Workforce Ready Grants Technical Assistance

The State of Oregon, through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), is seeking contractors to provide technical assistance for the Workforce Ready Grants under the Future Ready Oregon initiative. This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to engage skilled professionals who can support potential grant applicants through comprehensive grant writing and submission process guidance. The primary deliverables include responding to applicant inquiries, providing detailed guidance on eligibility and application requirements, and sharing best practices to help applicants submit competitive applications for the Workforce Ready Grants Round Two RFA. Proposers will be evaluated based on their experience in grant writing technical assistance, proposed project approach, cost, and COBID registration status. The RFP has a proposal due date of February 27, 2023, with the first work period anticipated to run for approximately 75 days following contract execution, followed by a second 60-day period beginning approximately two months later. Key evaluation criteria will focus on the proposer's ability to provide fair and equitable service, demonstrate prior grant assistance experience, and potentially offer multilingual support.

The RFP appears to have an inclusive approach to vendor participation, with a preference for COBID (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity) registered vendors. The total contract value is not to exceed $250,000 for all contracts issued under this RFP, with the potential to award one or more contracts to qualified providers. Successful proposers will be required to submit a Letter of Interest detailing their qualifications and approach, along with proof of insurance, a W-9 form, and registration with the State of Oregon's business registry prior to contract execution. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on fair and equitable service suggests a commitment to supporting diverse and historically underrepresented business enterprises. The technical assistance will directly support the broader $200 million Future Ready Oregon investment package, focusing on workforce development and grant accessibility for potential applicants across the state.