WIOA Youth Programs

I. Background and General Information

Services Solicited by this Procurement

The MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board (MHGLWB) is seeking providers who will singularly or collaboratively provide comprehensive services for WIOA eligible youth between the ages of 16-24 who reside within the City of Lowell and the following 7 towns: Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, and Westford. This area is collectively known as the Greater Lowell Workforce Development Area.

The MHGLWB is seeking innovative proposals for programs that will perform recruitment and outreach, intense case management, paid and unpaid work experiences, career readiness activities, career pathway activities, educational activities assisting with the attainment of a High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (HiSET/GED), occupational skills training leading to an industry recognized credential, financial literacy activities, self and career assessments, follow-up services for one year after program exit. Successful bidders will offer year-round programs that directly address the barriers facing our young people.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Overview (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014, and is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. WIOA emphasizes servicing youth within a year-round comprehensive workforce development system that is outcome based and is built on services around a set of fourteen required program elements.

Successful proposals will be funded through WIOA. Performance and full compliance with federal, state, and local statutes, including all terms of the contract will be monitored and executed by the MHGLWB.

For more information and a copy of the WIOA regulations go to http://www.doleta.gov/wioa/ .

About the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board (MHGLWB)

The MHGLWB is one of 16 Workforce Boards throughout Massachusetts, servicing the communities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, and Westford. We are charged with overseeing and implementing workforce development initiatives throughout the Workforce Development Area. Board members offer a wide range of skills and experience and include representatives from local businesses, educational Institutions, community-based organizations, labor unions, governmental agencies, and economic development. The MHGLWB, in partnership with the City of Lowell, oversees a variety of workforce development activities, representing a multitude of federal and state funding sources. These sources include Youth, Adult and Dislocated Worker programs funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), School to Career Initiatives, and other specially funded workforce development initiatives.

Target Populations

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) serves two youth participant populations: In-School and Out-of-School youth.

For the purposes of this RFP, the target population, in-school youth, is defined as youth between the ages of 16-21 enrolled in secondary education, including alternative and vocational schools, low income and has at least on barrier to educational and/or employment barriers. *

*Under WIOA, an In-School Youth is an individual who is: Attending school; Not younger than 14 or older than 21 at the time of enrollment

The target population, out-of-school youth, is defined as a youth who is not enrolled in any school, between the ages of 16-24, and have at least one significant barrier to educational and employment outcomes.

II. General Conditions & Terms

Available Funding/Period of Performance

At the issuance of this RFP, funding amounts for fiscal year 2027, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, have not yet been made available. The materials in this RFP are designed to give the bidder a general scope of funding available. For this request for proposals, we are using FY25 funding levels totaling $320,000 for all WIOA Youth as an estimate. Approximately $260,000 of WIOA youth funding will be dedicated to out-of-school programming.

Terms, conditions, and specifications of this RFP are subject to change. Open and competitive procurement will occur on a two-year cycle. Contracts are awarded for a one-year period, with the possibility of a second year, based on performance and funding availability. The MHGLWB will allocate a minimum of 75% of the WIOA funds to provide activities to out-of-school youth. The final percentage will be based on the final WIOA Youth allocation and the responses received and reviewed.

Eligible Applicants (Entities that can apply for program funding)

Applicants eligible to submit a proposal(s) are public or private agencies, public school systems, units of government, non-profit, faith based and community-based organizations, labor groups, private businesses and employers, proprietary schools, community and state colleges, post-secondary accredited schools and other qualified educational and training institutions who have demonstrated successful performance in serving youth, especially low-income youth. Proposals that demonstrate sustainable partnerships between employers, youth serving agencies, school districts and workforce/economic development partners in the provision of youth services will be given priority for funding. Facilities providing services should be accessible to persons with disabilities, and programs selected for funding must operate in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Eligible Youth Participants (WIOA Eligibility Requirements for Youth to Participate in Programming)

At a minimum, youth must meet the following eligibility criteria which consist of providing documentation for each applicable category:

In-School Youth

1. Attending secondary school leading to the attainment of a high school diploma

2. Citizenship/Work Eligible*

3. Selective Service compliant **

4. Between 16 and 21 at the time of enrollment

5. Low income***

o includes youth who receive or is eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act

o includes youth who reside in a designated high poverty area AND

6. Have one or more of the following barriers:

a. Basic skills deficient.

