Round 13 of CCW Program Builder Funding: Now Open

On behalf of Career Connect Washington (CCW), the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is conducting a Round 13 Request for Proposals (RFP) for CCW Program Builder Funding.

We seek proposals from highly qualified entities capable of building or expanding Career Launch, Career Prep, and Career Explore programs. To develop industry-aligned programs for Career Connected Learning (CCL) opportunities in targeted counties and industry sectors.

Our vision is that every young adult in Washington will have multiple pathways toward economic self-sufficiency and fulfillment, 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 the development and expansion of programs statewide, $4,000,000 of the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide Activities funds will be made available. ESD targets award amount for each grant is $100,000 – $175,000, No single award will exceed $250,000. ESD expects performance periods will begin in February 2025 and end in September 2026.

Bids are due October 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The RFP can be accessed via the Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system (RFP #2024-11). 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 all potential bidders.

Items of Note

  • CCW is making a substantive change to the evaluation, award, and contracting process in this RFP. The process differs from the procedure set forth in prior RFP rounds. The reasoning behind the change is to help broader range of bidders receive contracts. ESD believes that this broader range of awards will also benefit the state by providing a greater diversity of programs across all communities.
  • ESD advises all bidders to closely read Section 4 & 5, which addresses proposal content, format, submission and the new evaluation to award.
  • ESD will use a multiphase approach to evaluate, score, announce and award the winning Bidders for this RFP. Each phase will be:
    • Administrative Review
    • Review of Application
    • Designation of Apparent Successful Bidders – Convenience Pool
    • Selection for Interviews and Contracting
    • Application Process

CCW Program Builder Round 13 Timeline & Activities

  • Bidders Conference:
    • View the Bidders Conference here.
  • Bidders Questions are Due: September 10, 2024 – 5:00 PM
  • Answers Posted: September 20, 2024 – 5:00 PM
  • Proposals Due: October 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM
  • First Announcement of Successful Bidders: November 15, 2024

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 the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide Activities funds will be made available. ESD targets award amount for each grant is $100,000 – $175,000, No single award will exceed $250,000.

Period of Performance: Estimated at 20 months, February 2025 through September 2026.

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.

NOTE: Capital Equipment – Tangible, non-expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of more than $5,000 will not be allowed expense and would need to be removed from the budget proposal if deemed successful.