Statewide Co-Op Program

The Delaware Workforce Development Board on behalf of the State of Delaware's Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training is requesting proposals for a Statewide Co-Op Learning Program intermediary under RFP LAB26R001-SCP, with proposals due September 3, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EST and a mandatory pre-bid meeting August 11, 2026. A $1 million federal WIOA Governors Reserve award is available.

The scope requires the successful vendor to develop, implement, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive cooperative education program connecting Delaware employers, higher education institutions, and eligible college students (rising juniors, seniors, and graduate students) through paid, career-related work experiences integrating academic credit with meaningful employment. Key capabilities include student recruitment and case management, employer engagement across all three Delaware counties, higher education coordination, work-based learning placement, and data collection with performance reporting using Delaware JobLink. The vendor must establish the program as self-sustainable beyond the initial one-year state funding period.

The contract runs October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods subject to renegotiation initiated no later than 90 days before termination. Payment is reimbursement-based within 45 days of invoiced costs and supporting documentation. Subcontracting is prohibited. The vendor must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate), Workers' Compensation, and Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions coverage.

Proposals are evaluated on demonstrated ability (15 points), program design including case management and sustainability planning (40 points), program placement and employer partnerships with at least three mandatory letters of support from business partners (30 points), and cost/budget (15 points). Written questions are due August 14, 2026, with responses posted by August 21. The anticipated award date is September 9, 2026. The State reserves the right to award to multiple vendors, reject all proposals, and conduct negotiations for best and final offers. The contract may be terminated for cause with 30 days' notice or for convenience with 60 days' notice.