Out-of-School Youth

The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) and Delaware Department of Labor are seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide comprehensive Out-of-School Youth (OSY) services through a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded contract. The procurement seeks vendors capable of delivering high-quality programming targeting youth with barriers to secondary school completion, employment, and post-secondary enrollment across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Required program elements include career exploration, counseling, educational support, occupational skills training in in-demand industries, and comprehensive case management addressing 14 mandated program components. Evaluation criteria will prioritize vendors demonstrating digital literacy training, strong employer partnerships, ability to manage grant-funded programs, and alignment with workforce development priorities. Key procurement dates include a pre-bid meeting on January 29, 2024, proposal submission deadline of February 16, 2024, and anticipated award notification on March 14, 2024. Vendors must submit detailed proposals demonstrating organizational capacity, program design, outcome placement strategies, and comprehensive budget information.

The contract opportunity appears open to various organizations without explicit set-aside designations, though vendors will need to demonstrate substantial programmatic expertise in youth workforce development. The aggregate WIOA funding available is $1,620,109 for a one-year contract with potential two additional one-year extensions. Proposing organizations must submit comprehensive documentation including a transmittal letter, non-collusion agreement, confidentiality forms, business references, and detailed budget templates. Successful vendors will be expected to provide services that raise educational attainment, enable workforce re-entry, and expand economic opportunities for out-of-school youth. Proposals will be evaluated on their ability to create meaningful career pathways, implement work-based learning strategies, and provide wraparound supportive services. While no incumbent vendors are specifically identified, the contract emphasizes creating high-quality training programs with measurable skills gains and employment/education outcomes for participants.