Workforce Diploma Pilot Program

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 3202600137 for the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program, a workforce development initiative serving Travis County. The solicitation seeks qualified organizations to administer a reimbursement-based program that supports adult students over age 19 in achieving career readiness through high school diploma attainment, industry-recognized credentials, and technical skills training. Respondents must be authorized under Texas Education Code to grant high school diplomas or be accredited by a regional accrediting body in partnership with such an entity, and must demonstrate at least two years of experience providing dropout reengagement services. Deliverables include student recruitment, coaching and mentoring, academic assessment and remediation, academic resiliency support, career pathway development, employability skills training, industry credential attainment, and career placement services. Key performance metrics require at least a 50 percent graduation rate and a program cost per graduate not exceeding $7,000 per planned participant. The RFQ was posted March 30, 2026, with written questions due by April 7, 2026, and responses due by 10:00 a.m. Central Time on May 5, 2026. Evaluation criteria allocate 30 percent weight to demonstrated experience and ability, 60 percent to narrative response addressing program components, and 10 percent to professional references (three required). The anticipated contract start date is June 2026, with an initial term expiring August 31, 2027, followed by three optional one-year renewal periods at TWC's discretion.

The solicitation does not establish formal set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, though respondents may claim preferences under Texas Administrative Code 34 TAC 20.38 for categories including Texas resident service-disabled veteran ownership, Texas-produced goods and services, recycled materials, and energy-efficient products. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. Reimbursement is structured on a milestone basis with fixed rates: $250 for half-credit completion, $250 for employability skills certification, $250 to $750 for industry-recognized credentials depending on training hours (less than 50 hours, 50-99 hours, or more than 100 hours respectively), and $1,000 for high school diploma attainment. Historical compensation for similar contracts has ranged from $100,000 to $200,000 per one-year contract term, though TWC makes no guarantee of volume or total compensation. Multiple contracts may be awarded, and TWC reserves the right to cancel the solicitation entirely. Monthly invoices with supporting documentation must be submitted by the 10th of the following month and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Vendors must provide firm pricing for 180 days from the solicitation deadline and comply with extensive TWC terms and conditions, including E-Verify immigration verification, drug-free workplace requirements, workers compensation insurance at statutory limits, and commercial general liability coverage with minimum per-occurrence limits of $1,000,000.