Pre-Apprenticeship

The Delaware Department of Labor's Division of Employment and Training is seeking professional services to implement Pre-Apprenticeship (PRAP) programs through a Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on New Castle County. The primary objective is to create a qualified pipeline of Registered Apprentices and expand participation of underrepresented, disadvantaged, or low-skilled populations, with a particular emphasis on women in trades. Key deliverables include achieving a program completion rate of 80%, securing day-one employment for 75% of participants at a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour, and converting 50% of participants into Registered Apprenticeships. The RFP requires providers to maintain specific insurance requirements and submit certified compliance reports. Critical dates include a pre-bid meeting on September 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM via Teams, with proposal submissions due by October 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM. The performance period spans from November 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, with an optional one-year extension available.

The opportunity is open to various organizations without strict set-aside requirements for women-owned businesses, though the program does aim to increase participation of underrepresented groups. Out-of-state apprenticeship programs can align with Delaware's requirements through a reciprocity policy. Administrative costs are capped at 12% of the total budget, and the funding source is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The total anticipated aggregate funding is $750,000, which will support multiple programs, with a maximum grant award of $750,000 per recipient. Cost reimbursement contracts will be implemented, allowing profit as an allowable expense for for-profit trainers, but only after all contracted performance measures are achieved. Advance payments are not standard but can be negotiated with successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their non-selection but will not receive detailed debriefing explanations. Interested parties can contact apprenticeship@de.gov for additional information about Registered Apprenticeship providers.