Iron Worker Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Program

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking a contractor to provide an Iron Worker Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Program through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #88A0183. The procurement targets jurisdictions including Sacramento County, San Francisco City, Lake Riverside CDP, Marin City CDP, and Twin Lakes CDP. The contractor will deliver two training sessions with ten participants per session, combining classroom instruction and laboratory training focused on increasing employment opportunities for women, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals in highway construction trades. Key deliverables include comprehensive services such as marketing/outreach, recruitment, program planning, needs assessment, job fair coordination, and participant supportive services. The primary objectives are to improve job readiness skills, provide trade-specific knowledge, acquire industry certifications, and develop basic occupational skills with a specific goal of having 70% of graduates employed in the highway construction industry 12 months after program completion. Proposals are due by August 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day, and a proposed award date of September 5, 2025.

The procurement encourages participation from small businesses, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), and veterans, with Caltrans committed to a 25% Small Business participation goal. While no specific DBE goals are set for this contract, bidders must meet detailed minimum qualifications, including demonstrated experience in highway construction training, marketing to underserved populations, and working with government agencies. The total bid proposal must not exceed $363,320.00, and Caltrans will provide performance incentives, offering an award bonus of $2,500 if the contractor graduates at least 80% of participants (16 out of 20) or $3,000 if 90% of participants (18 out of 20) graduate. The contract will run from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, aligning with federal regulations under Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Part 230, Subpart A, and Senate Bill 1. For accessible versions of solicitation documents, interested parties can submit a request to ADAdocs@dot.ca.gov or call (833) 713-2922.