to obtain a User ID and password for VSS as soon as possible.

6. Vendors must have an active Vendor Code (VC or VS) to contract with the department.

B. Questions

1. General Instructions: It is the responsibility of all Applicants and other interested parties to examine the entire RFA and to seek clarification, in writing, if they do not understand any information or instructions.

a. Questions must be submitted in VSS as soon as possible but no later than the date and time published in VSS.

b. Questions should be clearly stated and reference the applicable section and/or page number of the RFA.

c. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete/on time transmission and receipt.

2. Question & Answer Summary: Responses to all questions will be compiled in writing and published in VSS no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Application Submission Deadline. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain a copy of the Question & Answer Summary. Only those answers issued in writing in VSS will be considered binding.

C. Amendments

All amendments released in regard to the RFA will be published in VSS. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain amendments. Only those amendments published in VSS are considered binding.

D. Application Submission

1. Applications Due

a. Application submissions must be received no later than the Application Submission Deadline (closing date) published in VSS.

b. Any application submissions or any additional or revised application files received after the Application Submission Deadline will be rejected without exception.

2. Delivery Instructions

a. Application submissions must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services via VSS.

b. Only application submissions received via VSS will be considered. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete receipt.

c. Submissions containing links to file sharing sites or online file repositories will not be accepted as submissions. Only application submissions that have the actual requested files attached will be accepted.

d. Encrypted submissions received which require opening attachments and logging into a proprietary system will not be accepted. Applicants should work with their Information Technology team to ensure that the application submission will not be encrypted due to any security settings.

e. File size limits are 15MB per file. Applicants may separate their submissions into multiple files, as necessary, due to file size concerns.

3. Submission Format

a. Applicants must submit at least one (1) file, labeled and including the required information as defined below:

File Name: RFA# 202606099 Application Submission – [Applicant’s Name]

· Must contain: Applicant’s completed Application Form and all required information and attachments as stated in the form.

b. The Application Form must be submitted as a single, typed file. If including attachments in the same file presents a file size issue, Applicants may submit those attachments as a separate, clearly labeled file.

c. Applicants must include any forms provided in the RFA (such as the Application Form) or reproduce those forms as closely as possible.

d. Applicants are not to provide additional attachments beyond those specified in the RFA or Application Form for the purpose of extending their response. Materials not requested will not be considered part of the application and will not be evaluated.

PART IV APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SELECTION

A. Evaluation Process – General Information

1. An evaluation team, composed of qualified reviewers, will judge the merits of the applications received in accordance with the criteria defined in the RFA.

2. Officials responsible for making decisions on the award selection will ensure that the selection process accords equal opportunity and appropriate consideration to all who are capable of meeting the specifications. The goals of the evaluation process are to ensure fairness and objectivity in review of the applications and to ensure that all contracts are awarded to the Applicants that provide the best value to the State of Maine.

3. The Department reserves the right to communicate and/or schedule interviews/presentations with Applicants, if needed, to obtain clarification of information contained in the applications received. The Department may revise the scores assigned in the initial evaluation to reflect those communications and/or interviews/presentations.

4. Changes to applications, including updating or adding information, will not be permitted during any interview/presentation process and, therefore, Applicants must submit applications that present their rates and other requested information as clearly and completely as possible.

5. Failure to respond to all questions and instructions throughout the RFA may result in the application being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a reduced score. The Department, and its evaluation team, has sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the RFA specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in scoring of an application.

B. Scoring Weights & Process

1. Scoring Weights: The score will be based on a 100-point scale and will measure the degree to which each application meets the following criteria. The information required in each section of the Application Form aligns with the Scoring Criteria defined below.

2. Scoring Process: For applications that demonstrate meeting the eligibility requirements defined in Part I, if applicable, the evaluation team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score all sections listed above. Members of the evaluation team will not score those sections individually but, instead, will arrive at a consensus as to assignment of points for each of those sections.

C. Negotiations

1. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the awarded Applicant(s) to finalize a contract.

2. The Department reserves the right to terminate contract negotiations with an awarded Applicant who submits a proposed contract significantly different from the application they submitted in response to the advertised RFA.

3. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with an Applicant, the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate with the next-highest ranked Applicant, and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized. Alternatively, the Department may cancel the RFA, at its sole discretion.

D. Selection and Award

1. The final decision regarding the award of the contract will be made by representatives of the Department subject to approval by the State Procurement Review Committee.

