Community Workforce Connections Program FY 2027

The State of Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services is requesting applications for the Community Workforce Connections Program FY 2027, with applications due August 27, 2026, and questions due August 11. The procurement is open to qualified nonprofit community-based organizations (CBOs) and carries an estimated $1.2 million in funding for FY 2027, contingent on the actual planned yield of the Competitive Skills Scholarship Fund under Title 26 MRSA 2066.

The program delivers peer-based workforce navigation services to unemployed and underemployed individuals facing significant employment barriers, including immigrants, individuals with limited English proficiency, justice-involved individuals, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. Applicants must provide culturally appropriate, person-centered navigation combining peer support, career counseling, and connections to workforce resources including the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program, Maine Apprenticeship Program, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs, unemployment insurance, and reemployment assistance. Staff must include individuals with shared lived experience relevant to the populations served.

The contract period runs from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2029. The Department intends to award one statewide contract but reserves the right to make multiple awards or partial awards. Allowable costs include personnel with fringe and benefits, supplies, training, travel for direct outreach, interpretation and translation services, and legal assistance, with administrative costs capped at 15% of the total award. Equipment purchases exceeding $5,000, construction, and gift cards are non-allowable.

Awardees must track and report quarterly performance data including individuals served, program referrals, and enrollment numbers, with narrative reports due 15 days after each quarter and financial reports due 25 days after each quarter. The program emphasizes systems change as a core function; applicants must identify employment barriers and generate policy recommendations for Department consideration. Data systems must comply with state and federal requirements. Evaluation criteria are organizational qualifications (25 points), proposed project design and implementation (50 points), and budget justification (25 points). Applications are submitted via the Vendor Self Service System.