RFP: Heart of Texas Workforce System WIOA Youth and Educational Outreach Services

The Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, Inc. is seeking proposals for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth and Educational Outreach Services contract serving Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties in Texas. The procurement focuses on managing and operating youth workforce programs, with a primary emphasis on out-of-school youth ages 16-24 and in-school youth ages 14-21. Proposers must demonstrate the ability to provide fourteen mandated program elements, with at least 75% of funds dedicated to out-of-school youth and a minimum of 20% allocated to work experience activities. Key deliverables include comprehensive youth workforce development services that emphasize performance measures, career pathways, and connections with local employers. The RFP requires proposers to develop innovative approaches to youth workforce development, including educational outreach and employment support services. The solicitation was posted on April 24, 2025, with a bidders' conference scheduled for May 5, 2025, and proposals due on May 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The initial contract period will be one year (October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026), with potential for up to four additional one-year extensions.

The procurement is open to private for-profit, non-profit, governmental, and faith-based organizations, with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) explicitly encouraged to apply and eligible for additional evaluation points. Eligible respondents will be evaluated on their ability to comprehensively address youth workforce development needs, with specific attention to innovative service delivery and performance outcomes. The estimated funding for the WSHOT Youth Program is $906,244, comprising WIOA Youth and TANF Educational Outreach funds, structured as a cost reimbursement contract. The contract will require detailed budget documentation, including justifications for personnel, operational expenses, direct participant costs, and administrative expenses. Proposers must demonstrate capacity to integrate multiple funding sources and provide comprehensive services across the specified county region. The procurement emphasizes a holistic approach to youth workforce development, requiring strong connections with local employers and educational institutions. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the RFP suggests a competitive selection process focused on organizations with proven track records in youth workforce programming.