Today's Reinvestment Around Industry Needs

The Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training is seeking professional services for the Today's Reinvestment Around Industry Needs (TRAIN) program, a comprehensive workforce development initiative targeting New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. The procurement is structured in two distinct phases: Phase I (July 1-September 30, 2025) will focus on creating strategic workforce training plans that meet employer needs, while Phase II (November 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) will implement selected training plans through targeted education and skills development. Eligible providers will develop workforce training programs for Delaware residents 16 years or older, with a focus on unemployed, underemployed, or individuals facing employment barriers. Key deliverables include creating strategic workforce training plans, implementing training programs, and tracking specific performance outcomes such as enrollment, training completion, and employment retention. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2025, at 1 PM, with proposal submissions due by April 21, 2025. Proposers must submit comprehensive documentation including a non-collusion statement, business references, and detailed budget information, with evaluation likely focusing on the proposed training plan's alignment with workforce needs and potential for participant success.

The procurement is open to a diverse range of organizations, including State of Delaware public institutions, higher education institutions, approved private business or trade schools, nonprofit organizations, and private for-profit entities. Proposers must demonstrate their ability to address critical occupation and skills needs, with a preference for organizations that can provide training resulting in recognized certificates or credentials. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the program encourages partnerships between employers, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and economic development entities. The total estimated funding available is $1,618,783, with Phase I awards capped at $20,000 per award and no funding cap for Phase II. Organizations can leverage additional resources through cash or in-kind contributions, and the contract allows for potential extensions up to four additional one-year terms. Proposers are encouraged to indicate their business classification, such as Minority Business Enterprise or Woman Business Enterprise, though specific set-aside percentages are not explicitly detailed in the documentation.