• at or below the 8.9th grade level in reading, writing, or computing skills on a generally accepted standardized test; or

• unable to compute or solve problems, read, write, or speak English at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual’s family or in society.

b. An English language learner

c. An offender

d. A homeless youth or a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system.

e. An individual who is pregnant or parenting

f. A youth who is an individual with a disability

g. A low-income***individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. (WIOA sections 3(46) and 129(a)(1)(B).

• Local definitions of this barrier include:

(i). Having failed MCAS as documented by school records (ISY)

(ii) Having failed at least one course during any quarter of the preceding or current school year as documented by school records (ISY)

- In accordance with WIOA Sec. 129 (a)(3)(B), not more than 5% of the region’s in-school youth may be an individual who requires additional assistance to complete an education program or to secure or hold employment.

Out-of-School Youth

1. Not attending any school (as defined under State law)

2. Citizenship/Work Eligible*

3. Selective Service compliant **

4. Are age 16 through 24 at time of enrollment, AND

5. Are one or more of the following:

a. School dropout

b. Youth within the age of compulsory school attendance but has not attended for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter.

c. An individual subject to the juvenile or adult justice system

d. A homeless individual, child, or youth, a runaway, in foster care or aged out of foster care, eligible for assistance under SSA section 477, or in an out-of-home placement.

e. An individual who is pregnant or parenting

f. A youth who is an individual with a disability

g. Recipient of secondary school diploma or its equivalent who is a low-income* individual and is:

(i) Basic skills deficient:

• at or below the 8.9 grade level in reading, writing, or computing skills on a generally accepted standardized test or

• Unable to compute or solve problems, read, write, or speak English at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual’s family or in society.

(ii) An English language learner

h. A low-income***individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. (WIOA sections 3(46) and 129(a)(1)(B).

• Local definitions of this barrier include:

(i) Little or no successful work experience or long unsuccessful work search

(ii) Having quit a post-secondary program before receiving a credential or left basic training before completion

*U.S. Citizenship or Authorization to Work in the United States if a Non-U.S. Citizen

Eligible youth must be a citizen or national of the United States, lawfully admitted permanent resident alien, refugee, asylee, and parolee, and another immigrant authorized by the Attorney General to work in the U.S.

**Selective Service

Individuals participating in any WIOA funded program or activity must be following the Military Selective Service Act. All born males who are between the age of 18 and 26 at enrollment must register for Selective Service (50 U.S.C. App. 453). Males who are enrolled in WIOA funded programs prior to turning 18 years of age must register for Selective Service when they turn 18 to continue in WIOA activities.

Individuals can visit the Selective Service website or call 1-888-655-1825 to register or to request a Status Information Letter (SIL) to prove exemption from registering: http://www.sss.gov/default.htm

Gender Change and Selective Service

FEMALE TO MALE (FTM) INDIVIDUALS assigned female at birth are not required to register with Selective Service regardless of their current gender or transition status. A male who was assigned female at birth may obtain an exemption from registering with Selective Service when applying to a WIOA funded program.

MALE TO FEMALE (MTF) INDIVIDUALS assigned male at birth are required to register with the Selective Service within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday, including those who have transitioned before or since then.

*** A low-income individual is an individual who:

• Receives, or in past 6 months received, or is a member of a family that is receiving or in past 6 months received, assistance through the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), or the supplemental security income program established under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, or State or local income-based public assistance.

• A homeless individual.

• Receives or is eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunch (ISY only).

• A foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made.

• An individual with a disability whose own income meets the low-income level for eligibility purposes.

• A youth who resides in a High Poverty Area. The Census Bureau defines a “poverty area” as a census track where at least 25% of the residents are economically disadvantaged.

• Income is at/below 70% of the Lower Living Standard (LLS), or below poverty line for a family of one.

