27-07-WB Operation of Youth Programs

The City of Salem, Massachusetts, on behalf of the MassHire-North Shore Workforce Board, is requesting proposals for operation of youth workforce development programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), with sealed proposals due August 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. to the Office of the Purchasing Agent at 93 Washington Street, Salem. A virtual pre-proposal conference is scheduled for July 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The scope covers comprehensive youth career development services for out-of-school youth ages 16–24 across 19 North Shore municipalities: Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield, and Wenham. Proposers must address all 14 required WIOA youth service elements, including summer employment (limited to 20 hours per week for no more than 6 weeks at minimum wage, or 150 total paid hours during the school year), mentoring, case management, occupational skills training, HiSet/GED completion support, financial literacy education, and follow-up services through at least the fourth quarter following program exit. Eligible participants must meet WIOA out-of-school youth definitions; up to 5% of enrolled youth may be non-low-income "covered individuals." Proposers must maintain specified staffing ratios, demonstrate organizational capacity to serve low-income youth with significant employment barriers, partner with at least one other organization (including a local school district for non-school entities), and document leveraged funding or match contributions from additional sources. 20% of contract funds must be directed toward work experience activities.

The contract is cost reimbursement-based for a two-year term from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028, with the City retaining the right to extend for one additional year based on satisfactory performance and available funding. Funding is contingent on receipt of a grant award to the City of Salem from the Division of Career Services. Proposers must carry general liability insurance of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate, automobile insurance, and workers' compensation insurance per Massachusetts law. Monthly performance reporting is required. Contract awards are anticipated within 45 days of the proposal due date.