WIOA Youth Services

The MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board (MMVWB) is conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for comprehensive WIOA Youth Services targeting in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16-24 for fiscal year 2026. The procurement seeks providers to deliver services including recruitment, outreach, case management, work experiences, career readiness activities, educational support, occupational skills training, and follow-up services, specifically prioritizing youth in 15 communities within the Merrimack Valley region. Key performance objectives include achieving 75% placement in employment/education/military in the 2nd quarter after exit, 72% placement in the 4th quarter, a median earnings target of $4,500, and a 60% credential attainment rate. The RFP requires a minimum of 40% of non-administrative funds to be allocated to work experiences, including wages, staffing costs, and related activities. Critical dates include a virtual Bidder's Conference on April 9, 2025, a deadline for written questions on April 30, 2025, and a proposal submission deadline of May 13, 2025. The contract period runs from August 2025 to June 30, 2026, with potential renewal for FY27. Proposers must demonstrate the ability to meet WIOA performance indicators and provide services across 14 required program elements.

The procurement is funded 100% by WIOA Youth Grant Funds from the U.S. Department of Labor, with approximately $550,000 available for distribution. Up to six programs may be funded, with a restriction of no more than one in-school youth program. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the RFP suggests a comprehensive approach to serving diverse youth populations. The budget forms provided indicate flexibility for organizations to detail their proposed expenses across personnel, premises, non-personnel costs, participant costs, and indirect costs, with the requirement that an indirect cost rate must be approved by a cognizant agency. Potential respondents must complete a detailed budget template that allows for precise financial planning and transparency, with specific line items for both non-work experience and work experience budgeting. The procurement appears open to both individual providers and collaborative partnerships capable of delivering comprehensive youth workforce development services in the Merrimack Valley region.