Learning for Careers

The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for contract LAB-LFC-26R-001, Learning for Careers, a cost-reimbursement procurement seeking proposals from eligible organizations to provide occupational skills training and workforce preparation programs targeting adult career entrants, career changers, and youth ages 14-24 in high-demand occupations with a primary focus on creating and expanding paid work experiences. Key deliverables and outcomes include enrollment of 100% of submitted targets, 80% completion rates, 90% credential attainment among program completers, 80% of participants achieving employment outcomes within 90 days of program exit, and all enrollees establishing measurable skill gains with 85% achieving those gains by exit. Required qualifications include Delaware licensure (for applicable entities), non-profit status, public entity designation, or approval as a private business and trade school, with lead providers required to represent an applicant group including at least three committed employer partners; additional evaluation points are available for proposals including a Local Education Agency, post-secondary institution, or four or more employers. Evaluation criteria consist of demonstrated ability (20 points), program design with strong employer partnerships (35 points), outcome placement and measurable success metrics (20 points), and cost-effectiveness and sustainability (25 points). Critical deadlines include a mandatory pre-bid meeting on February 19, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams (attendance required for proposal consideration), written questions due by February 24, 2026 (with answers posted by March 2, 2026), and proposals due by March 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST via email to DWDBDETContracting@Delaware.gov, with contract award expected within 90 days of the proposal deadline.

The procurement is open to Delaware-licensed entities, non-profit organizations, public entities, institutions of higher education, and Department of Education-approved private business and trade schools with no identified set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises noted in the available documentation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced in the solicitation materials. The contract period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods available through negotiation initiated no later than 90 days before contract expiration; the state reserves the right to award to multiple vendors and may extend the contract on a month-to-month basis for up to three months after the full contract term concludes. Funding is provided through State of Delaware General Funds with an anticipated available amount of $500,000 for one year, subject to change based on fund availability. Proposals must include detailed line-item budgets with monthly financial reports required within 12 calendar days of each reporting period close.