Southeast AlabamaWorks! Local Workforce Development Board (SAW) are issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for short-term (26 weeks or less) standalone occupational skills training programs for adults and dislocated workers under WIOA.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. It promotes program coordination and alignment of key employment, education and training programs at the Federal, State, regional and local level.

WIOA was designed to provide workforce investment activities to increase employment, retention and earnings, and the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials. Through these activities, the quality of the workforce will improve, economic self-sufficiency will increase, and workers will meet the skill requirements of employers and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of our nation.

Alabama Department of Commerce’s (ADC) Workforce Development Division, Governor’s Local Workforce Areas (GLWA) and the Southeast AlabamaWorks! Local Workforce Development Board (SAW) are issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for short-term (26 weeks or less) standalone occupational skills training programs for adults and dislocated workers under WIOA.

The United States Department of Labor defines occupational skills training as an organized program of study that provides specific vocational skills that lead to proficiency in performing actual tasks and technical functions required by certain occupational fields at entry, intermediate, or advanced levels.

Proposals must describe how “Soft Skills” training such as Ready-to-Work will be incorporated into the training. Priority consideration will be given to training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area. Such training must:

(1) Be outcome-oriented and focused on an occupational goal;

(2) Be of sufficient duration to impart the skills needed to meet the occupational goal; and

(3) Lead to the attainment of a nationally recognized credential. A list of United States

The Alabama Department of Commerce/WDD and GLWA serve as the administrative entity for activities pursuant to the workforce development programs funded and regulated under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA). The ADC/WDD in accordance with the provisions of WIOA Title I is a nondiscrimination/equal opportunity program. The SAW Board is comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors as prescribed in WIOA and is responsible for setting policy and overseeing WIOA funded activities in the SAW.

SAW occupational skills training proposals should focus on the needs of industries in the Southeast Alabama region. Each of these industries contain several career pathways in which a participant may enter an occupation and be able to advance within that specific occupation or occupational cluster.

Proposals featuring training in the following in-demand industry sectors will be shown preference: Agriculture/Poultry/Forestry, Aviation, Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Services – Retail, Lodging, Food Service, and Transportation.

Additional special considerations will be given to proposals that demonstrate collaboration with the Alabama Department of Corrections to address Prisoner Re-entry as a part of the participant strategy.

Other industry sector opportunities must be supported by relevant labor market information. Proposals should demonstrate collaboration with local Alabama Career Centers as well as other community partners so that resources are used efficiently and effectively to address workforce development needs within the area. Veterans and their spouses are given priority for service under the WIOA. Proposals that include linkages with organizations serving veterans in the local area are also encouraged.

WIOA Board Member List