2019-3 - Workforce Development Services for Community Ventures

DESC, a non-profit corporation, serves as the fiscal and administrative entity that provides public workforce development programs and services for the city of Detroit to employers and job seekers.  These services include Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) programs, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) – Partnership, Accountability, Training, Hope (PATH) employment and training services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Wagner-Peyser services.  DESC currently operates three One-Stop Career Service Centers located throughout the city of Detroit.  In addition, DESC has contracts with several agencies to provide workforce development programs. 

Funding Opportunity Description
DESC is requesting proposals from qualified individuals and/or firms to provide employment wrap-around services for Community Ventures (CV) eligible participants.  In addition, qualified individuals and/or firms will assist with implementing new Employer Resource Networks (ERNs) and to support currently established ERNs.  DESC intends to award one (1) contract for requested services.

The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) will contract with a qualified service provider to implement the Community Ventures (CV) program.  DESC’s CV Program is designed to promote economic excellence and talent development by providing career pathways and wrap-around services to structurally unemployed individuals and the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population. The Program will utilize a Business Resource Network (BRN) model to provide the target population with opportunities that lead to long-term employment.  CV program services will also address key barriers to employment and provide access to other services including personalized success coaches, mentoring, financial literacy, budgeting, soft-skills training, vocational training, and supportive services. 
 
Award amounts will be determined solely at DESC’s discretion after review and evaluation of the proposals.

• If a contract is awarded as a result of this RFP it will be a DESC Performance-based Services Contract.
• The term of the initial contract will be for a period of seven (7)-months. At most, the contract period will be two (2), twelve (12)-months renewal options PY 2020 and PY 2021.