Announcing Round 11 of CCW Program Builder Grants

On behalf of Career Connect Washington (CCW), the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is conducting a Round 11 Request for Proposals (RFP) for CCW Program Builder Funding. We are seeking proposals from highly qualified entities capable of building or expanding Career Launch, Career Prep, and Career Explore programs.

Our vision is that every young adult in Washington will have multiple pathways toward economic self-sufficiency and fulfilment, strengthened by a comprehensive state-wide system for career connected learning. In order for every young adult to succeed, we must intentionally focus on populations kept furthest from opportunity, especially students of color, Indigenous students, low-income students, rural students, and students with disabilities. Women- and BIPOC-led organizations and organizations specifically serving young people of color and people with lived experience in historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To catalyze development and expansion of programs statewide, $4,000,000 of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Statewide Activities Funds will be made available. ESD targets $100,000 – $150,000 per award. No single award will exceed $250,000. ESD expects periods of performance will begin in July 2023 and will end in December 2024.

Bids are due June 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The RFP can be accessed via the Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system (RFP #2023-04). Bidders are responsible for downloading the solicitation document and all appendices and incorporated documents. Questions can be directed to Procurement Coordinator Jennifer Watson (esdgpbids@esd.wa.gov).

Career Connect Washington partners and stakeholders are encouraged to share this announcement broadly, to any and all potential bidders.

Items of Note

• *New requirement*
• • A Notice of Intent to Bid is required. This is mandatory and due before the proposal deadline. The Notice of Intent to Bid is due May 22^nd and the Proposal is due June 14^th.
• *Registered Apprenticeships and Recognized Pre-apprenticeships*
  • ESD, on behalf of CCW, has made $3,751,236 of USDOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) funds available to Career Connect Washington Program Builders to create, expand, and enhance Registered Apprenticeship and Recognized Pre-apprenticeship programs in Washington’s high-demand and high-growth industry sectors.
  • The Career Connect Washington Apprenticeship Building America Program Builder Funding RFP is open and accessible via WEBS (RFP #2023-03). Proposals are due June 9^th.
  • The CCW ABA Program Builder RFP provides distinct funds tailored to the unique needs of Program Builders developing, expanding, and enhancing Registered Apprenticeships and Recognized Pre-apprenticeships. Successful bidders will receive bespoke technical assistance from ESD, the Department of Labor & Industries, and the US Department of Labor.
  • Program Builders pursuing Registered Apprenticeship and Recognized Pre-apprenticeship funding should fully explore applying the CCW ABA Program Builder RFP, before considering a Round 11 application.

CCW Program Intermediary Round 11 Timeline & Activities

Grant Information:

Eligible Applicants: Entities interested in performing the role of Program Builder and working with Regional Networks, Career Connected Learning Coordinators at the Educational Service Districts, and industry and education partners to expand the use of current curricula or develop new curricula for Career Launch, Career Prep, or Career Explore programs.

Funding: $4,000,000 of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Statewide Activities Funds will be made available. ESD targets $100,000 – $150,000 per award. No single award will exceed $250,000.

Period of Performance: Estimated at 18 months, July 2023 through December 2024.

Allowable Costs:
Funding will support program development costs and will not support enrollments, wrap-around services, instruction, or direct participant recruitment.
Allowable budget categories may include the following, provided costs are attributable to contract activities:

• Staff Salaries;
• Staff Benefits;
• Costs for outreach to business and education partners;
• Travel directly related to program development;
• Supplies; and
• Contracts for curriculum development.

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