• They are dependent on the income of their parent/guardian and total family income is at or below 70% of the Lower Living Standard (LLS)

Low -income eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Labor; 70% Lower Living Standard Income Levels - Boston-Brockton-Nashua, MA/NH/ME/CT. (updated 2023): https://www.doleta.gov/llsil/

* HHS Poverty Income Guidelines and the ETA Lower Living Standard Income Levels for 2023- the higher of either the Poverty Income Guidelines or 70% of the Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL) shall be used for eligibility determination for WIOA Title I and other programs using economically disadvantaged/low-income status criteria.

HHS 2021.pdf (dol.gov)

**LLSIL: For family sizes greater than 6 subtract the LLSIL of a family of five from a family of six. Use the difference of a family of five and six as the income you will add to each income after a family of six.

Submission Date & Requirements

All proposals and modifications must be submitted no later than May 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST. One (1) signed, unbound original and eight (8) bound copies of the Program Proposal and one (1) signed, unbound original and two (2) bound copies of The Price Proposal must be delivered to:

MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board

107 Merrimack Street

3rd Floor

Lowell, MA 01852

For any programs applying to both an In-school and Out-of-School Program, proposals must be submitted separately, with the narrative and budget sections filled out for each. Please make sure all proposals are clearly marked as In-School or Out-of-School.

An electronic copy should be emailed to Cathleen.Sturtevant@MasshireGreaterLowell.com . Proposals must be complete and submitted in accordance with the Proposal Provisions & Requirements section of this RFP (pg.16). The applicant is solely responsible for assuring that anything sent to MHGLWB arrives safely and on time. Any submission to MHGLWB, including inquiries regarding the RFP, and/or proposals not received at either the specified place and/or by the specified date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened by the MHGLWB. Issuance of this RFP is coordinated by:

Kevin Coughlin, Executive Director

MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board

107 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Kevin.Coughlin@masshiregreaterlowell.com

Notification and Distribution

The RFP will be available March 23rd, 2026, on the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board’s website at www.MassHireGreaterLowell.com . Information relating to the RFP, including updates, amendments, minutes of the Bidders’ Conference, and responses to questions submitted by email, will be posted to www.MassHireGreaterLowell.com . Interested applicants are responsible for monitoring the website for updates; MHGLWB does not intend to send individual notification of updates directly to applicants.

Bidders’ Conference, RFP Questions and Answers

A Bidders’ Conference will be held on April 7th, 2026, via live webinar at 10:00 AM. All interested parties are strongly encouraged to participate. To participate, interested parties must register in advance for the webinar. To register for the webinar, please email Cathleen Sturtevant at Cathleen.Sturtevant@MasshireGreaterLowell.com . Information to register for the webinar can also be found at www.MassHireGreaterLowell.com .

Please note that to maintain a competitive bidding process, substantive questions related to this RFP will be addressed. Questions may be submitted via email to Cathleen.Sturtevant@MassHireGreaterLowell.com April 7th, 2026. All questions and answers will be posted to the MHGLWB website.

Notification of Awards

The MHGLWB Proposal Review sub-committee will score and rank the proposals. The sub-committee consists of Board member volunteers who have no vested interest or benefit from the funding decisions of the MHGLWB. Those recommendations shall then be made to the full Board for final approval. MHGLWB staff will then notify the approved vendors with a letter indicating award of grant. Please note, a program/vendor that applied for both In-School and Out-of-School Youth funding could be approved for both, one, or neither proposal.

Vendors who have not been selected for funding will also be notified at this time. It is anticipated that contract awards will be made in early June with contract operations beginning on July 1, 2026, contingent upon successful contract negotiations.

MHGLWB and Proposer’s Rights/Appeal Procedures

A. The release of this RFP does not constitute an acceptance of any offer, nor does its release in any way obligate the MHGLWB to execute a contract with any bidder. The MHGLWB reserves the right to accept or reject any offers based on the general conditions set forth in this RFP, and to evaluate all accepted proposals on the criteria in this RFP.

B. The MHGLWB issues this RFP with the explicit understanding that minor and major changes may be made, up to and including the option to rescind this RFP in its entirety, if in the best interest of the MHGLWB.

