1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Workforce Snohomish, in collaboration with the Future Workforce Alliance, seeks qualified contractor(s) to support outreach, technical assistance, and engagement of potential bidders for the delivery of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth program services in Snohomish County.

Following an unsuccessful procurement process in 2025, Workforce Snohomish, on behalf of the Future Workforce Alliance, will be developing and releasing a competitive Request for Proposals for WIOA Youth Services in Snohomish County for program year 2026, beginning July 1, 2026. This contract is designed to ensure robust participation in the upcoming procurement by providing comprehensive outreach and technical assistance to potential service providers, in advance of the release of the formal WIOA Youth Service Provider Request for Proposals.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

The selected contractor(s) will work collaboratively with the Future Workforce Alliance Board of Directors to accomplish the following objectives:

2.1 Outreach Activities

Conduct comprehensive outreach to youth-serving organizations in Snohomish County and national organizations that provide WIOA Youth Services to:

• Develop a descriptive inventory of youth-serving programs that align with or complement WIOA Youth services, focusing on educational attainment, post-secondary education (including apprenticeships), and employment
• Provide information to these organizations about WIOA Youth Services, including required services, fiscal requirements, and compliance obligations
• Focus on potential bidders from existing youth provider networks, personally contacting them to discuss the WIOA Youth program, its purpose, available support, benefits, and encourage their involvement and consideration to bid

2.2 Technical Assistance Services

Provide limited technical assistance in advance of the Request for Proposals release for organizations interested in WIOA Youth Services. Technical assistance may include but is not limited to:

• Assessment of organizational capabilities to provide WIOA Youth Services (programmatic and financial)
• Support exploration of potential partnerships between organizations
• Assessment of integration of WIOA Youth Services into an organization's core programming
• Answering technical questions regarding implementation of WIOA Youth Services
• Supporting organizations in understanding current WIOA Youth program requirements and formulating plans to submit competitive proposals

3. WIOA YOUTH PROGRAM OVERVIEW

3.1 Eligibility Criteria

Based on federal regulations (20 CFR Part 681 Subpart B), WIOA Youth services are available to both in-school youth (ISY) and out-of-school youth (OSY):

Out-of-School Youth (OSY): Ages 16-24, not attending school, and meeting one or more specific criteria including school dropouts, basic skills deficient individuals, offenders, homeless individuals, foster care youth, pregnant/parenting individuals, individuals with disabilities, or low-income individuals requiring additional assistance.

In-School Youth (ISY): Ages 14-21, attending school, low-income, and meeting one or more criteria including basic skills deficient, English language learners, offenders, homeless individuals, foster care youth, pregnant/parenting individuals, individuals with disabilities, or those requiring additional assistance.

3.2 Required Program Elements

WIOA Youth programs must provide access to 14 program elements designed to support educational attainment, employment preparation, and career development.

4. CONTRACTOR DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide:

1. Comprehensive Outreach Plan detailing methodology for reaching youth-serving organizations
2. Inventory of Youth-Serving Organizations with detailed descriptions of programs and alignment with WIOA services
3. Technical Assistance Framework outlining support services to be provided
4. Regular Progress Reports documenting outreach activities, contacts made, and technical assistance provided
5. Final Report summarizing all activities, outcomes, and recommendations for the upcoming procurement

5. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified contractors should demonstrate:

• Experience with WIOA Youth programs and federal workforce development requirements
• Knowledge of youth-serving organizations and networks in Snohomish County and nationally
• Understanding of procurement processes and proposal development
• Ability to provide technical assistance on programmatic, fiscal, and compliance requirements
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience working with diverse community-based organizations

6. TIMELINE

• Estimated Period of Performance: October 13, 2025 – March 31, 2026
• Outreach Activities: October 2025 – February 2026
• Technical Assistance: November 2025 – March 2026
• Final Report: March 31, 2026

7. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Organizations interested in this scope of work should submit an email expressing their interest to:
Email: rfp@workforcesnohomish.org

Please include:

• Organization name and contact information
• Brief description of relevant experience
• Availability for the contract period
• Contact information

Upon receipt of your expression of interest, a call will be scheduled to discuss the scope of work in detail and answer any questions.

8. NEXT STEPS

Following the open solicitation for the expression of interest phase:

1. Schedule individual discussions with interested parties
2. Provide additional details about expectations and requirements
3. Solicit additional information from qualified bidders to support review and selection process, including cost proposals
4. Review and select qualified contractors
5. Ideally execute contract(s) by October 13, 2025

---

Contact Information:

This Request for Proposals is issued in support of preparing for the upcoming WIOA Youth Services procurement for program year 2026. The goal is to ensure robust participation and successful procurement outcomes that will effectively serve youth in Snohomish County.

Please remit your expression of interest to rfp@workforcesnohomish.org.

Workforce Snohomish is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711. Language assistance services for limited English proficient individuals are available free of charge. WorkSource WIOA Title I-B Youth program receives support and funding from a US Department of Labor grant(s). Read more about this USDOL grant funding at workforcesnohomish.org/funding.