In School Youth

The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training (DOL) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for In-School Youth (ISY) program services under Contract No. LAB-ISY-26R-001. This procurement seeks qualified organizations to deliver comprehensive workforce development programming for Delaware youth ages 14-21 who are currently attending school and face significant barriers to secondary school completion, employment, and post-secondary enrollment. The services required include career exploration and guidance, counseling support, occupational skills training aligned with in-demand industries, and comprehensive case management with 12-month post-exit follow-up. Applicants must implement trauma-informed care approaches, address all 14 WIOA-mandated program elements, establish meaningful employer partnerships, and allocate a minimum of 25% of requested funds specifically for Work Experience (WEX) services while maintaining indirect costs at no more than 10% of the total budget. Performance metrics that must be achieved include 66% employment or training activities in the second quarter post-exit and 72.5% in the fourth quarter, $2,500 median earnings, 74.5% credential attainment, and 60.5% measurable skill gains. The mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for February 19, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 PM, attendance at which is required for consideration; written questions must be submitted by February 24, 2026 with responses posted by March 2, 2026; proposals are due by March 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM local time and must be emailed to DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov; evaluation is scheduled for April 1, 2026 with oral clarifications on April 2, 2026.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on organization types, though applicants must serve low-income youth with documented barriers including basic skills deficiencies, English language learner status, homelessness, foster care involvement, disability, or parenting status. Applicants are required to submit notarized Non-Collusion Statements, provide business references, and identify any subcontractors, with no incumbent vendors or existing contractors identified in the solicitation materials. The total anticipated funding available for this solicitation is $534,841 for a one-year contract period running from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods through negotiation, though this funding is subject to change based on fund availability and is supported by both Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Youth funds and State Blue Collar funds. The state reserves the right to award multiple vendors, make partial awards, or reject all proposals. Contract awards are expected within 90 days of bid opening, with extension discussions to begin no later than 90 days prior to contract termination.