Skill Training and Employment Pathways (STEP) Program

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) is requesting proposals for the Skill Training and Employment Pathways (STEP) Program to deliver vocational skills training and related support services to refugees and work-authorized immigrants, with responses due September 11, 2026 and a question deadline of August 21, 2026.

Bidders must be nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Massachusetts with demonstrated multi-year experience delivering training and employment services to refugees and work-authorized immigrants. Administrative costs must not exceed 20% of the proposed program budget. A Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Form is required, demonstrating commitment to partnering with SDP-certified diverse businesses or nonprofits, with at least 1% of Commonwealth contract revenue directed to SDP partners.

The scope spans recruitment, vocational skills training, and post-training employment services across service delivery locations in the Greater Boston area, North Shore, Worcester, Lowell, Greater Springfield area, and Brockton. Training programs must be six months or less and result in industry-recognized credentials or licenses in high-demand fields including healthcare, information technology, food service, hospitality, culinary arts, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Programs must include contextualized English language instruction adapted for Limited English Proficiency populations and bilingual instructional support. Bidders may respond under Category #1 (all four program components), Category #2 (training programs only), or Category #3 (recruitment, support services, and post-training services).

ORI anticipates awarding between three and four contracts with total initial period funding of up to $450,000, with individual contract awards ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The initial contract term runs through June 30, 2027, with potential renewal for up to three additional one-year terms. All funding comes from state funds from the Executive Office of Economic Development Workforce Investment Trust Fund. The contract start date is September 30, 2026. Evaluation criteria include bidder capacity and track record, appropriateness of program design, quality of training and curriculum for Limited English Proficiency populations, cost-effectiveness, employer partnerships, and organizational capacity to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Quarterly performance reporting is required, with performance targets including 90% or higher training completion, 85% or higher industry credential attainment, 80% or higher first employment placement, and 75% or higher 30-day employment retention.