C. The MHGLWB reserves the right to negotiate the final terms of all contracts with successful vendors. Items that may be negotiated include but are not limited to type and scope of services, costs and prices, schedule of services, target groups, geographic goals, and service levels.

D. The proposer has the right of protest and appeal of procurement decisions. The appeal process will consist of two levels: a debriefing and an appeal:

E. The proposer has the right of protest and appeal of procurement decisions.

o Proposers may request an appeal to a funding decision within (10) business days after receipt from the MHGLWB concerning funding recommendations. An appeal will NOT be accepted due to any attempts to modify or include additional information to the original application. The appeal letter should clearly state the basis of the appeal request.

o Staff from the Greater Lowell WDB and Review Team shall then have ten (10) business days to review the appeals request. All parties shall be provided with the original proposal, initial ranking scores and appeal letter. A meeting will be held either in person or through telephone conference call method to discuss and review the appeal request.

o The Greater Lowell WDB Executive Director shall then notify the proposer of the outcome of the appeal process within three (3) business days of the appeal meeting. If the proposer is still in disagreement with the appeal outcome, they may write to the Department of Career Services at 19 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114 to officially request an appeal of the MHGLWB.

F. Following the competitive procurement process, all proposals become public record.

The contract awarded to each vendor selected through this procurement will include terms and conditions required to ensure compliance with WIOA statute and regulations. The terms be subject to periodic changes and/or revisions as deemed necessary by MHGLWB staff and/or the City of Lowell Law Department.

Contract Terms

Successful bidders will be awarded a cost reimbursement contract, which will consist of the following sections:

III. Program Specifications

Program Design

WIOA places an emphasis on the development of Career Pathways designed to transition youth from education to the workforce. Career Pathways are an integrated collection of programs and services intended to develop a youth’s core academic, technical, and employability skills, provide them with continuous education, training, and placement into high-demand jobs.

The term “Career Pathway” means a combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services that:

• Align with the skill needs of industries in the economy of the state or regional economy involved.

• Prepare individuals to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education options, including apprenticeships.

• Include counseling to support an individual in achieving education and career goals.

• Include, as appropriate, education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

• Organize education, training, and other services to meet the needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates their educational and career advancement to the extent practicable.

• Enable an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and

• Help an individual enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

As WIOA emphasizes Career Pathways, the MHGLWB is also prioritizing the development of regionally focused Career Pathways for all job seekers (regardless of age/education level). The priority industries are advanced manufacturing, professional/technical, healthcare, and social services, construction/trades, and education. For the purposes of this RFP, preference will be given to applicants who develop innovative Career Pathway focused program designs using the 14 WIOA elements described on pages 11/12.

Additionally, WIOA aims to maximize opportunities for competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. Pre-employment transition services must be made available to youth with disabilities who need such services. Pre-employment transition services for youth include job exploration, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training, counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary education programs and instruction in self-advocacy. All applicants must include components in their program design to develop Career Pathways.

WIOA ELEMENTS

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA Sec. 123) lists 14 program elements that must be made available to eligible youth to support the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, entry into postsecondary education, occupational skills training, employment, and career readiness for participants. Applicants are encouraged to but are not required to provide all 14 elements on-site, however, all elements must be available locally, if a youth is assessed and requires those services.

The MHGLWB requires that WIOA Title I Vendor’s provide all the mandatory (M) elements (6) highlighted below, and at least four (4) additional elements in your program design.

1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential; (M)

2. Alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate

3. Paid and unpaid work experiences* that have as a component academic and occupational education (M)

4. Occupational skills training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupation in the local area involved.

5. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate.

6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate.

7. Supportive services - examples may include Linkages to community services; Assistance with transportation; Assistance with childcare and dependent care; Assistance with housing; Referrals to medical services; and Assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tools. Provision of additional services that will support youth with disabilities.

8. Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of 12 months

9. Follow-up services for 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate; (M)

10. Financial Literacy Education (M)

11. Entrepreneurial Skills Training

12. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; (M)

13. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training (M)

14. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

*Paid and Unpaid Work Experiences

Work Experience/Internship Parameters: WIOA section 129(c)(4) prioritizes work experiences with the requirement that local areas must spend a minimum of 20 percent of non-administrative local area funds on work experience. Under WIOA, subsidized structured work experiences or internships are limited to a maximum of 100 hours at an hourly rate equal to Massachusetts designated hourly minimum wage. Wages to youth in subsidized work experiences will be paid through the MassHire Lowell Career Center/City of Lowell, the fiscal agent of the MHGLWB. Youth Work Experience can include the following paid/unpaid activities:

• Work site placements available throughout the program cycle (Worksites should provide quality and safe working and learning opportunities)

• Employability skills or job readiness training to prepare youth for a work experience/permanent job placement.

• Job Shadows

• Pre-apprenticeship programs

• Internships

• On-the-job training opportunities

• Career panels/guest speakers/company tours

Program Components and Sequence of Service

Programs funded through this RFP are required to document the sequence of services consistent with the WIOA system to guarantee all participants receive comprehensive and individualized services in adherence with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. To operate an efficient WIOA program, it is important that the roles and responsibilities of both the MHGLWB and the vendor are clearly defined.

Sequence of Services

• Outreach and Recruitment: The MHGLWB will include information about WIOA funded programs on our website and in literature promoting services available to eligible youth. However, vendors should be prepared to bear the primary responsibility for ensuring that their outreach and recruitment efforts result in meeting the enrollment goals established in their contract. Recruitment efforts should be completed during the first six (6) months of the contract period: July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Vendors will be able to concentrate their efforts on WIOA outcomes from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027. Significant progress towards meeting the negotiated enrollment goal is required by December 31, 2026. Enrollments must be completed by April 30, 2027.

• Referrals: The highly suggested period for referrals will be from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Vendors will accept referrals made to them by the MHGLWB and other local agencies serving youth.

• Initial Assessment: An initial assessment is conducted on the first visit and is considered the “Application Orientation”. The applicant will receive the application and an explanation of the documentation required to determine WIOA eligibility. Also, information on services and programs are provided to the applicant.

• Point of Entry/Eligibility Determination: Eligibility determination is the sole responsibility of the MHGLWB. As such the point of entry into the WIOA system should be the MHGLWB. This includes the completion of a WIOA application, and the verification of the information provided by the applicant. The collection of required documents is the responsibility of the applicant and vendor. All documents must be submitted to MHGLWB staff, and a paper file is maintained. No youth is permitted to receive WIOA services until vendors are notified in writing by the MHGLWB of youth’s eligibility.

• Comprehensive/Objective Assessment: During this meeting, the application is reviewed along with the documentation to determine WIOA eligibility. An overview of their educational background, employment history, and barrier(s) to employment are discussed and assessment testing is scheduled. The information is then entered into MOSES, the Massachusetts One Stop Employment System Database. A determination of what WIOA or non-WIOA services are most appropriate for the youth is also completed.

• Assessment Testing: - Out-of-school youth are required to take reading and math assessments using TABE 11/12 (Test of Adult Basic Education). MHGLWB staff will perform TABE Testing at the MHGLWB office weekly. Vendors Must be TABE certified to perform testing and must provide copy of tests to MHGLWB.

• Program Enrollment and Commencement of Services: Education, skills, and career readiness services, on-site, are offered during a designated daily schedule to all enrolled participants including but not limited to assessments, labor market research, financial literacy, paid and unpaid work experiences, HiSET/GED preparation, occupational skills training, career pathway development and career readiness activities.

• Development of an Individualized Service Strategy (ISS) - An ISS will be developed for each youth participant outlining their objective assessment results employment, educational and social-personal goals, appropriate achievement objectives and the combination of needed services based on the WIOA 14 Required Elements. WIOA places a strong emphasis on Career Pathways, therefore, a connection to a career pathway must be included as part of a youth’s Individual Service Strategy. The ISS is initiated and maintained by the WIOA program vendor and the MHGLWB. The development of service strategies and goals within the ISS should be directly linked to WIOA performance indicators. (see Attachment C)

• Counseling: This includes education and career and, if requested, personal counseling.