2. Notification of conditional award selection or non-selection will be made in writing by the Department.

3. Issuance of the RFA in no way constitutes a commitment by the State of Maine to award a contract, to pay costs incurred in the preparation of a response to the RFA, or to pay costs incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other costs incurred by an Applicant.

4. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all applications or to make multiple awards.

E. Appeal of Contract Awards

Any person aggrieved by the award decision that results from the RFA may appeal the decision to the Director of the Bureau of General Services in the manner prescribed in 5 M.R.S.A. § 1825-E and 18-554 Code of Maine Rules Chapter 120. The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Director of the Bureau of General Services, 9 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0009 within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of notification of conditional contract award.

PART V CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS

A. Contract Document

1. The awarded Applicant will be required to execute a State of Maine Service Contract with appropriate riders as determined by the issuing department.

All exceptions will be negotiated between the awarded Applicant(s) and the State. The State will not accept any proposed exceptions as part of this RFA process. The State is not obligated to accept, negotiate, or compromise of any proposed exceptions.

The complete set of standard State of Maine Service Contract documents, along with other forms and contract documents commonly used by the State, may be found on the Office of State Procurement Services’ website at the following link: Office of State Procurement Services Forms Page

2. Allocation of funds is final upon successful negotiation and execution of the contract, subject to the review and approval of the State Procurement Review Committee. Contracts are not considered fully executed and valid until approved by the State Procurement Review Committee and funds are encumbered. No contract will be approved based on an RFA which has an effective date less than fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification to Applicants. (Referenced in the regulations of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Chapter 110, § 3(B)(i).)

This provision means that a contract cannot be effective until at least fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification.

3. The State recognizes that the actual contract effective date depends upon completion of the RFA process, date of formal award notification, length of contract negotiation, and preparation and approval by the State Procurement Review Committee. Any appeals to the Department’s award decision(s) may further postpone the actual contract effective date, depending upon the outcome. The contract effective date listed in the RFA may need to be adjusted, if necessary, to comply with mandated requirements.

4. In providing services and performing under the contract, the awarded Applicant must act as an independent contractor and not as an agent of the State of Maine.

B. Standard State Contract Provisions

1. Contract Administration Following the award, a Contract Administrator from the Department will be appointed to assist with the development and administration of the contract and to act as administrator during the entire contract period. Department staff will be available after the award to consult with the awarded Applicant in the finalization of the contract.

State of Maine RFA# 202606099 1 Rev. 04/17/2026 – DAFS/Office of State Procurement Services

PART VI APPLICATION FORM

As defined in Part III, D, 3 of the RFA, Applicants must complete the Application Form embedded below and produce all required attachments.

The Application Form may be obtained in a Word (.docx) format by double clicking on the document icon below.

Viewing this RFA in a web browser will likely not allow for opening of the embedded document. Download the RFA and view it in the desktop application to access the embedded Application Form below.

image1.jpeg image2.emf

Template Quarterly Implementation.docx Three-Year Quarterly Implementation Plan

(Project Name)

Project Quarter(s)

Major Objectives

Key Tasks or Milestones

Deliverables

Ex:

Qtr 1

· Hire Project Staff

· Staff Onboarding

· Develop job descriptions

· Post job openings and solicit candidates from…

· Develop staff training focused on…

Staff are on board and prepared to deliver services by Quarter 2 image3.emf

APPLICATION FORM.docx State of Maine - Department of Labor

Bureau of Employment Services

RFA# 202606099

Community Workforce Connections Program FY 2027

APPLICATION COVER PAGE

Applicant’s Name:

Chief Executive - Name/Title:

Tel:

E-mail:

Headquarters Street Address:

Headquarters City/State/Zip:

(Provide information requested below if different from above)

Lead Point of Contact for Application - Name/Title:

Tel:

E-mail:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

· This Application and the pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.

· No personnel currently employed by the Department participated, either directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Applicant’s Application.

· No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Applicant to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit an Application.

· The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting contract with the Department should they be awarded the contract.

· The undersigned is authorized to enter contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.

To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in the enclosed application, both programmatic and financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

RESPONSBILE APPLICANT CERTIFICATION

Applicant’s Organization Name:

By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the aforementioned organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this proposal:

a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental agency.

b. Have not within three years of submitting the proposal for this contract been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for:

i. Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local government transaction or contract.

ii. Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property.

c. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b) of this certification.

d. Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this proposal had one or more federal, state, or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.

e. Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and this proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above-mentioned entities understand and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.

f. Is not a foreign adversary business entity (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies).

g. Is not on the list of prohibited companies (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies) or does not obtain or purchase any information or communications technology or services included on the list of prohibited information and communications technology and services https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies (Title 5 §2030-B).

