Announcing CCW Regional Network RFP

On behalf of Career Connect Washington (CCW), the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish a Regional Network in the geographic areas of each of Washington’s nine educational service districts.

ESD is seeking proposals from highly qualified entities who must demonstrate regional knowledge and status as a trusted partner of industry and education stakeholders, a track record of success with career connected learning and aligned initiatives, and a commitment to equity. RFP applicants may include, but are not limited to, regional education networks, school districts, educational service districts, higher education institutions, local workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, industry associations, joint labor management councils, multiemployer training partnerships, economic development councils, and nonprofit organizations. Applications may be submitted by a single lead entity acting on behalf of an established consortium of partners.

All students in Washington deserve a future of purpose and prosperity. The Career Connect Washington coalition of industry, education, government, and community leaders work side-by-side to create work-based and academic programs for young people to explore, learn, and earn money and college-level credit. 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. We aim to ensure that 100% of students complete Career Prep and Career Explore activities and that 60% of students complete a Career Launch program before the high school class of 2030 is 30 years old.

Regional Networks are established in our founding legislation. Their leadership is fundamental to achieving our goals and fully realizing our shared vision for Washington’s students and industry. Regional Networks localize Career Connect Washington. They convene and manage regional cross-industry networks, aligning system actors to create shared strategy and goals for the equitable expansion of career connected learning.

Bids are due May 19, 2023, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The RFP can be accessed via the Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system (RFP #2023-02). Bidders are responsible for downloading the solicitation document and all appendices and incorporated documents. Questions can be directed to ESD 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.

CCW Regional Network RFP Timeline & Activities

Grant Information

Eligible Applicants: RFP applicants may include, but are not limited to, regional education networks, school districts, educational service districts, higher education institutions, local workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, industry associations, joint labor management councils, multiemployer training partnerships, economic development councils, and nonprofit organizations. Applications may be submitted by a single lead entity acting on behalf of an established consortium of partners.

Funding: ESD will make $4,150,000 available for this RFP. ESD has employed a formula to determine the maximum funds available for each region. This formula includes base funding and a student-population based allocation.

Periods of Performance: All nine resulting contracts will begin July 1, 2023, and will end June 30, 2025, to align with the State 2023 – 2025 biennium.

Allowable Costs: Funding will support the activities of a Regional Network, as defined by RCW 28C.30 and the terms and conditions of RFP 2023-02. Costs of program development, student enrollments, wrap-around services, instruction, or direct participant recruitment are not allowable. Allowable costs may include personnel, community outreach, industry engagement, travel, and the operation of the Regional Network, provided these costs are attributable to contract activities.

Please review the RFP available in WEBS in full detail.

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