• Case Management: Strategic case management will be necessary to connect youth to multiple programs and services, as well as to help youth achieve short-term attainable goals and support youth in long-term positive outcomes. Program (vendor) Case Managers must create and maintain positive relationships with youth. Case management is a tandem effort between the vendor and MHGLWB staff, to ensure goals of the ISS are achieved and positive outcomes are attained for common measures.

• Monthly Reporting: Reports must be submitted to the MHGLWB during the first week of each month. Details on credential attainment, progress toward goals, activities completed, and detailed case management must be communicated to assigned MHGWLB staff through the monthly report.

• Retention after Exit and Follow-up Activities: Follow-up services are required under WIOA funding. Vendors will provide follow up services which are intended to enhance youth outcomes. All WIOA youth participants who have been placed in employment, or entered the military, post-secondary education/advanced training will receive follow-up services for a minimum of 12 months after exit.

MHGWLB WIOA Specific and Administrative Roles

• Provide official WIOA eligibility determination of all targeted youth; (see Attachment B for a listing of required eligibility documentation)

• Maintain hard copy files of each enrolled participant with required documentation

• Information Systems MOSES: MHGLWB maintains an electronic record of an individual, including enrollment information, services received, and case management notes provided by the vendor once they have been determined eligible to participate in the program and is receiving services under WIOA.

• Coordinate a schedule with each approved youth vendor: MHGLWB Youth Staff will visit the program on a regular basis to provide any requested programmatic assistance, observe the program and meet with staff as needed.

• WIOA Youth Monthly Reporting: MHGLWB staff will send monthly reports out to all youth vendors by the 8th of each month. Reports include all enrollees currently participating as well as in follow-up. Reports will include enrollment and exit dates for all participant as well as outcomes and credentials.

• Conduct oversight and evaluation of program activities of funded youth service providers

MHGLWB staff will communicate regularly with WIOA funded vendors to ensure programs are offering services listed in proposal and are meeting benchmarks and goals.

• Technical Assistance: MHGLWB staff are available to assist Vendors in any matter relating to the administration of their WIOA program.

• Vendor Meetings: Vendors are required to attend meetings with the MHGLWB staff. The purpose of these meetings is to sustain clear communication between the vendor and the MHGLWB. Meetings may be held on site or at the MHGLWB offices.

• Program Monitoring: Each vendor is formally monitored at least once during the contract year by the MHGLWB staff. Regular programmatic reviews are done based on MOSES reports and vendor reports as well as invoices submitted monthly.

Program Performance Measures/Indicators

Bidders responding to this RFP must meet Performance Measures; Applicants must consider strategies for meeting the WIOA Performance Indicators:

Program Performance Goals (based on FY24 WIOA Performance Measures*)

IV. Proposal Provisions & Requirements

RFP Timeline

Submission Requirements

The MHGLWB reserves the right to declare proposals received after the 11:00AM, May 14th, 2026 deadline to be considered non-responsive and may be rejected for consideration. Deadline will be strictly enforced.

• In accordance with the City of Lowell procurement guidelines, Program and Price proposals must be reviewed and evaluated separately. Program Proposals and Price Proposals must be submitted in separate sealed packaging.

• Program and Price proposals must have their own cover sheet.

• The original of each proposal must contain the signature of your agency signatory.

The delivery of proposals is the sole responsibility of the bidder. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to ensure that proposals are received at the proper location, prior to the stated deadline. The transmission of proposals by fax is not permitted. Bidders will be provided with a receipt of submission upon request.

All proposals must conform to the following format requirements:

• To be considered for funding, one (1) clearly marked, unbound original and eight (8) bound (staples, paper clip, etc.) copies of the Program Proposal must be received at the MHGLWB offices at 107 Merrimack Street (3rdFloor) Lowell, MA 01852, no later than 11:00 a.m. on May 14th, 2026. Please note: The Price Proposal requires one (1) clearly marked, unbound original and two (2) bound (staples, paper clip, etc.) copies to be delivered on the same date and time.

• Send one copy of your full proposal package electronically to Cathleen Sturtevant at Cathleen.sturtevant@masshiregreaterlowell.com ...