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

Part 1. Eligibility

Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating that they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Part I of the RFA.

As defined in the RFA, is the lead applicant a Community Based Organization (CBO)?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Part 2. Organization Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must describe their qualifications and skills to provide the services requested in this RFA.

Project examples must address how the Applicant satisfies the Qualifications requirements stated in Part II, A of the RFA.

To be considered responsive, Applicants must include examples of at least three (3) of the following:

· Letters of Partnership or Support: Documentation from community partners, employers, or organizations serving target populations that confirm active, ongoing relationships and describe the applicant’s role and impact (maximum 1 example).

· Past Performance Examples: Descriptions of prior or current projects demonstrating successful service delivery to populations facing barriers to employment, including outcomes (e.g., employment placements, credential attainment, retention) where available (maximum 2 examples)

· Community Engagement Evidence: Materials that demonstrate trusted relationships and active engagement with the target population(s), such as outreach strategies, participation data, or testimonials. (maximum 1 example)

· Barrier Identification and Systems Improvement: Examples of how the organization has identified systemic barriers to employment or training and contributed to programmatic and public policy improvements (maximum 1 example)

Example 1

If applicable, Client Name:

Client Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Example

Example 2

If applicable, Client Name:

Client Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Example

Example 3

If applicable, Client Name:

Client Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Example

Subcontractors

If subcontractors are to be engaged in the project, Applicants must describe the application and review process the Applicant will use to evaluate the qualifications and experience of potential subcontractors, and how the Applicant will ensure that debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible parties are excluded from all subcontract relationships. Please attach letters of commitment from proposed subcontractors.

Subcontractor 1

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Subcontractor 2

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Subcontractor 3

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Organizational Chart

Applicants must provide an organizational chart that includes the proposed project. Each position must be clearly identified by position title and correspond to the personnel job descriptions.

The organizational chart may be included below or attached separately to the application and appropriately labeled.

Litigation

Applicants must include a list of all current litigation in which the Applicant is named, as well as all cases closed within the past five (5) years in which the Applicant paid the claimant as part of a settlement or by decree. For each, list the entity bringing the suit, the complaint, the accusation, the amount, and the outcome.

Financial Viability

Applicants must provide the following information for each of the past three (3) tax years:

a. Balance Sheets

b. Income (Profit/Loss) Statements

The financial information may be included below or attached separately to the application and appropriately labeled.

Certificate of Insurance

Bidders must provide a Certificate of Insurance on a standard ACORD form (or equivalent) evidencing the bidder’s general liability, professional liability, and any other relevant liability insurance policies that might be associated with the proposed services.

The Certificate of Insurance may be included below or attached separately to the application and appropriately labeled.

Part 3. Proposed Project

Alignment with MDOL Vision of Success (Please limit your response to approximately 500 words.)

MDOL values the expertise and community trust that CBO partners contribute. Their involvement expands outreach, supports culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and advances equitable access for marginalized and underserved populations. Together, MDOL and selected CBO partners will implement a Community Workforce Connection Program to advance the following goals:

1) Expand Access and Engagement: Increase the number of individuals from populations facing significant barriers to employment who are meaningfully connected to workforce services and programs.

2) Strengthen Service Coordination to Improve Employment and Training Outcomes: Enhance the quality and frequency of engagement with each participant through multiple connection points, effective referrals to partners and service providers, and successful linkage to the resources needed to complete workforce programs and achieve employment stability.

3) Drive Systems-Level Improvement: Identify systemic barriers to employment and training and generate actionable recommendations for policy and program improvement. CBO partners are uniquely positioned - through trusted, ground-level relationships with participants - to surface the gap between formal policy and lived outcomes, and to serve as an ongoing feedback mechanism that strengthens Maine's workforce system over time. Systems change is a core program function, not a secondary objective

Briefly describe how your organization’s values, experience, and proposed approach to this work are aligned with and will advance the above goals.

Proposed Project Activities and Design

Applicants should clearly describe how they propose to deliver the following required services, including relevant past examples of success. (Please limit your response to approximately 1500 words.)

Applicants must clearly describe how they propose to deliver the required services described in Part II, B of the RFA. (Please limit your response to approximately 1500 words.)

Systems Change and Policy Improvement

(Please limit your response to approximately 250 words.)

As described in Part II, C of the RFA, Identification of systemic barriers to employment and training and the development of recommendations for systems improvement is a core function of the…